Ratchet ring spanners? [Archive]

hayd3n

30th May 2014, 16:54

ive been looking around for some cheap/ decent rachet ring spanners , prefer reversible instead of the flip over type ,
10mm to 17 or such
anyone have any sweet deals or know of somming?

unstuck

30th May 2014, 16:57

I use gear wrench stuff, happy as a fat kid with cake with them.:2thumbsup

Ocean1

30th May 2014, 18:26

I've got some kinchrome stuff. It's OK, middle quality stuff.

I like Bahco, but haven't come across any at the right price...

Some not bad prices here: http://firesales.co.nz/Ratchet%20Spanners%20Set?p=gcb&gclid=CjgKEAjwtZucBRD77aiiq_v4xnASJABkAg8JSKK2dGO9 4Sv0piUrQnGkwNtl1J0lsx4YFqyj6aCXFvD_BwE

HenryDorsetCase

30th May 2014, 19:26

unstuck

30th May 2014, 19:33

I was buying something else at RIPCO and noticed they had -40% on them a couple weeks ago. I picked up a 10 and 12 which are probably my most common sizes. Cant remember the price but I thought it was cheap at the time.

I have seen the GEARWRENCH ones come up on special at George Henry occasionally.... not super cheap though.

The repco ones I bought were fucked pretty quickly, thats why I paid a little more for the gear wrench stuff. Have also started to buy some Teng tools stuff, which is really good, but more expensive again.:niceone:

SVboy

30th May 2014, 20:53

I like the toptul stuff. There are some ok deals on TM ATM too.

hayd3n

30th May 2014, 21:59

Chur for the replies :-)

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george formby

30th May 2014, 22:09

I will have a look in my surplus box. Might have some spare. Got given a shed load of gear. In triplicate.

hayd3n

30th May 2014, 22:10

Awesome

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george formby

30th May 2014, 22:17

Awesome

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No promises! Will have a look in the mornin. All the tools are German. I'm stoked!

hayd3n

30th May 2014, 22:49

No promises! Will have a look in the mornin. All the tools are German. I'm stoked!

can provide beer :)

BoristheBiter

30th May 2014, 22:57

try these,

http://www.thetoolshed.co.nz/Products/Hand-Tools/Spanners/ToolShed-Spanner-Set-Ratchet-7pce-8-17mm

They are not to bad and at the price you really cant beat them (unless you get some free).
Yes the quality is not up there with koken or sidchrome but they do last better than the home brands from repco and supercheap.

hayd3n

30th May 2014, 22:59

BoristheBiter

30th May 2014, 23:02

ohh nice ill have a look after im paid. would prefer they were reversible tho

??? Just turn them over.

BoristheBiter

30th May 2014, 23:06

Oh and the tool shed also does jbs sets as well.

george formby

31st May 2014, 01:25

Why do you specifically want these spanners? Just curious.

unstuck

31st May 2014, 05:01

Ocean1

31st May 2014, 08:56

ohh nice ill have a look after im paid. would prefer they were reversible tho

Says they've got a 15 degree angle, which you can sort of see in the pic. Which means they're not the turn-over-to-reverse type, I'd be surprised if the wee pawl lever wasn't on the side you can't see. If you're making spanners like that it's such an easy addition to the design I just can't see anyone making them non-reversible. Ring 'em up and ask.

The rest of the spec's look kosher, 5 deg click, tip relieved hex, drop forged and polished, and that price is pretty good. There is an enormous quantity of useless crap out there, fit for fuck all but I'd say these would be just fine as long as you don't abuse them.

Ocean1

31st May 2014, 09:05

Why do you specifically want these spanners? Just curious.

Dunno 'bout him but they're a good compromise between bulk and convenience. They probably shouldn't be your first set of spanners, that should be an overlapped size ring and open ender set, because they'll handle almost everything, but for everyday work they're probably the first thing I pick up to deal with most hexhead bolts/nuts.

The one piece I've been waiting for someone other than Snapon to make is this: 297487 But I'm simply not paying $265 for a ratchet. They also seem to only make 'em in 3/8", and I mostly only use 1/2" and 1/4" sets.

BoristheBiter

31st May 2014, 09:13

The one piece I've been waiting for someone other than Snapon to make is this: 297487 But I'm simply not paying $265 for a ratchet. They also seem to only make 'em in 3/8", and I mostly only use 1/2" and 1/4" sets.

Koken and toptul do them.

http://www.toptul.com/en/2_2179_58028/product/Swivel_Head_Reversible_Ratchet_Handle_id325223.htm l

http://www.koken.co/ratchet

HenryDorsetCase

31st May 2014, 09:35

unstuck

31st May 2014, 09:42

BoristheBiter

31st May 2014, 09:54

I had a good run with powerbuilt for years. Still have a fair few of their tools, but they are now relegated to the spare tools box.:msn-wink:
Craftsman from the states make some really good tools at low prices too.:niceone:

Like most tools at work we have had good ones and bad ones. The most notable is Toledo, one day you will get one that lasts or one that lasts a day. I even have red shed shit that was only to last one job and there still going.

The only ones i have never had a problem with is Koken, Barco (original not Taiwan made) and Crescent.

george formby

31st May 2014, 10:03

Only one ratchet spanner in the box. 16mm/17mm. Unbranded with a wee bar below the head you push across to reverse. Loads of VBW open enders, though.
Soz.

unstuck

31st May 2014, 10:26

Like most tools at work we have had good ones and bad ones. The most notable is Toledo, one day you will get one that lasts or one that lasts a day. I even have red shed shit that was only to last one job and there still going.

The only ones i have never had a problem with is Koken, Barco (original not Taiwan made) and Crescent.

I had a diesle mechanic mate here giving me a hand to bolt a 351 cleveland into a falcon ute, and he was bashing the shit out of my 17mm teng ratchet spanner with a hammer. Fucker got told to fuck off home after that.:mad:
They do not last like that.:nono:

hayd3n

31st May 2014, 10:34

??? Just turn them over.

not always that easy

Woodman

31st May 2014, 10:51

I had a diesle mechanic mate here giving me a hand to bolt a 351 cleveland into a falcon ute, and he was bashing the shit out of my 17mm teng ratchet spanner with a hammer. Fucker got told to fuck off home after that.:mad:
They do not last like that.:nono:

You should try telling some punters that a "lifetime Warranty" doesn't cover abuse :facepalm:

hayd3n

31st May 2014, 13:38

I have ring spanners and 1/4 3/8 3/4 socket set rachet spanners are my next buy :-)

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BoristheBiter

31st May 2014, 14:03

I had a diesle mechanic mate here giving me a hand to bolt a 351 cleveland into a falcon ute, and he was bashing the shit out of my 17mm teng ratchet spanner with a hammer. Fucker got told to fuck off home after that.:mad:
They do not last like that.:nono:

That's what a power bar is for, maybe with a wee bit of pipe.<_<

I am surprised you let him leave and not just bury him out the back.

Ocean1

31st May 2014, 14:06

Koken and toptul do them.

http://www.toptul.com/en/2_2179_58028/product/Swivel_Head_Reversible_Ratchet_Handle_id325223.htm l

http://www.koken.co/ratchet

Cheers, good as Koken stuff is I find it clunky, good but often less user friendly. That Toptul looks the go, will do some shopping...

AllanB

31st May 2014, 14:38

I've owned a metric Koken 1/2 in socket set for over 30 years - good stuff.

Ocean1

31st May 2014, 15:43

I've owned a metric Koken 1/2 in socket set for over 30 years - good stuff.

I've owned a Koken 1/2" drive metric set longer than that, and apart from a couple of missing pieces it's relatively unscathed. But their stuff has always been agricultural. Heavy. It's not one of the tools I reach for first, the sockets are thicker wall, for example, and a lot of modern machinery is very compactly designed, the Koken stuff often simply won't fit into some areas.

My collection of impact sockets isn't huge, however and I'll often dig the old Koken set out for a bit of mild abuse rather than risk some of my more... high-strung stuff.

buggerit

31st May 2014, 16:14

A Facom twist ratchet is next on my purchase list:love:

F5 Dave

31st May 2014, 20:00

I just love my (probably 60s) Tipco ally handled rachet passed on from stepmum. Light, takes abuse (I was a teenager when I got it so it has a few dents) comfortable. Free. But I'd buy one if I found another. Ok so not a zillion pawls so a bit clicky but who cares? 1/2" is the biz I think. I laugh at morons who seem to think that somehow affects leverage. Give me 6 sider sockets too. They can be thin and strong and resist flex and striping.

Those Toolshed spanners are a heck of a price. Do I need more? Hmm been an expensive month.

Grubber

31st May 2014, 21:05

STANLEY!!!!

Done!

vifferman

31st May 2014, 21:11

I've got a Koken socket set I bought for my old man's birthday nearly 40 years ago. He died in 1979, so they came back to me. They're not great, but do the job.
Got a set of "Tradespro" ratchet ring spanners from one of my imaginary interweb friends in Mrka - he bought them at a sale for US$10, and included them in some bike parts I ordered through him (because Honda parts supply is so shit in UnZud, courtesy of Bluewing Honda's monopoly and "we don't give a crap" attitude.

buggerit

31st May 2014, 21:31

Favourite ring spanners are stahlwille.
I have had a good run out of my kinkrome flex head ratcheting spanners.

F5 Dave

1st June 2014, 07:48

Favourite ring spanners are stahlwille.
.
Someone returned someone else's 10mm one into my toolbox a a race meet 25 years ago. It's a delicate wee thing, but fits in tight spaces and has never broke. I feel special every time I touch it. I've heard criticism that the bigger sizes are a bit sharp being so thin. I just use that as comfort for not being able to afford a set.

sorry to whoever lost their 10 from their set. Didn't notice it till well after.

skippa1

1st June 2014, 07:52

Favourite ring spanners are stahlwille.
I have had a good run out of my kinkrome flex head ratcheting spanners.
Stahwille are the best without any doubt.......

unstuck

1st June 2014, 07:54

Stahwille are the best without any doubt.......

Tried all the others have ya.:shifty::bleh:

Ocean1

1st June 2014, 09:23

I've heard criticism that the bigger sizes are a bit sharp being so thin.

A lot of top-end spanners are like that, or used to be. Perhaps that's how they got their reputation for longevity, try too hard and you bleed. :doh:

Seems more common nowadays to find them sorta like a conrod section. Makes much more sense ergonomically AND structurally.

SVboy

1st June 2014, 15:59

I had not even looked at Toptul because I figured if they can't spell "tool" properly how likely were they to be able to build a spanner.?

But in fact it looks like half decent kit at a reasonable price.

The RIPCO one I got is labelled Powerbuilt and was maybe $20? the 10mm is a GEARWRENCH.

mmmm tool porn. I am back at home and will have the garage set up this weekend so I can work (and get rid of a bunch of stuff.... NC30 a go go)

I did end up buying that Powerbuilt Racing roll cab by the way. I am happy enough with it for the price and my intended use.

Didn't buy toptul because of the name and ended up with power built! Oh dear! I have a quarter, three eight and half in drive socket set plus torque wrenches, screwdriver sets and spanner sets etc etc from toptul. On a cost for good quality basis, I found toptul pretty hard to beat to meet my tool porn needs.

skippa1

1st June 2014, 18:56

Tried all the others have ya.:shifty::bleh:
Fitter turner by trade, marine diesel engineer as well.....for over 30 years. I know spanners....maybe not all, but most.

unstuck

1st June 2014, 20:06

Fitter turner by trade, marine diesel engineer as well.....for over 30 years. I know spanners....maybe not all, but most.

I'll let you off then. :msn-wink:

skippa1

1st June 2014, 20:45

I'll let you off then. :msn-wink:
Geee ta. Thanks for your approval.

unstuck

2nd June 2014, 05:53

Geee ta. Thanks for your approval.

Your welcome.:devil2:

skippa1

2nd June 2014, 11:25

Your welcome.:devil2:
Well that's ok then:bleh:

hayd3n

2nd June 2014, 13:35

Lol

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SPman

3rd June 2014, 19:23

From our contracting days in the 70s, have some Stahlewille and also S/K stuff that just keeps on going.......

RDjase

4th June 2014, 18:39

I have got a bit of Britool gear. good stuff, BnT's were the agent years ago when I was in the motortrade, been out of it 10 years now, good ridens too, being a Ex Mechanic suits me much better

http://www.britool-expert.co.uk/Home/

Dave-

7th June 2014, 11:24

Do most brands offer a 'lifetime' guarantee on their tools?

Usually I don't care much for guarantees as I am a well informed consumer. And I know the 'lifetime' guarantee is the lifetime of the tool, not a person. But I like the convenience of rocking up to a repco, handing over a broken tool, and walking out with a new one. Don't have to write them a letter rejecting the sale, don't have to go into the courts to file for small claims, etc etc

For this reason I've been purchasing powerbuilt but only after inspecting the tool in the shop, though I regret the needle nose vice grips I bought, they're a bit too sloppy.

At least, until I finish uni, then I might splash out a bit :D

hayd3n

7th June 2014, 12:54

http://www.thetoolshed.co.nz/Products/Hand-Tools/Spanners/ToolShed-Spanner-Set-Ratchet-7pce-8-17mmtool sheds got a huge sale on atm so i think ill go get me some of them ,
they arnt reversible so ill just have to be careful in tight spaces

but for $35 i aint gonna complain yet

Madness

7th June 2014, 13:01

Do most brands offer a 'lifetime' guarantee on their tools?

No, most hand-tool brands (including Powerbuilt) offer a Lifetime Warranty on their products against faulty workmanship & materials. Many brands will in some cases repair the item, depending on the nature of the fault & the type of tool in question, rather than supply a new replacement.

Dave-

7th June 2014, 13:19

No, most hand-tool brands (including Powerbuilt) offer a Lifetime Warranty on their products against faulty workmanship & materials. Many brands will in some cases repair the item, depending on the nature of the fault & the type of tool in question, rather than supply a new replacement.

Obviously you're not going to get a replacement if you were using your ratcheting socket set as a hammer.

I just like the no hassle system with repco/powerbuilt

Madness

7th June 2014, 13:24

Obviously you're not going to get a replacement if you were using your ratcheting socket set as a hammer.

In most cases, correct. IMO if you're using your ratchet as a hammer you deserve that it breaks.

The point I was trying to make was that some brands will often fit a repair kit to a worn ratchet or a broken strong-arm. Some brands will often refuse a worn ratchet warranty claim and suggest you purchase a repair kit. Most faulty ratchets just need a bloody good clean out with 5.56 or similar to get the crap out of the pawls.

I just like the no hassle system with repco/powerbuilt

Yep. I've always found that a Warranty is only as good as the company that represents the product. I used to love selling Fuller tools because the importer was local to where I was working & we had an excellent relationship with the guys who worked there, nothing was ever a problem. I've never liked the Powerbuilt brand myself, but I know a number of dealers who swear by the after-sales backup. As for buying tools from Repco; fuck that.

Dave-

7th June 2014, 14:20

As for buying tools from Repco; fuck that.

Why's that?

unstuck

7th June 2014, 14:36

Why's that?

Cos he is special. ;) Powerbuilt tool are fine for the home diy er. Repco have started to stock some pretty good motorcycle specific tools now too.

Flip

7th June 2014, 16:25

My very fav tool is an old time 7/16 by 1/2 sidchrome double open ender.

Had it for 30 years and it was probably 30 years old when I got it. It fits about 90% of all the bolts on the MG, Landy and Harley. When I do some R+M I always put it in my top pocket. Its really thin and fits in places no other spanner can reach like the exhaust studs on the MG. Its not a good tool however for tight nuts and there is nothing worse than tight nuts.

I also like my sets of double ring spanners. A few spanners fit every nut size and they are as good as a socket for tighties.

I have been buying a frew of those new ratchet ring spanners, I have most of the common sizes now in AF and Metric. Only time will tell how good they are and if they last. Way too soon to tell.

Madness

7th June 2014, 16:33

Why's that?

Same reason I don't often buy food at McDonalds - there are much better options.

Dave-

7th June 2014, 23:29

I also like my sets of double ring spanners. A few spanners fit every nut size and they are as good as a socket for tighties.

Apparently the key to keeping them good is not putting pressure on the ratcheting end, not even the pressure you might put on a socket set.

Same reason I don't often buy food at McDonalds - there are much better options.

Fair call. I shop at repco because when I buy a tool they sell it to me.

Flip

8th June 2014, 23:16

Apparently the key to keeping them good is not putting pressure on the ratcheting end, not even the pressure you might put on a socket set.

Ok so what are they good for?

Dave-

8th June 2014, 23:43

Ok so what are they good for?

I'm told you're suppose to loosen/tighten with the open end then do the bulk of the action with the ratcheting end. Basically you're not suppose to lean on the ratcheting end.

Seems reasonable to me, the mechanism in the ratcheting end must be tiny!

unstuck

9th June 2014, 06:41

I'm told you're suppose to loosen/tighten with the open end then do the bulk of the action with the ratcheting end. Basically you're not suppose to lean on the ratcheting end.

Seems reasonable to me, the mechanism in the ratcheting end must be tiny!

Mine seem to be fairly solid, I can undo most stuff with them. But you have to be sensible about it, if it feels like it is not going to shift, then you get a power bar and socket, or a ring spanner and hammer. If you go beating the shit out of a ratchet spanner with a hammer, they get fucked pretty quickly. Some of the powerbuilt ones I have are getting a little sloppy from abuse and one of the 12mm ones will only work one way now. Thats why I have gone Teng and Gearwrench over powerbuilt they are more robust.
But then my stuff gets used most days at some point, on anything from chainsaws to trucks, and I even keep a few in the digger now. You can never have too many tools.:2thumbsup

unstuck

9th June 2014, 06:43

Oh, and the open end on the powerbuilt stuff is weaker than the ratchet end, and they start to spread quite easily.:yes:

F5 Dave

9th June 2014, 07:28

Undoing stuff from tight with the open end is desperation stuff. Open end is only access problem stuff.

unstuck

9th June 2014, 07:32

Undoing stuff from tight with the open end is desperation stuff. Open end is only access problem stuff.

And we have all been desperate at times.:Punk::Punk:

F5 Dave

9th June 2014, 07:40

I'm sometimes desperate with a hammer:crazy:. But not tried it on the ratchet spanners. . . Yet.

unstuck

9th June 2014, 07:45

I'm sometimes desperate with a hammer:crazy:. But not tried it on the ratchet spanners. . . Yet.

Never been that desperate, yet. Luckily I have a whole lot of sacrificial tools for that.

imdying

11th June 2014, 14:02

Same reason I don't often buy food at McDonalds - there are much better options.That does not make sense; Repco arren't the producer, just the retailer... the children behind the counter at Repco have no opportunity to fuck it up. None of my favourite tool stores are open on weekends, but luckily Repco are.

F5 Dave

11th June 2014, 21:39

How has this thread reached 5 pages?

got a bearing from Ripco the other day. Cheap and in walking distance and top brand.

unstuck

11th June 2014, 21:45

How has this thread reached 5 pages?

got a bearing from Ripco the other day. Cheap and in walking distance and top brand.

Was giving a mate a hand with an old hit and miss engine the other day and one of the main bronze bearings was $1600+ gst, I nearly spat my coffee. Good job it only has 2 of them.:crazy: