What is the point of a stubby 3/8 ratchet?

[qqzj]

If I only want to carry 3/8 sockets and want something shorter, yes. I need it. Can anyone think of any other reason? Thanks.

 

[dsaabm]

Sometimes it's nice to tighten something without worrying about over-torqueing

Sometimes it fits in restricted areas

They have their place. Just like extra long ratchets, just like stubby wrenches, just like flex-head ratcheting wrenches and on and on and on and on

 

[ChefRex]

Sometimes it's nice to tighten something without worrying about over-torqueing

Sometimes it fits in restricted areas

They have their place. Just like extra long ratchets, just like stubby wrenches, just like flex-head ratcheting wrenches and on and on and on and on

Truth, different tools for different applications.

 

[dr_clyde]

I use mine pretty often for things I just want snug. Hard to over torque with a stubby. And sometimes access is an issue.

I prefer the handle size and shape of a stubby 3/8" over a 1/4", and I have a lot more socket options in 3/8" drive.

There is a reason I have a drawer full of ratchets. They all have their place.

 

[Dave455]

They’re mainly needed for access - you can actually get them into the area you need to work in, rather than fiddle about with extensions and universals that might or might not work.

In a limited space you can turn them through a greater arc than a longer handle.

If you don’t need the leverage they’re quicker to use than a long handle as you’re spinning less mass with a shorter arm.

Sometimes a handy tool to keep in a pocket too.

 

[Fedwrench]

wrist spinning, wider range of socket sizes available in 3/8 drive, to compliment the other 30 ratchets you may already own.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Can anyone think of any other reason? Thanks.

Sometimes it's nice to tighten something without worrying about over-torqueing

I use mine pretty often for things I just want snug. Hard to over torque with a stubby.

If you don’t need the leverage they’re quicker to use than a long handle as you’re spinning less mass with a shorter arm.

Yeah. All this. I use mine to move spark plugs in and out.

Sometimes it's handy to have two ratchets for less socket / extension swapping.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Small space and limited access. I didn’t see any reason to own one prior to marrying a woman who owns a damned Prius after spending a lifetime working on full size trucks and suvs.

 

[plinker]

I generally prefer a 3/8 in 1/4 body ratchet instead of a stubby, but there are times where a full size 3/8 stubby/short ratchet is more useful, especially if there is any real torque involved where 1/4 drive gearing is questionable as to it's survival.

Access and spinning something tight/loose that needs more then finger tight torque to do it are the common uses.

 

[jshillin]

Access and torque limits are the main 2. I use a Gearwrench flex head stubby a lot. I install spark plugs with it and the plastic oil filter housings. I also have a couple Snap-on stubby's of different varieties, but use the gearwrench the most.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I'd recommend getting a flex head stubby.

 

[ridervfr]

3/8 drive in a 1/4 in body ratchet. I don't own one but have spoken to people that like them. I have a lot of 1/4 sockets with many drive options for ratchets. I am thinking of one particular set of sockets which are stubby allen heads, there are 1/4 inch drive for the lower MM sizea, then they go up to 3/8 drive. So, in that scenario, it could be beneficial to have a more compact 3/8 drive ratchet. Food for thought, compact head design comes into play possibly. I have a 1/4 inch flex head that is my go to ratchet over the 8 or so I own, had it 20 years or so and its always a winner.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I much prefer a 3/8 in a 1/4 body. I have two SK ones and use them all the time. I have a GW 3/8 stubby flex and I don't think I have used it in over a year.

 

[sk farmer]

i don't think i have used either of my stubby ratchets since getting compact 3/8 ratchets.

some guys don't like compact 3/8 and i would guess most of them don't like 1/4 drive stuff either.

if you like 1/4 drive socketry and enjoy using it. a compact 3/9 is a no brainer.

 

[noid]

Sometimes its the only thing that'll fit. You put it in your palm and reach right in there.

 

[lardy1]

I have the regular SK stubby and I have the 3/8 in 1/4 handle as well. The 1/4" body one gets used more than the stubby but neither really get used much. Same with my 3/8 long handled Proto. Not used often but appreciated when needed.

 

[cvairwerks]

Sometimes things are a little tight in the office...

 

[RoundedNut]

A 3/8" stubby fits within your hand so it can get anywhere your hand can. I like to use them sometimes with bit sockets or adapter and bits to get more torque than I can with a regular driver handle.

I have a lot of 1/4" ratchets and compact 3/8" but they are not as comfortable when apply torque as regular sized 3/8".

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I used a 3/8 stubby quite a bit when working on dirt bikes. I kept the most commonly used metric sockets (8,10,12,13,14) and metric bit sockets (4,5,6) on my sit down creeper along with a 3/8 stubby and 3/8 regular length ratchet. Nice to use the stubby to prevent over tightening smaller fasteners.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a 3/8 in a 1/4 SK ratchet and purchased it specifically for using it with the Lisle tap sockets in tight areas. I've used it a couple times just for that so it was worth it.

 

[Mavsman]

Sometimes things are a little tight in the office...

Is that some sort of space station?

 

[charbar]

Use mine quite often, and its some cheap one I picked up at Bomgaars.

Once you have one you'll find all sorts of uses for it.

 

[cvairwerks]

Is that some sort of space station?

Left Weapons Bay on one of the flight test F-35's. It was having some wiring added at the time. No orange spaghetti or boxes in the production birds.

 

[king nero]

The "stubby" top right of the pic, is actually the (removable) head of an old style torque wrench.
It's also the one I use most in order to remove (loosened) nuts, or to spin on nuts that don't turn freely. Actual loosening/fastening is done by a "real" ratchet. No handle means that it's easy and fast to move the nuts with just your wrist.

It's 1/2", because I don't work as much on smaller equipment as I used to. But for 3/8 and 1/4 ratchets, the weight of the handle is neglible, so I wouldn't switch for a stubbe there.

 

[thunderalley3]

I have a 3/8 snap-on stubby flex that I use more than any of my other ratchets combined. It fits in my hand like it was made from a mold of my hand, I am a big guy, 6'2, 230# and I have plenty of upper body strength so I have to use caution when twisting something down so I use my stubby and follow up with a torque wrench. Yes the majority of the things I do require a specific torque so it works out good for me.

Also for disassembly I use it on smaller fasteners as I know what there torque value is and I should be able to break them loose with my stubby, if I can't I start looking for signs of head damage as I deal with numerous torx and allen head fastners.

 

[joey1320]

I use mine often while working on MINIs due to the engine compartment size restrictions. About the size of a regular 1/4" but I can put more force behind it.

 

[bwringer]

Is someone on GJ really truly questioning the existence and need for a tool?

HERETIC! UNBELIEVER!

Don't you know the answer for "do I need this tool?" is ALWAYS "absolutely"?

I mean, just where do you think you are, anyway?

 

[bonneyman]

The "stubby" top right of the pic, is actually the (removable) head of an old style torque wrench.
It's also the one I use most in order to remove (loosened) nuts, or to spin on nuts that don't turn freely. Actual loosening/fastening is done by a "real" ratchet. No handle means that it's easy and fast to move the nuts with just your wrist.

It's 1/2", because I don't work as much on smaller equipment as I used to. But for 3/8 and 1/4 ratchets, the weight of the handle is neglible, so I wouldn't switch for a stubbe there.

Nice idea!

I did something like that some years ago. I took an old Craftsman 3/8" ratchet that was missing most of the handle - it was just the head and a stub. I made a new "handle" out of 2-part epoxy and then rolled the wet area in that sandy grit they use on bed liners. Came out much like a stubby 3/8"er.

 

[Strouty]

I am just too strong for my own good, I use stubby ratchets so I won't break every fastener I encounter........

 

[toddmorr]

more for speed than anything, SO 3/8 stubby. that guy is really smooth too.

 

[Ign]

Yeah. All this. I use mine to move spark plugs in and out.

Sometimes it's handy to have two ratchets for less socket / extension swapping.

This. I was recently pulling plugs in something (maybe a Toyota, I already forgot) and it was one million times faster with a stubby after I broke it free with a conglomeration of extensions and swivels.

There wasn't quite enough Z space between the head and inner fender for an adapter to step up my 1/4" stubby to 3/8, and I needed 3/8" 'cause most plug sockets are 3/8" drive.

 

[Paco Pena]

Anyone who thinks they dont have a need for another tool should probably find a new forum.

Paco

 

[Prospecter]

Ah, yes. GJ strikes again!!!! (Just ordered some stubby ratchets.) Without GJ, I might never have known I needed these!!

 

[joel63]

Anyone who thinks they dont have a need for another tool should probably find a new forum.

Paco

^^^^^^X2

 

[VR6ix]

I don't have any deep 1/4" drive sockets, but I have deep 3/8" sockets that go down to small sizes like a 1/4" drive set. Handy for the 10mm nuts on Cummins intercooler plumbing, the stubby 3/8" socket wrench is way quicker than a full-size and less likely to mistakenly over-torque, easier to get into tight spots, etc

 

[Mgdoug3]

I was wrong. I do use a stubby ratchet or what Snap-on calls a stubby. I use my FHKFD80A a lot. I don't consider it a stubby ratchet because it's a tad over 7" long. The bigger hard handle is easy to grip and easy to clean.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I use it a lot just used it yesterday fixing an Escape trying to get the back bolts on the back valve cover off. Also use it in the dash of my dads truck too because it has a sensor that takes the GM oil sending unit socket which only comes in 3/8 so I use the stubby for that too.


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