Ratchet: The Handy Mechanical Tool
The ratchet is a popular hand tool that provides the ability to turn sockets, fasteners, and other attachments in a tight space. Featuring a gear mechanism that only allows motion in one direction, the ratchet allows the user to swing the handle back and forth to gradually tighten or loosen whatever is engaged with the socket or attachment.
Ratchets come in a wide variety of sizes, drive sizes, handle lengths, and configurations to suit various applications. A typical ratchet consists of a cylindrical head with the gearing mechanism inside and a lever handle protruding out to allow the user to apply torque. The head has a square drive lug on the end that accepts different-sized detachable sockets, extensions, adapters, and bits. Common drive sizes are 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2", indicating the size of the square lug and sockets used.
The key component that gives the ratchet its function is the reversible gearing mechanism inside the head. It allows continuous rotary motion in one direction while slipping in the opposite direction when the handle is reversed. This allows the user to quickly swing the handle back and forth while the socket turns incrementally in the set direction. A switch, button, or lever on the head is used to reverse the gearing and the direction of rotation.
Quality ratchets have a smooth action and enough teeth in the gearing to ensure solid engagement with only minimal backlash or loss of motion when reversing direction. Higher tooth counts result in finer increments of rotation. Good ratchet handles are comfortable in the hand and provide enough leverage for high-torque applications.
With its compact size and ability to turn fasteners in tight spaces, the ratchet is one of the more versatile and commonly used tools. Auto mechanics rely on ratchets and socket sets for jobs like oil changes and brake pad replacements where speed and accessibility are important. The ratchet's reversible action also makes it useful for running nuts or bolts up and down threaded rods. From machinery repair to construction projects and home garages, the mighty ratchet tackles endless turning, tightening, and loosening tasks.