Entry-level but solid feeling ratchet?

[PJNJ]

If I were in the market for ONE ratchet, I would get this

http://amzn.to/2gNCRQJ

If flex head was needed, then

http://amzn.to/2xO8Zhw

And call it a day.

Great recommendations for most users. I have the Wright flex head version and it is a very good ratchet with excellent chrome (really, really beautiful), feel and action. Unfortunately, I think it is a little out of the OP's price range.

However, based solely on what he is going to use it for and how often, I would probably recommend just getting a HF ratchet and call it a day. Cheap as cheap can get with a coupon and if he has any problems, he can just drive over to HF and get a replacement.

 

[kctyphoon]

"I use a ratchet twice a year, what should I get that's good for my needs?" And u guys are seriously telling this guy to buy used off eBay, or go-to a pawn shop? Really???

Here's my 2 cents -. Go-to literally ANY store, and pick out what you like.. the gearwrech ratchets on the first response r a good choice, decide if you want a flex version though. For a single ratchet I'd opt for a standard one, but that's just me.. kobalt and husky are other options, Craftsman, anything decent in a auto parts store.. just cruise Amazon and read reviews if ya really want options.. don't buy used - there is no need for that.

 

[ab0mination]

OP must be thoroughly scared away.

Nope.

*insert michael jackson eating popcorn gif*

I'm following along.

Actually pretty stoked…figured I'd get scolded about not being better about using search, since it seems like it's probably a common inquiry.

Leaning towards the GearWrench set because I think I'd like to give flex a try (never owned or used). The Williams also really looks nice (and I've been eyeing a set of their wrenches), but again—intrigued by the flex.

Am also wondering if someone from HF stole @DadsTools's girl in high school, cause he mad (I mostly jest—appreciate the contributions but he certainly escalated out of no where).

Definitely leaning away from something like a used SK though…I don't use them much so getting beat up isn't in the cards, and would rather have something that looks & feels nice then something that's going to gain me cred or truly last 5x my lifetime. Do see why the real mechanics/hobbyists/craftspeople here could appreciate that quality though, for sure.

 

[ab0mination]

That Williams ratchet is a tank. I prefer the feel of my SK but I wanted a pear head and bought the Williams in the normal and long handled setup. For 30 dollars you can not go wrong. I would recommend either depending on whether you prefer round head or tear drop.

Does the head shape somehow change how the tool works?

 

[ab0mination]

GearWrench 3/8 and 1/4 roto ratchets both for $30 (lowest price I have seen). I just got mine last week. Very happy with how it look, feels and perform.

http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-2-p...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

[…]

Pretty interesting design…hadn't seen those in my searches here. Wish I knew if I'd like flex or roto…can't see why I wouldn't…do they maybe get annoying if you're really torqueing? Because I won't be…probably should've mentioned that my usage is mostly stuff like bike setup/repairs, light dirt bike work, and setting up & tearing down furniture (we seem to move about every other year).

 

[Tonyuk]

If i was over there i would go for one of those harbour freight composite ratchets. We have them over here under a different brand and they're excellent, one of the smoothest ratchets i own. If your only using them a few times a year then i suspect they will last until you loose them, i use mine all day for over a year and haven't broken one yet, and if i do they have a warranty.

All ratchets can break, no such thing as an unbreakable design.

 

[Citation]

Does the head shape somehow change how the tool works?

Yes. Round heads have a selector that moves with the socket. This you can't just lock at the ratchet and know which way it's going to drive. The other kind has a selector that flips so nasty by look or feel you can tell. In my experience found heads often, but not always, take a second hand to reverse direction.

The roto had ratchets are fine for high torque. No issues with folding under load unless you add swivels or u-joints.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I would vote Duralast if you're close to an Autozone.

 

[Fender1325]

Nope.

*insert michael jackson eating popcorn gif*

I'm following along.

Actually pretty stoked…figured I'd get scolded about not being better about using search, since it seems like it's probably a common inquiry.

Leaning towards the GearWrench set because I think I'd like to give flex a try (never owned or used). The Williams also really looks nice (and I've been eyeing a set of their wrenches), but again—intrigued by the flex.

Am also wondering if someone from HF stole @DadsTools's girl in high school, cause he mad (I mostly jest—appreciate the contributions but he certainly escalated out of no where).

Definitely leaning away from something like a used SK though…I don't use them much so getting beat up isn't in the cards, and would rather have something that looks & feels nice then something that's going to gain me cred or truly last 5x my lifetime. Do see why the real mechanics/hobbyists/craftspeople here could appreciate that quality though, for sure.

Good choice! Get the gearwrench and don't look back

 

[6PTsocket]

Go to eBay (if you don't have time to roam flea markets) and buy a decent used SK round head fine tooth. 3/8 & 1/4, #45170 & 40970 respectively. Seriously. I mean, really. Easy to find on eBay, you'll pay about $15 each landed. If ever needed, S-K will send you a brand new core on warranty, no charge, no questions asked, no receipt needed, don't have to send the old one back, don't have to go back to the store and hope they still sell them or hassle with ignorant employees. Just fill out the online form and you'll have it in a week.

They've been making the same design for decades. It's not discontinued, model doesn't change every three months, COO doesn't change every three months. And even to this day, they're universally hailed as one of the finest ratchets ever made, especially the 1/4. Tough as nails. And....USA!

I dare anyone to find a better pair of ratchets with an easy warranty that you can pretty much buy on demand for about $30 total for both.

Seriously.

I love my SK round heads. I have had them for decades, never needed a rebuild, but nice to know how easy it is, BUT I also have a set of old Williams (from when they were Williams and not part of Snap On) The heads are much smaller. They are also a round head. They click pretty loud but reading how tricky they are to assemble, I have never had the nerve to take them apart. I would probably use Superlube if I did. I grab them first.. To the OP: a knurled handle helps you not to slip off when you are leaning on it with your greasy hands. A personal choice. You can get a used, clean SK at a good price, since so many were made, for so long. No need to settle for a rusty one.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[7avalon7]

Pretty interesting design…hadn't seen those in my searches here. Wish I knew if I'd like flex or roto…can't see why I wouldn't…do they maybe get annoying if you're really torqueing? Because I won't be…probably should've mentioned that my usage is mostly stuff like bike setup/repairs, light dirt bike work, and setting up & tearing down furniture (we seem to move about every other year).

Like I said earlier, I only received mine last week, so I do not have long term review. Having said that, the head is pretty tight, it is not flopping around. The review online that I can find is pretty good. I am a DIY, just using these on my cars.

One thing that I really like is that I can have the handle turned 90 degree so once the fastener is loose, I can use this like a screwdriver.

Lots of excellent choices presented here for sure.

 

[Ign]

Beware the SK Facom “thumb control” round heads. Like Deloreans they have a cult following but I could never stand mine - they eat up WAY too much Z space, plus there’s nothing easy about the thumb control.

There will be at least 3 cult members threatening to lynch me now (seriously, just watch) but these were always the LAST ratchets I reached for. I finally sold a couple off here and just shipped away (donated) my last one to a non-profit 2 days ago, hopefully they can use it or abuse it.

 

[DadsTools]

Beware the SK Facom “thumb control” round heads. Like Deloreans they have a cult following but I could never stand mine - they eat up WAY too much Z space, plus there’s nothing easy about the thumb control.

There will be at least 3 cult members threatening to lynch me now (seriously, just watch) but these were always the LAST ratchets I reached for. I finally sold a couple off here and just shipped away (donated) my last one to a non-profit 2 days ago, hopefully they can use it or abuse it.

Are these what they call the Frankenstein ratchets?

 

[rustbucket5]

tekton, i have all their ratchets and use them in a pro environment daily. no issues. 72t
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLY1CDY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[HanShotFirst]

Pretty interesting design…hadn't seen those in my searches here. Wish I knew if I'd like flex or roto…can't see why I wouldn't…do they maybe get annoying if you're really torqueing? Because I won't be…probably should've mentioned that my usage is mostly stuff like bike setup/repairs, light dirt bike work, and setting up & tearing down furniture (we seem to move about every other year).

Considering what you just said here, just go to Harbor Freight and pick out the ratchet you like best. If you find you're using it more often than you thought, or you decide there is something you don't like about it, then upgrade at a later date. HF ratchets are very good ratchets for the price, and will serve you very well. Plus, if you do have a problem, just head to the local HF and swap it out for a new one.

 

[sberry]

Anyone that tells the OP anything other than to march down to HF and grab the tool he needs is doing him a disservice, giving poor advice about rate of return of and simply expressing some repressed "feelings" about something and it aint got squat to do with the tool. Buy a couple sizes, some extensions and the big 1/2 breaker bar if you don't have one.
I have several brands, a couple SK, they are fine as well as half a dozen Proto, they are ok too but the best I evenr had is probably a tekton type I bought across the counter at a parts store and if I had to start over tomorrow the HF would be the first thing, similar to the OP, he isn't a collector in search of the next best thing.
I would buy the new one and move on with my day vs making it a gut wrenching experience. The guys life wont be improved tossing another 20 at it or another 200 for that matter.
It was a smart move for HF to improve the tool. I would rather pay a couple more dollars for a good one, Sears sold the same POS for close to 40 years. Had to warrant millions of them.
As for a couple others I see a thread on,,,, 50 dollar ratchet,,, aint even been delivered and you can buy a repair kit to go with it. What a way to shove off a lifetime warranty, get the customer to stock parts for it when he buys the thing, pure marketing genius.

 

[bcradio]

Anyone that tells the OP anything other than to march down to HF and grab the tool he needs is doing him a disservice, giving poor advice about rate of return of and simply expressing some repressed "feelings" about something and it aint got squat to do with the tool. Buy a couple sizes, some extensions and the big 1/2 breaker bar if you don't have one.
I have several brands, a couple SK, they are fine as well as half a dozen Proto, they are ok too but the best I evenr had is probably a tekton type I bought across the counter at a parts store and if I had to start over tomorrow the HF would be the first thing, similar to the OP, he isn't a collector in search of the next best thing.
I would buy the new one and move on with my day vs making it a gut wrenching experience. The guys life wont be improved tossing another 20 at it or another 200 for that matter.
It was a smart move for HF to improve the tool. I would rather pay a couple more dollars for a good one, Sears sold the same POS for close to 40 years. Had to warrant millions of them.
As for a couple others I see a thread on,,,, 50 dollar ratchet,,, aint even been delivered and you can buy a repair kit to go with it. What a way to shove off a lifetime warranty, get the customer to stock parts for it when he buys the thing, pure marketing genius.

Smart man here

 

[Yarpo]

Anyone that tells the OP anything other than to march down to HF and grab the tool he needs is doing him a disservice, giving poor advice about rate of return of and simply expressing some repressed "feelings" about something and it aint got squat to do with the tool. Buy a couple sizes, some extensions and the big 1/2 breaker bar if you don't have one.

You said everyone in the thread was doing him a disservice by recommending ratchets (which he asked about) and then you go ahead and tell him to buy extensions and a breaker bar...

He needed a 3/8th and a 1/4" ratchet, I recommended both for his budget. What kinda monster am I!!

 

[davethorik]

Are these what they call the Frankenstein ratchets?

No, everyone else but Ign refers to them as "palm control" ratchets, SK sold these with the Facom style round head. Not to be confused with the Tuff 1 ratchets, which had a selector shaped like a plus sign +. Here is a pic of the palm control ratchets.

 

[HanShotFirst]

This thread is pretty darned funny. People get seriously emotionally invested over advice on a web forum...I'm dyin here...

 

[ab0mination]

Anyone that tells the OP anything other than to march down to HF and grab the tool he needs is doing him a disservice[…]

Definitely understand the sentiment, but I think the <$35 recommendations from GearWrench, Williams & Armstrong (not sure at this point if the average Kobalt tool is better than average HF?) are right on point…showing where I can get a nicer tool for arguably not much of a premium.

 

[Parrothead]

I’ll just say this...If you’re interested in the Gearwrench ratchets, go to Home Depot and get the Husky ratchets. APEX makes them both and the Husky is also available in flex head. It’s cheaper too. One other big plus? Quick release with the same thin head as the Gearwrench. Problem solved.

 

[DadsTools]

No, everyone else but Ign refers to them as "palm control" ratchets, SK sold these with the Facom style round head. Not to be confused with the Tuff 1 ratchets, which had a selector shaped like a plus sign +. Here is a pic of the palm control ratchets.

OK, thanks for the info. Hadn't seen these before.

 

[zktk01]

If you hang out on this forum too long you will soon have a drawer full of ratchets. If you are patient and do not succumb to temptation too often the classified sections of GJ can land some awesome deals. Someone one had Snap On Ratchets the other day for $20. I was able to pick one of those up.

 

[zktk01]

I think this would be a good deal for OP, Should cover your needs until you use more.
get you covered on the 1/4" and 3/8" for the least amount.

However, the SK route is also a good option too, hard to go wrong with the SK or Williams.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NAPA-2-Pie...295150&hash=item1a0e9d91e9:g:~TsAAOSw5dNWlxc2

 

[4 Ever-Fish N]

Sounds pretty impressive. Thanks for the info.

Go to eBay (if you don't have time to roam flea markets) and buy a decent used SK round head fine tooth. 3/8 & 1/4, #45170 & 40970 respectively. Seriously. I mean, really. Easy to find on eBay, you'll pay about $15 each landed. If ever needed, S-K will send you a brand new core on warranty, no charge, no questions asked, no receipt needed, don't have to send the old one back, don't have to go back to the store and hope they still sell them or hassle with ignorant employees. Just fill out the online form and you'll have it in a week.

They've been making the same design for decades. It's not discontinued, model doesn't change every three months, COO doesn't change every three months. And even to this day, they're universally hailed as one of the finest ratchets ever made, especially the 1/4. Tough as nails. And....USA!

I dare anyone to find a better pair of ratchets with an easy warranty that you can pretty much buy on demand for about $30 total for both.

Seriously.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

These were the first I checked out this week since I was in the store. Felt pretty nice but hadn't yet done the research if they were one of those HF things that should be left alone.

The composite ratchets at HF have a nice feel and lots of people have good things to say about them.

 

[APS2000]

I think this would be a good deal for OP, Should cover your needs until you use more.
get you covered on the 1/4" and 3/8" for the least amount.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NAPA-2-Pie...295150&hash=item1a0e9d91e9:g:~TsAAOSw5dNWlxc2

That's a good deal. Seller also list on Amazon if you have an account.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01C...pa+ratchet&dpPl=1&dpID=41Yrt9mQElL&ref=plSrch

 

[Olafur]

What are you working on?
Long or short handle?
Comfort grip?
Quick release?
Flex head?
Small head for difficult access or strength?

Never mind, you already set foot into the trap, sooner or later you will end up like the rest of us with full drawers of ratchets anyway. Just go buy a truckload of Snap On and be done with it. Don't forget the green handles!

 

[tomsatx]

Hard to beat estate sales, garage sales, or flea markets for usa made ratchets by snap on, sk, etc. If you don't find one when you go, you tend to find something you've been looking for anyways. Picked up starret micrometers (last month I got a 1" for a $1) and other fine instruments I'd never buy new for those prices but it makes it affordable at $5-$10 for a good handful of tools sometimes. One of my favorites is the proto spin flex 1/4 I got for $10. Use it all the time. Also a $8 plomb pebble grain in excellent condition was another favorite until it was stolen.

Harbor freight new is hard to beat in the pro series. The 3/8" is the first one I grab most of the time.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[lincwelder225]

Beware the SK Facom “thumb control” round heads. Like Deloreans they have a cult following but I could never stand mine - they eat up WAY too much Z space, plus there’s nothing easy about the thumb control.

There will be at least 3 cult members threatening to lynch me now (seriously, just watch) but these were always the LAST ratchets I reached for. I finally sold a couple off here and just shipped away (donated) my last one to a non-profit 2 days ago, hopefully they can use it or abuse it.

If I ever find you in a dark alley one day.... just kidding, never used those ratchets, just had to play along!

 

[Al Borland]

I HATE the SK Fuc'em ratchets. Real SK are good (until they wear out, and Slip/Kill) but those Fuc'em ratchets....

 

[Local]

Crescent ratchets are real good for the money. Made in tawain with 72 teeth and no backdrag.