Still love the Tuff1. Scored an NOS SK 45775 flex ratchet.

montanafordman · Nov 11, 2017

Every time I use my SK Tuff1 ratchets they just feel right to me. When adjusted properly the audible click and tactile feel is just awesome. Smooth. For some reason I like to reach for them over my snap-on dual 80s.

In many cases my flf80 is my go to but I've been wanting the SK equivalent. I've considered getting the proto version but since I have the SK tuff1 standard, long and Roto 3/8 my OCD wanted to find the SK long flex version of my flf80 and I didnt want to pay over $40 for a well used version like I have seen on eBay most of the time when it pops up.

My persistence paid off and I found someone closing out a large SK inventory in AZ on eBay and I scored an unused NOS 45775 for $41 shipped. The grease had fossilized and was locked up solid with the screw too tight but after disassembly, cleaning, and adjusting it feels awesome. It's too bad SK doesn't make the 3/8 tuff1 design anymore.

I feel like the classic 1/4" is better than the fine tooth and the 1/2" Tuff1 didn't give me anything the classic 1/2" couldn't deliver on either but in 3/8 drive the Tuff1 fine tooth design is awesome.

ChevyEFI · Nov 11, 2017

I have been fighting buying finer-tooth SK for a long time. Darn you.

And I bet you have the 3 sizes spot on. Enjoy that flex!

ihateminimumwage · Nov 11, 2017

Tuff1 kicks *** in 3/8" drive. This last year I've picked up 2 regular length, one long and a flex, and sold off all of my bare handle Dual 80 equivalents.

davethorik · Nov 11, 2017

The nos Tuff1 ratchets are out there. There is or was a new in package ratchet set consisting of a long 3/8 as well as a 3/8 bent flex on ebay that I believe was from AZ also, possibly where you sourced yours from.

I only have one Tuff1, a 45875 bent flex that is also nos I picked up on Amazon of all places a couple years ago for $35. I too really like the action, I just wished they had a screw in the flex joint instead of a pin.

montanafordman · Nov 11, 2017

davethorik said:
The nos Tuff1 ratchets are out there. There is or was a new in package ratchet set consisting of a long 3/8 as well as a 3/8 bent flex on ebay that I believe was from AZ also, possibly where you sourced yours from.

I only have one Tuff1, a 45875 bent flex that is also nos I picked up on Amazon of all places a couple years ago for $35. I too really like the action, I just wished they had a screw in the flex joint instead of a pin.

Haha yep. That double package and one other lone bent flex from the same seller. I considered it but didn't want to spend the money at the moment. Checked back a couple days later and they were sold.

davethorik · Nov 11, 2017

montanafordman said:
Haha yep. That double package and one other lone bent flex from the same seller. I considered it but didn't want to spend the money at the moment. Checked back a couple days later and they were sold.

I briefly considered it but the shipping was like $20. On top of $60 for the pair. That's a little too rich for my blood.

Sam'sAutoParts · Nov 11, 2017

Big fan of the Tuff1 ratchets as well. I really love the long handle 3/8”. I also enjoy my long 1/4”, but it doesn’t currently have any competition, I don’t own a long version of a standard SK in 1/4”. Would like to add a 3/8” flex eventually.

thesilverone · Nov 11, 2017

awesome ratchets everyone!

HighPlainsWrencher · Nov 11, 2017

I bought a 3/8 flex head tuff1 ratchet a few years ago. I opened the package and seen it had a pin in the flex joint instead if a screw and the head was floppy as I've ever seen, its been in my junk tools box ever since. If it had a way to tighten the head it would be in my tool box at work as it is a very smooth action, almost better than the Dual80.

Farmall 1066 · Nov 12, 2017

Got several Tuff1 ratchets in 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4.
Hands down my favorites.

Aqua-Andy · Nov 12, 2017

does anyone have the P/N for the long 3/8" Tuff1? I'm still trying to find one but they seem to be very elusive.

KnurledNut · Nov 12, 2017

Awesome ratchets!
I agree the 3/8 is the sweet spot.
But, the 1/4 flex is my favorite.
:beer:

Sam'sAutoParts · Nov 12, 2017

aqua-andy said:
does anyone have the p/n for the long 3/8" tuff1? I'm still trying to find one but they seem to be very elusive.

43175

Aqua-Andy · Nov 12, 2017

Sam'sAutoParts said:
43175

Thanks.

montanafordman · Nov 12, 2017

KnurledNut said:
Awesome ratchets!
I agree the 3/8 is the sweet spot.
But, the 1/4 flex is my favorite.

Darn it! Now I want one of those! Love my 1/4 flex 40972 but now I want to try that. Ive never seen the tuff1 in 1/4 flex. Nice job on the hard handle too! If only SK made some that way.

Fedwrench · Nov 12, 2017

The tuff one is a nice ratchet. As others have mentioned, I think it's best in 3/8 drive. I think the head is too damn thick in 1/4 drive though but, that's just me.

victor252 · Nov 12, 2017

Speaking of SK's on sale, I noticed this Amazon sale. I might have to buy a second one at that price. Free shipping and only $25 for the 3/8 in a 1/4 body? Hell yeah.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FAN3OK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Rustypigeon · Nov 12, 2017

I have the SK 45875 ratchet which is the bent handle, flex head, fine tooth 3/8" ratchet. This ratchet seems to be able to reach all the bolts in an engine no matter how obscured they are. My only complaint is that the head is a bit too floppy now.

Aqua-Andy · Nov 12, 2017

victor252 said:
Speaking of SK's on sale, I noticed this Amazon sale. I might have to buy a second one at that price. Free shipping and only $25 for the 3/8 in a 1/4 body? Hell yeah.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FAN3OK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks, just ordered one.

6PTsocket · Nov 12, 2017

Sam'sAutoParts said:
Big fan of the Tuff1 ratchets as well. I really love the long handle 3/8”. I also enjoy my long 1/4”, but it doesn’t currently have any competition, I don’t own a long version of a standard SK in 1/4”. Would like to add a 3/8” flex eventually.

I am not a collector. I have been quite happy with my SK and Williams from the 70s, though I enjoy reading about new and vintage tools. Your 4 wing SKs caught my eye. I have never seen them before. The heads look small, like my similar looking Williams which do not have the center screw. In an attempt to find any info, I stumbled on some other stuff I have never seen. There was an SK ratchet with a shuttle bar reversing mechanisim and a teardrop, SK 4070, from the 1930s. It would seem that the new teardrop is not their first one. what can you tell me about that 4 wing. I came up dry. Thanks.

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davethorik · Nov 12, 2017

6pt, the "4 wing" as you call it is the Tuff 1 ratchet this thread is about. They are 72t and have a very light back drag and smooth action. I believe these were sold when Facom owned SK.

KnurledNut · Nov 12, 2017

Fedwrench said:
The tuff one is a nice ratchet. As others have mentioned, I think it's best in 3/8 drive. I think the head is too damn thick in 1/4 drive though but, that's just me.

Its the same thickness as a Chraftsman RHFT.
Which is thick, but certainly no deal breaker.
If i need thin, ill grab the Proto 4749. :rocker:

Sam'sAutoParts · Nov 12, 2017

6PTsocket said:
I am not a collector. I have been quite happy with my SK and Williams from the 70s, though I enjoy reading about new and vintage tools. Your 4 wing SKs caught my eye. I have never seen them before. The heads look small, like my similar looking Williams which do not have the center screw. In an attempt to find any info, I stumbled on some other stuff I have never seen. There was an SK ratchet with a shuttle bar reversing mechanisim and a teardrop, SK 4070, from the 1930s. It would seem that the new teardrop is not their first one. what can you tell me about that 4 wing. I came up dry. Thanks.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I believe you are referring to the Tuff1 ratchets in my pictures, I highly recommend them to anyone that has not used them before. I find the 4 wing selector easy to operate one handed, and the small head of the 3/8" drive and tooth count is defiantly a bonus.

The other ratchet with the shuttle bar sounds like what is considered a Frankenstein ratchet, SK sold them in the late 70s and 80s. I don't currently own one but I had a set a while back that I sold that had one in it.

JohnDeere1 · Nov 12, 2017

I love the tuff1 ratchets I have the 3/8 standard and it's broken in and so silky smooth back drag is nothing on it and I have the 3/8 Roto that took me a year to find nos I've only used it once and it cost me 90 bucks for that sucker I have the regular Roto that was my dad's and it's tough as nails I've used it instead of a breaker bar back when I didn't own hardly any tools it is a beast. I'd like to have more tuff1 rats but I own 100 pro brand ratchets as it is and never get to use them all I usually use the standard tuff1 over my dual80s, Matco 88s,and Mac axis 90s none even come close to smoothness and non back drag hell it don't even make a click sound neither of mine do I have them lubes up with assembly lube. I got my first tuff1 one th as standard 3/8 in a snap on bag full of tools and a Makita grinder for $50 all the tools were nice. I think I might look into the long handle and the flex now I too prefer nos they are worth the extra money as they are still cheaper than snap on rats.

victor252 · Nov 12, 2017

Aqua-Andy said:
Thanks, just ordered one.

Yeah me too. Now I have one for the car and one for the house. I was really impressed by the low bag drag on the first one. After two drops of Hoppes it was even smoother. That was my first SK product. Won't be the last.

thesilverone · Nov 12, 2017

ordered one also

kb1982 · Nov 13, 2017

I just picked up an SK 40975 from eBay a few days ago. Back drag was horrible on it so I decided to open it up. The mystery lube has turned into more of a solid goo. I couldn't see much when I dissambled it do to the goo. Anyone have any tips for reassembly and adjustment once i get it all cleaned up?

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

Sam'sAutoParts · Nov 13, 2017

kb1982 said:
I just picked up an SK 40975 from eBay a few days ago. Back drag was horrible on it so I decided to open it up. The mystery lube has turned into more of a solid goo. I couldn't see much when I dissambled it do to the goo. Anyone have any tips for reassembly and adjustment once i get it all cleaned up?

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

I use super lube which is what SK supplies, but just a tiny bit. Use loctite on the screw, tighten the screw all the way and slowly back it off until the ratchet reverses smoothly.

kb1982 · Nov 15, 2017

Boy this little ratchet gave me fits trying to figure out how it went back together. With all the goop in it, I couldn't tell anything when it was disassembled. I have yet to give it a good cleaning, I wanted to try and get it back together correctly before I seal it up for a decade or more. BTW, which loctite does the collective recommend?

Firebrick43 · Nov 15, 2017

Purple. It's for small screws. Blue is to strong for small screws.

Your wife's nail polish works in a pinch for small screw threadlocker as well.

And damn you all for bringing up the tuff 1 on the journal. Been building my set (actually two sets 1 for work and 1 for home) now prices will double on flea bay.

Still love the Tuff1. Scored an NOS SK 45775 flex ratchet.

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