Cant decide on Ratchets williams or snap-on

[dj00140]

Hey I am starting my tool collection and have a lot of craftsman tools, now my craftsman ratchets ****, and since I use them so much working on my cars and friends I want a nice ratchet, starting with a 3/8" drive. I can get a b-52a 72 tooth round head or b-52eha 36 tooth enclosed head for under $30 new, but I like the look of the enclosed head but dont know if the 36 tooth will be enough, and then I wonder if since I will have this forever if I should just cough up the extra cash for the f80???? will the b-52a 72 tooth be pretty much the same feel as the f80? I just want smooth action and no slop unlike my craftsman, I have been researching for a while, but I figured most of u guys have experience with these, I was looking at the craftsman/gearwrench 60 tooth but they have mixed reviews...

 

[ibedayank]

williams is made by snap-on
and owned by snap-on


craftsman/gearwrench made by apex tool group/danaher in china

 

[dj00140]

I know that But I am wondering whether the 36 tooth is very smooth or is the 72 tooth williams round head, as good as the f80?

 

[ibedayank]

higher tooth count less of a swing needed to use the ratchet in tight quaters

 

[earlthegoat2]

Ive found there is not much difference in smoothness with the 36 tooth vs. the higher tooth counts. I prefer Snap On 36 tooth ratchets. They can be had for less dollars than the latest fad too. As far as real differences between the tooth counts I go with this:

higher tooth count less of a swing needed to use the ratchet in tight quaters

 

[JeremyManning]

^^I agree that with 1/2 ratchets the higher tooth count doesn't make that much difference as you are not that likely to use the big dog in tight spaces.

 

[ultgar]

Ive found there is not much difference in smoothness with the 36 tooth vs. the higher tooth counts. I prefer Snap On 36 tooth ratchets. They can be had for less dollars than the latest fad too. As far as real differences between the tooth counts I go with this:

Not sure if 72 tooth ratchets are the latest fad....Facom and others have been using these for the last 15 years. The advantage of the lower tooth count is that the teeth are larger and can take more torque. They're also less likely to have slippage issues when the grease inside hardens with age or lack of use.

 

[back2class]

I perfer the Williams ratchets in both low and high toth count models. Not crazy about the b-52

 

[matthew]

Under $30 new? I'd do that... in fact, you could buy the B52A, and still have money left over to put into a long or a flex handle ratchet.

 

[woody 73]

I use the method does the ratchet feel good in my hands after a long time, (arthritis kills my hands) so I always pick the one that gives me the most comfort. Both ratchets are very nice for the job you intend to do.

I like all tools but the ratchets that have the textured diamond groove handles(which are great if your hands are full of grease) tend to hurt my hands after a short while; so I tend to stick with the smooth handled ratchets. Some guys will hate them because when their hands get full of grease & oil they go flying out your hand.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Latest fad specifically means the Dual 80s. Yes they are good. They are even worth the money......but not the hype.

 

[Singlecut]

Deals can be had, it's just a matter of patients. F80's run in the 50-60 dollar range here on GJ. I just sold one the other day. They are absolutely amazing.
IMHO, (or maybe Not-So-Humble-Opinion), almost any ratchet is an upgrade from a craftsman. They have there uses, maybe keep one in the glove box. Deals on excellent quality ratchets include all of the Williams you speak of, especially the B-52 and S-52 superratchets, any SK Tuff1 ratchets, and really and truly any vintage of Snap-On.

Of course, once you let one SO into your box you will never stop.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

They're also less likely to have slippage issues when the grease inside hardens with age or lack of use.

I suspect that you're right about the hardened grease. With only partial contact of the teeth, it's just a matter of time. Oil will gunk up too.

Most of my ratchets are what would now be considered "coarse" and have about thirty teeth. It wasn't all that many years ago that my 45 tooth ratchets were considered state of the art "fine tooth". I do have a couple that have a tooth count higher than 45 though.

I've got a number of hard years on my 1/2" drive 72 tooth Facom designed SK with never a problem. And, one of my New Britain 1/2" ratchets is their old 60 tooth version that predated the 45 tooth models. I haven't had any problems with it either.

I honestly believe that preventive maintenance is the key. It sure is for air ratchet heads too. They can get real expensive real quick.

WoD

 

[DrkMtnDew]

If you are looking for smooth, Proto or Cornwell are good choices.

If you want tooth count, SO Dual 80.

 

[ajchien]

After I upgraded from craftsman ratchets, there are more factors than just smoothness and tooth count. I'm not sure if you guys will know what I'm referring to, but there's also "evenness or precision" - sometimes those 72 teeth don't click completely evenly - such as in my Bonney t702k or HF ratchet. There's also what I think some people refer to as "drag" - on the ratchet swing - how loose can a bolt get before it starts to not effectively turn anymore - and you have to resort to your fingers on the socket.

With that said, I do have the S53, S52, B52, and M52a versions of Williams, and I think they're nice and certainly an upgrade from Craftman's "slop". I have no complaints about these ratchets.

On the other hand, when I choose between ratchets - my first decision is usually drive size, then handle length, then whether I want a quick release ... over tooth count, smoothness, evenness, or drag.

 

[dj00140]

Drag is what I mean by smoothness! I want little drag and slop, (backlash)

So now that I look at your opinions, I think I will invest in the f-80, I have a triangle tools 1/2" set coming so that should take care of my 1/2" ratchet and then I will get the b-52ehla (3/8" long handle) for strength, and depending how I like that I will get the b-52eh flex head, That way they all look the same because I want a set of ratchets not all different brands... And then I might have to try the t-52a 1/4" (new williams round head 72 teeth) cause for a 1/4" i want low ratchet angle, or I may even try the gearwrench/craftsman 60 tooth for a 1/4" drive,

then I am getting the harbor freight set of 3 stubby flex heads, lol just becasue i will probably use them 3-4 times a year and rather save my money on nicer stuff I use many times a week... I also will be getting a proto spinflex, is that the same as a flex-head, or does it have the handle you can twist to turn the socket?

Any other tips are appreciated! I want more opinions on id people like the b-52eha which i believe is the same as the snap-on f936 Thanks guys

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

OK, I have owned the both the Snap On F936 and a Williams B52EHA and they have the exact same mechanism. There is not a bit of difference in the two, other than styling that is.

The Williams is hard to beat at under $30.

 

[dj00140]

ninetytwofifty How is the drag and ratcheting angle on them? Which ratchets have you used that you like better? Thanks

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

The ratcheting angle is fine for my needs, but the drag is excessive in my opinion.

For coarse tooth ratchets, I like the Mac XR8, Proto 5249, older Snap On 700 series, and Snap On F830.

For fine tooth the Proto J5252F, Proto 5249P "Big Dawg", and SK Tuff 1's are excellent.

I also like the Snap On F80, but there are equally good options for much less money.

I prefer any of those to the F936 or B52EHA.

 

[dj00140]

Thanks that definitely helps me a lot!

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Glad to help! If you have any questions about a particular ratchet I mentioned just let me know.

 

[dwm]

For really low drag, I reach for a gearless like the Toptul. More often, one of the Titan gearless mini ratchets since they fit in my pocket easily and I typically need the low drag in a spot where space is an issue.

 

[SMKS]

craftsman/gearwrench made by apex tool group/danaher in china

All Craftsman ratchets are made in the USA, not China (except the black ratchet that comes with the spline socket set, that one is made in Taiwan).

To the OP-
Williams tools are nice, from what I've seen. I've owned Superratchets and one of the Snap-On 936 clones, as well as Williams sockets and wrenches. From my experience, the 936 ratchets have too much drag. I know you can cut the spring shorter, but out of the box I haven't been too impressed with the 36-tooth ratchets.

Long story short, if you want Williams, I'd get the 72 tooth ratchet.

I've also owned F80s. While they're very nice, I don't know if you need an F80 if you're a DIY'er.

Plus, how will you get warranty service if you should need it? With Snap-On, you'll have to track down a dealer or mail it in. With Williams, you'll probably have to mail it in, unless you have a local distributor.

For me, finding a Snap-On truck isn't worth the effort, so I end up mailing them in.

 

[Benji]

Snap On F80 series. I waited way too long before I got one then one leads to more well worth the money.

 

[jtfc]

If you use a ratchet as much as you say you do and can afford it get a snap on dual 80. Sure there may be other ratchets that are cheaper and just as good but if you are looking for quality and don't wanna be wondering what if just take the plunge I recommend an flf80 or fhlf80 if you want a handle. If you work in super cramped spaces get an fc 72 for 1/2 ratchets shf80 would be nice I have an shl80 it works fine.keep in mind I have a variety of tools ranging from harbor freight to snap on and all sorts of stuff in between so im not one of those snap on or die type guys

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Sure there may be other ratchets that are cheaper and just as good

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Get the F-80, And you will like the b-52ehla (3/8" long handle) too.
I have them both.
I have the Long 1/2" drive Williams too, very nice.
I don't think the tooth count on the Williams is an issue.
They (Williams) are not sloppy like today's Craftsman are.

 

[StinkyBunny]

I grab my B-52's more than any other ratchet in the box.

 

[dj00140]

Stink is that the new style? 36 or 72 tooth?