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1/2" ratchet suggestions?

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Jason280

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Mar 4, 2012
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I've picked up several Snap On 1/4" and 3/8" drive ratchets lately, and it has convinced me I need a nicer 1/2" drive ratchet in the shop. I've been using an older Proto and Crafstman ratchet for years, and would like to upgrade to something with a higher tooth count and a little smoother.

What are my options for a 72-80 tooth 1/2" ratchet that isn't going to break the bank? Ideally, I would like to find a Snap On F80, but I am not really looking to spend more than $50-75. I would prefer to keep the cost around $50, and I am not against buying used.

Any suggestions?
 
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purplezr2

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SL80, I have two and love them, have an s80 too but feel its kind short. Watch ebay, I gave about 60 for my SL's and I don't remember what I paid for the s80 buck I bought it from a member here.
 
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03protege

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Sep 13, 2012
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Louisiana
Bahco 8150, it uses the exact same Dual 80 internals. The only downside is it only comes in 1 length and 1 handle type.

Another that is thought highly of is the Armstrong Aerospace ratchets.

I would look at bahco at MRO center or Amazon and the Armstrong at Harry J Epstien.
 
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dirtmister16

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if you want snap on id go snap on, can't beat that. dad has a older 1/2 snap on and its very nice, though i would like a longer handle.

but ive been very happy with my blackhawk round head ratchet and the sk ratchets ive used in 1/2 drive. nice think about blackhawk and sk is the handles are long enough and you don't always need a breaker bar.
 
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byoungblood

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Find an old Williams S-52, or any of the newer Wright round heads. Both are dual pawl designs with 80-90 effective tooth count, and fit well into your budget.
 
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skruft

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May 9, 2011
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I find that various brands of 1/2 ratchet work fine and last in my amateur use. I have used Snap-On, SK, and the old Craftsman round fine-tooth for many years. Also I have a Matco and it seems good but is too new to say.

For one that is not too expensive, I've always been impressed by SK because I see so many old ones in use and found one last year that still worked after being flooded.
 
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BFHtime

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Mar 31, 2012
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My S80 is smoother than My F80. I wonder if anyone else notices this. I put Lucas oil additive non synthetic, in my ratchets. I suggest giving it a try. Maybe even lube the ratchet you have now.
 
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JSBriggs

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May 10, 2009
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Auburn CA
byoungblood said:
Find an old Williams S-52, or any of the newer Wright round heads. Both are dual pawl designs with 80-90 effective tooth count, and fit well into your budget.
Click to expand...

Ive got a Wright 4490 and a SO S80. Both are great quality and very strong. If cost is a concern, I'd id get the Wright.

-Jeff
 
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sberry

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I agree with skruft, 1/2 is slightly different than 3/8 which is beat hard. I have half a dozen 1/2 that float around and they last forever and are lightly usd compared to small ones, most of our 1/2 work is impact. I found 2 or 3 old Craftsmans at a flea for 10 a piece that felt fine and new, tossed them in the pile and havnt had a problem with any of them, figured even if I had to toss one it was no deal.
 
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shoturtle

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epistine has the armstrong maxx with the 88t. Same as the matco one.

The craftsman 84t is a very nice one also

Or I would look at the 120t GW
 
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bobcatdan

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chris6278 said:
Matco/armstrong 88 tooth. Better than dual 80s in my opinion
Click to expand...

When it comes to 1/2", I give the nod to matco. My older 36 tooth SO 1/2" are tough as hell. My 24" dual 80 has broke more times then I care. My 60 tooth matco has been very reliable. not saying I havn't broke it, but far less then the dual 80.
 
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DanCo

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In a house, on a block, somewhere in Queens New Yo
I have an older 36 tooth Matco $40 used off the truck, Williams S-53 $12 from a flea, a Proto 5450 $10 same flea, all of of these are long handle.
I did just get a new GW flex head 80 something tooth count $? got it as a gift, which I need to lube but worked like a champ. I believe it sells for $60-70.

Dan
 
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Dillithium

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Dec 14, 2011
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151
Another vote for the Kobalt 72 tooth, I haven't compared them with snap on or matco 1/2'' ratchets. But I've jumped on the long kobalt flex head, and it didn't break.

Also, your wife in your avatar seems to be losing clothing at a rate of about 1 article every few months. Just letting you know, not a complaint.

This is the one I mean: http://www.lowes.com/pd_337327-2232...currentURL=?Ntt=1%2F2+flex+ratchet&facetInfo=
 
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bart1

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Dec 14, 2010
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Alabama the Beautiful
I have an old Wright Tootsie Roll I could sell. Really fine toothed and smooth.

My most recent acquisition was a course tooth Hazet 1/2 drive. Works for me! I also have the long locking flex head from Armstrong from Epstein. Great ratchet there too!
 
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DTB

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Jun 12, 2011
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541
I've had nothing but good luck with my Snap On Dual 80s or my trusty 60 tooth Matco 24" locking flex but after trying out the new Carlyle 90 tooth models at Napa I had them order me in the 18" flex head ratchet.Should be in tomorrow.I like the Snap On dual 80s for the fixed handle standard and long ratchets but the Armstrongs/Matcos are better as far the locking system on the flex ratchets in my opinion.Honestly,the S80 doesnt get much use,but the SL80 is pretty well used. Matco 24" is to big for alot of applications so the Sl80 is close by.
 
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