On Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:13:12 -0400, Jeff Wisnia
wrote:

Jack S wrote:
I saw a type of ratchet socket wrench that I haven't seen before.

It's a standard socket ratchet with a direction selector plus,,, at the end
of the wrench handle is a one inch rotating bar that you can turn, which
causes the wrench socket to turn.

In other words, if the nut or bolt is loose, you can turn the socket without
moving the wrench handle.

Anybody know what this type of wrench is called?

Thanks



I don't know the name of that style of wrench, but if that "one inch
bar" sticks out very far it could become an annoyance in tight quarters.

I'm sure anyone who had one would also have a starndard ratchet.

HD has something like this for about 25 dollars. I don't remember a
bar at all, but maybe it was hard to twist so some added the bar.
Maybe HD too.

My "garage" toolbox contains a set of three different size thin black
oxide finished steel disks with knurled edges which have (in order of
size) 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" square holes in their centers.

The idea is that you're supposed to put them on the wrench drive square
before you snap on a socket or extender bar. The disks are larger than
the wrench heads so you can "spin" the socket with your fingertips.

I think I've had them for about 30 years and I can't recall ever using
one of them.

I have 3/8". Never used it.

But one day I might. I had a 67 Catalina with a 400 cid engine and I
couldn't get anything in to change the number 1 sparkplug, not even
the socket alone. I'm sure they made a socket for this purpose. I
just didn't have it. (I ended up removing the big cast iron AC
bracket and taking it to a shop to get a a piece cut out of it. to get
access to the plug.

Sears still sells them, so somebody must use them: G

http://tinyurl.com/3beorj

Jeff