QA

Question: How To Use A Ratchet Tool

How does a ratchet tool work?

A ratchet is a handle that snaps into one end of a socket by means of a square-drive connector. A mechanism in the ratchet allows the handle to engage and tighten the fastener when you swing it in a clockwise direction and turn freely when you swing it counterclockwise.

Which way on ratchet is loosen?

To loosen a nut or bolt, the socket handle should turn counterclockwise. To tighten a nut or bolt, the socket should turn clockwise. If the socket is not turning in the appropriate direction, turn the lever on the back of the ratchet to switch the direction.

What is the difference between a ratchet and a socket wrench?

Ratchets. A ratchet is a mechanical device that only allows movement in one direction. When it is equipped onto a wrench, it allows the user to set two turning directions: one where the wrench head is fixed and one where it spins freely. In fact, many may assume that a ratchet wrench is automatically a socket wrench.

What is socket used for?

A socket attaches to a turning tool to tighten or loosen fasteners, such as a nut or bolt. Sockets are typically sold in sets with a drive tool. Sockets are tools used to tighten mechanical fasteners. They fit over the head of the fastener to provide torque.

How do two way ratchets work?

One setting will disengage the ratchet mechanism, allowing direct drive of the tool in both turning directions. Another setting will engage the ratchet and allow the tool to turn only clockwise. The final setting will engage the ratchet and allow the tool only to turn in an anti-clockwise direction.

What can I use instead of a socket wrench?

What to Use if You Don’t Have a Wrench Duck tape. Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. Two coins. Who would think that money can be used as a makeshift tool? Zip-tie. Another nut and bolt.

How do you reverse ratchet?

The principles are the same: push the left button to reverse the ratchet and push the right button to tighten the nut. A ratcheting wrench is a handy tool for working in tight spaces where a standard wrench would not be able to maneuver.

How do you read socket sizes?

Socket set sizes The size of the drive socket (the part that attaches to the socket wrench). These are always given in imperial measurements, and will usually be either 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ or 1″. The size of the socket head (the part that fits over or into a fastener).

Why are ratchets used in machines?

A ratchet is a mechanical device that allows continuous linear or rotary motion in only one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction. Ratchets are widely used in machinery and tools.

Is a ratchet the same as a torque wrench?

Torque wrenches are a type of wrench commonly used in automotive work and other tasks where a precise torque setting is needed for a specific bolt. Ratchet wrenches are more simple wrenches designed for loosening and tightening bolts.

What are the two types of sockets?

Sockets come in two basic types—connection-oriented and connectionless. These terms refer to types of protocols.

What is port and socket?

Both Socket and Port are the terms used in Transport Layer. A port is a logical construct assigned to network processes so that they can be identified within the system. A socket is a combination of port and IP address. The same port number can be used in different computer running on same software.

What is a ratchet drill used for?

A ratchet mechanism allows the brace to be rotated in one direction only by an oscillation of the bow; this mechanism is particularly useful when tightening or loosening screws using a screwdriver bit in place of an auger.

Can you use pliers instead of a wrench?

Although pliers can be used to tighten and loosen nuts, this is a task better suited to the wrench. Pliers tend to damage the surfaces of fasteners and are usually more difficult to use than a properly-sized wrench.

Why are monkey wrenches called monkey wrenches?

Charles Moncky, a Baltimore mechanic, invented the monkey wrench around 1858. Moncky’s wrench was named using a purposeful misspelling of his name. Stillson, a steamboat firefighter, received a patented on September 13, 1870 for an invention later known as the Stillson pipe wrench.

What is socket drive?

The drive socket is the square hole which is used to attach the socket to a turning tool such as a ratchet or wrench. Drive sockets can come in one of five sizes: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″. For example, a 1/4″ drive or 1/4″ square drive will attach to a turning tool that has a 1/4″ drive square.

What is a socket adaptor?

Socket adapters are used with sockets and hand drive tools to tighten and loosen fasteners. They allow the drive end of a socket to fit a hand drive tool having a different drive size or shape. Socket adapter sets have an assortment of adapters for a range of hand drive and socket drive sizes.

How do you make a ratchet the other way?

When looking down on the head of the ratchet, it should turn the socket clockwise to tighten a fastener, and anti-clockwise to loosen it. If the ratchet is turning the socket in the wrong direction, move the lever or dial switch on the back of the ratchet head into the other position.

How do you use a wrench safely?

Safe Use of Wrenches: A Guide 1) Only use quality wrenches. 2) Match your wrench size to the job. 3) Always pull, never push. 4) Keep wrenches clean. 5) Never strike a wrench with a hammer. 6) Do not attempt to add leverage with other objects. 7) Never use a damaged wrench.