Of these four ratchets, which one?

diogenes · Jan 12, 2010

I appeal to the knowledgeable members of this forum for their advice and consent on an addition to my meager tool collection. My intent is to use the "new" ratchet as my main ratchet for larger/stubborn fasteners on vehicles.

I am ignorant of the pros and cons of these brands.

My only experience with ratchets is Craftsman's regular line and 80's era Taiwanese stuff. I figure, if nothing else, I'll learn a few things by asking.

I am presented with the following dilemma:

For the same money, which 1/2" ratchet would be the best buy, and why? (Stating your brand preference alone won't help, there is a reason you like the brand, tell me why, if you can.) All appear to be of the same length and are in working order:

From the top:
1) MAC
2) Cornwell
3) SK
4) Proto

I thank you all in advance for what I hope will be an educational experience.

krusty the clown · Jan 12, 2010

it would be the cornwell for me (if it HAD to be one of the four) although it's an older model parts are still available and it's one tough SOB. the SK would be my second choice but (sorry farmer) they have sevice issues. third would be the proto, it's just too bulky for my tastes, although i'm sure it would get the job done. sadly last in line would be the new brittan made MAC, i am a big fan of these but if it failed no parts are available.

sk farmer · Jan 12, 2010

sorry krusty? for what? i think a would have picked about the same as you. i have a hard choice. in my situation, i have a lifetime supply of the sk and it is nearly bulletproof imop. so i would go for the cornwell as i don't have one. the proto is a classic workhorse but it seems the stuff i run into it would not fit real well. very thin front to back but really wide. the mac like you say, no parts and for some reason does not appeal to me. once again krusty we agree more than disagree. i like all kinds of stuff i just don't get people rippin on sk for stuff that will probably never be a big issue for them.

krusty the clown · Jan 12, 2010

sk farmer said:
once again krusty we agree more than disagree.

yes we do.......the sorry coment was just meant to say i don't want to offend you, since you are a little fanatical about SK :spit:

woody 73 · Jan 12, 2010

Hi Diogenes,

First off I love all tools from every Country with this being said I look for tools that fit comfortably in my hands. Oh one tool brand X might be the greatest but if it hurts my hands then I don't care for it very much!

If you see yourself using these for any length of time ask yourself which one would you prefer holding for a long time. Well that is my two cents...Good luck in your choice!

diogenes · Jan 12, 2010

woody 73 said:
Hi Diogenes,

First off I love all tools from every Country with this being said I look for tools that fit comfortably in my hands. Oh one tool brand X might be the greatest but if it hurts my hands then I don't care for it very much!

If you see yourself using these for any length of time ask yourself which one would you prefer holding for a long time. Well that is my two cents...Good luck in your choice!

Funny you should mention comfort, Woody. That is one of the things I don't like about Craftsman ratchets, they make my hand hurt because of the edges on the handle.

I'm going to reserve further comment until I get more feedback...

Davefr · Jan 12, 2010

I have that exact SK ratchet and it's been bulletproof for several decades.

I hate SK's new warranty fee but I wouldn't let it stand in the way of selecting this ratchet out of the lineup. I also prefer the compact round head style of ratchets.

The MAC and Cornwell look like they've had a lot of use.

sk farmer · Jan 12, 2010

not fanatacal, fan. krusty does not offend, he gets ahead. the offensive ones are the ones who demand a full refund on their tools, say they are going to sell all of them, throw in stupid senseless jabs or make other ridiculous comments. other brands included. don't worry krusty, when you offend me i will let you know. :pimpflash

edit. by the looks of the ratchet in your other thread ,you need one of each. all kidding aside those four ratchets give you a good variety of sizes and shapes in ratchets. all having strenghts and weaknes in differant applications.

Stick Figure · Jan 12, 2010

for a 1/2" drive i would probably choose the sk because i know it is comfortable. As far as breaking it, i never seem to put much pressure on a 1/2 ratchet, usually i have a breaker bar handy for that. For the most part i can do with out a 1/2 ratchet if i have an adapter to use my 1/2 drive sockets on a 3/8 ratchet.

48548 · Jan 12, 2010

Proto, they are bulletproof and will last forever. Just a little clunky, but good ratchets made in the usa and you can still get kits for them for free, and don't have to pay 5 dollars when you send it in!!!!!! :lol_hitti

sk farmer · Jan 12, 2010

48548 said:
Proto, they are bulletproof and will last forever. Just a little clunky, but good ratchets made in the usa and you can still get kits for them for free, and don't have to pay 5 dollars when you send it in!!!!!!

like that krusty!!!!! maybe you should check on that warranty on some of your protos.

48548 · Jan 12, 2010

I have had a few protos replaced, I just paid shipping to them and got a new ratchet shipped out to my house and a few sockets. They don't charge to repair or replace, but they do make you pay for shipping to them. Also this is in fun, I am not ripping on SK or the products they make. When I send in my snap on, I pay for shipping because it is the right thing to do, and 5 bucks doesn't bother me, just 5 dollars a tool does.

boro_boy70 · Jan 12, 2010

48548 said:
Proto, they are bulletproof and will last forever. Just a little clunky, but good ratchets made in the usa and you can still get kits for them for free, and don't have to pay 5 dollars when you send it in!!!!!!

+1 on the Proto :thumbup:

The Proto design is pretty much bulletproof. These ratchets have been around for 50+ years. Also they make a long handled version that will cut down on you having to use a pipe. You can buy both versions cheap on ebay. A brand new long handled version just sold for $20 shipped on Ebay yesterday.

My second choice would be the SK. They're another tough as nails ratchet. I never had a problem with any SK tool I have. The warranty issue doesn't worry me, they don't seem to break, so don't worry about the $5 fee.

I never liked the smooth handles on Cornwell ratchets. The Mac made by NB I have no experience with, so I couldn't offer an opinion either way.

Mickey O · Jan 12, 2010

Mac or Proto first, S-K last, don't know much about the Cornwell or their service. My reason, Mac (Stanley) will replace that ratchet if there is a problem no questions asked, the Proto will most likely not have a problem but same warranty coverage, and S-K last because of their new $5 warranty fee and who knows how long they'll be around, plus we have seen a lot of people on this board have problems getting parts. But the S-K does look to be in the best shape of the four.

sk farmer · Jan 12, 2010

Mickey O said:
Mac or Proto first, S-K last, don't know much about the Cornwell or their service. My reason, Mac (Stanley) will replace that ratchet if there is a problem no questions asked, the Proto will most likely not have a problem but same warranty coverage, and S-K last because of their new $5 warranty fee and who knows how long they'll be around, plus we have seen a lot of people on this board have problems getting parts. But the S-K does look to be in the best shape of the four.

once again you show your bias. you rate the mac on top wich cannot be repaired and put the sk last because of their policy even though it can be repaired. i really could care less on wich ratchet you like but give your sk bashing a rest. everyone knows your opinion on sk and harbor freight. even the op who has only been here a day or two. give it a rest.

Mr.Nutcase · Jan 12, 2010

I would take all four ratchets... if I were you..

mkdive · Jan 12, 2010

I would take all 4 also.....but If i had to choose just one, it would be the proto.

Bull · Jan 12, 2010

Of those four, I'd take the SK 42470. They are very well balanced, comfortable in the hand, tough, and if you lube them are smooth as butter.

highland512 · Jan 12, 2010

If your just busting rusty or stuck fasteners the Proto i think would have to be the king. for putting stuff back together i would go with the SK (even with the $5 fee I still love SK tools, a $5 fee is still cheaper then the fuel it takes to get to sears or a Proto dealer). I have a 1/2" Proto ratchet in my box that from the best I can tell is a 1954-1958 model that has survived 30 years of my grandfather using it in a machine shop and has survived another 15 years of me tearing into antique tractors, without a single mishap. I just like the tighter feel of the SK when putting something back together. :thumbup:

Mickey O · Jan 12, 2010

sk farmer said:
once again you show your bias. you rate the mac on top wich cannot be repaired and put the sk last because of their policy even though it can be repaired. i really could care less on wich ratchet you like but give your sk bashing a rest. everyone knows your opinion on sk and harbor freight. even the op who has only been here a day or two. give it a rest.

Why don't you explain how my opinion that I gave is bashing S-K and apparently you don't know how I feel about S-K. Why don't you give it a rest.

arkangel06 · Jan 12, 2010

Proto or cornwell wich ever fits you better

They are big mean motherf***ers

caper · Jan 12, 2010

I'd grab the Cornwell first,Proto second,Mac third and the SK fourth.Support is still available for the Cornwell and Proto.Properly lubed they are really nice snooth ratchets to use and made to handle being drug through the mud and grime and still work as smooth as when you started.A proto of the same style was my go to ratchet when I did mobile maintenance for the forestry industry,just about bulletproof.The Mac is a New Britain style ratchet and can be one of the nicest smoothest ratchets you'll ever use when cleaned and lubed but support is limited to having Mac replace it with an imported replacement if something happens to it.As for the SK I've just never been a fan of their products and support in my area is non-existant.Of the over 100 ratchets I have I don't have one SK ratchet in the bunch.

michael murder · Jan 12, 2010

I can speak for the Proto ratchet. I have three of these, they are my favorites and Proto still makes a rebuild kit for it.

back2class · Jan 12, 2010

I have owned all of those. Hands down the Cornwell. It's a great ratchet! Sk has no product support and while decent ratchets, I have never felt they were super strong or otherwise special. The Proto is very strong and with 2 prawls very slick and has grest support. But that pear head is HUGE but it is thinnner than the rest. It is my second choice.

The mac I think is New Britain made, about the same as the SK but you get a nice IMPORT replacement if it fails.

wyndycity · Jan 12, 2010

I'd make my choice SK first and the Cornwell second. I have ratchets from both companies and love them.

The Proto head is a little too big for my liking.

DHS · Jan 12, 2010

Proto 1st and SK second.

chrislehr · Jan 12, 2010

proto because its the same basic make/model design since the plomb name and kits are easy to find for it.

Im guessing based on the choices a budget is a concern.

chevy302dz · Jan 12, 2010

I'd go Cornwell, Mac, SK, Proto primarily because of the type/size of the heads. You really can't go wrong with any of them

HankMurphy · Jan 13, 2010

If you are doing this at home, rather than to make a living, I would go for the Proto or SK first. Of the ratchets shown, they are in better shape. I have both. The $5 SK fee? That would matter if I ever had to warranty any of the SK stuff I have...never had to.

If you are doing this for a living, and are in a shop which gets regular visits from Cornwell or Mac, I'd select those. The on-site warranty will be worth it for you.

Of course, the right answer is...all of them.

Good luck,

diogenes · Jan 19, 2010

Thank you all for your input. :thumbup:

I have decided to purchase the Cornwell since I like the design and I want to try something a little different. There is also a Cornwell dealer in Buffalo if I need something.

I'll let you know how I like it when it arrives.

caper · Jan 19, 2010

I can't fault your choice or your logic!It should serve you well for many years,it's a top quality tool.

bushhawg73 · Jan 19, 2010

1 Cornwell - parts available and one tough ratchet
2 Proto - parts available and one tough ratchet, head is a little big
3 - Sk - parts still available, fee to repair bites
4 - Mac - only last due to parts issues, I have one of these and they are great ratchets.

You said you picked the Cornwell and I think you made a wise choice. The dealer close by is a good reason to buy a specific model.

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Jan 19, 2010

The Cornwell and the SK look the beefiest to me. Mac and Proto are good as well, but I'd go with the others first.

mcdtommy23 · Jan 19, 2010

diogenes said:
Thank you all for your input.

I have decided to purchase the Cornwell since I like the design and I want to try something a little different. There is also a Cornwell dealer in Buffalo if I need something.

I'll let you know how I like it when it arrives.

Good choice! Take it apart, clean it, and put some RLL it will be smooooooth. For some reason the Cornwell's seem to respond very well to the RLL.

quattrojon · Jan 20, 2010

Bull said:
Of those four, I'd take the SK 42470. They are very well balanced, comfortable in the hand, tough, and if you lube them are smooth as butter.

Bull is right- S-K ratchets are super smooth. The S-K would be my first choice, followed by the Proto. Cannot comment on the Cornwell or Mac as i don't have first hand experience of them. I've never had to warranty an S-K ratchet yet.........

a390st · Jan 20, 2010

The SK is a good fine tooth design. The downside is that the round head design is a little thicker than the others. I have a couple of old SK round head ratchets that see little use, but are kept for rainy or muddy outdoor work. They are good ratchets, and are tough. I don't like SK's new warranty policy, but a little over a year ago I asked them for a rebuild kit and they mailed one right out free of charge. That is still a good ratchet, no matter what else. If the teeth in the head break, send it in, and for $5 you get a new ratchet.

I also have that style of Proto ratchet. It has an extremely thin head, but only 24 teeth. If you are in tight quarters it is a blessing and a curse. You can fit it in because it is thin, but you're lucky if you can get it to engage even one tooth. They are pretty tough, though. Proto also sent me a rebuild kit when I requested one for a broken ratchet I had.

diogenes · Jan 29, 2010

I am sorry it has taken me so long to post my impressions of the Cornwell ratchet, I have had a very painful and trying time these past 10 days.

Rickster shipped me my Cornwell ratchet quite quickly and demonstrated that he is an expert at packing an item for shipping. I wish everyone took the time and effort to ensure that an item arrived in such style :pimpflash

.

I am really impressed with the ratchet and I will be taking it apart soon to clean and lube it (Mainly because I want to see the insides and have never thought to do that before I started reading this forum). The action is smooth and, while it certainly isn't new, I think it has a handsome appearance.

I will be using it on the tear apart the front of my wife's summer car's engine to get at the gasket under the timing cover :wtf:

and will be able to get a feel for it then.

Thanks again to all of you and especially Rick. :thumbup:

BTW, I'm pretty sure Rick still has those others if anyone is interested...

Merkava_4 · Jan 29, 2010

krusty the clown said:
it would be the cornwell for me (if it had to be one of the four) although it's an older model parts are still available and it's one tough sob.

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Of these four ratchets, which one?

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