A discussion of everything 1/4dr

[skfarmer]

i recently picked up the crom ratchet of that size, the t handle/extension version.

it along with the vim locking flex t handle version i also picked up live in my hf icon socket/bit set. with a shoehorning they all fit in the case.

a very comprehensive set with 3 different ratchets, 6 various extensions, a drive handl, 22 sae and metric sockets and nearly 30 assorted bit. all in case approx 6x4x2

[Hickory n Steel]

i recently picked up the crom ratchet of that size, the t handle/extension version.

it along with the vim locking flex t handle version i also picked up live in my hf icon socket/bit set. with a shoehorning they all fit in the case.

a very comprehensive set with 3 different ratchets, 6 various extensions, a drive handl, 22 sae and metric sockets and nearly 30 assorted bit. all in case approx 6x4x2

I have just never understood the T handle feature on the standard and mini length versions.
On the long version like the VIM RBF400K you have room for your hand to actually spin it, but that spinning action is the only reason I see for the T handle feature.
Using it in a fixed T grip position makes absolutely zero sense to me when you get more leverage from the center of the bit when using it normally as a bit ratchet, plus it ratchets.

[skfarmer]

i see it more as an added feature. i don't hate it and it doesnt alter the usefulnes of any other feature so why not?

i have on many occasions used the extension slid into the handle to get the ratchet closer to the work. especially as a guide to hold bits straight on initial breaking free or final tightening.

i have a tractor that has 2 transmission sensors that are notoriously hard to get at. one under each side of the cab. you can see them plain as day, but they are arm deep under there and they were a cuss fest the first time i changed one, years ago before the advent of these pass-through t handle ratchets. it made a real sob of a job easy peasy

[Hickory n Steel]

i see it more as an added feature. i don't hate it and it doesnt alter the usefulnes of any other feature so why not?

i have on many occasions used the extension slid into the handle to get the ratchet closer to the work. especially as a guide to hold bits straight on initial breaking free or final tightening.

i have a tractor that has 2 transmission sensors that are notoriously hard to get at. one under each side of the cab. you can see them plain as day, but they are arm deep under there and they were a cuss fest the first time i changed one, years ago before the advent of these pass-through t handle ratchets. it made a real sob of a job easy peasy

I have done that too.
The T position is useful in some cases on some of them, just not the stubbiest version and only truly useful on the longest version unless you had 2 extensions.

[Hickory n Steel]

I've pretty much got my 1/4 kit setup how I want it in the KRA 149.

[Hickory n Steel]

Another tool I wanted that nobody seems to offer, so I had to make it.



I don't know why nobody currently makes a low profile thumb disk like this for a 1/4 ratchet.
Lots of cheap 3/8 sets used to come with one , and I have a couple made by Easco that I like, but there's nothing low profile like this for 1/4.

[OldCarGuy]

Another tool I wanted that nobody seems to offer, so I had to make it.



I don't know why nobody currently makes a low profile thumb disk like this for a 1/4 ratchet.
Lots of cheap 3/8 sets used to come with one , and I have a couple made by Easco that I like, but there's nothing low profile like this for 1/4.

GOOD JOB,,, Now that's thinking outside the box!

Your simple gadget made a fool of my SnapOn purchases...

[Hickory n Steel]

Those are a bit easier to use, they're just not as low profile as I want.

If this little aluminum disk doesn't hold up very well I'll try to make a more durable one out of a washer, or try brass.

My inspiration was these 2 aluminum Easco 7219 speeder disks I have.

I didn't even know they existed until I acquired them in a couple NOS Easco sets I bought on eBay, so I have no clue if they made them in 1/4".
Probably not because I've only ever seen these speeder disks in 3/8, and mostly in crappy bottom of the barrel homeowner sets.
These days those sets still included them but they're blue plastic now instead of stamped steel.