What is a Ratchet Spanner?
Ratchet spanners use the multi-toothed ring in their heads to tighten or loosen a fastening such as a nut. The design of the head allows you to turn the ratchet in the same direction to tighten or loosen but releases the grip when turning the other way preventing undoing the work you have just done. Unlike a spanner you can turn the ratchet back and forth without having to remove it from the fastening as the nut will only turn in one direction.
What are Ratchet Spanners Used For?
Whether you are a mechanical engineer by trade or enjoy being a DIY mechanic in your garage or workshop, a set of ratchet spanners will help you with a wide range of fastenings on cars, motorbikes, and bicycles. They can also be useful for plumbers to help with tightening or loosening radiator valve tails, tank connectors, lugs and nipples.
Ratchet spanners are ideal when there isn’t much space above the fastening, as there is no need to remove the tool to reposition it with each turn. A set of ratchet spanners will offer a range of sizes, some with multiple sizes on each head, making them a practical and cost-effective option for professionals or DIY enthusiasts.
What to Look for When Choosing a Ratchet Spanner Set
There are many different types of ratchet spanner sets available, each with different sizes and head types. Below explains what the various head types are.