Hi, I am looking to buy some decent quality ratchets. I currently just own basic starters from tool kits such as craftsman raised panels. I want some good quality finer toothed ratchets but don't want to spend a whole lot of money. I been looking at various brand but am blown away by the price differences between them. Just looking for suggestions. Thanks
Advice on buying Ratchets
- Thread starter Cervidae
- Start date
crewchief888
Well-known member
i have a couple of kobalt and duralast ratchets that are good for the price.
they work just as well as my SO, matco, and cornwell ratchets do.
they work just as well as my SO, matco, and cornwell ratchets do.
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
Armstrong aerospace ratchets 1/4 and 3/8 are 88 tooth. for some season the 1/2 is 60 tooth.
kendogg
Well-known member
For something moderately priced, for a basic ratchet - I like the Harbor Freight poly ratchets. Fairly fine tooth, and very little play. I have an extended handle Craftsman 3/8 drive ratchet that I've only broken once. if I were the type to put pipes on my ratchets more often, i'd buy Snap-on/Mac, etc., but for most people that don't do things like that, generic stuff works fine.
Canoman
Well-known member
SMKS
Well-known member
Even the 60 tooth Armstrong ratchets are very nice. The locking flex ratchet is one of my personal favorites.
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/
There have been some reports that the locking flexes are shipping with 88 teeth, but I haven't seen anything official from Apex.
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/
There have been some reports that the locking flexes are shipping with 88 teeth, but I haven't seen anything official from Apex.
Armstrong, Gearwrench and the non-raised panel, full polish Craftsmans are all good choices that won't break the bank. As mentioned here Harry Epstein is a great place to shop-- also look up the 3/8" Wright ratchet (approx $25, don't have the link on me) they sell, another bang-for-the-buck winner.
sberry
Banned
This is a case some shopping is in order, I will agree its worth the bang for the buck deal. A couple of the best I own with most service and least work have been Tiawan over the counter from the parts stores. I think I lost about the only good 3/8 sears I ever had or maybe trade it in and get junk back. not such an issue for 1/2 but smaller ones it makes a difference. I am not above looking at HF.
After 20 yrs in our general circulation pool we finally lose the grip, I am going to slide a hose over it. This has got to be one of the best I ever own, not so much as a loose screw and had use way beyond what any single guy could give it, 20 yrs and still only about half worn out. Fine, smooth and strong. 2 SK in the pool needed reman, a Napa about as useless as a Sears, I really dont bother with them anymore, some day will take a couple back and try it again. Last time got ones back didnt even use them, went straight to the junk drawer.
After 20 yrs in our general circulation pool we finally lose the grip, I am going to slide a hose over it. This has got to be one of the best I ever own, not so much as a loose screw and had use way beyond what any single guy could give it, 20 yrs and still only about half worn out. Fine, smooth and strong. 2 SK in the pool needed reman, a Napa about as useless as a Sears, I really dont bother with them anymore, some day will take a couple back and try it again. Last time got ones back didnt even use them, went straight to the junk drawer.
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cburnscrx
Well-known member
Somebody recently did a ratchet reveiw recently (Im thinking Family Handyman magazine), and the Kobalt was the best buy/winner. It's a 72 tooth, full polish, and has a lifetime warranty. I can't vouch for it, but that's what I remember
I have/had a couple of cheap ratchets over my years
Stanley - Broke, but they replaced it within warranty, kept returning to center and I didn't use it all that hard.
Craftsman - Stolen, but it too was dying.
ACE Professional - Pretty beaten up, but still ticking
Task Force - about 7 years old, still works, but was never very smooth, kinda clunky
Performance Tool - Cheap car set, don't bother
Tool Shop - about 10 years old, 72 tooth, still ticking (from Menards) unfortunately they don't make this style anymore. It's considerably nicer than what they have now.
I have/had a couple of cheap ratchets over my years
Stanley - Broke, but they replaced it within warranty, kept returning to center and I didn't use it all that hard.
Craftsman - Stolen, but it too was dying.
ACE Professional - Pretty beaten up, but still ticking
Task Force - about 7 years old, still works, but was never very smooth, kinda clunky
Performance Tool - Cheap car set, don't bother
Tool Shop - about 10 years old, 72 tooth, still ticking (from Menards) unfortunately they don't make this style anymore. It's considerably nicer than what they have now.
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
I have the craftsman premium and Armstrong aerospace ratchets at home. I have the snap on dual 80 ratchets at work and i had to get them to special order my Armstrong locking flex ratchet. I put an 88 tooth kit in it.
my only complaint about the Armstrong is they are not sealed so thin oil will leak out.
my only complaint about the Armstrong is they are not sealed so thin oil will leak out.
Conductor562
Well-known member
If COO isn't important to you the new 72 tooth Kobalt's are nice ratchets. They're very smooth and have a good feel about them.
expatriated
Well-known member
I have Hazet, Snap-on and others. By far, the best bang for the buck are the Toptul ratchets. I don't know if you could find one but I absolutely LOVE them. I use them more than the rest I have.
My vote goes to the Facom pear head 72 teeth... I have been using these
ratchets since they first came out over a year ago, and still every time I
use them I like them better. Very tight mechanism, very strong and
very comfortable. If you are in the USA, Steve at the Ultimate Garage can
sell you all 3 drive sizes for $140.... Less than the price of one Snap on 1/2"
dual 80 ratchet.
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=5352
facom ratchets
facom ratchet
ratchets since they first came out over a year ago, and still every time I
use them I like them better. Very tight mechanism, very strong and
very comfortable. If you are in the USA, Steve at the Ultimate Garage can
sell you all 3 drive sizes for $140.... Less than the price of one Snap on 1/2"
dual 80 ratchet.
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=5352
facom ratchets
facom ratchet
Steevo
Well-known member
This double 1/4" x 3/8" ratchet from HF has become one of my favorite tools:
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-7-double-head-ratchet-wrench-67993.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-7-double-head-ratchet-wrench-67993.html
Conductor562
Well-known member
The Kobalt's are made by Rotar who also makes Toptul. Very similar ratchets.
HandsomeDan
Well-known member
If you're interested, check the link in my sig. I've been using one of these Allen ratchets for awhile now, and I have no complaints. I gave one to my father, and my father-in-law, as well.
expatriated
Well-known member
I was unaware of that. I haven't looked at Kobalt tools since they left the US. But, the ratchet does look very similar online. I may have to pick up a couple for extras. Thanks!
btbsandman
Well-known member
Take a look into Proto if COO needs to be USA.
IF COO isnt an issue I go to Genius Hard Handles 72 teeth.
IF COO isnt an issue I go to Genius Hard Handles 72 teeth.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Best US made ratchet for the money, Armstrong Maxx 60 or 88 tooth version.
Best imported ratchet for the money, Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth versions (offered in a wide assortment of lengths, handle types, flex head, etc).
I said it, I meant it, let the knashing of teeth commence
Buy what feels good in your hand, what you can afford, and what will serve your needs well...
Best imported ratchet for the money, Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth versions (offered in a wide assortment of lengths, handle types, flex head, etc).
I said it, I meant it, let the knashing of teeth commence
Buy what feels good in your hand, what you can afford, and what will serve your needs well...
Conductor562
Well-known member
The Kobalt's a genetic copies of the Titan branded ratchets (also made by Rotar). Taiwan or not, they have a very smooth mechanism that's pleasant to use.
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expatriated
Well-known member
I don't particularly care for the looks of those but if those Kobalt's are as good as my Toptul, then I'll get a couple. I don't like admitting it but that Taiwanese Toptul stuff beats some USA made stuff
Sad, but true. Anyway, I enjoy the quality. Wish they were easier to acquire.I have several ratchets, but have to admit the first one I reach for is the HF composite. Not sure that would be my choice if I was only to have one ratchet, but it is my favorite.
I like the Gearwrench ratchets, although I prefer QR ratchets. I really am not too fond of my Craftsman Thin Profile - it's just heavy and doesn't feel right. I think I'd like to replace the Thin Profile with one of those Armstrongs.
I like the Gearwrench ratchets, although I prefer QR ratchets. I really am not too fond of my Craftsman Thin Profile - it's just heavy and doesn't feel right. I think I'd like to replace the Thin Profile with one of those Armstrongs.
Conductor562
Well-known member
I would say check out SK as they're affordable, good quality, and USA made, but they aren't always so "fine tooth" compared to these new 80+ things. You can check them out here though: http://http://www.tooltopia.com/search.aspx?manufacturer=37&category=3684
mrjaw14
Well-known member
I had mainly craftsman raised panel for most of my life. Then I bought a husky fine tooth at a pawn shop for like $5. the fine tooth mechanism changed my world. soon I got a kobalt fine tooth and like it too. My dad got me this horrible husky extendable flex head ratchet for Christmas one year. horrible because the head wasn't fixed in relation to the handle, so it could spin 360 degrees. kinda made it hard to have a socket on it and get it into position....but the flex head was awesome. I also have a round head SK ratchet I got from my grandfather. I find myself using that more and more, but I'm not a super big fan of round heads because the mechanism is partially formed into the head of the ratchet, so if it breaks it's not repairable.
recently I got the Armstrong MAXX series locking flex heads in the 3 popular sizes and they are by far the best ratchets I currently own. They are all 60t. They are half the price of the tool truck brands, and actually they are the same as the Matco ratchets with a different handle. Supposedly the matco rebuild kits work in the armstrong ratchets. Armstrong's position is that their aerospace line gets the 88t mechanism, and the MAXX line is 60t.
recently I got the Armstrong MAXX series locking flex heads in the 3 popular sizes and they are by far the best ratchets I currently own. They are all 60t. They are half the price of the tool truck brands, and actually they are the same as the Matco ratchets with a different handle. Supposedly the matco rebuild kits work in the armstrong ratchets. Armstrong's position is that their aerospace line gets the 88t mechanism, and the MAXX line is 60t.
the1nonlyjl
Banned
DARKSCOPE001
Well-known member
If you like the feel of dual 80's like I do why not pick up a set of Bahco dual 80's? same thing as a snap on dual 80 internally. Only downside is you can only get them in one handle configuration. The dual compound compfort grip but I really like it. Not sure how it holds up to chemicals as I haven't used them around stuff like skydroll yet.
Just an Idea. Oh and the Facoms that rico posted are also really good ratchets.
Side note I have some of the craftsman premium ratchets. They are ok. Not amazing but ok. They are a bit to long and to much meat in the handle. And I have never been a fan of the floating paw design. It tends to flip on you at the worst possible time. But other than that they are good. Just keep em oiled with a light machine oil or MM air tool oil.
Good Luck
Sean Scott
Just an Idea. Oh and the Facoms that rico posted are also really good ratchets.
Side note I have some of the craftsman premium ratchets. They are ok. Not amazing but ok. They are a bit to long and to much meat in the handle. And I have never been a fan of the floating paw design. It tends to flip on you at the worst possible time. But other than that they are good. Just keep em oiled with a light machine oil or MM air tool oil.
Good Luck
Sean Scott
Brownsfan
Well-known member
The Kobalt stuff is top notch for import tools. When it goes on sale the deals are great. I own a couple ratchets and sockets and the stuff is well un breakable. I even used the sockets on an impact and zero issues. When the sets go on sale you can get something like a 40pc set for the price of the ratchet by itself. Don't count the stuff out its great for the money.
ToolsDelivered.com
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2011
- Messages
- 61
I am biased: Williams USA Industrial - Made in the Snap-On factory. If Snap-On is the F-150 King Ranch leather loaded tool, Williams USA is the white company truck with vinyl of the Snap-On line. It gets the work done. Choose a 36 tooth or 72 tooth round head.
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cburnscrx
Well-known member
Very interesting picture of the Titan ratchet, as it looks almost the same as my old Menards/Tool Shop brand ratchets. My guess is they are the Titan ratchets with the Tool Shop name printed on them. If that's the case, I really like those ratchets, especially for the price.
Conductor562
Well-known member
I had a side profile pic but I must have deleted it
They're the same ratchets though. I have them in 3/8" (Flex) and 1/2" and while I'm not crazy that they're made in Taiwan, I have to admit they're nice ratchets.Brownsfan
Well-known member
I am biased: Williams USA Industrial - Made in the Snap-On factory. If Snap-On is the F-150 King Ranch leather loaded tool, Williams USA is the white company truck with vinyl of the Snap-On line. It gets the work done. Choose a 36 tooth or 72 tooth round head.
I really wish I would have discovered this site (garage journal) before I bought some of my tools. Why? Because it would have been more Williams and less Snap on for sure. All of my sockets are craftsman and Kobalt but would have been Williams had I known about them. I am not working on cars daily anymore but for some reason I still have a balance with my snap on guy and still buy tools when I see a good deal. I need help. I am addicted to buying quality tools
This double 1/4" x 3/8" ratchet from HF has become one of my favorite tools:
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-7-double-head-ratchet-wrench-67993.html
With a 20% off coupon, that wouldn't be bad to have in the truck tool bag. If it gets lost or broke, oh well.
It's not a fine tooth but I generally grab this 3/8 ratchet most of the time. It fits in my hand perfectly.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-...0944834000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14
I second this recommendation 100%. I have the Bahco in all 3 sizes (6950, 7750, and 8150 if I remember correctly) and I love them. The thick handle is warmer in the winter than a chrome handle and it fits my hand better than the thinner snap-on or gearwrench soft handled ratchets do. The handle is also thick enough to prevent me from getting lazy and putting a cheater on the ratchet as well, so the soft handles should last a really long time. It is really nice having ratchets that are value priced, strong, fine toothed, durable, as well as take a standard $10 snap-on dual 80 rebuild kit if they ever wear out. I also prefer the more rounded chromed ratchet edges compared to the sharper edges that Snap-On and many other brands have that ding the chrome up too easily if dropped etc.
The only downside to the Bahco ratchets is that they could be considered less appealing to look at if that sort of thing matters to you. They do look a little bit like one of those wooden spoons that you get along with the orange sherbet cups at the ballpark, haha.
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Best US made ratchet for the money, Armstrong Maxx 60 or 88 tooth version.
Best imported ratchet for the money, Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth versions (offered in a wide assortment of lengths, handle types, flex head, etc).
I said it, I meant it, let the knashing of teeth commence
Buy what feels good in your hand, what you can afford, and what will serve your needs well...
^^^^^^^this
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
what is the coo on the bahco?
That is a tricky one, and it has been discussed here before but nothing concrete has ever really resulted from it. The boxes the ratchets come in say "Design and Quality BAHCO - Sweden", but Snap-On USA owns Bahco. The boxes also say "Made in Spain" on the very same label. The ratchet itself says nothing about origin but the quality of the chrome and the cr-v etching on the handle seem visually like they would be Taiwanese in origin, but all the Snap-On dual 80 internals, cover plate, etc. are as far as anyone knows at this time still made by Snap-On in the US and everything stamped on them is written in English (the stuff about not submerging the ratchet and oiling regularly etc) exactly like it is on the regular Snap-On dual 80s.
I also remember someone on this forum saying that Snap-On actually puts these ratchets together one assembly line over from the regular Snap-On dual 80s here in the US, but I can't remember if that was witnessed by them or told to them by someone else.
It seems the most likely scenario is that the handle and chrome ratchet housing is made in Spain (in a factory run by Spanish-Taiwanese immigrants using Taiwanese chroming and laser etching technology?) and then it is shipped here and Snap-On puts their (US made) internals in it and with the way the laws work relating to country of origin they end up being labeled as "Made in Spain" when it is all said and done. Clear as mud eh? Oops, I probably shouldn't have said "eh?", this is already confusing enough without bringing the Canadians into the mix as well.
I think of the Bahco dual 80 ratchets as being like a green card carrying US Immigrant (of mixed family ancestry) that pays US taxes, eats apple pie, and enjoys watching baseball and listening to rock and roll while waiting for their US citizenship paperwork to go through.
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countryroad82
Well-known member
I really like this ratchet http://www.wilmarcorp.com/item.aspx?cid=286&iid=3444 small head 72 teeth can't break it. At work it is my go to (my tools are supplied but I won't buy Snappy simply because tools tend to grow legs where I work). And plus its cheap!! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DKRCPM/?tag=atomicindus08-20 $14 on Amazon.
A few years back I stumbled upon the best ratchets money could buy - Hazet. I;ve since parted out all other brands from my tool collection (Snap-On, Matco, Mac, and Facom). I know use my Hazet 916L (32 tooth 1/2" long ratchet) as a breaker bar (I own the Hazet 914-18 breaker and literally have never used it). The 916L is seamingly indestructable. For precision work I use the Hatzet 916-1 (72 tooth 1/2"), 8816F (72 tooth 3/8"), or the 863-1 (72 tooth 1/4"). These might be pricier than the other running $80-100 each (from the right guy), but they will be the last ratchets you'll ever buy. I'f you break on/ wear it out they've got a lifetime warranty - good luck trying to break one though!
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