Ratchet Wrench Set
Men have always depended on tools to work faster or easier. One of the innovations that men have made is on the tool to tighten or remove sockets. This tool is called a socket wrench or a ratchet wrench. This tightening tool is used to fit many different sizes of nuts and bolts. It is also used to remove these fittings or fasteners.
An American by the name of J.J.Richardson of Woodstock, VT, invented the modern ratchet wrench. This tool had interchangeable sockets and was patented on June 18, 1863. With this invention, the manufacture of the ratchet wrench set began since it was convenient with only one wrench and many types of sockets.
The socket wrench has a ratcheting mechanism that allows the nut to be tightened or loosened. The modern ratchet wrench does not require the wrench to be removed and refitted after each turn. There is usually a small lever behind the socket that switches the wrench between tightening and loosening mode. The sockets are attached to the ratchet through a square fitting that contains a spring loaded ball detent mechanism to keep the sockets in place. The fittings come in 4 common sizes: ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, ½ inch and ¾ inch. They are called “drives”, for example ½ inch drive. There are larger sizes for the drives especially for industrial use like in construction and shipyards. A ratchet wrench set would contain these 4 basic sizes.
There are several leading manufacturers for ratchet wrench sets; Armstrong, Craftsman, Alden and Stanley, to name some. These manufacturers have different options for a ratchet wrench set depending on the need and requirements. All are reputable and have quality products.