Will a Ratchet Adapter on a Drill start your Engine? YES, but a word of CAUTION!

A 3/8 drive ratchet adapter will indeed work with your cordless drill to start your outdoor power equipment engine, but be careful. The centrifugal force applied to the adapter at the moment the engine fires off will engage the rotary switch to the "lock" position, in effect turning the ratchet adapter into a "direct drive" unit. This can cause injury or damage if you try to start an engine again WITHOUT CHECKING THE DIRECTION SELECTOR!
Amazon affiliate link to Ratchet Adapter: amzn.to/3zUhq7b
Thanks for watching!
Stay safe!
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[@vanmann8347]

Thanks for saving so many from so much agony starting their equipment

[@daniellamb5970]

Assembled this. Love it! Starts my generator in a flash. Being 75 years of age and having back problems it is exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad it worked out OK!

[@thomasmellen1223]

P

[@dontupdateifitworks.424]

Me to but so are my arms?😵‍💫

[@dontupdateifitworks.424]

Much better than a pull backfire : back SURJURY they told me : no more next time! 😭🙏

[@grandcrappy]

​@Pm Tips do you sell these?

[@mrdavidurquhart]

This is a big help when you are working on a bench and diagnosing ignition and carb issues. Thanks a lot for emphasising the safety issue.

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@billwilliams5963]

I have really enjoyed your tips and your honesty in describing the limitations. I am using this tip to try and get an old kohler 8 hp engine to spin so I can troubleshoot it. Thanks .

[@pmtips4482]

Glad it was helpful!

[@audreybarnes6527]

Really great to see a setup in action, thank you. Had thought of tooling an adapter that kicks out.

[@pmtips4482]

Good idea! Be careful in your work. Thanks for watching!

[@moiusa]

You explain it clearly and it helps to know the safety of this method too. Thanks for your video tutorial.

[@pmtips4482]

You are welcome!

[@asymptomaticjack640]

You sir are a life saver. Thank you for being incredibly informative and concise. My wrists, back, and yard also thank you. Fantastic addition to anyone's tool kit.

[@pmtips4482]

Glad to help!

[@67goodoleboy67]

I like the safety aspect! Well done

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks! 👍

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

That is really cool Pm! But I think you're right! The one you made seems a lot better for starting them motors! Have a good weekend my friend!

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks John! Stay safe down there!

[@Rippin-Rich]

Awesome thanks! Going to do this and put some JBweld on the switch for my Go Kart!

[@livenhfree]

That is SO COOL, dude! I was just looking around for any info on how to add an electric start to my Generac. This is going to be a lot easier and cheaper. Thank you!

[@pmtips4482]

Glad I could help!

[@joeblundell299]

I haven't been able to use a pull start for anything since I got put in a wheelchair,. I now have the ability to start things again, thank you.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching! Please use extreme caution around rotating machinery!

[@mikea-strong5020]

This was exactly the video I needed. Thanks!

[@budchin1]

Great for an urgent start up need. I have tendinitis in my shoulders, so this will help bridge the gap.👍

[@pmtips4482]

It sure can! Thanks for watching!

[@heyitsmecarl1]

Great video-I bought the 1/2 inch drive model for better durability. As he said check your reversing mechanism EVERYTIME before using!

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@timthetoolman4575]

I made one of your “concoctions” after watching your video. It works great. Thanks for sharing

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@worldwidesports5k]

@@pmtips4482 Hello I like your idea, because I hurt my stomach muscles starting my mower, so I'm gonna try this thank you sir👍👍👍👍

[@txrick4879]

I had thought about that . Thanks for doing the work to figure it out .

[@pmtips4482]

Any time!

[@wmhamel3331]

Thanks for the video. The solution to the safter part is a small high strenght coil spring mounted on the engine crank nut or in the socket. The idea is if you are not pushing pressure onto the drive nut the small coil spring pushes the socket off of the nut. This is the safety part, it pushes the socket drive off the crank shaft drive nut as soon as you let off the push pressure on the nut. The rachet mechanism is still good but this is the real protection. Thanks for the video Wm Hamel

[@DeathByBaconHawk]

Sounds great in theory until the spring falls in your blower housing and your flywheel explodes

[@RedDragon-no8ic]

pretty cool - your right about the safety part - when locks up hurts like hell 😮

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikeyanchosr.4761]

Thanks for the information! I think I will go back 100 years and make a unit for the engine like my dad's model A, or his Farmall M tractor. Then make an adapter for my driver that is spring-loaded just like a spring on an electric starter. That way the engine rotation will push the drive attachment towards the the impact driver.

[@pmtips4482]

That would be ideal! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jafinch78]

Thinking JB weld everything in the positions required to be safe. Thanks for sharing!

[@jafinch78]

Thinking if not using the pull cord, then remove that and mount on the drill somehow. Plus cutting a hole in the cover to better shield from the flywheel fan blades.

[@markslinger9042]

I was immediately thinking Duct tape the adapter directional in the way you want it to work. Duct tape fixes anything...lol

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you!

[@1funcar]

@@jafinch78 the open fan blades got my attention really quick so I was already thinking of how to shield/guard them. Thanks for pointing that out in case anyone missed it.

[@sull5152]

At a cost of 12 or 13 bucks if it last a year. It's worth it to me. Good tip on that thing locking up.

[@4sl648]

Thanks! I bought a 1/2 inch drive version of that ratchet adapter and silicone sealer glued it to the 15/16 inch socket I needed for my Gravely LI. It works much better than without and much safer.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lessmith4974]

Tried for days to get my flooded chainsaw working.what a nightmare.tried all the usual tips but nothing worked.watched this vid and bought sealey adapter off ebay.works a treat with dewalt 18v combi drill.no more using pulley.thanks from aberdeen in the UK.

[@pmtips4482]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@RazorRikk]

Thank you very much and your very thoughtful with detailed explanations

[@pmtips4482]

You're very welcome!

[@user-sv9fq4cw3x]

Great explanation. Thanks

[@jimcollins8097]

In 1963 my dad built a fixture to start the lawnmower using a solid rubber pulley from a washing machine using the biggest craftsman drill ive ever seen. I was a big kid, but if you didnt plant your feet firmly it would spin me around. Used it for years.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jimmysright1362]

Quote of the day: "I favor the concoction I made" .

[@peterjuhasz5143]

Great idea! Thank You!

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

Good job! Make a wire guard for safety while running. 👍

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bearbpm]

For the price, I’ll glue/JB Weld the adapter in the proper position. This is a game changer! Awesome!!!

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching! Stay safe!

[@jeffsaginaw1769]

I been thinking about doing this for 2 cycle engines, chainsaw, leaf blower cause they are so darn hard to get going for this old man

[@pmtips4482]

I heard that!! Thanks for watching!

[@johnlucier8572]

Best to make your own works great the one I made plenty strong and very useful

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@ggoblue]

thanks for the link to the tool.

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@patrickjwhited6567]

Thank you for this!

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@blutoh2]

Without this adapter you not only risk injury but you can shear the flywheel key resulting in improper timing and an engine that won't run no matter how fast you turn it over.

[@paulykuyek8281]

My Grandpa was doing this over 50 years ago with a big old Black and Decker drill (corded). I've been doing this with all my small engines for 30 years.

[@billnlpaw]

So why haven’t you shared it?

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@pedrowalter]

Nice idea. Thanks!!!

[@pmtips4482]

Glad you liked it!

[@charliemaybe]

I May want to get this for my pull start FL250 Honda odessey

[@t.tocsmaillup8685]

Awesome I didn't know these existed.... Sadly, im a Millwright and was ignorant

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@TexasTaphandles]

This is awesome.. thanks. Can't wait to try this with my little junky chainsaw I got.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching and work safe!

[@jtampa3]

Wow, After seeing the hurricane forecast for this year I was thinking about adding a electric start to my generator until I saw this little trick plus probably save me a few 💵

[@pmtips4482]

Work safe! Thanks for watching!

[@wrenchguy]

4:27 problem, I been using a high tooth count 3/8" ratchet adapter 12 years. No problems kicking back. Lasted 100's starts so far. I had kickback/reverse problem happen using a low tooth count adapter, 90 year old Briggs -Stratton guy set me straight back then.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks wrenchguy! That is good to know!

[@keithdefries7210]

wrenchguy, what are you calling high tooth count adapter? How many teeth does it have compared to a low tooth count adapter?

[@wrenchguy]

@@keithdefries7210 I can't get to my adapter now but will guess 20-30 tooth count. Its explained and shown in this video i made years back. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnTOm4OumsSajMk

[@Rasyvnos]

90+ teeth are high count, to me. Gearwrench has some 144 teeth tools. Anything less than 72 teeth seems awfully coarse and crunchy.

[@mi5veezee]

Before your video ended i bought 1:)

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@philiptownsend4026]

We did this recently to get our 2--stroke chainsaws started. I found that this year I couldn't cut our firewood as I had lost the strength to use the rope starter (long medical story). My brain still works though so I had a think about the urgent problem (winter coming). We bough one of these rachet adaptors and found like you that it slipped easily to set the wrong direction. As it wasn't going to be used for any other purpose I decided to ruin it with a liberal dribbling of locktite fluid either side of the setting ring. Now it doesn't move. In the spirit of ruination we also welded an old drill adapter into the ratchet adapter. So making a porpoise built dedicated tool. I was concerned about using the flywheel securing bolt to start the engine, worrying that it might come unscrewed so devised an alternative plan. We used the two 6mm threaded puller holes on the flywheel to attach small steel tabs with bolts to the flywheel and to those tabs we welded an old spare half inch drive socket spanner. The half inch socket peeps out of the flywheel cover through a 22mm hole which replaces the cord and ratchet starter mechanism. The conversions look factory made and work perfectly. I'm now looking to do the same to our 4-stroke mower engines, hoping that they too turn anticlockwise.

[@pmtips4482]

Sounds like you did awesome on the DIY homemade adapter! Thanks for watching and work safe!

[@kcarley1]

I did the same thing even before seeing this... Saves the $$$$ and the arm. Praying for further success to you, but if you find one of the other motors going the other direction just buy one more and Loctite it in the direction needed. $17 and done.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Would like to see details on HOW you did such & see it demonstrated

[@joeplaugher6405]

thanks bro much needed help 🤘🏻🇺🇸

[@pmtips4482]

Any time! Thanks for watching!

[@josephpang6207]

Good video. Where you get that one way bearing??? Thanks

[@64kdawg]

Great tip 👍

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks 👍

[@RogerBogosh]

sure worked well for me I opted for a all 1/2" drive, the thought was maybey a longer lasting tool

[@pmtips4482]

It will last longer too, much heavier built! Thanks for watching!

[@vanmann8347]

Just ordered the ratchet adapter for $20 with shipping. Cheaper than an electric start kit.

[@sdmc1972]

they make a perfect size drill bit and tap for when you break that crank bolt to

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks!

[@wheelruts]

Love it. Newly subscribed. Please reveal though-How do you use a drill on a cold start where full or half choke is necessary? wouldn't drill noise and/or high revs hide initial engine sputter and cause one to flood engine? Or maybe hear it but no time to retract drill before you flood it?

[@pmtips4482]

On mine, there is plenty of time to reach up there and push the choke in. Drill noise is not a problem either. It won't mask anything the engine is trying to do. Thanks!

[@chunkyryan5233]

haven't considered one of those adapters to keep my wrist from breaking i've always used regular sockets

[@pmtips4482]

They are definitely worth it! Tape the selector wheel or switch so centrifugal force won't switch it up on you the next attempt. Thanks for watching!

[@crdirtrider856]

Good to know, Thanks Hank Hill

[@pmtips4482]

No worries!

[@t.tocsmaillup8685]

Occasionally the bolt threads/spin direction are opposite sometimes resulting in loosening the 🔩. I encountered this on an old Honda ATC

[@pmtips4482]

Yes, that could present a problem. Thank you for the information!

[@arthurdunn1452]

Been doing this for several years, works well but still be careful,I use low speed and have max power

[@pmtips4482]

Exactly! Be careful! Thank you!

[@Samestori214]

Thanks for your help. Where did you get that adapter.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching! It's a 3/8 ratchet adapter from Amazon. Use with caution!

[@bikersoncall]

I plan to use one of these, I'll set the direction I need, and tape the 'selector switch' tightly to that setting, so it won't inadvertently switch directions nor lock up on me.

[@pmtips4482]

That will work. As with always working around rotating machinery, be aware! Thanks for watching!

[@bikersoncall]

@@pmtips4482 Absolutely, thanks..

[@natscorm3009]

awesome! Thanks

[@pmtips4482]

You're welcome!

[@user-kj1od5ed7p]

Where can you get all the stuff to use the one-way bearing

[@jimhill4044]

Pm Tips You might want to take that racheting adaptor apart and put some grease in it...i bought the same 1 you have from amazon and just for the heck of it decided to take it apart to see and low and behold absolutly no grease in it or any kind of lub at all...

[@pmtips4482]

I can believe it, the gears inside even feel dry. I usually put some good oil on the inner ring and work it in. Thanks for watching!

[@johndevine5258]

Thank you

[@pmtips4482]

You're welcome!

[@ButchEvans]

Where is the detail for how you built this with the one way bearing clutch?

[@phuocminhbui]

Thanks

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@pavilioninternational]

How do you make a one-way bearing, I like that additional safety.

[@pmtips4482]

I like it too, but it would take some fabrication to make it. The worst part will be welding to the bearings inner race without melting all the grease and seals on it. Thanks!

[@1funcar]

Do you have a video on making the safer concoction? Safety is critical to me and spending more $ is better than having a mechanical disaster or physical injury.

[@pmtips4482]

No, it was piecework to the max! Thanks for watching!

[@_-_GrahamCase]

Excellent video, I have a small single cylinder yuchai power diesel with a decompressor. Would this method work for a diesel with decompressor?

[@pmtips4482]

I think it would, with the decompressor activated, it should be a breeze to turn over. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@tommartinez62]

Bought one, but apparently it was defective. I would vibrate or whatever to lock in. Troy lawn equipment makes a great one for their product.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks!

[@davidjones1393]

THKS

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@panagdimi]

Since you are concerned, 100 ft lb is approximately 135 Nm. On the average it takes about a 1,000cc displacement motorcycle to produce that much torque. The small engine in this video is capable of only a small fraction of that. Rest assured the ratchet adaptor will not be pushed beyond it's limits when trying to turn. You should be fine to start it as many times as you want for the rest of your life 😉👍

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks!

[@enquire422]

Brilliant!

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks!

[@timothywilliams2021]

I was starting a lawnmower with a drill without an adapter like this when the engine caught it ripped my drill in half. I've heard of people breaking wrists doing this. Definitely not worth getting hurt or breaking tools. If you're going to do this use an adapter like this or one with a one way clutch.

[@pmtips4482]

Very good advice! Thanks for sharing!

[@Botchedtoeknife]

Counter clockwise and the nut comes off 😂 tried to do it with my chainsaw no luck!! So I attached a pulley to the rafters and turned it into a kickstart! starts on the second kick almost every time!

[@pmtips4482]

That's pretty wild! Thanks for watching!

[@pedrowalter]

I just got it from amazon. 1/2".cost like 13$ I will try once i put it back my generac gp5500 next week

[@tonisam962]

Good. But please make sure you also watch this video about generator safety kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs everyone really needs to watch this video for their safety. I’m just trying to be nice and hope you like this video and stay safe. Thank you. Safety first is the most important thing.

[@versatec1]

Hi...do you have the link please...i cant find this adapter anywhere...thanks

[@jeffjames4064]

Genius!

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you!

[@neiliewheeliebin]

I started my old lawnmower for years like this, didn't bother with a ratchet adapter just used a socket & a power drill

[@pmtips4482]

I noticed when trying that, it always seemed hard on the drill transmission. A Porter Cable 18 volt drill. Thanks for watching!

[@bandmasterjf]

Recon you could JB weld that in the right position?

[@pmtips4482]

I don't see why not. JB is tough stuff! Thanks for watching!

[@dontupdateifitworks.424]

I THINK I'LL GET A 1/2 RACHET & IMPACT: BUT A PARNER TO CUT THE POWER IN CASE I TURN INTO tornado?

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

0:30 looks like those marks on your wrist is where these great ideas have backfired

[@pmtips4482]

I ran into a saw blade. Thanks for watching!

[@MuricanMiata]

Just snapped my snow blowers cable wanted to make sure this was a thing and not something I saw in a tiktok fever dreeam. Just gonna run my 3/8 milwaukee impact. Good enough to turn over a LS good enough to fire this cheap craftsman lol

[@pmtips4482]

A true impact has no turning power, it uses internal hammers to strike an anvil. You will need a drill driver type of tool. Thanks for watching!

[@scottjohnson9225]

Would a 6 point socket be better than 12 point? Just asking. Thanks for the vid.

[@pmtips4482]

A 6 point would be better IMHO. Thanks!

[@versatec1]

Its ok...found it😊👍

[@pmtips4482]

Good deal! Thanks for watching!

[@robertnoonan4953]

Its now 3 years later and I am wondering how long it was before your engine seized up. You really need to replace the cover over the fan to direct the cooling air flow over the fins on the cylinder. Best to cut a hole in the cover to accommodate the socket and use it with the cover on. Greetings from Australia.

[@pmtips4482]

...and cut the hole in the shroud is what I did. I also got rid of that generator after it destroyed a TV and a microwave with a dirty sine wave. Thanks for watching mate!

[@Tuhopolttaja]

Had one of these lock up and shear the axle in a makita drill. That got expensive quick.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Sean_y4k2l5]

my lawn mower takes over a dozen pulls. I have wondered if I could do this

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@0308valentin]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@kensnowden7882]

Hello - Well done video. Will this work on a 14 hp Kohler engine. It is on a portable sawmill and I have torn my shoulder trying to start it. Thanks

[@pmtips4482]

Yes, it should work with a decent cordless drill. Start with both hands holding it and make sure the rotational switch is in the correct position. Make sure to check the rotary switch position every time you attempt the start, some are epoxying or tack welding the position of the adapter due to the centrifugal force will snap the selector in the opposite position. Stay safe! Thanks for watching!

[@luvbgrass]

@@pmtips4482 did this work for you. I have a 12HP wood splitter that I would like to try this on. I'm worried about the motor kicking back though, which it does sometime. I think that would still maybe hurt your wrist.

[@pmtips4482]

@@luvbgrass Yes it should work with your 12 HP engine. Just make sure the adapter direction selector is in the correct position for your application, and use some tape or epoxy to hold it in that position. What happens is the centrifugal forces in the drill and engine starting (then dying), will switch the position ring. Above all....be careful. Thanks for watching and work safe!

[@Brandon-gp6zn]

Uh they make electric hand held starters for these types of engines. We used them to start our high compression go Kart racing engines.

[@sanjeevsaju9464]

Can you explain the assemblying of the set of rachet???

[@pmtips4482]

It's just a ratchet adapter that will snap on an appropriate sized drive. Please be careful! Thanks!

[@alishapuckett146]

What did you use so I can get it thank u

[@pmtips4482]

Alisha, just google "ratchet adapter" and check them out. The 1/2 inch models only cost a few dollars more than the 3/8 inch version. Please be careful! Thanks for watching!!

[@richardwernst]

How's it held up after 2 years? And where'd you get the part you fabricated your own from? Thanks.

[@pmtips4482]

It worked till I got a newer gen set with electric start a year later.H It was a 70s Ford starter drive real cheap on the bay, and proper socket sizing, the steel rod was 3/8 inch diameter. Thanks!

[@richardwernst]

@@pmtips4482 Got it, thanks!

[@Adam-fg6xl]

What if you did it with an impact wrench as opposed to a drill? If the engine were to lock, the impact would begin to "break power" thus preventing you from inuring your arm. My doubt however is the impact not having enough power to turn the engine before it "breaks". I am about to buy a set of tools, could you please test this? I would like to know what it would be worth going out of my way to do this

[@pmtips4482]

Hi Adam, sorry for the late reply. I tried a Bosch 12 volt 1/4 inch hex drive impact, and it will not work even though the impact will bury a 3 inch deck screw in treated lumber. What happens is the hammer mechanism will do exactly what it is supposed to do and hammer the crankshaft nut tighter (or unloosen it). You need the turning power of a drill, not the "hammer" power of an impact. Thanks for watching and commenting! Stay safe!!

[@Arlatube]

You want someone else to go through the effort and expense to see if what you want to do will be worth it for you? Before you spend to go buy some tools? No words for you. No words.

[@slayswag]

This will not stop injury if your engine kicks back only works if engine starts and runs in that direction

[@whosaidthat5236]

I made something similar to this but for my manual ice ogger. Works great until the torque of the ogger spinning wants to make the drill release the chuck when you stop drilling. lol almost lost my new ogger

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@jefg8rfivemgmodandmore928]

That’s how I start my back pack blower pull cord broke the first day I got it

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching!

[@rcnelson]

Can that adapter be used on a ratchet instead of a drill? Is there a centrifugal mechanism in the adapter which allows it to lock up at low speeds but freewheel when the engine fires?

[@pmtips4482]

The adapter takes the place of a ratchet. This model has a rotary sleeve to switch direction. It works but you have to use caution as after the first attempt, centrifugal forces will turn the selector ring. Thanks for watching!

[@user-pm5od6rk4v]

How long before the bolt head shears off ??

[@pmtips4482]

It should never actually shear off. An impact driver? Yes. A drill driver? No. Thanks for watching!

[@dontupdateifitworks.424]

We can see your forearm ; testing Mark's? Courage!😉

[@pmtips4482]

Lol scratches from tree trimming. Thanks for watching!

[@urbaneGorilla]

Huh.. I'm going to make one of these for sure.. I think I'll go ahead and cut a hole in the center of the cover to access that nut on the flywheel..

[@pmtips4482]

I would cut the center out too, on mine by cutting the center out you will eliminate the pull rope rewind spring housing, but....I don't want to pull start it anyway. Thanks!

[@markhuru]

I’ve seen other videos using this technique without ratchet, seems that the drill is spinning as motor starts spinning so not hard to pull off nut, as long as drill trigger is on.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks Mark for commenting! I know a few guys that done that and it tore out the little gearbox transmission in their drills, but they were the two speed versions. My old Porter Cable is a two speed, and it won't turn the engine in the high gear setting. In the lower gear, without the ratchet adapter, it would torque my wrist due to the slower drill speed. Thanks for watching!