A snap on ratchet question

[FTWingRiders]

I'm just a shade tree kind of guy, and have always gotten by just fine with my Craftsman tools most made in the USA, and I love my butterfly ratchets. Most were my fathers and I still use them to this day trouble free... I've Always admired the professional grade stuff, just never could justify to change the oil and stuff. About a year ago I bought a used craftsman toolbox with an assortment of tools in it. Inside was a snap on F830 3/8" ratchet, which was buried under some ****. Nice! Added what I wanted of the contents into my box, and threw the F830 in the drawer with all craftsman.

Today I reached in for a 3/8 ratchet, and realized that the SO has been the one I've pulled out consistently for a while, so I really looked at it, and thought about it as I used it, and dang it, I really like it. Got me thinking about getting the 1/2" and 1/4" to go with it.

My question.. What years were the F830 from, and what would be the 1/2 and 1/4" models from the same time?

Guess I drank a little of the kook aid...

 

[Stevenn1]

1/2" s832

 

[Stevenn1]

1/4" tm830.
I think they were made in the 1980s.
There is a Date Stamp by the model #.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm not gonna be the guy that says to buy all dual 80s instead, unless you find one cheap because they're superb, but skip the 1/4" tm830 and get yourself a 1/4" SK 40970. They're cheap and the best 1/4" ratchet IMO. Here's one for $24 says brand new http://m.ebay.com/itm/182422056048?...a4a1590a60ca53e4706ffc6de5f|iid:7&_mwBanner=1

 

[MN_Runner]

I'm just a shade tree kind of guy, and have always gotten by just fine with my Craftsman tools most made in the USA, and I love my butterfly ratchets. Most were my fathers and I still use them to this day trouble free... I've Always admired the professional grade stuff, just never could justify to change the oil and stuff. About a year ago I bought a used craftsman toolbox with an assortment of tools in it. Inside was a snap on F830 3/8" ratchet, which was buried under some ****. Nice! Added what I wanted of the contents into my box, and threw the F830 in the drawer with all craftsman.

Today I reached in for a 3/8 ratchet, and realized that the SO has been the one I've pulled out consistently for a while, so I really looked at it, and thought about it as I used it, and dang it, I really like it. Got me thinking about getting the 1/2" and 1/4" to go with it.

My question.. What years were the F830 from, and what would be the 1/2 and 1/4" models from the same time?

Guess I drank a little of the kook aid...

I was like you and ended up getting FL830 (same as your 3/8" except for a longer handle), SL832 (1/2" long handle ratchet) and TL936 (1/4" long handle). I wanted to buy TLM830 but the seller sent TL936 instead. I would say 9 series is smoother than 8 series but these are not as smooth as the newer version (Dual 80 or F80). The On-Off switch on the 8 series ratchet just is not as smooth but some cleaning and lubing should help a lot.

 

[red94chev]

I have an F830 and a SL715 (both given to me by my grandpa). They are both great and I use them but if I were you, I would probably just look for for the newer dual 80 ratchets why you're at it. They really are good ratchets and if you're upgrading, you might as well upgrade all the way.

 

[bczygan]

I'm just a shade tree kind of guy, and have always gotten by just fine with my Craftsman tools most made in the USA, and I love my butterfly ratchets. Most were my fathers and I still use them to this day trouble free... I've Always admired the professional grade stuff, just never could justify to change the oil and stuff. About a year ago I bought a used craftsman toolbox with an assortment of tools in it. Inside was a snap on F830 3/8" ratchet, which was buried under some ****. Nice! Added what I wanted of the contents into my box, and threw the F830 in the drawer with all craftsman.

Today I reached in for a 3/8 ratchet, and realized that the SO has been the one I've pulled out consistently for a while, so I really looked at it, and thought about it as I used it, and dang it, I really like it. Got me thinking about getting the 1/2" and 1/4" to go with it.

My question.. What years were the F830 from, and what would be the 1/2 and 1/4" models from the same time?

Guess I drank a little of the kook aid...

I'll say!

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

If you think the F830 is good, then don't try a dual-80 Never cared for that series [F8xx], many were hard handles if you care for that. The F9xx would be my choice.

Given the usage of a 3/8" ratchet, I don't mind splurging on it.

 

[FTWingRiders]

Thanks for all the info!! Yeah, it's a slippery slope headed down the SO trail... maybe it's my OCD that since I have the 3/8s, I feel I want the 1/4 and 1/2 too but I like the F830 enough to want the set. I like older tools, and I really just play with my own stuff, so I probably don't need top of the line new SO.. I just hope that having these 3 will satisfy my tool addiction for now..LOL

All right.. I admit now I'm looking at the Long handled set too...damn you!!!

 

[JDon99]

You may as well pick yourself up a dual80 ratchet now before you buy a bunch of the older models, THEN pick up a dual80 and decide to build a set of them.

 

[jo4gj]

Buying snap on is a big slippery slope. I recommend saving up for the dual 80. Know I will say this it starts with ratchets then wrenches then sockets then if you have any money left screwdrivers. Also Craigslist and crack heads can save you money

 

[MN_Runner]

Once you buy one SO, you end up buying a few more SO than planned. I have four SO ratchets and two ratchet adapters as of Jan 2017.

 

[FTWingRiders]

You may as well pick yourself up a dual80 ratchet now before you buy a bunch of the older models, THEN pick up a dual80 and decide to build a set of them.

Hmm.. I don't see the problem..

Buying snap on is a big slippery slope. I recommend saving up for the dual 80. Know I will say this it starts with ratchets then wrenches then sockets then if you have any money left screwdrivers. Also Craigslist and crack heads can save you money

Yeah.. that's my fear.. I should have sold it as soon as I found it.. untouched

Once you buy one SO, you end up buying a few more SO than planned. I have four SO ratchets and two ratchet adapters as of Jan 2017.

Oh boy.. it's contagious, I see..

Well, checking ebay nothing came out as a steal.. knowing me, I will be checking back there soon, I'm sure..

 

[earthmover1980]

Yep. U.S. made Craftsman tools from my father. The holy Grail of quality affordable hand tools when you got started. Me too. Sure like those snap on tools, but they were so expensive I only have a few. That's me also. Sometimes though, Snap On is the only one to offer a specialized tool, so I have no choice.

 

[donpauli2]

" I personally " was a mechanic and dealer and mechanic and love Snap-On for most things. Just sit down when you get the price of a new ratchet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jo4gj]

Go to pawn shops and Craigslist.

I have over 2k of snap on I know not a lot but payed about 550 in last two months.

 

[joel63]

Hmm.. I don't see the problem..



Yeah.. that's my fear.. I should have sold it as soon as I found it.. untouched



Oh boy.. it's contagious, I see..

Well, checking ebay nothing came out as a steal.. knowing me, I will be checking back there soon, I'm sure..

Sir, you are in major trouble.


You need to to assess your Needs versus Wants before it's too late.

Opps, too late.

Good luck to you as you begin your slide down the So slope.