Balanced Cheater Bar for Ratchet

**IAMSatisfied** · Dec 22, 2021, 02:31 PM

This tool is pretty straightforward... I needed a way to apply torque to a ratchet using both hands to apply the torque rather than one hand supporting the head of the ratchet and only the free hand applying the force. It works well for my use.

This is made from a piece of 1/2" steel pipe and a piece of flat bar and fits the handles of several different makes of 3/8" ratchets.

I realize one can buy a T-handle socket wrench, but I live in the sticks and "running down the street to the hardware store" wasn't an option. This utilizes common scrap, is inexpensive and works well.

The transmission is strapped down to limit movement, a requirement.

Balanced Cheater Bar for Ratchet-img_5170.jpeg

Balanced Cheater Bar for Ratchet-img_5172.jpeg

Balanced Cheater Bar for Ratchet-img_5171.jpeg

**sossol** · Dec 22, 2021, 07:17 PM

I've needed something like this more times than I can count. This is far too elegant for me to think up, so I'll just copy yours.

Neil

**drivermark** · Dec 26, 2021, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by sossol

I've needed something like this more times than I can count. This is far too elegant for me to think up, so I'll just copy yours.

Neil

Yeah, what he said. That little critter is one those nifty "Why didn't I think of that" type of gizmos. I'm definitely going to make one for my tool chest.
Thank you OP for posting that.

**madokie** · Dec 30, 2021, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by drivermark

Yeah, what he said. That little critter is one those nifty "Why didn't I think of that" type of gizmos. I'm definitely going to make one for my tool chest.
Thank you OP for posting that.

Tool Chest only at home,it falls under the OSHA "mutilated tool" rule ,,(thanks obama),,any tool that has been ground, heated and bent, welded on,modded by the owner and was not made that way at the factory,,etc,etc,is no longer allowed at a work site,,,such tool can only be used at home away from OSHA prying eyes...Factory made unmodded tools at work only..

**mdhatter3** · Dec 22, 2021, 08:48 PM

Neat idea. Simple and easy to make and useful. Thanks

**Peter Sanders** · Dec 22, 2021, 10:13 PM

Hi Yes, a neat and simple idea as mdhatter3 said. But you are not lessening the force required, you are just splitting the same amount of effort between two hands (arms). Making the cheater bar "longer" by extending ALONG the handle end, reduces the effort required by ONE hand. Obviously with the need to hold the ratchet in place with the other hand. Using the shortest possible socket extension minimises the effort required to hold the ratchet in place, and minimises the "distorted" leverage that tries to pull the socket away from the bolt/nut.
I think the longer bar is better. Perhaps, when in use) you could place the tube part of the tool the opposite way around and have the welded bar point away from the ratchet head. You'll get the extra leverage that way. This tool offers the best of both worlds, well done.