Which old/cheap/good ratchet to get? Craftsman or... ?

[DrVlikhell]

The knowledge here about ratchets is amazing and I've learned a lot just by lurking around, so I figured I'd post this question before I buy something.

I don't have a 1/2" ratchet. I've been getting by with a 1/2" breaker bar when necessary. Not ideal, but it works, and I'm usually too broke to buy something just because it makes things more convenient. Lately I've been having to get into larger car repairs and this week I really needed a 1/2" ratchet at the same time as the breaker bar. I made do without it, but it was hell, (you don't want to know what I used) so it's time to buy one.

I'm too broke to buy a new good ratchet, like an SK or Snap-on, and I don't want to get some Chinese/Harbor Freight quality tool that could break, resulting in an injury or broken part. Sure it may have a lifetime warranty... but if you can't finish fixing the thing that would take you to the store to replace the tool under warranty, it doesn't do much good.

So I'm looking to buy an older ratchet on eBay. Preferably one made in America. I'm a fan of Craftsman, because when I was a kid I had cheap Chinese, no-name, 8 dollar on sale at Walmart tool kits, and Craftsman was supreme next level to me. I was looking at the 44809 teardrop head ratchet cause it's cheap and easy to take apart, but people seem to hate that one. I have the 1/4" and 3/8" version, USA made of course, and I like them just fine. But it seems that most people prefer the earlier generation, such as the 44975 and 44985. I was looking at those too, and they can be had for slightly more, around $20, which is perfect for my budget, or lack there of.

But then I keep seeing people mention the RHFT ratchets by Craftsman and how good they are. And then I see other brands mentioned that as good or better as those even. It seems a Craftsman RHFT 44978 can be had for about $25 or $30. But I'm not familiar with them, or any fine tooth ratchets really.

So what do you guys recommend for a cheap/used/old/reliable USA ratchet? Keep in mind I'm not a mechanic, I don't make money with my tools, but I do fix everything on my cars myself. I don't specifically need a fine tooth ratchet, though they do feel nice. I just need one that will work well and not break when it does it's job. I saw a guy lift a car off a jack stand using a Craftsman 44809 and a five foot pipe while trying to loosen a stuck suspension bolt, and the ratchet was fine when he took it apart to inspect it, which is why I went looking for one of those initially. If you guys have suggestions with part numbers that I can search for, even better. Thanks in advance.

(tldr: whats a good, inexpensive, older ratchet that's tough as nails that sells for around $20/$25)

 

[Provincial]

Round head SK is hard to beat. Any round head New Britain/Husky/Sparta will also fill your need. Almost any Craftsman V or VV ratchet will be a good choice, with the Round Heat Fine Tooth the best of the lot.

 

[softailgarage]

You cant go wrong with an old Craftsman -V- or =V=

 

[ssdave]

My opinion, the Indestro 3270 1/2" drive flex head is the best vintage ratchet you can get. I own Proto, SK, Williams, Snap-on, Cornwell and have owned dozens of Craftsman.

Personally, I think the Craftsman ratchets universally ****, and I'd buy a <$20 imported one from almost anywhere to use in preference to one. (But, I have a half dozen or so Craftsman USA ones that I'd sell you for $20 including shipping if you really want one).

The Indestro 3270 is my favorite 1/2", and the only ones that equal or surpass it are the new Snap-on S-80 series.

They're not cheap on ebay, and there's a reason.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Indestro-Super-3270-1-2-034-Drive-Flex-Head-Ratchet-Wrench-Made-USA-Chrome-Forged-/224155908559?hash=item3430bbb9cf%3Ag%3AiykAAOSwgAZfXoiX&nma=true&si=KQfbf20Cw489U8MxnCJ57oapCVo%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[davethorik]

Craftsman are overrated including the Rhft. Buy a Wright or SK round head. Nothing fancy and both companies still in business, in case you need a rebuild kit. you can find them reasonably priced all day long and they are better than craftsman.

 

[hasco]

Yes, SK Round head Ratchet

 

[d42jeep]

This S-K 1/2” drive long handle ended up being free for me. I spotted this ratchet with a broken drive at a garage sale. The seller threw it in for free with a few tools that I purchased. I contacted S-K customer service and reported that I had a ratchet with a broken drive and apparently they were short on repair kits so they sent a brand new complete regular length replacement. I ended up using the drive from the new replacement in my long handle ratchet. Pretty hard to beat that kind of customer service.
-Don

 

[PFSard]

DrVlikhell >> Once you have five posts (I believe; Read the rules), you could post in the

Wanted! Forum
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33

 

[DadsTools]

In the price range mentioned....

I also vote for the SK round head. Pretty much bomb proof. There is no other ratchet that has been made continuously since the 1930s with the same internal drive. There's a reason for that. Many, many were sold, and so they can be had most readily. They're fine-toothed enough to be modern but not crazy fine-tooth. AND...you can still get replacement cores for them.

My personal vintage 1/2 favorite is the New Britain Kilness round-head ratchet. These are also bomb-proof. They were designed to be an improvement over the classic SK round head, and in some ways I think they succeeded. An interesting feature to it is that the 1/2 has the same size head as the 3/8. This gives it a lightness and nimble balance that the others don't have, almost like wielding a wand. New Britain made the exact ratchet for many different brands, so you have to learn to identify them. There's a thread somewhere that lists them--it's a dizzying number. I have a Husky-marked and Giller-marked. The biggest disadvantage to them is getting parts if you need them--no longer made.

ssdave mentioned the Indestro round head. They were also sold under the Duro name. These too were contracted to other brands, but may have different handle styles like the Wizard version. These too are excellent ratchets, great design, smooth, strong and dependable. But they have the same problem as the Kilness--they're not made anymore, so if you need parts, it's a challenge.

I happen to agree with those who do not like the vintage Craftsman. There are a lot of haters of these ratchets. There's a reason for that too. Many say the RHFT was the best ratchet ever to bear the Craftsman name. That's probably true. But that's simply comparing Cman to Cman, which isn't saying a lot IMO. Plus you have to compete price-wise with collectors who buy them. And getting parts is the same challenge, since they are no longer made.

So, considering the criteria, if I was to pick JUST ONE, it would be the SK round head. You simply cannot go wrong. And SK still gives out the replacement kits like candy, free of charge, no questions asked.

 

[bubinga]

You cant go wrong with an old Craftsman -V- or =V=

This, Or X 2, Or I agree,

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Sk is plentiful cheap and you get free repair parts

 

[MarkG]

Nothing like asking for everything----high quality, US made, and cheap! :S Unless someone just GIVES you a set of Snap-Ons, don't count on it. Life is always filled with compromises and trade-offs.

If your budget is that strained, your best bet is to get 'cheapish' with a lifetime warranty.

But all is not lost----this is the Duralast set I bought from Autozone. I've used it (NOT abused it!!) on several jobs so far and am very pleased with it. I did take the cover off the ratchet mechanism and added some lithium grease to it, just to make it even smoother though.

I love the smooth comfortable chromed handles rather than the rubberized/wonky designs in most 'cheap' sets since it makes cleaning a breeze.

If you feel a need to really crank down on something, use the right tool----breaker bars, etc., NOT a ratchet. I can highly recommend this set.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

SK is the one I would go with. Craftsman ratchets are ehh at the best. I have one of those like you mentioned you like it’s barely been used and now the sockets just slide right off of it because the ball got stuck pressed in and not out. Also as the poster above mentioned Duralast they are very good ratchets made by Gearwrench I believe they are very nice I am a professional mechanic and they work great. I also have a BlueHawk one from Lowe’s and believe it or not that thing is amazing. Yesterday I used it for some brake bolts and it done a fine job.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[outofbounds]

First good clean USA made ratchet (almost any make) at a garage sale $5 or less sounds like a plan. Not like there's a shortage of them out there.

 

[LNKMK8]

Have to agree with the round head SK - cheap enough and free rebuild kit if needed. My other choice would be an old Plomb/Proto. I buy hundreds of ratchets a year, and rarely do those need anything more than a cosmetic cleaning. Even the ones that look "well used" still function fine. I collect and appreciate the Craftsman ratchets, but most of them are fairly terrible to actually use. I've got 5-6 in my drawer right now that need a rebuild.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Nothing wrong with the old Made in the USA Craftsman ratchets, except too many people on eBay think they are "collectible" and want too much $$ for them.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

I'm a voracious collector of the Craftsman brand and think their RHFT rats are perfectly fine for day to day use but if I'm working on something in my shop, I reach for an SK round head rat. If one of my Craftsman rats takes a dump on me, I'm left to canabalize another to fix it or hope I can find a rebuild set on eBay. Not so with the SKs.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

First good clean USA made ratchet (almost any make) at a garage sale $5 or less

My only distinguishing criteria would be make sure it's easy to disassemble. Not all of the really good ones are. Williams comes to mind.

My other choice would be an old Plomb/Proto

This is one of my favorite users. Robust, great action, and it feels good in the hand.

 

[Dvbrock]

A quick ebay search shows at least two SK 1/2 inches for around$20. But I would stretch the budget and buy a new Tekton for $32

 

[Thru-hika]

The Craftsman RHFT ratchet are a great ratchet I see them all the time on FB or the flea market for $10 or $15. SK ratchets are nice too and can be found reasonably priced used.

 

[bmwrd0]

Proto 5449.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Proto 5449.

Brotha' from anotha' motha'! (I am guessing you did not even notice this one!)

 

[Wakefield]

Nothing like asking for everything----high quality, US made, and cheap! :S Unless someone just GIVES you a set of Snap-Ons, don't count on it. Life is always filled with compromises and trade-offs.

If your budget is that strained, your best bet is to get 'cheapish' with a lifetime warranty.

But all is not lost----this is the set I bought from Autozone. I've used it (NOT abused it!!) on several jobs so far and am very pleased with it. I did take the cover off the ratchet mechanism and added some lithium grease to it, just to make it even smoother though.

I love the smooth comfortable chromed handles rather than the rubberized/wonky designs in most 'cheap' sets since it makes cleaning a breeze.

If you feel a need to really crank down on something, use the right tool----breaker bars, etc. I can highly recommend this set.

Taiwan made Duralast? Coarse but strong?

 

[Iowafox]

I highly suggest the Proto J5449 it is a course tooth ratchet sounds like a roller coaster. New they are around $60. Used on ebay $20-$40 right now theres is a like new one for $25. I have used mine HARD even added a 5ft cheater on it and jumped on it. The design of it hasn't changed since it was first made. Simple construction and beautiful finish. Plus USA made and great warranty. I am a big Proto fan I have found out recently! I do suggest if you do get one open it up and throw some grease in it to smooth it up a little. I think if you get one of these it will last you your whole life and maybe you kids.

 

[Iowafox]

Proto 5449.

Yes!!

 

[Iowafox]

Brotha' from anotha' motha'! (I am guessing you did not even notice this one!)

I like how you guys think!!

 

[MarkG]

Taiwan made Duralast? Coarse but strong?

Yes, it's Duralast---very nice, good-looking, and comfortable, in spite of being 'affordable', and like I said, it's also maintainable. Not sure what you mean by 'coarse'----the finish is just fine and with a little extra grease it's a very smooth action. I don't really need anything better and am very happy with the set. I'm not a full-time mechanic, so it suits me just fine, and even if I WAS, it might!

If you're a real tool snob and/or think you 'need' a US-made or Snap-On set, or the 'best', then this might not be the set for you.

 

[MarkG]

Here's the link: https://www.autozone.com/ratchets-s...-metric-and-sae-socket-set-45-piece/15879_0_0

4.6/5 stars should at least tell you SOMEthing, out of 105 reviewers.

 

[bonneyman]

The S-K roundheads are hard to beat. I'd say their TUFF 1 (if you can find one) has a better fine action than the Craftsman RHFT.
Though my favs are the old Herbrand pear heads and the HF composites.

 

[Iowafox]

Here's the link: https://www.autozone.com/ratchets-s...-metric-and-sae-socket-set-45-piece/15879_0_0

4.6/5 stars should at least tell you SOMEthing, out of 105 reviewers.

That looks like a good little set. I have been contemplating on getting a 1/4 only socket set for keeping in my car.

 

[d42jeep]

Brotha' from anotha' motha'! (I am guessing you did not even notice this one!)

Even though I am a proponent of S-K ratchets I will admit to having this long handle Proto in my 1/2” drive drawer. Most of the other Proto ratchets have become Plomb donors.
-Don

 

[DrVlikhell]

Wow, I didn't think I'd get so many replies and suggestions! Especially since my question ended up rather long winded. Thank you guys all for your advice.

It seems like the overall consensus is Craftsman V or VV are "good enough" (mostly), but SK or Proto are far better. And it seems there are two distinct camps for SK and Proto, though none seem to dislike the other. I like the appearance of the Proto better, because the SK reminds me of my old Chinese **** ratchets. They were the same exact shape. I guess they were trying to copy SK. But really, the visual design of a tool shouldn't mean anything as long as it works well, so I'll try to put that aside. I definitely like that there are still rebuild kits available for the SK and that they are easy to obtain, and that the 42470 is still made.

While I don't need a USA made ratchet, I like American made products, especially tools. USA made tools are generally very good, a fact that is recognized outside of America as well. I think it's important to support American made stuff when I can, and in return I get a well made product. I won't get into Asian working conditions or exporting currency.

I think I'll keep an eye on eBay for both the SK 42470 and the Proto 5449. Both seem like excellent candidates.

I would go garage sale hopping like a few people suggested, but where I live is very, very spread out. For example, I'm the only house on my side of the street. So driving around to garage sales looking for tools would likely cost nearly as much in gas as it will to just buy one on eBay. And that's if I could find something at a garage sale. Here in Florida most old wrench turners already got rid of most their tools at a garage sale up north before they moved down here.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I very much appreciate it.

 

[bubinga]

Brotha' from anotha' motha'! (I am guessing you did not even notice this one!)

You can't go wrong with those proto's

 

[Shiftless]

Checking on eBay recently sold listings, it looks like you could score a decent 5449 for under $15 with shipping included.

 

[bubinga]

Checking on eBay recently sold listings, it looks like you could score a decent 5449 for under $15 with shipping included.

good deal!!!
the longer one like that is nice too.

 

[DadsTools]

Wow, I didn't think I'd get so many replies and suggestions! Especially since my question ended up rather long winded. Thank you guys all for your advice.

It seems like the overall consensus is Craftsman V or VV are "good enough" (mostly), but SK or Proto are far better. And it seems there are two distinct camps for SK and Proto, though none seem to dislike the other. I like the appearance of the Proto better, because the SK reminds me of my old Chinese **** ratchets. They were the same exact shape. I guess they were trying to copy SK. But really, the visual design of a tool shouldn't mean anything as long as it works well, so I'll try to put that aside. I definitely like that there are still rebuild kits available for the SK and that they are easy to obtain, and that the 42470 is still made.

While I don't need a USA made ratchet, I like American made products, especially tools. USA made tools are generally very good, a fact that is recognized outside of America as well. I think it's important to support American made stuff when I can, and in return I get a well made product. I won't get into Asian working conditions or exporting currency.

I think I'll keep an eye on eBay for both the SK 42470 and the Proto 5449. Both seem like excellent candidates.

I would go garage sale hopping like a few people suggested, but where I live is very, very spread out. For example, I'm the only house on my side of the street. So driving around to garage sales looking for tools would likely cost nearly as much in gas as it will to just buy one on eBay. And that's if I could find something at a garage sale. Here in Florida most old wrench turners already got rid of most their tools at a garage sale up north before they moved down here.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I very much appreciate it.

I don't think you'll find anyone who would be against one or the other. While I endorsed the SK, the Proto 5449 is also bomb-proof. It's a real brute too! I believe Proto still makes a version of it, the J5449, although I don't know the difference between the later "J" and the earlier one without--I'm not even sure if the modern rebuild kits wil fit the older models. Another advantage with these is that the design has very low backdrag. The other advantage to the Proto is that you can change directions with just flipping the switch with your thumb, while the SK requires you to turn the switch.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Proto is an 'old-school' ratchet with pear head and low coarse tooth count. Since Proto promotes itself in recent years as an industrial brand, this is not so much an issue. But for automotive work, a finer tooth count is often preferred. The 5449 has a 24-tooth mechanism (similar to the old Craftsman 1/2" Teardrop ratchets) while the SK has 48-tooth, which means you have to swing the Proto twice as far to get the ratchet to engage the next tooth. That can make a difference. Even with my old '78 Suburban where there's plenty of room, the difference is noticeable, and the coarser tooth feels more crude and tedious (yes, I have both--the Proto 5449 is in my emergency kit in the truck). The SK is just a smidgen longer too. The physics of this are undeniable: the SK will do that fine-tune tightening better and will allow you to swing in tighter clearances than the Proto. In other words, the SK can do everything the Proto can, but will do some things the Proto can't. SK even has an upgrade kit (the 'DT') that can be dropped in to double the tooth count. And as has been mentioned, warranty replacement parts for the SK are easy and free with no questions asked (they just mail it out to you without asking questions or requiring you to mail in the old ratchet), and without the prospect of having to buy another ratchet to pirate parts from it (Proto can be at times not so hassle-free, as some have reported in these forums).

I'm not much of a tool collector, and so I don't have the nostalgic warmth for the old-school ratchets that some may have. They have their purpose and place. But if I were to pick JUST ONE of the two that would allow me to best tackle any obstacle I'd be confronted with in any job I chose to tackle with the widest breadth of capability, and with the easiest warranty, it would be the SK.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I like the appearance of the Proto better...[ ]...I would go garage sale hopping like a few people suggested, but where I live is very, very spread out.

I'll save you the trip. I have three 5449's at the moment. The 5449 BL at the top is unobtanium. I was going to take a screw out of the Proto MFD Los Angeles ratchet in the middle to replace the missing screw in the Pebble Proto ratchet at the bottom (the best ratchet "repair kit" is and always has been having a few parts or spares or donor ratchets laying around to cannibalize!), but I liked it so much I never did. I am sure I will find another 5449 eventually. If you want the one in the middle, it's yours for the cost of the ride to the Sunshine State.

Couple things before you jump... This ratchet still works like a clock and has been restored and re-lubed by me, but it was made in 1950 or so. So, a goodie, but it is an oldie. Also, it's probably cadmium-plated. Common economy line finish, before, during, and after WWII. I handle cadmium-plated tools all the time. Unless you grind it or take a sanding block to it with some real exertion or do anything else to make a lot of airborne dust, it is harmless. But I would be remiss to not point that out. Lastly, there is a faint owner's mark ("ET") on the top side if that bothers you.

If you decide to pass, obviously no hard feelings. This isn't a contest!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Pretty simple design. No shims or hidden tension springs to pop across the shop never to be seen again or anything like that. Just two pawls and two very manageable springs. Two screws and a hard pop in the palm of your hand and the face plate comes right off.

 

[Randall3rd]

Here’s A few 1/2” Drive “oldie” ratchets.

Personally I’m not a fan of the knurled handles, so prefer the Craftsman from this bunch. I think the Craftsman RHFT is a really neat ratchet and like the quick release. Just makes it easy to use.

Take your pick, whichever you like. Shoot me a PM with your address and I’ll drop it in the mail for ya. Then you can spend late nights on ebay building up your 1/2” ratchet collection.... speaking from experience

 

[DadsTools]

For additional information on the Craftsman RHFT, see the GJ's Craftsman RHFT Type Study.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455802