Ratchet Recommendation

e3pres · Jan 5, 2011

I’m looking to upgrade my old raised panel Craftsman ratchets (1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”), but I can’t find everything that I’m looking for in one brand. I’d like the following:

Full Polish
No Knurled Handles
Fine Tooth 48+
Quick Release Button (This is a must.)
USA Made is greatly preferred.
It would be nice if there was a long handle 3/8” ratchet in the same series. (I’m kinda OCD and prefer that things match… this is but one of my many neuroses.)
Doesn’t cost a gozillion dollars.

I really like the look and feel of the full polish Craftsman, but they have the same guts as the raised panels. Can these be upgraded? The thinlines look nice, but I’ve read too many horror stories on here and there isn’t a long handle 3/8” version.

It seems like most manufacturers have dropped the quick release button as an option, but I really like that feature. Am I missing something here?

What about it, guys? Does what I want exist?

Sterff · Jan 5, 2011

I think its getting harder to find quick release ratchets. If you want one with a finer tooth count I would go for the Craftsmans. Snap-on makes a quick release ratchet (fr936) but its only 36 teeth. Kind of expensive too.
3/8": http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=67465&group_ID=12898

Kirbot · Jan 5, 2011

What kind of horror stories have you heard about the thin profile craftsmans?

They fit your requirements better than anything else I can think of.
Though, admittedly I don't have any.

My one experience with Duralast so far has been very good, but it's only a 36(?) tooth ratchet. And it's not from the USA

Edit, I missed the part the quick release.
I can't think of anything off hand that would better suite you than older (metal selector) craftsman raised panals.

There are a number of Chinese/Taiwanese ratchets around with a quick release, (I think the ones tractor supply sells have that) but none of them are fine tooth as far as I know.

Mrholeshot would be the guy to ask.
Hopefully he sees this topic.

KEH · Jan 5, 2011

Craftsman low profile. Different guts than the other Craftsman. I think they are 60 teeth. I have the 1/4 and 3/8 drive, like them. The pushbutton is recessed. Kobalt and NAPA have ratchets with the same guts, different handles. NAPA also has a more expensive ratchet with different guts, I saw one at a NAPA display at a farm equipment show and talked about them with the sales gut there. I have not been able to find these at local Napa stores. I do have a 3/8 NAPA made like the raised panel Craftsman and it works fine, also the fit and finish seem to be better that the Raised panel Craftsman. Not sure about the tooth count.

KEH

Seanbev24 · Jan 5, 2011

I think the quick release is the killer. Snap-On, Matco, Gearwrench, Armstrong, and I'm sure many others have every other feature you want, but I can't think of 1 with a quick release.

Az Scooter · Jan 5, 2011

I like my Craftsmen thin lines. Just got done using a couple, a 3/8 and a 1/4. Very nice ratchets.

mrholeshot · Jan 5, 2011

e3pres said:
I’m looking to upgrade my old raised panel Craftsman ratchets (1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”), but I can’t find everything that I’m looking for in one brand. I’d like the following:

Full Polish
No Knurled Handles
Fine Tooth 48+
Quick Release Button (This is a must.)
USA Made is greatly preferred.
It would be nice if there was a long handle 3/8” ratchet in the same series. (I’m kinda OCD and prefer that things match… this is but one of my many neuroses.)
Doesn’t cost a gozillion dollars.

I really like the look and feel of the full polish Craftsman, but they have the same guts as the raised panels. Can these be upgraded? The thinlines look nice, but I’ve read too many horror stories on here and there isn’t a long handle 3/8” version.

It seems like most manufacturers have dropped the quick release button as an option, but I really like that feature. Am I missing something here?

What about it, guys? Does what I want exist?

Don't mistake the craftsman full polish and raised panel as far as quality goes. Although they use the same internal (as well as Kobalt) the full polish versions have a much better case and makes the ratchet much more reliable and less prone to auto reverce as the ill fitting raised panels. here it is all about the case. The only problem is they are 36 tooth. I get into some tight spots and never has been a problem. They make this ratchet in reg,Short flexlong,comfort handle flex and bent handle flex. The only other one I can think of fits perfectly is the craftsman thin profile. Great ratchet although some complain it's bit heavy. I haven't used one enough to foem a real opinion. I'm sure there are other ratchet out there that fit the bill but this is the only one that come to mind.

SMKS · Jan 5, 2011

What horror stories? I've heard a few comments here about the 1/2" locking up, but I wouldn't probably even get the 1/2". Also, some of the problems could be because people used grease that was too thick. I've read that mechanism doesn't work well with grease. Personally, the thin profiles I've had worked very well.

Arachnotron · Jan 5, 2011

I haven't had any problems with my Craftsman thin profiles.

MBeaty · Jan 5, 2011

stephen9666 said:
What horror stories? I've heard a few comments here about the 1/2" locking up, but I wouldn't probably even get the 1/2". Also, some of the problems could be because people used grease that was too thick. I've read that mechanism doesn't work well with grease. Personally, the thin profiles I've had worked very well.

+1

My thin profile 3/8 has been perfect, aside from when I tried to rebuild it and put too much grease in it.

rsanter · Jan 5, 2011

I really like my snap on ratchets
but I will say that those Cman thin profile ones really come close for not that much money

bob

Mickey O · Jan 5, 2011

Armstrong

Bacho

Link

Blackhawk

Proto

rocco · Jan 5, 2011

Take a serious look at the Armstrong ratchets. They where never on my radar, i got one for xmas

from my secret santa and its been my go to ratchet for the last week and a half. i'm on the lookout for some 1/2 and 1/4 drive units too, such a nice feel, great head and they look great too.

mkdive · Jan 5, 2011

I have everything from SO, MAC, GW, Proto, Plomb, SK, Armstrong, and more than a few Cmans ratchets.

I agree the raised panels are not that great. But the thin profiles are very nice! The 1/2" is a little unbalanced IMO. But I find myself reaching for my 1/4" cman thin profile over my snapon T72 or TL72! They are smooth ratchets and the fit is good (at least for my hands). Buy a set on ebay (I picked up a new set a couple years back on ebay from the sears clearance....for $35 for all 3 sizes.

try them out.

bonneyman · Jan 5, 2011

When S-K is back up and running you could get a set of their Tuff 1's. Not QR and not long handle available, but very fine action and durable.

fordbroncodave · Jan 5, 2011

you don't need a push button release.

get dual 80 ratchets off this forum for good prices. you can't refuse the offers people post on here

Hammer1963 · Jan 5, 2011

I've had several styles over the last 10 years and have gone away from the quick release button. My personal preference is the Matco 88 ratchet. Yes it is forged in the same factory as some of the others, but don't buy into the propaganda that all ratchets made in that facilityare the same. Being a tool maker by trade for over a dozen years, they are not. These are very reliable and come in several lengths and offer locking flex heads and both round polished chrome handles as well as hand friendly dual compound handle. Venture out and try one

Skin · Jan 5, 2011

fordbroncodave said:
you don't need a push button release.

nobody does, but its a nice feature. Especially for small sockets you cant get a grip on with greasy hands.

Easco made some damn fine round heads where the entire back selector was the release some years back but not any longer. They did have a knurled grip though.

Perhaps the old Craftsman Round Heads would fit the bill? They pop up on ebay often.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Craf...Z110631718650QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

William Payne · Jan 5, 2011

Mickey O said:
Bacho

Never seen bahco tools that look like that before. That breaker bar looks like bluepoint. Hate to interupt the thread but whats the story with that set?

Skin · Jan 5, 2011

Bahco is just another fodder brand for Snap-On's Williams division to push their product. Some is domestic [USA], some is taiwan.

William Payne · Jan 5, 2011

Oh ok I was wondering about that because none of the bahco sets down in this part of the world look that nice.

williaty · Jan 5, 2011

To the many and several people in this thread who have been asking "what problems?" with respect the to the Craftsman thin profile ratchets, I've had enough problems with both of mine to be sick of them. They lock up, they reverse direction, and they jam absolutely solid. This is with the stock lubrication or after having been properly cleaned and lubricated with a lightweight lubricant. I love the handle shape, they're well finished on the outside, but there's something wrong with them internally if you use them too much.

Though it's supposedly the same mechanism, I've been having MUCH better luck with the GearWrench Full Polish ratchets. They definitely don't look as nice on the outside but they're doing something better with the internals. They move much more freely, sound different, and, so far, haven't caused any problems. Admittedly, I haven't had them long enough for any "wearing out" type problems to show up.

They won't work, though, for the OP since he wants a QR button.

DrkMtnDew · Jan 5, 2011

sounds like there have been a few problems with the Cman thin profiles, but my have worked just fine ever since i bought them. clean and lube 'em good and they will probably do everything that you want them to do.

blue dog · Jan 5, 2011

Never heard of link tools before, website looks interesting.

Charles959 · Jan 6, 2011

No tooth count specified:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=27098&filter=Snap-on

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=27099&filter=snap-on

Bart Simpson · Jan 6, 2011

e3pres said:
I’m looking to upgrade my old raised panel Craftsman ratchets (1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”), but I can’t find everything that I’m looking for in one brand. I’d like the following:

Full Polish
No Knurled Handles
Fine Tooth 48+
Quick Release Button (This is a must.)
USA Made is greatly preferred.
It would be nice if there was a long handle 3/8” ratchet in the same series. (I’m kinda OCD and prefer that things match… this is but one of my many neuroses.)
Doesn’t cost a gozillion dollars.

I really like the look and feel of the full polish Craftsman, but they have the same guts as the raised panels. Can these be upgraded? The thinlines look nice, but I’ve read too many horror stories on here and there isn’t a long handle 3/8” version.

It seems like most manufacturers have dropped the quick release button as an option, but I really like that feature. Am I missing something here?

What about it, guys? Does what I want exist?

In a word .... NO ... what you want doesn't exist ..... I don't know of ANY, US manufacturer that has ratchets that meet all of your specifications.

Here is what you can get from Snap On in quick release ......

1/4" drive TR936
3/8" drive FR936
1/2" drive SR936

These are all 36 tooth standard handle ratchets ,but maybe they will eventually make a Dual 80 version ?

The 1/4" drive version may be discontinued as it is not in the current catalog #1100 but stills shows it available online.

Snap On has only ever made the quick release ratchets in the standard length handle , no long handle , no flex, etc.

In there Blue Point ( Taiwan ) line they offer all 3 drive sizes in quick release ,standard handle, with or without the soft grip handle.

1/4" drive is 36 tooth
3/8" drive is 38 tooth
1/2" drive is 40 tooth

Here are links to the two Blue Point 3/8 drive ones.

BPRFR938SG comfort grip handle

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19755&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

BPRFR938 chrome handle

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19755&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

The chrome handle ratchets are also available from J H Williams , for example the Blue Point BPRFR938 above is the same as the Williams 31001 ( see link below, page 161 , zoom right )

http://digimag.rrd.com/JHWilliams317/

Snap On owns J H Williams as well as other companies like Bahco.

Bahco makes a really unique ergo " one handed ratchet " that you may like,it is in the Williams catalog linked above on page 158. (this is not the one in Mickey O's post above)
Some Bahco tools are made in the USA ,but I don't think this ratchet is because there isn't a US flag by it in the Williams catalog, but Bahco makes quality tools.
It has some really unique features and is 72 tooth and quick release.
I would like to try one out .

Here is a link to it .

http://www.bahco.com/files/BE-2005-ENG_fhldfsncsunjhgqbptouhhegi.pdf

e3pres · Jan 7, 2011

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I certainly have some more research to do. I'll post up when I make a decision.

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