basic ratchet question

[coonhunter]

After joining this forum, and doing a lot of reading, I have started to look at my tools a little differently. I have purchased one of the composite ratchets 3/8" from harbor freight, and I think that it is much better than the craftsman that I was using. So now I want to try something a little better, maybe 1/2", but I don't really know what to look for. What makes one ratchet better than another? I know the number of teeth make for a smaller swing angle, and I assume dual pawls make for a stronger ratchet, but beyond that, I am lost. So what is it that you look for and what do you think that makes one better than the other?

 

[jim1987]

Feel. Warranty. If it doesn't feel good, you'll never really like it. Hell some people actually dispise dual 80 ratchets. (Don't tell snap on people that lol) a good 1/2 IMO on a budget is gearwrench 84 tooth ratchet. 15 teeth on the pawal and they all engage when.applying force.

 

[BK13]

Unless you typically work on pretty big stuff, I'd be thinking about picking up a good 3/8" ratchet instead... I hardly ever use my 1/2" stuff.

GW XP120s really impressed me for what they cost.

 

[bigcaddy]

After joining this forum, and doing a lot of reading, I have started to look at my tools a little differently. I have purchased one of the composite ratchets 3/8" from harbor freight, and I think that it is much better than the craftsman that I was using. So now I want to try something a little better, maybe 1/2", but I don't really know what to look for. What makes one ratchet better than another? I know the number of teeth make for a smaller swing angle, and I assume dual pawls make for a stronger ratchet, but beyond that, I am lost. So what is it that you look for and what do you think that makes one better than the other?

How it feels in your hand is what I go by. I started with craftsman and then used lots of proto. I keep one snap on ratchet handy at work but I've recently started to use Cornwell ratchets. The solid one piece ratchets feel like they were made for my hands, which resemble a catchers mitt made of bratwursts.

 

[GSMotorrad]

I'll echo others and say "feel" for me too. The Grey Pneumatic ratchets surprised me by how good they feel in the hand. I thought they'd be "throw-aways" because they came with the DUO socket set, but I'm thoroughly impressed with them: http://www.amazon.com/Grey-Pneumatic-Ratchet-Hoes

If price isn't an issue - My Snap-On "roto" ratchets are my all time favorite ratchets of all time. Having said that, I actually enjoy Harbor Freight's impostor versions, especially after gj67stang does his custom handle fabrication. The H.F. roto's are no where near as smooth, and they don't take lubrication or maintenance easily, but they're great for when you just need something to abuse without worrying about value, and they're totally strong. Here's a picture of his Snap-On handled H.F. specials:

(that picture taken from his thread here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/custom-ratchets)

 

[nicksnothereman]

After joining this forum, and doing a lot of reading, I have started to look at my tools a little differently. I have purchased one of the composite ratchets 3/8" from harbor freight, and I think that it is much better than the craftsman that I was using. So now I want to try something a little better, maybe 1/2", but I don't really know what to look for. What makes one ratchet better than another? I know the number of teeth make for a smaller swing angle, and I assume dual pawls make for a stronger ratchet, but beyond that, I am lost. So what is it that you look for and what do you think that makes one better than the other?

1/2" you don't really need more than the harbor freight composite if you're working on a car. More or less breaker bar or impact territory (off, at least).

For 1/2" maybe you could get a ratcheting breaker bar. Probably the place to go because of the longer handle. If you want to buy an actual better quality 1/2" ratchet I'd suggest vintage sk or proto. Professional quality without the price heart attack. Those won't be fine tooth usually (depends on age) but very tough. It's where I'd go. I just use the hf composite for 1/2", have no reason to use anything else, it's a go-to.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I know they are Chinese but I really like my 1/2 Crafstman ratchet.

I dont use 1/2 enough to spend big money on one.....3/8 is where its at for me.