This section provides an overview for ratchets as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 41 ratchet manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked ratchet companies as of June, 2023: 1.REFCO Manufacturing Ltd..
Table of Contents
A ratchet (ratchet mechanism) is a type of rotary mechanism that rotates in one direction but spins in the other direction. The most famous example is a bicycle. If you pedal forward, the bicycle will move forward, but if you pedal backward, the bicycle will spin around and not move backward. Also, if you stop pedaling when going downhill on a bicycle, the bicycle will go down the hill without any problem.
In addition to this, there are many other applications to tools, such as ratchet wrenches.
The ratchet mechanism is used in many other tools, such as ratchets wrenches and ratchets eyeglass wrenches, as well as bicycles.
The reason why a ratchet wrench is so useful is that with a normal wrench, you have to put the wrench on the bolt, tighten it to some extent, remove the wrench from the bolt, put the wrench on the bolt again, tighten the bolt again, and repeat the process. On the other hand, ratchets wrench, on the other hand, allows you to tighten the bolt again by turning the wrench in the opposite direction without removing the wrench from the bolt after you put the wrench on the bolt and turn it to a certain extent.
There are two major ratchets mechanisms.
One is to use a gear and a latch (tooth rest). The gear has a right-angled triangular groove (i.e., one side of the groove is vertical and the other side is sloped), and the latch is pressed against it by spring force. Because the latch is pressed against the gear by the spring force, the latch can go over the apex of the gear from the sloping side, but not from the vertical side. This means that ratchets wrench will spin when the gear is spinning in the above direction and close the bolt when the gear is spinning in the latter direction. The clicking sound when the ratchets wrench is turned in the spinning direction is the sound of the gears spinning and the latch exceeding the crest of the gear.
The other type combines two parts with right-angled triangular grooves shaped radially on the end face of the shaft, facing each other and spring-loaded. When one of the parts is fixed, it can rotate by pushing out the spring force if the rotation force is applied in the direction of the slope of the groove of the other part, but it cannot rotate if the force is applied to the vertical plane of the other part. This mechanism is used to form ratchets mechanism.
(1) Attachment and removal of sockets
Sockets can be installed or removed by inserting or removing them from the convex part of the ratchet handle.
Some ratchets, such as those made by KTC, have a push-button on the handle that can be used only when the push-button is pressed. There is no need to worry about the socket coming off unexpectedly during work or other times.
(2) Orientation of the lever
There is a lever on the back of the convex part of the ratchets handle, and by changing the direction of this lever, the direction of tightening or loosening the board etc., is switched.
Although it is important to note that the direction of the lever varies depending on the product, in general, products can be tightened when the lever is turned to the left and loosened when the lever is turned to the right. Be sure to check this at the preparation stage.
Insufficient switching of the lever can lead to malfunctions or work errors, so be sure to switch the lever securely.
Ratchet handles are available in long type, short type, swing type, compact-short type, etc. It is important to select one according to the working environment. In particular, it is important to check the size of the insertion angle. The insertion angle is the square convex part that connects the socket to the handle.
The size of the insertion angle is generally expressed in sq., which is an abbreviation for square. For example, the insertion angle of 9.5 sq. is 9.5 mm on two sides of a square.
There are five types of drive angles: 6.3sq.(1/4in), 9.5sq.(3/8in), 12.7sq.(1/2in), 19.0sq.(3/4in), and 25.4sq.(1in), with the numbers in parentheses, denoting inch sizes.
The larger the insertion angle, the stronger the force required to tighten the screw and the larger the size of the screw to be turned. It is important to select the insertion angle by checking the socket that corresponds to the required screw size.
Using the right tool for the right work environment is a shortcut to safe, efficient, and effective work.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Reed Manufacturing was founded in 1896 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Reed Manufacturing is a distributor of pipe tools and vises for professional trades. Product lines include cutters & cutter wheels, pipe cutters, large diameter pipe tools, plastic pipe tools, water services tools, threaders & dies, test pumps & groovers, vises, wrenches, and general pipe working tools. New product lines include cordless pipe bevelers, pipe beveler adapter heads, cordless power drives, cordless water transfer pumps, oiler systems, rachet wrenches, utility clutches, pipe end prep tools, and squeeze tools.
Suncor Stainless, Inc. is based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Suncor Stainless serves the industrial, marine, architectural, commercial, government, and OEM markets as a manufacturer of stainless steel hardware and components. Suncor Stainless is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Suncor Stainless’s services include custom stainless steel manufacturing, product testing and quality assurance, strength testing, metal content testing, custom webbing, custom stainless steal chain assemblies, custom threading, machine swaging, corrosion resistance testing, and retail packaging. Suncor Stainless also supplies numerous components such as sheaves, hooks, and clips.
Samco Sales Inc was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial equipment, serving metal casting, forging, manufacturing, marine, and trucking markets. The company’s product lines also include standard and galvanized wire rope, fencing material, farming tools, and steel lock keys. The company’s metal forging services include small to medium components of steel and other alloys with several surface finishing options available.
Based in Bayville, NY, SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp. is an ISO-certified supplier and manufacturer of industrial equipment, chemicals, components, ordinance, electronics, and systems for industries ranging from aerospace to high tech to law enforcement. Examples of product offerings include raw materials, chemicals, and lubricants for industrial purposes to finished products such as security helmets for law enforcement, and military ordnances. SAE also provides research and development as well as technical support for other companies in similar industries.
PSM Industries is a family business founded in 1956 and is based in Los Angeles, California. PSM provides solutions in parts fabrication through powder metal technology. Through this, PSM serves industries including medical, sporting goods, food service, and aerospace. PSM Industries consists of 4 categories of divisions throughout the United States. High-Performance PM includes Pacific Sintered Metals, PM Engineered Solutions, and BestMetal. High Wear Carbides Includes PM Krupp High-Speed Steels and Yilik Precision Carbides. The other two categories are metal injection molding featuring PolyAlloys and engineered plastics featuring W.M. Guliksen.
Duff-Norton is a division of Columbus McKinnon Corp and was originally founded in 1883, now headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Duff-Norton is an automation machinery manufacturer for aerospace, defense, automotive, entertainment, pharmaceutical, food processing, paper, energy, rail/road, and energy supply industries. Duff-Norton manufactures standard and customer-designed screw jacks (mechanical actuators), linear actuators (electro-mechanical actuators), modulator actuators, swivel joints, electric cylinders, rotary unions (rotating joints), acme and ball screws, nuts and rail maintenance equipment to customers globally.
BudgitHoist.com is headquartered in Forest Lawn, Illinois and is owned and operated by Sievert Electric Service and Sales Company. Sievert Electric is a distributor for Budgit Hoist who is the producer. BudgitHoist produces 1/4 to 3t electric chain hoists, air chain hoists, trolleys, repair parts, and other accessories. BudgitHoist offers additional services such overhead crane design sales, service, and repair, as well as electrical repairs and new construction. Additionally, BudgitHoist offers communication installations, repairs, and maintenance, as well as scoreboard installation repair and construction.
Ohio Power Tool, Inc was founded in Columbus, OH in 1983. OPT has 3 primary operating segments: sales, rental, and repair. Sales and rental segments include air compressors and other air tools, concrete & masonry saws, concrete core drills, cordless and electric corded tools, gas detection, generators, hand tools, hydraulic cylinders and pumps, inspection equipment, jobsite cleanup equipment, ladders and lifting equipment, levels, pipe cutting & threading equipment, as well as safety and storage equipment. The repair segment includes testing and recalibration and uses factory parts.
Great Lakes Industrial Supply Co. (Great Lakes) is a family business originally founded in 1954, operating out of Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Great Lakes is a distributor for industrial and contracting supplies including cutting tools, mechanic tools, power tools, and safety items. Some of the types of cutting tools Great Lakes offers include drills such as jobbers and roto hammers, taps, reamers, and dies. Mechanic tools include rachets, drivers, and sockets. Power tools include offerings from companies such as Makita and Milwaukee.
Burlington Safety Laboratory Inc. was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Burlington, New Jersey with additional operations in both Northern and Southern California. The company is a developer and tester of safety equipment used in hazardous situations in the military, heavy manufacturing, electric wire handling, and marine repair industries. The company is credited to meet ASTM/ANSI, MIL Specs, and California OSHA standards of equipment safety. The company offers safety training, repair, and testing services. The company’s products include general safety equipment, and insulation equipment for electric wire maintenance.
Addison Building Materials was founded in 1947in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Addison has over 38,000 items in stock across departments including lumber, building materials, hand tools, power tools, electrical, fastener, paper products, SOG Knives, janitorial, clothing, ice & snow, automotive, and audio-visual departments. In addition, Addison offers various services including custom orders, local delivery, rental program for contractor and industrial tools and equipment, lumber cutting, pipe threading, and paint color matching.
Aero-Space Fasteners and Electronics was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is a distributor for engineered fasteners, electric components, cable assemblies, castings, PCBs, and more. The company is an AS9120-certified and factory-authorized distributor. Aero-Space serves the aerospace industry as well as telecom, food service, alternative energy, and more. The company’s services include tooling, specialty packaging, kitting, vendor-managed inventory, and just-in-time delivery to simplify supply chain management for customers.
Westerfield Sales and Services (Westerfield) was founded in 1946 in Old Brooklyn, Ohio. Westerfield is stocking caster distributer. Westerfield’s online store offers casters of a number of materials and styles including iron, hard rubber, phelonic, pneumatic, carefree, rubber, polyurethane, TPR, ductile steel, and poly on poly Westerfield also stocks other equipment such as E-tracks, straps, dollies, rubber bands, E-track load bars, furniture dolly carpet ends, hoop kits, tie offs, load bars, panel carts, platform trucks, pry bars, and shelf carts.
Hassel Materials Handling Co. was established in 1968 and is a distributer for material handling solutions. Hassel Materials Handling product lines include “carts & trucks” such as picking carts and shelf trucks, “cranes, hoists & crane accessories” such as jib cranes and chain hoists, “ergonomic products” such as industrial seating and antifatigue matting, “gravity & power conveyors” such as gravity conveyors and plastic belt conveyors, “loading dock equipment” such as dock lights and hoppers, “security & wall systems” including guard rails and post protectors, “shop equipment” such as workstations and welding reels, and “storage products” such as workbenches.
Compressed Air Systems was founded in Tampa, Florida in 1963. Compressed Air Systems supports customers in a wide array of industries including food & beverage, medical applications, industrial, electronics, fleet maintenance, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, plastics processing, CNC machine shops, and woodworking. Compressed Air Systems sells air compressors, railcar gate openers and various related products. Compressed Air Systems also offers services including audit, leak compressed air leak elimination, compressed air rentals, and turnkey packages for industrial equipment systems.
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
Ingersoll Rand Inc. was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina. The company serves medical, energy, specialty vehicle, and other industries across the world with fluid transfer and other liquid handling systems. The company has two primary segments: Precision and Science Technologies and Industrial Technologies and Services. Precision and Science Technologies manufactures syringe pumps, hydrogen compression systems, and other components under brand names such as Air Dimensions, Milton Roy, and Zinnser Analytic. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment manufactures and services air and gas compression products under Ingersoll Rand, Nash, Emco Wheaton, and other brand names.
Tank Truck Service & Sales, Inc. has been designing and building tank trucks since 1948 and is based in Warren, Michigan. The company is a manufacturer, assembler, and distributor of tank trucks and trailers. The company's product offerings include parts and components including tank truck equipment, bulk plant and storage tank equipment, dry break or dry disconnect fittings, valves, hose, hose reels, meters, swivel joints, gaskets, and pipe sealants. Tank truck offerings include refined fuel trucks and trailers, LGP trucks, and specialty tank trucks. Additionally, The company offers metalwork, equipment work, dot testing, paintwork, and sensor repairs.
SINOTOOLS Industrial is a distributor of Chinese-built tools to agricultural, construction, and painting markets in the US and internationally. The company’s brands include Bullfrog, StealMax, and CarDepot. Through its brands, the company’s tools include hand tools and power tools. Hand tool categories include measuring tools, cutting tools, agricultural tools, and others. Power tools include hammer drills, gasoline chainsaws, electric sanders, and more. The company offers logistics support for customers to assist in intercontinental shipping and customs clearance.
Bearing Distributors and Bearing Distributors & Drives have been family owned and operated since 1953 and are headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. Bearing Distributors is a distributor of bearings, power transmission components, electric motors, and other parts from companies such as ABB, Bondhus, and American Pulley. The company has additional product segments including Industrial HVAC, Material Handling, Power Transmission Equipment, and Tools. The company offers services including branch inventory, plant surveys, vendor-managed inventory, onsite factory training, and repair services.
Ranking as of June 2023 in United States of America
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | REFCO Manufacturing Ltd. | 100% |
Ranking as of June 2023 Globally
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | REFCO Manufacturing Ltd. | 100% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the ratchet page as of June 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History