Anyone got a 1/4" Ratchet that LASTS ?

[Chris_R/T]

I know by design they aren't extremely strong, but there's gotta be a 1/4" Dr. ratchet that can last a couple years..right? I don't even know how many craftsman 1/4" ratchets I've gone through in the past 3 years. I have some cheapy 1/4" ratchets around but of course they aren't any better - the task force one that's in my truck box has held up ok but it barely gets used.

So. at this point I might just spend the money for a snap-on if anyone knows of a particular model that's doing them well, maybe a dual 80 but i dunno. Maybe this 1/4" breaker bar too

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...7&group_ID=127&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Just want to build a 1/4" Set for myself that wont go to **** in short order with shop use.

 

[HomeBrewA4]

I have a dual80 1/4" ratchet.. it sees a fair amount of use and doesnt hiccup one bit.

 

[Chris_PT]

Ive got a Snap On Dual80 and its really nice. I haven't really put it through any extremely difficult work though. FAR superior than the Craftsman

 

[mspecperformance]

im getting the 88 from matco (even though they are on my bad side right now). Also armstrong sells a nice 1/4 which im going to pick up. Just load up on a spare repair kit and you won't have to worry.


Pssssss... you can get the 88 matco repair kit for the armstrong ratchet.

 

[Red Green]

The 1/4" thin profile C-man is incredible compared to the regular raised panel.

 

[back2class]

The 1/4" thin profile C-man is incredible compared to the regular raised panel.

I second this thought on the Craftsman thin profiles. I hate them in 1/2 and 3/8 as they weigh a ton. Odly enough I hate SK ratchets in 1/2 and 3/8 but love the 1/4" as well. Both should serve you very well.

 

[mrholeshot]

S-K 1/4 inch ratchets. Toughest I've ever seen.

 

[Jim85IROC]

The 1/4" thin profile C-man is incredible compared to the regular raised panel.

Agreed. It's my go-to 1/4" ratchet, though to be fair I can't say that I've ever reefed on it. I've got plenty of long handled 3/8" stuff for that.

 

[ngk22r]

I would go with mac, snap-on, sk or duralast!

 

[gtivr4]

Maybe its a stupid question, but why are you breaking your 1/4" ratchet? If you are using it so hard, I expect you should be using a 3/8" which of course would be stronger.

 

[OldToolMan]

I have quite a few of them on my web site!

 

[brockstar]

I have a Wright round head 1/4 that takes a lot of abuse. I have a C'man thin profile and it switches directions too easily. Not good when you're in a tight space.

The round head design doesn't switch directions so easily. The Wright design is particularly compact and is my "go to" 1/4 ratchet.

$25.80 from Harry Epsteins - http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/2426.html

If you prefer the pear head shape, GearWrench gets my vote.

 

[Davefr]

Find one of the older SK's (ie 40970)

 

[Jim Stabe]

My 1960 version Cman is still going strong.

 

[Chris_R/T]

Maybe its a stupid question, but why are you breaking your 1/4" ratchet? If you are using it so hard, I expect you should be using a 3/8" which of course would be stronger.

I've only actually "broken" one legitimately. The others just either had the teeth wear away or became almost impossible to rotate.

 

[Torq'er]

S-K 1/4 inch ratchets. Toughest I've ever seen.

Spot-on
I've never had an issue with SK 1/4's

 

[otis66]

I used my 1/4" drive 10" Matco 88 ratchet to change a starter on a 96 Ford f-350 it didn't skip a beat.

 

[Eric Nordstrom]

I used my old proto and a long peice of pipe to remove a tailgate (el camino)
in a salvage yard. So don't over look Proto.!
Eric

 

[SCscoutguy]

I have used my SK 1/4" ratchet for 10+ years ALLOT and it has never failed me. My proto pear head 1/4" ratchet has held up extremely well also.

 

[Bolster]

I've INHERITED 1/4" Proto ratchets that have already put in a lifetime of use before it got to me! And still going strong.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I would recommend a Matco 88.......

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I would recommend a Matco 1/4 drive, # AFR58TM .......

http://matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2353&page=2￤

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm not a fan of the Snap on T72 series. I broke a selector switch by just changing direction, I feel the ratcheting action binds, and the head is bulky but, that's just me. The Snap on dual 80 is great in 3/8 drive but, there's room for improvement in their 1/4 drive.
There are many great 1/4 drive ratchets. the Craftsman round head fine tooth quick release model is tough. The SKs are also good. Proto has a fairly new 45 tooth model that is very stout. I prefer the Danaher made 60 tooth Matco, Gearwrench, or Armstrong versions. You can't beat the thin head and fine ratcheting action. Any of these will serve you well.

 

[LincolnCont.]

S-K 1/4 inch ratchets. Toughest I've ever seen.

+1

I love my S-K 1/4 ratches. I got two of' em, hand me downs, don't use 1/4 that much but its convenient as all get out for my motorcycle needs even just used one to replace the lift pump on my Diesel, wouldn't replace'em with anything...till they break

 

[knobbylon]

I have 1 SK from 1970 and still use it. I have two more from the 80s.

 

[t100]

got bunch of bolts off a toyota flex plate at school using Snap On FCF72 ratchet this week, they were torqued to 60lbs and the truck was rusted to hell due to flood damage(it was donated by an insurance company to our school).

I had a cheater on the ratchet and it busted every bolt on the first try.

 

[wreckercologist]

I don't currently own one of these but they are on sale right now. They look and feel nice. The dealer says they're pretty reliable too. Matco AFR88TG on sale for $68.00??? IIRC?

http://matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2353&select=&page=3

I like my SK's and Snap-ons. The T72's and all of their variants are excellent.

The new Craftsman 60 tooth's are nice too.

 

[billymade]

I think the 800, 900 and new 72 series Snap-On 1/4" are great... very durable ratchets! I don't think I have broken any of them; I have these 1/4" ratchets in all the series I mentioned; plus earlier as well. The ones I have had rebuilt; I got used and were worn, not broken!

 

[tonydanzah]

matco60/88 or the Taiwan made mac micro tough

 

[chopper1]

This one's 70 years old and still going strong

 

[mrholeshot]

If you don't want to spend much money and want a good ratchet this one is great. With a 20% coupon you can get it for 8 dollars (sometimes less). It's made in Taiwan but it's no joke. 3X better than Crapsman raised panel

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-drive-heavy-duty-quick-release-ratchet-40592.html

For 15 dollars this is a ratchet that rivals Snap-On. (flame suit on) They are remarkable ratchets. I was so Impressed with the 3/8 I tested I bought the 3 pack 1/2,3/8 1/4 and gave the first one to my son to use at work. You can get the Duralast at Autozone. It's a lot more than just pretty.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=482526_0_0_

 

[Hiball]

My Go-To 1/4" Drive Ratchets are Wright Branded, They are very similar to SK and can be picked up on the Cheap from many outlets including Epstein and Ebay. You cant Go wrong with Wright.. If you really give it a Honest Try. They have been using the same design for 40+ years. I cant tell you its 5x's better any other brand, But you dont stay in business for 80+ years manufacturing ****.

 

[mrholeshot]

But you dont stay in business for 80+ years manufacturing ****.

Craftsman thinks they can I wish we had a local dealer for Wright tools

 

[Griff93]

I guess I'm rough on stuff because I've broken the paw in an SK ratchet, broke the paw in a SO 900 series(twice) snapped the drive off, and snapped the square drive off a proto big dog. I still consider all of these to be decent and no I was not using a cheater on them. I have another 1/4 proto big dog that has been great. Both of the SOs have to much back drag so it's kind of annoying when trying to get a bolt out that is in a tight space because it likes to try to turn the bolt back in instead of ratcheting. I wouldn't look past an armstrong. I have a 3/8 long handle that I bought when I was having a bunch of trouble with my SO 3/8 dual 80 not even lasting a week between breaking.

 

[ImportTuner]

My Craftsmen 1/4" RHFT ratchet is going on 27 years .. and still my goto ratchet when I need the 1/4" drive ..

 

[Hiball]

Craftsman thinks they can I wish we had a local dealer for Wright tools

I dont think its fair to Classify "Craftsman" Tools as ****. They definitely have some issues with some of there recent tools but as a Whole they are still very affordable tools and there most Problems have been of Late with only a handfull of Items. Its more cost effective to buy your Wright tools from the many Online Retailers as they sell below Retail, Fastenal is a Retailer but im sure you would pay 100% List there.

I guess I'm rough on stuff because I've broken the paw in an SK ratchet, broke the paw in a SO 900 series(twice) snapped the drive off, and snapped the square drive off a proto big dog. I still consider all of these to be decent and no I was not using a cheater on them. I have another 1/4 proto big dog that has been great. Both of the SOs have to much back drag so it's kind of annoying when trying to get a bolt out that is in a tight space because it likes to try to turn the bolt back in instead of ratcheting. I wouldn't look past an armstrong. I have a 3/8 long handle that I bought when I was having a bunch of trouble with my SO 3/8 dual 80 not even lasting a week between breaking.

Yes.. Its sounds like you definitely are Tuff on them.. Im not sure what you was using your 1/4" drive for, But it seems your pattern of Carnage would lead me to believe you need to step up in size for your Jobs. Ive slammed my hand into to many sharp edges over the years, When i reach a Torque level that exceeds what it should for the tool. I Stop.. Walk over to the box and UpSize. Its a lesson that takes some Common sense and Experience but it will save you from trips to the E.R. LOL

 

[mrholeshot]

I dont think its fair to Classify "Craftsman" Tools as ****. They definitely have some issues with some of there recent tools but as a Whole they are still very affordable tools and there most Problems have been of Late with only a handfull of Items. Its more cost effective to buy your Wright tools from the many Online Retailers as they sell below Retail, Fastenal is a Retailer but im sure you would pay 100% List there.

Compared to Craftsman of 10 years ago I have to rate what they build now as ****. Especially the raised panel ratchets and some of the new "Innovative" tools as well as the new Pro line wrenches.

The only problem with buying tools on line that arn't sold locally is that when it breaks you have shipping both ways and the long wait. Then online companies disappear and pop up way to often. I like buying my tools local so if there is an issue their won't be any hassle. My local NAPA serviced my SK needs but thats kind of wishy washy right now. If SK's quality was as high as it has been since I started buying in the 60's I'd buy them without the warranty. I'd think twice about putting the impact of hammer to them though

 

[mrholeshot]

My Craftsmen 1/4" RHFT ratchet is going on 27 years .. and still my goto ratchet when I need the 1/4" drive ..

Those were excellant ratchets. I had a full set of those and lost them in a fire.

 

[Hiball]

Especially the raised panel ratchets and some of the new "Innovative" tools as well as the new Pro line wrenches.

Question?? Have you used the NEW Proline or the "Innovative" or are you making your assumptions based on there COO? Cuz thats not Cool..

The only problem with buying tools on line that arn't sold locally is that when it breaks you have shipping both ways and the long wait. Then online companies disappear and pop up way to often. I like buying my tools local so if there is an issue their won't be any hassle. My local NAPA serviced my SK needs but thats kind of wishy washy right now. If SK's quality was as high as it has been since I started buying in the 60's I'd buy them without the warranty. I'd think twice about putting the impact of hammer to them though

With your track record, You should probably hold off... IF your snapping ratchets guts weekly it wouldnt be anytime before the rest of us would have to pay Higher prices to offset "Your" Warranty claims. LOL On a serious Note, there are many local places to get Warranty work for Wright, Fastenal comes to mind as a Authorized Retailer, You can also check Wrights website for Local Retailers in your area.

 

[mrholeshot]

Question?? Have you used the NEW Proline or the "Innovative" or are you making your assumptions based on there COO? Cuz thats not Cool..





With your track record, You should probably hold off... IF your snapping ratchets guts weekly it wouldnt be anytime before the rest of us would have to pay Higher prices to offset "Your" Warranty claims. LOL On a serious Note, there are many local places to get Warranty work for Wright, Fastenal comes to mind as a Authorized Retailer, You can also check Wrights website for Local Retailers in your area.

I tried the spline wrenches(friend of mine bought a set for 19 dollars) and the wrench and sharp corners inside and dug into bolts. The Cross Force wrenches to me are just useless. They do nothing for comfort (just my opinion). The new line wrenches look like Harbor Freight India made wrenches. The Bone wrench is really just Thorsen. As far as COO goes I like a good many of the tools coming out of Taiwan and China so that not my beef.

As far as me beating up any wright ratchets that won't be happening. Now that I have retired I havent had to warranty a single Snap-On tool. I have had to warranty a few others that I've tested.

I checked out the website and we have two dealers local (one semi local) but the local one has to order everything. I found another dealer in Georgetown SC (about40 miles from my house) but I go through there once a month to go to MUSC. I asked about the Wright 4425 1/2 long handle ratchet (15") and he has one in stock for 53 dollars. I'm going to pick it up next week when I go through. He said he had a real good stock of Wright tools and the more I buy from him the better deal he can cut me. Told me he has been selling them for 30 years. I had to figure out what tool I really needed before making a buy. My long Snap-On walked off about a year ago.