Ampro T29771 1/2-Inch Drive Standard Extendable Ratchet

This is the breaker bar that works better than other the breaker bars and the 1/2" ratchet that gets more torque than the other ratchets. Its quite simply, one of the most amazing, bar none most basic idea that Im stumped why it hasnt caught on. You get a 12" ratchet and an 18" breaker all in one. Because its a ratchet, you dont have to spend the extra time to get the best position that you would with a breaker. Because its a breaker, you dont have to take off the socket, stick it on a breaker, unseat the bolt, put the socket back on the ratchet, and continue. Its hefty enough for over 300 ft-lbs (measured by my torque wrench on a stuck, rusty axle hub bolt) yet small enough to fit where my normal 1/2" ratchet works. Key note: this is a rebrand or sister unit and you can find the same one at freight of harbor for $15 with lifetime warranty (green and black handle). I love this thing so much, Im also picking up the 3/8" and 1/4" ratchet combo to keep in the top shelf.

It is very powerful and has a good grip. I used it to break the alternator bolts that broke my other wrench. With this wrench in hand, it was as easy as loosening tiny little bolts. Also, extending of the bar does not affect its capability and seems very very sturdy. I will say it was definitely a good choice.

The small parts inside the head and extension lock usually are what are lacking in cheap ratchets, but this one is a bit better than the rest. Its actually useful collapse and extended, and for removing and tightening lugs on my cars its right at that 80-90 ft/lbs mark to break them free and re-tighten them to spec with my spindly arms. Having the tiny lever for direction is actually a nice feature. You can tell by that clunk as you chuck it in the tool box even the first time that you'll get your money's worth soon enough.

I've bought two of the Ampro extendable 1/2" wrenches. I keep them in our cars, together with a suitable socket, as an alternative to the standard lug wrench. They are superb for this - a lot easier to use than the standard wrench that comes with any modern car, and yet a reasonable size (compared with a spider wrench).The ratcheting mechanism seems good - never had a problem with it. But (as others have reported) the handle can jam in the closed (short) position - and it's clear from other reports you're not going to get any help from Ampro when that happens.I have found that you can fix them - use a large vice grip around the sliding collar, and tap the collar towards the handle end (away from the ratchet) b y tapping on the vice grip. If you have a bench vice at hand, easiest way is to attach the vicegrip to the collar (not too tight - don't crush it), and then rest the vice grips on the top of the vice jaws, and tap on the end of the handle with a hammer, pushing the ratchet through the vice jaws.Having freed the collar, the handle will once again extend. It looks as if the single ball bearing that 'locks' the handle into the indents in the handle will get slightly rusty (I don't think it is plated), and 'stick' in the indent (the one nearest the ratchet also seems slightly deeper). If (once the mechanism is free) you lubricate with lithium grease or similar, it seems to stop it sticking - but I think the best thing is to make sure it never gets damp.

Great

Folks, you will feel the quality of this wrench the moment you get your hands on it. I'm a lifetime mechanic, not a weekend 'DIY homeowner' tool user, and have a toolbox of quality hardware. I used to make a living with my tools. This extendable 1/2" ratchet is exactly what I had in mind to INVENT, when I did a search for such a tool, and found this! HAPPY DAY, cuz this has it all... the ratcheting is fine-geared, the socket release and reverse direction toggle is smooth and tight, and the extensions (at least 4 settings) are a SIMPLE, QUICK one-hand operation, spring loaded sleeve that makes it so easy and quick to operate!KUDOS to the creators of this tool. It's nice for close quarters, closes up to about 12", for quick operation in close quarters, and when you have to break it loose or do the final cinching down, a quick release of the extension to a length of 18" gets the job done. And the grip on the handle is a good feel too, just fits the hand like it should, and lets you give a good push or pull on it without hurting your hand, yet not too big to get in the way!And finally, this wrench has some BEEF to it...it's no lightweight, more like the beefy Craftsman wrenches of years past! :) (I'm talkin' 30-40 years past, for you newbies... ) with a really nice, hard chrome finish on it. We'll see how that holds up! One last thing.. you can take the ratchet plate off to clean the mechanism and lube it with torx screws holding it on. I like that! You won't be disappointed with this purchase. Ampro gets good marks on this!Hey Ampro, it would be gr8 to get a discount on another of your tools with such a fine review as this, yes?? hehe... oh well.. I didn't think so... but I know how it is when I'm shopping for an important item such as a tool, that is more complicated than a screwdriver... I really count on a review by someone who knows their subject, and tells what their experience is with it!

I bought this instead of a breaker bar for wheel lug nuts for home/DIY use. It worked well for lug nuts that were about 120 ft-lbs (SUV and Minivan). Might be a little short for higher torque applications. I used it with a Tekton deep socket. Good quality tool so far. The extension handle function feels study and locks well. This might be available at auto parts stores (get in the Zone) too, so shop around.

Just getting started doing some of my own work on my two cars and the cost of tools definitely limits what you save upfront versus bring the cars to the shop. This is a very reasonably priced ratchet that seems to be of excellent quality(it has that 'heft' that you want to feel in a metal tool). Also it is versatile and will save you money and space being a fully functional ratchet that extends enough to do double duty as a breaker bar.