Been hitting ebay for some Snap-on ratchets

[cgrutt]

Somebody posted a link in another thread to an ebay auction for a 1/2 flex head Snap on Dual 80 ratchet and I took the bait and submitted winning bid. Since then I bought two more a 3/8 bent handle flex Dual 80 and a 1/4 long handle flex Dual 80 (I think it's considered Dual 80 but actually has 72 teeth). Think I did OK pricewise but haven't actually received the ratchets yet so we'll see. They all looked to be in pretty good lightly used condition. Winning bids were $81, $99 and $133 for the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 before tax and shipping.

Have been buying ICON lately and accumulated seven ratchets over the past year. They work fine, actually surprised how much I liked them, but really wanted Snap on for better or worse. Two minor complaints with the ICONs I kept inadvertently hitting the selector switch on one of them (1/4) not sure if it's a design issue or how I'm using them but it happened enough to become annoying and there were a few times with the 3/8 long flex where I wasn't confident the tool was going to break or not which could just be in my head. Point is I was never really happy with the ICONs and wanted Snap on. Have to figure out what to do with the ICONs.

As far as the Snap ons go I want to buy one more, a long handle 3/8 flex. I already have several standard handle Snap ons (two or three are Dual 80 the others are older). Think that would be a fairly nice collection. I bought the soft grip on the 1/4 and 3/8 flex. Will probably look for soft grip on the next 3/8 long handle flex. The others are standard Snap on chrome.

Will post some pics when I get the new ratchets.

 

[cgrutt]

So the 1/2 flex drive arrived today it has a few very minor scuffs in chrome but otherwise appears to be in very good to like new condition. It doesn't even look like a socket has ever been placed on the anvil doesn't even appear to be scuffed.





Kinda ticked though nowhere on ebay listing or pictures show prior owner marks.



Not sure what to do on the one hand I got a pretty good deal on what appears to be a ratchet in great shape. On the other hand it's marked with somebody else's initials which kinda pisses me off. No way I would have bid on it had I known...

 

[cgrutt]

In other news here are my current Snap on ratchets (yeah, includes the ratcheting screwdriver). Turns out I only have one Dual 80, the 3/8 standard handle. I thought for sure the 1/2 was also Dual 80 due to "modern" head design but it's an S936. I also thought the 1/4 short handle might have been Dual 80 due to head design but it's a TM830.

 

[Wamsutta]

Those three 1/4 drives at the top are old and worn out. You should sell them to me.

 

[redwrench60]

The couple Dual 80’s I got when they came out in 07 began a breeding program and now there’s freakin loads of em. Be careful and be sure to spay and neuter. They tend to multiply.

 

[cgrutt]

The owner marks were really ticking me off listing should have disclosed this IMO. I hit it with some flitz, emery cloth and steel wool just by hand while watching TV. Got the owner marks out lol. I'll see if I can polish it up a bit more another time but rather have the dull finish and scratches than somebody else's initials lol.

 

[AEAdam]

So you’ve taken the chrome off that surface? Is there a tiny thin edge of chrome on the sides? I think I’d recommend painting that. Almost like a little cap that covers the chrome a tiny bit. Otherwise, that tool could corrode there and damage the chrome on the handle.

Im with you, don’t like the engravings and I have a couple tools with them. I don’t think grinding them out is a good idea, tho.

A little rubber cap could also work.

 

[F-22]

If it's used a lot, I wouldn't worry about rust too much. Polish it well and tool steel will stay quite rust resistant. If it's left in a drawer for months then do paint or at least oil it, but if you use it every week you'll notice if it starts to get some surface rust and can always buff it out again before it gets intense and start spreading...

After all, the initials did not rust.


The chrome is probably very thick. Have you went through the nickel or the copper layer? Otherwise it may still be chrome there.

 

[cgrutt]

Hmm not sure if I've taken chrome off or not I went very lightly with emery just a few quick light scuffs then "polished" it with steel wool and flitz metal cleaner. It's still somewhat shiny but could just be steel. I'll put some wax on it and keep an eye out for rust thanks for the heads up.

 

[joel63]

So the 1/2 flex drive arrived today it has a few very minor scuffs in chrome but otherwise appears to be in very good to like new condition. It doesn't even look like a socket has ever been placed on the anvil doesn't even appear to be scuffed.





Kinda ticked though nowhere on ebay listing or pictures show prior owner marks.



Not sure what to do on the one hand I got a pretty good deal on what appears to be a ratchet in great shape. On the other hand it's marked with somebody else's initials which kinda pisses me off. No way I would have bid on it had I known...

I always ask "Does this tool have any engravings or non standard markings. I only ask because sometimes it can be difficult to see them in the pictures. Thank you."
Or I ask for more pictures.

I can understand the crappy feeling upon seeing those initials, but hopefully you got a good price that will let you go on and enjoy the ratchet. I'm always holding my breath wondering what condition an item will be in before I receive it.

 

[cgrutt]

I always ask "Does this tool have any engravings or non standard markings. I only ask because sometimes it can be difficult to see them in the pictures. Thank you."
Or I ask for more pictures.

I can understand the crappy feeling upon seeing those initials, but hopefully you got a good price that will let you go on and enjoy the ratchet. I'm always holding my breath wondering what condition an item will be in before I receive it.

Yeah there's always next time lol. The description basically said "nice overall condition, used". There were four pics with none on the end that had prominent engravings, if there had been a pic it would have been clear the tool was engraved. The seller had a few hundred reviews and 100% rating. Live and learn...

ETA I just left seller "neutral" feedback with following comment "Shipped quickly and tool was in very good working condition but was engraved with prior owner's initials which was not disclosed in listing or shown in pictures. Would not have bid on item if I had known about engravings." First time ever leaving neutral feedback didn't want to ding seller with negative because tool was in good working condition hopefully he discloses owner marks in future listings.

 

[cgrutt]

Got the 1/4 Snap on THLF72 today. Definitely has seen some use but in very good overall condition and no owner marks! I'm very happy with this one.



The ICON that it's replacing is not a bad ratchet. Snap on seems a bit more refined, sleeker lines, not as much play in flex head, more positive click on both the anvil and selector switch. The ICON selector just slides into place whereas the Snap on Definitely seems to have a positive click into place. Selector coming off engagement has been my biggest gripe with the ICON hopefully this resolves it. The Snap on soft grip handle is a bit longer and thicker than the ICON and feels more comfortable in hand. ICON has 90 teeth though vs 72 on Snap on. For $35 new (below $30 with a coupon) ICON is pretty good value I just prefer the Snap on.

Some pics side by side

 

[cgrutt]

Here's the 1/2 SF80A vs ICON. Same general observations Snap on seems more refined but is substantially heavier than the ICON despite being a bit shorter. 1096 grams vs 868. There is a noticeable amount of free play in handle without teeth engaging with the ICON almost none detectable with Snap on. Again, I think the ICON was about $68 new (before any discounts) Definitely good value but once again I prefer the Snap on.

 

[Sumboodie]

Bought a flex head dual 80 3/8" when it first came out. Was $80 new.

 

[cgrutt]

Bought a flex head dual 80 3/8" when it first came out. Was $80 new.

$180 today how long ago was that?

 

[Sumboodie]

$180 today how long ago was that?

07

 

[cgrutt]

07

Yeah figured it was a while ago. I bought a brand new fully loaded Mustang GT for under $11k back in '85 LOL.

 

[joel63]

Got the 1/4 Snap on THLF72 today. Definitely has seen some use but in very good overall condition and no owner marks! I'm very happy with this one.



The ICON that it's replacing is not a bad ratchet. Snap on seems a bit more refined, sleeker lines, not as much play in flex head, more positive click on both the anvil and selector switch. The ICON selector just slides into place whereas the Snap on Definitely seems to have a positive click into place. Selector coming off engagement has been my biggest gripe with the ICON hopefully this resolves it. The Snap on soft grip handle is a bit longer and thicker than the ICON and feels more comfortable in hand. ICON has 90 teeth though vs 72 on Snap on. For $35 new (below $30 with a coupon) ICON is pretty good value I just prefer the Snap on.

Some pics side by side

Nice pick up.
"There is a Difference."

 

[joel63]

07

You know it doesn't seem long. (at least to me)

 

[cgrutt]

You know it doesn't seem long. (at least to me)

My son was born in 2005 we just sent him off to college it passed by in a heartbeat.

 

[inphx]

I'm expecting Doug G (DG) to chime in that he wants his ratchet back any second now... wish i had more faith in people.

 

[dallastide]

I've bought a handful of Snap On ratchets on ebay as well. And a boat load of other Snap On hand tools. It's a favorite pastime of mine lol. The only "bad" experience I ever had was a set of soft grip instinct screw drivers I bought that turned out to be hard grip. Still got a great deal on them and love the quality so I kept them. Like you I'm OCD af and just can't bid on anything with prior owner initials. Happy bidding.

 

[CS454]

You ruined the resale even more now

 

[Wamsutta]

Yeah figured it was a while ago. I bought a brand new fully loaded Mustang GT for under $11k back in '85 LOL.

I've been wanting a 1986 ever since they first came out. If you gave me a choice between a new 2023 and a new 1986, I'd take the 1986 in a split second. I hate that Coyote engine; sounds terrible.

 

[AEAdam]

So what’s the plan? Are you rebuilding these? Regreasing? Swapping handles?

 

[cgrutt]

I've been wanting a 1986 ever since they first came out. If you gave me a choice between a new 2023 and a new 1986, I'd take the 1986 in a split second. I hate that Coyote engine; sounds terrible.

Mine was 85 first year with change to roller cam, etc. They pulled my car for testing off the line arrived about three weeks late and had 700 miles on it but whatever they did to it was awesome. The car was a beast at the time. I recall running next to a new corvette for about 40 miles on Garden State Parkway one afternoon. The guy gave me the thumbs up when I turned off exit his car was at least three time the price but couldn't shake me lol. Ah, the good ol days...

 

[cgrutt]

So what’s the plan? Are you rebuilding these? Regreasing? Swapping handles?

No plan in particular got tired of grabbing ICONs lol...

 

[Wamsutta]

Mine was 85 first year with change to roller cam, etc. They pulled my car for testing off the line arrived about three weeks late and had 700 miles on it but whatever they did to it was awesome. The car was a beast at the time. I recall running next to a new corvette for about 40 miles on Garden State Parkway one afternoon. The guy gave me the thumbs up when I turned off exit his car was at least three time the price but couldn't shake me lol. Ah, the good ol days...

I'm going to get one someday. It's my dyeing wish.

 

[cgrutt]

You ruined the resale even more now

Selling my Snap ons is partly why I'm doing this to begin with no plan on reselling hopefully my kid will appreciate them one day...

 

[CS454]

Mine was 85 first year with change to roller cam, etc. They pulled my car for testing off the line arrived about three weeks late and had 700 miles on it but whatever they did to it was awesome. The car was a beast at the time. I recall running next to a new corvette for about 40 miles on Garden State Parkway one afternoon. The guy gave me the thumbs up when I turned off exit his car was at least three time the price but couldn't shake me lol. Ah, the good ol days...

Gave the nod to a Base C5 in my old notch (11.8x car) and I broke out laughing at how badly he dragged me...the cam I heard wasn't the whole story

 

[AEAdam]

No plan in particular got tired of grabbing ICONs lol...

Been so much misinformation on GJ regarding ratchet Lube, I just think if you buy second hand, it’s at least worth a disassembly, really good clean, and a re-grease. You never know what someone has done to their ratchet.

I bought the cheapest F80 I could find on eBay. I think it was $50 delivered a couple years ago. F80s are not my favorite ratchets. It was dull due to scratches, but otherwise in good shape. I polished it with aluminum foil, which really does a great job on chrome. It doesn’t look new, but it looks smoother, cleaner, and just a bit dull.

The ratchet was worn so I bought a rebuild kit. I disassembled and cleaned it. Wasn’t filthy, but wasn’t clean. Just for kicks, I reassembled it with the original parts and a tiny bit of NLGI2 Superlube.

That‘s now one of my favorite ratchets. The watch-like click is back due to the cleaning of the gear teeth. I think the wear has reduced the back drag. It’s just a really nice ratchet now.

Probably can’t deliver the torque it once could due to wear, but the F80 would never be a high torque tool for me. I use long flex heads for that.

 

[cgrutt]

So received the 3/8 FHBF80A overall seems to be in good working condition but this one had owner marks at one point and looks like someone (probably seller) hit it pretty aggressively with a wire wheel on a grinder. Chrome on handle is uniformly scratched around entire circumference the entire length. It doesn't actually look that bad from a distance but chrome is probably 70-75%. The owner marks aren't that legible but they're pretty much scratched out. There were pics on listing nothing disclosed in comments. The handle has a pretty good size cut in it but that was disclosed in listing. Only paid $99 and mechanically it seems to be in very good condition so not that concerned about it. I like the size and feel of the handle alot I may replace it with a new handle.



ICON doesn't have a bent handle closest match is the long straight handle flex. I bought that one new within past year and have only used it on a few projects and chrome seems to be as badly scratched as the Snap on but I've only wiped this down with a rag.






I bought a Diehard bent handle in one of the auto parts stores a few months ago. My starter went in truck and I had to replace it at a customer's house needed the ratchet because I didn't have one that would reach with me at the time. It's very similar to the ICON. 90 tooth. Surprisingly smooth but there is a lot of side to side play in anvil (flex head is tight to handle though). Soft grip handle is very thin and not that comfortable. I think it was under $30 new so not bad value.

I also have an old MAC flex head which I like very much but it's 30 tooth and not in same league as the others. I've probably had this one over 30 years. I actually like the selector switch on this one better than the others. It has very positive engagement and sits flush with back of head so never gets hung up on anything. Lots of backdrag on this in comparison to the newer ratchets. Old school, lol.

 

[Wamsutta]

There are ways to take those wire wheel marks out if they bother you that much.

 

[cgrutt]

Well just ordered another one winning bid at $105 +/-. This one is a FHLFD80A 100 Anniversary with hard grey handle. Seems to be in good used condition.





I guess I’ll see when it gets here.

 

[cgrutt]

The owner marks were really ticking me off listing should have disclosed this IMO. I hit it with some flitz, emery cloth and steel wool just by hand while watching TV. Got the owner marks out lol. I'll see if I can polish it up a bit more another time but rather have the dull finish and scratches than somebody else's initials lol.

So was bored watching whatever my wife had on so broke out the dremel took about 5 minutes with the wool pad and some Flitz. Don't know if it's chrome or steel but not worried about it I'll keep some wax on it. Owner marks are gone lol.

 

[Samuel D]

A high polish is a good start for reducing corrosion risk. I doubt you’ll have problems with that.

But imagine selling a tool with owner’s initials and not disclosing the fact in both words and pictures. People ****.

 

[AJHD]

But imagine selling a tool with owner’s initials and not disclosing the fact in both words and pictures. People ****.

I rarely buy anything on eBay, last time I did was a few years ago. But that's exactly what happened to me. It's a chance you take not being able to see and handle the item in person.

I sent a message to the seller, nothing rude or strongly worded, nor was I asking for a refund or return. Let's just say their response reinforced my opinion that some people need to be locked in a padded cell.

As for the ratchets, I've only owned one Icon ratchet. They tried really hard to copy Snap On, but there were definitely things I didn't like about it. They feel different, function different. Same can be said for other brands. I don't own or need a lot of ratchets, but those I do are all Snap On for a reason.

 

[cgrutt]

There are ways to take those wire wheel marks out if they bother you that much.

Great just what I needed another hobby!








By no means perfect but alot better than I got it. Spent about 1/2 hr on this one. It wasn't bothering me until you said if it bothered me lol...

 

[JWC86]

Great just what I needed another hobby!








By no means perfect but alot better than I got it. Spent about 1/2 hr on this one. It wasn't bothering me until you said if it bothered me lol...

Your using a steel wool pad and flitz?

 

[cgrutt]

Your using a steel wool pad and flitz?

Wool pad on dremel and flitz.