Pittsburgh 94011 Thumb Wheel Ratchet Wrench 1/2 1/4 3/8 Drive, 3 Piece

When trying to replace screws in difficult areas, between the windshield and top of dash board.These ratchets work when all else failed.

The Quality Issus is that repair of this set is required for proper operation and durability. If you are not handy at fixing tools, or feel uncomfortable about repairing tools, you should probably consider something else. Repair was carried out as follows: the ratchets were disassembled, the sharp edges and burrs filed from the ratchet portion of the socket post [miniature files required], the Knob plunger spring trimmed to the proper length to facilitate proper smooth ratchet action, and the units reassembled. After repair the ratchet mechanism was smooth. The ratchets arrive with lubrication applied which I did not remove.The key features to look for in any device like this are: Ratchet or non-ratchet selection, number of teeth in ratchet, Force required to operate ratchet, Diameter of finger driver, overall length, contour of finger wheel, texture of finger wheel, pliability of finger wheel, whether a dual driver is needed, quick release function, and resistance to automotive contaminants. The evaluation to be applied to these factors depends on the individual and the use intended.For the True Power 1111 Set, the major factors are: Inexpensive; Three-Piece thumbwheel ratchet set, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch square drive; Knurled, chrome plated metal thumbwheel with beveled edges on thumbwheel; easy socket installation and removal from the black oxide coated socket post; they have a black plastic ratchet direction knob; they have smooth ratchet operation (after repair). The maximum diameter is 1.5 inches for all three drivers. The thickness of the thumbwheels is as follows: 1/4-inch thumbwheel thickness-0.438-inches; 3/8 inch thumbwheel thickness-0.516-inches; 1/2-inch thumbwheel thickness-0.638-inches. Overall lengths are as follows: 1/4-inch overall length-1.110-inches; 3/8 inch overall length-1.249-inches; 1/2-inch overall length -1.531-inches. The number of teeth in the ratchet mechanisms is as follows: 1/4-inch driver number of teeth-43 (8.4 degrees); 3/8 inch driver number of teeth-39 (9.2 Degrees); 1/2-inch driver number of teeth-45 (8 degrees). This set is made in China. The overall fit of the parts is looser than normal. These thumbwheel ratchets have a looser fit of parts than the Wilmar W36123 and W1716. These thumbwheel ratchets will not be as durable as all metal thumbwheel ratchets such as the W36123. These thumbwheel ratchets are not for automotive use in the presence of solvents that would attack the plastic ratchet knob. By and large this set is a very satisfying product, within the parameters stated above.Note that the True Power 1111 set is not as shown on the web site in the picture: The ratchets are not all chrome plated, only partially chrome plated; the product is not by Pittsburgh, but by True Power.Purchase of the True Power 1111 Set assumes that you already own or have access to sockets, adapters, extensions, screwdriver bits and “spinners”.The True Power 1111 Set is heavy in weight and intended for applications which do not involve solvents which would attack the plastic parts.The True Power 1111 Set does not indicate what materials are used in the manufacturing process.The True Power 1111 Set ratchet action as repaired is smooth and requires little resistance to function. This device can be used with a “spinner” such as the Cal-Van 104-3 if you need to hold the drive stationary while ratcheting.To always ratchet independent of the resistance of the fastener, use the True Power 1111 with the Cal-Van 109 and the appropriate adaptors. Connect the True Power 1111 to the 1/4 square (f) post of the Cal-Van 109, and set both devices to ratchet in the same direction, hold the Cal-Van 109 finger wheel stationary with one hand and use a tightening or loosening motion with the other (depending on the setting) and the assembly will ratchet on or off any fastener independent of the fastener resistance.The True Power 1111 square drives have the typical ratchet drive spring loaded ball to retain the socket under use. The amount of force to remove the socket varies less than average.A black plastic knob with a raised ridge for finger grip controls the direction of ratchet action by rotation. There is no non-ratchet setting on this device (no center off). Arrows and “R” and “L” and cast into the ratchet direction knob.You will need adaptors to use 5/16 and 1/4 screwdriver bits with the True Power 1111 Set.With my right hand and with some discomfort I can apply 20 inch-pounds of force with these ratchets using a KD tools 2955 torque wrench as a measuring tool. This is sufficient for most screwdriver applications. This is well below what is required for typical 3/8 socket applications. However, some applications like carburetors require large sockets but low torque. Another device will be required to supply sufficient torque for automobile fasteners. While the True Power 1111 Set is sufficient for most screwdriver applications, another device will be required to supply sufficient torque for Torex seat belt fasteners for instance. This device will probably be used to snug up fasteners for final tightening by a torque wrench.If your application requires pushing on the True Power 1111 Set such as installing wood screws, this is possible, but other devices like an electric drill with a bit adaptor, are more suited for this type of application.

Saved lotsa time gettin out bolts in confined space

You absolutely need these if you do any mechanical work with sockets. They speed up the process to get things finger tight or loose and help you get into tight areas where you can't easily swing a socket wrench. Life is better with these and they are good value.

For HVAC guys, let's say you have a potential leak on the A coil. You have one of those factory plastic threaded plugs in the drain port that never got used by the installer. Unfortunately, you can't get a 3/4" drive extension in there due to a sloppy install. This is perfect. Slap it in the plug, back it out, draw out your condensate, and then put your leak detector in the whole. The refrigerant is heavier than air, so if you have a leaking coil, the sniffer will be singing in under 3 minutes usually.

Used them as intended.

Love these. Use them all the time.

Initial impressions:The ratcheting mechanism feels pretty cheap. The ratcheting action is pretty stiff and the knob to change the ratchet direction feels pretty bad as well.The metal body on the other hand is heavy and seems sturdy but came with a number of nicks.I will see how durable it is on the job.

Los tres amigos del mecánico

As advertised, quick delivery.

Cheap but you get what you pay for. Had to send the 1st set back. 2nd set was okay

Works ok but I received 2 3/8 thumbwheels instead of a 1/4 one.