Jobsmart Gearless Ratchets - How They Work and Troubleshooting 

I bought a gearless ratchet 25 years ago and it's still going strong. It's great for tight areas but not any better than fine tooth ratchets available everywhere today. These have been around much longer than you think.

For Stealth mechanics borrowing parts in the Evening hours.

The best detailed break down on this kind of clutch mechanism I've yet seen - nice job. I am not a brand fanatic, and have lived by the model of "get cheap tools you need first so that you have them", and then as I became more knowledgeable and also found which tools were more relevant to me, I gradually replace them with the best version I find out there - American, German, Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese... whatever. I do have some very nice ratchets both Snap-On and German (Gedore & Wera) but at 56 this happened over many years! That said, I do have a 1/4" Snap-on TZERO which is also a clutch wrench like this one. Granted it is small, but it functions flawlessly - I even tried just now to recreate any of these issues. So quality probably is a factor, though I haven't tried the others out there in the market. As to use - well, I like the click-click of a ratchet. So I normally use others in my projects. But the TZERO is very small at 4 1/2 inches total length, with the round head 1 inch in diameter and 7/16 inch thick (without the drive connector). So sometimes when I either need a very petite ratchet in a tight place, or I want to hear everything but the ratchet, it is a wonder. It's called TZERO because the amount of movement required is almost 0º! Hope that is helpful - this isn't a plug for Snap-on, just sharing my experience.

I still like the click (feedback) sound

That slip made my knuckles bleed already.

That was pretty cool to see the innards of this alternative ratchet device. Thanks for unlocking the mystery and entertaining me for a while. looking forward to the next Firebird video.

Harbor freight sold these 20 years ago, but you reverse the action by pushing the square part out the other side. If I remember correctly they only had them in 3/8 drive.. Really nice for short throw locations.

Now you know why it was on Clearance. :-)

These videos are great and informative not too long or short.

It is not a sprag clutch. Sprags are a style of clutch. This is a roller clutch.

“Oh look, what a cool looking tool.” Let’s tear it apart and drill into it. Lol i love your channel bro!

Heh. I had one of those “one click” bolts to get out yesterday. Took ages. Logically I’m sure the engineer picked the best of several bad options. Emotionally I’m convinced they’re all sadists.

Oh my god finally somebody mentions the discount rack at tractor supply! So much good stuff for so little money.

Very nicely presented. Thanks for taking the time to show in detail how these work and how to improve.

Jobsmart tools are very hit or miss. The real magic of Tractor Supply tools is when they have those clearance sale bins by the front doors. Got a full set of both metric and SAE Jobsmart wrenches for $8 combined. Shortish shank length, but great for smaller jobs and never hurts having multiple sets of wrenches.

It's always great to learn new stuff. Thanks.

Torque Test it against a "quality" unit!! I'm really intrigued!!

Thanks man you reminded me to cut my nails tonight :)

"Yeah... that's gone forever." 🤣 Love it

The only issue I have with those is if I'm in a situation where I cant see exactly what I'm doin and If I can't hear or feel the click then it's hard to know for sure the bolt or nut is actually turning/tightening

this was extremely intriguing and a unique video that I don't think anyone else would have the patience for. Great coverage mate.

for the price you paid, and the very quick engagement i think they are a heck of a deal even if i had to disassemble them and re-grease them out of the box.

Are those nails gearless?

the 3/8" had the shims because its the most commonly used size in the average job, so they saved a few cents per by not putting them in the others

Stretching springs- heat and pull to the desired length, then cool down with oil or water to make it hardened again. Otherwise it will stay in a softened state . Practice with clicky pens .

Had you not said anything about your nails I probably wouldn't have even seen how long they were. But since you did, it was all I could think about and watch. Damn you.

Huh, first time I've ever seen gearless ratchets, like, ever! Great instructional and informative video, good sir. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

i picked up a "gearless ratchet" from halfords (major high street car/bike tools retailer in the UK) and i honestly love it, i've never been able to make it slip and i've practically stood on the bloody thing! its my main wratchet now, as even in places you dont need the "zero" degree precicion, the extra bit you get from having no gears is super nice and handy. i still like my flexi-head regular ratchet, its got a longer handle and the flexi head makes it great for certain situations, but the gearless is a joy to use when you can fit a straight shaft! i have a few other ratchet that have specific uses, but i find those two cover 99% of my ratcheting needs.

these have been around a lot longer than you think, i found a really old one my grandpa had

In those 1-click out of a ratchet situations, nothing is better than a power ratchet. Absolutely a game changer, at least for me.

Excellent video. Loved it. The combinations of your words and the excellent pictures covered all areas of how it worked from the slight turn of the roller, the simple springs to lock the selection in position, the ramp causing the rollers to oppose the turning of the drive head, with the added bonus of the sanding of the exterior roller holding to prevent it being flicked in the wrong direction. Also the number of different ramps according to ratchet size determining slippage to engage the locking of the drive head on rotating. Really great video.

Various alternatives gives those options that saves time, blood and sweat. Great vid!

I love these self contained videos. keep mixing them in to the longer projects

Very cool design. Maybe you have a career as an engineer. I watch you improve everything you get your hands on LoL. But I'm with you, I'm quite fond of the traditional click, click. They would be great for tight areas with little throw. Thanks for sharing.

Cheap, broken, but easy to fix. Exactly what I'd expect to find on a clearance shelf.

How do you not have like... a million subs your content is so well made

Hey @Fuzzy. I am 17 and I goto a tech school for automotive that my high school pays for. I have access to shop manuals and an alignment machine that tells me what the measurements for a vehicle is. If you ever need information for a vehicle HMU and I can get it for you. Love your videos. Your videos definitely helped me make the choice that I want to me an automotive technician as a future job.

Right before I retired, about 7 years ago now, I worked at the local Tractor Supply for about one year. The Jobsmart tools, especially the cheap power tools, were just that...cheap in cost and cheap in quality. The angle grinders were trash...they were constantly coming back broken..and that was within just a few weeks or even days. Maybe Tractor Supply is buying better made tools now-a-days...let's hope so. I re-named the Jobsmart tools to...Jobdumb. I guess it all depends on what you need a tool for. If you make your living turning wrenches then you will be buying high quality tools, but if you are a DIY'er, then these lesser quality tools might work good enough for you. I must be really behind the times...I didn't know about these 'gearless' wrenches...LOL..!! Thanks, Fuzzy Dice, for the video.!

Good video on the gearless ratchet. For some reason, I got my clippers out and made sure my nails were clipped.

The best thing about these gearless ratchets is that they tork it correctly. Whereas regular ratchets will keep tightening until the bolt bends (if you're not smart enough), the gear-less seems to stop when the item is tight.

I love your videos. Very entertaining. If you remember me about my transmission I finally got one and put it in. And it was used with 30,000k on a rebuild and works great compared to my old one. I had no reverse and my OD clutches were going out. But now I have reverse and a very reliable 94 Chevy.

"at least a couple of years..." Dad had a gearless ratchet from the 1950's. I think he called it an aviation ratchet. Worked great as if you had any wiggle room at all the ratchet would rotate. But it was worn from years of use and if you put too much torque on it the ratchet would slip, I've still got a couple scars from that ;)

I love zero turn wrenching although I only use them in tight spaces they really come in handy and have saved me a lot of aggravation quite a few times. Now want to buy these cheap ones just to make them better lol.

I love this channel, its nice seeing OCD being used for good and not evil ;)

I think these will be my first set to buy. very interesting and thanks

Great Video and info, the square thing called Anvil. Don't worry, you are not alone, I also have been using ratchet since I was 18 now I'm 43 and just recently I learned what that square called lol 😂😂😂

im a tech and haves lows 1/4 and it is amazing i picked it up in the discount bin never slips and doesn't drag on loose bolt! ive had it for 2 years now using it in a industrial setting all the time no issues!

Simple explanation. Nice video and great that you can improve the functionality.

The square drive portion of a ratchet is called the anvil. I don't know why. Just is. I have a Kobalt 3/8" drive gearless ratchet and a 1/4" drive Sealey. I assumed that they worked like this so it is really cool to see it disassembled. I have never lubed my gearless ratchets because I knew that they work using friction. Now that I see it won't hurt them I may give it a try. I love them because they are the only things that work in REALLY tight. cramped, areas. I use the Sealey more because the head is so much smaller, but I have used both. They're not daily use tools for me, but when you need one you really need them. I don't have a 1/2" drive gearless ratchet and I have never come across the need for one, but it might be nice to have 'just in case.' I'll try Tractor Supply's website because there aren't any stores in my state. The way I feel about my gearless ratchets is the same way I feel about my pass-thru ratchet set and my spline drive sockets. I sure don't use them every day but when the need arises I am DAMN glad I added them to my tool box.

@Fuzzy Dice Projects if you dont know then take the springs ,heat up your owen to 200C and place the springs init for 2 hours , that sets a new "zero" for the strech of the spring and not compremize hardening ! works for car springs too if lowering is to be done with originals !

Just picked up a set for 10.99 clearance.... Sweeeet.

Awesome presentation!

I had a sprague clutch ratchet over 46 years ago, it's made of stainless steel and the socket drive square is removable so it can be put in the other way, I still have it and it still works like new

I have a gearless ratchet and I love mine and never had a problem with it

Zero backlash is a lie. It's not much backlash but it's there.

Thanks for the entertainment

I've had a multi-bit screwdriver that uses that for about 10 years They have durability issues, and any dirt will screw up the mechanism. But I like that bit driver

With the slippage it will be hard to distinguish between fastener moving, socket slipping, or wrench slipping.

of coarse this is a tight system, it's used (as a one-way clutch) in auto transmissions in everything you drive today. this type of wrench also is used for adjusting milling chuck collets as there is a clean side with nothing to grip onto.

The normal clicking is so satisfying though.

I have one of these, still prefer the ratcheting ones as you know they're working when you're in an awkward positions, and in the right direction. Also they, as well as the screwdrivers, slip sometimes. Don't lube them.

The lack of the sound is an big nope for me.

Only tool you need is some nail clippers lol

The 'one way' mechanism is the same as in Torrington Bearings, also known as One Way or Clutch bearings. Free motion in one direction, but lock in the reverse.

I have this ratchet set. I like them pretty well.

Found you via the latest firebird vids and watched your back catalogue with glee. Great vids mate. The information is engaging and sarcasm ammusing ;-)

THERE IS A REASON THESE ARE FOUND IN THE CLEARANCE BIN THEY ARE J U N K

I can't believe you thought that drill bit would make a scratch on that 🤣🤣 you need a 4 flute carbide ball mill.

Let's GO! Another great video

Very interesting

some 15 years ago, I talked to a MAC dealer about "gearless zero degree" ratchets. He, a MAC dealer makes his living on the product with the name on the thing I was asking about, said quote "don't do it". He explained for quarter inch, fine work, low torque, tight places, maybe, and then, just a maybe. He said otherwise, avoid at all costs. "Why?" I said, he replied, they are knuckle busters. The heads fail at the most inopportune time, and have put guys out of work for a day or two from stitches. Think about it, imagine punching the corner of a cylinder block as hard as you can. That carnage is what happened to some of his customers, while bearing down on the ratchet, while trying to break loose rusted bolts. Being someone that has in frustration, pushed hard on a ratchet, with the assumption the rust would brake the speed after breaking the bolt or nut loose, I took his advice and abstained. I did however, invest in a microratchet for driving bits in tight places. That works fine. Just beware zero degree, and cheap ratchets for high torque in general.

My gear-drive Craftsman change direction when they get old, but that's because teeth are gone, and I use 4 ft pipes on my 3/8 drive lol

Cool vid, 2:00 this thing is indeed called a square-end.... 😊

Dremel tool and a cheap HF ball end diamond bit to dig into that hardened steel, with an longer spring in the assembly. Although you might go through the case hardening...

they'd be so easy to make. and tbh. am likely to make one when i get my workshop running.

Excellent product review! Thank you for also showing us how to improve these tools. Kudos!

Thank you sir

I love these videos!

Ok, now thats Awesome!!

Neat ratchets. I think I would shatter those rollers in 5 minutes though. LOL.I should use my breaker bar more though.

Rather than the outside diameter rubbing it's likely the ends of the 'legs' on the switch dragging on the bottom of the cavity in the wrench head.

i like that the ratchets has no rubber grips and the form over all. thx for the videos and i looking forward to the next firebird episode. i hope it didn't become to much of a "tinker"- car with to much engine power, but no suspension upgrad.. for me it would but enough, if it's a reliable daily driver....okok, a little pro touring is always nice :)

I just finished watching your Silverado videos and at the beginning I remember you saying you wanted something simple to work on because of lack of experience. But then a few years later you legit rebuild a transmission. Where'd you learn all that?

awesome thanks i bought these in the clearance bin lol now i have to do you mod thanks again

The part were the socket go in the ratchet is called drive.

You're smart I love ingenuity

I didn’t even see the title or channel and I immediately knew it was one of your videos when I saw the thumbnail hahaha

If you wanted to make the dimples for the detents deeper you could anneal the part by heating it up with a blow torch until it glows red then allowing it to cool very slowly. Then after the dimples deeper, you could re harden the part by heating it up and quenching. You should then anneal it once more but with a less aggressive heating cycle.

I think they need to hire you for there R and D team.

You still managed to get a few hundred thousand 'clicks' out of this video...lol Great video!

Whenever i'm working on my car or other stuff i keep my fingernails long because i always end up hitting my finger and cracking a fingernail, and i've had instances where my fingernails were cut but i cracked one and it completely ruined my workflow. When i'm done i just trim my completely destroyed fingernails :)

Love your videos

I have a snapon 1/4" gearless, and it also tends to change direction without any input

synthetic grease. good choice! if you find the synthetic grease is too thick for the application you can mix some light oil with it to make thinned out.

Drive head is called the "Anvil" for those who were curious a few years later.

When you was a kid, I bet you tried to tear up a solid iron ball. 😂

Also a cobalt drill bit would work for modifying the hardened parts

Try one of the shims from the 3/8 ratchet, it might not need both. I'd like to see how much torque they can hold, but you may not be able to test that the normal way… Put something in a vice that will accept a 1/2" square drive, & put a fish scale on a cheater bar. Measure from the scale to the square drive & hang weights until it breaks!

if you got loads of one click fasteners, try the 5 degree return angle Wera Zyklops ratchets. just about as good as a sprag ratchet, except you can actually put a cheater bar on them lol

Good video.Sorry for my bad english!This is a old desighn i am selling like this ratchets but other manifactur before 10 years.There some defects after litle using.And they will be clear to work propetly.