Best 1/4" ratchet

[Derek420]

Amen on the craftsman F*ing garbage I have the rhft and v w/op 3/8s, 2 1/4s, short 1/2,and long 1/2 flex bought all for $1 each and hate them I waisted my money I feel, I threw them all in road bag. Also got the 3/8&1/2 evolv rats and just as bad they are brand new looking still and 5 years old if that explains how much I hate the evolv stuff, the wrenches are OK for a begginer and are made well at least looks wise got the evolv **** throwed in cardboard box with rest of the tools I labeled junk and not worthy of toolbox real estate.
Digging the Carlyle I got today it's 3/8 and head is a lot smaller that my dual80s and just as smooth and quite it's the long flex version I highly recommend it although I haven't used it yet.

 

[Banshee365]

SK 40972! Smooth as butter.

 

[WickedMainer]

I have never figured out why I don't prefer sk ratchets. I own them, I've used them they work great,but I never grab them first, or even second. Maybe it's the heads are thick, not a fan of listening to the gears when it's right next to my ears in enclosed area, and I have to wear gloves 1/3 of the year up here so switching directions is a PITA, not to mention switching when in tight quarters. Quality is great however.

 

[WickedMainer]

Sk's design make me feel like on certain jobs I might just have to pull one of craftsmans out of the garbage, and try to use it, cringing the whole time I might add. I haven't broken an sk ratchet so thats the plus in my book.

 

[bonneyman]

I have been using the Triangle Tools 1/4 ratchet these past few weeks... At first I hated it but its grown on me. The mechanism isn't as smooth as some of the higher end stuff but I like it.

Are you talking about the Bonney? Not as smooth as others but very tough mechanism.

 

[mbshop]

Hate to say it but as a mac dealer back long ago I basically started selling sk ratchets rather than mac because I was tired of fixing broken mac 1/4 ratchets. Never had to fix an sk.

 

[FlushingDIYer]

Are you talking about the Bonney? Not as smooth as others but very tough mechanism.

Wow, that Bonney is distinct. I love how the teeth on the pawl are more "rounded" than on the SK. That would probably create a different kind of click than with a sharper pawl, a-la SK. Head seems a little thicker than the SK though.

Hate to say it but as a mac dealer back long ago I basically started selling sk ratchets rather than mac because I was tired of fixing broken mac 1/4 ratchets. Never had to fix an sk.

Yeah, at these prices, and with the ease of replacing parts if stuff does break, this is a really great way to go. Plus all the SKs feel so beefy!
The SK 40970 approx $31
The SK 40971 approx $35
The SK 40972 approx $39

 

[Bigred1999]

Always seem to reach for my 1/4 drive long flex head hard handle snap on ratchet anytime I need a 1/4 drive ratchet

 

[WickedMainer]

They need a 1/4 ratchet with quick change handles....

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Do those smooth handle Matco/Wright round head ratchets come in a long handle version?

 

[davethorik]

Do those smooth handle Matco/Wright round head ratchets come in a long handle version?

The Matco version did, but Wright does not offer a long handle 1/4 ratchet.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

The Matco version did, but Wright does not offer a long handle 1/4 ratchet.

That's a shame.

 

[pelletman]

I just picked up an HF composite and roto head this weekend in 1/4". I think they are great, particularly for the price of almost free. I have SO, Mac, CM, Matco, SK also, so I do know what a quality ratchet feels like. I REALLY like the composite

 

[M6erfan]

I just picked up an HF composite and roto head this weekend in 1/4". I think they are great, particularly for the price of almost free. I have SO, Mac, CM, Matco, SK also, so I do know what a quality ratchet feels like. I REALLY like the composite

Yeah, aside from the head size/thickness they're alright...

 

[Macca]

Briliant Facom 1/4 ratchet. Takes so much punishment

 

[four.cycle]

Yeah, aside from the head size/thickness they're alright...

If we're going to go by head thickness and head diameter as a determining factor:

Wright 2400 head diameter .81"
Wright 2400 1/4" drive ratchet head diameter .81 inch by four.cycle, on Flickr

Wright 2400 head thickness .56"
Wright 2400 1/4" drive ratchet head thickness .56 inch by four.cycle, on Flickr

Oxwall 1/4" open-gear head diameter .77"
Oxwall 1/4" drive ratchet head diameter .77 inch by four.cycle, on Flickr

Oxwall 1/4" open-gear head thickness .25"
Oxwall 1/4" drive ratchet head thickness .25 inch by four.cycle, on Flickr

 

[jrockford]

I have a 3 some inch long SK that is about 50 years old. I find myself going to that more often than not.

 

[Infinia]

If we're going to go by head thickness and head diameter as a determining factor:

in every classroom there was this certain guy

I think the combined total thickness including the socket is what matters in tight places.
E.g. use crappy chunky sockets and that could make or break the whole deal.

 

[Citation]

I'm fond of the Crescent Roto ratchets that were already posted. That's currently my go to 1/4 ratchet. The Husky 72t GW based ratchet is also really nice. Quick release and lower drag vs the GW 120t ratchet. My Cman raised panel ratchets (US made, early 2000s) are perfectly functional but not my go to since getting newer ratchets. I'm a bit surprised to say my SO 32t flex head hasn't been one I grab much even when the alternative was the Cman. I really like quick release (the SO lacks it) and the flex head seems to fold at the wrong times. The roto head lacks QR but doesn't fold during use and can act like a bit driver.

 

[four.cycle]

I think the combined total thickness including the socket is what matters in tight places.
E.g. use crappy chunky sockets and that could make or break the whole deal.

^ True. Good point.
Perhaps I should have noted that the "Oxwall" sockets that came with that ratchet are shorter than some of the other well-known US-made brands.

While certainly not on a par level with S-K or Wright or Proto or <insert brand name here>, you can't get close to Oxwall, G.M Mfg. Co., or Chapman Tool for tight-quarter stuff - just hope it doesn't require a great deal of torque!

 

[M6erfan]

If we're going to go by head thickness and head diameter as a determining factor:

Wright 2400 head diameter .81"
Wright 2400 head thickness .56"

Oxwall 1/4" open-gear head diameter .77"
Oxwall 1/4" open-gear head thickness .25"

Here's a comparison photo of my 1/4" ratchet arsenal to help with perspective.

The HF is the widest and thickest, the Carlyle is the smallest and thinnest (dia. .81", Thickness .49")...

 

[four.cycle]

^ Note I included the height of the selector knob on that Wright I posted on the previous page.

But seriously: head diameter and thickness cannot be in themselves the determining factors for what constitutes "better". The question of which is "best" is, in a way, rhetorical, in that we've all got our own personal preferences and biases. Moreover, none of us have used every different model made by every manufacturer that's ever existed.

Going back to the OP's original post:

Problem with the 1/4" ratchets is I keep hitting the direction changer thingy. Looking for a 1/4", fine tooth ratchet with the direction changer in the ratchet head.

There are dozens of different makes and models that would fit the bill.

 

[M6erfan]

^ Note I included the height of the selector knob on that Wright I posted on the previous page.

But seriously: head diameter and thickness cannot be in themselves the determining factors for what constitutes "better". The question of which is "best" is, in a way, rhetorical, in that we've all got our own personal preferences and biases. Moreover, none of us have used every different model made by every manufacturer that's ever existed.

lol, jeez four.cycle, relax man...

My post wasn't an affront to yours, just thought a photo might help with comparing some fairly popular ratchet's...

Never said head size was the determining factor, but again, I thought it would be helpful to others to see them compared, side by side, in a photo. It might matter to some people...I have a HF 1/4" composite and I like it, but the head is very large, no denying it.

BTW, the Carlyle dimensions I posted include the selector switch and QR button.

I agree, and have stated before that there is no "best" ratchet.

 

[T45]

But seriously: head diameter and thickness cannot be in themselves the determining factors for what constitutes "better". The question of which is "best" is, in a way, rhetorical, in that we've all got our own personal preferences and biases.

I'm gonna agree with this just to expand on it--

Tier 1) the important bits are how well it fits in your hand, how much leverage it has, and how the square drive fits and operates.

Tier 2) technical solutions for technical problems (thin/narrow, high torque, super long reach or flex head)

The takeaway being you are likely better off having different ratchets for the technical problem solvers. For the daily driver, pick something that you like to hold, has good action, and holds the sockets tight (but not too tight -use qr if needed, etc).

The mistake I think many of us make is trying to buy 12 ratchets to find '1' that does 'everything'. Thats silly .

IMHO, Better to plan a portfolio of a couple units, with different pro/cons.

If you can handle them in person before you buy it might also save you some grief.

 

[GasNSteering]

Koken Zeal 1/4dr. Flex Head Ratchet, 2726Z


Oh wow, that's pretty nice... Certainly very different from everything else. But that price...

Nice. Since I am obsessed with 1/4 ratchets I will have to get this one. I prefer working with 1/4 and have enough strength to make it work. Will have to post a pic of my obsession, err I mean collection

 

[GasNSteering]

Here is my 1/4 ratchet collection. Not shown Snap-on dual 80 and HF gear wrench look alike.

 

[Adam.C]

We don't talk enough about back drag. Really makes a huge difference in usability. All else equal, choose a ratchet with low back drag.

Now if you can get strength and low back drag, that will be a good ratchet, since these are usually mutually exclusive. Snap On does a good job of this. But there are other excellent ratchets out there.

 

[M6erfan]

We don't talk enough about back drag. Really makes a huge difference in usability. All else equal, choose a ratchet with low back drag.

Now if you can get strength and low back drag, that will be a good ratchet, since these are usually mutually exclusive. Snap On does a good job of this. But there are other excellent ratchets out there.

+1, back drag is often overlooked. I wonder if there is a way to test this with any accuracy. The results would be very interesting to me.

 

[Infinia]

we don't need no 'back drag'. Maybe that's a big reason why I like roto-heads, esp for 1/4" drives on small fasteners.

 

[WWheeler]

Lots of good ratchets keep getting mentioned, but there still can only be one "Best 1/4 ratchet"

This is it:
Snap On THNF72 - 72 tooth soft soft grip swivel head

.
/close thread
.

 

[four.cycle]

lol, jeez four.cycle, relax man...

I'm relaxed! I was just responding to your comment there- not a big deal.
I find all these "which is the best ***" threads funny because there are too many variables involved - analogous to arguing white gas stoves to canister stoves.
Best thing is just go buy one of each and figure out which of them you like better.

 

[BK13]

Lots of good ratchets keep getting mentioned, but there still can only be one "Best 1/4 ratchet"

This is it:
Snap On THNF72 - 72 tooth soft soft grip swivel head

.
/close thread
.

Unless you don't like soft grips...

 

[jo4gj]

I love my Matco 88 in 1/4 drive.Also have the Napa Carlyle 1/4 drive flex head 90 tooth ratchet and it has been good so far.

how do you compare the matco and the carlye ? whats better just the ratchet mechanism not thinking about the flexing

 

[jo4gj]

Here's a comparison photo of my 1/4" ratchet arsenal to help with perspective.

The HF is the widest and thickest, the Carlyle is the smallest and thinnest (dia. .81", Thickness .49")...

can you tell me what you notice about the difference in ratcheting mechanisms from the carlyle and the snap on 1/4 rathcets.... how are the fine teeth/ arc, the drag back, and do you think they can both take alot of torque

 

[M6erfan]

can you tell me what you notice about the difference in ratcheting mechanisms from the carlyle and the snap on 1/4 rathcets.... how are the fine teeth/ arc, the drag back, and do you think they can both take alot of torque

The SO has a finer ratcheting feel than the Carlyle and the back drag is similar on both. I wouldn't call the back drag on either "light". Both my Harbor Freight composite and Facom feel slightly lighter than either the SO or Carlyle. In use, the differences between the two are pretty minimal.

I haven't done any scientific tests so I can't speak to which one is stronger. But I have put way more stress on the Carlyle than the SO, only because it's longer so I get much more leverage with it. In the torque ranges they're designed for, both are plenty strong and I wouldn't be concerned with any issues in that regard.

Tough choice. But you can always do what I did, buy both....

 

[jo4gj]

The SO has a finer ratcheting feel than the Carlyle and the back drag is similar on both. I wouldn't call the back drag on either "light". Both my Harbor Freight composite and Facom feel slightly lighter than either the SO or Carlyle. In use, the differences between the two are pretty minimal.

I haven't done any scientific tests so I can't speak to which one is stronger. But I have put way more stress on the Carlyle than the SO, only because it's longer so I get much more leverage with it. In the torque ranges they're designed for, both are plenty strong and I wouldn't be concerned with any issues in that regard.

Tough choice. But you can always do what I did, buy both....

nice to know

 

[jo4gj]

The SO has a finer ratcheting feel than the Carlyle and the back drag is similar on both. I wouldn't call the back drag on either "light". Both my Harbor Freight composite and Facom feel slightly lighter than either the SO or Carlyle. In use, the differences between the two are pretty minimal.

I haven't done any scientific tests so I can't speak to which one is stronger. But I have put way more stress on the Carlyle than the SO, only because it's longer so I get much more leverage with it. In the torque ranges they're designed for, both are plenty strong and I wouldn't be concerned with any issues in that regard.

Tough choice. But you can always do what I did, buy both....

Hey the Carlyle is also a 72 teeth ratchet like the so

 

[Nigelhirst]

Woke up yesterday morning, remembering how much easier it would've been to take the nuts loose that were holding the carrier bearing on the passenger-side axle on my Nissan Altima if I'd had a 1/4" flex head ratchet...

So decided to pick up a Toptul CJKN0818 from GJ member dnschmidt. Haven't received it yet, but man, am I thinking about it... hahahaha

Can't really review the ratchet yet, but I'm looking forward to giving it some work!

Are there any updates on the best 1/4" ratchet out there?

Well, as a reult of this thread, I bought one for myself as a Christmas present. When it arrived yesterday the ratchet feel was awful - very stiff, loads of back drag. So I took it apart and it was completely dry. Not even a smear of oil. Incidentally it appears identical to the Facom internally, even down to the little heart-shaped spring. I also took a look at my new-ish Facom 1/4 ratchet and that was well packed with a black grease. So I gave the Toptul a good smear of Boelube, and it was perfect.....as it should have left the factory I think.

Nigel

 

[FlushingDIYer]

Well, as a reult of this thread, I bought one for myself as a Christmas present. When it arrived yesterday the ratchet feel was awful - very stiff, loads of back drag. So I took it apart and it was completely dry. Not even a smear of oil. Incidentally it appears identical to the Facom internally, even down to the little heart-shaped spring. I also took a look at my new-ish Facom 1/4 ratchet and that was well packed with a black grease. So I gave the Toptul a good smear of Boelube, and it was perfect.....as it should have left the factory I think.

Nigel

Hey Nigel, is it just case of turning that little hex bolt to open up the Toptul case? I noticed it felt a little dry inside, too... You think Superlube would be ok?

 

[M6erfan]

If it truly is like the Facom, then yes. Remove the screw and the insides come apart. Clean with contact cleaner/WD40 etc. then lube.

Careful on the lube though, don't want to use anything to thick. And use sparingly, dont glop it on, too much can cause skipping...

Here's a good video...