Paging MOPARHOUND

[cruiser808]

MOPAR, I think everyone here on GJ knows you are the ratchet guru and your collection is absolutely awesome. But, what are your favorite all time brand of ratchets that YOU use and why? Inquiring minds want to know. :thumbup:

[MOPARHOUND!]

The answer is surprising, and I'm not alone in my opinion. If I had to choose 1 ratchet, it would be the Craftsman fine tooth, quick release, with thumb wheel.

The 1/4" drive sells for $14.99 on the Sears online website (also available in the 3/8" and 1/2" drive sizes and flex heads):

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943187000P?mv=rr

The ratchets I actually use 80% of the time are the S-K design that has been around and proven reliable since the 1930's (still being sold today), and the S-K round head fine tooth version. Just a weekend hobby-ist, have used them to pull/disassemble several big block mopars, worked on several Dodge and Plymouths, and have had the 496" stroker in and out of the 1971 Charger R/T on 4 different occasions.

If I get in an awkward spot, and "back swing resistance" is an issue, I reach for a tear drop Proto, another ratchet design dating back to the 1930's-40's, basically unchanged to this day.

If in a spot where the socket won't stay on the ratchet, I reached for the fine tooth, quick release Craftsman with thumb wheel mentioned earlier.

If I get in a high torque situation, I use the breaker bar, but have been known to grab one of the modern Armstrong ratchets that are built like a tank, usually can be found for a bargain due to lack of brand recognition.

I cannot justify the cost of the truck brands given the service of the above ratchets. But keep in mind, I am not an everyday user making a living with his tools. Only stuff I've ever broken was made in Taiwan or China.

Some good S-K ratchet comments in this thread, particularly on page 2:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14548&highlight=hot+steaming&page=2

Was at the Defiance, OH S-K plant a few months back, took a few pictures of the outside (closed on the holiday). Hope to eventually put an S-K story thread together, time permitting.

[Scooterfish]

I have to jump in on this. My 1st tool set was a Penncraft (late 60s) I still have it, 1/2 dr,3/8dr, 1/4 dr.with sockets. They gave you both sockets in 6pt & 12pt in 7/16th,1/2,9/16 in 3/8dr & 1/2dr. 1/2 dr had deep wells from 7/16 to 3/4. I check the ratchets and they are 60 tooth.

[bchee]

I have to jump in on this. My 1st tool set was a Penncraft (late 60s) I still have it, 1/2 dr,3/8dr, 1/4 dr.with sockets. They gave you both sockets in 6pt & 12pt in 7/16th,1/2,9/16 in 3/8dr & 1/2dr. 1/2 dr had deep wells from 7/16 to 3/4. I check the ratchets and they are 60 tooth.

60 tooth ratchets almost 50 years ago? really??

[Scooterfish]

I assume I did it correctly? I lined up the ball with handle and got 30 clicks going 1/2 way around. That was both 3/8 and 1/2 dr. They were bought in 1968 or 69

[paramudduck]

Round heads have had high tooth counts for years. It's only the teardrops that have been coarse. My 70's round head Snap ons feel almost as fine as the F80's.

[Scooterfish]

The Penncraft ratchets I have were made by New Britian/Husky. I was able to match the patents on both the 1/2 & 3/8 on Alloy Artifacts web site.

[cruiser808]

60 tooth ratchets almost 50 years ago? really??


Yup, in addition to the 60-teeth, my old 3/8" Penncraft ratchet has a quick release feature. :thumbup:

[cruiser808]

I assume I did it correctly? I lined up the ball with handle and got 30 clicks going 1/2 way around. That was both 3/8 and 1/2 dr. They were bought in 1968 or 69

Hi Scooter - yes, you did it correctly. Do you use that ratchet on a regular basis and how do you like it?

[MOPARHOUND!]

Yup, in addition to the 60-teeth, my old 3/8" Penncraft ratchet has a quick release feature. :thumbup:

Do you have a pic?

Compared the New Britain, Blackhawk, and Penncraft 1/2" drives.

All 3 have the "New Britain" style head, and are identical except for the knurling on the handle, and the Penncraft's reversing lever having a minor difference.

But, the New Britain & Blackhawk are 45 tooth, the Penncraft is 60 tooth.

Learn something new every day.......

The "New Britain" style heads in the CB-45 Husky 3/8" ratchets are all 45 tooth, whereas the CB-43 Huskys are all 60 tooth - these ratchets are twins on the outside except for the last digit of their model number. Same goes for the 3/8" drive "New Britain" style headed Sparta CB-43, and Mustang MR-43, both 60 tooth, while a Blackhawk 34945 has a 45 tooth count.

Interesting.

[PowderKeg]

Well I know my paltry 250 is just a drop in the bucket:bounce:, but I'll second the opinion on the Craftsman round-head-fine-tooth-quick-release ratchets as being all-time favorites (and my firsts... well, firsts after dumping the clunky ones that came with the original sets sooooo many moons ago). Other silky-smooth ones that are a pleasure to use include Herbrands and Billings with the slide buttons, an old 1/4" Firestone, older (not the oldest) Armstrongs, and NAPA pear-head ratchets from the Moore era - for some unknown reason those NAPAs are sooo much smoother than their Craftsman/Moore cousins. The New Britain style round heads are ok, but they've never really caught my interest (work-wise) like the old reliable Craftsmans. The Indestro round and pear heads are also generally good. Cornwells as well. I probably reach more for the Snappy's lately (700 and 800 series long handles), and recently added a couple quick-release Snappy's (well, an S713A is on the way, hooked on a fast cast into the bay of fleas). I really like quick release ratchets - a result of growing up with the above classic round Craftsmans. While the Craftsmans are the definite go-to ratchets for limited-throw spots, the head thickness has been a liability occasionally.

[Scooterfish]

cruiser

yes ratchets used in my home garage for 40yrs, so probably turned bolts on every car, motorcycle I have owned over the 40yrs. They are smooth considering the vintage