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Need a good 1/4" ratchet

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mooman

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Jun 9, 2005
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I have the Craftsman 1/4" low profile ratchet and really don't like it.
I'm trying to keep the head as small as possible.
Other than the Wright ratchets which I think are cool, what else is out there that's nice?
 
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mrholeshot

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Snap-On makes the best hands down. i hate to use any other 1/4 inch ratchet. I use the roto head version. Gearwrench makes a really nice copy of it as does Kobalt. HF has a copy of it but it's a bit thicker
 
OP
M

mooman

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Yes, I knew that was comming..
I meant to post that I'd like to keep it under $30. I'm no pro, just want a better ratchet that won't make me want to throw it accross the garage when I go and use it.
I've got the Gearwrench made Kobolt roto head and like it. Just looking for something in a standard config.
 
M

MAD

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Jan 27, 2007
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Western MA
quattrojon said:
Armstrong 10-992...... super smooth, low profile ratchet.
Click to expand...

That Armstrong is essentially the same as the thin profile Craftsman ratchet that he does not like. Depending on what he does not like, it may not be the best choice.

I actually really like the Craftsman thin profile ratchet in the 1/4" size, but I almost always grab a traditional style SK round head 1/4" ratchet.
 
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Robertob

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I have a matco hard-handle 60-tooth that's similar to the armstrong and craftsman but thinner. You can get them used on ebay for $25 or less, I paid a little more than that for mine.
 
B

BWright

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Jun 21, 2009
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Illinois
quattrojon said:
Armstrong 10-992...... super smooth, low profile ratchet.
Click to expand...

+2 My favorite by far. A lot less bulky than the cman.

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plinker

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Northern Wi
I have in my work box a S-O TL936 & TM738, and an SK 40970.

The 40970 is what gets used 95% of the time (I have four total in my various boxes) It's my favorite 1/4 drive ratchet.
 
T

t100

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Sep 3, 2009
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Gearwrench, Armstrong and Matco etc. Danaher group made ratchets all have big heads, which the OP doesn't want.

I have Mac and SO they all have smaller heads but the Mac is way more sloppy than SO, even with similar teeth count.

it's not that hard for you to find SO 1/4 drive on ebay in your price range.
 
H

heelsroll

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On a rock in CT
SK roundhead is still my goto in 1/4", and I have GW, Mac, Matco, SO, etc.

Second choice is Proto but it's a bigger head.

FWIW.
 
M

Mr.Nutcase

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t100 said:
Gearwrench, Armstrong and Matco etc. Danaher group made ratchets all have big heads, which the OP doesn't want.

I have Mac and SO they all have smaller heads but the Mac is way more sloppy than SO, even with similar teeth count.

it's not that hard for you to find SO 1/4 drive on ebay in your price range.
Click to expand...

The Danaher ratchets are smaller than the snap on, the snap is bit thicker...
put 88 gear on the Gearwrench, or Armstrong
 
R

Robertob

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My dad has an ancient Easco that I LOVE. Head is the diameter of a dime and it has a thumbwheel built in. wish it was still being made new.
 
M

mrholeshot

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Just a small veiw to see the differance in the size if differant brands of ratchets. I have a bunch more but most same brands or no longer available.
From left to right
SK (very tough) Craftsman(decent) Kobalt (Craftsmans ugly twin) Snap-On (my favorite solid ratchet) HF Snap-On copy (strong but a bit large) HF Roto (nice but a bit thick) Snap-On Roto Head (my Favorite 1/4 ratchet)

IMG_0811.jpg


IMG_0810.jpg


As you can see there are some big differances in ratchets. In a tight spot the Snap-On are winners. In brute strength the SK has the advantage. This is one spot if you work in confined spaces that size can make the differance. The Snap-on offers strength, size advantage and comfort.
 
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mrholeshot

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I really like the 11th from the left Craftsman you have. Seems like each time I get one it grows legs. getting hard to find. I have a few of the V levers like the one beside it. nice line up
 
2

29Sedanman

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Mar 1, 2007
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Indianapolis
I have both the standard and flex head fully polished gearwrench models. I love both ratchets. I do have an old really small SK wayne round head that I like using as well.
 
L

lauver

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S

SnowBlaZeR2

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mrholeshot said:
I really like the 11th from the left Craftsman you have. Seems like each time I get one it grows legs. getting hard to find. I have a few of the V levers like the one beside it. nice line up
Click to expand...

Yeah, those are some of my favorite ratchets. I have been looking for a V lever 1/4" for awhile now. Talk about hard to find.
 
S

shotgunfatcat

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May 19, 2010
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I am the Wanderer
I am not a fan of Armstrong, I have 3 of the 3/8's ratchets, two of em the pawl's are shot on, looking at the design of the gear and pawl on a snap-on vs. my armstrong, It's a no brainer. I wish I could take apart every ratchet before I could buy them, hmmm, or I will just stay with snappy.
 
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Mr.Nutcase

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shotgunfatcat said:
i am not a fan of armstrong, i have 3 of the 3/8's ratchets, two of em the pawl's are shot on, looking at the design of the gear and pawl on a snap-on vs. My armstrong, it's a no brainer. I wish i could take apart every ratchet before i could buy them, hmmm, or i will just stay with snappy.
Click to expand...

the one with the c-clip or the bolts holding the cover?
 
C

chopper1

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Ohio's North Coast & Florida's West Coast
I've only got (4) 1/4" ratchets. I just got the Plomb and have never used it. I much prefer the Fairmount, which was made in the 50's or early 60's, over either of the Cman ratchets. More comfortable, thin profile and nicer action.
 

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