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Give me your thoughts on 1/2" ratchets

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dwasifar

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May 28, 2017
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2,097
Yesterday I was doing brakes on my wife's car, using my trusty old 1/2" Craftsman raised panel ratchet, and I noticed it's grown kinda sloppy. Maybe it's new tool time. (I hear you saying, What do you mean? It's always new tool time!)

With all the options available, I figured I might ask you guys for your opinions. Looking for a non-flex head, medium length (i.e. not a stubby and not a 24" or anything like that). Tool truck brands are out of my price range and frankly overkill for me. So I'm looking to spend no more than say $35-$45.

What are your preferences on tooth count (arc swing), quick-release vs non-quick-release, comfort handle vs plain handle, smooth chrome or textured handle, and handle profile?

Lowe's has a nice-looking Craftsman 120-tooth (supposedly) for $35. HF has their Icon stuff which I've heard good things about, for about #44, but you know that will be cheaper with a coupon. Or if I want to order online, there's Gearwrench and Tekton.

Opinions? I'm curious about the Icon and frankly a little skeptical about modern Craftsman.
 
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Blind1

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Mar 8, 2018
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355
I have a Tekton that works as well as the other Taiwanese stuff. HARD pass on any Chinese craftsman.
 
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rsanter

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visalia ca
Take it apart and clean it up then add fresh lube.

Then go out and buy one of the newer high tooth count ones.
It's great to have both
 
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kbeefy

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Harington, Eastern Washington
$45? have you tried hitting it with a rock?

Deal with a chunky $45 HF or Box store club.

I have some 80 and 120t gearwrench ratchets... they work a little better than the HF ones.

My favorite 1/4" Matco ratchet cost $80 15 years ago.

I lost it a month ago and can't find a reasonable replacement. I will spend $100 to replace it. For a tool you use every day it is worth it to have a nice tool.
 
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blarf

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Joined
Nov 18, 2009
Messages
513
I don't find myself using 1/2" stuff too much these days but my favorite was an "old" SK Tuff1 ratchet. Facom 72 tooth mechanism, SK handle and the chrome didn't ****. Mac and Proto made ratchets with the same mechanism. The only downside was that the set screw would invariably back itself out with use. The 48-tooth SK ratchets are a whole different beast, clunky but they work. The new SK fine tooth stuff is pricey and doesn't even have a knurled handle.

These days I mostly use 3/8" stuff and the long handle HF flex works well enough. The 1/2" rigid equivalent would be 62330/64936 for $20. No way would I pay Icon prices for HF quality/support. If you don't need a fine tooth ratchet Wright makes a very nice dual pawl ratchet (that I've since lost). It's a bit over budget ($56 at Epstein's), but if you're okay with a round head non-QR Wright occupies a nice space between HF and SnapOn/SK.

I've never really found myself wanting a QR ratchet (and having one more thing to bump on the top would drive me nuts). I generally prefer pear head over round ratchets for the same reason although the Facom palm control stuff looked neat. I preferred the SK knurled chrome handles to the plastic **** on a lot of the competition (HF and Facom included).
 
V

visionguru

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Jan 2, 2017
Messages
1,233
Location
Chicago
dwasifar said:
Yesterday I was doing brakes on my wife's car, using my trusty old 1/2" Craftsman raised panel ratchet, and I noticed it's grown kinda sloppy. Maybe it's new tool time. (I hear you saying, What do you mean? It's always new tool time!)

With all the options available, I figured I might ask you guys for your opinions. Looking for a non-flex head, medium length (i.e. not a stubby and not a 24" or anything like that). Tool truck brands are out of my price range and frankly overkill for me. So I'm looking to spend no more than say $35-$45.

What are your preferences on tooth count (arc swing), quick-release vs non-quick-release, comfort handle vs plain handle, smooth chrome or textured handle, and handle profile?

Lowe's has a nice-looking Craftsman 120-tooth (supposedly) for $35. HF has their Icon stuff which I've heard good things about, for about #44, but you know that will be cheaper with a coupon. Or if I want to order online, there's Gearwrench and Tekton.

Opinions? I'm curious about the Icon and frankly a little skeptical about modern Craftsman.
Click to expand...

Have you considered Carlyle? Gearwrench, Icon, Craftsman, Tekton...are all pretty good, but Carlyle is pretty much truck brand quality (except Snap On).
 
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kanai

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Mar 7, 2018
Messages
113
At that price range, the Proxxon (Taiwan) is a candidate.
 
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blarf

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Nov 18, 2009
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513
visionguru said:
Have you considered Carlyle? Gearwrench, Icon, Craftsman, Tekton...are all pretty good, but Carlyle is pretty much truck brand quality (except Snap On).
Click to expand...

Carlyle 30 tooth ratchets are cheap, their 90 tooth designs are well over budget ($80+).
 
U

unslow1

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Mar 3, 2012
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7,880
Location
Illinois
If you really want to go cheap myself and a few friends have had great luck with the HF extendable 1/2. Unfortunately I got to test it out changing two truck and two trailer tires this year. it's what I keep in the trailer toolbox for things like that. I took my tool truck tools out of my trailer after a buddy got his trailer cleaned out and the insurance company refused to pay.
 
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GForceJunky

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Apr 18, 2011
Messages
562
You want quality and long-lasting without the tool truck prices? Go with Proto (Pear head are US made, round are Italy-made). Here are my suggestions in 2 different styles in 2 different lengths:

1/2" Drive, 10 1/2 in Pear Hand Ratchet , Chrome, 45 Tooth - $68.95
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-drive-10-12-in-pear-hand-ratchet-chrome-j5449xl/i/G4016831/

1/2" Drive, 15 in Pear Hand Ratchet , Chrome, 45 Tooth - $59.59
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-drive-15-in-pear-hand-ratchet-chrome-j5450xl/i/G4016752/

1/2" Drive, 9 1/4 in Round Hand Ratchet , Chrome, 72 Tooth - $61.29
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-drive-9-14-in-round-hand-ratchet-chrome-j5452f/i/G3504234/?q=J5452F

1/2" Drive, 15 in Round Hand Ratchet , Chrome, 72 Tooth - $64.99
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-drive-15-in-round-hand-ratchet-chrome-j5454f/i/G9789561/?q=J5454F

They also have these all in black oxide finish. Zoro coupons for 10-20% off aren't too hard to come by (if you make an account with them, add the items to the cart and then leave it, you'll almost always get a coupon eventually and likely within a day or two). Shipping is free on orders over $50 and I usually get anything from them that's at their warehouse (most things) within 2-3 days at most.

Feel free to price compare, but I checked a few and Zoro was the cheapest or tied for cheapest, and once you factor in a discount code then it definitely is.

These are built to last through the rigors of daily industrial use, you won't have a problem with them.

Edit: After looking around, I believe (not 100% certain, but close to it) that the Italian-made round-head ratchets are rebranded Facoms, or at least made for Proto by Facom.
 
M

Mr_B

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Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,378
Location
Reading
carlyle if they got ratchet you want in real deal flyer could be good .
If not Tekton a sensible option or capri or the older 84T gearwrench .
I've had good results from older 84T gearwrench but others have not so a production change for the worse is likely on the more recent stock .
I don't rate the ICON socket ratchets too highly, spent too much effort on copying some elements of snapon and no effort in ergonomic/practical design features or using best taiwan ratchet manufacturers which leaves you with a chunky ratchet with horrid selector switch design, average mechanism and average grip design, for price with coupon hard complain too much.
40 to 50 bucks will buy a very nice ratchet these days if do bit of research and wait out a sale/deal .
 
R

Rinspeed

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Apr 26, 2020
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Location
NY
At that price I would go on Ebay and find an older SK round head for $20-25. Any problems with it and SK will send a rebuild kit no questions asked.
 
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joey1320

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Jun 14, 2015
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Location
NE Ohio
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klitzke

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Joined
Nov 21, 2013
Messages
34
Location
Wisconsin
I’m preferential to a flex head for my main ratchets. I’ve been using a Pittsburgh 1/2” flex head for like 10 years without any fanfare. It isn’t the nicest but it sure gets the job done!

I recently picked https://www.jbtools.com/titan-tool...OIQdA_cXkYqhGeO-RnAyDHay9A-LbjYAaAkyZEALw_wcB one of these up.

It’s a titan brand 90 tooth 16” handle. They make a shorter version as well and both can be had for ~$30 each. I don’t have as much time in that one but it seems real solid as of now.
 
G

grandeyota

Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2011
Messages
11
Rinspeed said:
At that price I would go on Ebay and find an older SK round head for $20-25. Any problems with it and SK will send a rebuild kit no questions asked.
Click to expand...

This is what I did last year, then picked up the higher tooth count DT drop in for it.
 
T

TheToolEnthusiast

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Joined
Nov 24, 2020
Messages
143
Location
New England
You may just need to line up the old Craftsman. The new 120 Tooth Gunmetal Craftsman is alright but the Icon ratchets are nicer. The Pittsburgh 1/2” Flex is also a fine replacement. If you’re not planning on using this professionally then those all fall within your budget and should be fine for your use case.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
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demarpaint

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Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
1,237
Location
Long Island
HF 1/2" composite ratchets are actually pretty good and cost about $11 w/o a coupon. They'd be high on my list for a budget 1/2" drive ratchet. If you prefer chrome the Pittsburgh 1/2" runs about $14 w/o a coupon, they're good too.
 
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brianh

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Apr 6, 2010
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Location
grahamsville NY
demarpaint said:
HF 1/2" composite ratchets are actually pretty good and cost about $11 w/o a coupon. They'd be high on my list for a budget 1/2" drive ratchet. If you prefer chrome the Pittsburgh 1/2" runs about $14 w/o a coupon, they're good too.
Click to expand...

I bought one of those about 8 years ago, I have to say handle fits my hand real nice and it is very smooth. Much smoother than my craftsman raised panels I bought back in the 80's. It has gotten a lot of use and is as nice as when I bought it.
 
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gtsgarage

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Oct 31, 2017
Messages
482
Location
California
Give me your thoughts on 1/2" ratchets

Tekton or Gear Wrench from Amazon and call it a day. Both will be just fine.

I have the Gear Wrench flex head and it’s fine.
 
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toddmorr

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May 4, 2017
Messages
649
Location
Potomac, Maryland
grandeyota said:
This is what I did last year, then picked up the higher tooth count DT drop in for it.
Click to expand...

yeah that works, if you're sensitive to backdrag skip the DT upgrade and leave it as is. Those old SK round heads are a dime a dozen and really strong with great knurling. very compelling even against all the newer import stuff with more teeth, imo.
 
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kngelv

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May 25, 2011
Messages
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Location
Detroit, MI
Fly YX said:
I know it more then 45 but I like the Wrights.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWFIMK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Click to expand...

I agree with the above poster. I purchased my first Wright ratchet last summer and it has been nothing but a pleasure to use. Nice chrome and a very satisfying click when changing directions. Super smooth operation. I always do a light lube when I get a new ratchet. I have Snap-On, Proto, and a mix of other brands but the Wright is my go-to. It is a 3/8 drive but I would expect the 1/2 drive to be the same. I just did a complete refurbish on a snowblower a few weeks ago and using that ratchet was a highlight of the job. It's only a few dollars more than the Taiwanese stuff and made here in America by a family owned business.

James
 
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Djosbun

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Oct 29, 2017
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236
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Ohio
It is my belief that going over budget is well worth it. The quality, comfort and strength stand out. I was shocked at how nice the Hazet 916HPL (L = long handle) when I bought it two years ago.

I guess it all depends on what you're using it for. For me, any tool that saves me TIME is worth a premium (buy obviously up to a point).

-- Dave
 
A

Al Borland

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Jan 20, 2016
Messages
1,599
So, you want "Better than the Craftsman" but less than $45.
Let's start with Better than the Craftsman,
Easy, Almost anything. Rocks were suggested.
Less than $45, HF composite ratchet, HD Husky - round or pear head, Tekton, Stanley, maybe the rock.
 
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bbrins

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MD
I'll repeat the suggestion to go on ebay and find a nice used SK 42470, you should be able to find one for under 25 shipped. SK readily sends out rebuild kits if you have any issues.
 
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gtsgarage

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demarpaint

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Long Island
brianh said:
I bought one of those about 8 years ago, I have to say handle fits my hand real nice and it is very smooth. Much smoother than my craftsman raised panels I bought back in the 80's. It has gotten a lot of use and is as nice as when I bought it.
Click to expand...
They really are a nice tool, especially for the price. I have them in all three sizes.
 
B

Badgerstate

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Nov 15, 2020
Messages
484
Location
Columbus, OH
dwasifar said:
Yesterday I was doing brakes on my wife's car, using my trusty old 1/2" Craftsman raised panel ratchet, and I noticed it's grown kinda sloppy. Maybe it's new tool time. (I hear you saying, What do you mean? It's always new tool time!)

With all the options available, I figured I might ask you guys for your opinions. Looking for a non-flex head, medium length (i.e. not a stubby and not a 24" or anything like that). Tool truck brands are out of my price range and frankly overkill for me. So I'm looking to spend no more than say $35-$45.

What are your preferences on tooth count (arc swing), quick-release vs non-quick-release, comfort handle vs plain handle, smooth chrome or textured handle, and handle profile?

Lowe's has a nice-looking Craftsman 120-tooth (supposedly) for $35. HF has their Icon stuff which I've heard good things about, for about #44, but you know that will be cheaper with a coupon. Or if I want to order online, there's Gearwrench and Tekton.

Opinions? I'm curious about the Icon and frankly a little skeptical about modern Craftsman.
Click to expand...
Id go Craftsman, Kobalt or Husky if it were me. People like to trash the newer Craftsman stuff thats made in China but its fine. I love Craftsman but theres a lot of nostalgia out there surrounding it and a lot of people who seem to look at Sears & Roebuck Craftsman through rose-colored glasses. Ive got old Craftsman, Ive got new Craftsman, Ive got Husky and Ive got Kobalt. They all do the job.
 
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setfocus

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Jan 15, 2020
Messages
413
Location
rust belt
I would get a 15" or longer ratchet unless you want to break everything free with a breaker bar first

gearwrench 84 and 90 tooth 15" ratchets fit the price range
HF extendable 1/2 ratchet adds some more flexibility with 12-18" length

the other HF offerings are on the short side and so is tekton, if you don't want a flexhead

the 15" williams posted above looks nice for a USA made option that fits your budget

probably lots of good deals on used snap-on, mac, matco, etc
 
A

Al Borland

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Jan 20, 2016
Messages
1,599
Whoever suggested older SK is trying to get you hurt.
There is a reason they said SK stood for "Slip-Kill" or "Split Knuckles"
 
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