Best Extra-Long Handle 1/2" Ratchet?

[jmm]

I'll apologize if this has been discussed previously, but I couldn't find it.

I'm looking for an extra long handled ratchet, upwards of 24". I don't need another breaker bar this size, nor do I need to go up to 3/4". Not interested in an extendable ratchet either. I've got a couple 18" ratchets, but I need something a little longer. Brand doesn't matter, but the only one I've ever messed with was a Snap-On (great, in my opinion). Here's a link. If I can't find anything else, I'll definitely buy the Snap-On model. My Mac driver is bringing in one for me to try out next week.

What do you guys think?

 

[dfndr]

Does Harry Epstein have anything?

 

[toolaholic]

Kobalt makes a 24". Lowes item # 337328, 36 teeth. Plastic comfort handle.

 

[toolaholic]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_337328-22328-85875_0__

 

[Zeroek]

Titan has a 24" for a good price on northerntool. I think it's the same as the kobalt ratchet actually. I've had it at work for a while now with no problems.
3 piece set
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200357801_200357801

Single ratchet
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200378681_200378681

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have the SHLF80 and my buddy has the Titan. All around the SO feels better, more teeth and smoother, and better balanced. However, this is not to take away from the Titan. The Titan is SO MUCH bang for the buck. It works and works damn good.

And shoot, you could buy the Titan 3pc set for less than the SO by itself. Or, drink the Kool Aid, find ******** in the backyard to sell and use that money to buy all SO 80s in all the sizes. That's what I did. lol

 

[Zeroek]

I really like the snap on dual 80 ratchets. I'll probably end up with the SHF80 eventually.

 

[MattPersman]

That snap on is great, I have the exact one you linked, a flex with comfort handle, the resale on them on ebay is very high too if you ever wanted to get rid of it.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I have and love the snap on 936 version. I have warranted it 0 times, and have used it a **** ton. My co workers have the dual 80 version with soft grip and qd head. I think I like my plain jane steel handled 936 better. Not to mention one of my co workers has snapped the anvil right off of his dual 80. Im not sure if it was because he was abusing it or not but all I know is mine sees pretty heavy use and has never failed. My boss has the matco 24" flex head too, which seems pretty nice. In my opinion I would go with the snap on with the sealed head. No bs snapring and thin cover plate.

 

[volleyball]

I have a craftman flex head that is long but not overly long. The flex helps eliminate the need for length. What is the reason a pipe extension won't work?

 

[woodstockva]

Tekton # 15013 --- http://www.tektontools.com/All_Products/15013

$45 on amazon .... lifetime warranty .... 72 tooth ..... Up to 487 ft-lbs torque without failing

That would be my vote.

 

[Adam.C]

I bought the Snap On from someone here. Soft handle was chewed up. Ratchet was questionable, but the price was right. I replaced the handle and guts, ordering the replacement parts directly from Snap On. Now I have a new functioning, if not looking ratchet.

The 1/2" dual 80 is so strong (over 700 ftlbs), you can literally jump on this handle and not risk breaking anything. The fine teeth are especially nice on a long ratchet where a single click moves the end of the handle only 2". I use mine all the time for cracking lugs and underbody work.

There are probably other comparable ratchets out there. But the big advantage of this ratchet is that you can buy one second hand inexpensively and get replacement parts if needed (virtually indefinitely).

P.S. Just a reminder/tip: The socket head screw that serves as the flex head pivot has a torque reqt. This is one of those times when you really do want to lube correctly, then torque with a good, accurate wrench and your best technique (and loctite). The resulting flex head will be quite stiff. But the tightness of this joint ensures the life and strength of the tool. See Snap Ons website for the torque spec. If you buy an older model, or one that has been worn, consider replacing this screw and the spring washer.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I think the 1/2 drive version of the dual 80s are the SMOOTHEST ratchet on the planet! I freaking love my 24" flex head.
If you don't mind shelling out the dough, it can't be beat.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Titan has a 24" for a good price on northerntool. I think it's the same as the kobalt ratchet actually. I've had it at work for a while now with no problems.

The MAC (VR24FPA) 24" flex ratchet is a re-branded Titan as well. I am curious if the Kobalt really is the same, which wouldn't surprise me since that's the only 36 tooth ratchet in the current line.

 

[jmm]

Anybody have the Matco? What do you think?

 

[Rakoprtr]

I have two kobalt ones I keep one in my roadside trailer and one at the shop havnt had any issues yet used em for everything from changing semi tires to 9n fords and turning crank bolts to set timing chains no complaints

 

[DTB]

Anybody have the Matco? What do you think?

I have one but it is older and only the 60 tooth model,not the 88. No complaints.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Anybody have the Matco? What do you think?

I have the 17" locking version, and to be honest I have kicked around the idea of getting the longer locking too. I think Matco has the locking part right, but the SO dual 80 is soooooo smooth I would like to have the head locked in when really cranking on something...that is the only downfall to the SO in my opinion.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have one but it is older and only the 60 tooth model,not the 88. No complaints.

You can upgrade to the 88, that's what I did with my 17". It has the old Matco hard handle that I like better plus the new 88 guts.

 

[Bobdog]

I have a big ugly Proto that takes whatever abuse I throw at it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[1950mercury]

If you want the best snap on is the way to go. Mac is a rebranded titan for 5 times the price.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I have a 17" Matco locking flex head with a hard orange handle. I put the 88t guts in it. It is probably my favorite in the drawer. BUT it's not 24". I have the 24" flex head dual 80 for that chore. I find it's too long for a lot of MY applications. Matco is my go to....

 

[Dugan]

Autozone has a lock ratcheting one. I havent been able to break it yet. Titan brand?

Had a 6ft pipe on it a few times. Just gotta clean/lube the switch because itll grab when ratching sometimes.

 

[bobcatdan]

Anybody have the Matco? What do you think?

I have a 24" Matco as well as the comparable SO. I'd say overall it comes down to personal preference. Both are very strong. I have broke both several times. In fact I just broke the Matco today. Snapped the head off at the piviot pin.

 

[espyking83]

The Snap On SHLF80 is hands down the best I have ever used.

 

[sparky5982]

I have the 24" Matco - I like it a lot. The shank is very stiff - it doesn't have much flex, which is great for a ratchet this length. The head was the Matco 88, since replaced with an Armstrong 60. There is a very small amount of play in the locking mechanism when locked, same as all the locking Armstrong ratchets. Not a problem for me. I use the extra length more for reaching into places than I do for really cranking on something. (I have a 3/4" Wright ratchet for that.)

I actually came by this guy for free - they were using these for production in my plant and the tool crib had one with the drive sheared off. They were going to throw it away, because our matco guy said it had been abused (No ****) and refused a warranty. I took it, dropped a $12 Armstrong rebuild kit in it, and it is now thoroughly awesome.

Not big on tool truck tools, but this ratchet is very nice.

 

[92integra]

titan is good have it

i also got a 24 inch flex ez red branded works well

and i know corwell has one that is like 27 inchs! but im sure snap on is probably the best. im getting by with my ez red that i got for 30 bucks

 

[619DioFan]

I have the Titan 24'' 1/2 drive ratchet. very happy with it. also have most of their other ratchets , use them more than any others, really like them. especially the 15'' long offset handle I/2 drive. real knuckle saver.

 

[reptilezs]

i have a titan with the fixed handle. have not used it much though

 

[Outlawmws]

If space in not in the equation, a ratcheting head on your existing breakers?

 

[Jason280]

I've been considering the EZ Red, which I believe is similar to the Titan (but with a 72 tooth head).

 

[nicksnothereman]

EZ-red probably but don't think it's any better/different than the other taiwanese stuff. If you're planning to use it all the time might as well get one from where it can be warrantied even if that's snap on or another truck, if money is no object. Otherwise one of the taiwanese ones will probably be fine but probably heavier than the truck equivalent. Some of those taiwanese 1/2" ratchets are really heavy which isn't a bad thing to me but can be to other people.

 

[jmm]

I have a 24" Matco as well as the comparable SO. I'd say overall it comes down to personal preference. Both are very strong. I have broke both several times. In fact I just broke the Matco today. Snapped the head off at the piviot pin.

What were you trying to bust loose? Must have taken some force...

If space in not in the equation, a ratcheting head on your existing breakers?

The voice of reason! That's an excellent suggestion, but I'll be honest with you -- casting pragmatism aside, I just want to indulge myself here.

Torn between Matco and Snap-On. I talked to a guy today who buys and sells used stuff and he's got a brand new Matco for 150. I might be able to get SEP pricing on the Snap-On, too. The mention of a long Cornwell doesn't make the decision any easier.

Cornwell SRF72LH, anybody familiar?

 

[monomach]

I have a big ugly Proto that takes whatever abuse I throw at it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Do you have one that meets his requirement? The 24" or so total length in 1/2"?

If so, what's the number? I wanted one myself and checked my Proto catalog but couldn't find anything. The longest I found was 16", but I already have that.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Anybody have the Matco? What do you think?

I have a green handled 24" Matco.

Absolutley love it man. That sucker is tougher than nails. I know you're not supposed to use a ratchet to break torque, but my Matco has retired ALL of my breaker bars. I get no flex out of it whatso ever.

I didn't buy it used either, I paid full price because I needed it right then. Do I regret paying full price? Not a bit. This ratchet was worth every penny.

 

[fxt]

Tekton # 15013 --- http://www.tektontools.com/All_Products/15013

$45 on amazon .... lifetime warranty .... 72 tooth ..... Up to 487 ft-lbs torque without failing

That would be my vote.

okay i caved in on this one.

found a used one on amazon for $36 shipped to my door

 

[bobcatdan]

What were you trying to bust loose? Must have taken some force...



The voice of reason! That's an excellent suggestion, but I'll be honest with you -- casting pragmatism aside, I just want to indulge myself here.

Torn between Matco and Snap-On. I talked to a guy today who buys and sells used stuff and he's got a brand new Matco for 150. I might be able to get SEP pricing on the Snap-On, too. The mention of a long Cornwell doesn't make the decision any easier.

Cornwell SRF72LH, anybody familiar?

Drive motor carrier bolts inside the chaincase of a bobcat skid steer. Not an easy place weasle a 3/4" in. I think bolts torque to 350- 400 lbs and are red locktited. Bobcat chaincase have claimed many 1/2" ratchets.

 

[Bobdog]

Do you have one that meets his requirement? The 24" or so total length in 1/2"?

If so, what's the number? I wanted one myself and checked my Proto catalog but couldn't find anything. The longest I found was 16", but I already have that.

Dunno, have to dig it out of the truck.

Now that you mention it, it might be the 16", but I've had three foot cheater bars on it and it's still going. Definitely a quality tool.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I have the long Mac and it is my overall favorite ratchet. Dunno tooth count or if it's a rebranded Titan--I just know I like it for wrenching on old farm stuff.

 

[MrJason]

okay i caved in on this one.

found a used one on amazon for $36 shipped to my door

I too just bought the 1/2" and opted to add the 3/8", since Amazon is running a special on "Buy more than $45 and get $10 off".

$65.00 and will be delivered to my door, a few days before my birthday.

Can't wait to see how they turn out..

-Jason