Interesting New Tool

[mdsalemi]

Tool-Guys and Gals,

A solution in search of a problem?  Perhaps, but when you need something like this nothing else will do. I just received a new tool.  It is a "rotary ratchet" wrench.

The problem with small ratchets in tight spaces is you don't often have the space to turn it.  Manufacturers came up with a partial solution, in that some new ratchets need as little as 5 degrees of swing space in order to engage the next click.

Proxxon came out with a "rotary ratchet"  What a great idea!  You simply twist the handle like you would a screwdriver!  That's right, ratchet action in 0 degrees of space.

This is so cool I can't wait for my first opportunity to use it!  When I ordered it from my friend, they only had it in 1/4" size; I see from their website they now offer it in 3/8" as well.

Download Attachment: Rotary Ratchet.jpg
15.7 KB

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Kenneth Gear]

Good timing ..just in time for the holidays.  Looks like a great stocking stuffer to me because after all you can never have too many tools.

Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[merrill]

Michael,
that is a neat tool.

My next toy is a 3 PC. RATCHET THUMBWHEEL SET from harbor freight

Designed for reaching tight spaces where standard ratchets won't fit. Includes 1/4'', 1/2'' and 3/8'' ratchet thumb wheels.
Drop forged alloy steel construction
Chrome plated with mirror finish
Reversing thumb lever
No-slip knurled grip
Overall dimensions: 1-1/2'' diameter x 1'' H (x3), Overall weight: 1 lb.

best of all all 3 are on sale for just under $4.00
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94011

Matt
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[Bob G ✝︎]

Thanks to our resident expert Michael Salami. I too have purchased A Paxxon automotive tool kit #23-650 I am very impressed with the feel of the tools, my only hick-up was not ordering the optional adjustable   socket wrench Michael has displayed for us tool hounds I got 1/4 I need a 3/8. which I intend to correct at the begining of the new year.

Bob Geco

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by Bob G

Thanks to our resident expert Michael Salami. I too have purchased A Paxxon automotive tool kit #23-650 I am very impressed with the feel of the tools, my only hick-up was not ordering the optional adjustable   socket wrench Michael has displayed for us tool hounds I got 1/4 I need a 3/8. which I intend to correct at the begining of the new year.

Bob Geco

Thanks for the kind words, Bob.  I was so impressed with the Proxxon Automotive tool set, that I ordered 3 more complete sets:

1) Full, complete kit of all SAE size
2)  3/8" drive metric kit
3)  1/4" drive precision set--all small stuff
4)  The rotary ratchet

I see from the website they offer the rotary ratchet now in 3/8".  The only problem with these "non-kit" ratchets is that there is no place to store it in the kits!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[fda71mb]

tool looks very cool

isn't it a lot more difficult to turn your wrist than to use leverage when tightening/loosening a nut?

[fda71mb]

tool looks very cool

isn't it a lot more difficult to turn your wrist than to use leverage when tightening/loosening a nut?

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by fda71mb

tool looks very cool

isn't it a lot more difficult to turn your wrist than to use leverage when tightening/loosening a nut?

fda,

I think you missed the point--entirely might I add. Leverage is great when you can use it.  One of the best tools in my kit is "the persuader" which is a 4' long (yes that's 4 FOOT) piece of pipe that fits over the end of a 1/2" drive ratchet to give you as much torque as the M100 engine...when you have all kinds of room to swing.

The rotary ratchet is not for general use but for use when you have no swing room; i.e. no ability to get any leverage.  In that case this tool is one of the few that will do.  Of course Matt points out the Harbor Freight handle-less ratchets which kind of do the same thing.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by mdsalemi

The rotary ratchet is not for general use but for use when you have no swing room; i.e. no ability to get any leverage.  In that case this tool is one of the few that will do.  Of course Matt points out the Harbor Freight handle-less ratchets which kind of do the same thing.

I guess I can understand the circumstances where the rotary ratchet is useful, but the handle-less ratches don't make sense.  How could you have room for your hand, and to move your fingers/wrist, but not have room to move a ratchet a little.  A ratchet handle is much smaller than my hand, but maybe that's just me?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[mdsalemi]

quote:I guess I can understand the circumstances where the rotary ratchet is useful, but the handle-less ratches don't make sense.  How could you have room for your hand, and to move your fingers/wrist, but not have room to move a ratchet a little.  A ratchet handle is much smaller than my hand, but maybe that's just me?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

Rodd, at $3.49 who cares??  It is one of those tools you may need once every few years, but when you do, at that moment, you'd pay 10 times that amount.  I have not needed these--yet--but boy if I did, its just one of those things when nothing else will do...

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Tom]

If buying a tool years before you need it, buy two.  That way you may be able to find at least one when you need it.  

Tom

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Beach Driver with a touch of rust

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by Tom

If buying a tool years before you need it, buy two.  That way you may be able to find at least one when you need it.  

Tom

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Beach Driver with a touch of rust

NB. the thumbwheel ratchets are a set of 3!!!   And no, I don't have them.  I'd never find them next week let alone when I need them.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[merrill]

so, ordered both the 1/4 and 3/8 proxxon rotary ratchet today.

in the us proxxon tools are available from
thilo kass  in AZ AT
929 443 8880  

the items are
23082 1/4  $62.50  list 82
23083 3/9  $66.50  list 90

his web site is http://mogsrus.com/



Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230