3/8 Ratchet Recommendations

[boom_bap]

Why do you want QR so badly, I feel that you're cornering your options. Most ratchets have moved away from QR due to the higher strength with a spring and ball pressure release.

There are good options fixed options from Gearwrench in the 10 inch length, Snap-on in 10inch length, probably many more but they're all solid head, ball detent.

No offense to Tekton, I like there sockets, but their ratchets leave something to be desired. Maybe try out some other stuff in non-qr? Its totally your preference as stated.

Good hunting!

 

[Wamsutta]

As soon as you get in the habit of quick release, all your ratchets have to be quick release.

 

[Andres26tnt]

QR is a preference, and it's also helpful when your sockets become slippery and such. Strength is not an issue because most ratchets all beat the standard anyway.

I also recommend the Koken, excellent strength, size(72t), QR, and back drag. The only real complaints are the small handle size(made for the Asian market), and the switch being "wrong". To me, the switch isn't an issue as I always check the direction with all my ratchets.

 

[BTJHP]

I've been looking for a multipurpose 3/8 ratchet so I only need to carry one tool in my bag so I bought this one to try out as I couldn't decide if it was just a gimmick (I really like it BTW), I know you really want a fixed head and this version is a flexhead, but I believe a fixed head version is available.

You can make it whatever length you like within reason

That's pretty cool. My multi-purpose ratchet is the Pro-Auto STR-F3 3/8".

 

[BTJHP]

QR is a preference, and it's also helpful when your sockets become slippery and such. Strength is not an issue because most ratchets all beat the standard anyway.

I also recommend the Koken, excellent strength, size(72t), QR, and back drag. The only real complaints are the small handle size(made for the Asian market), and the switch being "wrong". To me, the switch isn't an issue as I always check the direction with all my ratchets.

Exactly. Years ago I had a non-QR non-locking flex head and I hated trying to get the sockets off so much I just never used it. Maybe my finger tips just aren't grippy enough.

 

[BTJHP]

I've been looking for a multipurpose 3/8 ratchet so I only need to carry one tool in my bag so I bought this one to try out as I couldn't decide if it was just a gimmick (I really like it BTW), I know you really want a fixed head and this version is a flexhead, but I believe a fixed head version is available.

You can make it whatever length you like within reason

I just noticed in your video that your Wurth ratchet is the same as my Pro-Auto STR-F3 except 1/2 inch drive. I think the grip on the Wurth might be a little better though. Do you have the part number for the Wurth ratchet and do they make it in 3/8?

 

[WWheeler]

I've given up hope that Tekton will make a 12" non-flex 3/8 ratchet so I would like to hear some recommendations for the following criteria.

3/8 drive quick release
11 or 12 inches long
Less than $50
fixed head, non-flex
72 tooth or greater
selector lever to the left for "on"
repairable / able to disassemble
not made in PR China, Taiwan is fine

basically I'm wanting Tekton to ODM a non-flex version of their 12" flex head ratchet

Here's a post of mine from a few months ago on another thread when I got the Astro 93812.
12" long, 72 tooth, quick release, great little ratchet.

Just got this Astro 12" long handled 3/8" in a 1/4" head ratchet (# 93812) that seems to fit the OP's wants. For under $25 seems well made. I think I'm going to like it.

EDIT: Did also confirm the selector does go to the 'left' for 'On', Made in Taiwan, and has a C-Clip on the drive side for disassembly, though it looks like the kind that is going to try it's best to fly off into a nether world never to be seen on planet earth again, and I don't suspect parts would be made available for it.

I believe that it does meet all of the OP's stated criteria.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Exactly. Years ago I had a non-QR non-locking flex head and I hated trying to get the sockets off so much I just never used it. Maybe my finger tips just aren't grippy enough.

Yep on some ratchets I've have to use pliers because they where so tight in the anvil.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

If you don't want to spend $ Craftsman V series may be good enough at Lowes. Different drive size but my Craftsman 1/2 drive V series ratchet is not bad but not as smooth as the Snap on S80A.

 

[richfinn]

I just noticed in your video that your Wurth ratchet is the same as my Pro-Auto STR-F3 except 1/2 inch drive. I think the grip on the Wurth might be a little better though. Do you have the part number for the Wurth ratchet and do they make it in 3/8?

That's not actually me it's some German dude (technically I'm British) that I follow on yt

But I do have a Wurth account and will gladly have a look for you

 

[BTJHP]

If you don't want to spend $ Craftsman V series may be good enough at Lowes. Different drive size but my Craftsman 1/2 drive V series ratchet is not bad but not as smooth as the Snap on S80A.

I think V series are non-QR. I did see a regular Craftsman series that's 10 or 11 inches long though.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I never understood the obsession with the direction lever orientation, but that's probably because I primarily used round head ratchets for 30+ years until modernizing a few years ago. I'm used to just putting on a socket, grip the socket, rotate the handle to see which way the ratchet's set, and then change if necessary- without even looking at it prior. At some point I will learn to look at the lever first; all of my newer (last two years) ratchets are "correct" and what the OP likes- Tekton, GW, Matco, SO....

Snap-On has "off" and "on", yet I still double check when a socket goes on. Weird habit I developed forever ago. It's saved my **** a few times with small fasteners at the end of a long day when your brain starts to get loopy.

-Ryan

 

[VolvoRyan]

QR is a preference, and it's also helpful when your sockets become slippery and such. Strength is not an issue because most ratchets all beat the standard anyway.

One nice thing about QR is that it's also "no-release" unless you want it to be. Handy feature when you're wrenching in some scary hole.

-Ryan

 

[WWheeler]

One nice thing about QR is that it's also "no-release" unless you want it to be. Handy feature when you're wrenching in some scary hole.

-Ryan

Usually true, but I have definitely had QR ratchets drop my socket when the button got pressed because it was in a tight spot where it wouldn't have happened with a non QR ratchet.

 

[Nessism]

The 'B' indicates quick release.

The part # will have a '-72' at the end to designate the new 72t ratchets.

I recently bought a 3725Z and it's 72T. Bought from Amazon.

 

[M6erfan]

I recently bought a 3725Z and it's 72T. Bought from Amazon.

Yeah, I'm going to go with Ko-ken's own website over Amazon descriptions.

 

[Nessism]

double post (delete)

 

[Nessism]

Yeah, I'm going to go with Ko-ken's own website over Amazon descriptions.

I counted the teeth. Not going off description.

 

[sparky 1971]

As soon as you get in the habit of quick release, all your ratchets have to be quick release.

I'm the opposite. All I knew for yearswas QR ratchets. Then I got my first SK round head and all the QR's were given away.

 

[BTJHP]

No offense to Tekton, I like there sockets, but their ratchets leave something to be desired. Maybe try out some other stuff in non-qr? Its totally your preference as stated.

Good hunting!

Don't get me wrong, I've got a lot of other ratchets and I like my Wright 3425 and Proto J5250XL (which might be the best deal on a USA made ratchet at $35) which are both 45 tooth I think but I like the Tekton warranty and decent build quality. I loan or let other people use my tools under supervision and if something breaks it's not a big deal. I've used Tekton warranty twice and both times it was very easy. Not to say Proto or Wright don't have the warranty and if my Proto J5250XL was a higher tooth count with quick release it would be near perfect.

 

[M6erfan]

I counted the teeth. Not going off description.

Dude, the Ko-ken part number in the Amazon listing was obviously wrong.

 

[Nessism]

Dude, the Ko-ken part number in the Amazon listing was obviously wrong.

The 3725Z part number is on the box.

 

[KnurledNut]

 

[M6erfan]

From Ko-ken USA website . . .



The SKU clearly has a '-72T'

Z-Series

What is the Z-Series? Koken Z-Series is designed for lower profile applications in difficult to get to locations. Recent year garage tools (automobile maintenance tools) are requested to respond working at narrow space of engine rooms. There is severe situation that the standard of socket...

kokenusa.com

Palmac's website shows the same, but DRPD's website doesn't. Odd. Seems to be some discrepancy in the part numbers for the 72T ratchets. Maybe it's a Ko-ken USA thing.

 

[KnurledNut]

@M6erfan
Seems so. I looked at some pics of the actual box on eBay and it doesn’t have “-72” as a continuation of the part number, but does say “72t” AFTER the P/N so maybe that got interpreted as part of it.

 

[M6erfan]

@M6erfan
Seems so. I looked at some pics of the actual box on eBay and it doesn’t have “-72” as a continuation of the part number, but does say “72t” AFTER the P/N so maybe that got interpreted as part of it.

I know that when the 72T's were first released, the use of the same part number was a bit confusing because there was still quite a few 36t in inventory and it was kind of a **** shoot on what one would actually receive. Maybe Ko-ken USA put the '-72T' designation to better control inventory and reduce returns or something. I think these days most of the 36T ratchets are out of inventory so maybe not much of an issue.

 

[dscheidt]

I never think of where the lever is. just grab the socket and rotate in my hand first to make sure it's in the right direction, probably waste a few seconds each time, just one of many reasons I could never pay the bills as a pro wrencher

there are plenty of situations where you need to pickup the ratchet and get it in use with one hand. A lever with the wrong swing screws that up. (So do round head ones, for that matter, which is why pros don't like them)

 

[M6erfan]

there are plenty of situations where you need to pickup the ratchet and get it in use with one hand. A lever with the wrong swing screws that up. (So do round head ones, for that matter, which is why pros don't like them)

If by 'pro' you mean using a ratchet nearly everyday and getting paid for their work, then I guess I'm in that camp

I can see your point, but I pretty much do what @RAS61 mentions above, even after decades of wrenching. I like my Facom round heads just fine, they can be switched one handed (thumbed) if necessary. I have a mix of ratchets, and the direction lever is hardly a thought.

 

[reddog289]

This has got me looking for another ratchet. I have plenty but don't like them as much as my old. Craftsman one that came with my set.

 

[Steve_P]

Snap-On has "off" and "on", yet I still double check when a socket goes on. Weird habit I developed forever ago. It's saved my **** a few times with small fasteners at the end of a long day when your brain starts to get loopy.

-Ryan

All of my old ratchets were round head except for one old 1/2 SO (with the on/off) and a few 10+ year old Williams that were the old SO designs. But since 90% were round head, I just never paid attention to the selector orientation; and I still don't.

 

[Steve_P]

No offense to Tekton, I like there sockets, but their ratchets leave something to be desired. Maybe try out some other stuff in non-qr? Its totally your preference as stated.

I have a few of the 90T Tektons and feel they're about the same as the Gearwrench 90T. I do prefer the GW because of the selection lever easy access, chamfer on the head, and stamped logo head. Otherwise, I feel they're quite similar, except for Tekton's selection is very much lacking.

 

[Steve_P]

QR is a preference, and it's also helpful when your sockets become slippery and such. Strength is not an issue because most ratchets all beat the standard anyway.

Yes, it's a preference. But QR makes the head thicker, with the giant button sticking up. And in 1/4 drive, the QR makes the anvil significantly weaker; all of the QR ratchets failed significantly lower than standard in that PF test. So yeah, it's a preference: ease of socket removal vs. thicker head and weaker anvil.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Yes, it's a preference. But QR makes the head thicker, with the giant button sticking up. And in 1/4 drive, the QR makes the anvil significantly weaker; all of the QR ratchets failed significantly lower than standard in that PF test. So yeah, it's a preference: ease of socket removal vs. thicker head and weaker anvil.

QR has different standards and PF isn't an actual proper test anyway(flawed testing), You have multiple sizes for QR so it is not an issue. I have multiple ratchets all my non-QR ratchets are thicker, for example, my proto 90t. The slimmest heads are my QR Stahlwhille 80t and Koken 72t QRs, the Stahlwille has a nice recessed button. If your braking ratchets left and right it's not a ratchet "issue", it is a user issue. The poster wants a QR so not sure why even suggesting non-QR ratchets. FYI I'm an A&P mechanic, use my rachets every day, I've only broken 1/4 ratchets via using them wrong(excessive torque). All this is preference, which is why i recommend what the poster wants.

 

[BTJHP]

But QR makes the head thicker, with the giant button sticking

I don't like giant buttons sticking out either. That's another reason I like the QR on the Tekton, Powerbuilt/Blackhawk/Tone rebrands, or Infar ratchets.

 

[M6erfan]

QR has different standards and PF isn't an actual proper test anyway(flawed testing), You have multiple sizes for QR so it is not an issue. I have multiple ratchets all my non-QR ratchets are thicker, for example, my proto 90t. The slimmest heads are my QR Stahlwhille 80t and Koken 72t QRs, the Stahlwille has a nice recessed button. If your braking ratchets left and right it's not a ratchet "issue", it is a user issue. The poster wants a QR so not sure why even suggesting non-QR ratchets. FYI I'm an A&P mechanic, use my rachets every day, I've only broken 1/4 ratchets via using them wrong(excessive torque). All this is preference, which is why i recommend what the poster wants.

In 1/4" drive ratchets I really like QR. I have many of them, my S-o TR72 is my most used ratchet. Never have broke one.

 

[Andres26tnt]

In 1/4" drive ratchets I really like QR. I have many of them, my S-o TR72 is my most used ratchet. Never have broke one.

Yeah that was totally my fault, used it on a bigger fastest and basically used my whole body weight to try and loosing it . I like the S-O , we got the dual 80 just not QR.

 

[M6erfan]

Yeah that was totally my fault, used it on a bigger fastest and basically used my whole body weight to try and loosing it . I like the S-O , we got the dual 80 just not QR.

I hear ya. I almost always start with the smallest drive size that I think is appropriate. Lighter, faster, better control. But if I sense something is amiss, I'll go to a bigger drive size or get the ugga dugga out.

 

[BTJHP]

Tekton is coming out with a 12 inch 3/8's drive ratchet next month.

Not seeing it

 

[m6z]

Carlyle?

 

[FigN⋅m]

3/8 Inch Drive x 12 Inch Quick-Release Comfort Grip Ratchet

Would this be it?