Cornwell 30t vs SO dual 80 long ratchet

[texchappy]

Had the need working on my MINI Cooper recently for a longer handled ratchet than what I had available. I have only 'standard' sized ratchets in each size I had. So I find myself looking for a long handle 3/8" drive ratchet. I decided I might as well try flex head while I'm at it as it might have helped with what I was reaching on the back of the motor as well.

I've narrowed my search down to Snap On's Dual 80 found here: http://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-174...hnology-Long-Flex-Head-3-8-drive-P645963.aspx

Versus the Corwell 30 tooth that I've heard is very smooth (like older Protos); it's here: http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products.php?product=JRF36-%2d-3{47}8”-Dr.-Flex-Ratchet#

Thoughts welcome to help me differentiate the two.

 

[n8n]

The biggest difference is that the Dual 80 is going to take a lot less swing to engage the next ratchet tooth. I'd be tempted to go with the Dual 80 for that reason, especially with a long handle.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The Cornwell link does not work.

 

[Brownsfan]

I own the snap on flex head and the long handle non flex Cornwell. The snappy is very nice and the 80t is nice as well. The Cornwell is butter smooth and the handle is my favorite of any ratchet I own. And it takes a beating. Not saying the snap on wont. I also like snap ons flex head design over the Cornwell. If you are not needing the better swing arc the Cornwell is a good solid choice . If you need the low swing arc then the snappy is the obvious choice.

 

[AndrewV]

Ive been eyeing the flf80.
I use the piss out of my fll80, and love it. Very smooth, and great handle.
I couldnt see using such a lower tooth ratcheting mech though, to many wasted points in the swing of the ratchet.

 

[Brownsfan]

Also check out the Cornwell jrf72. Less than the snappy but still a high tooth count.
http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...JRF72-%2d-3{47}8”-Drive-72-Tooth-Flex-Ratchet

 

[Davefr]

Also check out the Cornwell jrf72. Less than the snappy but still a high tooth count.
http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...JRF72-%2d-3{47}8”-Drive-72-Tooth-Flex-Ratchet

^^^What he said. The Cornwell JR72 series of 3/8" ratchets are superior to anything else on the market IMHO. They're just very hard to find!!

 

[bobcatdan]

As much as I like my SO ratchets, the dual 80 is simply nothing that excites me. I have not found a time when the going got tight that the dual 80 provided any advantage over my coarser tooth ratchets.

 

[Brownsfan]

Yep. I love my lone Jr72. My Cornwell guy got out and no one replaced him and they don't do online sales so no more Cornwell ratchets for me. The bulk of my tool dollars go to my snap on guy and he is fantastic but I really want some more cornwell. The chrome ratchets are the most comfortable I have used. Even mote than the comfort grips.

 

[MG44]

Bobcatdan when working in smaller engine compartments the dual 80 definitely does help.

 

[DodgeMech]

As much as I like my SO ratchets, the dual 80 is simply nothing that excites me. I have not found a time when the going got tight that the dual 80 provided any advantage over my coarser tooth ratchets.

Yeah, there are many times daily when my dual 80 trumps Guyinthenextbay's old cman rp ratchet...just sayin

 

[bobcatdan]

Bobcatdan when working in smaller engine compartments the dual 80 definitely does help.

I work on skidsteers, mini excavators and if you ever look over a bobcat toolcat, I know ungodly tight areas. Dual 80s are overrated and I bought all the nice 36 tooth ratchets traded in on them.

 

[texchappy]

I can't remember the reasoning but someone on here a while back was talking about why they used lower tooth count long ratchets and at the time it made sense. I'm open to other brands as well. Only thing I don't want is something made in China. I'm a hobbyist so I can afford whichever but I'm not a snob so I don't care for the name as long as it works.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Get a Cornwell on eBay for right about $40. You can still warranty by mail if it breaks.

 

[BFHtime]

Could some please a side by side picture of both handles, pretty please with a beer on top.

 

[shockwave]

The cornwell will have a lot more strength on breaking loose fasteners and have a much better feel for a chrome ratchet and will have a ball retention joint to keep flex into place

The snap on I have the fhlfd80 long flex with hard handle a lot better than the chrome on so ratchets engagment is better imo but joint will get loose overtime I personally use my snap on more than the cornwell

 

[Ridge Runner]

Get a Cornwell on eBay for right about $40. You can still warranty by mail if it breaks.

I just got a Snap-on 100 tooth FN100 on eBay for $46.99 shipped. I didn't bother tearing it apart, but I'm pretty sure they rebuilt it before selling it, too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111317097020

 

[sunshineFC3s]

I know it wasn't on the OP's list...but perhaps the Armstrong MAXX line would be a good alternative. Can be easily converted to higher teeth, is US made, and is much more affordable.

I have the SO FLF80 myself, and as a hobbyist, I like it a lot and is my go-to (however, my others ratchets are craftsman). I would not pay new/truck price for it though. My next 3/8 ratchet will be an Armstrong aerospace. Just my .02.
-a

 

[stratman977]

Those coarse tooth cornwells are addicting once you get one you will want more. I like the jr72 also but its a little heavier than the coarse tooth models.

I'm with bobcatdan, the smoothness of the cornwell trumps the fine tooth action of the dual 80 99% of the time. It's just that one time you need the fine tooth you really need it.

Good luck with that mini cooper, I own one and I spend more time fixing it than driving it.

 

[4x4gearhead]

They are both good ratchets, I have the dual 80, but have used the cornwell ratchets too. I personally like the 30 tooth cornwells as much my 936 snappys. Its all about how tight of a space youre working in I guess. The dual 80 is going to be a better performing ratchet with your little car I'd bet. Both are a quality product though.

 

[gipraw]

I love my Cornwell JRF72. bought it used off Craigslist and it has performed flawlessly.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I was in the same boat and went Snap On simply because they offer better support through corporate as I'm not in a shop environment. FWIW, I'm not brand loyal, 2 of my torque wrenches are Cornwell. I bought these on ebay and they dont see hard use so I'm not worried about warranty issues. If anything, they would be sent to a calibration shop who can fix any issue.