I use this ratchet in an industrial, production setting. Today, we broke one by using it in an unintended fashion. Because of its past track record, (almost 3 years), and the way it is designed, I am giving it a five star review. The way the locking mechanism is made on this ratchet is why the lever seems to be reversed, (previous review). This ratchet uses two separate locking tabs rather than a single, rocking, locking tab. In my opinion this makes for a very, simply made, extremely strong, head, (reference the stories of cheater bars). The company that I work for builds transformers, (main and substation size). We use this ratchet to open and close the mandrels that we build windings on. Today we broke one of the locking tabs and partially squashed one of the 24 teeth on the main gear. This was accomplished by placing the handle against a fixed object and using a motor drive to attempt to expand the mandrel, (literally over 1000ft lbs of force). Not how we usually do it. An operator taking a shortcut. Because of the design of this ratchet I am able to move the remaining locking tab for the direction I need, while I'm waiting for the head repair kit to arrive. In conclusion I will take this design over the conventional 34;rocker34; design any time, (even if can be a little confusing). In my opinion, for 3/434; and above ratchets, this should be the industry standard. Thank you E-ZRED for one of the toughest ratchets I have ever used, and for manufacturing replacement head kits for those times that we do really stupid/unsafe things, (abuse).
Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]