# Ratchets

**Category Path**: Hand Tools > Socketry & Spanners > Socketry > Ratchets

Shop professional ratchets at MyToolShed. Browse 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" drive ratchets from Bahco, Draper & Elora. Quick release, reversible & soft grip options available.

About Ratchets A ratchet, also known as a socket wrench, is an essential hand tool for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts who need to tighten or loosen fasteners efficiently. Featuring a male square drive connector that accepts interchangeable sockets, ratchets incorporate a clever mechanism that allows continuous rotation in one direction whilst gripping in the other. This eliminates the need to repeatedly remove and reposition the tool like a traditional spanner, dramatically speeding up work on nuts and bolts. A reversible switch on the ratchet head enables quick changes between tightening and loosening operations. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive selection of ratchets in the most common drive sizes: 1/4" drive for compact, light-duty applications; 3/8" drive for medium tasks; and 1/2" drive for general-purpose and heavy-duty work. Our range includes quick-release ratchets, swivel head designs, extending models, and high tooth-count options from trusted brands including Draper, Bahco, Elora, and Blue Spot, ensuring professionals and enthusiasts alike can find the perfect tool for their requirements. Applications Ratchets are indispensable across numerous trades and applications: Automotive mechanics – engine work, brake repairs, suspension maintenance, and general vehicle servicing Plumbers and heating engineers – radiator valves, pipe fittings, and boiler installations Electricians – securing junction boxes, cable glands, and electrical enclosures General construction – scaffolding assembly, steelwork, and structural installations Machine maintenance – equipment servicing, production line repairs, and industrial machinery Bicycle repairs – precise work on bike components with compact 1/4" drive ratchets DIY home maintenance – furniture assembly, appliance repairs, and general household tasks Choosing The Right Ratchets Selecting the appropriate ratchet depends on several key factors: Drive size: Match the drive to your sockets and typical fastener sizes. 1/4" drive suits smaller bolts and confined spaces; 1/2" drive handles most general tasks; 3/8" drive offers a versatile middle ground. Tooth count: Higher tooth counts (60-72 teeth) require less swing arc, making them ideal for restricted access areas. Standard tooth counts suit general applications where space isn't limited. Head design: Standard fixed heads offer durability; swivel heads provide angular flexibility; micro heads access tighter spaces; extending ratchets add reach when needed. Quick-release mechanisms: Spring-loaded ball detents enable faster socket changes, improving productivity on jobs requiring multiple socket sizes. Handle style: Soft-grip handles reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use; standard chrome finishes offer excellent durability and easy cleaning. MyToolShed.co.uk offers ratchets suitable for both occasional DIY use and demanding professional environments, with options to suit every budget and application. Safety Information Always select a ratchet with adequate drive size and length for the torque required – never use extensions or "cheater bars" to increase leverage beyond the tool's design limits. Inspect ratchets regularly for worn teeth, damaged drives, or loose components. Ensure sockets are fully seated on the drive before applying force, and always pull rather than push the handle where possible to maintain better control and reduce injury risk if the fastener suddenly releases. Frequently Asked Questions What's the difference between a ratchet and a spanner? A ratchet features a mechanism that allows continuous rotation in one direction without removing the tool from the fastener, whilst a spanner requires repositioning after each turn. Ratchets also accept interchangeable sockets, making them more versatile than fixed-size spanners. Can I use a 1/2" drive socket on a 3/8" drive ratchet? Yes, but only with the appropriate drive adaptor. However, ensure the torque requirements don't exceed the smaller ratchet's capacity. It's generally better to match socket and ratchet drive sizes for optimal performance and safety. What does the tooth count on a ratchet mean? The tooth count refers to the number of teeth inside the ratchet mechanism. Higher tooth counts (60-72 teeth) require smaller swing arcs to engage, making them ideal for confined spaces where you have limited room to move the handle.

## Products

- [Bahco 3/8" Drive Quick Release Reversible Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//bahco-3-8-drive-quick-release-reversible-ratchet/prod/674083/) - £33.95
- [Bahco 1/4" Drive Quick Release Reversible Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//bahco-1-4-drive-quick-release-reversible-ratchet/prod/674082/) - £30.95
- [Wera Zyklop 1/4" Drive Head Fine Tooth Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//wera-zyklop-1-4-drive-head-fine-tooth-ratchet/prod/168901/) - £75.95
- [ITL 3/8" Drive Insulated Reversible Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//itl-3-8-drive-insulated-reversible-ratchet/prod/704976/) - £105.95
- [Draper 3/8" Drive 72 Tooth Reversible Soft Grip Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//draper-3-8-drive-72-tooth-reversible-soft-grip-ratchet/prod/308876/) - £13.95
- [Wera 8001 A Zyklop 1/4" Hex Drive Mini Ratchet Bit Driver](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//wera-8001-a-zyklop-1-4-hex-drive-mini-ratchet-bit-driver/prod/174488/) - £41.95
- [Facom J.151B 3/8" Drive Round Head Original Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//facom-j151b-3-8-drive-round-head-original-ratchet/prod/340818/) - £35.95
- [ITL 1/4" Drive Insulated Reversible Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//itl-1-4-drive-insulated-reversible-ratchet/prod/704974/) - £92.95
- [Bahco Swivel Head 3/8" Drive Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//bahco-swivel-head-3-8-drive-ratchet/prod/472577/) - £50.95
- [Sealey Non Sparking 1/2" Drive Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sealey-non-sparking-1-2-drive-ratchet/prod/518015/) - £216.95
- [Bahco Swivel Head 1/4" Drive Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//bahco-swivel-head-1-4-drive-ratchet/prod/472576/) - £44.95
- [Elora 1" Drive Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//elora-1-drive-ratchet/prod/20517/) - £308.95
- [Draper 3/8" Drive Round Head Reversible Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//draper-3-8-drive-round-head-reversible-ratchet/prod/309399/) - £15.95
- [Faithfull 1/4" Drive Quick Release Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//faithfull-1-4-drive-quick-release-ratchet/prod/782360/) - £15.95
- [Bahco Swivel Head 1/2" Drive Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//bahco-swivel-head-1-2-drive-ratchet/prod/472575/) - £64.95
- [Faithfull 1/4" Drive 72 Tooth Quick Release Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//faithfull-1-4-drive-72-tooth-quick-release-ratchet/prod/515715/) - £12.95
- [Facom S.151B 1/2" Drive Round Head Original Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//facom-s151b-1-2-drive-round-head-original-ratchet/prod/340825/) - £43.95
- [Sirius PRO2 1/2" and 3/8" Drive Quick Release Ratchet Set](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sirius-pro2-1-2-and-3-8-drive-quick-release-ratchet-set/prod/438555/) - £19.95
- [Stanley Fatmax 1/2" Drive 120 Tooth Fine Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//stanley-fatmax-1-2-drive-120-tooth-fine-ratchet/prod/566867/) - £35.95
- [Sirius PRO2 1/2" Drive Quick Release Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sirius-pro2-1-2-drive-quick-release-ratchet/prod/404925/) - £19.95
- [Sirius PRO2 3/8" Drive Quick Release Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sirius-pro2-3-8-drive-quick-release-ratchet/prod/404924/) - £14.95
- [Stanley 1/2" Drive 72 Tooth Quick Release Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//stanley-1-2-drive-72-tooth-quick-release-ratchet/prod/516238/) - £25.95
- [Elora 1/2" Drive Extra Long Quick Release Flexible Head Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//elora-1-2-drive-extra-long-quick-release-flexible-head-ratchet/prod/18012/) - £133.95
- [Elora 1/2" Drive Quick Release Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//elora-1-2-drive-quick-release-ratchet/prod/18010/) - £108.95
- [Wera 8000 B SB Zyklop 3/8" Drive Quick Release Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//wera-8000-b-sb-zyklop-3-8-drive-quick-release-ratchet/prod/168902/) - £84.95
- [BlueSpot 1/4" Drive Soft Grip Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//bluespot-1-4-drive-soft-grip-ratchet/prod/413327/) - £13.95
- [Sealey 1/2" Drive Ratchet Pear Head Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sealey-1-2-drive-ratchet-pear-head-ratchet/prod/26148/) - £33.95
- [Sealey 3/8" Square Drive Repair Kit for AK6681, AK6687, AK6694 and AK6697 Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sealey-3-8-square-drive-repair-kit-for-ak6681-ak6687-ak6694-and-ak6697-ratchet/prod/230337/) - £13.95
- [Sealey 3/4" Square Drive Repair Kit for AK6692 Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sealey-3-4-square-drive-repair-kit-for-ak6692-ratchet/prod/258453/) - £22.95
- [Sealey 3/8" Square Drive Repair Kit for AK661SF Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sealey-3-8-square-drive-repair-kit-for-ak661sf-ratchet/prod/231267/) - £10.95
- [Siegen S01207 1/2" Drive Long Handle Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//siegen-s01207-1-2-drive-long-handle-ratchet/prod/498558/) - £25.95
- [BlueSpot 1/2" Drive Soft Grip Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//bluespot-1-2-drive-soft-grip-ratchet/prod/413329/) - £23.95
- [Sealey 1/4" Square Drive Repair Kit for AK660S Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sealey-1-4-square-drive-repair-kit-for-ak660s-ratchet/prod/230781/) - £10.95
- [Siegen S01201 3/8" Drive Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//siegen-s01201-3-8-drive-ratchet/prod/498552/) - £16.95
- [Facom 1/4" Drive Pear Head Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//facom-1-4-drive-pear-head-ratchet/prod/186687/) - £29.95
- [Sealey 3/4" Square Drive Repair Kit for AK669 Ratchet](https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//sealey-3-4-square-drive-repair-kit-for-ak669-ratchet/prod/261389/) - £26.95

*Showing 36 of 258 products (page 1 of 8)*

---
**URL**: https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk//ratchets/cat/100922/