$150 For THREE Ratchets

[Dynasty]

Knowing what you know now...

If you had to start over and had $150 to purchase a 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchet, what specific make and model would you choose? New or used, it doesn't matter.

Will $150 worth of ratchets provide years of trouble free service?

 

[woody 73]

Wish I would have a CL over 40 years ago back then with my knowledge that $150.00 dollars would have bought me a boat load of used ratchets.

 

[AmishFury]

SK 40970
Snap-On FH80
MATCO CFR158T

purchase all used and maybe even have some money left

 

[1950mercury]

Buy 80 tooth snap on on eBay....for half price.

 

[AmishFury]

Buy 80 tooth snap on on eBay....for half price.

if you're patient or lucky you could squeeze all three sizes in standard length chrome handle within $150... average going rate would land you closer to $175+

 

[Triple macs]

Armstrong 88's from Epstein.

1/4" 10-992 $32
3/8" 11-992 $38
1/2" 12-992 $60
88 tooth repair kit $14.50

Total $144.50

 

[MDK22]

I would own the same ones I own now. Only difference is I bought all mine new. I am a big rig technician so my tools take a beating.

1/4" Used Snap-On THRLF72

3/8" Expert E031702

1/2" Expert E032803

I have broken the 1/4" twice now. First time was cross threaded and rusted exhaust manifold bolt. Second improperly repaired by SO guy after first time it was broken.

3/8" my mentor broke on his 15mm hex head caliper mounting bracket bolts. Once again seized due to rust and heat. Rebuild kit would have fixed it but, the head pin/hole was also worn from heavy heavy use.

1/2" I can jump on the end of it at 278'lbs and not break it. I have also used my foot against it.

All of which have lifetime warranty. All were replaced free of charge. Only down side is the Experts are pinned and can not be tightened easily.

 

[nine4gmc]

I'll be the one. Harbor Freight will get you:

$12.99 - 1/4" Swivel Head 96781
$15.99 - 3/8" Swivel Head 96782
$19.99 - 1/2" Swivel Head 96783

$16.99 - 1/4" Low Profile 62329
$19.99 - 3/8" Low Profile 62321
$19.99 - 1/2" Low Profile 62330

$24.99 - 3/8" Flex Head Long Handle 62333
$29.99 - 1/2" Flex Head Long Handle 62332
-----------------------------------------
$160.92 Minus 20% off = $128.74 It would take a few trips to use the 20% off coupon on every single one of them but you get eight ratchets for under your budget. Everyone NEEDS a swivel head ratchet, standard length and long ratchet in their tool box.

 

[Murphy4570]

I'd buy my Snap-On ones all over again. But I'd buy more of it used on CL than I did last time....tool truck shinies got me good over the years.

 

[gtg082y]

Used Snap On -936 ratchets... 1/4 long non-flex, 3/8 long flex, 1/2 long non-flex. Should be able to get them all for well under $150 on Ebay.

 

[Karl_B]

For a basic, versatile set of ratchets, I like the Proto Premium Pear Head Ratchets:

J4749XL
J5249XL
J5249XL or J5250XL if you prefer a longer 1/2" drive ratchet.

If I'm not grabbing a super small or flex head ratchet, I'm reaching for one of those Proto models. They do tend to weigh a bit more than most of my other ratchets, but I can usually work them so that the weight returns them on the ratcheting swing. It works out pretty well.

 

[jrobb316]

Used Snap On -936 ratchets... 1/4 long non-flex, 3/8 long flex, 1/2 long non-flex. Should be able to get them all for well under $150 on Ebay.

I really like the 936 ratchets. I own several of them and some dual 80s. If only buying 3 I'd buy all flex heads. Dual 80 3/8 and 936 1/4 and 1/2. 1/2 may only be available in dual 80 with flex head (I have that one).

 

[d.mcfarland]

Armstrong 88's from Epstein.

1/4" 10-992 $32
3/8" 11-992 $38
1/2" 12-992 $60
88 tooth repair kit $14.50

Total $144.50

That's a good choice right there.

 

[jlipsky14]

This is where my $150 would go if I were to start over.

Gearwrench 120xp 4 pc flex head set and an Armstrong 3/8

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5G7LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-drive-armstrong-aerospace-ratchet-88-tooth.html

Or for a few $ over

Gearwrench 120xp 2 pc cushion grip, armstrong 1/2in 88, and armstrong 3/8in 88

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXUY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-2-drive-armstrong-ratchet-88-tooth.html

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-drive-armstrong-aerospace-ratchet-88-tooth.html

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I'll be the one. Harbor Freight will get you:

$12.99 - 1/4" Swivel Head 96781
$15.99 - 3/8" Swivel Head 96782
$19.99 - 1/2" Swivel Head 96783

$16.99 - 1/4" Low Profile 62329
$19.99 - 3/8" Low Profile 62321
$19.99 - 1/2" Low Profile 62330

$24.99 - 3/8" Flex Head Long Handle 62333
$29.99 - 1/2" Flex Head Long Handle 62332
-----------------------------------------
$160.92 Minus 20% off = $128.74 It would take a few trips to use the 20% off coupon on every single one of them but you get eight ratchets for under your budget. Everyone NEEDS a swivel head ratchet, standard length and long ratchet in their tool box.

 

[oldldh]

GearWrench---

I know, they're not a U.S. company, but Taiwan does make some nice tools, at reasonable prices...

Of course, you'd get more than three ratchets for your $150.00...

But, we all can't be perfect...

#1) GearWrench #81206P....3pc Dual Pawl 120 click(3 degree swing) Ratchet Set...$ 65.59

#2) GearWrench #81215P....3/8" Drive Dual Pawl 120 click Flexhead Ratchet...$ 34.92...

#3) GearWrench #81306P....1/2" Drive Dual Pawl 120 click Flexhead Ratchet...$ 38.83

Or...Stretch you budget a smidgen, and get the four pc set Flexhead Ratchet set, and get a stubby 3/8" drive, and a 1/4" drive...For $ 94.97...

$10.50 above and below your budget---5 or 7 ratchets...

HMMM!!!

(Some members have said that I push GearWrench too much...but they are the "mostest for the leastest", that I've found...)

www.tooldiscounter.com ---Price source...

 

[AmishFury]

It would take a few trips to use the 20% off coupon on every single one of them

unless you get that person that will just let you do multiple transactions

 

[nine4gmc]

I have that 1/2" drive thin profile ratchet and it is nice but honestly the HF swivel head is my go-to ratchet in ALL sizes. There are seldom times I don't want a ratchet to swivel and will use it or other standard ratchets but if you have not used a swivel head, you don't know what you are missing...

 

[Wamsutta]

I'd be tempted to buy Cornwell 72 tooth ratchets if I was starting over.

 

[Virgil Cain]

I'll be the one. Harbor Freight will get you:

$12.99 - 1/4" Swivel Head 96781
$15.99 - 3/8" Swivel Head 96782
$19.99 - 1/2" Swivel Head 96783

$16.99 - 1/4" Low Profile 62329
$19.99 - 3/8" Low Profile 62321
$19.99 - 1/2" Low Profile 62330

$24.99 - 3/8" Flex Head Long Handle 62333
$29.99 - 1/2" Flex Head Long Handle 62332
-----------------------------------------
$160.92 Minus 20% off = $128.74 It would take a few trips to use the 20% off coupon on every single one of them but you get eight ratchets for under your budget. Everyone NEEDS a swivel head ratchet, standard length and long ratchet in their tool box.

And those are damn good ratchets.

 

[nine4gmc]

I would put them up against the Snap On they were made after any day.

Same warranty, less hassle swapping them out too for the average person that don't have a truck coming by once a week.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

My first choice would be Dual 80's off of ebay. Second choice would be the Armstrong 88's. Ratchets are a mechanic's most used tool, so why not get something nice when they last a lifetime?

 

[unslow1]

I'll be the one. Harbor Freight will get you:

$12.99 - 1/4" Swivel Head 96781
$15.99 - 3/8" Swivel Head 96782
$19.99 - 1/2" Swivel Head 96783

$16.99 - 1/4" Low Profile 62329
$19.99 - 3/8" Low Profile 62321
$19.99 - 1/2" Low Profile 62330

$24.99 - 3/8" Flex Head Long Handle 62333
$29.99 - 1/2" Flex Head Long Handle 62332
-----------------------------------------
$160.92 Minus 20% off = $128.74 It would take a few trips to use the 20% off coupon on every single one of them but you get eight ratchets for under your budget. Everyone NEEDS a swivel head ratchet, standard length and long ratchet in their tool box.

I own at least one of pretty much every major brand and I think I'd do the same. I'd probably add at least a couple of the composites. I work on a lot of show cars and use those a lot.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would opt for Carlyle. They have a three piece ratchet set for like $60 on sale. I would then use the left over money to get two flex head 90 tooth models.

 

[shoggoth80]

****. I don't know if I could do it in $150. I really like my roto-heads, and longer handles.
HF seems to be putting out some rather nice rats lately, in a variety of sizes/designs. I'd probably go that route to maximize variety.

If it HAD to be a set of 3 within $150? Nope. Just can't do it. I think I'd be compromising more than I want.

Maybe the old SK roto in 3/8" off eBay, the GW 1/4" roto, and the HF 1/2" roto? Or the GW 3/8" and 1/4" set + the HF roto in 1/2"? To stir the pot a little.

Edit: It looks like Titan makes a long handle roto. No cushy grip though.

 

[Gareth68]

I have not picked up my standard snap on 3/8 dual 80 ratchet since I bought my gear wrench flex 2 years ago.

I still use the snap on 1/4 drive more often then the gear wrench 1/4 flex though...most likely because it is in the set case.

I think I'd just go gear wrench and call it good if doing it over.

 

[Zeroek]

With $150 I'd probably buy 3 mac ratchets from the flea market. 1/4" for 20, 3/8" flex for 40, and a 1/2" for 30. All new besides the 1/2". Then use the rest on gearwrench sockets or HF long 1/2" flex ratchet.

 

[Dynasty]

Thanks for the suggestions!

For a DIYer and weekend mechanic it seems any of the suggestions will be OK right?

Side question - when looking at older SK ratchets, what specific model numbers are good choices?

 

[shoggoth80]

Yeah. I think any of the suggestions would be fine for a weekend wrench. I think that SK only made the one model roto? I've only ever seen the one. I think there are a few on eBay at the moment. Tempted to bid on one myself.

I think good used pro grade stuff would be a solid investment.

 

[nine4gmc]

Jut remember, it's harder for the average DIYer to warranty pro grade tools bought second hand(not to mention immoral) than it is to warranty new store items with receipts.

 

[Davefr]

Knowing what you know now...

If you had to start over and had $150 to purchase a 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchet, what specific make and model would you choose? New or used, it doesn't matter.

Will $150 worth of ratchets provide years of trouble free service?

SK 45170, SK 40970 and SK 42470. They've passed the test of time with flying colors and rebuild kits are free from SK. (but it's rare that you'd need one)

All three can be purchased used from g-sales for about $5/ea.

I'd pocket the $135 savings to use for other tools.

Now if the objective was to spend all of the $150, I'd have a different answer.

I also agree with Nine. HF has really stepped up to the plate with their ratchet lineup. They're high quality ratchets and incredibly low prices. Not that far from tool truck quality. If anyone doesn't agree with that, they must not be open minded IMHO.

 

[shoggoth80]

My thoughts were that DIY likely wouldn't need to warranty.
I'll agree that HF seems to have stepped up, and warranty swapping them is pretty easy should you have to.

 

[trxrx7]

used dual 80's or new gearwrench 120xp set

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

All would have to be used since they no longer make 2 of these but I would get the following SK ratchets.

SK 48975 1/4" RHFT Long handle
SK 43175 3/8" RHFT Long handle
SK 40170 1/2" Long handle

 

[d.mcfarland]

^ So you would be out of luck in tight spaces? Probably not the best picks.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

^ So you would be out of luck in tight spaces? Probably not the best picks.

That is your opinion and your entitled to it, but based on my experience those are the ratchets I use the most, and as much as I like my Snap on ratchets I would skip those and go with the SKs.

For my needs these work great 99% of the time, for the other 1% I have wrenches.

In addition based on what I paid for the 3 ratchets I have I would have $50 left over and could also pick up the short handle versions if I so desired, which I also own, but never use.

 

[EGLIDE73]

check out Napa..3rd quarter Real Deals
all 72t, 90t & 100t Carlyle ratchets on sale

 

[WhiffySpark]

^ So you would be out of luck in tight spaces? Probably not the best picks.

I never use standard length ratchets. I have 2 that just sit there and collect dust. Even 1/4 I use long

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Armstrong 88's from Epstein.

1/4" 10-992 $32
3/8" 11-992 $38
1/2" 12-992 $60
88 tooth repair kit $14.50

Total $144.50

Correct answer, right here. Or buy the GW versions since they have the locking lever now.

 

[techenthusiast]

Correct answer, right here. Or buy the GW versions since they have the locking lever now.

How can I find locking flex gear wrench 120 set????? I've been wanting tgat! Didn't know they make it