I don't actually remember using it so I have no idea about the ratchet as such It makes total sense - people were running about with Ball sweaters in the 80s, so that someone got inspiration for a ball ratchet was just bound to happen. And then sell it to all those ball wearing people? Of course, some of us got gifts from not-so-trendy relatives.. I distinctly remember walking around in a "Call" sweater instead!
Looks like a cool tool set GLBM Are you going to use it or is it for your collection
That’s a cool noise GLBM nothing wrong with that
Thank you, ezdog! That is very cool you have hands on experience using one of the ball ratchets. I think it is understandable that you didn't rush out to buy the ball drivers. I have never really explored using ratchet drivers, mainly because they don't jive well with antique brass wood screws(or I just am not used to using them compared to regular drivers).The silliness is part of the charm for me, but it is definitely not going to win any ergonomics awards. May have to check out the Snap-On stuff though, if the boss is willing to let the moths out of his wallet.
Interesting looking tool, but I can definitely see the ball not fitting well in many people’s hand.As far as the noise, my dog would probably be trying to get it because he goes crazy for unknown or strange noises made by things I have.
Oh Man,you should really try finding and trying a nicer one then and see just what you are missing!These days almost everyone is using Power Drivers of some kind at least in a construction environment and these are often a whole lot more power than is needed or suggested just used for the convenience more than the best practice to me.So a Ratcheting Hand Driver can be an ideal tool in a lot of jobs as it offers the control of a Hand Driver and the speed and torque of a power driver,well mostly.The good ones can change the way you work.This is the one that I have most of and it is the best for the money that I have used though unlike the Snap-On it is reversed in control action as are all of the ones I have tried aside from the Snap-On?https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Ratcheting-Magnetic-Screwdriver-Storage/dp/B005ZLX1XCI have not seen these at Lowes yet but they do sell them at ACE Hardware here and cheaper than on Amazon too.
Here is a review you might like too?
I use the larger Easydriver on woodworking projects because it is a great torque amplifier. The only problem I had with it is that the handle doesn't always grip the shaft tight enough to prevent the shaft from slipping out.My ratcheting screwdrivers are shown in this photo. The blue handled driver is my favorite and made by Williams (Snap-On). Enderes Tools made the 13-in-1 ratcheting driver with the yellow handle.(Image removed from quote.)
My Dad had (Has?!v - Need to ask...) one of those and I remember "helping" him with projects using this tool back in the 80s. Thank you for some nice memories! I will ask him if he still owns his example and maybe test it again.This week he´s out and about on a hike with a few old friends on their annual "old man trip". He´ll be 70 in October but he´s still active and hiked the alps last year - I hope I will be able to do that in his age, too.Back on topic: Nice find!
I have one. It doesn’t come with all the extra bits or original packaging though.If I found that one, I would have jumped on it as well.
Great buy! I had one, they are a little earlier than the '80's. Mid to late '70's is probably more accurate and there were different similar ratcheting ball like screwdrivers as early as the mid '50's.
Great tool! Since discovering it about 20 years ago, I moved away from corded drills and nut drivers for panel screws and used an EASYDRIVER ball and magnetic 1/4" drive sockets. Never looked back.But there is one problem....the darn things multiply like rabbits! lolAnd this is an old picture, too.
I remember seeing one of those easy driver ratchets for sale in the 70's. I told my father it looked silly. He said, "It's not silly if it works." He didn't need a ratchet driver at the time, but knew from the moment he saw it that big ball is a great way to put force into a fastener and ratchets save time. Yes the ratchet teeth were big and crude, but that was the level of machining then. It's still viable today. A couple years backI found a smaller scale version of the same driver with the Skil tools brand at a thrift store, still in the box, for around $5. It has a bit collection stored inside the ball and a telescoping shaft. It's 1/4" drive not 3/8", but it's perfect for what we work on these days.Update: Having watch Gerleatherberman's video I realize what I have is a Fastball with a few less options. Mine does not have the on shaft storage. (Hey I'm talking' about Shaft!) or the 1/8" drive feature, but otherwise is identical down to the rubber grip pattern, the only other difference is the color.
Very cool you found that one, Scorpion Regent! I have used mine a few times since I got it, and have warmed up to the concept. However, that said, I have used standard drivers every single day at work(and sometimes at home), sometimes hundreds of times a day, for about 20 years. So I'd be hard pressed to attempt to swap over.
My Dad has one of these, and I think my Mum has the one we had. A distinctive sound I remember from my childhood, thanks for sharing!
I suggest you put it in a practical "on the go tool kit" that you leave in your car or truck that you have for simple repairs away from the house that can do jobs that are just a step up from a multitool. That's what I did.
You're certainly welcome, TR!A good idea!