Gearwrench tools

[isham-research.freeserve.co.uk at pop.pol.net.uk]

> "What exactly do you like about them?"

> Basically, their ability to turn a nut or a bolt with in 6-7
> degrees of wrench rotation, something most all wrenches
> cannot do - and you don't even have to pull the wrench on
> and off! This idea for a wrench is not new, however, it is
> the most successful iteration of the design to date, and it
> withstands the abuse of professional mechanics. All of my
> other wrenches are relegated to the back of the drawer.

The most famous brand is Langline - theirs are two different-sized
ring ratchets per unit.  They _look_ like good quality, but I've had
the pawls jam open irremedially on two of them after only light use.

The next version I tried was a clutch-type from Bergen.  These had
infinite resolution - effectively down to 2 or 3 degrees - but suffered
from having no aural feedback.  This was the same problem I had with
the Sykes-Pickavant clutch ratchet screwdriver - the clicks are very
useful in telling you the fastener is turning and in which direction.

The Bergen units also failed occasionally in a 'zero torque' mode.  A
quick tap on a nearby solid object would reset them, but it was
irritating.

'GearWrench' (the 13mm stubby carries the name SIGNET on the rear)
seem so far to have licked this - the 13mm long that I have has now
taken some serious abuse without complaint.  Enough abuse for it to be
my fault if it now fails, and I'll happily buy another.

Another problem with the clutch type - it's possible to swing them
back energetically and jam the handle against something nearby.  This
drawback led to one company dumping its stock in the UK, and I
collected a nice 1/2" drive ratchet for exactly zilch.  Very useful
for the upper clutch housing to engine bolts on a WR with the old
wastegate brackets still in place.

--
 Phil Payne
 http://www.isham-research.freeserve.co.uk/quattro
 Phone +44 7785 302803   Fax: +44 7785 309674