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This section provides an overview for ratchet handles as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 ratchet handle manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked ratchet handle companies as of January, 2025: 1.Electronic Hardware Corp., 2.Reed Manufacturing Co., 3.SUPER TOOL co. ltd..
Table of Contents
Ratchet handles are a type of socket wrench with a ratchet mechanism.
The ratchet mechanism refers to a gear that limits the direction of rotation in which force is applied in one direction. A familiar example is the pedal portion of a bicycle. When pedaling, force is applied, but when not pedaling, the cogwheel is spinning.
In the same way, when you want to tighten a screw, force is transmitted when the handle is turned clockwise, and when the handle is turned counterclockwise in the loosening direction, it is possible to spin the wheel. This eliminates the need to change the tool as the screw rotates when tightening/loosening the screw, making work much faster.
The direction of rotation in which force is applied can be easily switched using a lever, making it easy to switch between screw tightening and screw loosening operations.
Ratchet handles are used for tightening and loosening screws. As the screw rotates, the tool can be continuously tightened or loosened without having to reapply the socket.
Normally, the tool must be removed from the screw each time the screw is rotated, and then inserted again from a different angle to tighten or loosen the screw over and over again. Depending on the pitch of the bolt, the bolt will only advance 1.5mm (or 1.25mm) per rotation, so if the bolt is 10mm long, it will require 6 to 7 rotations to remove the bolt.
This method requires a lot of work time in proportion to the length of the bolt. However, by using ratchet handles, the bolt can be rotated at high speed without having to remove the tool each time, thus significantly shortening the work time.
The direction of rotation for applying force to the ratchet mechanism can be easily switched between tightening and loosening with the lever. When using a socket wrench in a small workspace, it is necessary to pull out the socket once it reaches the full rotation angle of the handle and reapply it. With ratchet handles, on the other hand, you can simply turn the handle in the opposite direction to tighten and loosen it again.
Inside the ratchet mechanism are a pawl and a gearwheel, which engage with each other to stop rotation. The pawl is pressed against the gear using spring force.
The relationship between the pawl and the gears is set up so that the pawl acts only in a certain direction, and rotation of the gears in the opposite direction pushes the pawl up and causes the gears to rotate. The "clicking" sound when the ratchet mechanism is turned in a direction where no force is applied is due to the pawl being pushed up and falling between the following gears.
By operating the lever to switch the direction of rotation, another pawl with a different pawl engagement direction engages the gear again, allowing for reverse rotation.
Size has different meanings in terms of the size of the socket insert and the size of the ratchet handles themselves. In general, there are three widely used socket sizes: 1/4 (6.35mm), 3/8 (9.5mm), and 1/2 (12.7mm).
The 3/8 (9.5mm) is neither too large nor too small and is easy to use, so this size is recommended at first.
The size of the ratchet handles themselves will increase in proportion to the size of the socket insert. Larger ratchet handles are stronger and can therefore apply higher torque. Some socket sizes are as small as a nail clipper, allowing them to be used in tight spaces without difficulty.
If there is a lock mechanism, the socket cannot be removed without unlocking it, which makes it safe to work with. However, it is necessary to hold down the lock release button while removing and installing the socket, which increases the time and effort required if the socket needs to be removed and installed frequently.
Attempting to forcibly remove the socket without releasing the lock will result in damage to the ratchet handles, so the sockets must always be unlocked before being removed. Even if there is no lock mechanism, a simple anti-loosing mechanism called a ball plunger is provided, so a lock mechanism is not always necessary.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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NBK America LLC, founded in 2015 and based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is an American manufacturer and a subsidiary of Japan's Nabeya Bi-tech Kaisha, specializing in mechanical components. Their product range includes couplings, like miniature shaft couplings for precision machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, special screws, such as vacuum application screws and other machine components. NBK offers finite automaton (FA) solutions, including wireless positioning units for production lines and setup operations. NBK provides machine component servicing, such as vibration resistance treatment and laser engraving. Services for couplings and special screws include coupling stainless steel screw alteration and screw length adjustment.
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.
EHC is a New York-based company, designs, manufactures, and distributes knobs and related hardware solutions. The company is involved in the manufacturing of an extensive range of crafted knobs suitable for various applications and purposes. They have control knobs that are further classifieds into many types, sizes, and series such as plastic, metallic, pointed, or round. There are also Clamp knobs such as Fluted and Knurled knobs and Military and Transilluminated knobs are also part of the inventory. They further provide specific services to help businesses outsource such as designing and engineering parts, providing custom manufacturing, or facilitating the logistics.
Hermes Clues Industries Co., Ltd. is a company based in Taiwan, a manufacturer and a supplier of packaging Solutions. Established in 1991, they produce a wide range of packaging products including gift boxes, shopping bags, paper tubes, and various customized packaging solutions. They also serve industries such as cosmetics, electronics, food and beverage, and luxury goods. One sample product from Hermes Clues Industries is their luxury gift box, which features exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials, and elegant finishes. This product is designed to enhance the presentation and perception of luxury goods.
Torcstar, founded in Maharashtra, India, in 1994 is a manufacturer of Hydraulic Tools, Pneumatic Tools and Electric Tools. The company's product portfolio includes General Tools, Hydraulic Torque Wrenches, Pumps, Hydraulic Bolt Tensioners and Lifting Tools. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, New Product Design and Development and national distribution.
Master Resource Industries Inc. is an international professional hand tools manufacturer located in Taiping, Taichung Hsien, Taiwan. The company specializes in producing hand tools in Taiwan, offering hand handles, sockets, tool accessories, and socket sets. It also provides impact tools, impact handles, as well as impact sockets, and impact tool accessories. The company has also acquired several patents in many countries, including Taiwan, the USA, the European Union, and China.
Tulex Tools, established in 2000 and based in Maharashtra, India, is a manufacturer and exporter of impact sockets and torque tools. The company offers bolting system for mining, engineering, transportation, and power plant industries as well as impact sockets that cater to various applications in the automotive and hydraulic sectors. Tulex Tools also provide non-sparking accessories, softer than conventional tools that require special handling for fire prevention. The company seeks to deliver superior workmanship toward technical efficiency to various industries across countries.
William Tools Company is a manufacturer and supplier of an extensive range of tools based in Taiwan. The company is established in 1987, and the has served tools including wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, saws, and measuring tools. These tools are designed for durability, precision, and ease of use in various industries and applications. William Tools was honored with the prestigious "2021 DB Top 1000 Elite SME Award Certificate" in recognition of their performance and significant contributions as a small and medium-sized enterprise.
A.O.K. Industrial Co., founded in 1979 and headquartered in Taichung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of hand tools, auto specialty tools, and air tools. The company offers a wide range of products, including the DR reactionless air ratchet, an interchangeable digital torque handle, hex key wrench set, an extended cut-off tool, and the DR side-to-side composite impact wrench. These tools have various applications in the automotive industry, as well as in the construction and household sectors. They facilitate tasks related to repair and maintenance, including assembly, fastening, and precision torquing.
SUPER TOOL Co., Ltd., established in 1918 in Japan, is a manufacturer of general and specialized tools for building and bridge construction, civil engineering, shipbuilding, and similar industries. The company offers an extensive line of specialty tools used by tradespeople and skilled workers that includes ratchet wrenches, clamps, portable cranes, jig clamping tools, piping tools, and more. SUPER TOOL Co., Ltd. also offers custom tool design and production as well as custom machinery production for commercial clients.
TOPTUL is part of ROTAR Group, founded in 1981 and operating in Taichung, Taiwan. TOPTUL is a manufacturer and distributor of tools and hardware equipment around the world. TOPTUL is ISO 9001:2008 certified. TOPTUL products include master tool sets, wrenches, torque wrenches, hand sockets, bit sockets, socket accessories, impact sockets, pneumatic tools, power tools, hexagon, star key tools, screwdrivers, bits, power bits, pliers, hammers & striking tools series, tool storage, tool display, auto tools, VDE insulated & general electrician’s tools, TOPTUL accessories, and other tools.
Parget Industrial Co., based in Taiwan and founded in 1983 by George and Gloria, is a manufacturer, exporter, and supplier of high-end professional tools. The company originally exported Taiwanese hand tools but expanded to include manufacturing in Vietnam and Taiwan. The company’s quality of tools is demonstrated through ISO 9001-2008 certification, and in 2005, they introduced their brand, LICOTA. The company offers limited lifetime warranties and aims to expand global brand recognition in the high-end professional tool market. With a new facility in Taichung and a branch in Shanghai, Parget serves clients worldwide, delivering high-end quality tools and after-sales services.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electronic Hardware Corp. |
15.4%
|
| 2 | Reed Manufacturing Co. |
15.4%
|
| 3 | SUPER TOOL co. ltd. |
15.4%
|
| 4 | A.O.K. INDUSTRIAL CO. |
7.7%
|
| 5 | HERMES CLUES INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. |
7.7%
|
| 6 | Tulex Industrial Tools |
7.7%
|
| 7 | William Tools |
7.7%
|
| 8 | Torcstar |
7.7%
|
| 9 | MRI |
7.7%
|
| 10 | NBK America LLC |
7.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the ratchet handle page as of January 2025. 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
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Taiwan
|
5 | 50.0% |
|
United States of America
|
3 | 30.0% |
|
India
|
1 | 10.0% |
|
Japan
|
1 | 10.0% |
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