1/2 ratchets, flex head, snap on/gearwrench etc?

[Farmer888]

So I'm in the market for a 1/2 drive flex head ratchet.. med length. I've never bought snap on always had cheaper mastercaft from Canadian tire (canada here) Then added a 3/8 tekton socket set and an additional 3/8 tekton flex head long handle that I love. And recently a gear wrench 1/4 set that so far i'm happy with.
I'm not a mechanic and never really had interest in snap on as they are way out of my budget especially for my use.
But I have always wanted a snap on ratchet. I was thinking the SHRX80BG locking flex head comfort grip would be awesome.. But realistically if gear wrench is 90% good at 1/4 the cost im just throwing money away.

Rambling on way too much, but any non pros who would recommend a snap on ratchet?

 

[L.Cheapo]

Not a pro, not anymore anyway. I won't use a ratchet that isn't a hard handle Snap On Dual 80, unless it's my F836 I bought new in 1995 for nostalgia. I've tried others, some of them are even pretty good. But to my hands, nothing else compares.

 

[Rinspeed]

There is a three page thread on these ratchets that just had activity this morning.

 

[Ohio Andy]

There is a three page thread on these ratchets that just had activity this morning.

Which 24” 1/2 ratchet should I get?

I am looking to “invest” in the strongest extra long 1/2” ratchet with lifetime warranty. My decision basically comes down to Snapon or Matco, although I can be persuaded to consider others. I am the beneficiary of the student discount for these, so the price difference between these and less...

www.garagejournal.com

I have the snap-on FF100 that is pretty nice. I do not own the dual 80 so I cannot comment on that.

I like the Proto HTC, SK USA 90P, Even the Tekton and the icon G2; but I think icon G2 is only available in long handle versions.

I suspect that one of the things that will be most important to you will be how the flexhead acts. Do you like one that locks? One that doesn't lock?

If you can get on a snap-on truck, you can feel it to see how you like it on your hand. If you make it to the middle of Ohio you can try mine.

 

[richfinn]

So I'm in the market for a 1/2 drive flex head ratchet.. med length. I've never bought snap on always had cheaper mastercaft from Canadian tire (canada here) Then added a 3/8 tekton socket set and an additional 3/8 tekton flex head long handle that I love. And recently a gear wrench 1/4 set that so far i'm happy with.
I'm not a mechanic and never really had interest in snap on as they are way out of my budget especially for my use.
But I have always wanted a snap on ratchet. I was thinking the SHRX80BG locking flex head comfort grip would be awesome.. But realistically if gear wrench is 90% good at 1/4 the cost im just throwing money away.

Rambling on way too much, but any non pros who would recommend a snap on ratchet?

Facom SXL.171 1/2" Drive Flexi Head Extendable Locking Ratchet 305-435mm - PrimeTools

8 positions extendable from 305mm – 435mm. Access in confined spaces. Powerful: more torque less effort. Safe: extension locking mechanism. (Pull collar down to release). Sealed head maintenance free. 72 teeth mechanism for 5 degree increments. Drive direction switch. Hanging hook.

www.primetools.co.uk

 

[Farmer888]

Which 24” 1/2 ratchet should I get?

I am looking to “invest” in the strongest extra long 1/2” ratchet with lifetime warranty. My decision basically comes down to Snapon or Matco, although I can be persuaded to consider others. I am the beneficiary of the student discount for these, so the price difference between these and less...

www.garagejournal.com

I have the snap-on FF100 that is pretty nice. I do not own the dual 80 so I cannot comment on that.

I like the Proto HTC, SK USA 90P, Even the Tekton and the icon G2; but I think icon G2 is only available in long handle versions.

I suspect that one of the things that will be most important to you will be how the flexhead acts. Do you like one that locks? One that doesn't lock?

If you can get on a snap-on truck, you can feel it to see how you like it on your hand. If you make it to the middle of Ohio you can try mine.

Yes it needs to be a locking flex head. No harbor freight here for icon.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Farmer888
This absolutely does not answer your question, but any thread about ratchets and Canada, needs to mention Gray Tools. That's just how it works here. It's only proper.

 

[Steve_P]

I have 10+ Gearwrench 90T ratchets. Love them, especially for the $. They are always one of the better performers in the Project Farm tests. I also have 3 Snap On and 5? Matco 88 in the longer lengths GW doesn't make. And many other ratchets.

So, if Gearwrench makes what you want, I'd get it and save $150+ over SO.

 

[Etchase]

Proto are my favorites

 

[CGarage]

Waste of resources in my opinion.

How often are you using 1/2” drive? Why?
I’d wager not very often compared to 1/4” or 3/8” drive. The money is better allocated to a drive size that you use more frequently.

Despite having ratchets from all premium manufacturers, I find myself using the GW 90T locking ratchets more frequently than my other options.

I have 1/2” drive Snap-On ratchets and I do not think they are vastly superior despite costing 2-3 times what some of my other ratchets cost.

I think for how little 1/2” drive is used in most applications, you would be better off with a Gearwrench ratchet.

 

[Cheep]

It depends on how you are going to use it. If you need a lot of torque, a cheap one may get you hurt.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

If you really want the SO, then get it. SO makes a good ratchet. That said, I prefer my GW over my SO ratchets. I've never made a living using tools but have managed those who do for quite some time. My tech's use pretty much every brand under the sun every day. I'm on a couple of tool trucks every week. Either buying something for my self, picking up order for tech, and getting a techs tool warrantied. In some cases the SO is better with it's head size and other ways the GW is better because of it's head size. GW has a better locking design for the head.

 

[liliysdad]

Waste of resources in my opinion.

How often are you using 1/2” drive? Why?
I’d wager not very often compared to 1/4” or 3/8” drive. The money is better allocated to a drive size that you use more frequently.

I think for how little 1/2” drive is used in most applications, you would be better off with a Gearwrench ratchet.

Your shop and your use case is not everyone’s. I use 1/2” a lot, and I’d imagine a lot of other folks do as well.

Suspension, drivetrain, etc….

 

[micromind]

I like Tekton. Well made, smooth operation and I haven't managed to break any yet.

 

[CGarage]

Your shop and your use case is not everyone’s. I use 1/2” a lot, and I’d imagine a lot of other folks do as well.

Suspension, drivetrain, etc….

Agree, which is why I asked the OP the question I did in my post. Why?

If you read most posts on here discussing drive size preference, it is trending downwards (to 3/8 and 1/4 inch) and many members are not even keeping 1/2” drive on their tool carts these days.

 

[TheRealBastard]

How often are you using 1/2” drive? Why?
I’d wager not very often compared to 1/4” or 3/8” drive. The money is better allocated to a drive size that you use more frequently.

Why are you trying to determine what other people need and don't need? OP said in his first sentence he is in the market for a 1/2" drive flex head ratchet.

 

[CGarage]

Why are you trying to determine what other people need and don't need?

Why are you even questioning this? The OP is not very experienced with ratchets. To start off spending a premium for a 1/2” ratchet, which the vast majority of members here use infrequently, seems to be a poor tool choice and investment. Hence the question!

 

[TheRealBastard]

Why are you even questioning this? The OP is not very experienced with ratchets. To start off spending a premium for a 1/2” ratchet, which the vast majority of members here use infrequently, seems to be a poor tool choice and investment. Hence the question!

I will message you next time I need to buy a tool to make sure I need it.

 

[richfinn]

Yes it needs to be a locking flex head. No harbor freight here for icon.

I wouldn't let "locking flexhead" be a deal breaker to be honest, I much prefer non locking.

 

[CGarage]

I will message you next time I need to buy a tool to make sure I need it.

Please do. Better yet, start a thread.


User name checks out.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have never broken a 1/2 ratchet. Never owned anything bigger than a 1/2 ratchet. While working with "things" that would destroy a pickup truck and then just continue on it's way, we had "supplied" tools larger than 1/2 inch.

I don't do suspension work. On the farm, was more likely to use 1/2.

In the last year I sent a 1/4" flex head and a ratcheting wrench in for warranty repair. Years ago I had a 3/8" let loose that I simply threw away.

Not sad, it feels like a fair question if you have reason to believe that the person doing the buying doesn't know for sure what size they need. I don't really need another half inch ratchet. But it won't prevent me from buying one if I like one.

 

[Rinspeed]

Waste of resources in my opinion.

How often are you using 1/2” drive? Why?
I’d wager not very often compared to 1/4” or 3/8” drive.

I use 1/2" much, much more than 1/4".

 

[Farmer888]

I use half inch drive very frequently. Followed by 3/8 and in just recently bought a 1/4 socket set as I hardly ever use anything that small.
I'm far from inexperienced abut ratchets... im not a mechanic by any means, But I've always just made do with whatever, now I have a bit more leeway to purchase nicer tools so I have slowly been buying better tools as I need them.
I will likely be going with a gear wrench

 

[51dueller]

If your not stuck on getting a locking flex, might as well get the 1/2 flex ratchet from Canadian Tire. It's a rebranded Gearwrench and has pretty strong detents.

 

[impactims]

Waste of resources in my opinion.

How often are you using 1/2” drive? Why?
I’d wager not very often compared to 1/4” or 3/8” drive. The money is better allocated to a drive size that you use more frequently.

Despite having ratchets from all premium manufacturers, I find myself using the GW 90T locking ratchets more frequently than my other options.

I have 1/2” drive Snap-On ratchets and I do not think they are vastly superior despite costing 2-3 times what some of my other ratchets cost.

I think for how little 1/2” drive is used in most applications, you would be better off with a Gearwrench ratchet.

You belong in the “does not know what he is talking about category.”

Lots of use for 1/2 inch drive. There was a time where 1/2 inch drive was the go-to for practically everything and those days are gone for sure. Snap on came out with the “ferret” 3/8 drive and the “tiny midget” 1/4 inch drive. Lots of improvements and technological advances have improved the 3/8 and 1/4. But, 1/2 is still king for numerous things.

Not using something all the time does not mean that it can be of sub-standard quality. For those 1/2 inch drive tasks, a quality 1/2 inch drive ratchet and breaker bar are essential and no reason not to use SO or Cornwell.

 

[sparky 1971]

I don't use 1/2" drive very often but when I do it's because I need it. As far as ratchets in my box, it's a disgusting amount. Two 11" SK round heads; one with a DT100 kit, 11" or 12" Tekton flex head, 15" Gearwrench 90 tooth fixed head, 15" Mac 36 tooth fixed head, 15" SK LP90 flex head, 18" SK roundhead, 24" LP90 fixed head, and a 26" Mac locking flex. My favorite is the 15" SK (bring the hate) followed by the Mac 15" but they all work equally well. If I were to do it all over again and at the same time be conscious of a budget while knowing what I know now, my choice of what is given would be Gearwrench. Realistically, I'd go with the HF Icon, but that's not an option for the OP.

If the OP wants a Snap On, by all means, go ahead and get it. You only live once and just because I among others wouldn't spend the money doesn't mean our opinion amounts to much of anything. I've used Snap On 1/2" drive locking flex ratchets in both 18 and 24" versions and, while they are nice and probably the best, there's no way I would be willing to part with the money. Disclaimer: I spent $200 cash for my big Mac ratchet, but I was wiring a shop for a Mac driver and felt obligated to buy something from him. That was the coolest thing on the truck but I've had buyers remorse ever since the first time I used it because it's always locked. If I hadn't bought that, not only would I be $200 ahead, but would still be using a 24" Gearwrench locking flex head once every four years.

At one time I had both the 18 and 24" 84 tooth Gearwrench locking flex heads but I gave them to my wife's kid to help him get started in a failed attempt at being a mechanic. They worked every bit as well as anything else I've used and I honestly couldn't tell the difference between those and the 90 tooth currently in my tool box. I also believe 84 tooth's are still available from ScAmazon for relatively little money.

 

[CGarage]

You belong in the “does not know what he is talking about category.”

Lots of use for 1/2 inch drive. There was a time where 1/2 inch drive was the go-to for practically everything and those days are gone for sure. Snap on came out with the “ferret” 3/8 drive and the “tiny midget” 1/4 inch drive. Lots of improvements and technological advances have improved the 3/8 and 1/4. But, 1/2 is still king for numerous things.

Not using something all the time does not mean that it can be of sub-standard quality. For those 1/2 inch drive tasks, a quality 1/2 inch drive ratchet and breaker bar are essential and no reason not to use SO or Cornwell.

I disagree with you. If you read my post more carefully, and that of the OP, I think it would help. There is a reason to not use SO and Cornwell, also. Service availability and cost-to-performance ratio come to mind immediately.

 

[Steve_P]

Your shop and your use case is not everyone’s. I use 1/2” a lot, and I’d imagine a lot of other folks do as well.

Suspension, drivetrain, etc….

Ok, but the youtube destruction tests in various drive sizes show that the Gearwrench, and many other decent imports, all break the anvil as the failure point at about the same torque as the premium brands. If he wants to spend $300 for a tool truck ratchet for home use, fine, do it, but it's not going to be significantly/statistically stronger than something that costs 30% as much. Even if an import failed 15% lower than a SO, it isn't statistically significant for something like this- unless you can test hundreds over several years and back it up with numbers.

I rarely use a 1/2" ratchet anymore- because most times an impact fits and cordless impacts are awesome. yeah, I know, you're the guy that uses slotted screwdrivers and inch sockets all the time, you're a 1%'er

 

[liliysdad]

I rarely use a 1/2" ratchet anymore- because most times an impact fits and cordless impacts are awesome. yeah, I know, you're the guy that uses slotted screwdrivers and inch sockets all the time, you're a 1%'er

Oddly enough, I’m in the middle of a clutch job with some other “while I’m here I might as well” side quests on my kids Ford Ranger, so the metric stuff is getting some action. I have, however, encountered a handful of SAE fasteners that I’m told didn’t exist in 1996.

In this job, I’ve encountered a number of places none of my impacts could get into, and I was stuck with a ratchet. Luckily there isn’t much on this truck that 3/8 drive can’t handle.

 

[CGarage]

Which was my point, and why I asked the question.

 

[CGarage]

I use half inch drive very frequently. Followed by 3/8 and in just recently bought a 1/4 socket set as I hardly ever use anything that small.
I'm far from inexperienced abut ratchets... im not a mechanic by any means, But I've always just made do with whatever, now I have a bit more leeway to purchase nicer tools so I have slowly been buying better tools as I need them.
I will likely be going with a gear wrench

I think you will be well served by GW.

That said, wait for an Amazon Xmas special which I am sure will become available soon and you can likely buy all 3 drive sizes in a set. I seem to recall this is what I did with GW a few times.

That way, you can have a nice, matching set covering the 3 most popular drive sizes.

 

[lardy1]

I'm a dinosaur. I still use my SK roundhead with long handle and flex. I also use a Gearwrench 84 tooth which I switched the guts to Matco 88, I'm sure there are better and more convenient out there but both of mine work just fine for my needs. The GW has a sloppy flex which I never liked but it gets things done.

 

[Hakeem]

If you’ve always wanted a snapon 1/2 ratchet, I’m not sure anything else will scratch that itch for you. I’d keep an eye out on eBay for something around $150.

That said, if you want something less spendy for a tool that probably won’t get used TOO often, there’s almost too many good options to list.

For something different, allow me to suggest the Proto J5457F:


It’s a rebranded FACOM, made in Italy. 18” or so, roundhead 72 tooth, with the palm control plate that floats on top of the ratchet head , allowing the user to press down on the ratchet during use. The small head makes for an exceptionally well balanced ratchet. I’ve been using mine professionally every day for a year or so and I like it a lot. Zero plans to “upgrade” and if I lost it I think I’d order another one right away. ~$90 on Zoro, so with a 20% coupon you could get it for ~$80 shipped. That’s a lot of tool for the money.

 

[Rinspeed]

If you’ve always wanted a snapon 1/2 ratchet, I’m not sure anything else will scratch that itch for you. I’d keep an eye out on eBay for something around $150.

In ten years you won't even remember you spent an extra $100 for the finest ratchet made anywhere.

 

[CGarage]

In ten years you won't even remember you spent an extra $100 for the finest ratchet made anywhere.

“Finest ratchet made anywhere”

 

[IndyGarage]

I do some pretty heavy DIY stuff. My box has a mix of ratchets, some Wright, some GW 90 tooth, a Crescent, a Wera, a craftsman, a couple Kobalts an SK and an off brand that is pretty nice.

Like the OP, I always wanted a Snap-on, but couldn't justify the cost. So a couple years ago I bought a Snap-on 3/8 long locking head soft grip dual 80 ratchet for about $200.

It instantly became my favorite ratchet. Does it do what other ratchets don't do? No. Is it stronger and more durable than other ratchets - I don't know, they are all pretty strong these days. Could I get by fine without it? Yes, I did for many years and life would still go on fine. The Gearwrench 90 tooth is a great ratchet and costs 1/3 what the Snap-on does - I've used mine hard for several years..

But there is something about Snap on that is just more comfortable to use than other brands. I'm not going to get rid of my others and replace them because the cost is high, but I see why folks love those ratchets, so my recommendation to the OP is "just buy it".

 

[CGarage]

I do some pretty heavy DIY stuff. My box has a mix of ratchets, some Wright, some GW 90 tooth, a Crescent, a Wera, a craftsman, a couple Kobalts an SK and an off brand that is pretty nice.

Like the OP, I always wanted a Snap-on, but couldn't justify the cost. So a couple years ago I bought a Snap-on 3/8 long locking head soft grip dual 80 ratchet for about $200.

It instantly became my favorite ratchet. Does it do what other ratchets don't do? No. Is it stronger and more durable than other ratchets - I don't know, they are all pretty strong these days. Could I get by fine without it? Yes, I did for many years and life would still go on fine. The Gearwrench 90 tooth is a great ratchet and costs 1/3 what the Snap-on does - I've used mine hard for several years..

But there is something about Snap on that is just more comfortable to use than other brands. I'm not going to get rid of my others and replace them because the cost is high, but I see why folks love those ratchets, so my recommendation to the OP is "just buy it".

I think there are many more practical uses for a 3/8 ratchet than a 1/2 inch ratchet in most day to day use cases. Hence, I would be willing to spend more because the tool would be useful in a wider variety of applications.


The Snap-On ratchets are very nice and I do like mine, but my Mac, Matco, Facom, Hazet, etc are also just as nicely made.

 

[IndyGarage]

The Snap-On ratchets are very nice and I do like mine, but my Mac, Matco, Facom, Hazet, etc are also just as nicely made.

It has nothing to do with nicely made. I would say almost all of my ratchets are nicely made. There is something about the way it works that feels better than my others.

I'm not sure how to pinpoint it - but I'm going to describe it this way: I like my Lexus cars. I've owned other luxury brands which actually might look better on the surface - but over time the Lexus is somehow more stable or predictable. The engineering reason is this: they have slightly tighter tolerances on everything - every dimension of every part has slightly better tolerances - every material specification is slightly tighter. Not 10% better - maybe 1 or 2%. When you add up all the 2% differences across the thousands of parts, then you get a more predictable and more durable product overall. You cannot feel the difference side by side, but you notice it over time. It results in a car that feels the same at 100,000 miles as it does new. It results in a car that routinely outlasts other cars.

That's the way the Snap-on ratchet feels to me - just very slightly better in every way.

 

[CGarage]

It has nothing to do with nicely made. I would say almost all of my ratchets are nicely made. There is something about the way it works that feels better than my others.

I'm not sure how to pinpoint it - but I'm going to describe it this way: I like my Lexus cars. I've owned other luxury brands which actually might look better on the surface - but over time the Lexus is somehow more stable or predictable. The engineering reason is this: they have slightly tighter tolerances on everything - every dimension of every part has slightly better tolerances - every material specification is slightly tighter. Not 10% better - maybe 1 or 2%. When you add up all the 2% differences across the thousands of parts, then you get a more predictable and more durable product overall. You cannot feel the difference side by side, but you notice it over time. It results in a car that feels the same at 100,000 miles as it does new. It results in a car that routinely outlasts other cars.

That's the way the Snap-on ratchet feels to me - just very slightly better in every way.

Compared to what other ratchets?
Out of the American brands, Snap-On and Matco I place at the top of the heap. Mac a close second, though I like the older variants.
SK and Proto and Williams, Wright etc are second and third tier for me.

I prefer my European and Japanese and Taiwanese ratchets to Snap-On in most cases.

 

[IndyGarage]

I prefer my European and Japanese and Taiwanese ratchets to Snap-On in most cases.

You are welcome to prefer other brands, but the OP wants a Snap-on and I relayed my experience with that brand.