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NEW CAPRI EXTRA LONG COMFORT GRIP RATCHETS

Fedwrench

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The new Capri extra long comfort grip ratchets are here.

12 inch long for the 1/4, 20 inches long for the 3/8 and 25 inches long for the 1/2 drive version.

Are Capri extra long comfort grip flex head ratchets next? :dunno:
 
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dnschmidt

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The new Capri extra long comfort grip ratchets are here.

12 inch long for the 1/4, 20 inches long for the 3/8 and 25 inches long for the 1/2 drive version.

Are Capri extra long comfort grip flex head ratchets next? :dunno:
We can all hope so since Tekton isn't stepping up to the plate. One thing you can count on is that ASTRO will never offer comfort grip handles on ratchets as Chris Pettit HATES THEM! Their small head size but long ratchets are quite nice (particularly the 1/4" one) and I have them all but the handles are too small in diameter for by big hands. I suggested comfort grip handles to Chris and when flame shot out of the earpiece of my telephone I took that as a NO GO.
 

Steve_P

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Same pawl type as before?

No, the prior models used a 72T design with a different pawl design. This is 90T and uses the same design as Tekton 90T, Gearwrench 90T, SK LP 90, Matco 88, and probably many others. This 90T design is obviously very popular and well-proven.

I am probably going to order at least two of them!
 
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Fedwrench

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Same pawl type as before?

No, the prior models used a 72T design with a different pawl design. This is 90T and uses the same design as Tekton 90T, Gearwrench 90T, SK LP 90, Matco 88, and probably many others. This 90T design is obviously very popular and well-proven.

I am probably going to order at least two of them!
Different design from their 72 tooth series ratchets. Same floating pawl design as found on their 90 tooth standard length comfort grip ratchets released a month or two ago. The last thing I need is another ratchet but, the 12 inch long 1/4 drive is calling to me. The 20 inch 3/8 seems probably too long to me, and I already have the long fixed head 1/2 drive model in Tekton trim.
 
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Fedwrench

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We can all hope so since Tekton isn't stepping up to the plate. One thing you can count on is that ASTRO will never offer comfort grip handles on ratchets as Chris Pettit HATES THEM! Their small head size but long ratchets are quite nice (particularly the 1/4" one) and I have them all but the handles are too small in diameter for by big hands. I suggested comfort grip handles to Chris and when flame shot out of the earpiece of my telephone I took that as a NO GO.
I think Tekton is playing it safe avoiding extra long ratchets and their associated warranty claims. :lol:

I agree that the Astro nano ratchets are sweet but, the 1/4 drive handle is like holding a #2 pencil. It could benefit from a tapered comfort grip.
 

Steve_P

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I think Tekton is playing it safe avoiding extra long ratchets and their associated warranty claims. :lol:

I agree that the Astro nano ratchets are sweet but, the 1/4 drive handle is like holding a #2 pencil. It could benefit from a tapered comfort grip.

Agree that Tekton is playing it safe because of fear of warranty claims- I've posted this in the past. But there's a simple solution and just say no warranty on the very long ratchets, especially flex heads. I'd still buy them with no warranty, because long ratchets are going to be very possible to break, especially in 1/4 and 3/8, and expecting a warranty on a ratchet that costs a fraction of one from a tool truck isn't reasonable; and people being unreasonable with warranty claims prevent new products from being released.
 

Steve_P

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Does anyone here have a Capri 90T? If so, let us know what you think about the mechanism as far as back drag, etc.
 

Chrome Vanadium Cody

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Anyone know how the head size is on these? I have a long handle 1/4 drive Titan ratchet I’m looking to replace because although the mechanism works fine, the head is always too big to fit any place I’d want to use it.
 

Madjik Man

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Anyone know how the head size is on these? I have a long handle 1/4 drive Titan ratchet I’m looking to replace because although the mechanism works fine, the head is always too big to fit any place I’d want to use it.

Nothing super scientific or accurate, my calipers are buried in a box. But this gives you the idea of the 1/4" head on the standard ratchet I bought a couple of months ago. I assume it's the same head?

IMG_4270.JPGIMG_4269.JPGIMG_4268.JPG
 

Tallpilot

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Count me among those who despises "comfort grip" ratchets.
They are pretty polarizing. I like them and find that Tub o' Towels clean them up very nicely. They also work well on Milwaukee tools.

For people who prefer not to clean their tools before they put them away I suspect they are undesirable. However it doesn't seem difficult for tool companies to offer multiple grip options.

The old Ford, You can have any color you like as long as it's black, doesn't seem like the best business strategy in competitive markets.

I wish Tekton would make a long 1/4” like they do in the other common drive sizes but since they won't I'm buying this one. I suspect the mechanism is identical and probably from the same factory.
 
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Steve_P

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Nothing super scientific or accurate, my calipers are buried in a box. But this gives you the idea of the 1/4" head on the standard ratchet I bought a couple of months ago. I assume it's the same head?

IMG_4270.JPGIMG_4269.JPGIMG_4268.JPG

Thanks- looks nice and compact. How do you like the ratchet as far as how well the mechanism works- back drag, etc?
 

Fatboyslim95

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I purchased the shorter 1/4 drive comfort grip and I like it more than my Tekton ratchets. I’ve always told friends/family, to spend the money and just get snap-on ratchets because they are worth the money, but these new Capri ratchets are changing my mind. For less than one snap-on you can get the entire Capri set and honestly they will 90% as good as my snap on dual 80’s.

Time will tell how they old up, but for now I’m super happy.
 

KnurledNut

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I believe they are the same as diehard. Nice ratchets. Very low back drag.
I dont have a Capri to compare but going by their picture, the pawl looks slightly different than the Diehard flex I have. While its possible WT makes both, they could be spec’ed slightly different, or it could be that the flex head mechanism is slightly different.
 
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Madjik Man

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Thanks- looks nice and compact. How do you like the ratchet as far as how well the mechanism works- back drag, etc?

I really love these ratchets. I'm spoiled by Koken's back drag and if the job isn't gnarly I'll always grab my Kokens. But for all other jobs I grab these new Capris every time. Even over my KTC. The back drag is minimal, smooth mechanism and the direction switch feels super solid. The anvil does not have much slop. I'm just a home gamer and don't own any Snap-On, Proto, Matco, etc... so I can't compare to them.
 
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lardy1

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They're showing very nice prices on their older style 72 tooth ratchets. I've never used them but some folks in here like them. A 3/8" drive standard ratchet for seventeen dollars.

EDIT: I looked on Amazon and they're a few cents less with free shipping for Prime members.
 
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Steve_P

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...I wish Tekton would make a long 1/4” like they do in the other common drive sizes but since they won't I'm buying this one. I suspect the mechanism is identical and probably from the same factory.

The mechanism is slightly different- look at the pics: the pawl is visibly different on the selector side between the two. Saying that, all of the 90T designs like this are 99% the same as far as layout and function. Minor variances are that they use a different shape on the selector side of the pawl; some use a snap ring on the cover, some use screws; the springs and their layout used on the selector vary.

I posted this in another thread, but for the 1/4 size, the Gearwrench 90T and Matco 88T gears and pawls interchange and work fine between the two with no other changes; the gears are within a few thousandths of each other as far as diameter and height.
 

Steve_P

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I purchased the shorter 1/4 drive comfort grip and I like it more than my Tekton ratchets. I’ve always told friends/family, to spend the money and just get snap-on ratchets because they are worth the money, but these new Capri ratchets are changing my mind. For less than one snap-on you can get the entire Capri set and honestly they will 90% as good as my snap on dual 80’s.

Time will tell how they old up, but for now I’m super happy.

Thanks. I have a bunch of the Gearwrench 90T, multiple 90T Tekton, two Snap on 1/4" "dual 80" (72T), and two Matco 88T. The Tekton is my least favorite because the selector switch is the most difficult to actuate because of its low height, but mostly the way the body recess is machined too close to it at the end of the throws (compare to the GW). Anyway, I think the Snap On is only nicer to use than the Tekton because of this switch issue; otherwise, I don't see any massive benefit of the SO, especially at 3X+ the cost. The only reason I have the SO, and the Matco, are that they are longer than anything that GW offers.
 

Fatboyslim95

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Hard to argue with the fact that Snap On seems to be the only company producing multiple options of long handled ratchets. I also totally agree on the experience of using the Tekton, I do like the recessed nature of the selection on the Tekton, but I also have long skinny fingers, I could see where it would be difficult with large hands and gloves.

I think the Capri selector is kind of the best of both worlds, similar to snap on but slightly fatter and a bit is machined off the top.
 

Steve_P

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So I received my set of three Capris last week and took them apart and lubed them and looked at the mechanism. The internal design is closest to the Tekton, and this is the best design IMO because the gear uses a cylindrical pilot on the rear to locate it into a machined recess in the ratchet body- Tekton is the same. The gear in the Gearwrench is just floating around in the case and basically located by the cover plate and the ID of the machined recess to OD of the gear. Matco is similar but a step above the GW in that the cover plate sits on a machined step in the body where the GW cover plate sits on the gear itself. Saying that, I don't think this really matters overall, and it doesn't matter in strength, but positively locating the gear on both ends, and having the cover plate sit on a step, and not directly on the gear, is the "correct" way to do it from a design standpoint. Again, it doesn't matter, but there's almost zero slop in the Capri gear/anvil in comparison to the GW, Matco, and Snap On 88 (I only have SO 1/4" at 72T). Tekton is second behind Capri as far as slop. Also, the Capri gears are different from Tekton, and of course Matco and GW. The Capri gears are taller than Tekton, GW, Matco, and this is only counting the toothed portion. Of course, the diameters mostly also vary, and I don't think it matters, but the Capri shouldn't be weaker as long as they're similar material and heat treat since the anvil typically breaks first.

Overall, I really like these. I'm looking forward to some expanded offerings.

Oh, the Capri heads are thicker than GW, Matco, and Tekton. To go along with this, the handle diameters are larger to match the thicker heads. I actually geeked out and made a bit of a dimensional and comparison table so maybe I'll start a comparo thread.
 

qqzj

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So I received my set of three Capris last week and took them apart and lubed them and looked at the mechanism. The internal design is closest to the Tekton, and this is the best design IMO because the gear uses a cylindrical pilot on the rear to locate it into a machined recess in the ratchet body- Tekton is the same. The gear in the Gearwrench is just floating around in the case and basically located by the cover plate and the ID of the machined recess to OD of the gear. Matco is similar but a step above the GW in that the cover plate sits on a machined step in the body where the GW cover plate sits on the gear itself. Saying that, I don't think this really matters overall, and it doesn't matter in strength, but positively locating the gear on both ends, and having the cover plate sit on a step, and not directly on the gear, is the "correct" way to do it from a design standpoint. Again, it doesn't matter, but there's almost zero slop in the Capri gear/anvil in comparison to the GW, Matco, and Snap On 88 (I only have SO 1/4" at 72T). Tekton is second behind Capri as far as slop. Also, the Capri gears are different from Tekton, and of course Matco and GW. The Capri gears are taller than Tekton, GW, Matco, and this is only counting the toothed portion. Of course, the diameters mostly also vary, and I don't think it matters, but the Capri shouldn't be weaker as long as they're similar material and heat treat since the anvil typically breaks first.

Overall, I really like these. I'm looking forward to some expanded offerings.

Oh, the Capri heads are thicker than GW, Matco, and Tekton. To go along with this, the handle diameters are larger to match the thicker heads. I actually geeked out and made a bit of a dimensional and comparison table so maybe I'll start a comparo thread.
It is all fantasy you are talking about. Project Farm tested all these ratchets. Capri doesn’t even compare to gear wrench. You cannot tell anything with just your eyeballs. Be realistic
 
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Fedwrench

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It is all fantasy you are talking about. Project Farm tested all these ratchets. Capri doesn’t even compare to gear wrench. You cannot tell anything with just your eyeballs. Be realistic
Project Farm tested the Capri 72 tooth ratchet not their 90 tooth ratchets. The Capri 90 tooth ratchets use the same floating pawl design as found in Gearwrench 60/84/90 tooth models. I think one thing the Capri 90 tooth ratchet has better than Gearwrench, would be the screw retained gear cover. :beer:
 

Steve_P

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It is all fantasy you are talking about. Project Farm tested all these ratchets. Capri doesn’t even compare to gear wrench. You cannot tell anything with just your eyeballs. Be realistic

WTF are you talking about? This is not fantasy, these are my observations.

BTW, PF tested the 72T Capri, TOTALLY different design from the 90T :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
 

qqzj

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Project Farm tested the Capri 72 tooth ratchet not their 90 tooth ratchets. The Capri 90 tooth ratchets use the same floating pawl design as found in Gearwrench 60/84/90 tooth models. I think one thing the Capri 90 tooth ratchet has better than Gearwrench, would be the screw retained gear cover. :beer:
The screw gear cover of GearWrench is perfect and has never been a problem. It is easy to remove and apply grease. Saying Capri is better than GearWrench by just looking at them is a joke. Just like someone told me that after listening to speakers after a while, he can tell the electricity used is from a hydro powerplant or from a coal powered. It is total BS.
 

Steve_P

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Project Farm tested the Capri 72 tooth ratchet not their 90 tooth ratchets. The Capri 90 tooth ratchets use the same floating pawl design as found in Gearwrench 60/84/90 tooth models. I think one thing the Capri 90 tooth ratchet has better than Gearwrench, would be the screw retained gear cover. :beer:

The Capri design is better. Not because of the screws holding the cover plate- a retaining ring is far stronger than two M2 or M3 screws in tension; the Capri design is superior because of the positive location of the gear on both ends, and the cover plate sitting on a step, and not the gear, like the GW. Does it really matter as far as function, reliability, and lifespan? I don't think so, as I said, but a better design is a better design, and these details cost $ to add in manufacturing. The Capri shows attention to detail; the GW shows cost savings thru elimination of machining steps. That's not saying the Capri is better, or stronger, in use, strength depends on the material used; but the Capri is a better design.

I also have a bunch of the GW 90T also and really like them; but the Capri design is superior- take both apart. Is the Capri stronger than GW? Probably not, because the anvil was the common failure in the PF tests. Still, it's a better design.

Which cost more to manufacture the GW or Capri? The Capri; it has multiple more machining steps than the GW.
 

Firebrick43

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The screw gear cover of GearWrench is perfect and has never been a problem. It is easy to remove and apply grease. Saying Capri is better than GearWrench by just looking at them is a joke. Just like someone told me that after listening to speakers after a while, he can tell the electricity used is from a hydro powerplant or from a coal powered. It is total BS.
Thinking that project farm is a great test on just one sample is a joke as well!
 
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Fedwrench

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The screw gear cover of GearWrench is perfect and has never been a problem. It is easy to remove and apply grease. Saying Capri is better than GearWrench by just looking at them is a joke. Just like someone told me that after listening to speakers after a while, he can tell the electricity used is from a hydro powerplant or from a coal powered. It is total BS.
Perhaps you've never had a problem with Gearwrench's thin metal plate retained by a snap ring but, unfortunately, I've had a couple take swan dives off of a raised lift arm, and explode when they hit the ground, shooting their guts in several directions. Granted, it might be a fluke but I'm more careful where i leave stuff now :lol:
Besides, Gearwrench doesn't offer ratchets in these lengths so, there's no reason to debate which is better since Gearwrench doesn't offer a 12 inch long 1/4 drive comfort grip ratchet, nor a 20 inch long 3/8 drive comfort grip ratchet, nor a 25 inch long 1/2 drive comfort grip ratchet. Feel free to use whatever ratchet you prefer but, just because you don't like the ratchet I choose, doesn't make my choice wrong. :fawk:
 
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