Professional_Tool_And_Equipment_News_December_2020 - 39

Sonic Tools

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

The cushioned grip was a plus
for this tool reviewer.

The Sonic Tools NEXT Ratchet features an ergonomic design to
provide optimum contact and a higher power transmission up to 558.33
ft-lbs. Its 60 gears enable accuracy and efficiency. In addition, the narrow head offers the ability to reach into confined spaces. The NEXT
ratchet is available in 1/4 " , 3/8 " , and 1/2 " . The 1/4 " offers 66.38 ft-lbs
of maximum torque, 3/8 " offers 221 ft-lbs of maximum torque, and
the 1/2 " ratchet offers 558.33 ft-lbs of maximum torque.

NEXT Ratchet

by Kayla Oschmann, Assistant Editor

Circle 94 on card, or enter at
" e-inquiry " on VehicleServicePros.com

THE REVIEW:

hen it comes to pulling on a ratchet with
all your might, such as
when trying to get a stuck bolt loose,
having one that is rated for high torque
and able to handle the stress is imperative. For tool reviewer Randy Kaiser,
technician at Rost Motor, Inc. in Manson
Iowa, the Sonic Tools NEXT Ratchets are
" quite robust " .
The NEXT Ratchet is available in
three sizes: 1/4 " , 3/8 " , and 1/2 " . The 1/4 "
ratchet is rated at 66 ft-lbs of maximum
torque, the 3/8 " is rated at 221 ft-lbs, and
the 1/2 " is rated at 558 ft-lbs.
" These numbers are important, "
Kaiser says. " It's never a good thing when
a ratchet slips. "
Kaiser used the ratchets for component replacements under and behind
dash panels, removing and replacing various engine components and
sensors, brake work, and replacing
suspension components.
He said the ratchets were very easy to
use. The fine-tooth ratcheting mecha-

nism and narrow head design allowed
the ratchets to get into tight spots, which
came in handy when doing repairs in and
around different locations on a vehicle.
The quick-release button also worked
" smoothly " for releasing sockets and
extensions, he notes.
In addition, Kaiser also liked the size
and comfort of the handles, as well as the
quality and finish of the ratchets.
" The handle portion is cushioned on
the sides where you grip the ratchets, "
he says. " The size of the handles and
the cushioned grip made them fit very
nicely in my hand. They were not so big
that you couldn't grip them properly,
and being cushioned, they didn't slip in
your hand. "
" The metal in the tool seems to be
good quality and has a nice, smooth finish, " Kaiser adds.
Although the technician has used
many different brands and types of
ratchets over his career, he said the
cushioned handles were a nice touch and
" definitely a plus " .

www.VehicleServicePros.com

DECEMBER 2020

When the ratchets arrived, they came
well-packaged. The only thing that
Kaiser had to do was remove the plastic
hanger that was attached to the ratchet
(used for hanging the tool on a display
rack) and the ratchet was ready to use.
" It was very self-explanatory, "
Kaiser says.
In using the ratchet, Kaiser observed
" The center spindle portion of the ratchets seemed to be a little bit loose in the
housing. " The company addressed this
concern as follows:
" If you wiggle both ends between your
fingers, the play seems like more than it
actually is because the quick-release button has more play than the actual drive
mechanism. If you grab just the drive
mechanism between two fingers, there's
noticeably less wiggle, which shows a
tight tolerance. "
After reviewing the Sonic Tools
NEXT Ratchets, Kaiser continues to use
the tools and even found a spot within
his toolbox, stating the ratchets are " very
handy tools to use " .

PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS

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Professional_Tool_And_Equipment_News_December_2020

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