Another 3/8 flex head ratchet post

[babyjay8495]

I've been looking around the site reading reviews on the best ratchet for the money in regards of 3/8 flex head. I really don't want to pay the snap on price. I've been looking at the wright 3428 flex head with the comfort grip, http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/3428.html
but not sure if i would like the grip. I've seen others like the duralast ratchet, but would like to get an american made ratchet, but not totally stuck on it. How would the gearwrench set compare, even though it's taiwan.

 

[I can fix anything]

Get a proto

 

[billymade]

The williams ratchets are a option; basically a previous generation 936 Snap-On....

http://www.google.com/search?client...=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=e3e468bd1b35d592

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/...groupcom/Commerce/ProductImages/pdf002777.pdf

 

[usmc_noma]

I have a GW flexhead and like it, but it's not the comfort grip. IIRC I paid 10-15 for it when Advance Auto clearanced out a whole bunch of GW items last year. I think the price is comparable to the Wright though for normal price. If I were you I'd get something you could easily warranty if it's ever needed.

If you want made in the USA why not try Armstrong or Proto or buy used SO, Mac, etc.

 

[Honda guy]

I'm not a big fan of Craftsman but one of my favorite ratchets is the short (5 inch??) chrome, 3/8 flex head. I like the fact that it has a quick release, handle has detents, and it just feels right. It's my "go to" ratchet. Got one for work and one for home. Got the work one back in the mid '90s and use it every day with no problems so far.

A close second is the Snap-on 3/8 flex-head in a 1/4 body. Nice and compact. Would be my favorite if the handle had detents.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Their is also the Kobalt 3/8" flex ratchet. As far as I know they still make this one. Its made in the USA, lifetime warranty, quick release, metal selector, and only $29.

Ive got a new on for sale for $20 shipped if your interested.

 

[supertooljunkie]

I have one of the Kobalt flex ratchets and they are nice. I have two of the Craftsman raised panel flex and I go for the Kobalt every time.

 

[PT Doc]

What about the duralast flex head?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...d-ratchet/_/N-25el?itemIdentifier=482538_0_0_

 

[Case IH]

What about the duralast flex head?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...d-ratchet/_/N-25el?itemIdentifier=482538_0_0_

C'mon man really.....HaHa just kidding

 

[Fedwrench]

For $21 it's hard to beat the Craftsman 3/8 flex head ratchet. The Kobalt probably is finished nicer with smoother lines and being full polished but, they're the same internally. Don't overlook Allen, KD, or NAPA versions of the same ratchet.
The Proto clones of the Facom palm control ratchets are sweet but, are Italian made and are hard to find for twenty bucks. I would say pass on the spinflex as it only has a 30 tooth action and has some side to side play (as all mac 30 tooth flex ratchets do). It does have a comfortable handle but, the push pull lock release wears with age.
Gearwrench flexheads feature crisp 60 tooth action, a thin head for improved access, and will serve you well. However newer models are PRC made and not as nicely finished as the earlier Taiwan made versions. Shop around as there is quite a price spread on the same ratchet.
At alot more cash, is the smooth armstrong maxx 3/8 flex head. All of the gearwrench features plus a locking flexhead in a us made ratchet.
Honestly, there are so many to choose without breaking the bank. Be patient and possibly score one used locally or on ebay. Good luck in your quest.

 

[BobsurUncle]

USA Williams. Snap On internals, early Snap ON style handle. $36.

It is a great ratchet!

 

[SCscoutguy]

I have one of the Kobalt flex ratchets and they are nice. I have two of the Craftsman raised panel flex and I go for the Kobalt every time.

That is weird because the Kobalt is the exact same ratchet internally as the Craftsman raised panel and they are made in the same factory.

 

[Pro-Painter]

That is weird because the Kobalt is the exact same ratchet internally as the Craftsman raised panel and they are made in the same factory.

From my experience, The kobalt's are machined better on the inside, have thicker backing plates and use metal selector switches. But over all the best improvement is the smooth round handle. But thats just the raised panel ones. The full polished craftsman's are exactly the same. They use the same everything except handle shape. Same is true with the NAPA ratchets.

 

[dirtrider]

I own a Craftsman 3/8 stubby flex ratchet fully polished and it's nice, it's very much the same to the Kobalt's pictured above. But the internals are the same as the standard raised panel Craftsmans and it still uses the plastic lever's. I would personally spend a little more if this is going to be a go to ratchet for you. The Duralast ratchets are nice for the price, but are very course. Industrial brands are nice as well like Proto or Wright but there flex ratchets are round head. I would shop around and look out for a good deal on a truck brand if you can used. The Gearwrench ratchets are nice as well but most of the time you have to order them online. If your looking for a cheap but good quality ratchet that you can walk into the store and buy the Craftsman fully polished flex ratchets and Duralast are probably the best your going to find at that price point if not look for a used Snapon online.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

USA Williams. Snap On internals, early Snap ON style handle. $36.

It is a great ratchet!

Not a swivel one, but I'm looking at this one,
Williams B-52EHLA 3/8 inch Drive Enclosed Head Long Ratchet, for $31.50. It's 10-3/4" Total Length,
I have the 1/2" one, and its nice.
http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=18846&cat=751&page=1
Thanks,
Tony

 

[Farmrod]

get on your snap on truck take a look at the ratchets find one that has an imperfection in the head (its been happening a lot lately on my local truck) offer the dealer $50 for it.. thats how I got mine along with my 24" 1/2" drive model now he looks the ratchets over and calls me anytime he catches one with an imperfection its been working out well for me

Chris

 

[ibedayank]

Armstrong tools are owned by Apex tool group aka danaher.
Are you SURE it is made in the USA?
http://www.apextoolgroup.com/brands/
There is a reason why tools look like copies prolly because they are copies.

 

[Fedwrench]

Armstrong tools are owned by Apex tool group aka danaher.
Are you SURE it is made in the USA?
http://www.apextoolgroup.com/brands/
There is a reason why tools look like copies prolly because they are copies.

It's stamped USA on the handle. Granted though, that may not be enough proof for some people.

Don't forget that Apex tool group was born out of a joint venture between Danaher and Cooper industries. Apex has led to the Chinafication of many previous US brands such as Allen and napa tools with the demise of the KD (mechanics hand tool portion) to facilitate Gearwrench's rapid expansion. Although things may change in the future, Armstrong tools are US made. You will even notice a few previous KD/Allen style ratchets listed in Armstrong's new catalog.

 

[ibedayank]

Fedwrench That is why i said what i did Just look at what is for sale at Sears or what they have in the catalog. Most is just what is available from Apex's lineup.