What's your go to ratchet and why?

[Flyordie]

My go-to ratchet depends on the drive size but 3/8 being my most common used- Craftsman 2548. Best ratchet I have ever bought. VERY VERY low backdrag too.

 

[rocco]

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

I always dismissed those SK ratchets, hated the way they looked and never gave them a chance - all that changed when I got on in a lot I bought, I’ve since bought like 8 of them in all sizes and they are my go to, simple works I guess.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I think I'd like round headed ratchets if the direction switch were easier to switch. I like one handed ratchets and any round ones that I've used have just turned as I turn the switch.

 

[Ton ton]

I am surprised that there is not some japanese ratchets on this thread.

 

[LOW1]

I have 2 old Kobalt sets that I keep in my truck. I find myself using these more often than going home and getting a "good" ratchet. "Good enough for who they are for" as my father would say.

 

[tez929rr]

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

X3 here

 

[bonneyman]

I think I'd like round headed ratchets if the direction switch were easier to switch. I like one handed ratchets and any round ones that I've used have just turned as I turn the switch.

Dang if I didn't just see a round head ratchet yesterday with a toggle-type switch in the head. (So a round head ratchet and one hand operation). Just took a quick look, so no brand that I recall. But it looked Stanleyish.

 

[DeeKay]

3/4" - Williams H51AB because it's huge and you can change the handles to make it longer
1/2" - Williams BS52A because its a beast and has really fine teeth for a 1/2"
3/8" - Snap-On F80 because it's the most beautiful ratchet I've ever used
1/4" - Toss up between my snap-on T936 and Proto 4749XL

I also recently bought a set of flex head Gearwrench 120XPs that I really like too, they seem to be made pretty nicely, time will tell how long they last.

 

[mazdeuce]

I am surprised that there is not some japanese ratchets on this thread.

First reply in the thread is me being in love with my Nepros.

 

[M6erfan]

In 1/4" it's either my Carlyle 72t locking flex or the S-o TR72
In 1/2 its my Proto 72t roundhead 15"
In 3/8" it's my Ko-ken 3774N flex

 

[GrantCee]

I think I'd like round headed ratchets if the direction switch were easier to switch. I like one handed ratchets and any round ones that I've used have just turned as I turn the switch.

Wright round heads can be changed one-handed.

 

[M635_Guy]

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!

I think it is an "if it ain't broke" kind of thing unless it is just for fun and the money isn't a big deal.

I "upgraded" my old 30- or 36-tooth Husky ratchets (and sockets - had lost a few/etc.) that were beat to **** and making life a little hard in tight spaces. The replacement was a Sunex set. Loved the sockets but hated the ratchets (too easy to bump-reverse the switch. Then I went down the ratchet-hole for a while. I can't really justify the SO stuff I own (short of maybe the 3/8" flex-head torque wrench, but I paid less for it than I did any of the used regular SO ratchets) when the Icon and Tekton ratchets I have are extremely nice.

 

[16again]

After many years of Craftsman, I made the switch to Snap On and I love them.
Because of posts here on GJ, About 4 months ago I picked up a couple Koken Zeal ratchets.
I find myself reaching for both the SO and Koken equally.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Whatever one is the right one for the job?

A (homemade) 4" handled stubby 1/2" drive, a 14" long handled 3/8", it's whatever the job calls for. I can't say I have a "go to" ratchet, the job determines the raatchet I go to.

 

[Ralf11]

used to be a no-name, then upgraded to a Craftsman, then a Snappy in the '80s

now a Snappy Dual80 locking flex

 

[Ton ton]

First reply in the thread is me being in love with my Nepros.

I am sorry I missed it. Thanks for representing Nepros.

 

[Taco Truck]

Dang if I didn't just see a round head ratchet yesterday with a toggle-type switch in the head. (So a round head ratchet and one hand operation). Just took a quick look, so no brand that I recall. But it looked Stanleyish.

May have been a Carlyle.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQ...SQ74E58tGEnKARi7Z9ac_ecbktOL_DmkaAiGSEALw_wcB


My go to ratchets at home are an Armstrong Maxx locking flex 1/4", Matco locking flex in 3/8", and a tie between a 30 tooth Cornwell and a 90 tooth Carlyle in 1/2". I know I'm a sample size of one, but the Matco is so much better quality than the Armstrong equivalent.

For work I had been using a 60 tooth Carlyle in 3/8" and a 36 tooth Duralast in 1/2" until today actually. I didn't need a flex head ratchet for work, but that Carlyle 72 tooth locking flex head that's on sale for twenty-five bucks right now with an additional five dollar discount for signing up for the rewards program was too good of a deal to pass on. It came in yesterday, and I brought it into work today. The 60 tooth will become my truck ratchet, and I'll probably sell the Gearwrench that was in there.

 

[The Fall]

1/2" drive: SK 42470

3/8" drive: Snap-on F-80

1/4": SK roundhead

Honorable mention: SK 45170

 

[Rinspeed]

used to be a no-name, then upgraded to a Craftsman, then a Snappy in the '80s

now a Snappy Dual80 locking flex

I picked up a 1/2" Duel 80 flex a couple months ago, damn what a smooth tool. Sometimes I wish I would have gotten the locking version but it's still a very fine tool.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

for most stuff I go right for a long handle 3/8", the Snap On FHLF80A

 

[Deadsquiggles]

Back when I used personal tools at work on ships, it was the Craftsman Premium 80 tooth 1/2” dr. But now that most of my use is at home, I almost always grab my Armstrong Maxx 11-992 3/8” dr. Love that thing.

 

[bsaint]

For 3/8 it used to be a snappy FBF936 and let my FHF80 sit. Now I use that FHF80 all the time. I think I just got used to the non locking flex and love it. Smooooth

For 1/4 its been snappy THLFD72. It sat for a while now I love it. I can get most fasteners with this plus the handle us a nice purple/blue.

And for 1/2 is a Cornwell SRF76LHN extra long flex head. Loads of torque. My kid uses it for breaking lug nuts and hes only 52 pounds.

None of these locking. I prob wont buy a locking flex anymore.

For non flex 3/8 I had a FN100 I gave my dad that I sub an Gearwrench 120xp for for now or for 1/4 its Mac MR5K or for 1/2 Snappy S936.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tronstein]

For a while now my go-to has been my 3/8" Snap-On long handle FL80. My only issue is that some specialized socket tools don't have a precise fit and have some slop on the anvil causing them to rub on the heads of the two screws that hold the cover on the ratchet head. It doesn't affect the usability, but it's annoying.

I've been eyeing the Nepros ratchets and some German stuff like Hazet.

 

[Shelbylex]

1/4 small application Short SK
1/4 regular Snap On orange handle
3/8 SK
1/2 old Craftsman (made like a beast)
3/4 PLVMB vs Bon-E-Con (never used but have both sitting at my friend house waiting to be picked up : )

Sorry, do not remember model numbers on top of my head...

 

[never rest]

Williams USA long handles and HF swivels, depending on task.

The task dictates the tool, but the one that I try to make work most often is the 1/4" flex long handle from Williams. Same length as a standard 3/8", but much more nimble.

 

[Ralf11]

I just realized I do not have a flex 1/4" ratchet...

- it will be my go to after I get one

 

[jeffmoss26]

my dad's Tru-Test 1/4 and 3/8 sets from the 70s. I grew up using them and still have all the pieces!

 

[Honda 1]

I also like my SK 45170! They still work as well as the first day I bought them.

 

[CS454]

FBF80A going on a decade.

 

[setfocus]

all my ratchets get used for different situations

Matco 88tooth 3/8 drive 12" lockingflex w/ grip probably gets used the most

other ratchets:

3/8 drive
SK #45183 10.9" flex roundhead w/ double tooth mech
Snap-on reg length F80

1/4 drive
Snap-on reg length T72
Snap-on THNF72 roto/swivel head w/ soft grip
EZ Red double ended long lockingflex 1/4 bit holder and 1/4 square drive

1/2 drive
Snap-on reg length S80
Snap-on SX80B 18" lockingflex

The EZ Red and S80 get used the least

been thinking of adding an extra long handle 3/8 ratchet for added reach and for stubborn nuts/bolts in a spot too tight for 1/2 drive. Leaning toward the Matco lockingflex in either a 15" or 18" length.

 

[BigBoreFan]

Tekton 90T 1/4

 

[demarpaint]

I find myself grabbing an old US made Craftsman 3/8" drive flex-head ratchet the most. It has to be at least 30 years old or more.

 

[Jeepster04]

Any variety of craftsman USA. Typically its an old craftsman V thumbwheel. Many years ago I would always ask the workers at sears if they had any old broken ratchets that they were going to toss out... One day they finally had one but asked that I not take it to get rebuilt (not sure why)...... Shes working good....

Suppose I'm missing something, but I'll never be able to spend the $$ on snap on unless someone gives it to me.

 

[iWrench]

Snappy FHLF80A is my go to for 3/8", Snappy THNF72 for 1/4".

 

[onarant]

This one
SK 45183 Flex Head Ratchet– 3/8-Inch Drive 11-Inch
It just calls to me when I need a ratchet.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

SO FX80. Always been my favorite for leverage and access.

 

[pontoon]

FF80A. Once I started using the flex ratchets I never touch my non flex unless I need the shorter non flex length.

 

[zktk01]

I have alot, but lately I usually grab the Carlyle comfort grip locking flex heads

 

[bbrins]

Lately, pretty much any time I've needed a 3/8 ratchet, I've been reaching for my old Mac X3R, it's just a Mac branded SK ratchet, if not that, then just a regular knurled SK 45170. SKs already have a pretty smooth ratcheting mechanism, but that Mac is just extra buttery smooth. If not an SK round head ratchet, the next best thing is the old New Britain Kilness patent ratchets. My 3870s get a lot of use as well.

For 1/4 drive, I usually reach for an SK 40970, or the long handled version. But lately, I have been reaching for my Gearwrench roto head. I like the versatility of the Gearwrench, but it's a piece of ****, all three that I own skip, I need to replace it with something higher quality, I wish SK made one of these.

For 1/2 and 3/4, SK.

 

[Robbie B]

Long handle craftsman flexhead raised panel ratchet. Most of what I have are these style craftsman ratchets, I do have 1 snap on that is a nice ratchet but I’m so used to the craftsman’s that’s what I just tend to grab.