When it comes to pulling on a ratchet with all your might, such as when trying to get a stuck bolt loose, having one that is rated for high torque and able to handle the stress is imperative. For tool reviewer Randy Kaiser, technician at Rost Motor, Inc. in Manson Iowa, the Sonic Tools NEXT Ratchets are “quite robust”.
The NEXT Ratchet is available in three sizes: 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”. The 1/4” ratchet is rated at 66 ft-lbs of maximum torque, the 3/8” is rated at 221 ft-lbs, and the 1/2” is rated at 558 ft-lbs.
“These numbers are important,” Kaiser says. “It’s never a good thing when a ratchet slips.”
Kaiser used the ratchets for component replacements under and behind dash panels, removing and replacing various engine components and sensors, brake work, and replacing suspension components.
He said the ratchets were very easy to use. The fine-tooth ratcheting mechanism and narrow head design allowed the ratchets to get into tight spots, which came in handy when doing repairs in and around different locations on a vehicle.
The quick-release button also worked “smoothly” for releasing sockets and extensions, he notes.
In addition, Kaiser also liked the size and comfort of the handles, as well as the quality and finish of the ratchets.
“The handle portion is cushioned on the sides where you grip the ratchets,” he says. “The size of the handles and the cushioned grip made them fit very nicely in my hand. They were not so big that you couldn’t grip them properly, and being cushioned, they didn’t slip in your hand.”
“The metal in the tool seems to be good quality and has a nice, smooth finish,” Kaiser adds.
Although the technician has used many different brands and types of ratchets over his career, he said the cushioned handles were a nice touch and “definitely a plus”.
When the ratchets arrived, they came well-packaged. The only thing that Kaiser had to do was remove the plastic hanger that was attached to the ratchet (used for hanging the tool on a display rack) and the ratchet was ready to use.
“It was very self-explanatory,” Kaiser says.
In using the ratchet, Kaiser observed “The center spindle portion of the ratchets seemed to be a little bit loose in the housing.” The company addressed this concern as follows:
“If you wiggle both ends between your fingers, the play seems like more than it actually is because the quick-release button has more play than the actual drive mechanism. If you grab just the drive mechanism between two fingers, there's noticeably less wiggle, which shows a tight tolerance.”
After reviewing the Sonic Tools NEXT Ratchets, Kaiser continues to use the tools and even found a spot within his toolbox, stating the ratchets are “very handy tools to use”.
