The ratchet wrench’s origins date back to 1863 when an American, J.J. Richardson, received a US patent for the first ratcheting socket wrench with interchangeable sockets. Over time, the ratcheting process at the center of this tool’s operations was adapted and simplified. Though it is unclear when the first combined ratchet wrench hit the market, it is clear that they are a standard-use tool in many auto shops today.