Abstract: An adapter is provided to enable conventional post driven sockets to be used in conjunction with through-hole ratchets, which adapter includes a housing sized and shaped for nested engagement in the socket holding member of the through-hole ratchet, a square post which is sized for snug fitting disposition in the post hole of a conventional socket, a release actuator slidably mounted in the housing and post, a pair of lock balls movably disposed in the post in such manner that said lock balls are urged outwardly from the post and into contact with the sides of the conventional socket's post hole when the release actuator is in its fully outward position with respect to the housing and which are free to move when the actuator is in the fully depressed position, and a spring in biasing engagement with the housing and the release actuator for providing a biasing force which normally biases the release actuator to its fully outward position with respect to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to through hole sockets for use in power driven ratchets in which a spring mounted in a slot in the ratchet drive wheel is biased into the space in the center of the drive wheel where the socket is disposed, and the socket is provided with a recess which accepts the ends of the spring holding the socket in registration with the drive wheel during powered rotation. The recess is deep enough that more than minimal force is required to urge the spring end back into the drive wheel to permit removal of the socket.