1/4 dr. ratchet

[KinzeMech]

You understand the post was not intended to be strictly literally interpreted, right? Use of silly manufactured words such as "unobtainium" is a reasonable clue such a comment is made in jest.

It's an oddball size given the rarity of it's usage, and how commonly torx sets skip from T10 to T8.

I will credit you this, that is the first time I've seen that set. I have, as yet, never had a reason to seek out a T9, or any torx smaller than t8.

 

[toolstools]

I have that gearwrench (84T) and the Snap On you have.

I say they are pretty similar as far as I can tell except the Snap On has a much lower free spinning resistence.

So when you are loosening a fastener it will get to the point where you have to grab the socket to give it a little more resistance so you can continue to ratchet, the Snap on is good for several more rotations after the gearwrench.

I hope that makes sense, I am sure I am not using the proper terminology.

Back drag.

 

[TwoInch]

You understand the post was not intended to be strictly literally interpreted, right? Use of silly manufactured words such as "unobtainium" is a reasonable clue such a comment is made in jest.

It's an oddball size given the rarity of it's usage, and how commonly torx sets skip from T10 to T8.

I will credit you this, that is the first time I've seen that set. I have, as yet, never had a reason to seek out a T9, or any torx smaller than t8.

i bought that craftsman set, for this exact reason a couple years ago....


really... a t9??? you gotta be kidding me

 

[KinzeMech]

really... a t9??? you gotta be kidding me

I guess I don't get the joke. I haven't encountered a T9 fastener in 30 years. In a half dozen assorted torx sets (socket bits, screwdriver types, T-handles, etc) every single one I've got skips from T8 (usually smallest size) to T10.

The only T8's I've seen have been hard drives, and my electric razor case. I just don't encounter small torx I guess.

 

[TwoInch]

i meant more like "really snap on, a t9???" i bought that craftsman mini torx set when i needed to pull apart a 1/4" snap on ratchet. only time i have ever needed one personally.

 

[Applesauce]

Does anyone have any experience with the Williams ratchets based on the older Snap-On 36-tooth sealed units? Specifically thinking of the M-52EHFA.

 

[plinker]

Does anyone have any experience with the Williams ratchets based on the older Snap-On 36-tooth sealed units? Specifically thinking of the M-52EHFA.

I have the long handle 1/2 drive Williams version, It's really nice to use, no issue's. I had gotten my Dad a 1/4 drive version and put a 3/8 drive kit in it for him.

 

[CWP1616L]

Super-awesome-o T9.

That means it's probably a T10. Thanks.

 

[Applesauce]

That means it's probably a T10. Thanks.

Hahaha... Cool. Good luck!

 

[tilly79]

An original pear head proto is the smoothest ratchet you can get.

 

[Trucky]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012WHBYS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

cough cough....

Poor, neglected link.. don't worry, I'll quote you.

I have that ratchet in 3/8, and let me tell you it is the bomb diggity no doubt. Reminds me of my (long gone) FHX80, but I do prefer the Armstrong handle now after having used it for a bit.

 

[SMKS]

Does anyone have any experience with the Williams ratchets based on the older Snap-On 36-tooth sealed units? Specifically thinking of the M-52EHFA.

I personally don't like them.

I've had two of them. They were both new and both had so much back drag that I didn't like using them.

Perhaps I could have cut the spring or perhaps they would have loosened up over time, but I have other ratchets to use so I sold the Williams pear heads I had.

Now, I really like the Williams round head ratchets. I just go the long 3/8" version and so far I'm pretty happy with it.
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ols-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

 

[reptilezs]

I personally don't like them.

I've had two of them. They were both new and both had so much back drag that I didn't like using them.

Perhaps I could have cut the spring or perhaps they would have loosened up over time, but I have other ratchets to use so I sold the Williams pear heads I had.

Now, I really like the Williams round head ratchets. I just go the long 3/8" version and so far I'm pretty happy with it.
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ols-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

same experience here. the 936 style guts did not impress me much. i did cut the spring and its smoother.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

I am reluctant to post this link cause I kinda want to buy them myself, and was surprised to find a new set for sale. These are the smoothest ratchets I have held. They also claim their drive head to be a full size smaller (the 1/2" is the size of a 3/8")The 1/2 and 3/8 did jam up and Proto does not service them so they replaced them with my choice, however the 1/4 has only improved with age. I believe these are now discontinued.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STANLEY-PRO...805?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5658576855

 

[CWP1616L]

I got an F936 and I don't worry about back drag or spring tension.

 

[SMKS]

I got an F936 and I don't worry about back drag or spring tension.

Because it's only removed from your box for polishing...

Am I about right, merk?

 

[Applesauce]

Speaking of 1/4" ratchets...who stole this?! I definitely wish it had been me, even if the $6 shipping from Israel took four months.

 

[Craftsman86]

I have a long handle Matco 1/4 with an orange hard handle, and it is my go to ratchet for 80% of the work I do.

 

[Brownsfan]

I will say my tl72 and tlfh72 are my favorite 1/4 ratchets. Smoothest I ever owned. But that said a very close second is my tr72H. Great ratchet and strong a hell. http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...2d-1{47}4”-Dr.-Fine-Tooth-Ratchet-w{47}Handle
Here is a 30t version I have and while not fine tooth it is butter smooth. I really love my Cornwell ratchets. http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...d-2-Piece-1{47}4”-Dr-Blue-Handle-Ratchet-Set#

 

[toolaholic]

I am reluctant to post this link cause I kinda want to buy them myself, and was surprised to find a new set for sale. These are the smoothest ratchets I have held. They also claim their drive head to be a full size smaller (the 1/2" is the size of a 3/8")The 1/2 and 3/8 did jam up and Proto does not service them so they replaced them with my choice, however the 1/4 has only improved with age. I believe these are now discontinued.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STANLEY-PRO...805?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5658576855

I bid and lost. Then a proto 5979 set came up perhaps from the same seller and I bought it "buy it now" instead of bidding. Only 39.95 plus $10 shipping. Thanks for the link. The ratchets look neat. Can't wait to get them in the mail.

 

[SMKS]

Do a little reading on those ratchets. They're often known as Micro Tough or "microtough" ratchets. Basically, the same ratchets have been sold under the names Stanley, Husky, Mac, Proto and maybe others.

 

[zkling]

I'm curious, how do you (everyone) use a 1/4" ratchet? Maybe I am doing it wrong but I always seem to choke up on the ratchet, so the head is between my thumb and index finger. Never really using the full length of the handle. Those long handle 1/4" look nice, but seem like they would get in the way as well as add quite a bit of inertia. I just can't see the need for a long handle 1/4" ratchet.

My one and only 1/4" ratchet is a standard Cman RP. Is it the best, probably not, but it has served me well over the years. Just recently got a nice little 1/4" proto breaker bar thanks to a member here. I have been reaching for that more often than the ratchet now. 90º to break loose or tighten then 180° to spin it off/on like a screw driver.

 

[toolaholic]

I have several 1/4 drives: a gearwrench long handle 84 tooth flexhead, a armstrong 80 tooth aero, a kobalt(newer Taiwan) 72 tooth rotohead,a dinky short sk 36 tooth and a proto black oxide 45 tooth for my car tool bag. I use the armstrong and gearwrench the most.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

While I said awhile back Id be buying mostly USA made tools, as budget allows, I ordered a Gearwrench 1/4 drive 84T flexhead soft grip from tooltopia, should be here Wednesday. Just curious, if it would ever need a rebuild, could I use a Matco 88T kit or would i have to get an 84?

 

[george4]

I'm curious, how do you (everyone) use a 1/4" ratchet? Maybe I am doing it wrong but I always seem to choke up on the ratchet, so the head is between my thumb and index finger. Never really using the full length of the handle. Those long handle 1/4" look nice, but seem like they would get in the way as well as add quite a bit of inertia. I just can't see the need for a long handle 1/4" ratchet.

Long handle is not so much for torque but rather for access, sometimes the longer handle helps to get at a fastener.