I was my fathers house the other day and I wanted his new snappy stubby ratchet and being the nice guy that he was he dug a ratchet for me. Unfortunately is was a cut off williams that he made when he was 16, now he is in his 50's... I out some mobil 1 grease in it and it works fine. Just thought I would share a picture, how does this compare to a snappy, at least it is fine tooth, hehehe and free.
My new williams b52 (dad made) ratchet
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Uncle Buck
Banned
To cool for school man!
Maybe dad knurled it.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
It's a good ratchet. Use it and don't worry about how it was made. 
jwith68
Well-known member
I have 2 standard length B-52's and an S-52 (1/2" drive.) Let's just say that I don't spend much time (or money) chasing after the latest and greatest Snap-On. Not as pretty as a Snap-On, but functionally...
MAD
Well-known member
Very nice!
Do not be surprised if one day you buy yourself a "better" one but you find that you reach for this old friend instead.
Do not be surprised if one day you buy yourself a "better" one but you find that you reach for this old friend instead.
Exactally, I was hoping dad would give me the "better" one (new snap on) but instead gave me this one, but seriously I want a snap on because I do like the looks and feel, but would I ever use it, no... I have a snap on palm ratchet and a cheap hf set up stubby flex handle one's that I have yet to use, but I will say that the b52 is actually a better ratchet than I thought, and I am starting to realize that like my 5449 protos I actually prefer other ratchets to my snap on for quite a few jobs....
Also on another note, my father gave me a sparta 1/2 drive, speed wrench, and he said napa still warranties them... I am thinking of breaking the handle off that rotates and getting a new one, or am I better off with the sparta? I did pick up two used 3/8 and 1/4 inch snap on speed handles to complete my set, but wonder if a new napa with nice new chrome, would be the way to go, or if there is a reason to keep the sparta?
MAD
Well-known member
Here are a few reasons not to intentionally break your Sparta speed handle.
1- Your dad gave it to you. That alone makes it more valuable than anything you would get from NAPA.
2- It would be dishonest. Are you willing to sell out your own integrity that cheaply?
3- That kind of bonehead act is what ruins the good will of tool sellers and makes it hard for everyone to get their legitimate warranties honored.
4- It is probably a fine tool that will serve you well.
I could go on...
M3Pilot
Well-known member
Well stated MAD.
Seeing how I get upset with snap on and others about getting legit issues fixed, I agree.... Done, I am keeping it until it breaks, hahaha. Which it probably never will I have never used a speed wrench and don't see the point unless I am rebuilding an engine.... Thanks for the advice and I agree about morals, as some bad stuff has happened and I have been working on helping others and choosing the right choice, and it wouldn't be good to cave in here, thanks for the positive advice and I hope that others follow it.
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Speed wrenches (or speed baces, as we call them over here.) are very handy.
i don't know why people don't often use them. i use mine all the time. for Spark Plugs, sump bolts, anything really. very handy tools. i really ought to buy myself a 1/4" and 1/2".
i don't know why people don't often use them. i use mine all the time. for Spark Plugs, sump bolts, anything really. very handy tools. i really ought to buy myself a 1/4" and 1/2".
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I have a 1/2 Easco that is just the right size for me... I use adapters on it for anything smaller....