aheroicdose
Active member
Specifically, I've been looking for a non-quick release, non-flex head, long handle (9-12") ratchet. I was hoping to spend $40 or less, but please feel free to suggest whatever you've found to be good. Thanks.
1/4 ratchet recommendations
- Thread starter aheroicdose
- Start date
four.cycle
Well-known member
NINE to TWELVE inches in a 1/4" drive? 
:
:DemoFly
Well-known member
no BS, my favorite 1/4" out of all my expensive ratchets is the Pittsburgh pro flex that I spring-clip modded.
Zero back drag. Just open it up and cut a half-coil off each pawl spring.
www.harborfreight.com
Zero back drag. Just open it up and cut a half-coil off each pawl spring.
1/4 in. Drive Flex Head Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 1/4In Dr Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A $40 budget limits your choices. However, if you can find an SK LP90, a used MAC Axis series, or a PROTO Precision Torque model.
There are some long 1/4 drive ratchets such as the ASTRO Nano or the Powerbuilt Pro that might meet your budget but, they don't meet your requirement for no quick release. Good luck in your quest.
There are some long 1/4 drive ratchets such as the ASTRO Nano or the Powerbuilt Pro that might meet your budget but, they don't meet your requirement for no quick release. Good luck in your quest.
OP
aheroicdose
Active member
My eyes usually glaze over when I walk past the ratchets, but that one does look nice. I was looking for the longer handle for improved access in tight spots.no BS, my favorite 1/4" out of all my expensive ratchets is the Pittsburgh pro flex that I spring-clip modded.
Zero back drag. Just open it up and cut a half-coil off each pawl spring.
1/4 in. Drive Flex Head Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 1/4In Dr Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
Right now I'm kinda torn between these two and was curious if anyone had anything interesting that I'd missed.
Milwaukee 1/4 in. Drive 90 Tooth 9 in. Extended Ratchet 48-22-9005 - The Home Depot
Get your toughest job done easily with the help of this extra ordinary Milwaukee Drive Extended Ratchet
www.homedepot.com
OP
aheroicdose
Active member
What do you like that's spendier? I'm a knipexfag, I can take it.
I have one of these. I upgraded to a Snap-on, but I did not need to. These ratchets are really great.no BS, my favorite 1/4" out of all my expensive ratchets is the Pittsburgh pro flex that I spring-clip modded.
Zero back drag. Just open it up and cut a half-coil off each pawl spring.
1/4 in. Drive Flex Head Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 1/4In Dr Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
General Geoff
Well-known member
1/4 in, 3/8 in. Drive Long-Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 1/4In, 3/8In Long Rch Dual Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
Absolutely outstanding for tight access but it is both flex head and has quick release. It is the longest 1/4" ratchet I've come across to date at ~14" long (with a 3/8" drive head on the other side).
The head on these things is truly tiny.
OP
aheroicdose
Active member
I actually have one of those, and yeah, they're awesome, but I definitely load it gingerly, with the squints deployed1/4 in, 3/8 in. Drive Long-Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 1/4In, 3/8In Long Rch Dual Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
Absolutely outstanding for tight access but it is both flex head and has quick release. It is the longest 1/4" ratchet I've come across to date at ~13" long (with a 3/8" drive head on the other side).
The head on these things is absolutely tiny.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I've got the SK LP90 12", but I didn't, and wouldn't spend $103 on it from SK, Tool Desk has it listed for $77. but I paid less than that too. I also have a Gearwrench 9" long 120XP that I saw on some kind of super sale on Amazon for about $15. Amazon only shows the Gearwrench 81034 as part of a two ratchet kit for $80 right now.
GearWrench 81034 1/4 Drive Extra Long 120xp Ratchet | ToolDiscounter
81034 1/4 Drive Extra Long 120xp Ratchet. Shop Ratchet Wrench from GearWrench at ToolDiscounter
www.tooldiscounter.com
OP
aheroicdose
Active member
Yeah the gearwrench looked like the best bang for the buck, hopefully msc doesn't eat me alive with shipping.I've got the SK LP90 12", but I didn't, and wouldn't spend $103 on it. I also have a Gearwrench 9" long 120XP that I saw on some kind of super sale on Amazon for about $15. Amazon only shows the Gearwrench 81034 as part of a two ratchet kit for $80 right now.
1/4" Dr LP90 Teardrop Fixed Head Ratchet 12 inch
1/4" Dr LP90 Teardrop Fixed Head Ratchet 12 inch - Innovative 90 tooth ratchet mechanism, Low 4 degree arc swing for ultimate access in the tightest spacessktools.com
GearWrench 81034 1/4 Drive Extra Long 120xp Ratchet | ToolDiscounter
81034 1/4 Drive Extra Long 120xp Ratchet. Shop Ratchet Wrench from GearWrench at ToolDiscounter
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I left out a pretty important part. I don't like the Gearwrench. The handle is way too thin. I'm sure I will run across a time when it's the perfect tool for the job at hand, but it sure hasn't happened yet.
OP
aheroicdose
Active member
I've got an acetate handle I was gonna epoxy to whatever I got. Is it just the handle you don't like? Does it feel like it can survive silverback mode?
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Yes, it's just the handle. It feels like I should use it between my thumb and forefinger instead of in the palm of my hand. I'm sure it can handle anything I can throw at it within reason for 1/4" drive. I'll go take a comparison picture and post it. Back in five.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Titan 11304 is a 12” comfort grip 36t pearhead, non flex, non QR. COO Taiwan. $20.
#11361 is the same ratchet but a slim head version. $25.
#11361 is the same ratchet but a slim head version. $25.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Here it is next to the 12" LP90 and my favorite, the 6-1/2" SK round head. The handle doesn't look that much smaller in the picture, but it is. The gripping part is also really short, as in two fingers and a thumb short,
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techkelly
Well-known member
I had a 9in Matco, used it about three times as much as my short handles.NINE to TWELVE inches in a 1/4" drive?
OP
aheroicdose
Active member
This ... complicates matters.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
1/4" Drive Axis Metal-Handle Ratchet - 9"
1/4" Drive Axis Metal-Handle Ratchet - 9"
www.mactools.com
Snap-on Store
sparky 1971
Well-known member
There's also this but I have no experience with it.
www.circlecsupply.com
Proto® J4750HTC 1/4" Drive Precision 90 Pear Head Ratchet 9" - Full Polish
· 90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing. · Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection. · Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas. · Full polish finish for superior comfort and easy clean up.
www.circlecsupply.com
ZRX61
Well-known member
If you'd like one that feels like it's full of gravel instead of grease I recommend the Kobalt....
OP
aheroicdose
Active member
I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the GW. That SK is tempting, I'll have to keep an eye out for one at a better price.There's also this but I have no experience with it.
Proto® J4750HTC 1/4" Drive Precision 90 Pear Head Ratchet 9" - Full Polish
· 90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing. · Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection. · Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas. · Full polish finish for superior comfort and easy clean up.
Astro nano ratchet 1/4
www.astrotools.com
1/4" Nano Ratchet - Long | Astro Pneumatic Tools
The Astro 91410 1/4" Nano Ratchet-Long, offers the same cost effective solution in a 1/4" drive option. Just like the other nano wrenches in our l ...
www.astrotools.com
mrjaw14
Well-known member
I sure do love my snap on dual 80 series TL72. It's not the required length, but they make a TLL72 that's 9" long. It's pricey if you buy new, but you can get one used on ebay probably.
Amazon.com: VIM Tools HDR410 1/4" dr. Heavy duty 90T ratchet (10" OAL) : Tools & Home Improvement
Buy VIM Tools HDR410 1/4" dr. Heavy duty 90T ratchet (10" OAL): Socket Wrenches - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
VIM 10"
I have maybe 30 Dual 80s and tried one of these from circlesupply on a whim a few months ago. I now have 5 more in both 1/4 and 3/8. I'd definitely recommend them. Backdrag is somewhere between SO and Nepros - very light.There's also this but I have no experience with it.
Proto® J4750HTC 1/4" Drive Precision 90 Pear Head Ratchet 9" - Full Polish
· 90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing. · Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection. · Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas. · Full polish finish for superior comfort and easy clean up.
The 90 tooth 1/4 flex actually worked on a Miata rear shock top hat nut where the SO didn't. The few extra teeth (over SO 72) were just enough.
They're also at Zoro for around the same price, then grab a coupon.
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Only non flex ratchets I own are standard length. 9-12" pushes you into extra long territory which limits the options
What I have in 1/4 drive
I've got a snappy T72 4-5" - no flex
snappy roto w/grip 6-7"
gearwrench 84t lockingflex 6-7"
EZ Red long 1/4 stick, I think 12" (always forget I have this thing, and the backdrag ***** but comes through in a pinch)
And recently bought a snappy duel80 XL flexhead with orange hardhandle 12", she's **** and comes in handy.
I also got a snappy XL flex w/red hardhandle in 3/8 - 18". Was originally going to get matco XL lockingflex's, for the thinner head and locking, but I no longer have a matco truck that stops by... and hardhandle snappys are **** and have a better ratchet mech.
I feel like getting a fixed head is limiting the ratchet, I already have enough invested in ratchets as it is
What I have in 1/4 drive
I've got a snappy T72 4-5" - no flex
snappy roto w/grip 6-7"
gearwrench 84t lockingflex 6-7"
EZ Red long 1/4 stick, I think 12" (always forget I have this thing, and the backdrag ***** but comes through in a pinch)
And recently bought a snappy duel80 XL flexhead with orange hardhandle 12", she's **** and comes in handy.
I also got a snappy XL flex w/red hardhandle in 3/8 - 18". Was originally going to get matco XL lockingflex's, for the thinner head and locking, but I no longer have a matco truck that stops by... and hardhandle snappys are **** and have a better ratchet mech.
I feel like getting a fixed head is limiting the ratchet, I already have enough invested in ratchets as it is
Dakotadadv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 30, 2021
- Messages
- 1,483
set focus I agree, I like the SO T72, standard size for access, and use extensions/universal joint if needed. However OP the price is more than $40 - skip lunch for a week .
.KnurledNut
Well-known member
Ive not used one, but great recommendation! I had forgot about them releasing those.
Pretty good buy @$33 from JDTCo. with free shipping:
https://www.jerseydiscounttoolco.com/product-page/vim-1-4-drive-10-heavy-duty-90t-ratchet
Proto and Mac ratchets are just sbd rebadges of each other with different handlesThere's also this but I have no experience with it.
Proto® J4750HTC 1/4" Drive Precision 90 Pear Head Ratchet 9" - Full Polish
· 90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing. · Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection. · Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas. · Full polish finish for superior comfort and easy clean up.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I think almost everyone knows that. The Mac is also $40 more than the Proto for the same thing.
Yes unless you must have a comfort grip the Mac makes no sense
cherrybomb
Well-known member
I'd do the Proto J4750HTC,have a great ratchet and still have money for lunch
fang123
Well-known member
There's also this but I have no experience with it.
Proto® J4750HTC 1/4" Drive Precision 90 Pear Head Ratchet 9" - Full Polish
· 90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing. · Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection. · Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas. · Full polish finish for superior comfort and easy clean up.
That is a very good price on that ratchet.
ThePostman
Well-known member
Since I bought the matco all the way on the right, it's my go to for tight engine work. The icon roto gets used a lot, as does the sk flex, it all depends on needs. I loved my proto/Mac flex head, until I used the locking flex head matco. I own all these, because depending on the situation, one is better than the other. Some ratchet heads are slimmer than others. Not pictured, wright 6425, the ultimate monster, and matco 30” locking flex head green handle comes next week.
Attachments
CGarage
Well-known member
Astro nano ratchet 1/4
1/4" Nano Ratchet - Long | Astro Pneumatic Tools
The Astro 91410 1/4" Nano Ratchet-Long, offers the same cost effective solution in a 1/4" drive option. Just like the other nano wrenches in our l ...
I love mine. It’s excellent.
And I have many premium brands (Japanese and French and German).