Looking for 1/2" long handle ratchet

[KYmillwright]

I'm a union Millwright, so it has to be made in the USA. I'm looking for a long handled 1/2" ratchet, non-flexible head (although locking flex will do if it's unavoidable), preferably fine tooth and preferably quick release. I'm somewhat drawn toward the Snap-on SL80a, but it's not quick release. Any recommendations? Great site by the way. And thanks in advance.

 

[KYmillwright]

I don't suppose I could get lucky enough that the Carlyle offering is USA made?

 

[Halfdawg]

How long of a handle? I have an older 15" SL936 that is a great length for most things. I don't know what the equivalent Dual 80 number is, but someday I want to upgrade to one. This is sentimental value though, first purchase off the tool truck many years ago. I recently had need of a really long handle and picked up a SLF80A which is a 24" flex head, it is fricken sweet for times when you need some serious leverage!

 

[royesses]

Found these proto's:
http://www.zoro.com/i/G1052992/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CNeNo_290cMCFQhafgodRD8A7w

http://www.zoro.com/i/G2964945/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CMSruIu-0cMCFYOUfgod4R4AaA

 

[Lx460]

Snap-on makes the FRLL80 which is what I think you want but in 1/2" drive. It doesn't seem they make a 1/2" non flex version.

 

[1950mercury]

Armstrong maxx locking flex u wont be sorry

 

[rapid robert]

Long handled Proto 1/2 ratchets are awesome...but they are not fine toothed...

 

[OHMS LAW]

You know the answer. Snap on

 

[Askme42]

Armstrong maxx locking flex u wont be sorry

Agree. Don't understand the whole please no flexhead stuff.

 

[shockwave]

I have a sf80a non locking 1/2 quick release flex chrome snap on if interested I never use

 

[ihateminimumwage]

That's going to be a tall order to fill; asking for USA, Long Length, Fine Tooth, and Quick Release. Most USA made ratchets you'll be lucky to get two of the three, and once you get into the industrial brand offerings, most are not fine tooth.

Here's a few quick finds with some catalogs I have:

Armstrong 12-994 1/2" Armstrong MAXX Locking Flex Ratchet (88 Tooth, 18.5" Length)
Armstrong 12-973 1/2" Long Handle Teardrop Ratchet (36 Tooth, 15" Length)

Matco CFR158T 1/2" Ratchet (88 Tooth, 15" Length)
Matco CR17LFT 1/2" Locking Flex Ratchet (88 Tooth, 17" Length)
Matco CFR248LFT 1/2" Long Locking Flex Ratchet (88 Tooth, 24" Length)

SK 40170 1/2" Professional Round Head Ratchet (48 Tooth, 15" Length)

Williams S-52EHLA 1/2" Enclosed Head Chrome Ratchet, Long (36 Tooth, 15" Length)
Williams S-53A 1/2" Round Head Chrome Ratchet, Long (72 Tooth, 15" Length)

Note that none are quick release. Also don't buy any Matco Comfort grip ratchets, the grips are imported, so the ratchet doesn't have a USA stamp.

 

[Thegratenate]

A true thing of beauty, probably the best $100 you can spend. I don't care for the flex head myself, but the lock mitigates that. The tooth count is fine enough to get movement in tight places, and the handle is long enough to get nice torque when it's needed. Once it's broken in the ratchet is smooth as butter. http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/12-994.html

 

[lunkhead]

I like Wright tools, made in america, not to expensive, lifetime warranty and equal to snap on in quality.

 

[KYmillwright]

Thanks guys. I agree it was a hard list of demands. And I doubted all would be met.

I went with the Armstrong Maxx flexible locking.

The reason I don't like a floppy flexible is for one thing I already have two in the Craftsman product line. And when I'm wrenching on something big, it's just too unsure and moves a little too much.

I do agree that I should have looked at the Wright offerings as well. But I was trigger happy so sue me lol.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Thanks guys. I agree it was a hard list of demands. And I doubted all would be met.

I went with the Armstrong Maxx flexible locking.

The reason I don't like a floppy flexible is for one thing I already have two in the Craftsman product line. And when I'm wrenching on something big, it's just too unsure and moves a little too much.

I do agree that I should have looked at the Wright offerings as well. But I was trigger happy so sue me lol.

They are awesome you will like it. I hate the flex heads without detents or a locking feature. They are a pain to use when you cant get both arms in a tight/confined space, or you have to use the ratchet upside down.

 

[Buster21]

You won't be disapointed. I love mine.

 

[KYmillwright]

The locking feature still leaves a little to be desired. Other than that I love it.

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[Askme42]

The locking feature still leaves a little to be desired. Other than that I love it.

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How does it fall short?

 

[KYmillwright]

There is no detent or other feature to keep the locking lever in its position. So it usually comes unlocked, defeating the purpose. I'm going to contact Armstrong about it tomorrow. I will post an update for the benefit of the community.

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[KYmillwright]

If anyone has this exact ratchet nearby, please check it and see if your locking lever has some sort of a sticking point to keep it in place. Just to double check me. It's possible that mine is just packed full of grease, since its first use it went straight into a 6-inch pile/puddle of grease in a fiberglass insulation factory.

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[47newcastle]

I like Wright tools, made in america, not to expensive, lifetime warranty and equal to snap on in quality.

I have the wright 1/2 ratchet. That thing is a giant!

 

[KYmillwright]

Yup. I put them in order of
Snap-On 10
Armstrong 9.5
Wright 9.0

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