Ratchet Sizes

Ratchet sizes

Available with different drive sizes — 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch — to operate different size sockets. Most operate with a geared drive; those with a higher tooth count let you operate the tool with a smaller swinging motion, which is useful when there's little room to move the handle.

What are the ratchet sizes in order?

Six Point Standard Sockets (3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1)

How do I know what size ratchet I need?

Drive sizes

1. 1/4 inch - Used for smaller sockets and precision work.
2. 3/8 inch - The middle sized, and in my opinion, most useful size for general use on a car. ...
3. 1/2 inch - 1/2" sockets are generally used for nuts and bolts from around 10mm and up.

What is a 1/2 inch ratchet used for?

The most versatile ratchet is the 3/8-inch size. This ratchet size can accommodate sockets of all sizes. It is big enough to apply a lot of force, but it can still fit into tight spaces. A 1/2-inch ratchet is for larger nuts and bolts.

Whats bigger 3/8 or 1/4 socket?

3/8 is expressed as 0.375 as a decimal and 1/4 is expressed as 0.25 in its decimal form. It is clear that the value of 3/8 is more than 1/4. Hence, it is bigger.

What size ratchet is most common?

The most common ratchet sizes are ¼ inch drive, 3/8 inch drive, and ½ inch drive. There are also larger ratchet sizes including ¾ inch drive and 1-inch drive available. Most ratchets used with sockets contain a gear mechanism that is designed to allow for rotation in one direction only.

Are 3/4 and 19mm the same?

19mm = 3/4 inch. 20mm = 25/32 inch. 21mm = just over 13/16 inch. 22mm = almost 7/8 inch.

Do I need a 1/2 ratchet?

1/2 ratchets are great for doing suspension and exhaust work but honestly not needed. You can get by with a 1/2 breaker bar and a good assortment of 3/8 sockets. I rarely use my 1/2 ratchet. I get a lot of use out of mine.

What do teeth on a ratchet mean?

4. Ratchet Tooth Count. A ratchet's tooth count references how many teeth are on the drive gear, which translates to how far you need to move the handle to engage the next tooth. As manufacturing has progressed, and as space to work in a car has shrunk, ratchet tooth counts have gotten higher.

How much torque can a 3/8 ratchet handle?

The maximum recommended torque for a 3/8 in. ratchet handle is 1800 lbs.

How much torque can a 1/4 ratchet take?

While the ratchet is plenty strong, users should take note of its maximum torque limit of 90 ft-lbs. It's not a breaker bar – the ratchet was designed for reach and close-quarters access, such as for work under auto dashboards. The ratchet is made in the USA and is priced at $72 online. Dealer prices might vary.

What are the 4 different types of sockets?

However, some of the commonest options you would find are 36mm sockets and 10mm sockets. Considering the standard sockets, you can find four common types, and they include 3/4 –inch, ½-inch, 3/8-inch, and ¼-inch sockets. Most of these options mentioned above come with bits that would fit Torx screws.

What are the 3 types of sockets?

Three types of sockets are supported:

• Stream sockets allow processes to communicate using TCP. A stream socket provides bidirectional, reliable, sequenced, and unduplicated flow of data with no record boundaries.
• Datagram sockets allow processes to use UDP to communicate. ...
• Raw sockets provide access to ICMP.

Is more teeth on a ratchet better?

A second consideration is the number of teeth. The larger the tooth count the smaller the arc required to turn the ratchet. This is ideal when removing fasteners in confined spaces. The trade-off is these types of ratchets generally have lower maximum torque output.

How do I know what size socket I have?

How to Determine the Right Size Socket for a Nut

1. Turn on the digital caliper and set it to read in inches, not millimeters.
2. Close the caliper jaws until each jaw rests on one flat side of the nut on opposite sides.
3. Check the caliper display. ...
4. Turn on the digital caliper and set it to read in millimeters, not inches.

What size is bigger 5/16 or 3 8?

For instance, 5/16 inches and 3/8 inches are two measurements on a ruler. In order to compare the two fractions, they must have a common denominator, 16. 3/8 is larger than 5/16.

Is 5/8th bigger or smaller than 1 4?

Explanation: To compare the two fractions, we must have common base so that the numerators can be directly matched. Now we have to find the L C M for the denominator of the two fractions to make the denominator common. (58)” button is (38)” greater than (14)” button.

What's the difference between SAE and metric?

SAE sockets are sized in inches and fractions of inches. Metric and SAE wrenches have different systems of measurement. Metric sockets and wrenches use the metric measurement system. This is when millimeters are used to describe the size.

Which is better 6 point or 12 point?

Answer: It's true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here's why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they're less likely to flew.

What are the SAE socket sizes?

Metric and Standard (SAE) sockets come in three available drive sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch. The measurement refers to the size of the square used to attach the to socket to a wrench or a ratchet.

13 Ratchet sizes Images