Bought Craftsman thin profile 3 pc ratchet set, returning in favor of Raised Panels

[pipsters]

I got a good deal on the 3 pc ratchet set from Craftsman, the thin profile ones, for $56 + tax. Bought new free shipping from Sears.com. However, in using them, and after lubing my raised panels, I actually prefer the raised panels. They are lighter, feel more rugged, and smoother than the thin profiles even after adding extra lube (wheel bearing grease).

Another reason I don't like the thin profiles is it is hard to get a pipe over them, well, just any pipe I have because I bought my pipes for my raised panels. The thin profiles have slightly thicker handles. Plus, I feel bad doing that to such a nice looking ratchet.

I like how I can take my raised panels and flip them side to side holding them up by the head, to quickly spin on or off a bolt. Not so with the thin profiles. The thin profiles also have what feel like short stubby handles, although they are the same length as the RP's.

Would there be any technical advantage by keeping the thin profiles, ie do they handle more torque? Stronger? They are nicer that is for sure, on the outside and inside, they have been machined nicely. And I feel bad returning them seeing as though I got them 40% off the in store price. But I'm just not feeling it.

I think a better purchase would be something like a Williams 36 tooth long handled ratchet, something more industrial grade. My RPs work great for general work (DIY guy).

Am I crazy?

 

[bchee]

This is the first I ever heard of someone preferring the raised panels over the thin profiles.

Why can't you flip the thin profiles "side to side holding them up by the head"?
Is it because the handle is too heavy?

 

[Seanbev24]

While I'm not a fan of either, the thin profiles are definitely stronger and less prone to skipping/slipping teeth than the RP's.

 

[pipsters]

This is the first I ever heard of someone preferring the raised panels over the thin profiles.

Why can't you flip the thin profiles "side to side holding them up by the head"?
Is it because the handle is too heavy?

I think it's just because they have more mass, and the shape of the handle is flatter at the top and isn't as comfortable to bounce around.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I would first suggest using a breaker bar, even with a cheater pipe, over a pipe on a ratchet that is likely not set up to handle the abuse.

That said, if you don't like them, return them. I have and use the lo-pro's, but find that the drive base has quite a bit of slop in it for all three drive sizes, especially when compared to my SO's and other ratchets.

The $56 price was great considering retail is $115 or so, but if you are not going to use them , then get something you will use, otherwise it's money lost.

jjjrmx5

 

[pipsters]

I do have a 1/2" breaker bar, however sometimes I find my ratchet is more convenient. I'm just surprised, after all the talk they receive on here, and at double to triple the price, that I really don't care for them especially over the "hated" raised panels.

 

[trout]

I never saw the appeal of them either. What always got me was the low profile w/ the QR button sticking out the top that would likely hit something in a tight spot.

 

[TireTracks]

I love my raised panels. I like to do the same thing with them, I can spin a bolt on or off faster than most people can with a Air ratchet.

 

[jkeyser14]

I love the low profile because they feel great in my hands. The raised panel ones can dig into your hand pretty good if have tough fasteners.

 

[pipsters]

Well used them for the first time today doing any sort of serious work. Have to say I love these thin profiles now. Glad I didn't return them! I got a serious deal on them as well, that always feels good.

 

[pipsters]

I never saw the appeal of them either. What always got me was the low profile w/ the QR button sticking out the top that would likely hit something in a tight spot.

It's pretty tough to press it while working because the quick release is flush with the top of the ratchet, it doesn't poke out at all. The object would have to be pointy in order for that to happen.

 

[bmxr4life87]

They are smooth but sometimes they seem a little stiff to me like they require too much force to ratchet... That and I wish they made em in a wider variety (flex, stubby, long, long flex) but I much prefer gearwrench handles and smoothness even tthough they are essentially the same internally

 

[porphyre]

I got a good deal on the 3 pc ratchet set from Craftsman, the thin profile ones, for $56 + tax. Bought new free shipping from Sears.com. However, in using them, and after lubing my raised panels, I actually prefer the raised panels. They are lighter, feel more rugged, and smoother than the thin profiles even after adding extra lube (wheel bearing grease).

Am I crazy?

That's why the 36 tooth raised panel feels smoother. Lower tooth count ratchets (45 or so) need thicker lube. Fine tooth (60, 72, 80, 84, 88, etc) ratchets need thinner oil. That Thin Head probably felt WORSE after adding the bearing grease.

Your other points are your opinion, so you're entitled.

I'd definitely keep the ratchet, though. I picked up a CMan 84 tooth and it really saved my **** changing the water pump on my wife's car. I had an engine mount on one side and the AC compressor on the other. I had 2 clicks of movement (approx 9 degrees). A 36 tooth ratchet wouldn't ratchet in that space and my 45 tooth CMAN RHFT was too thick to fit between the motor and the frame. Without the high-tooth count ratchet, I woulda had to move the AC compressor.