Ratchets

The place to raise issues, ask questions, swap ideas and discuss anything related to aircraft engineering, maintenance and building.
NB Any opinions expressed in this forum are not necessarily those of LAA Engineering

Moderators: John Dean, Moderator

Post Reply
ROB. THOMASSON
Posts: 129
Joined: Mon May 14, 2012 5:36 pm

Ratchets

Post by ROB. THOMASSON » Sat Jan 08, 2022 11:46 am

I discovered ratchet spanners the other day ( as always behind the times ;-) Has anyone used them on aircraft and are they worth the money? Up to now my faithful combination spanners and socket set have done the job. If so what makes do people recommend?
027506

mikeblyth
Posts: 155
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:24 am
Location: Bedford UK

Re: Ratchets

Post by mikeblyth » Sun Jan 09, 2022 9:21 am

Got a set from Aldi less than £15 well worth for some jobs. Recently bought a set of Torx spanners from Toolstation, like Allen keys. Much better than those little things £6,
Mike :D
Mike Blyth
005633

mike newall
Posts: 330
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:56 pm
Location: N Yorkshire

Re: Ratchets

Post by mike newall » Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:36 am

Been using them for years - an absolute must have in my opinion. I have a full set of imperial and metric. Great for getting into tight spots.

Make sure they have a fine ratchet - I use Gearwrench and they ratchet at 5°
025807

mike newall
Posts: 330
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:56 pm
Location: N Yorkshire

Re: Ratchets

Post by mike newall » Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:43 am

Also, try and get a stubby 1/4" drive gearless ratchet. 2 reasons, the gearless action means great for fine work and the short handle means you won't over-torque the fastener.
025807

Nick Allen
Posts: 456
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:00 am
Location: Oxford
Contact:

Re: Ratchets

Post by Nick Allen » Mon Jan 10, 2022 4:08 pm

All of the above. Plus I acquired a set of ratchet spanners with a hinged head, which are really useful. One thing to note is that the heads on some ratchets are larger than regular spanners, which can sometimes offset the accessibility advantage.

I've also acquired a good set of 6-point spanners -- better grip on recalcitrant nuts/bolts.

Next on the list is a pass-through socket set.

You can never have too many spanners/sockets!

Post Reply