While these two new Snap-on tools are meant for very specific applications, they seemed interesting enough to bring to your attention. File these into the “in case you ever need ’em” part of your memory.
Williams Scaffold Ratchet
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The new Williams scaffold ratchet features a 1/2″ drive end with a pinned 7/8″ 6pt socket, and a bronze hammer head. On the opposite end of the handle is a pry bar. The ratchet has 36-tooth gearing for a 10° swing arc, and the socket features Williams’ Supertorque opening that can exert higher torque without damaging fasteners.
A tool tether attachment point is also build into the handle.
You can call 877-740-1900, visit Snap-on Industrial, or contact your Snap-on Industrial sales rep for more info.
Press materials suggest the new scaffold wrench was released in May of this year, but the scaffold tool looks a lot like the already-available BS-63B tool ($100 via Amazon). We’re waiting to hear back if this is the same tool, or a slight revision.
Snap-on Utility Transformer Access Tool
The new Snap-on utility transformer access tool (K3477) is designed for reaching into pad-mounted transformers – the kind that are often used in electric power delivery systems – for installation and removal applications.
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Features
- Ergonomic soft-grip handle
- Sealed head, which helps to prevent contamination
- Reversible ratchet mechanism
- Comes with 3/4″ 6pt socket and a 51/64″ penta-socket
- 2″ extensions provide extra clearance
Pricing information is not yet available. You will be able to purchase the new transformer access tool from Snap-on industrial distributors. Ask your rep, call 877-740-1900, or visit Snap-on Industrial for more info.
fred
FYI – I’ve found that a company called ToolsDelivered is a good source for Williams tools:
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-BS-63B-Hand-Tools-Sockets-Drive-Tools-1-2-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools
Stuart
I know they have low prices, but I prefer to buy my Williams tools from Amazon. Toolsdelivered has a pretty scary return policy where you have to pay return shipping, you don’t get original shipping refunded, and there seems to be a mandatory 15% restocking fee.
fred
Good to know – the one time we bought from them we had an order in the $500 or $600 range and they may have absorbed or reduced the shipping charges. Since we did not have to return anything – their somewhat draconian return policy was not tested.
I agree with you that Amazon is pretty liberal in their policies – making them more consumer friendly than many other sources. Like you – I like to buy from Amazon – even if I pay a bit more – particularly when I’m even a bit unsure of a purchase – and think that I might need to return an item – or when I need to be confident of a delivery date.
Stuart
The need for the return policy is understandable, but there’s too much uncertainty about how they would deal with minor manufacturing defects. I spend more through Amazon, but end up ahead if I need to return something.
JohnnyFbomb
Thanks fred! Much better prices at ToolsDelivered.
fred
OK – but you may wish to read the rest of the comments about ToolsDelivered return policies and then read it again on their website. The tool itself gets some mixed reviews on Amazon
SteveR
Stuart–Maybe it’s just the way my mind works, but you state that this Transformer Access Tool is “useful for reaching into pad-mounted transformers–the kind that are often used in electric power delivery systems for installation and removal”. Granted, you would always try to de-energize a transformer for maintenance or install work, but wouldn’t you want the tool to be insulated anyway? The unit might accidentally be re-energized w/o your knowledge, even though you satisfied yourself that no power was running through it when you began working. This appears to be a standard ratchet (i.e., non-insulated) with a different work head on it. Am I missing something?
Stuart
My understanding is that this tool is mainly for new one installations or last-step removal, so the equipment should absolutely be de-energized.
Since I don’t work with this type of equipment, I drew from Williams marketing materials that describe how it’s useful for reaching within the equipment.
fred
In my neck of the woods the lowest voltage transformers have 4kV primary – others 13.8kV , 27kV or 33kV – so a little bit of 1kV insulation (typical for insulated pliers etc.) would not provide adequate protection for live work