I thought it would be fun to compare some 3/8 ratchets all from similar time period. The three I have are S-K Wayne 45170, New Britain NB44 and an Indestro Super 2775.
The NB and Indestro Super are 7.25" and the SK is 7.5. The thicker header of the SK makes it a little longer. The NB44 has the most teeth at 60, followed closely by the IS (52) and lastly the SK (40).
The 2775 has the smallest head which measures roughly 1 1/4" wide by 13/16" thick. The NB has the same width but a little thicker coming in at just over 7/8". SK has the widest head (1 3/8") but is the same thickness as the 2775. All measurements included the selector but not the anvil.
The SK is the heaviest and IS is the lightest. I like the more aggressive knurling of the SK as well. The NB and IS have almost the same handle. All of them feel strong in your hand. The SK and IS can switch directions with one hand. The NB required both hands to change.
The SK has the smoothest action. The NB has the loudest clicks and the IS has the lowest back drag. Depending on your preference, it's hard to decide which is ratchet is the best.
The 45170 is the ratchet I used every day. It just feels stronger. The NB was my grandfather's and covered in rust. I removed the rust but most of the chrome plating was gone so I sanded it down and painted it. Since it has some sentimental value to me, I only use it for easy jobs. I don't use the 2775 very much since I have all kinds of other 3/8 ratchets to choose from and if I ever break it, parts are no longer available. I got it for free but I still want it to last.
I use to think Craftsman was the golden standard since that what most of my family used. After handling these three ratchets I can't believe my granddad only had one NB. These tools were simple and strong and will last a lifetime. Only the Craftsman RHFT ratchet could compare to these ratchets. If you couldn't tell, round head ratchets are my favorite and these 3 ratchets are a big reason why. I hoped you enjoyed the long post and feel free to add anything.
The NB and Indestro Super are 7.25" and the SK is 7.5. The thicker header of the SK makes it a little longer. The NB44 has the most teeth at 60, followed closely by the IS (52) and lastly the SK (40).
The 2775 has the smallest head which measures roughly 1 1/4" wide by 13/16" thick. The NB has the same width but a little thicker coming in at just over 7/8". SK has the widest head (1 3/8") but is the same thickness as the 2775. All measurements included the selector but not the anvil.
The SK is the heaviest and IS is the lightest. I like the more aggressive knurling of the SK as well. The NB and IS have almost the same handle. All of them feel strong in your hand. The SK and IS can switch directions with one hand. The NB required both hands to change.
The SK has the smoothest action. The NB has the loudest clicks and the IS has the lowest back drag. Depending on your preference, it's hard to decide which is ratchet is the best.
The 45170 is the ratchet I used every day. It just feels stronger. The NB was my grandfather's and covered in rust. I removed the rust but most of the chrome plating was gone so I sanded it down and painted it. Since it has some sentimental value to me, I only use it for easy jobs. I don't use the 2775 very much since I have all kinds of other 3/8 ratchets to choose from and if I ever break it, parts are no longer available. I got it for free but I still want it to last.
I use to think Craftsman was the golden standard since that what most of my family used. After handling these three ratchets I can't believe my granddad only had one NB. These tools were simple and strong and will last a lifetime. Only the Craftsman RHFT ratchet could compare to these ratchets. If you couldn't tell, round head ratchets are my favorite and these 3 ratchets are a big reason why. I hoped you enjoyed the long post and feel free to add anything.
