Advice on Ratchets

[seanb02]

I know this has been beaten to death over the years, but for the life of me I can't find anything more current to date on actual long term usage stuff.

So, I love my SK round head ratchets for most of my general use, but I want some fine tooth pear head style to supplement those for certain uses. I bought the SK 3/8" when it first came out and it was excellent for a while then it experienced lockup issues. I warrantied it, and the one I got is worse than the one I sent in with absolutely horrific backdrag in addition to the lockup issues.

I'm not opposed to tool truck brands if that is the most reasonable way to go. However I say reasonable in the sense that I don't deal with tool trucks, so I'm going to be paying through the nose since I don't have them come to my shop. I want good, but I don't really need the "best", as my line of work is more so along the lines of industrial rather than automotive technician.

Who should I be considering here, at this point I am thinking either Proto or heading over into SnapOn territory? Again I don't need the "best", I just need something that is well manufactured and decent warranty.

Don't even say Gearwrench, or Harbor Freight. Not going to happen. I might consider Carlyle due to ease of warranty through the local Napa, but other than that I really would much rather prefer a USA manufacturer mainly for warranty reasons.

 

[Wamsutta]

Do not buy a Snap-on 80 tooth ratchet!

If you do, that will be the beginning of a long expensive tool addiction. Those ratchets are like heroine for tool collectors. Buy something mundane and boring like a GearWrench or a Proto; your wallet will thank you.

 

[Tonyuk]

Facom pear head;

 

[d.mcfarland]

Snap On.


If you don't want to pony up the cash for the ratchet you really want, then get the copycat Duralast.

 

[Fly YX]

I have a few from wright tool and have had no problems.

 

[Elvie84]

These exactly look like the sidchrome ratchets out


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Tynee]

I’m a home gamer, but I’ve been impressed with my Carlyle purchases recently. Depending on what configuration/features you are looking for, it’s not a huge cash outlay to pick one of them up and give them a try.

 

[Mikeske]

I have everything from Craftsman to Snap-on and even if I mainly have Bonney’s hand tools. I still think that hands down the Snap-on are best. My Snap-on ratchets were all acquired in the mid 1980’s Used from a pawn shop I still use them frequently even though I have retired last year. The snappy ratchets and ratcheting screwdriver are the only tools I have from Snap-on.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Williams!

 

[bczygan]

I know this has been beaten to death over the years, but for the life of me I can't find anything more current to date on actual long term usage stuff.

So, I love my SK round head ratchets for most of my general use, but I want some fine tooth pear head style to supplement those for certain uses. I bought the SK 3/8" when it first came out and it was excellent for a while then it experienced lockup issues. I warrantied it, and the one I got is worse than the one I sent in with absolutely horrific backdrag in addition to the lockup issues.

I'm not opposed to tool truck brands if that is the most reasonable way to go. However I say reasonable in the sense that I don't deal with tool trucks, so I'm going to be paying through the nose since I don't have them come to my shop. I want good, but I don't really need the "best", as my line of work is more so along the lines of industrial rather than automotive technician.

Who should I be considering here, at this point I am thinking either Proto or heading over into SnapOn territory? Again I don't need the "best", I just need something that is well manufactured and decent warranty.

Don't even say Gearwrench, or Harbor Freight. Not going to happen. I might consider Carlyle due to ease of warranty through the local Napa, but other than that I really would much rather prefer a USA manufacturer mainly for warranty reasons.

Harbor Freight meets your needs. Well made. Immediate local warranty.

Bill

 

[Snaparxon]

Look at it this way, you buy a new Snap on ratchet for $100 bucks, use it daily and take care of it. In 10 to 20 years you can still get 50% to 100% or more of your money back when you sell it.. Buy any store brand or industrial brand and in most cases that ratchet is worth far less the second it is paid for and used.

 

[PJNJ]

Harbor Freight meets your needs. Well made. Immediate local warranty.

Bill

OP says no HF. Post 10 - buy HF.

 

[Fedwrench]

You're making this much harder than it has to be

I don't think the Proto Precision series 90 tooth ratchets are worth the price they command despite owning a few. especially, if you can find the MAC version cheaper.

The easiest solution would be to pick up used like new snap on F80 series ratchets on ebay.

However, your aversion to Taiwan made ratchets (even the Facom ratchets pictured above are Taiwan made) may cause you to miss out on some well performing ratchets. Carlyle 90 tooth models are my reach for first ratchets on my tool cart and are bargains when purchased on sale but, they have soft grip handles which some people don't care for.

Powerbuilt Pro have small heads even with the quick release and a pretty nicely shaped handle.

Lastly, by avoiding Gearwrench, you are skipping over a wide selection of great performing ratchets available in various lengths, styles, and features in 60/84/120 tooth ratcheting actions that won't break the bank.

It's your decision and your money so, get what you want and feels good in your hand but, it's only a ratchet and should be easy to pick one out of the many selections available. Ratchets are like potato chips though, you can't just have one

 

[CR888]

I'd consider those Facom ratchets, there are many great tool co's besides SO, Matco, Proto & Carlyle. SO is not always the best option for everyone but them new 1/2" locking flex heads have my full attention.

 

[Wamsutta]

Yes buy the Facom ratchet! You never know when you might need to tie a string to it and hang it from something.

 

[Mgdoug3]

There's always the option of upgrading the SK mechanisms to the DT ones. If you search around they can be found for less than $20.

I can't help much on pearheads but the dual 80 on my torque wrench feels smooth and strong.

 

[GTO]

Do not buy a Snap-on 80 tooth ratchet!

If you do, that will be the beginning of a long expensive tool addiction. Those ratchets are like heroine for tool collectors. Buy something mundane and boring like a GearWrench or a Proto; your wallet will thank you.

Yes,this is sooooo true,don't do it.
40+ SO ratchets later

 

[Parrothead]

I would say just buy a used Snap-on off eBay. Problem solved

 

[kb1982]

Lots of good choices out there. As stated, the Snap On dual 80s are great. If your not opposed to a high tooth count round head, the SK DT drop in kits are a great value if you already have the ratchets. I added the DT 100 kit to my SK 42470 half inch drive. It's smooth as my Snap On ratchets. The Powerbuilt Pro looks to be a great option all though I have not personally used one. They are 72 tooth, and general consensus is that the are the same mechanism as the Blackhawk and Tone which I have. A no longer made but favorite of mine are the SK Tuff 1 ratchets from the Facom era. They have 72 teeth and are smooth as any ratchet after the gummy old grease is cleaned out and relubed. They can be found on eBay for good prices. I have two Carlyle P90 ratchets, not a bad ratchet at all but i don't think they are as smooth as some of the others I have. The SK LP90 hasn't given me a bit of trouble. One ratchet line that has pleasantly surprised me, though the tooth count is only at 45, is the Proto Premium Pearheads.

25 inch long ratchet on the left is the 72 tooth Tone, same as the Blackhawk and Powerbuilt mechanism but with a bigger price tag.

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[DavidB]

I second (or third) the recommendation of a Snap-On Dual 80 in used but good condition from ebay. I went this route after my primary ratchet started messing up and the only problem I've had is the Dual 80s have multiplied. The F80s are relatively cheap on ebay and replacement parts will be around forever.

 

[JBH]

These exactly look like the sidchrome ratchets out


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

It is likely the same. They also sell it under the USAG brand. I think member Ultgar offers the USAG brand ones cheaper than the Facom brand ones.

I have the 1/2” drive version as part of one of Facom’s “Detector Box” sets. I recommend it. The only caveat is they also have a really sweet extendable flex head version...

 

[JBH]

I'd consider those Facom ratchets, there are many great tool co's besides SO, Matco, Proto & Carlyle. SO is not always the best option for everyone but them new 1/2" locking flex heads have my full attention.

Gedore has a nice 1/2” locking flex head:

Price is reasonable too, for example
https://www.kctoolco.com/gedore-1993-gu-3-swivel-head-reversible-ratchet-1-2/

 

[ovilla]

I second (or third) the recommendation of a Snap-On Dual 80 in used but good condition from ebay. I went this route after my primary ratchet started messing up and the only problem I've had is the Dual 80s have multiplied. The F80s are relatively cheap on ebay and replacement parts will be around forever.

I have ALL the red striped comfort handle dual 80’s and they are my absolute favorite. The action is silky smooth and make them a true joy to wrench with. Note that these and a 90 degree needle nose pliers is all I own from Snapon. By the way the 3/8 non-locking standard length flex head dual 80 is my main go to ratchet.

 

[BigBoreFan]

OP says no HF. Post 10 - buy HF.

Things I learned on GJ. I said HF and SO are usually recommended in any tool thread. They told me I was crazy.

 

[davethorik]

Another vote for used Snap-on. I've personally had good luck on Letgo finding used truck brand tools for great prices.

 

[AmishFury]

I don't think the Proto Precision series 90 tooth ratchets are worth the price they command despite owning a few. especially, if you can find the MAC version cheaper.

yeah i just looked and the 7" handle proto 3/8" 90tooth is going for $15-30 more than the MAC version

usually truck brand is more expensive than the industrial brand version

but keep an eye on ebay... the number of snap-on dual 80s available in decent shape is staggering... occasionally you can find mac axis ratchets for a good deal and matco 88s are easy to find

 

[seanb02]

So lets say I went the used SnapOn route... How about warranty claims? Honestly buying new would probably be the better deal if you don't get the warranty on used. Unless used is more than 50% less than the new price.

 

[GTO]

I would say just buy a used Snap-on off eBay. Problem solved

That's the problem,you can't just buy one....

 

[d.mcfarland]

So lets say I went the used SnapOn route... How about warranty claims? Honestly buying new would probably be the better deal if you don't get the warranty on used. Unless used is more than 50% less than the new price.

Normally if you call they will send you a repair kit for the ratchet free of charge.

 

[Moose Legs]

If you’re not too opposed to round head fine tooth Wright, Williams, Proto (Technically made in Italy), or the SK DT drop in are all very good and economically priced. For USA made pear head fine tooth the only good options I can think of are the truck brands. Since you said you would be fine with the Napa 90 teeth ratchets I will say they work great and are fantastic value if you get them on sale.

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh the Napa carlyle 90's good buy on sale and warranty likely easier/quicker over truck brand if you not a regular tool truck user .

 

[AE2]

Wright Premium Double Pawl Wright Ratchet #3490 and #4490. These are 45 tooth but the double pawl makes them feel like 90.

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/7-1-32-premium-double-pawl-wright-ratchet.html

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/11-premium-double-pawl-wright-ratchet.html

 

[seanb02]

I am set in the round head department. My regular SK ones are absolutely excellent. I want fine tooth pear heads to supplement those ones. Mainly for the lower profile than the round heads. Yes I could just get the DT versions of what I have, but then without looking a bit closer it is anybody's guess which type I am going to grab at any time.

Also due to the nature of my work, I don't want any kind of comfort grips. Really like the look of the Wrights posted above, may have to get some a bit further down the line just to have. But for now I'm more focused on pear head fine tooth.

 

[joebachor]

Pawn shops around me always have series 80 Snap On ratchets, call some shops around you and check them out, no one makes a better ratchet
and parts will always be available.

 

[KEH]

Matco 88 teeth pear heads are very nice. I like the 3/8 long handle.

The old Cornwell is hard to beat. The machining is so well done that they feel smooth enough to be much finer tooth that they actually are, and they are built like a tank.

An old US made Craftsman low profile is a good ratchet. The old Craftsman premium ratchet is great, I don't know if it is still made or not.

If you want a 1/4 drive ratchet, the parts are so small they feel like a fine tooth ratchet. Proto pear head and Cornwell pear head all feel good in operation.

KEH

 

[seanb02]

I have to admit, I am seriously leaning towards the dual 80's. Would probably just start with a regular length 1/4" and 3/8" and a long flex 3/8" and go from there. Now the question is to request local driver to visit my shop (there actually is a good amount of SnapOn stuff there, but it has probably been 20 years since the truck has last been around)? Suggest meeting local driver at other location? Order online and avoid it all together?

Personally I have an irrational fear of Ebay. Also don't want to buy used what I can't see in person first.

 

[Zewnten]

I sold my dual 80''s in favor of matco 88's, much thinner head and I thought the flex lock was a better design. But before either I had the Carlyle's (still do they are my home ratchets) and those held up great to daily use and had the smallest head out of the three

 

[plinker]

If you can find the Armstrong Maxx ratchets they are nice (60 or 88 tooth depending on vintage), The next best thing would be the Matco 88's.

You cant go wrong with Snap-on either, but I like the Armstrong/Matco's better.

 

[Wamsutta]

As soon as you get a soft bodacious FH80 in your hand and then pop a socket on it to listen to that smooth buttery buzz, it's all over for you; there's no turning back.

 

[CR888]

The Bahco 1/2" ratchet with the Dual-80 SO guts is a great buy. Usually way less than 50% of the SO cost. But then your buying quality without the name tag. For many the brand name is at least as important.