AH! Which 1/4" ratchet: Wright vs. Armstrong???

[nato]

It's a duel! It's come down to either a Wright 2426 or an Armstrong 10-972. I'm in need of your typical, shorter, standard length 1/4" ratchet. I DON'T want Matco, SK, Cornwell, etc, so plz, don't post recommendations for any other brand...MAYBE a Snap On TM739 (this may be my only alternate to these two) and only becuase the Snap On is in the same price range. I'd fancy a Snap On T72, but I'm not paying ignorant, uninformed ebay buyer pricetags. I've already owned and SOLD a Matco AFR8T. Not a fan of the shorter 88's.

They both have near same physical dimensions, but what's the tooth count on the Wright 2426? I know that the Armstrong is your usual Snap On style, pear head 36 tooth ratchet, but I have ZERO experience with any Wright or Armstrong tools.
I found HiBall's review on his pretty, shiny Wright's, but can't find a whole lot on Armstrong's.
Help me out!

 

[sk farmer]

wright.........

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

I like my GTM739 A LOT. Smooth little ratchet.

 

[nato]

I'm really torn on this one...I'm watching a used TM739 on ebay in what appears to be really good shape, for $35. The Armstrong & Wright, NEW, are also around $35. I really wanna hit it right this time. I've been through way too many 1/4" than I would have anticipated and want to find a good one and be done.

 

[colt zantop]

wright...

 

[Beerman]

Don't own either brand anymore in 1/4 size, but have in the past. Can't say I used either extensively, but somehow the Armstrong just fit my hand better. I'd go with it, based on that alone-and the fact that my late Uncle swore by Armstrong ratchets. He'd owned and tried them all and Armstrong was his 1st choice, with Williams a close second.



Beerman

 

[Gtamazing]

The Armstrong handle has a great feel. I have a 36 tooth 3/8 on order right now and already own a few of the maxx series.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't care for Armstrong 36 tooth ratchets. The action to me is far from crisp. I do like their Maxx series ratchets though with a fine 60 tooth action found in gearwrench, matco, and craftsman (without the quick release). Armstrongs do have a nice handle shape.
The wright ratchet will probably serve you well.
I know you don't want other brands but, you should consider Proto. Either the round head 72 tooth model or the premium pearhead with 45 teeth. Those are some great ratchets.

 

[SMKS]

Wright.

I've had both Wright and Armstrong ratchets in 1/4" drive. The Armstrong is good, but the Wright is really nice and has a tiny head.

Plus, from what I've read on here, Apex tools hasn't been too great with warranty service for some people.

 

[Even 11]

Buy them both! Let us know which one works better for you!!

-Dane

 

[ibedayank]

wright...it is not owned by apex tool group

 

[Seanbev24]

I'm really torn on this one...I'm watching a used TM739 on ebay in what appears to be really good shape, for $35. The Armstrong & Wright, NEW, are also around $35. I really wanna hit it right this time. I've been through way too many 1/4" than I would have anticipated and want to find a good one and be done.

You've stated that you'd like a T72, and also that you'd like to finally find a good ratchet and be done with it. But you're limiting your choices to ratchets in the $35 range. A brand new T72 is $66. I've bought a gently used one for $35. Why not pay a little more upfront (if you can't find a used one) and have the ratchet you really want? I have 3 dual80 1/4" ratchets and they're worth every penny.

I'm all for buying cheaper tools if they make you happy, but if you end up going through a bunch of them it's cheaper to just buy the best from the beginning.

 

[xDZx]

Go with wright

 

[tyndall]

Wright. The size and squarish handle is great for control in tight spots. Also has 45 teeth.

I could have got a T72 for the same price with my discount but paid full price for the 2426 instead. The T72 feels like any other taiwan ratchet. I never understood the fascination people have with the dual 80's. Horrible selector, oversized pear heads but no quick release, average durability, overpriced, etc.. I guess its the S-O koolaid.

 

[Toolhorder]

Don't care for either since I own the best already...

 

[diesel research]

Some people are making this difficult.

The real question is: Pear head or round head? That settles that.

$25.91

$23.85

 

[oldtools]

The Wright has a much smaller head do I vote for Wright.

 

[seagravedriver]

Wright. After buying one, I will buy more.

 

[ARAMP1]

Wow! I love my Armstrong stuff, but by the way people have answered, I think I might be missing out. I guess I need to get me a Wright ratchet.

 

[Plombob]

I have both and they are great. You should buy both and keep them in different socket sets.

Oh, you don't have multiple 1/4" socket sets? You will.... Just wait.....

 

[diesel research]

Usually you get a lot of round head haters making comments like "i refuse to use ratchets without *flippy things*"

As soon as the name wright is mentioned, they all silenced themselves, lol.

 

[ibedayank]

round head pear teardrop.... makes no differance to me but i WILL by american 100% made if i can afford it before anything else

made in usa from global parts just how much is really made here? just packaged here or what?

 

[diesel research]

but i WILL by american 100% made if i can afford it before anything else

made in usa from global parts just how much is really made here? just packaged here or what?

Which of those 2 choices is allegedly "made with global components"?

Believe one is forged in ohio, one in arkansas?

 

[otis66]

Wright all the way.

 

[ibedayank]

Which of those 2 choices is allegedly "made with global components"?

Believe one is forged in ohio, one in arkansas?

armstrong IS owned by apex tool group

look at apex's site than walk into sears and look at the tools sold..
all i gotta say

 

[diesel research]

armstrong IS owned by apex tool group

look at apex's site than walk into sears and look at the tools sold..
all i gotta say

That's no late breaking news. Danaher seems to have quite a few forges. I was in sears earlier picking up some power bits.

The only thing even remotely similar (as far as ratchets go) was the sold out "premiums".

To be quite honest about it, the premiums actually look like a hybrid of the wright handle and armstrong head.

$25.91

 

[IndyGarage]

I have a small Wright 3/8 flex head that seems to have the same handle as that 1/4 straight handle wright pictured above.

I think it's about my least favorite ratchet for a couple reasons.

The finish and the shape are simply not good for working in tight places with greasy fingers. The finish is so smooth it's slippery and the square cross section shape means it's difficult to orient it when holding it with just your fingertips. Granted, the only time I pull it out is when I have a really difficult situation, but it has disappointed nearly every time. I'm sure the straight handle would be much easier to use.

Second, I just don't go for their switch - it's difficult for me to get ahold of.

The quality of the tool seems high, however.

Last 1/4 ratchet I bought was a Wera Zyklop - and it's the best one I've ever used by a large margin.

 

[TheGrooveking]

What didn't you like about the Matco? Seeing that is somewhat similar to the Armstrong you may be getting more of the same. As to initial question, my two pesos is go with Wright, great ratchets.

TheGrooveking

 

[tyndall]

Usually you get a lot of round head haters making comments like "i refuse to use ratchets without *flippy things*"

As soon as the name wright is mentioned, they all silenced themselves, lol.

Yup. I prefer quick release pear heads. The only exception I make is for Wright.