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The time I picked a 3/8 drive ratchet over a 1/2 inch for a tight spot on a Dover governor
I was working on a Dover governor in a tight machine room downtown, and my usual 1/2 inch drive ratchet and socket just would not fit on the adjustment nut. I had to choose between going back down to the truck for a different tool or trying my smaller 3/8 drive set. I went with the 3/8, even though I was worried about the extra force needed. It was a tight fit, but it worked. I got the nut loose without rounding it off, which was a big win. The whole job took about 20 minutes longer than planned, but it saved me a trip down 12 floors. I keep that 3/8 drive set in my bag now for those close calls. Has anyone else found a smaller tool works better in a pinch on governors?
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barbara_lane556mo ago
Good point from @stella_black33, it is a Dever. I've seen that mix-up before. Your story about the 3/8 drive is spot on though. Sometimes that smaller head makes all the difference in a tight spot, even if you have to be more careful with the torque. It's smart you keep that set handy now.
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linda_reed6mo ago
Going back to the truck is always the smarter move in my book. A 1/2 inch drive is the right tool for that job, and forcing a smaller one risks breaking the ratchet or the socket. That trip down 12 floors is just part of the job and ensures you aren't making a simple task harder. Relying on undersized tools is a bad habit that leads to stripped fasteners and damaged equipment.
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