18" Ratcheting Cross Handle, Signature Series Thread

Overall, a very sturdy ratchet handle. I use a bucket auger in VA to evaluate soils for sewage system feasibility. Ratcheting mechanism appears to be somewhat over engineered and is extremely durable. The only negatives I can give and the reason I only give it 4 stars, is that it's very heavy. Since you have to bang the handle against the ground to empty the auger bucket, it is more susceptible to grit and mud getting into the open ratcheting mechanism. I would like to see AMS bring back the previous style ratcheting handle that had an enclosed mechanism and was much lighter. Over time, the old style ratchet would eventually wear out the mechanism stripping the gears which is why I guess AMS designed this heavier constructed model, but personally for me, I would sacrifice longevity for a lighter, more manageable ratcheting cross handle.