1/2" Ratchet

[Nineeightyone]

I don't need one, but I'd like to get my hands on another 1/2" drive ratchet wrench. I have a Kobalt 3/8" produced by Tekton that I really like, and at the moment my 1/2" go-to is a Pittsburgh Pro flex-head. I maintain and modify my own cars for pleasure and cost savings over going to the dealer.

I'd like to keep the cost under $50 if at all possible, quick release would be nice but isn't 100% necessary. What's a good option for me? I'm looking at the Wera 004064 and the Tekton SRH11210.

I'm open to other options as well. Come on GJ, help me spend money unnecessarily

 

[Whoismiked]

There is a thread from another using asking exactly this same question literally 2 posts under this one, perhaps you can swing by that thread?

 

[dacan23]

The Wera Zyklop cause its way cooler looking

 

[Nineeightyone]

The Wera Zyklop cause its way cooler looking

Admittedly, this is a factor making me kind of want the Zyklop. Those handles look comfortable as hell.

There is a thread from another using asking exactly this same question literally 2 posts under this one, perhaps you can swing by that thread?

Sorry, I didn't see that thread. I know there was someone looking for a long-handled ratchet, but that's not a necessity for my needs, and I didn't want to derail their thread with my own question.

 

[powertrip]

Produced by Tekton???

 

[drtyler]

USAG 237A 1/2 or Facom S.161B from UltimateGarage.com are great, and around $50. Comfortable handle, and the ratchets are not heavy. Mechanism is proven and strong.

Or spend a little more and get a Snap-on S80A from ebay. I use the longer version (SL80A) often.

 

[Nineeightyone]

Produced by Tekton???

I'm fairly certain my Kobalt ratchet (from roughly a decade ago?) is a rebranded Tekton, I've not taken it apart but it's Taiwan-made and sports the exact same handle design, it's a 72-tooth model. The newer Kobalt stuff is Chinese CoO, but this one is Taiwan.

 

[Mr_B]

review the new tekton ratchets and also carlye at napa .
wera not a great automotive use ratchet, too bulty .

 

[M6erfan]

That Tekton you linked to is pretty new but initial reports are positive. It's available in quick release version too. Between the Tekton and Wera, Tekton all the way!

I'll add that you are looking at 1/2" ratchets in the 11" length, IMO you should go 15-18" ratchet length in 1/2" drive, as a minimum...

 

[Tynee]

I’ve got an older 36 tooth Carlyle standard length 1/2” dr that I think I like better than my similar Snap-On.

 

[JiminAZ]

My current preference is a Wright dual pawl round head #4490 (11"). **** handle shape/fit and I like the balance of the thing. I also own the long handled version #4494 (15")

Some don't care for the selector mechanism but I find I can change it with my thumb.

If you have a little time and are patient, the SK LP90 (currently only available in 3/8) is promised to eventually become available in 1/2. I'll likely buy one whenever it finally comes to market.

 

[tym]

I'm currently using a long Craftsman 1/2" breaker bar with a used Snap-On ratchet adapter. Use it mainly for lug nuts.

 

[davethorik]

Suggestions:
-clean, used Cornwell SR50 or SR70 (long)
-Proto XL 5449 or 5450 (long)
-Wright as mentioned (I have a 4425 long w/ knurled grip. Wright are easier to 1-hand than SK IMO)

 

[ReggieR]

Badass 1/2" on the cheap ? EZ Red. Ol SK 1/2 is no slouch either. Nobody mentioned Williams( not that 900 POS ******* clone) . The good one. The dual pawl S53 Superratchet. Bad mofo, Under $50

 

[gdocktor3]

Search around for the Proto quick release pear heads. They offer 10-1/2" long, quick release and as said many times here "built like a brick **** house." Its a solid ratchet that is very nice to use. I don't remember what I paid for mine, but you can get one for around $50-60 if you look around on eBay. A solid piece of MADE IN USA.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067LWRGG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Philbert]

I have the 15" Wright Ratchet 1/2"Dr. with the contour handle. I like that ratchet a lot in fact I like the whole Wright Contour line. I'm waiting on funds to get the 3/8 and 1/4" breaker bars, and the 10" 3/8", and the 3/8 in the 1/4 body, and the 1/4", and a Wright tool sticker for my box...

I have their wrenches in the Metric. I like them a lot as well. I used the 10mm on a brake line did not slip at all, grabbed that nut by the balls and twisted it off no problems. Now I "need" to get their SAE set for my new job. Them Wright-grip wrenches are much better than the Craftsman that they replaced.

 

[Fedwrench]

Power built Pro, Tekton, Titan, or EZ Red will blend nicely with the ratchets you already have.

 

[erty67]

My go to is the matching 1/2 Kobalt to your 3/8 Kobalt. good enough for a DIYer. not very long, but has taken a beating with the cheater pipe.

 

[R_einan]

I picked up a 15” Proto 5454F because the price was too good to pass up. It’s Facom made and turns out it’s a nice ratchet. I also picked up an SK 42470 so I could try out the new DT drop in, also a very nice set up. The 100 tooth drop in is nice but not as smooth as the 72 tooth Proto. I’d like to try out the Wright contour grip long handle 1/2” ratchet.

 

[Wamsutta]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Drive-...7b84e68:g:FJUAAOSw5VFWLo77&LH_ItemCondition=3

$42.95 Shipped! I dare you to find a stronger ratchet for the money!

 

[M6erfan]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Drive-...7b84e68:g:FJUAAOSw5VFWLo77&LH_ItemCondition=3

$42.95 Shipped! I dare you to find a stronger ratchet for the money!

I'll see your Williams and raise you a Proto J5450....

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Proto-J5450-Classic-Ratchet/dp/B001HW91IC/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1535686855&sr=1-1&keywords=proto+ratchet

Same price, more useful length, great knurling on the handle, and probably the lightest backdrag on the planet. Williams stronger? Prove it

Mic drop!

 

[plinker]

I'll see your Williams and raise you a Proto J5450....

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Proto-J5450-Classic-Ratchet/dp/B001HW91IC/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1535686855&sr=1-1&keywords=proto+ratchet

Same price, more useful length, great knurling on the handle, and probably the lightest backdrag on the market. Williams stronger? Prove it

Mic drop!

The Williams uses the Snap-on 936 series internals, quite strong for all intents and purposes. I've got a Proto similar to your link, nice as well but fairly coarse toothed, though 36 tooth isnt exactly fine tooth either.

An S-K 42470 would be a good pick as well.

 

[M6erfan]

The Williams uses the Snap-on 936 series internals, quite strong for all intents and purposes. I've got a Proto similar to your link, nice as well but fairly coarse toothed, though 36 tooth isnt exactly fine tooth either.

An S-K 42470 would be a good pick as well.

I know. I'm sure that Williams is strong, I just like the thought of Wamsutta twitching in his sleep thinking about a non Snap-on ratchet being (possibly) superior

Seriously though, I just don't have much use for a 10"-11" length 1/2 ratchet. I have one, gathering dust somewhere. 15"+ on 1/2 drive makes a LOT more sense IMHO

 

[plinker]

I just don't have much use for a 10"-11" length 1/2 ratchet. I have one, gathering dust somewhere. 15"+ on 1/2 drive makes a LOT more sense IMHO

I agree, it isnt often I use a "normal" size 1/2 ratchet. 15" is about right for the most part. That said, I wouldnt want to not have one available.

 

[Tonyuk]

I like the gearwrench 1/4" swivel in 84 tooth, mine came as part of a set. I use it now and then, very smooth.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i'll be that guy. if you already have the pitts pro flex, why not just get the regular 1/2? no qr, but it's a good ratchet and it's only $20

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...e-professional-low-profile-ratchet-62330.html

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

USAG 237A 1/2 or Facom S.161B from UltimateGarage.com are great, and around $50. Comfortable handle, and the ratchets are not heavy. Mechanism is proven and strong.

Or spend a little more and get a Snap-on S80A from ebay. I use the longer version (SL80A) often.

what is the difference in the facom's other than $4??

 

[Fialaja]

I would go with the Wright with the comfort handle

 

[drtyler]

Just the name, the ratchets are identical otherwise.

what is the difference in the facom's other than $4??

 

[Mr Ratchet]

For the money I like the Gearwrench 84T line. The Tekton 90 tooth looks promising but, I've not held one yet.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Go with GearWrench, They have locking ones, small, big, extra big or small
As others have said. Or try Ebay and try S80 or SL80
or SX80
or JH Williams old snap on 936 design tooth.
(S936)

SK are ok, but I like the older JH williams super ratchets
https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-H-WILLIAMS-S-52-1-2-DRIVE-RATCHET-Superratchet-/223086287616
JH Williams make new super ratchets.
I ended up buying a long 3/8 ratchet a few month ago. One of my favorite..
https://www.google.com/search?q=jh+...ome..69i57.12400j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

I would go with the Wright with the comfort handle

Wrights are very nice.....

 

[AreYaSerious]

I'll see your Williams and raise you a Proto J5450....

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Proto-J5450-Classic-Ratchet/dp/B001HW91IC/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1535686855&sr=1-1&keywords=proto+ratchet

Same price, more useful length, great knurling on the handle, and probably the lightest backdrag on the planet. Williams stronger? Prove it

Mic drop!

If you want to cut your hand open on the knurling sure!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-42470-P...517094&hash=item1cb724b00a:g:G14AAOSw4O9beEj2

/end

 

[AreYaSerious]

Go with Gearwrench, They have locking ones, small, big, extra big or small
As others have said. Or try Ebay and try S80 or SL80
or SX80
or JH Williams old snap on 936 design tooth.
(S936)

Even though I said SK, Gearwrench are solid ratchets if you don't mind Taiwan tools (which I truthfully don't)

Gearwrench is hard to beat for the money tbh, nice sockets, ratchets etc. USA made tools Williams is probably the best bang for the buck. SK has an amazing warranty and they're about mid priced.

So ultimately i feel this way.

Good- Gearwrench, will do what you need, best price, will get the job done. Hit or miss warranty.

Better- Williams (toolsdelivered.com) has great prices, USA made, warranty are a little on the iffy side though.

Best- SK, Strong and hefty, nice old school feel. One of the best warranties on the market. Down side is tad bit pricey.

 

[R_einan]

I’m (IM)patiently waiting for the new SK LP 1/2 to come out, but I’m not sure it will keep to your price point. They say it will be out in October and I’m hopeful they can get it on the market. I really love the 3/8 version, it’s very fine tooth, super smooth, and the head is extremely low profile. If you’re not in a hurry and are can survive a few months more with our current ratchet, you might save a few more pennies and wait and see what the new SK will run you from HJE.

 

[dthor68]

I would also say Gearwrench. I have used Craftsman, SK and Armstrong Tools(old) my entire life. I find the Gearwrench stuff to be better and smoother than any I have used prior. It is somewhat cheap and you can buy it at Advance Auto. However, I would make sure that 84 Tooth is laser etched on the head.

 

[M6erfan]

If you want to cut your hand open on the knurling sure!

Are ya serious? That statement must be a joke

 

[Tallpilot]

Are ya serious? That statement must be a joke

He’s probably being facetious but for us comfort grip guys that knurling is very aggressive. I need to protect my baby soft hands. :supergay:

 

[MrDeerHunter]

My sk 1/2 ratchets are by far my favorite. They are incredibly durable. I have about all styles of them. They can be had for $10 on eBay and the mechanism only gets smoother with time. I have never had on slip on me but I have with the pear heads. Try it and I am sure you will become a fan.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[5ktq]

I've always found proto knurling to be very comfortable, not sharp on bare hands.

 

[Fedwrench]

If you want to cut your hand open on the knurling sure!

If the knurling on a ratchet handle hurts your hands, you don't need to buy any ratchets