Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: mikeswrenches on September 21, 2012, 07:13:06 PM
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Here's another one I never knew existed.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-3-8-IN-INDEXIBLE-LONG-HANDLE-RATCHET-MADE-IN-THE-USA-NO-5257L-/360485524661?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item53ee9c94b5
Mike
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Could someone explain a INDEXIBLE ratchet to me?
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Scroll down on the ad there is a description there.
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Oily,
Not sure I can explain it. In my mind it looks like "a solution in search of a problem". However, if you're young enough, this could be your chance to get in on the ground floor of what is sure to be a rare collectible in the future. After all, how many of these things do you think will ever be sold?
Mike
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An INDEXIBLE RATCHET allows the user to rotate the ratchet head
into different positions.
This is a multi-position ratchet.
Simply release the pivot lock, rotate the head and re-lock in desired position.
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I don't get it. I had read the description. It didn't register with me what is unique about it. "rotate the ratchet head
into different positions" - Isn't that the nature of any ratchet?
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You can position the head in several angles in relation to the handle. Think of a job where you need clearance to swing the handle.
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I would like to have about a dozen of those orange handles.
EvilDr235
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These wont take any great amount of torque until that swiveling head just flops around due to a broken pawl.
Useless unless it is used only for light duty work in my experience
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JUST THE ALIGNMENT OF THE HEAD TO HANDLE MAKES IT A CONVERSATION PIECE bob w
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1930,
Apparently you are correct. Further research has revealed that Proto has discontinued them.
An instant collectable, and, as Bob said, a great conversation piece.
Mike
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Oily, here is another picture of an indexing ratchet to show how the head moves in relation to the handle. It's a cool tool imo.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/huskyindex3.jpg)
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Oily, here is another picture of an indexing ratchet to show how the head moves in relation to the handle. It's a cool tool imo.
Thank you so much, Mr. Ratchet Man. I just "got it".
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kxxr,
Who made the ratchet you posted?
Mike
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I have one that the head rotates but it doesn't go side to side,
it goes from front to back. Is that considered indexible too?
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1930,
Apparently you are correct.
Mike
Had to happen eventually :)
Just dont try and convince my wife
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That one is a Husky probably from the 80's or maybe the 90's. Mac, Bluepoint, Armstrong and others also make versions, or did at one time. I think it's a great tool, but not for every job, of course. That's why they make other tools.
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No the front to back is usually known as a flex head ratchet. The world's greatest device for changing sparkplugs in newer vehicles.
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I had a Snap On one and didn't find it all that useful. I put it on Ebay and got more for it than I paid for it.It's a neat Idea , but very limited use.
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Guys, Thanks for all the interest. I just couldn't resist getting one of these. For the "strange" factor if no other reason. And it is made in the USA. Here are a couple pictures.
Mike
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Oh, man, you just got it and you bent it already.....;P
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It appears that it wasn't as strong as I thought it would be.
Mike
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sap sucker looks handy to me. But I'm no mechanic just average joe
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I picked up a Stanley that does that dance, so maybe Stanley took the reigns when Proto dropped them....they are one in the same these days......BTW, it looked like a gimmick to me too. I think I'd rather gamble on the ratchet that you can spin from the bottom of the handle...there you don't need any arm travel.....
DM&FS
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I think I'd rather gamble on the ratchet that you can spin from the bottom of the handle...there you don't need any arm travel.....
It's not gamble at all in my opinion. I've found mine very handy to have around.