Socket Wrench Thumb Wheel for close quarters use and speed use

[jjr2001]

It is much faster to spin on nuts with a little knob than using most any wrench.
Using just a socket will usually result in sticking due to coarse threads or even small amounts of junk in the threads or small burrs.
This little tool will allow you to spin on nuts fast.
It also will do most of the turning in close access areas where the ratchet is moved rapidly in short strokes.

Easy to make and use.

I made mine with a new rotary broaching tool that I just finished but you could use other methods such as
using allthread for the knurled knob attachment and then just tapping out the knurled knob to the thread size on the allthread.
The thread of the allthread would be removed for the part that will engage the socket.

For mine I used some key stock for the 1/4 inch one and then just milled down some 3/8 cold rolled to fit in the 1/4" broached hole in the knob.

Cheers JR

[tonyfoale]

I have a few bought ones like these but they have a racket built-in. Very useful devices.

[PJs]

JR that was a great idea! I love/loved those things for years...ok, at least 3+ decades. Have whats left of several sets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2) that I got from Matco, IIRC back in the day. Mine were metal set into a phenolic or plastic of some kind perfect fitting knob and had ball detents to hold the sockets or extensions. Used them so much I wore out the ball detent then made a special drift punch to re-crimp the ball and spring.

I've tried the knurled ones and found them to be too small and not as comfortable. I like the scallop shape to these and the thickness of the knob gives a good feel. If I had a mill I might try this shape.

Here are a couple of 3/8" I have.



Thanks for the great idea and post!

PJ

[jjr2001]

Thanks Tony, I don't think I have ever seen one with a ratchet. That would be a very useful tool.
Cheers, JR

[tonyfoale]

Thanks Tony, I don't think I have ever seen one with a ratchet. That would be a very useful tool.
Cheers, JR

I'll take some pix in the morning, well later this morning it is 01:10 as I write this.

[tonyfoale]

Thanks Tony, I don't think I have ever seen one with a ratchet. That would be a very useful tool.
Cheers, JR

Here is a pic of my collection, rather than write a story I made a short video with details of each one.

Click for full size.

The video is here on YouTube

[jjr2001]

Thank you Tony, very informative video you posted there. I had no idea that so many different types of "thumb wrenches" were produced.

Cheers, JR

[jjr2001]

Thanks PJ, I like that Craftsman ratchet. I have one without the universal and frequently found the
little knurled wheel handy when in tight spaces.
Thanks for posting.

Cheers, JR

[Jon]

A few picks from a patent search using query TTL/finger$ AND CCL/81/$ AND APT/1, performed at USPTO Advanced Patent Search.

Extendible Finger Wrench


Finger Wrench



Finger Wrench or the Like

[tonyfoale]

Jon, I have made some like the second one in your list. Each size having 2 examples, one with the nut holder fixed and the other with a round and knurled outer surface. The first holds the nut stationary and expects that the bolt can be turned into the nut. The second is free to rotate and can be turned by a thumb, this is useful when the bolt/stud is fixed and you need to wind the nut on.
I have these in 8, 10, 13 and 17 mm which are my most used sizes.