Evil's Inline Ratcheting Bit Driver

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #30 on:** September 27, 2011, 12:44:29 AM

Got the finger drive in today. Guess I need to is a saw to free the ratcheting mechanism free since it is fitted into a hexagonal hole.

Couple of questions:
• Did y'all use one of the included bits for the shank, then grind that down?
• Did you happen to use some sort of adhesive to hold the bit onto the ratcheting mechanism, or leave it as friction fit?

tattoosteve99 · **Reply #31 on:** September 27, 2011, 12:47:47 AM

I just used the bit that came with it. 1/4 inch I believe just a friction fit for mine. It's pretty tight so tap lightly with the hammer. Free advice. Grind it before you attach it.

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #32 on:** September 27, 2011, 12:58:49 AM

Popped the ratcheting mechanism out using the Crunch adjuster bolt (kept my original one) and a rubber mallet.

Will have to modify the shank with a Dremel tool later.

Thanks for the help Tattoosteve99.

And more thanks to E510 for making it.

Mike 56 · **Reply #33 on:** September 27, 2011, 02:56:19 AM

I coated the ratchet shank with some J-B Weld and taped it in the 1/4 nut setter as is. If you are going to grind the nut setter to fit the Leatherman flat bit holder do it before you attach to the ratchet.
Mike

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #34 on:** September 27, 2011, 03:33:35 AM

Used a Dremel tool, a few grinder bits, sander bit, and finally a polishing grit wheel.

Cut the sides to lock in the Large Bit Driver. Tested both sides out and the second cut was a tighter fit - so marked the shaft with four rough spots.

This will help find the best side for locking with the spring. Polished that down too.

Thanks MTO!!

Mike 56 · **Reply #35 on:** September 27, 2011, 04:25:55 AM

We need pix!
Mike

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #36 on:** September 27, 2011, 06:29:02 AM

Quote from: Mike 56 on September 27, 2011, 04:25:55 AM

We need pix!
Mike

Mine aren't as sexy as Evil510's or the rest of the gang. Never thought of modifying or making stuff till I found this site. You know how many tools I've bought/traded for because of this highly informative site??

And I owe this infliction on one person... Juli Warner. She's the one that sent me here over a year ago... lil brat. And I thought she was giving me the hint... you know... get rid of me and my crazy tool ideas.

Mike 56 · **Reply #37 on:** September 27, 2011, 07:59:35 AM

You did a nice job your driver and pix turned out nice.
Thanks,
Mike

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #38 on:** October 12, 2011, 09:38:34 AM

Not pleased with the quality of the ratchet.

Was trying to put a screw in for a bracket when I had to apply firm pressure. The ratchet instead slipped. Now any time I apply even the slightest tightening motion is starts slipping instead. Put the switch in the center, does the same thing.
Yet untightening the ratchet seems unaffected, so far.

Can see now why the things were on close-out.

Is it possible to disassemble this racthet and fix/replace whatever is slipping inside? Don't want to spent another $15 (item + shipping) to replace it.
Am a smurfin' miffed that the ratchet couldn't hold enough to tighten a screw into a pine toilet paper roll holder.

Mike 56 · **Reply #39 on:** October 13, 2011, 11:01:53 PM

Do you want me to see if they have any more in the store they were 3.50. I think i can mail it to you for another 3.00. It is a lot cheaper than 15.00.
Mike

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #40 on:** October 14, 2011, 02:57:24 AM

Quote from: Mike 56 on October 13, 2011, 11:01:53 PM

Do you want me to see if they have any more in the store they were 3.50. I think i can mail it to you for another 3.00. It is a lot cheaper than 15.00.
Mike

Thanks mate, but I'll just do without. Was fun while it lasted. $:-\$

tattoosteve99 · **Reply #41 on:** October 14, 2011, 08:00:26 PM

Mine is a little on the cheap side also. I'm still looking for a heavy duty model. If I find one I'll let you know.

Mike 56 · **Reply #42 on:** October 14, 2011, 08:19:52 PM

I don't trust mine all the way i break the screws loose first then i use the ratchet driver.
Mike

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #43 on:** October 15, 2011, 05:07:05 AM

Quote from: tattoosteve99 on October 14, 2011, 08:00:26 PM

Mine is a little on the cheap side also. I'm still looking for a heavy duty model. If I find one I'll let you know.

Thanks mate! I;d hate to have to cut one down just for it to break again. Novel idea, yet the quality isn't. I'd give another one a go if it wasn't for putting out money for gas and driving 200 miles round trip to the docs over this post hernia surgery. That's eating my mad money.

Outback in Idaho · **Reply #44 on:** June 16, 2016, 06:54:55 AM

Has anyone found a suitable replacement Leatherman Ratchet that can withstand some pressure? The one mentioned here did not fair well although was fun trying it out.

evil510 · **Reply #45 on:** June 16, 2016, 07:39:41 AM

Quote from: Xelkos on June 16, 2016, 06:54:55 AM

Has anyone found a suitable replacement Leatherman Ratchet that can withstand some pressure? The one mentioned here did not fair well although was fun trying it out.

It is a sound design, however, it is only as strong as the weakest link. In this case, the ratchet mechanism one chooses to make one from. There are many variations out there. Many of the cheaper, smaller versions do in fact have plastic gears, imagine that! Some are also made from what appears to be some cheap pot metal. Also I've yet to come across a compact version with more than one locking pawl. There simply isn't room. My original version is still used today but I never push it beyond what I consider light-medium duty. The size was ideal, but the strength wasn't. I hate having to limit myself or have to run for a dedicated driver if I don't have to.....

With that said, your timing is serendipitous. If you notice my recent signature, my Brute Driver HD has been complete for quite some time now. And it is exactly as the name implies. Granted, it is not small like the original version, it is much larger. This bad boy means business. What it lacks in compactness, it more than makes up for in brute strength. The mechanism was from my tried and tested ratcheting screwdriver of over ten years that never failed me. Upon rebuilding it, I was pleasantly surprised that it showed minimal wear internally despite all of my abuse. I reproduced new locking pawls out of D2 for it. It did have a nylon outer ring to switch directions. The ring however had nothing to do with the ratchet strength, it only toggled a ball bearing to switch the pawl. It was the only part that showed wear from ball bearing travel. I remade a new version out of delrin with a new aluminum outer ring with knurling. I don't hold back at all when using this new version whatsoever. It is another one of my mods that I haven't gotten around to posting on.....

~ evil ~