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very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 2:27 am
by svwilbur
I found this tool a couple years ago locally in an ACE store I think but Amazon also caries it:

It is called a Stanley rotator rachet

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-89-962-8 ... B000HEKV1W

I call it a twist rachet.

it works exactly like a regular rachet but it has a extra added feature.
you can twist the handle (not just the normal way but actually twist the handle in place)

the advantage to this is that as you twist it, in either direction, it will continue to either tighten the bolt or loosen it dependant on the setting above the socket.

this is great for tight spots where you normally can not swing the handle enough to get to the next click. in that case you twist the handle and it clicks and you can swing the handle a bit more. if you already broke the bolt loose you can just twist the handle back and forth or round and round and either way it will spin the bolt off quickly.

I love this wrench, even if it is made by Stanley.

it has simplified life so many times in those hard to get to places.


some places you might find it handy are like:

getting at the hood pin bolts with the radiator and horns and grill cross support bars still in place.

removing spark plugs and once it is loose you can just twist away and spin it out quickly by hand. I use to have to take the old socket wrench off and twist the extension as swinging the wrench was too time consuming.

removing or tightening the rear hanger on the exhaust near the resonator. the hanger that is tucked way up in there and there is little swing room for a normal wrench and it is often rusty and hard to move.

just about any tight place.

also it is much faster to just twist it back and forth (or round and roundj than to swing the handle.

it is a great piece or engineering

Re: very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 9:44 am
by jacksonfdny
Stanley , thanks for a great write up on very useful. I'm going to look for one

Re: very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 11:17 am
by msampsel
Husky tools makes one too. At least they did about ten years ago.

Re: very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2018 4:01 pm
by augsburger
Here's the original from the 70's called a Reechit. Expensive but they have saved me many times. Normally found in 1/4 and 3/8 drives. Originally developed by AC Delco for the aviation industry. Can't recommend enough.
REECHIT.jpg
http://rtstools.com/offset-ratchets-and ... -wrenches/

Re: very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 12:05 pm
by Gregs672000
Thanks for posting... I want one!

Re: very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 8:17 am
by CSP311
Now on my purchase list too

Re: very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 3:25 pm
by carlkaty
I would like to add this tool. Found on the web years ago. used all the time, can't find another.
3/8 drive, easy thumb tab for on/off , shown with socket for size comparison. would make great
gifts for car guys and gals!

Carl

Re: very useful socket wrench for tight spaces and speed too.

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 3:35 pm
by carlkaty
OK, I did it again! can't load picture. Is 2.4 mb too big?
I will look to dbrick for help this evening.
Carl