Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: rustyric on July 09, 2017, 09:20:41 AM

Title: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: rustyric on July 09, 2017, 09:20:41 AM

Find number two from this weekends scavenge at the local boot sale is these heavy duty ratchets.

They have a tapered socket, and a point that screws in and out. I guess they are for winding a large augers into timber with.

(http://i.imgur.com/Qs0XKAO.jpg)

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: wvtools on July 09, 2017, 10:27:49 AM

Those are ratchet drills, typically used for structural steel in conjunction with a clamp that holds them in place while drilling.  The point on the backside unscrews as you drill to force the bit through the workpiece.

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: Bill Houghton on July 09, 2017, 11:16:41 AM

Yep.  They were used for lots of heavy construction work.  You would brace up a stout timber for the ratchet to work against; the term for this timber, in the early 20th century, was an "old man," apparently implying that old men were still good for something, if only to stand around.

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: rustyric on July 09, 2017, 02:05:08 PM

Ratchet Drill ! As I suspected, but steel not wood. Many thanks for your prompt replies

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: Bill Houghton on July 09, 2017, 03:28:58 PM

Well, early in the 20th century, they were used for wood timbers, too - bridge building and the like.

I used to have one; sure wish I hadn't given it away.  Not that I need it; they're just cool.

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: Plyerman on July 09, 2017, 06:08:03 PM

A drawing of a ratchet drill and old man, ready for action:


(http://archive.hnsa.org/doc/tools/img/fig063.jpg)


Even better, a short youtube video of a fellow using one:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG1Dby44EnM

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: Lewill2 on July 09, 2017, 07:58:47 PM

Some also call them boiler drills. Used in confined work spaces.

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: turnnut on July 09, 2017, 09:10:32 PM

 thanks for the video.

Title: Re: What are these ratchets for ?
Post by: Twilight Fenrir on July 14, 2017, 08:36:06 AM

Quote from: Plyerman on July 09, 2017, 06:08:03 PM

A drawing of a ratchet drill and old man, ready for action:


(http://archive.hnsa.org/doc/tools/img/fig063.jpg)


Even better, a short youtube video of a fellow using one:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG1Dby44EnM

Very cool video, thanks! I've often wondered how these worked, descriptions I've read have always been lacking...