Wurth Dust Protected Ratchet Extends Service Life
If the idea of a dust protected ratchet is new to you, you’re not alone. There haven’t been many options available in the US. We got our hands on a Wurth Dust Protected Ratchet to take a closer look at the design and how effective it is as a replacement for standard ratchets.
Pros
- IP5x dust protected design reduces maintenance and extends service life
- Comfortable grip and handle design
- 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch drive sizes available
Cons
- Handle could be a bit longer
- No bare handle option
Recommendation
If you’re the kind of mechanic that doesn’t want to clean your ratchets as often, works in dirtier than usual environments, or you just want a longer service life by nature, then a Wurth Dust Protected Ratchet is right up your alley.
There’s some room for expansion in the line, including bare and longer handles. However, Wurth’s design is solid and comfortable to use in a tool class that doesn’t have much competition.
Wurth Dust Protected Ratchet
Why Use a Dust Protected Ratchet?
The million dollar question (okay, maybe not quite a million) is why you would want to choose a dust protected ratchet over standard models.
It boils down to maintenance and service life. If you have a good ratchet set, you need to take them apart and clean out the heads from time to time or maybe soak the heads in oil for a few hours.
Failure to maintain them leads to a shorter service life.
By going with a dust protected model, you don’t need to do the same maintenance. And if you’re the kind of mechanic that isn’t really going do much more than wipe them down, you’ll get a much longer service life.
Dust Protected Design
The big difference is that there’s no rear cap on the ratchet head. It’s a single piece of metal. Only the reversing switch offers a point of entry in from the top, and it’s sealed up well.
The front has the drive with a good seal around installation point as well.
All told, the Wurth Dust Protected Ratchet has an IP5x rating. That means it’s Dust Protected by definition (as opposed to Dustproof; IP6x). Dust may get into it, but not with enough quantity to affect the operation of your ratchet.
If you’re not used to seeing an IP rating on your ratchets, you’re not alone. Most aren’t IP rated because they simply not designed with dust protection in mind.
Additional Field Notes
All of the Wurth Dust Protected Ratchets have a covered handle. That’s a source of debate and most guys or gals have their preference and stick to it.
I don’t mind a covered handle for general work around nuts and bolts. However, when I’m working around an engine, it’s a guarantee to have more grease and oil, and I prefer a bare handle for that.
The general shape is comfortable and secure to hold. I like that the handle angles down leading to the head, giving my thumb a natural place to rest right next to the direction switch.
I’d like to see the handle lengths stretch about an inch on the two smaller sizes. Functionally, they work great as they are, I’d just like a little more leverage.
Available Sizes and Prices
- 1/4-inch drive x 5.35 inches long: $43
- 3/8-inch drive x 6.97 inches long: $54
- 1/2-inch drive x 9.96 inches long: $68
Wurth USA runs promotions so be sure to check to see if this product is on special!
The Bottom Line
If you’re the kind of mechanic that doesn’t want to clean your ratchets as often, works in dirtier than usual environments, or you just want a longer service life by nature, then a Wurth Dust Protected Ratchet is right up your alley.
There’s some room for expansion in the line, including bare and longer handles. However, Wurth’s design is solid and comfortable to use in a tool class that doesn’t have much competition.
Wurth Dust Protected Ratchet Specifications
- Available Drive Sizes: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch
- Protection Rating: IP5x
- Standard: DIN 3122, ISO 3315
