Best 1/4" ratchet

[T45]

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...

Yep - gonna agree you.

One should oil not grease the facom design ratchets. you can also dilute a small amount of grease with oil to adjust consistency if you insist on it (grease is just oil susspended in a carrier, fwiw--so this is just a viscosity adjustment so to speak).

The technical bullitin also uses a dab of anti-seize on the fwd/reverse block (don't get this in the teeth--see above) and a strong locktite on the cover scew when you put it all back together.

The last trick is to not thigten the cover screw to death, but just snug (test the action, and use the loctite once all set). On actual facom ratchets you bottom the screw (not torque) an back out 1/4 turn. On other brands you just need to figure out where you need to be.

Sounds harder than it is in reality.

A properly adjusted Facom will have less backdrag than an f80 design.

 

[gdocktor3]

Best 1/4" ratchet

My issue with that Toptul ratchet is the little detent ball under the head. If the head is not straight up and down, locked in by the detent ball, the head just flops around.

 

[M6erfan]

Yep - gonna agree you.

One should oil not grease the facom design ratchets. you can also dilute a small amount of grease with oil to adjust consistency if you insist on it (grease is just oil susspended in a carrier, fwiw--so this is just a viscosity adjustment so to speak).

The technical bullitin also uses a dab of anti-seize on the fwd/reverse block (don't get this in the teeth--see above) and a strong locktite on the cover scew when you put it all back together.

The last trick is to not thigten the cover screw to death, but just snug (test the action, and use the loctite once all set). On actual facom ratchets you bottom the screw (not torque) an back out 1/4 turn. On other brands you just need to figure out where you need to be.

Sounds harder than it is in reality.

A properly adjusted Facom will have less backdrag than an f80 design.

Yep, I personally think Superlube is too thick. I use a small amount of low viscosity Moly paste on the Facoms. A very small amount.

Good tip on thinning thick grease out with some oil, 3 in 1 I think would be a suitable reducing agent

 

[dnschmidt]

A couple of comments. On that particular ratchet the purpose of the ball is to reduce the amount of flopping around by applying some amount of tension to the head, which is does. I don't like detents at all as I feel that flex head ratchets to a degree should semi-flop around. The idea is that they can be used at any angle and not just were the detents are. This little ratchet is my best seller by the way. I much prefer the extra long non-flex head that I also sell myself but I've found out that what I personally like has little in common with what my customers are willing to buy Ergo: angled socket wrenches.

TOPTUL ships all of their ratchets dry and from what they tell me it's some kind of a shipping regulation which seems weird to me but what do I know. How I lubricate them for my own use is that I dunk the heads into ATF for five minutes and drain them off. You can also open them up if you feel like it and use Superlube, or whatever floats your boat. Boelube is a good option but since this is, at room temperature a wax like solid, the way to use it is to put it into the ratchet head and then melt it with a heat gun, which will make it flow all over the place. I've cut miles of aluminum using Boelube on my carbide table saw blade and it makes cutting aluminum like cutting wood. Super stuff for sure.

 

[Nigelhirst]

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?

Yes it just unscrews but make sure you watch how the pin on the cap engages with the spring, otherwise you will have to find someone with a Facom ratchet leaflet to show you how to reassemble it.
My Facoms appear to be lubricated with black Molybdeum disulphide grease, but I guess any free flowing lubricant will do. Others favour diluting grease with a bit of oil, but I use Boelube. It's waxy in the jar but spreads easily as soon as you put the ratchet back together. Good luck!
Nigel

 

[FlushingDIYer]

Yes it just unscrews but make sure you watch how the pin on the cap engages with the spring, otherwise you will have to find someone with a Facom ratchet leaflet to show you how to reassemble it.
My Facoms appear to be lubricated with black Molybdeum disulphide grease, but I guess any free flowing lubricant will do. Others favour diluting grease with a bit of oil, but I use Boelube. It's waxy in the jar but spreads easily as soon as you put the ratchet back together. Good luck!
Nigel

Nigel, you aren't kidding! I can take apart an old SK and degrease and relube it in five minutes flat. But this thing... It's such a finesse piece!

That little heart-shaped spring though:There really is love in our tools, huh?

I finally figured out that there was a little raised pin on the backside of the coverplate. But it still wasn't easy to put back together. I used a Superlube and 3&1 oil mixture to lube the gears. The ratchet feels amazing. Not SK amazing. But pretty darn good. Especially for the price.

 

[Nigelhirst]

Every one of my tools has a little bit of my heart in it! ��

 

[Filson]

I just link up some adapters down to 1/4".

View media item 58358
Kidding, I'm actually looking to find a better 1/4" ratchet, preferably something ultra short. Could always cut off the end of one of mine, but, ya know.. there goes my excuse to spend more money on tools.

 

[Westozfixer]

Try the Tekton 14901, very short and good value.

 

[Ktmrider83]

Just picked up one of these

 

[Westozfixer]

Is that the gearwrench?

 

[Ktmrider83]

VIM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003TSMQWU#immersive-view_1485674825515

 

[retDAC]

VIM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003TSMQWU#immersive-view_1485674825515

I believe that's made by Hi Five. If so, it should be excellent for what it is: low torque and severely limited access. Does it have "Reverse Gear" stamped on the thumbwheels?

 

[gdocktor3]

I just link up some adapters down to 1/4".


Kidding, I'm actually looking to find a better 1/4" ratchet, preferably something ultra short. Could always cut off the end of one of mine, but, ya know.. there goes my excuse to spend more money on tools.

SK 40970 - it's 4.5" long and the best 1/4" ratchet I own. They can be found cheap on eBay everyday. They are also the perfect ratchet to do a 1/4" body 3/8" conversion. If you want something super short, I have a Mac MR4C that is 3.5" long, 72 tooth and quick release. Phenomenal little ratchet. It's sooo small I basically hold it with my thumb and index/middle fingers, but perfect for the tightest of tight spaces. I bought mine used on ebay, but here it is.
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratch...cialty-Ratchets/MR4C/1-4-Drive-Mini-Ratchet-4

 

[M6erfan]

I always thought the MAC MR4C looked an awful lot like the Ares...



https://www.amazon.com/Release-Ratchet-70041-72-Tooth-Gearhead/dp/B01BTCU52A/ref=pd_sim_469_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SBC3RMNMZBPHDH2C0VJW

 

[DeliveryGuy]

I use a Snap On THNF72, and a Gray V2536.

 

[bixxjs]

My go to 1/4 drive ratchet is this Britool rotating head
or this Allen.

Great ratchets that can get in any awkward spots.

 

[Filson]

SK 40970 - it's 4.5" long and the best 1/4" ratchet I own. They can be found cheap on eBay everyday. They are also the perfect ratchet to do a 1/4" body 3/8" conversion. If you want something super short, I have a Mac MR4C that is 3.5" long, 72 tooth and quick release. Phenomenal little ratchet. It's sooo small I basically hold it with my thumb and index/middle fingers, but perfect for the tightest of tight spaces. I bought mine used on ebay, but here it is.
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratch...cialty-Ratchets/MR4C/1-4-Drive-Mini-Ratchet-4

Took me a second to getting around to reading your post; that's a damn fine looking John Deere in your avatar pic. As far as the MR4C goes, I seen that listed before in this thread, don't remember if it was you, but I wrote it down. It's definitely on the short list, look about perfect for what I'm looking for.

I always thought the MAC MR4C looked an awful lot like the Ares...



https://www.amazon.com/Release-Ratchet-70041-72-Tooth-Gearhead/dp/B01BTCU52A/ref=pd_sim_469_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SBC3RMNMZBPHDH2C0VJW

Hmm, it definitely does look very similar. Any thoughts on the quality of Ares tools? Never owned one.

 

[M6erfan]

Hmm, it definitely does look very similar. Any thoughts on the quality of Ares tools? Never owned one.

I've never owned an Ares product, but I wonder if they are made in the same factory. I believe Ares is Taiwan, I dont know the COO of the MAC

 

[gdocktor3]

Best 1/4" ratchet

The Mac is made in Taiwan, but I don't think it's the exact same as the ARES. The Mac has a narrow neck, almost the shape of a spoon. The neck of the ARES is wider and the direction selectors appear different. I don't think they'd alter the circlip if they were the same either. Maybe though...

 

[M6erfan]

Man that MAC is tiny! It does look a bit different than the Ares...

 

[MrJason]

Picked this up at a Wichita KS pawn shop, for $9.

Works perfectly. Freakin great price too.

 

[cesski]

Re: Best 1/4" ratchet

The Mac is made in Taiwan, but I don't think it's the exact same as the ARES. The Mac has a narrow neck, almost the shape of a spoon. The neck of the ARES is wider and the direction selectors appear different. I don't think they'd alter the circlip if they were the same either. Maybe though...

Hi, do you have the Snap-on T72 to compare it to by any chance? Been trying to get this ratchet for so long but there are no MAC trucks around me, and I've been SOL on eBay too.

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[Parrothead]

So is harbor freight brand rotohead ratchet. Very happy with it


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I bought a HF 1/4" Roto to compare to the Crescent/GW and it's not as nice as the Crescent. It's been in my truck box untouched since the day I bought it and compared the two.

The HF ratchet is quick release, the Crescent is not. That’s a significant difference to me.

 

[Odes]

I don't know about the best ratchet but I bought a new proto and it my favourite so far I find a lot of them are to small in my hand but this one feels just right

 

[f4 plt]

MY favorite and just able to acquire one is the Snap on T860MP indexing 1/4 ratchet. They were discontinued over 10 years ago but great tool for tight places.... and aircraft have lots of tight places

 

[Bockscar]

Took me a second to getting around to reading your post; that's a damn fine looking John Deere in your avatar pic. [emoji38] As far as the MR4C goes, I seen that listed before in this thread, don't remember if it was you, but I wrote it down. It's definitely on the short list, look about perfect for what I'm looking for. [emoji106]



Hmm, it definitely does look very similar. Any thoughts on the quality of Ares tools? Never owned one.

What John Deere?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Ben1967]

My favorite 1/4 ratchet is the Snap on THLF72, had it for about a year, and its been great!

 

[kb1982]

I don't know about the best ratchet but I bought a new proto and it my favourite so far I find a lot of them are to small in my hand but this one feels just right

I purchased one a few days ago myself. It hasn't even made it's way to the garage yet, but the fit and finish of it is awesome. I'm amazed by the small head of it.

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

Duralast flex

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I almost always go for my 8" Matco first. If space is an issue or lower torque is needed my 4 1/2" Snap on. Sometimes a grab my 6 1/2" Kolbalt locking flex head pass through. I'll use it with pass through sockets or the 1/4 sq dr adapter and regular sockets. I use my Snap on 5 1/2" flex the least. Every now and then it's the perfect size for the job.

 

[Odes]

I plan open mine up and lube it with super lube but right out of the box it's pretty smooth

 

[Tonyuk]

I've been using my 84t flex gearwrench 9/10 times when i've needed 1/4" since getting it, good ratchet and longer than most 1/4 from other places.

I'm also using a roto head tekton often for when i have easy enough access to use as a nut driver. For any hard to reach places i use a tiny wera 1/4" with a socket adaptor;

 

[JR7]

My favorite is the SK 40972 1/4" flex head. It's a ratchet, speed handle, and thumbwheel, all in one.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

For any hard to reach places i use a tiny wera 1/4" with a socket adaptor;

It's actually a 5/16" bit driver. They are super small but, very strong. The 1/4" sq dr bit adds to the versatility. I like mine and use it as much as I can.

 

[Monkeybutler6]

How does a Indestro 2875 compare to a S-K 40970 or a wright 2400?

 

[asm154]

My favorite is the SK 40972 1/4" flex head. It's a ratchet, speed handle, and thumbwheel, all in one.

That’s probably my all-time favorite as well. I also really like the 9” Mac Axis flex head ratchet with comfort grip and the 100 tooth Carlyle rotohead.

Freakin love the 3/8 in a 1/4 body version of that SK as well. #3767

 

[jimmyin3D]

i love using 1/4 drive and after yrs of switching between certain ratchets the SO THNF72 has become by favorite goto. Super thin head, very strong, and is able to maneuver its swivel head in awkward spots.

My only regret is not getting it sooner!




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[Fedwrench]

Realizing that this thread is almost seven years old and there have been several new ratchets released in those seven years, my vote is for the Current Tekton 90 tooth series. What I like most about it is that the handle isn't the same diameter as a #2 pencil. Often, many 1/4 drive ratchet handles are too thin. Tekton gives you a little meat on the handle for improved grip and adds some length to apply more torque on the many smaller fasteners found in today's engine bays.

 

[asm154]

Realizing that this thread is almost seven years old and there have been several new ratchets released in those seven years, my vote is for the Current Tekton 90 tooth series. What I like most about it is that the handle isn't the same diameter as a #2 pencil. Often, many 1/4 drive ratchet handles are too thin. Tekton gives you a little meat on the handle for improved grip and adds some length to apply more torque on the many smaller fasteners found in today's engine bays.

Yeah I do wish the Mac Axis CG was a smidge meatier in 1/4 and 3/8. From the looks of it, I’d guess the Proto hard handle version is.

Do like the thickness on the Carlyle 90T and roto CG’s.