most mechanics from the early 1900s are now dead, they have not survived
Whats your favorite vintage rachet?
- Thread starter thetoolguy37
- Start date
crazy to think 11 inch was once considered a surprising long length for 3/8
Mecha
Well-known member
Yup love it and my Action with the side changer and exposed gear. I use these to fix bikes, which means I use them the most. Love the Blackhawk.
Buckfever5
Member
Snap-On F732. It was my Dad's and I always grabbed that one from his tool box, even after I had my own ratchets.
Welcome to the forum man what a great first post
KENAXE
Member
I would agree with one of the earlier posts in this thread from Al Borland about the New Britain Kilness ratchets. I have a set of the Blackhawk ones made by New Britain that I really like. The head on the 3/8 drive one is a little big, but it still gets used occasionally. They're very smooth feeling, even for a 45 tooth design, with little backdrag and have almost no backlash. The anvils also have very good tolerances, creating a tight fit on sockets which reduces any additional play. They also have knurled handles, which I've always liked. I have other newer ratchets that I also use, but I kept those Blackhawks because they feel so nice in my hand. Plus, they add a little nostalgia to my toolbox. There's no right answer for this thread. There are lot of really good ratchets out there. It just comes down to personal preference.
Schurkey
Well-known member
The Craftsman "Sears Best" RHFTQR at the top was my go-to for many years. I got sick of having to replace the "repair kit" at 6 months, then warranty the entire ratchet 6 months later. Then repair kit, then entire ratchet. Sears was good about that...but I got fed-up with the soft steel.
Bought the long-handle Snappy third down. Was my favorite ratchet for about twenty-five years. Had the Snap-On Guy shove a quick-release repair kit into it when I bought the ratchet. Didn't need another repair kit for about twenty years. When I did put a kit into it, the new "guts" seemed to be somewhat finer-tooth. Perhaps from 20 tooth to 30 tooth?
After another five-ish years, I bought the Snappy Roto-ratchet fourth down. My current favorite ratchet. Would be improved with a QR head. I really dislike having to pry sockets off of non-QR ratchets.
swsman
Well-known member
Perhaps my 3/8 composite ratchet, and a 1/4 and 3/8 combo stubby ratchet I picked up at Napa years ago. Not sure of the brand as it has been rubbed off a long ago, these were used often.
I also have 70s Craftsman RHFT ratchet, went through it last year - in fine working order.
These have all been retired, earned it in my book.
I also have 70s Craftsman RHFT ratchet, went through it last year - in fine working order.
These have all been retired, earned it in my book.
What’s a good price for very nice used (not NOS) 40970? Some nice ones listed for $30 with $0 ship on eBay.
CGarage
Well-known member
What have you compared it to? ?
I have never found the SK ratchets to be best in class in any area.
seber
Well-known member
11" flex head Snap-on that I bought in 76. It is still my most used ratchet.
Shoreline_
Well-known member
Oh man this was the BEST standard handle ratchet ever I have no idea why Proto quit making it.
four.cycle
Well-known member
The least I ever paid for one was $12.00 on ebay (including shipping.)
Currently they go for $20-$25 a pop (including shipping.)
For $30 bucks, it better be clean with zero drawer rash.