What's your go to ratchet and why?

[Gurp]

Mine is a composite HF 3/8s.
The handle the comfortable and the composite doesn't get as cold during those outside winter jobs.
Best 10 buck tool I've ever bought.

 

[mazdeuce]

Nepros 3/8 in a 1/4 inch body. It's a jewel. Beautiful, smooth and well balanced.

 

[Jersey Drew]

For years was flex head long 3/8 USA Craftsman. Recently upgraded to similar offering from Tekton so i now have 90t vs the 36t i used before flex head and long for leverage and comfort. I like not having to muscle as hard with the length

 

[motoretro]

(50) year old Wright banjo head w/ tootsie roll handle, just fits well in my hand. One rebuilt kit and this was done about (3) years ago.

 

[Fedwrench]

depends on the task at hand as to which ratchet I reach for first. I will say that my Tekton 90 tooth, 3/8 drive flex head that's about 8.5 inches long probably gets grabbed first followed by its longer twin. I really like the feel, ratcheting action, and balance along with its handle shape. So many jobs, so many ratchets

 

[M635_Guy]

Depends on what I'm doing, but my Icon 1/4" roto-head is easily my favorite overall because it's made so many jobs so much easier and faster.

I think #2 is the F80, but I have several 3/8" ratchets I think are really good (Tekton/Icon).

I like almost all my ratchets though - the exception being the Sunex ratchets I got with my chrome socket set. They are extremely easy to pop the switch, which annoys me greatly...


(I went down the ratchet-hole for a while...)

 

[Tallpilot]

I start with a Snap-on comfort grip locking flex in the smallest drive size I think won't break. If that doesn't work then I go with the next smaller drive size in 90T Tekton (great warranty, and I have every handle length they make because they are almost cheap enough to be consumables yet excellent ratchets if not quite as good as the truck brands). If that won't work then I cringe and grab my long 1/4" locking flex Matco and hope it doesn't break, but so far they've sent me a rebuilt kit each time I called and told them I needed one.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

FL80, 3/8 long handle.

Tekton 10" flex, 3/8 drive

SK 12" flex head 3/8, with 2X tooth kit.

TLL72 - super long 12" flex 1/4 ratchet

SX80B - 1/2 drive locking flex.

Those are my main use work ratchets when I'm not using power tools. At home I prefer my SK round heads, gearwrench or the newer craftsman pear heads if I need a smaller head.

 

[qqzj]

I look at the fasteners first, spend 5 minutes to think which one out of my three dozen ratchets is the best. Then pull it out. I don't play favorite. Every tool is unique and has its own place.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Rinspeed]

SK classic 45170 round head.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Mostly it depends on which one is handy. But if I'm going to chose, the 1/2" would be Gray pear head, It's so positive that it has a lot of backdrag, the two go together, but the handle shape is so perfect, it is a treat to use. A upgraded S-K round head does most of the 3/8 duties. By the time you get to 1/4" a flex head Gearwrench doesn't have the weight penalty of it's larger brothers.

 

[sparky 1971]

Of all my ratchets, my go to is usually the plain old boring SK 45170. I love that thing.

 

[GrantCee]

Unless it's an application that needs something special, I usually grab a Wright 3425 (10" contour-grip). It makes tough fasteners a little easier to handle.

 

[davethorik]

Cornwell JR40

 

[designer485]

Snap-On FC936 (3/8" drive, 1/4" body)

 

[SuperCat]

My long time favorite is the classic SK 45170 round head 3/8" drive ratchet, about 40 teeth, no quick release, about 7 1/2 in. long. It is smooth, very strong, low back drag and the standard length handle seems to fit anywhere. Thanks to a couple of lucky, cheap finds at garage sales and the flea markets ($5 each!), I have several. After a cleaning and a light greasing, they work great. New ones are $60-65 everywhere.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00003030K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My current favorite is the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 in. quick release Swivel Head Ratchet ("roto ratchet"), 72 teeth, with the green cushion handle, about 5 1/2 in. long. I like the flexibility of the rotor head. Also, I tilt the head straight up and spin off bolt heads and nuts off just like having a socket on the end of an extension. This ratchet has a shorter overall length, but it fits everywhere. Back drag is higher than most, but it works well. I think I paid less than $15 for it, so the price was right for me to give it a try, since I had never owned a swivel head or "roto ratchet" before this one. In fact, I liked it so much I bought the longer handle version, about 9 in. long. I don't see the short handle version on the HF website, but the longer handle version is now $16.99. Use a 20% off coupon if you decide to give it a try.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html

 

[thugline]

Milwaukee M12 3/8 non-fuel.

 

[skruft]

Most often a 1/4 or 3/8, Snap-On or SK because those are usually most handy.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Snap on 1/4" in flex, the series before what we have now. That's one tough little ratchet. If it can do the job it does. After that a long proto classic 1/2".

 

[Kaervak]

Long handle SK 45179 3/8 drive ratchet. Plenty of leverage and fits in most places without issue. I use that ratchet 99% of the time.

 

[richfinn]

Mac Spinflex 3/8, I don't know why I just like it, habit more than anything, I own better fine tooth ratchets
but I mostly pick that one. I like the orange spinhandle!!

 

[Ton ton]

My snappy fixed head long handle is pretty sweet. 80 teeth I believe.

 

[lardy1]

It really depends on what I'm doing and where I'm doing it. I have two fixed work benches in my shop plus a couple mobile work benches. They are all stocked with various ratchets. My road box has its' own ratchets. SK roundheads are abundant around here so they are most likely to be grabbed simply because there are so many of them.


In a non flex, standard handled ratchet, I'm not all that fussy unless the application calls for a certain configuration. I try not to keep junk or very low quality tools around so I'm never disappointed. I sometimes switch them up just so neglected ones get used. I have far too many ratchets and, although I've slowed down, I doubt I'm done buying more.

 

[mhejl]

My most abused is a 1/4 Snap On roto hard handle thnfd72. Does about 90% of the jobs on Mazdas and Toyotas up to 15mm. Next would be a 3/8 locking flex fhx80.

FWIW, Snap On just sent me a brand new one under warranty. I ordered a repair kit that came with only the main body - no pawl, springs, or reverse lever. It should be a complete assembly. They sent another, then another - all defective. They have a bad batch. Finally, they just sent the whole ratchet. I dropped a bit ratchet kit - that was complete - into the old body.

 

[Hack Fabrication]

Husky 3/8" drive flex head with offset handle. Unfortunately, they no longer offer that wrench, and I'd buy two more in a heartbeat.

 

[seber]

I rarely pick up anything other than long handle 3/8 flex Snap-on. If 1/4" is called for, it's the same in 1/4"

 

[bonneyman]

Of all my ratchets, my go to is usually the plain old boring SK 45170. I love that thing.

Though - if I'm being totally honest - I usually reach for my home made ratchet: A Granco handle with inner workings I put together from scrap!
I got the handle from Epstein's as it was missing the gear assembly. Really nice fit in the hand - maybe Epstein's still has some of these Granco ratchets (complete) for sale?

 

[KSJeff]

My half inch is a Williams. 3/8 is an armstrong and my 1/4" stuff is gearwrench. My little 3/8 and 1/4 gimble hand ratchets are great as well.

 

[M635_Guy]

My long time favorite is the classic SK 45170 round head 3/8" drive ratchet, about 40 teeth, no quick release, about 7 1/2 in. long. It is smooth, very strong, low back drag and the standard length handle seems to fit anywhere. Thanks to a couple of lucky, cheap finds at garage sales and the flea markets ($5 each!), I have several. After a cleaning and a light greasing, they work great. New ones are $60-65 everywhere.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00003030K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My current favorite is the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 in. quick release Swivel Head Ratchet ("roto ratchet"), 72 teeth, with the green cushion handle, about 5 1/2 in. long. I like the flexibility of the rotor head. Also, I tilt the head straight up and spin off bolt heads and nuts off just like having a socket on the end of an extension. This ratchet has a shorter overall length, but it fits everywhere. Back drag is higher than most, but it works well. I think I paid less than $15 for it, so the price was right for me to give it a try, since I had never owned a swivel head or "roto ratchet" before this one. In fact, I liked it so much I bought the longer handle version, about 9 in. long. I don't see the short handle version on the HF website, but the longer handle version is now $16.99. Use a 20% off coupon if you decide to give it a try.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html

If you like the Pittsburgh, you'll probably love the Icon. I tried the Pittsburgh first to see how I liked Rotos, and finding that I more than liked them, I went looking for designs with smoother mechanisms, better handles and less backlash (mainly an issue on 1/4" models for some reason, but it's the one I use the most). I tried Carlyle and others but the Icon was the best of the bunch, so for a while I ran the Icon in 1/4" and 3/8", and kept the Pittsburgh 1/2" figuring it would be the least used (which turns out to be right). I returned the Carlyle and the others, gave the Pittsburgh 1/4" to a friend and have used the **** out of both the 1/4" and 3/8" Icon Rotos. Love the round handle and the smooth, back-drag-free mechanism. I got a good deal on the Snap On 1/4" roto (I like to run two with different-sized sockets when I can), but the Icon is still the first I reach for.

 

[Sunset_Z28]

9 times out of 10 I grab my old SK roto ratchet.

 

[38Chevy454]

Mine is a composite HF 3/8s.
The handle the comfortable and the composite doesn't get as cold during those outside winter jobs.
Best 10 buck tool I've ever bought.

My favorite as well. I also bought the 1/4 and 1/2 versions as well. But for most things 3/8 gets the most use.

Sent from dumb operator on a smart phone

 

[d.mcfarland]

Slightly longer than average, but comfort for larger hands is fantastic. I also hate slipping off a chrome handle and hitting something.

 

[Jtels85]

Mine is a toss up! I love my Craftsman thin profile ratchets, USA made in 60 tooth and their 84 tooth Taiwan counterparts. I use those working on anything but vehicles.

Working on vehicles, I absolutely enjoy using my Carlyle Power 90’s. Comfortable handles and 90 teeth, excellent quality!

 

[Gummi Bear]

For years it was my old Husky or Craftsman.

For the last year or so, I really like my Wera. It’s comfy, and slightly longer.

I recently got a SK 45170 at an estate sale. A member here directed me to their website for a rebuild kit. Hoping to talk with them after the holiday weekend .



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I've used snap on, matco, sk, gearwrench, craftsman & carlyle.

Carlyle locking flex head are my favorite

 

[SuperCat]

M635_Guy, thanks for the review on the Icon series swivel head ratchets, I appreciate that. I was looking at the specs and discovered those ratchets are 90 teeth! My ratchets are both 72 teeth. With the way engine compartments are packed so tightly, more teeth is better without a doubt. And definitely a contender for the price. If I start thinking about upgrading, those Icon series ratchets will be the first ones I check out. Thanks again.

 

[M635_Guy]

M635_Guy, thanks for the review on the Icon series swivel head ratchets, I appreciate that. I was looking at the specs and discovered those ratchets are 90 teeth! My ratchets are both 72 teeth. With the way engine compartments are packed so tightly, more teeth is better without a doubt. And definitely a contender for the price. If I start thinking about upgrading, those Icon series ratchets will be the first ones I check out. Thanks again.

Happy to help. I would say that the Carlyle I checked out (much more $$) was 100 teeth, and the 1/4" had a ton of backlash, so it's a balance. I actually liked the Pittsburgh one better than the Carlyle.

But that's the fun of it - lot of choices out there!

 

[Al Borland]

At home, i use my ancient New Britains. For work, usually a Husky -round or pear head, or one of the Taiwanese ratchets with the backward levers.

Oh, yeah. Why? I like my old New Britains. Don't want to lose them at work and the Huskys are cheap, good and durable.

 

[Yarpo]

Matco AFR98LF or a TLL72

Edit; Forgot to add why. No particular reason, I love the size of those two and do a lot of interior and light/upper engine work where 1/4" is my preferred drive size. I used a Gearwrench 81012F for years and years and finally just stopped using it because I spent the money on "nicer" ratchets so I decided to reach for the nicer ones since they where sitting around unused. So many good ratchets out there for the money. Its a shame cause I use a Milwaukee Cordless for 80% of everything these days

 

[crasher98]

9 times out of 10 I grab my gearwrench 3/8" (81208F), and when that doesn't work next choice is usually the gearwrench 3/8" locking flex (81266). I like these because they were a noticeable step up from the craftsman RP ratchets I used for many years, but they weren't eye-wateringly expensive either -- I read so much on here about snap-on and other truck-level ratchets and I'm sure they're great, but so far I haven't been able to convince myself to spend that much $ for the amateur hour work that I do. Maybe someday tho!

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