Best 1/2" Ratchet ??

[Ralf11]

The SK discount thread got me started on a search but I was surprised I couldn't find a thread on this.

I don't feel that backdrag is a big issue for larger fasteners (as compared with 1/4" drive ratchets and what they'd be used on), but what else?

Swing angle?

Smoothness?

 

[d.mcfarland]

For 1/2" the main criteria for most users would be length, strength, and possibly flexible heads.

 

[anndel]

My Snap-on flex head bent handle is my favorite.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Personally as a mechanic I have a variety of 1/2 also I have all sizes but always get the bigger 1/2 drive ones as most of the time if you’re using 1/2 drive then likely something is going to take a lot to get it off my personal favorite since I don’t have any tool truck 1/2 ratchets would be my Blue Hawk 1/2 that came from Lowe’s originally but I got at the pawn shop for $6 and have used it a lot it gets the job done better than my Old Craftsman that doesn’t take very much


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[hautpot]

Head thickness! a thick 1/2 ratchet is useless if it can't fit in place I need it to. I love my Snap-on 1/2 ratchets with 80 teeth gears. Soooo smooth.

 

[General Geoff]

Best one I've used (and now own) is a Snap-On SL80A. Strong enough to handle a 250 lb gorilla jumping on it to break a stuck lug nut loose, yet very smooth fine-tooth action.

 

[lardy1]

I love my SK roundhead flex ratchet. If there weren't things above it on my wish list I would have bought that LP90 they have on sale. I just upgraded a GearWrench 1/2" locking flex with the Matco 88 guts. I pretty much hated that GW ratchet and was sorry I bought it. But with the twenty dollar Matco upgrade and a quarter turn on the flex pivot pin and it feels like a brand new ratchet. It's a shame they couldn't put it in my hands in the same condition it's in now.

 

[Fedwrench]

Balance & overall weight.

I've seen some 1/2 in drive ratchets that are just to bulky & heavy to use.

Hell, even the 1/2 drive SK flex head in the steals & deals sale is on the heavy side.

Weight doesn't always equal strength.

I think the same features you look for in other drive size ratchets apply to 1/2 inch drive as well.

 

[chappys4life]

Right now I have a mix of gearwrench & icon 1/2 ratchets and all of them are eh. Did a return of the gearwrench locking 84 tooth. Just ordered a green SHL80A

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Depends what you are using the 1/2" drive sockets on. I love my Gray ratchet, the handle shape is perfect . But I used it on machines , not cars. If you get backdrag, it's time to spin it off by hand. The coarse tooth count has no meaning if there are few obstructions. I have a Gearwrench, too heavy, SK it's round head and changing direction is a hassle,, and a Proto, the handle is knurled.

 

[DadsTools]

This is a little odd, but my favorite 1/2" ratchet is still the New Britain Kilness round head my father gave to me back in the 70s with a Giller socket set. NBM sold them to everybody, so they can have a lot of different names on them. The crazy thing about it is that NBM made them with the same size head as the 3/8" rat, the only difference being the core having a 1/2" stud. If you've never tried one, you don't know how light and maneuverable these are. I've acquired a few since so I have a good supply in case a core goes bad (which it never has). I have other rats with thinner heads in case of the need, and a couple of old coarse-tooth classics in case I'm planning to really abuse it. But the 1/2" Kilness is still my go to. The older I get, the more I appreciate its lightweight, more compact head.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Snap on locking flex, 24 inch. Gearwrench 24 inch flex is a nice supplement as the head is a bit thinner.

 

[Rickster]

My personal fave is a Proto Pro 5450-BL. Long handle, thin head, light back drag, and a black industrial finish.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I really, really like my Proto J5457F round head but I would like to have a dual 80 in 1/2" (I have a 3/8" and a 1/4"). Can get the Proto for around $50 from Zoro though. There is a 15% coupon currently (see hot deals forum). So good for the price.

Edit: Oh, I like smoothness and I like as fine tooth as possible while still having good strength. I don't really care about backdrag on 1/2". To be honest my Proto 1/2" doesn't feel as nice as my Snap On 3/8", but it still feels nicer than anything else non-dual-80 that I have personally used. (Only Snap On 1/2"s I've ever used were older course tooth ones and not for a long time now)

 

[Tallpilot]

Snap on locking flex, 24 inch. Gearwrench 24 inch flex is a nice supplement as the head is a bit thinner.

I prefer the 18” for most stuff because it’s lighter, but you can’t beat the Snap-on for strength. The shaft is almost as thick as my 3/4” stuff.

 

[davethorik]

My favorite is my 27" Cornwell SRF76L flex head. I also really like my Snap-on SLL80A 24" straight handle. I have Cornwell, Proto XL, and Wright in 15" length and they are all excellent.

 

[Indexmill]

The same as the answer for the 1/4".

 

[Ralf11]

not helpful

 

[Iowafox]

My favorite 1/2 ratchets are 2 MAC long ones a flex head round head I have 2 off ones 10+ years old and has been a tank so I got a 2nd and a MAC AXIS fixed head. They are used as breaker bars and leverage tools mostly for breaking lug nuts loose.
I also have a array of standard length ones. I really like a Stanley 120tooth for when I do brake caliper bolts makes it a breaze!
I think generally you want a 1/2 that fits your hands and one you like. I am a weekend shad tree mechanic and I only have name brand MAC because of work a good discount.
I believe that 1/2 long ratchets that get used as breaker bars should be a somewhat middle of the road or low tooth count. 70 or less.
I also like having a flex head and a fixed head in long handle size for stuff like doing shocks on trucks. One for each side on top flex head helps ALOT.
For the standard sized 1/2 it doesn't matter much about tooth count course or fine what ever you like roll with it. Because most times if you can use a standard 1/2 after breaking it loose you can use a 3/8 drive as space to work in can be a issue.
Over all it is totally what your hands like most and what you like. If you hate it you will probably not use it often and replace it. If you like it and it feels good in your hands then odds are it will become a heritage tool to be passed down someday because you will probably take better care of it as well regardless of brands.
This is just my 2 cents!

 

[DerekV]

Snap On SHF80A. Not too long, not too short, versatile, very strong, so smooth.

 

[BrandoJames]

finer tooth, which is nice, but not all that essential usually for 1/2".

Agreed. I own the 1/2" Williams S-52EHFA Flex 15" length ratchet. I use it as a mini breaker bar--incredibly strong coarse tooth ratchet. I probably paid too much for it ($65 via Amazon), but you could disassemble a tank with that ratchet.

 

[setfocus]

I love my snap-on SX80B 17-18" locking-flex, it's strong enough to hang off of, regularly and very smooth action. Need more leverage? I'd use a breaker bar, 24" is a lot to swing. I don't understand spending extra money on a giant ratchet, just to use it as a breaker bar.

 

[pelletman]

Depends on the situation but I really like the long handled Snap On

 

[MJK]

^^ I agree with setfocus, although I prefer the SF80A non-locking.

If you find a deal on an old Armstrong 1/2" ratchet, those are also quite nice apart from the coarse teeth. The Dr Flex is/was a 12-974.

 

[visionguru]

The SK discount thread got me started on a search but I was surprised I couldn't find a thread on this.

I don't feel that backdrag is a big issue for larger fasteners (as compared with 1/4" drive ratchets and what they'd be used on), but what else?

Swing angle?

Smoothness?

All three factors count, plus chrome quality. I have Snap On S80, and the 24" (flex ratcheting break bar). Don't use 1/2" much. For 1/2" ratchet, Snap On is the best. others? Not even close.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I really like my Powerbuilt Pro 24" flex head for three reasons:

1) The head is very compact, which gives extra clearance for things like caliper bolts.

2) The 72 tooth mechanism has very little backlash. I have yet to find a situation where a higher tooth count would be of benefit.

3) The flex has a strong detent that makes a lock unnecessary and is designed to last.

 

[Tallpilot]

I love my snap-on SX80B 17-18" locking-flex, it's strong enough to hang off of, regularly and very smooth action. Need more leverage? I'd use a breaker bar, 24" is a lot to swing. I don't understand spending extra money on a giant ratchet, just to use it as a breaker bar.

I agree. I have the SHX80B and I find it reasonably comfortable to use, any longer and it wouldn't be. I have a 24" 1/2" drive breaker bar and a 40" 3/4" drive breaker bar if things are being stubborn (and for some reason none of my power tools fit).

 

[overkill19]

My favorite 1/2 ratchets are 2 MAC long ones a flex head round head I have 2 off ones 10+ years old and has been a tank so I got a 2nd and a MAC AXIS fixed head. They are used as breaker bars and leverage tools mostly for breaking lug nuts loose.
I also have a array of standard length ones. I really like a Stanley 120tooth for when I do brake caliper bolts makes it a breaze!
I think generally you want a 1/2 that fits your hands and one you like. I am a weekend shad tree mechanic and I only have name brand MAC because of work a good discount.
I believe that 1/2 long ratchets that get used as breaker bars should be a somewhat middle of the road or low tooth count. 70 or less.
I also like having a flex head and a fixed head in long handle size for stuff like doing shocks on trucks. One for each side on top flex head helps ALOT.
For the standard sized 1/2 it doesn't matter much about tooth count course or fine what ever you like roll with it. Because most times if you can use a standard 1/2 after breaking it loose you can use a 3/8 drive as space to work in can be a issue.
Over all it is totally what your hands like most and what you like. If you hate it you will probably not use it often and replace it. If you like it and it feels good in your hands then odds are it will become a heritage tool to be passed down someday because you will probably take better care of it as well regardless of brands.
This is just my 2 cents!

[emoji1303]Mac flex round head is my every day go to! I have hung on that thing! I can’t seam to break it.


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[Fluelikesymptoms]

My Snap-on flex head bent handle is my favorite.

I'm glad I'm not the only fan of bent handles, alot of people don't care for them. Though I have to say mines 3/8 and I have little interest in owning one in 1/2. My go-to is a dual 80 bent handle

3/8 doesn't relate to OP's question though.

Honestly I can't really say what the best is with 1/2. Most people will say a 1/2 SO dual 80. I'd agree with that its the best, but not my preference Reality is your likely going to find yourself wanting more than one variant. I dont prefer flex head on 1/2 but sometimes you need it. I prefer to use my williams fixed head chrome handle. Its stout and I don't mind having to abuse it, but has higher arc swing.

If I find myself needing a flex head 1/2 I prefer dual 80. Then there's different lengths some are too long or too short etc.

This really applies to all sizes, a variety can be helpful

 

[VolvoRyan]

There's just *not* a best. Even for the same fastener on the same job. How many torque-to-yield fasteners need stupid torque to just break free.... but then you can immediately get them off with fingers or a stubby ratchet? There are the suspension jobs where you gotta work a cruddy bolt free, but its replacement is easy.

Half-inch drive covers such a big range of "oomph". Literally 0-250+ ft-lbs, so you need a range of handle lengths and styes to work efficiently.

Rather than "the one" really nice ratchet, I'd opt for a good set of lesser ratchets. GearWrench sets are a lot of bang for your buck. It'll inform you on what fits your hands best, and what tools you use most. Then, when you have the money or when something wears out, you can replace it with something "nicer", and you'll have figured out your personal preferences so you can make informed purchases. I'm glad I went this route myself.

...Or you can just pull out the credit card and go for broke right away. Buy a whole set off the tool truck, and sleep on the couch for a few weeks, and a year or two later quietly kick yourself every time you look at that one ratchet you never use.

-Ryan

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I would doubt you could wear out a 1/2' drive ratchet. I certainly didn't with 35 years of heavy daily use. As I said early, I found the Gearwrench to be heavy.

 

[Fialaja]

Armstrong rhft

 

[Ralf11]

I'm glad I'm not the only fan of bent handles, alot of people don't care for them. Though I have to say mines 3/8 and I have little interest in owning one in 1/2. My go-to is a dual 80 bent handle

3/8 doesn't relate to OP's question though.

Honestly I can't really say what the best is with 1/2. Most people will say a 1/2 SO dual 80. I'd agree with that its the best, but not my preference Reality is your likely going to find yourself wanting more than one variant. I don't prefer flex head on 1/2 but sometimes you need it. I prefer to use my williams fixed head chrome handle. Its stout and I don't mind having to abuse it, but has higher arc swing.

If I find myself needing a flex head 1/2 I prefer dual 80. Then there's different lengths some are too long or too short etc.

This really applies to all sizes, a variety can be helpful

ok wait - you lost me ... to me bent handle includes a flex head

what am I missing?

and my guess is people like the flex-headed bent handles not just for access, but so you can use them kinda like a speeder crank (which Snappy no longer makes in 1/2" drive)

 

[bsaint]

I would doubt you could wear out a 1/2' drive ratchet. I certainly didn't with 35 years of heavy daily use. As I said early, I found the Gearwrench to be heavy.

I wore out a Proto big dawg.


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[Downwindtracker 2]

Yeah I guess you could. I went and looked at my Proto. While the plate and innards are replacement parts, the hole in the housing could get sloppy. I used a Gray at work, and the Proto as the home ratchet.

 

[Fialaja]

For when the going gets really tough Ridgid long handle rhft ratchet

 

[Mgdoug3]

I use my LP90 24" flex and a 42470 with a DT100 upgrade the most. The 42470 just feels right and the LP90 has plenty of leverage. The old JH Williams S-52 is great too.

 

[StHaGe]

Gedore 1993 GU - 3 Older Version.

 

[sberry]

I barely use one, really only a little of any size. Use impact.

 

[WinMod21]

I really like my Powerbuilt Pro 24" flex head for three reasons:
1) The head is very compact, which gives extra clearance for things like caliper bolts.
2) The 72 tooth mechanism has very little backlash. I have yet to find a situation where a higher tooth count would be of benefit.
3) The flex has a strong detent that makes a lock unnecessary and is designed to last.

^^^ That. I've had a Powerbuilt [3/8" drive] flex-head bent-handle for 35+ years, that I must've bought when I didn't have any tools with me, that has always worked & handled excellently, and is still in perfect condition and more often than not the go-to ratchet.

Same for my (1980) 1/2" Craftsman [18" ?] flex-head straight handle. Except for the serrated finger-twist dial thingamajig which over the years has gotten stiffer, but it's never been lubed. I reckon after 40 years.... maybe I should try lubing it.