Wera has recently announced the Koloss, a new heavy duty 1/2″ drive addition to their lineup of innovative ratchets. Even stranger in appearance than Wera’s swivel-head Zyklop ratchet, the Koloss features a ratchet built into a hammer head. Yes, that’s right, the Koloss is a real ratchet-hammer combo tool that is said to be unbreakable.
While the notion of a ratchet-hammer combo tool previously seemed outlandish and bizarre, Wera’s new Koloss ratchet actually looks to be a solidly built and useful tool.
Advertisement
In order for the Koloss to be as indestructible as possible, Wera implemented a push-through reverse mechanism instead of a traditional reversible selector switch. To change ratchet directions, one must simply push the double-ended male square drive from one side through to the other.
The Koloss also features a fine tooth double pawl mechanism with a return angle of 6°, allowing the tool to be used effectively in cramped environments.
To prevent accidental loosening or separation, the Koloss’s ratchet-hammer head is form-fit and pinned to the round shaft. The hammer head can be used as-is, but Wera has also designed a slip-on removable rubber protective pad that can be used to help prevent marring or damage to target materials and surfaces.
Lastly, the ratchet mechanism is easily disassembled for easier cleaning and maintenance.
I have never been one to use my ratchets as hammers, but I have seen others do this on more than one occasion. Apparently such improvisation happens somewhat regularly, or at least enough to have inspired Wera engineers to develop the Koloss.
Advertisement
Hammering capabilities aside, the Koloss heavy duty ratchet does look incredibly rock solid, and I bet that it can handle a LOT of abuse. On the downside, this ratchet is not exactly low-profile or suitable for use in compact areas, but given its sheer awesomeness this can be easily overlooked.
The Koloss is available for purchase from ChadsToolbox or Amazon.com.
Credit goes to reader Uthscsaedu for the find – thanks!
uthscsaedu
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ratcheting mechanism like that. That’s pretty cool. I’ve seen the push-through type, but I didn’t know that’s what it looked like inside.
I have a feeling it’s a specialty tool, like a scaffold wrench. To me it just looks like something you would only find in a specialized industrial setting, like building really heavy machinery (also, it’s 1/2″ drive). The Wera site doesn’t really seem to indicate that though.
I think they should be careful about the “indestructible” claim – I bet someone is really going to try test that.
Stuart
I don’t think it’s intended as a specialty ratchet, and that the hammer part is more of a handy just-in-case feature. The ratchet design does look to be incredibly heavy duty, which would be a huge selling point for me with or without the hammer head aspect.
Perhaps this is just the tip of the iceberg and Wera plans on introducing additional heavy duty ratchet variations based off of this platform.
wantedabiggergarage
You posted something similar, shortly ago. Shouldn’t you have saved this post for April 1st?
Stuart
You’re right, this all started with a post about a manipulated ratchet-hammer seen on the ShopNGarage forum. However, the Koloss appears to be very, very real.
I considered saving this post for April Fool’s Day, but obviously ultimately decided against it.
Lars B
I don’t think it’s intended as a hammer in as much as it gets hammered. On rusty or tight fasteners you can put a bit of torque on it and hit the ratchet with a hammer to loosen the fastener. A steady knock can help loosen rusty bolts quite effectively.
SteveR
No offense, but I can’t think of too many instances where I would beat on a ratchet to loosen a nut or fastener. Typically, I would start out by spraying penetrating oil, PB Blaster, CRC Freeze-Off, etc., and let that marinate for a while (overnight, if time permits). You can also give a few raps to the fastener itself with a hammer (you should do this first to physically break loose any corrosion before spraying penetrating fluids).
We’ve all seen the YouTube videos where the mechanic uses a propane or welding torch to heat things up to ease removal. I viewed one recently where the guy heated it up, then put a candle to it. The candle melted, flowing down into the area between the fastener and the threads. The wax lubricated the threads and he was then able to remove the bolt. This is also safer when working with heat, as many penetrating fluids are petroleum-based and might catch fire. Also not good if you’re in an engine bay where gasoline is present.
I’ve got too much money tied up in my ratchets to be hitting them with a hammer. You’d likely cause surface (cosmetic) damage and could potentially damage the ratcheting mechanism. Ratchet mechanisms have a certain amount of play in them by design, so they’ll probably slip or break before you can remove a really stuck bolt. Instead, use a long-handled breaker bar (which does not have a ratchet mechanism). You can apply a lot of force to one of these, but I’d concentrate on hitting the handle if you use one (i.e., stay away from the socket end). I don’t recommend using a cheater bar, as you can slip (potentially hurting yourself) and/or bend the handle (which is abuse), negating the warranty (and they’ll know you’ve done that, trust me).
You can use an impact wrench (air, electric or cordless) if you have the room to work with one, or use a manual impact driver, which you CAN beat on with a hammer. I have the latter and, if you have the room, they’re effective.
There are many ways to remove a stuck fastener. If you’re in that situation, step back and regroup. Go watch YouTube videos by folks like Eric the Car Guy (aka ETCG1), Delboy’s Garage (he’s Australian and does motorcycle repairs). There’s also an older gentleman named Tubal Cain, a retired machinist. All of these video series (and many more) can show you how to remove stubborn fasteners without beating on a ratchet.