ratchet rake

sdavies2000 · Mar 10, 2017

I'm looking to build myself a ratchet rake, was hoping someone with one could provide me with a few measurements. I've already made up a template but I'd like to know how close I am to the original.
I attached a crude picture depicting the measurements I'm seeking, for both the large and small teeth. Thanks!View attachment Image-012.bmp

fried1765 · Mar 11, 2017

sdavies2000 said:
I'm looking to build myself a ratchet rake, was hoping someone with one could provide me with a few measurements. I've already made up a template but I'd like to know how close I am to the original.
I attached a crude picture depicting the measurements I'm seeking, for both the large and small teeth. Thanks!View attachment 501686

Don't know how deep in Ontario you might be, but if within a reasonable distance why not try to buy a Ratchet Rake over the border in the USA?
Any Tractor Supply store can order a Ratchet Rake for you.
I know the CAD is horrible for you right now, but buying a Ratchet Rake will probably not cost you much more than building one, and the factory one will be built out of hardened steel.
If you are near Buffalo, there is a TSC store in Hamburg,NY. Ph# 716-648-5140
There are 4 TSC stores in Northern Michigan, and even one in the Upper Peninsula.
If you are in Western Ontario, there is a TSC in Bemidji, Mn.

sdavies2000 · Mar 12, 2017

I'm 4 hours from the nearest border and I enjoy little projects like this. I can get the steel for about $130 and it would cost me over $500 to buy the real deal. The ratchet rake website says they use A36 steel which I think is just your everyday basic steel. Someone please correct me if that's wrong as I don't know much about the different grades of steel, just going by what I read after a quick Google search!
I guess its certainly possibly that they are hardening the A36 themselves during manufacturing.

moriboy · Mar 12, 2017

I'm also on the fence with a ratchet rake. I really want one, but making one is pretty simple.

A36 steel is nothing special. Very common and easy to get ahold of.

If you make one, post up some pics.

Catoosa · Mar 12, 2017

I just ordered the 60" from the manufacture wasn't worth the time and trouble to try to build one but I'm in the states. While doing my research I did run across a thread on one of the forums (maybe this one) that detailed someone building one. He showed his progress and posted his upgrades as he discovered what not to do. Sorry didn't keep the link but Google should find it.

I do remember he didn't use heavy enough steel on his first version and it broke, he used a plasma cutter to make the teeth.

For those thinking about buying from the manufacture. They are an excellent outfit to deal with. If your bucket can handle it they will substitute chain binders for the straps at no charge. Read all the info in the links on the site to be sure your bucket can handle it and be ready to supply your own chain. My bucket is OK and the only negative I found on the net was related to the straps.

Xfaxman · Mar 12, 2017

sdavies2000 said:
I'm looking to build myself a ratchet rake, was hoping someone with one could provide me with a few measurements. I've already made up a template but I'd like to know how close I am to the original.
I attached a crude picture depicting the measurements I'm seeking, for both the large and small teeth. Thanks!
-------------

When I clicked your image link it downloaded, instead of opening, so here it is for all to see.

4570Man · Mar 12, 2017

I think they have blunt teeth instead of the fully sharpened ones like you have. Edit. The ratchet rake has triangle shaped teeth. It's the piranha bar that I was thinking of with trapezoid shaped teeth.