What’s The Difference Between A Ratchet And A Wrench?

Is a ratchet a wrench? The short answer is no. Considering how they perform similar functions and the names are sometimes used interchangeably, though, it’s easy to see where the confusion lies.

Both a ratchet and a wrench are hand tools used to install or remove fasteners. How they work, however, is quite different. A ratchet, for example, uses interchangeable sockets that fit on fasteners, while wrenches are individually made to fit a specific size fastener. And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg.

To further clear things up, I put together this short article where I’ll show you exactly what a ratchet is, what a wrench is, and their differences. Use this guide to learn what the difference between a ratchet and a wrench is. First, I want to talk quickly about why there is confusion between a ratchet and wrench.

Why So Much Confusion?

Much of the confusion really comes down to the way some people identify tools versus how others do. For most, a ratchet is a ratchet and a wrench is a wrench. For others, a ratchet may be called a socket wrench, and it’s the ‘wrench’ part that can be confusing. Are they wrong to call it that? Maybe not.

From my perspective, a socket wrench is a type of tool that uses a socket to install or remove fasteners using a wrenching motion. This does describes a ratchet, but it also describes tools that don’t have a ratcheting mechanism, like a breaker bar or sliding t-handle, as well. So, to me, a ratchet is a type of socket wrench, but it isn’t the most accurate way to describe it.

If someone calls a ratchet a socket wrench, that’s fine. But for me, and for the purposes of this article, I will refer to a ratchet as a tool that uses a socket to install or remove fasteners using a wrenching motion and has ratcheting mechanism.

With that cleared up, let’s get into the meat of the article.

What Is A Ratchet?

Like I said earlier, a ratchet is a hand tool used to install or remove fasteners. It utilizes interchangeable sockets that match the size and shape of each fastener. A typical socket is made for hex shaped fasteners, like nuts and bolts, but can be made to fit a number of other shapes, too. As such, a ratchet is the go-to tool for this kind of job.

What really differentiates a ratchet from a wrench is it’s ratcheting action – hence the name. Inside the ratchet head is a mechanism that controls the turning direction. There is a selector switch on the back of the head that allows you to change this direction. The ratchet will spin freely in one direction and lockup in the other, giving you the ability to rapidly install or remove a fastener without having to take the ratchet off the fastener with each turn.

Ratchets, themselves, are available in a ton of different shapes and sizes. Your typical ratchet will have a 1/4″, 3/8″, or 1/2″ anvil that accepts sockets of the same size. As the size increases, so does the strength. 1/4″ ratchets are made for small fasteners, 3/8″ ratchets are made for medium fasteners, and 1/2″ ratchets are made for large or stuck-on fasteners.

Another common ratchet variation is called a pass-through ratchet. This type of ratchet does not use an anvil to hold the socket on like a typical ratchet. Instead, it uses a special ratcheting ring similar to a ratcheting wrench (see below). This setup let’s you install or remove bolts on really long fasteners since the fastener can “pass through” the head of the ratchet. They’re pretty useful in some situations.

What Is A Wrench?

A wrench is the original hand tool for installing and removing fasteners. It’s a simple, versatile tool made from a single piece of steel with no moving parts. A typical wrench has an open end and a boxed end. These ends are sized specifically for a fastener and, because of this, they are generally purchased in sets.

Unlike a ratchet, a wrench can be turned in both directions. As such, it has to be removed from the fastener after every turn, which makes them pretty inefficient in some cases. In other cases, however, they’re indispensable. For instance, in narrow or tight spaces a wrench may be the only tool that will allow you access to a fastener.

Beyond being good in tight spaces, many specialty wrenches are available that greatly help with some tasks. Boxed end, angle head, and line wrenches, are just a few examples of these kinds of wrenches. Line wrenches, specifically, are made designed to remove or install hydraulic fittings like those found on brake or clutch lines.

What About A Ratcheting Wrench?

A Ratcheting wrench is a wrench that has a ratcheting mechanism at one or both ends. For many people, they’re the best of both worlds. Though, like how a ratchet can’t replace a wrench in all instances, and vice versa, a ratcheting wrench may not replace a ratchet or standard wrench in all instances.

Like a pass-through ratchet, a ratcheting wrench allows you to install or remove bolts on a long fastener because it can simply pass through the wrench. And, since it also has a ratcheting mechanism, you don’t have to remove this type of wrench every time you turn the fastener, making it much more efficient.

Ratcheting wrenches really excel in tight spaces. The fact that you don’t have to take the wrench off the fastener every time you turn the fastener makes the task a lot less tedious – especially if you can’t see the fastener you’re working on.

The big drawback for a ratcheting wrench is it’s strength. The mechanism inside a ratcheting wrench is much smaller than that of a ratchet and can break if abused. As such, ratcheting wrenches are not well suited to breaking stubborn bolts. Leave that task to ratchets, wrenches, or breaker bars.

When Can I Use A Ratchet Instead Of A Wrench?

Like I alluded to above, there are some situations where you will want to use a ratchet instead of a wrench, and the opposite is true. A ratchet is generally the preferred tool for removing or installing fasteners because it is fast and efficient. On the other hand, a wrench is often the best tool in tight, confined spaces.

Since you already know the difference between a ratchet and wrench, I think it will be valuable to make a short list of the benefits and drawbacks of each.