Reversible Ratchet Tool

Well, the title says it all, I modeled up a 3D print I will keep in my toolbox right next to the other ratchets. The video shows its worthiness, a fully capable reversible 3D printed ratchet!

Background:

I printed mine from PLA, because it's easy and I haven't had much good luck with ABS, nor have I bought any PETG... yeah, I'm working with an older model printer. Worst case scenario it breaks, and I would just reprint another from a bio-sourced and biodegradable PLA ;-)

TBH it kicks out some decent torque, I haven't tried to test it to its max yet. That will be down the road, maybe… it's just too cool to intentionally break!

This ratchet accepts different standard screwdriver bits and uses a magnet to hold the bit in place. There are many adapters, like the one I used, to switch over to sockets which as you can see worked pretty well.

If you don't need a ratchet, this thing makes a pretty fun fidget toy! LOL. (just leave the magnet out if it's for the kids… seriously, these things are scary!)

If you like models like this, be sure to leave a ‘LIKE’ and be sure to check out the other models on the page! You might find something you like!

Parts:

Every piece is printed besides the screw bit and the magnet. As mentioned, I used PLA but there are many other materials that would be suitable.

I printed all parts with a 2-3mm wall thickness and 10% gyroid infill for stability.

No supports are needed, my Ender 3 was able to print the holes in the handle just fine when printed horizontally. If you're curious about the orientations I used to print these, see the video.

Here is a link to the rare earth magnet I used, use a dab of superglue to hold it in place. They're readily available and inexpensive:

Rare Earth Magnets - Rare Earth Magnet Set, 10 Piece (harborfreight.com)

Assembly:

I'm horrible at directions, which is why there is a video. If you like it, subscribe, it helps keep me motivated.

… but, here are some directions anyways…

• Starting with the handle, drop the flat leaf spring between the sides of the handle into the notch at the bottom of the opening.
• Insert the pawl between the sides of the handle and force the leaf spring to flex slightly (don't push so hard that it creases!) so that the pawl hole lines up with the handle holes.
• The hole at the end of the handle is actually 2 different sized holes inline. Push the pin through the handle and pawl starting from the small hole side (otherwise the two eclips may come into contact with each other when complete)
• At this point the pawl should switch back and forth, but don't push to far yet!
• Insert the small eclip through the groove of the pin.
• Holding the pawl centered, not fully one way or the other, insert the bit holder and gear through the end handle hole beginning from the large hole side.
• Insert the large eclip through the groove of the bit holder and gear.
• Glue the magnet in place and Viola! You now have a reversible ratchet with the authentic ratchet sound and satisfying click when switching directions!
  • Note that whichever way the pawl is sticking out is the rotary direction that the ratchet will engage.

Hope you have fun with it and that it doesn't give you too many problems.