I finally realized how handy the Craftsman low profile ratchets are today. I was changing the spark plugs on my Explorer and neither the standard raised panel Cman nor my Proto 3/8" drive would fit. The low pro's are not much thinner, but it was enought to get in there. I also realized I need a stubby 3/8" drive. Anyone have a suggestion? Do not say Snap-on cause I can't afford it.
Low Profile ratchet
- Thread starter Norton155
- Start date
rsanter
Well-known member
how about a used SO stubby
Cman has one
you could cut down a spare raised pannel ratchet if you have a spare
bob
Cman has one
you could cut down a spare raised pannel ratchet if you have a spare
bob
I guess you can say it. I should have typed 'please don't suggest Snap-on because I can not afford it.'
I really like the Proto big dawg 1/4 and 3/8 drives I have. I have a friend that works at Grainger, but I have not been able to find a stubby 3/8" on Grainger's website. Did Proto ever make one? Anyone have a Proto part #?
I don't remember ever seeing a Proto stubby. Excluding tool truck brands the only ones I can think of are Craftsman and SK. Here is a link to the SK
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-45178.html
I don't remember seeing a stubby by anyone else either unless it's an import.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-45178.html
I don't remember seeing a stubby by anyone else either unless it's an import.
MAD
Well-known member
I have a typical short handled stubby 3/8" ratchet but most of the time I find that the type that is a 3/8" drive in the body of a 1/4" drive ratchet is better for tight spots since the head is so much smaller. I like the SK 45173 and the SK 3767 flex head. I also have a Snap-on FM70 but it is not as strong or as smooth (unless you are talking about the handle) as the SKs. I have not tried the late model sealed head Snap-on and do not know of any other manufacturer that sells this style ratchet.
http://www.amazon.com/SK-8-Inch-Professional-Reversible-Ratchet/dp/B000FAN3OK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1211057395&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tools-Professional-Ratchet/dp/B000OGWH9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1211057445&sr=8-1
Attachments
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
eBay Snap-on FK936.
i got mine for cheap. use it almost as much as a standard 3/8" ratchet. good for tight spots, doing/undoing bolts quickly and especially good for low-torque bolts. you can't make enough torque to strip threads with it, even in aluminium because of its length. i love mine.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
That's what I do... I don't even own a stubby ratchet....
MAD
Well-known member
Just make sure you use a reversible Gear wrench if it is a really tight spot. It is possible to get stuck if the bolt does not come out before the top of the wrench hits what is above it.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Proto has a stubby type ratchet it is a 1/4 body with a 3/8 drive classic style ratchet
Thanks for the heads up, exactly what I would be interested in. I really like the looks of that SK with the flex handle might have to snag that one in the next few weeks.
Merkava_4
Banned
For reaching spark plugs I like my F852. 
paramudduck
Well-known member
Or a Mac XR11FS?
Merkava_4
Banned
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Is that a floppy-head ratchet?
paramudduck
Well-known member
Yep, can be a pain in the **** for some people. I've found it too be handy at times. With the locking or hard detent style you have to pull the entire setup out to change the angles. With the flop you don't even think about it, you just do it.
Besides with Mac you don't have to fight with a going broke truck guy. Just mail it to Columbus and they send you a new or fixed one.
Besides with Mac you don't have to fight with a going broke truck guy. Just mail it to Columbus and they send you a new or fixed one.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Ain't that the truth!
I wish that MAC's tools were as good as their customer service...TNToy
Well-known member
Put a set of plugs in the rear bank of a Sienna with a V6 in it. You'll be shopping for one the next day.
My personal favorite is the SK stubby. I dislike my Snap-On. That sharp corner at the tail end of the handle really digs into your palm when you need to haul down on it.
Go ahead and tell my I should use a longer ratchet in that case. You're welcome to come down to our shop and let me point out various situations where nothing else fits.
paramudduck
Well-known member
I've always wished that Snap On would copy the Mac business model. How ever they seem to think the elite professionals only is the most lucrative route.
What do you guys think of this Blackhawk
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3ZE91
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3ZE91
Honestly, as far as strength and overall quality, it looks about on par with a Stanley ratchet. Being that it is a stubby, I'm sure this will get the job done (i.e. low torque situations).
Personally, if I was going to use it infrequently, I would just buy the HF version. I bought a cheapy made in Japan version just like it in 3/8" and 1/2". I got them for $4 at a pawn shop. They are more than adequate.
Personally, if I was going to use it infrequently, I would just buy the HF version. I bought a cheapy made in Japan version just like it in 3/8" and 1/2". I got them for $4 at a pawn shop. They are more than adequate.
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amishman
Well-known member
I own one of these and carry as my spare tool set in my rides when I go on trips. I have found many of times when I need a thin ratchet, this sucker has come in handy. I would not use as my everyday ratchet but like it on ocassion when space is at a minimum.
tj
lauver
Well-known member
Norton155,
You might also want to try a Stanley 85-893 flex stuby. I believe it's more or less the same as the Blackhawk flex stuby (both made by Stanley Works, mfg in Taiwan, but not bad ratchets). I bought the Stanley model about two years ago and only use it about 15 times a year, but it works well in those tight situations and is very comfortable in the hand.
You might also want to try a Stanley 85-893 flex stuby. I believe it's more or less the same as the Blackhawk flex stuby (both made by Stanley Works, mfg in Taiwan, but not bad ratchets). I bought the Stanley model about two years ago and only use it about 15 times a year, but it works well in those tight situations and is very comfortable in the hand.
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Thanks for the suggestion. I think I'm going to pick up a regular stubby Proto from Rickster and the Blackhawk flex handle from Grainger. I have a friends who's mom works at a Grainger corp. office and can order it for me at a pretty nice discount.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
The day I have to work on a toyota minivan...
If I ever end up with a toyota minivan, I'll probably jump off a bridge soon after. If I don't die, I'll just bring it to your shop!
MAD
Well-known member
I have a 1/4" drive Blackhawk ratchet with the same style head. The action is very stiff and no amount or type of lubrication was able to improve it. This is not something you want in a tight spot. I do not know if they are all like that but I would be careful about that one. If you are buying it to use and not to polish, you will be happy with a SK. The only problem I have had with my 3767 is that I used it so much over a few years that the flex head got very loose and floppy. SK said to send it to them if I wanted it swapped out but I fixed it myself instead.
They make a 45178 that is similar looking to the Blackhawk posted. I realize it costs twice as much but it is worth it if that Blackhawk ratchet is like the far east Stanley one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/SK-SKT-45178-Professional-Stubby-Ratchet/dp/B00062LLP0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1211237891&sr=8-2
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SpiderGearsMan
Banned
I have a matco special forces for that
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
try that engineering marvel - the previa
one overheated so bad the valve seats fell out of the head
TNToy
Well-known member
Lies. All lies!
It's a Toyota, and therefore perfectly reliable. Don't you know that?
*cough* 3VZE head gasket *cough*
I actually like the Sienna as a vehicle. It's kinda a pain to work on, but I came from Volvo, fercryinoutloud... My tolerance for agonizing mechanical work is a fair bit higher than most of the guys in my shop.
(I'm used to retarded things, like removing the gas pedal just to replace the pollen filter).
lauver
Well-known member
norton155,
OT, but can you tell me the series code on your thin profile ratchet and the year you bought it? Thanks for any info you can provide.
OT, but can you tell me the series code on your thin profile ratchet and the year you bought it? Thanks for any info you can provide.
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
I did the wishbones on a new shape one. what should've taken 2 hours took 5 and a half. stupid cars.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Lies. All lies!
It's a Toyota, and therefore perfectly reliable. Don't you know that?
*cough* 3VZE head gasket *cough*
I actually like the Sienna as a vehicle. It's kinda a pain to work on, but I came from Volvo, fercryinoutloud... My tolerance for agonizing mechanical work is a fair bit higher than most of the guys in my shop.
(I'm used to retarded things, like removing the gas pedal just to replace the pollen filter).
That's funny right thar...
