Stubby Ratchet 3/8

[MrMark]

Is there a stubby 3/8 ratchet that is really nice other than the Snap-on?

Or, is this one of those cases where the SO is really worth it?

 

[wreckercologist]

Everyone I know that has a Wright likes it. SK also has some neat stubby ratchets too. That said, I've got a FC72, FCF72, FK80, & FKF80. They are the cats *** IMO.

 

[I can fix anything]

a stubby Duralast at autozone is $20

 

[mrholeshot]

I think in the case of a stubby ratchet where not much room to work I would pay the 75 dollars for the Snap-on.

 

[mrholeshot]

a stubby Duralast at autozone is $20

Great ratchet, wish the stubby was 60 tooth or more

 

[MrMark]

Everyone I know that has a Wright likes it. SK also has some neat stubby ratchets too. That said, I've got a FC72, FCF72, FK80, & FKF80. They are the cats *** IMO.

Now, what's the advantage of that 3/8 drive in a 1/4" body? Why not just use 1/4" sockets? 1/4" goes up to 15mm.

Which one of those do you use the most between the K and the C? Same question on the flex or non-flex version?

 

[tonydanzah]

no snap on, got with the wright 3430

awesome ratchet and around $30

 

[MrMark]

I think in the case of a stubby ratchet where not much room to work I would pay the 75 dollars for the Snap-on.

That's kind of what I was afraid of!

 

[tonydanzah]

That's kind of what I was afraid of!

don't do it, get the wright

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001YJJL88/?tag=atomicindus08-20

i did have a 5% coupon code, but i'm not sure where it went

 

[MrMark]

don't do it, get the wright

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001YJJL88/?tag=atomicindus08-20

i did have a 5% coupon code, but i'm not sure where it went

I've been looking at that for awhile, but never totally sold on it. Is it really all that???

 

[I can fix anything]

no snap on, got with the wright 3430

awesome ratchet and around $30

How do you warranty a wright?

 

[tonydanzah]

I've been looking at that for awhile, but never totally sold on it. Is it really all that???

yes it really is, it was the only ratchet small enough to get the allen head out of the brakes on my inlaws merc gl450

 

[MrMark]

How do you warranty a wright?

Good point. Probably a PITA. And I can see something like this breaking.

 

[tonydanzah]

Good point. Probably a PITA. And I can see something like this breaking.

its meant for tight access operation, i can't see it breaking.

 

[MrMark]

How often do you find yourself using these stubbies?

 

[tonydanzah]

rarely, but its a tool you are glad you have when you need it.

 

[MrMark]

its meant for tight access operation, i can't see it breaking.

What if you is really strong?lol

 

[tonydanzah]

What if you is really strong?lol

I am strong, but in a place you would use this there is not room to power it. If i have room for a longer ratchet my matco 88s haed is only slightly thicker and thinner than a SO dual 80

 

[crewchief888]

i like the cornwell 3/8" stubby i picked up at a swap meet for $3.

the head is a little thinner than the SO stub i lost

 

[Sterff]

I have a Gearwrench stubby (81209) which I have upgraded to an 88 tooth. I use it quite often over my longer ratchets. Its the perfect size for my hand and works well. I use it most with a philips bit socket.

 

[fordbroncodave]

craftsman professional stubby flex head, same thing as the matco stubby flex head in all aspects other then price and logo

 

[wreckercologist]

Now, what's the advantage of that 3/8 drive in a 1/4" body? Why not just use 1/4" sockets? 1/4" goes up to 15mm.

Which one of those do you use the most between the K and the C? Same question on the flex or non-flex version?

I use the FC72 the most. Mainly on the battery cable terminals on medium and heavy duty truck starters. The 19mm socket I usually use is barely larger than the ratchet, which is nice. I use it over a regular ratchet due to the swing I can get with the shorter handle=more speed. Anytime I can get away from using an extension, I will. I've found in a tight situation, it's easier to apply more torque to a shorter handle rather than fighting a longer one sometimes.

Honestly, I'm a collector. I didn't need all of them, but I have them. I actually took the FK and FKF home without ever using them at work.

That said, if I was forced to buy just one and use it at work, I'd probably stick with the FC72. Not like you're gonna ever need the 300 FT. LB. rating of the FK & FKF with their dainty little handles.

Here's an interesting idea for a stubby:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=229&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[MrMark]

craftsman professional stubby flex head, same thing as the matco stubby flex head in all aspects other then price and logo

I'm glad you posted that. $25 is very tempting. What's the tooth count? Is it upgradable to the 88 matco kit.

 

[wreckercologist]

I guess if you wanted to get out cheap, you could just buy what ever ratchet you like and chopsaw the handle to the appropriate length. That would cost less.

 

[fordbroncodave]

i can't recall anyone ever posting a matco vs craftsman professional examination depiction.

i have the matco stubby flex ratchet and it is identical to the Cman pro, the teeth even feel about the same. (mine is not the 88 teeth, probably more like 40-60 teeth)

 

[MrMark]

I guess if you wanted to get out cheap, you could just buy what ever ratchet you like and chopsaw the handle to the appropriate length. That would cost less.

I'm sure many have done just that. It seems a little too harsh for me, though.

 

[billymade]

I have the 900 series version of this Snap-On "compact head FC72"; its really nice in tight quarters of the newer cars... especially my vw new beetle!
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=24687&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Here is a little thread I created about tools in tight confined areas of the newer vehicles:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24938

 

[Sterff]

i can't recall anyone ever posting a matco vs craftsman professional examination depiction.

i have the matco stubby flex ratchet and it is identical to the Cman pro, the teeth even feel about the same. (mine is not the 88 teeth, probably more like 40-60 teeth)

I have the Craftsman and I believe its the standard 36 teeth. Also the only ratchets that can be upgraded to the 88Teeth are the 60 tooth Gearwrenchs.

 

[MrMark]

I have the Craftsman and I believe its the standard 36 teeth. Also the only ratchets that can be upgraded to the 88Teeth are the 60 tooth Gearwrenchs.

Good to know. It seems that this application really benefits from high tooth count.

 

[Sterff]

Yeah my 88 tooth gearwrench is very nice in tight places

 

[MrMark]

Yeah my 88 tooth gearwrench is very nice in tight places

Is that Taiwan or China on that?

 

[Sterff]

Is that Taiwan or China on that?

I believe it its Taiwan.

 

[Fedwrench]

craftsman professional stubby flex head, same thing as the matco stubby flex head in all aspects other then price and logo

close to the older 36 tooth Matco. Nothing like the current 88 tooth version.
There's a difference between a stubby 3/8 and a 3/8 in a 1/4 inch body. For a stubby 3/8 I would recommend the the Gearwrench 3/8 drive stubby flex head model 81212. Thin head, fine 60 tooth action (upgradable to 88 but, really why bother). It's great for wrist spinning and a bargain too at less than $30..
http://www.tooltopia.com/search.aspx?find=81212

 

[Unearthed]

I have a Gearwrench stubby (81209) which I have upgraded to an 88 tooth. I use it quite often over my longer ratchets. Its the perfect size for my hand and works well. I use it most with a philips bit socket.

Yep, and $16.99 shipped buy it now price on ebay.
minus the 88 kit of coarse.

 

[MrMark]

Yep, and $16.99 shipped buy it now price on ebay.
minus the 88 kit of coarse.

Why are those ebay models missing the two rings cut into the bottom of the handle. Are those seconds or something?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200513936375&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[Sterff]

Mine has the rings on the bottom. I had to go look

 

[MrMark]

Mine has the rings on the bottom. I had to go look

I think those are seconds. I wonder how these ebay sellers end up with loads of Armstrong or Gearwrench, for example. I think a lot of the stuff are seconds that gets snuck out by unscrupulous employees and sold.

 

[Unearthed]

Why are those ebay models missing the two rings cut into the bottom of the handle. Are those seconds or something?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200513936375&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Hmmm, didn't notice that. Just ordered one from that seller. I'll have to report back when I get it (ordered from him before,- great seller). I have a gearwrench stubby flex too from tooltopia. I'll check it when i get a chance.

 

[Paco Pena]

Never thought I'd need one till I bought it. Blackhawk USA 3/8 flex stubby. $10.50 at KMS tools. I'm surprised how often it gets used seeing as I did without one for 30 years.

Paco

 

[bmxr4life87]

Gearwrench non flex stub here I wouldn't go to 88 tooth I did on my bigger flex and I don't like it as much