Advice on picking up a new ratchet

[cookiemonster]

I would like to purchase a new ratchet and it be more of a industrial or professional built ratchet. I am a big fan of the round head ratchets and quick release such as the old craftsmans. For what they go for on ebay I might as well buy a new one. Price is a factor for me, I don't want to pay big bucks and I really don't want used. I would prefer to stay away from gearwrench, craftsman, and armstrong maxx styles. I don't want one of these types. Any suggestions?

I also would prefer something finer toothed.

 

[stratman977]

The SK or Wright round heads are fine tooth and would fit the bill except for the quick release. I don't think there are many round head quick release ratchets these days.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/3426.html

Here's the craftsman one you want in KD flavor for cheap. They only have 1/2 drive

http://www.cripedistributing.com/kd-tools-731111-1-2-dr-10-1-2-quick-release-round-usa.html

 

[jjjrmx5]

You want an industrial or professional grade fine tooth ratchet but you don't want to pay "big bucks" for it? Those two comments are diametrically opposed.

You want high quality tools, even if buying used, you will pay more for them. Often a lot more.

I don't remember seening any current offereins of RH QR ratchets. YOu want pro QR buy the Snap-On F80, S80 or T72's. Stay on the prowl for used one but they are hard to come by.

If too frugal for that than go Williams, Proto and other mid-value industrail brands. Even teh NAPA Carlyse QR ratchets are quite capable, but they are quite a bit more $$$ than C'man and Duralast.

In the end, I'd still tell you that you are asking for something that really does not exist based upon your meager budget. Up your budget or stick with C'man and get a set of USA made low profiles with QR and be done.

 

[BajaBound]

Look at Williams s52

 

[cookiemonster]

I would pay probably near $50 for one and I just want a 3/8.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

SK Or SK.

 

[billymade]

Williams round head ratchet 3/8"

http://www.google.com/search?q=Will...56,d.aWc&fp=671c3186299dc08e&biw=1280&bih=937

BAHCO 7750 8 Inch Fine Tooth Bi Mold Comfort Grip Enclosed Head Ratchet (same mechanism as snap-on dual 80)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MHEFWY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[byoungblood]

Wright or used Williams would be my choices. You don't need to spend tool truck prices to get tools that will last a lifetime.

 

[KEH]

I like the quick release ratchets also, but I don't know of a good US RHFT QR. Proto used to have one, but I sent one in for warrenty and they sent me a non QR which is a nice ratchet but made in Italy(is that Facom?) I would stick with Wright. They are not QR but with a little effort they can be reversed with one hand. Be patient on the RH Craftsman, I found one that looks a little rough, works fine, then the next week found a perfect one, neither of them were expensive.

KEH

 

[Mad_Max]

Could you explain me what does it mean when you say "industrial"?
Does it offer better quality, more durable finishing, or something else?

 

[NWphotog]

I would pay probably near $50 for one and I just want a 3/8.

CM

Some people on here are tool junkies and spending $100 even $200 on a ratchet is no big deal. Others of us are on a budget. There are lots of good ratchets out there for a reasonable price. It just depends on your preferences.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Could you explain me what does it mean when you say "industrial"?

Does it offer better quality, more durable finishing, or something else?

• usually no to minimum frills (features, finish)
• can withstand all but off the scale everyday abuse
• lower initial cost so it's not the end of the world when it comes up broken/lost/stolen

 

[woody 73]

I swear I am going to have to start charging for my advice:

For $25.00 dollars you can pick up just the ratchet of your dreams #3490-c wright 3/8 drive Ratchet at the Harry J. Epstein Co. Web-Site.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

What woody said. For the price you will be thrilled. Also op the quck release is over rated.

 

[shampoop]

Love snap on Dual 80's. Nothing to dislike other than it's hard to justify the price if you're not going to use it much or only have light duty needs.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Sometimes QR is just what the doc ordered - it actually goes more to what you're doing, the conditions and what you're used to.

Have you been to ebay and searched for something like:
3/8" quick release ratchet -(craftsman,gear wrench)

Also there was a similar thread here a coupla days ago - something about a Kobalt ratchet or two....

GL in your search and let us know!

 

[sberry]

The Napa is polished Cman.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I use to think that quick release was awesome. now I hate it.

 

[matt1977]

Those old craftsman ratchets were damn good, I still use my dad's that he got in the 60's and it still works flawlessly. For a new ratchet I'm very pleased with my new kobalt ratchet, despite being made in Taiwan the quality and feel is very good, and can be had for around $25.

 

[cookiemonster]

Sometimes QR is just what the doc ordered - it actually goes more to what you're doing, the conditions and what you're used to.

Have you been to ebay and searched for something like:
3/8" quick release ratchet -(craftsman,gear wrench)

Also there was a similar thread here a coupla days ago - something about a Kobalt ratchet or two....

GL in your search and let us know!

Yeah, I started the kobalt thread also. I am just testing the waters on peoples opinion on similar ratchets with the read head quick release.

 

[jmm]

Try a Facom J171

 

[mmack66]

Proto-

http://www.stanleyproto.com/default...+PROTOBLACK™+Standard+Round+Head+Ratchet

 

[Chadwilliam1]

do they sell that in chrome? meets buyers needs 4 degree swing must have quite a few teeth or dual pawls.

 

[woody 73]

Does any member on the GJ own a very nice condition 3/8 craftsman quick release ratchet that they would be willing to sell the op at a fair price? If so could you send the op a pm.

Thanks Woody.

 

[mmack66]

do they sell that in chrome? meets buyers needs 4 degree swing must have quite a few teeth or dual pawls.

http://www.stanleyproto.com/default...c=3/8"+Drive+Standard+Round+Head+Ratchet

 

[Chadwilliam1]

there you go op ^ he found exactly what your looking for. Round head, quick release, fine tooth and high quality. Under fifty dollars too.

 

[woody 73]

I think the proto might be over his budget, I have an old craftsman quick release ratchet but mine looks like dog **** that I would sell to the op but he is looking for one in much nicer condition.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I just decided, with the help of MANY qualified opinions from people on GJ, to give Williams a shot. I actually had a similar thread on here the other day.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186642

I'm a long time Craftsman user as well.

 

[mmack66]

I think the proto might be over his budget, I have an old craftsman quick release ratchet but mine looks like dog **** that I would sell to the op but he is looking for one in much nicer condition.

You may have more information, but if I read the OP correctly, his budget is higher than Craftsman, Gearwrench, and Armstrong, and below Snap-On.

It doesn't get much more industrial than Proto, and I guess they could be considered professional.

 

[cookiemonster]

I can't find where to buy that particular proto ratchet? Anyone know?

 

[dirtydogintex]

http://www.stanleyproto.com/default...c=3/8"+Drive+Standard+Round+Head+Ratchet

hmmmm
Wonder how well it'd work w/the 19" cheater tube?
I'd be more than willing to test and report if I were supplied w/a victim!! *L*

oops - the long(?) handle flex looks interesting....

~~~~~~~

I can't find where to buy that particular proto ratchet? Anyone know?

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk....m570.l1313&_nkw=proto+5252A+ratchet&_sacat=0

 

[Armstrong1720]

Grainger should have one I would give u a link but dont know how They handle tons of proto

 

[87FoRunner]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-3-8-H...066&pid=100015&prg=1085&rk=1&sd=360580508432&