Balanced Cheater Bar for Ratchet

[IAMSatisfied]

This tool is pretty straightforward... I needed a way to apply torque to a ratchet using both hands to apply the torque rather than one hand supporting the head of the ratchet and only the free hand applying the force. It works well for my use.

This is made from a piece of 1/2" steel pipe and a piece of flat bar and fits the handles of several different makes of 3/8" ratchets.

I realize one can buy a T-handle socket wrench, but I live in the sticks and "running down the street to the hardware store" wasn't an option. This utilizes common scrap, is inexpensive and works well.

The transmission is strapped down to limit movement, a requirement.

[sossol]

I've needed something like this more times than I can count. This is far too elegant for me to think up, so I'll just copy yours.


Neil

[mdhatter3]

Neat idea. Simple and easy to make and useful. Thanks

[Peter Sanders]

Hi Yes, a neat and simple idea as mdhatter3 said. But you are not lessening the force required, you are just splitting the same amount of effort between two hands (arms). Making the cheater bar "longer" by extending ALONG the handle end, reduces the effort required by ONE hand. Obviously with the need to hold the ratchet in place with the other hand. Using the shortest possible socket extension minimises the effort required to hold the ratchet in place, and minimises the "distorted" leverage that tries to pull the socket away from the bolt/nut.
I think the longer bar is better. Perhaps, when in use) you could place the tube part of the tool the opposite way around and have the welded bar point away from the ratchet head. You'll get the extra leverage that way. This tool offers the best of both worlds, well done.

[schuylergrace]

Can you flip it around and use it as a cheater bar, too? This thing is perfect in its simplicity!

[hemmjo]

Very nice, the is on my todo list now!!!

[Frank S]

Turns a ratchet into a ratcheting T bar, I like it.

[katy]

Neat idea, thanks for posting.

[Jon]

Congratulations IAMSatisfied - your Balanced Cheater Bar is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

Another huge week around here, but the simple and clever solution wins it this week.

Some more good builds from this week:

Bandsaw Feed System by thehomeengineer
Air System Water Trap by Frank S
Lantern Chuck by neilg4dbn
Metal Bender by Kwandotechnic
Blast Door Latch by thehomeengineer
Belt Grinder Anti-Static Strap by mr_modify1
Circle Cutting Tool Jig by orioncons36
Stuck Powerlet Extraction Method by mklotz
LED Limiting Resistor Calculation by mklotz
ER32 Chuck by carl blum
Spindex Accuracy Modifications by mr_modify1
Spiling Stick by Philip Davies
Tap Organizer by mr_modify1
Pipe Fitting Removal Method by Frank S
Guitar Neck Jig by sossol
Trailer Wheel Bolt Circle Adjustment by Frank S
Electronic Edge Finder by mr_modify1
End Mill Sharpening Fixture by mr_modify1
Knife Sharpening Jig by fox craft
Plastic Box Reinforcement by mr_modify1
Drill Sanding Attachment by Mr.DK DIY
Swivel Fitting and Black Pipe Seal by Frank S
Bolt Down Milling Plate by editor@glue-it.com


IAMSatisfied - we'll add your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:



And, you'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon (US-only), PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and award choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

Nice work!

[wombat50]

Great idea! Elegant in its simplicity. As is often the case the simplest solution is usually the best.