Which ratchet would you buy...

[drewvdw]

If cost wasn't a factor *within reason*, just based off of quality, what ratchet would you buy? 3/8 drive regular length, flex head (locking or not).

I have a need for one and I am wanting to consider new ratchets other than my current Snap on selection. This will be a very opinionated thread, I'm curious to find out what some of you would choose to buy if in my shoes.

Within reason*-I'm not looking for a solid platinum ratchet with handmade scrollwork finished in gold leaf and a selector with diamonds in a suspended setting. Although, something like that would be kinda neat...

 

[Farmall450]

F80.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

...I have a need for one and I am wanting to consider new ratchets other than my current Snap on selection...

And that includes?

 

[KMdef9]

If cost wasn't a factor *within reason*, just based off of quality, what ratchet would you buy? 3/8 drive regular length, flex head (locking or not).

I have a need for one and I am wanting to consider new ratchets other than my current Snap on selection. This will be a very opinionated thread, I'm curious to find out what some of you would choose to buy if in my shoes.

Within reason*-I'm not looking for a solid platinum ratchet with handmade scrollwork finished in gold leaf and a selector with diamonds in a suspended setting. Although, something like that would be kinda neat...

So post your budget. Otherwise you'll get every brand recommended like many other threads started recently on this topic.

 

[Stevenn1]

If cost wasn't a factor *within reason*, just based off of quality, what ratchet would you buy? 3/8 drive regular length, flex head....

Snap-on FF80

 

[drewvdw]

And that includes?

Dual 80's of several sizes/configurations

So post your budget. Otherwise you'll get every brand recommended like many other threads started recently on this topic.

Under $300 or so. Is it really that difficult to grasp that there are people that shop based completely off of quality and not so much of quality for the money? I would be willing to pay more for something better.

I kinda want to try something other than Snap on. If Snap on is the Mercedes of ratchets, what's the Bentley or Lamborghini or Rolls Royce? You get the idea.

 

[T45]

Which f80? The ff80 and fhf80 are what you are looking for. you can also see the proto/facom 200mm flex round-head. If you think those all ****, its probably not going to get better with other brands.

Just my $0.02. Good luck.

 

[KMdef9]

Have you looked into these:

http://www.nepros.net/?cat=2&grp=9

 

[drewvdw]

That has been on my radar, have you used them? Any insights versus D80?

 

[M6erfan]

In your shoes, I'd go for the Nepros NBR390F

 

[anndel]

Snap On FH80 or FHF80; Carlyle is good too.

 

[JonnyMac]

Coloured handle nepros...

 

[General Geoff]

Another vote for the KTC Nepros NBR390F.

 

[Know Wosad]

I have all mentioned so far. My favorite flex in my drawer. Mac axis 90

 

[gdocktor3]

The best 3/8" ratchet anyone could buy is flex head dual 80 with quick release.

 

[bobcatdan]

The best 3/8" ratchet anyone could buy is flex head dual 80 with quick release.

My most used ratchets in 1/4" and 3/8".

 

[d.mcfarland]

Armstrong locking flex.

 

[lazer50]

The ops original post said other than snap on. So since i read imo i naturally recommend any of the us made models with locking flex and high tooth count.

 

[wrenchr]

The new mac ratchets.

 

[gdocktor3]

The ops original post said other than snap on. So since i read imo i naturally recommend any of the us made models with locking flex and high tooth count.

Other than his current Snap On...

 

[1950mercury]

Fhnf100 snap on 100 tooth

 

[BK13]

I personally like the Proto version of the Facom round head. I really want to try the fine tooth Hazet.

 

[Know Wosad]

I personally like the Proto version of the Facom round head. I really want to try the fine tooth Hazet.

The Hazet is nice and pretty much the same. It's a copy Facom gearset with a better spring(depending who you ask).The Proto is slick but also a little on the thick side for the current crop of mechanics complaints.That's when you reach for the Matco

 

[Fedwrench]

When you say "3/8 drive regular length flex head" are you looking for a flex head ratchet that's about 8 inches long?

The closet ratchet to that would be the Snap on FF80.

However, at about 9.5 inches long is the MAC Axis 90 tooth flex head ratchet or you could grab a NAPA Carlyle version. Both of those have soft grip handles. Good luck in your quest

 

[BK13]

Cool, thanks for the insight.

 

[oldldh]

Another vote for anything Nepros makes...

Their stuff is, almost, too pretty to use...

 

[Stevenn1]

A few Snap-on from short to long:

1. FKF80
2. F80 ("standard" 3/8 for comparison)
3. FF80
4. FLF80

 

[ihateminimumwage]

The best 3/8" ratchet anyone could buy is flex head dual 80 with quick release.

My most used ratchets in 1/4" and 3/8".

Same here. Picked up a 1/4" and didn't understand how I'd gone so long without the QR, so had to find a 3/8". No more fighting the smaller chrome sockets off!

 

[joel63]

A few Snap-on from short to long:

1. FKF80
2. F80 ("standard" 3/8 for comparison)
3. FF80
4. FLF80

Nothing like a visual to make everything clear.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have all mentioned so far. My favorite flex in my drawer. Mac axis 90

This or any of the Cornwell JR72 variants

 

[Scotland Offshore ABZ]

FN100 flex version or FR80 flex version with the locking mech are my favourites. The FR so you can remove sockets when your hand are oily/greasy and the FN100 because in a cramped awkward space these really are the best money can buy IMHO.

Snap-On end of.

 

[drewvdw]

When you say "3/8 drive regular length flex head" are you looking for a flex head ratchet that's about 8 inches long?

The closet ratchet to that would be the Snap on FF80.

However, at about 9.5 inches long is the MAC Axis 90 tooth flex head ratchet or you could grab a NAPA Carlyle version. Both of those have soft grip handles. Good luck in your quest

In that range. I just don't have a shorter flex head ratchet. I've got the longer flex heads with and without the comfort grip, but there's times I need something a little shorter.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I personally like the Proto version of the Facom round head. I really want to try the fine tooth Hazet.

This +

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I personally like the Proto version of the Facom round head. I really want to try the fine tooth Hazet.

Yep, I ordered a ProTo 1/4" drive flex head from ZORO on Monday.. 72 clicks to the circle. I have the 1/2" drive Italian made mate to it, and an older USA ProTo 3/8" drive flex head... I do like the price on the ProTo ratchets;

but I favor the reverse on My SnapOn ratchets.

 

[MattVette89]

I have all mentioned so far. My favorite flex in my drawer. Mac axis 90

That's my go-to 3/8 ratchet

 

[popparoach]

 

[jt777]

Get the gearwrench 120xp set. I have long handle flex head set with the comfort grip in 3/8 and 1/4 drive. And have not felt the need to buy the snap on equivalent. I will lean on that 3/8 quite alot and it doesn't break. This is coming from a guy who likes snap on alot and appreciates quality, but these 120 xps have allowed me to buy other things from snap on. Although i still will be buying some ratchets from snap on in the future because you know how it is.

 

[Onedivinehammer]

Bonney A707, late 50's/early 60's; by far, the smoothest 1/2 you'll come across. Anyone that owns one knows what I'm referring to.

View media item 41520
View media item 41519

 

[outdoorspace]

Assuming 3/8" drive, the 90-tooth Mac Axis XR1390FK, also available with comfort grips.

 

[Davefr]

Cornwell JR72.

It's hard to explain, but it becomes part of your body vs a separate tool you're holding.