Abstract: A spinner ratchet wrench (10) having a normal ratcheting capability and a free-spinning mode used to easily and quickly pre-tighten a nut or bolt (device) prior to final tightening or to remove a device after it is initially loosened. This feature does not require the handle (18) to be oscillated and is particularly useful when devices are located in areas where finger manipulation is difficult or impossible. Free-spinning is achieved by a combination of a three-position pawl (22a) that includes a neutral position as well as the two standard ratchet positions, and a spinner drive shaft (18a) having at opposite ends a primary bevel gear (18b) and a spin knob (18p). When the pawl (22a) is placed in neutral it is disengaged from the ratchet gear (16f) allowing the shaft (18a) to be directly rotated by the knob (18p). As the shaft turns the primary bevel gear (18b) turns a secondary bevel gear (16d) connected to the socket shank (16k).

Abstract: A combination ratchet and spinner wrench having a normal ratcheting capability and a free-spinning mode that can be used to easily and quickly pre-tighten a nut or bolt prior to final tightening or to remove a nut or bolt after it is initially loosened by the ratchet portion. This feature does not require the handle to be oscillated and is particularly useful when devices are located in areas where finger manipulation is difficult or impossible. Free-spinning is achieved by a combination of elements that include a rotatable housing incorporating a three-position pawl that has a neutral position as well as the two standard ratchet positions, a secondary bevel gear and a spinner drive shaft having at opposite ends a primary bevel gear and a spin knob. When the pawl is placed in neutral it is disengaged from the annular ratchet gear thus allowing the drive shaft to be directly rotated by the spin knob.