If you’re wondering how to choose the right spanner for the job, then the answer is really simple. Read this article, and we’ll show you the best ratchet spanners in Australia. Learn everything you need to learn about spanners and what to take into consideration before committing and buying this toolset.
Spanner sets are essential tools for every tradesman. They come in various sizes and shapes, and each has its own unique features. Before buying a new set of spanners, there are several things to consider, such as the size of the nut or bolt you want to remove, the material that the spanners are made from, the number of teeth on the jaws, and more.
You don’t want to waste time looking for spanners during repairs, or when working on a project, so you’ll definitely appreciate a good-quality pair. But selecting the right spanner can be tricky when you have dozens of options to choose from.
That’s where we come into play; this article it’s going to help you make the right choice. In the end, there will also be a section with pros and cons that will help you make up your mind.
The Types of Ratchet Spanners
There are three main types of ratchet spanners, open-ended, closed-ended, and adjustable. Each one serves a different purpose, but they all work pretty much the same way. [1]
The open-ended spanners are great for removing nuts and bolts with larger heads. They usually have a handle attached to them and a large jaw at the other end.
The closed-ended spanners are perfect for smaller jobs like tightening screws and loosening hex keys. These spanners often have a small handle and a long jaw.
Adjustable spanners are designed to fit over standard-sized handles. This means that they can be used with either an open-ended or closed-ended wrench or wrench set. You can get all these ratchet spanners from Bunnings.
Flex Head Ratchet Spanners
These are probably the most popular type of ratchet spanners because they offer versatility and ease of use. Flex head ratchets are available in both open and closed ends, but some manufacturers only produce one style.
The advantage of these spanners is that they allow you to change the angle between the two parts of the wrench. This makes it easier to reach tight spots and loosen stubborn items. [2]
However, flex head ratchets do not have any additional leverage, which means you cannot apply significant force to the item being removed.
This is why many people prefer fixed head ratchet spanners. Fixed head ratchets are similar to flex head ratchets, except they have a solid base that allows you to exert greater pressure onto the object being worked on.
6-point vs. 12 Point Ratchet Spanners
A 6-point ratchet spanner has six points of contact; it’s designed to work best for light-duty tasks. The 12-point ratchet spanner has twelve points of contact, and it’s suited for heavy-duty applications.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of heavy lifting, you should go for the 12-point model. It provides extra leverage and strength, making it the best option for those types of jobs. Otherwise, just go for the 6-point model it’s a great all-around ratchet spanner.
Things to Consider When Buying a Ratchet Spanner
While choosing a ratchet spanner may sound easy; it’s important you choose the right tool for the job. Here are a few things to consider when buying your next set of ratchet spanners.
1. Size
When shopping for ratchet spanners, make sure that the size fits the job. If you plan on working on a wide range of objects, choose a ratchet spanner that will accommodate this. For example, if you want to work on a car engine, you don’t want to purchase a ratchet spanner with too narrow a width.
2. Handle Length
Make sure that the length of the ratchet spanners’ handle matches the distance from your wrist to where you intend to place them. If you have long arms, opt for a ratchet spanner whose handle is shorter so that you won’t have to bend over all day.
3. Weight
Weight matters when it comes to tools. When you’re carrying around a large amount of weight, such as a hammer, it becomes harder to move around. A heavier tool also requires more effort to use, which could lead to frequent fatigue.
4. Grip
The grip of the ratchet spinner determines how comfortable it feels in your hands. Choose a ratchet spinner whose grip is smooth and firm so that it does not slip out of your hands easily.
5. Versatility
The ratchet spanners’ versatility is determined by their ability to fit various types of objects. If you want to remove screws from different sizes of screws, you’ll need a ratchet spanner capable of accommodating these differences.
Pros and Cons of Ratchet Spanners
Pros
- Reduces the Time you can Perform an Action since there’s no Need to Reset
- It has 6-point and 12-point Heads
- Flex Head Ratchet Spanners
- Good Price to Performance Ratio
- Great Quality Tools
- Sizes Engraved on Spanners
Cons
- The Larger Diameter Head may be in the way.
- It’s More Costly than a Regular Wrench
- It’s More Slippery than Socket Wrenches
References