One Way Bearing Ratchet Style Wrench

[tmate3]

Back in my hot rod days, I often found myself in a situation where the space was too confining for my ratchet wrench to move back and forth between clicks -- an awkward way to explain it, but the best I can think of.

I came up with a wrench that used a one-way bearing that had zero backlash, if that's what one might call it. I came across it while cleaning out an old toolbox the other day, and thought I would share it. It was not the best fabrication, but it worked as long as a whole lot of torque wasn't required. To reverse it, I moved the socket to the other side.

[IntheGroove]

Also known as a freewheel clutch. Great idea...

[mbshop]

Think I had some wrenches like that. Had ball bearings in it that would jam. Turn over for going the other way. But that was back in the 70s.

[Rorschach]

It uses the standard ratchet type mechanism but I also have a commercial one way ratchet. Instead of the 1/2" square "pin" sticking out, it has the 1/2" square hole going through it instead.

[old kodger]

In an automatic gearbox it's called a sprag clutch

[DIYer]

Thanks tmate3! We've added your One Way Socket Handle to our Fastening category,
as well as to your builder page: tmate3's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

One Way Socket Handle by tmate3

tags: socket, hand tools

[olderdan]

Looks like it uses a one way needle roller bearing, I made similar here
Motorcycle service starter clutch
But I did not think about using it for a ratchet socket replacement so now I have a futher use for it, thanks for the idea.

[sossol]

Ratchets with sprag clutch are big in aerospace. Some are designed to slip at a specific torque.

I have consumer ratchets with sprag clutches. Staney sole one with a drive pin that you pushed to the other side to reverse direction. IIRC they called it a noiseless ratched. It's a great idea.

Neil