Best 1/2 ratchet?

[MTNSleder]

I'm looking for a good ratchet, I currently use Mastercraft ratchets and hate them.
I've been looking at gearwrench ratchets and snap on dual 80s, I no that the gearwrench is 1/4 the price but is the Snap on worth $200?

 

[ineedtools]

I'm looking for a good ratchet, I currently use Mastercraft ratchets and hate them.
I've been looking at gearwrench ratchets and snap on dual 80s, I no that the gearwrench is 1/4 the price but is the Snap on worth $200?

Look for used SO on CL or here in the classifieds, GW aren't bad but for the same money I like my SK better although warranty is easier with GW.

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[potato]

Look for used SO on CL or here in the classifieds, GW aren't bad but for the same money I like my SK better although warranty is easier with GW.

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gearwrench warranty is a pita,at least through gearwrench themselves.

 

[Wamsutta]

I can tell you it's worth $200 but you're not going to believe me until you put it in your hands. If you don't mind coarse teeth, you can save a bundle with Williams.

 

[davethorik]

I own Snap-on dual 80 in half inch drive, as well as a few other less costly USA made options. I really like Proto XL in 1/2, as well as Wright round heads. Of course I also have a couple Cornwell 30 tooth 1/2 drive and I like them as well. But strictly from a price standpoint, Wright and Proto ftw.

 

[ineedtools]

gearwrench warranty is a pita,at least through gearwrench themselves.

Did that once and learned to take them back to those that sell them.

Sears was be my go to until my local store be closed, now it's Advanced Auto.

Never an issue with either on exchanges.



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[wvhillbillie]

I really liked my 1/2 version Proto J5457F enough, that I bought the 3/8 too.

 

[ineedtools]

Seeing new s80a on fleabay for $125 and decent used ones under $100

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[Musicinabottle]

I really like both my SKs. You can find them fairly cheap on ebay if you go into hunt mode.

 

[hasco]

S-K all the way ! If the head is bad ,SK will mail you a repair kit free. Just call them.

 

[cgrutt]

I really like both my SKs. You can find them fairly cheap on ebay if you go into hunt mode.

Hunt mode? Do tell...

 

[cgrutt]

Oh, personally, I'd buy the Snap-on, but I'm sort of a Snap-on fan boy. You know, being an accountant and all LMAO...

 

[Wamsutta]

Where'd the $200 come from? There's a new one on ebay for $108 shipped.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-o...969409&hash=item213b941a77:g:g4IAAOSwdzVXjW8I

 

[Musicinabottle]

Hunt mode? Do tell...

Well...... you have to wait until it's dark, then make sure no one is looking, or better yet, no one is around. When you're certain the coast is clear, get on your belly behind some bushes and load up a bid snipe or just buy it now if it's a good deal. The key is to wait it out. Sorry for my weird sense of humor!

 

[Musicinabottle]

Where'd the $200 come from? There's a new one on ebay for $108 shipped.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-o...969409&hash=item213b941a77:g:g4IAAOSwdzVXjW8I

Fuzzy math?
Fake news?

 

[cgrutt]

Well...... you have to wait until it's dark, then make sure no one is looking, or better yet, no one is around. When you're certain the coast is clear, get on your belly behind some bushes and load up a bid snipe or just buy it now if it's a good deal. The key is to wait it out. Sorry for my weird sense of humor!

LOL, I thought you were talking about an app! ha, ha...

 

[Wamsutta]

Fuzzy math?
Fake news?

Isn't that what is says? $107.99 BIN with free shipping?

 

[yamaha0343]

Check out SK, especially the new pear head design if you prefer that style.

In before Pittsburgh.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Isn't that what is says? $107.99 BIN with free shipping?

I was talking about the $200. Sorry Wamsutta.

 

[Wamsutta]

I was talking about the $200. Sorry Wamsutta.

You thru me for a loop. I had to go back to ebay and check the description again upwards and downwards and side to side to make sure I wasn't lying.

 

[Musicinabottle]

You thru me for a loop. I had to go back to ebay and check the description again upwards and downwards and side to side to make sure I wasn't lying.

All good buddy. I was just kind of thinking of the Rainman scene where the doctor was asking Dustin how much things cost and when he got to the Snap on.... Rainman said "About $200", yeah definately $200".

 

[rustbucket5]

120 xp for sure, i prefer it over snap on feel wise

 

[L.Cheapo]

I'm a big fan of my 1/2" Dual80s. Uncannily smooth for 1/2" drive. Less will do, for sure. But if you use one, chances are you'll like it. And with the return of the hard handles for 1/2" ratchets, I'm a happy camper.

 

[Yarpo]

I really like my GW 84T ratchets, but what are you doing with them?

Is the snap on rachet the "best" 1/2" ratchet, probably close to it. I like the ones I use at work. Is it worth 200 dollars? To me, no not personally. Buy what you can afford and what your needs require, if you're doing DIY work seven times a year you'll be good either way.

 

[kb1982]

If you like round head ratchets, the best bang for the buck would be a used SK 42470 and then pick up a DT100 drop in for it. I have around 36 dollars in my flea market find after the DT upgrade. If your looking for longer 15 inch ratchet, I like the Armstrong 12-973 and Proto 5450XL. I have a Tone flex head ratchet that is 24 1/2 inches that seems pretty good this far with limited use. Apparently the Powerbuilt is a close relative that can be had for half as much. I don't have a Dual 80 in 1/2, but I really like them in the 3/8 and 1/4 flexhead that I have.

Proto, Tone, and the Armstrong. The SK 42470 is second from the right next to the Armstrong in the drawer.

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[Parrothead]

I just googled the Mastercraft ratchet to see where you were staring from in the ratchet category. What I saw looked like a rebranded Stanley, which as far as ratchets go is not good. Love some of Stanley’s stuff but ratchets aren’t one of them. I’ve warrantied 2 of them and haven’t used the 3rd.

Want a cheap VERY good alternative? Husky. They’re made by APEX who also makes the Gearwrench you’re talking about buying. It’s 72 tooth, very slim head and quick release too (Gearwrench is not QR). $20 US dollars from Home Depot. I own this and it’s done well. I also bought a Snap-on FR80 too so I can legitimately offer a comparison. The Snap-on is not worth the price difference.

My other choice would be the Tekton 3/8 #14932. Admittedly I’ve never used it. However, I’m 99.999% sure it’s produced in the same factory that made my Titan ratchet using the same internals. The online pictures of the internals verify it to me. THAT Titan is bulletproof. I tried to break it! Nope, couldn’t do it. 1/2 ratchet for frozen lugs on a Denali in the rust belt. I’m 250+ and I jumped on the thing repeatedly. They eventually came free and the ratchet was perfectly fine. Why the Tekton recommendation then? The Tekton is slim profile, all metal vs the Titan cushion grip. Tekton also sells the exact clone of the Titan I referenced.

Basically there are 3 VERY good ratchets for at or under $20 vs the Snap-on for way more money. That’s just my .02, other opinions may differ.

 

[shawndp]

Parrothead is correct. Your reference to mastercraft means you are Canadian and 1/2” Snap-on is $200. I own the GW 1/2 120xp and it is a fine ratchet but Apex are less tan stellar to deal with when you need a warranty (and you will). Stay away from the US brands as getting the item serviced will involve some expensive and time consuming shipping. Try the Husky as suggested - Home Depot is a lot easier to deal with. If you buy GW - try and get it from a tool dealer so he can handle the warranty process for you - I can recommend you one if you are in Toronto. All the best!

 

[mdog892001]

I have a craftsman 1/2” ratchet that Iv been using since I was 10 helping grandpa and dad fix farm equipment. It has never failed me yet and if it’s last long enough it will be my sons first tool.
That being said I do have a kobalt and I hate it. It’s very chunky. I would search ebay or CL for a used SO or mac. I’ll never buy those new


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[Boilerhouse]

OP didn't say what exactly he didn't like about the Mastercraft - was it pretty much everything or just certain features? I could suggest Gray - professional quality, made in Canada, and available at most Industrial Supply places.

 

[Tonyuk]

I like my 84 tooth gearwrench with the flex head, very smooth and hasnt broken yet.

 

[exmaxima1]

I really liked my 1/2 version Proto J5457F enough, that I bought the 3/8 too.

+1
I thought the same way

 

[Al Borland]

Husky 72 tooth 1/2" is cheap and good. It's half the cost of a Gearwrench 120, and a tiny fraction of the Snap-On.

 

[Local]

Wright round head is tough and can be had new for under 40 bucks shipped. I bought a used one on eBay for 8 dollars shipped to my house. I believe it's a 45t dual pawl design.

 

[Local]

+1
I thought the same way

The facom ratchet is great, handle is on the Skinnier side but got used to it.

 

[MTNSleder]

Where'd the $200 come from? There's a new one on ebay for $108 shipped.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-o...969409&hash=item213b941a77:g:g4IAAOSwdzVXjW8I

$200 came form Canada!

 

[shawndp]

$200 came form Canada!

I feel you pain! There are so many good deals south of the border, but shipping and import kills the value.

 

[MTNSleder]

I feel you pain! There are so many good deals south of the border, but shipping and import kills the value.

Shipping to northern Ontario is expensive + import fees, so I try to avoid buying on eBay and just by brand new for just about the same price.

 

[MTNSleder]

Husky 72 tooth 1/2" is cheap and good. It's half the cost of a Gearwrench 120, and a tiny fraction of the Snap-On.

I was playing around with those in the store a couple days ago they seem OK. I'm not sure if they'd hold up to everyday wrenching tho.

 

[MTNSleder]

OP didn't say what exactly he didn't like about the Mastercraft - was it pretty much everything or just certain features? I could suggest Gray - professional quality, made in Canada, and available at most Industrial Supply places.

Backdrag is bad, handles really short, low tooth count, can't take abuse. Basically everything.

 

[MTNSleder]

I really like my GW 84T ratchets, but what are you doing with them?

Is the snap on rachet the "best" 1/2" ratchet, probably close to it. I like the ones I use at work. Is it worth 200 dollars? To me, no not personally. Buy what you can afford and what your needs require, if you're doing DIY work seven times a year you'll be good either way.

I am not a professional wrencher but I wrench everyday!