best spanner ratchets?

[assegayer]

hey guys,

Been doing lots and lots of metal work like ladder rack, basket and cable tray. now really need some good spanner ratchets you know the ones with the ratchet on one side and normal spanner on the other.

im an apprentice so would like good quality/ moderate but off course done want to break the bank.

mostly been using 17mm and 15mm so would like them two for now...any good ones out there on the internet or elsewhere?

 

[telectrix]

bahco are top tools. try out their pipe grips. no slip on the jaws for one.

http://www.amazon.com/Bahco-8231-Adjustable-Pliers-8-Inch/dp/B0012KGATW

 

[assegayer]

bahco are top tools. try out their pipe grips. no slip on the jaws for one.

Bahco 8231 Adjustable Joint Pliers, 8-Inch Big Mouth - Slip Joint Pliers - Amazon.com

id rather buy good quality like this so it lasts forever lol..next week hopefully..im building up my metal munching kit weekly...

 

[shanky887614]

id rather buy good quality like this so it lasts forever lol..next week hopefully..im building up my metal munching kit weekly...

knipex alligator pliers would be my choice instead of the bahco

 

[assegayer]

yes, bahco are very good and have been around a long time

i was just a bit skeptical because when you buy a large box with like 50 pieces in they usually turn out ****e quality. whats the difference the 3/8 1/4 and 1/2 do us sparks use the 3/8 more?..lol iv just been using my gaffers with my eyes closed

 

[ruston]

Adjustable spanners are a good get out of jail card, but you cannot wack the correct fitting spanner for the job.

 

[davesparks]

Adjustable spanners are a good get out of jail card, but you cannot wack the correct fitting spanner for the job.

Amen to that!

 

[shanky887614]

Amen to that!

the knipex spanner pliers are better than a spanner and adjystable

 

[assegayer]

Adjustable spanners are a good get out of jail card, but you cannot wack the correct fitting spanner for the job.

the thing is there awkward to get to some bolts when joining ladder rack for example because of the overlap from the edge of the rack

 

[ruston]

i was just a bit skeptical because when you buy a large box with like 50 pieces in they usually turn out ****e quality. whats the difference the 3/8 1/4 and 1/2 do us sparks use the 3/8 more?..lol iv just been using my gaffers with my eyes closed

Gauge it by access , and by the stress (torque) you have to put on your gear and fixing. (rule of thumb)
You will learn when you knack the 1/4 drive ratchet.

 

[davesparks]

the knipex spanner pliers are better than a spanner and adjystable

The two finger rule doesn't work with them though

 

[ruston]

the thing is there awkward to get to some bolts when joining ladder rack for example because of the overlap from the edge of the rack

Aye , it's sod's law.

 

[overskilled]

Halfords advanced kit is good (even better if you masquerade as a mech and blag a trade card) lifetime no quibble warranty (now evn on the ratchet mechanisms...)

My fave ratchet - Facom SL161PB 1/2 drive 72 tooth and tough as nails ( Buy facom SL.161PB ratchets online from alan wadkins toolstore example link...I got mine from ebay for less) Also comes as 1/4 and 3/8 drive...comfy to use also, and has survived some serious reefing on it with no effect on the ratchet..

 

[davesparks]

i was just a bit skeptical because when you buy a large box with like 50 pieces in they usually turn out ****e quality. whats the difference the 3/8 1/4 and 1/2 do us sparks use the 3/8 more?..lol iv just been using my gaffers with my eyes closed

The only complete sockets sets I have are a 1/4" halfords pro and a 3/4" teng tools set.
Plus boxes of loose 1/2" sockets and various breaker bars and ratchets and a rail of 3/8" deep metric and a ratchet in my toolbox

 

[davesparks]

You shouldn't need to put much stress on a ratchet handle, that's what breaker bars are for!

 

[overskilled]

You shouldn't need to put much stress on a ratchet handle, that's what breaker bars are for!

There are times when you don't have the space for a breaker bar though and facom kit is seriously over engineered...plus I've seen breaker bars break under less force than my facom