Snap-on Incorporated
Ratchet gear reinforcing ring

Abstract:

A ratchet head uses a radially-locking retaining ring to secure a ratchet gear within the head, reducing the load on a cover plate. The retaining ring opposes off-axis force when the ratchet head is experiencing cantilever-type loads, such that the body of the ratchet head absorbs the force rather than the cover plate enclosing the head. With the ratchet head assembled with the retaining ring opposing off-axis force, rather than the cover plate, the weight and position of the screws securing the cover plate to the body are independent of the maximum torque rating of the head. This also improves the integrity of the seal provided by the cover plate.