Talked me into it. Added the utility knife for $7.95. I'll sell that to work and be into the ratchet for $35. Could have used it yesterday, the 15" Williams superratchet couldn't get it done on U bolts. Had to brace myself and "row" towards me, man that wore my azz out on 8 bolts.
Best Extra-Long Handle 1/2" Ratchet?
- Thread starter jmm
- Start date
Talked me into it. Added the utility knife for $7.95. I'll sell that to work and be into the ratchet for $35. Could have used it yesterday, the 15" Williams superratchet couldn't get it done on U bolts. Had to brace myself and "row" towards me, man that wore my azz out on 8 bolts.
Thanks for bring this to my attention. I'm waiting for the canadian version of these (pro point) to go on sale. I went and saw them and they look like exceptional quality for the money.
MrJason
Well-known member
Good stuff, post a picture when it arrives. I'm eagerly awaiting my shipment.
When I consider the value, if they meet expectations and performance, it'll be near to perfect.
Time will tell.
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jethro29
Well-known member
the best? only one answer there. snap-on all the way.
Let us know what you think!
I'm leaning pretty hard toward the Matco, but I'm really curious to hear more about the Cornwell.
MrJason
Well-known member
With all due respect, the answer isn't that simple.
It is contingent upon understanding the user.
Knowing what the users utility profile is, gives each of us the ability to best recommend accordingly.
Simply responding Snap-On, is just like getting a response of "Head surgery", if you asked a doctor how to fix a headache.
Our diagnosis, is understanding the user and utility profile.
With that said, I will confirm that you and I see things similarly.
For the Professional Mechanic, who depends upon the consistent performance of the tools which they utilize; Snap-On is a very smart choice.
Yet, building a Snap-On repository, takes time and cautious investment.
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Very well said. I'm leaning away from Snap-On only because I can see this being one of the rare instances where warranty could be a problem. A couple guys I work with have busted long ratchets (one a Snap-On). Our SO driver *****! I haven't seen him on 2nd shift in 6 weeks.
97tbird
Well-known member
I bought a 24" matco.... liked it so much I got another for home use. Guys at work also have them.
That's huge! I wonder if Armstrong makes it?
Not sure how one breaks a Snap On ratchet. Head is good for over 700 pounds. So the limit load is 350lbs applied at the handle. If you need a cheater bar, then obviously an expensive ratchet flex head isn't the right tool for the job. Use a breaker for that. I could see guys doing something to break a 1/4" drive ratchets, maybe even 3/8". But you have to be going out of your way to break a 1/2" drive ratchet.
For me, and just spring boarding off Mr Jason's comment, my longest ratchet excluding the SHLF80 is a 13.75" FHDLF80 (not sure if that's the right number, but it's my long HH 3/8" flex). So I reach for the SHLF80 for lugs, some suspension stuff, sometimes brake bolts I can't get a gun on.
To be honest, I use the gun for most 1/2" drive stuff. Only time I get out a ratchet is when I can't get the gun in. And I only have 2, 1/2" ratchets- the SKF80 (stubby flex) and the long handle flex.
In terms of warranty, I believe the drive or ratchet will fail before any other part (assuming the flex pin is torqued correctly). Free replacement under warranty or $10 rebuild kit worst case scenario. Also, if you somehow break the head, you can interchange it with any other 1/2" dual 80 flex head. It may also be possible to assemble a franken ratchet out of a breaker and a flex head. Could be cheaper that way.
The SHLF80 is $215 new, but can be had for a little over 1/2 that second hand. I would expect to pay $130 or so. I would compare that to the cost of a new one from someone else.
One more thing- Everybody here seems to be gaga over these super high torque battery impact guns. Some of these guns feel like they are twice as heavy as air models. I have the Bosch IWHT- it's pretty heavy and unwieldy and by far not the largest or heaviest. So the inconvenience of the airline is now replaced by the inconvenience of manuevering these bricks up over our heads into some small area. In my mind, it makes these ratchets all the more attractive.
So- get the one you like most because if you are like me, you may find yourself using it more than you thought you would. EverytimeIi pick up my big Snap On, I'm glad I got it. I even like the soft grip (tho I wouldn't want it on any other ratchet).
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
Hey jmm,
Have you thought any about which style of locking mechanism you prefer?
Snappy has the button on the shaft.
Matco (my choice) locks at the head.
Might want to look up the pros and cons of both.
Have you thought any about which style of locking mechanism you prefer?
Snappy has the button on the shaft.
Matco (my choice) locks at the head.
Might want to look up the pros and cons of both.
ooookaaay- cross that one off the potential purchase list. Next?
Dust Devil
Well-known member
I have the Snap 25" 1/2 flex with comfort (SHLF80A) I love it.
It has been the only thing that worked in a particular application many times. If I dont feel comfy putting the stank to it I reach for my 36" Snap breaker bar.
It has been the only thing that worked in a particular application many times. If I dont feel comfy putting the stank to it I reach for my 36" Snap breaker bar.
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I broke my first 1/2" ratchet (a Snap-On) using it opposite an impact gun (who knew?). Learned my lesson there. I work on heavy haul and vocational trucks. It's easy to break tools working on trucks that've been dogged or covered in concrete (etc). The guy that broke his long Snap-On did it working on an ambulance's suspension (too tight for a gun).
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
MrJason
Well-known member
Well, they both arrived today. Happy Early Birthday to me, right?
The sheer size of these ratchets, is staggering.
They arrived with no damage, and with a few paw-prints. No big deal.
The grips are nicely executed, and no chrome problems or chips. Feel confident in these ratchets, and by no means to they feel inadequate- based upon weight.
I'll work these this afternoon and return word. So far, so good.
-Jason
It's kind of silly to assume that every single example of a Snap-On product (or any brand) went through the manufacturing process perfectly.
I've broken very few tools in my time because I'm careful, but I've had more Snappy problems than Wright, Proto, or even Craftsman.
Of course, the Craftsman part is because I'm also very careful/selective about which Craftsman tools I buy...
Are they Taiwan?
MrJason
Well-known member
They are Taiwan, and if anyone needs specific pics- just let me know. Measurements can be taken rather easily.
Jason
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wafrederick
Well-known member
I have the Matco 24" 88 tooth.It is tough as nails and I have not broken it yet.Has the locking head which Snap On does not have.
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
Really wish those were flex heads. I just can't see myself using a ratchet that long without a flex head on it (clearance issues).
MrJason
Well-known member
I have a Franken-Ratchet that I built from a breaker bar and a flex head ratchet.
1/2" drive, 18" handle and lifetime warranty. . I'm good to go.
Jason
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
HO-LEE-****. Those Tekton's look nice MrJason.
I wish I could spring for the 1/2" to complement my Matco 24" incher, but money is tight!
I will however be ordering the 3/8 drive bad boy! Pulled the trigger soooo fast man!
I wish I could spring for the 1/2" to complement my Matco 24" incher, but money is tight!
I will however be ordering the 3/8 drive bad boy! Pulled the trigger soooo fast man!
bart1
Well-known member
I don't have a pic handy, but I got my long handle flex head Armstrong 1/2" from them. 60 teeth, I think 24". It's a beefy ratchet.
Got my 1/2" Tekton yesterday. I thought the head looked familiar, it looks exactly like the Titans. The selector lever looks like a rounded rivet head is holding it on.
I think it has paid for itself already. I was waving it around in the living room like a baseball bat and the wife has been nice to me ever since!
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I have the same one as well...very nice rat. But it is 18.5" long...http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1WG2Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Outlawmws
Well-known member
alinc100
Well-known member
I think he got a really good deal and is gonna be happy with that ratchet.
When its all said and done Snap On makes a very good product.
mrborohachi
Well-known member
SLX80A. Here it is on the SO website: http://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-174...ndard-Handle-1-2-drive-24-13-16--P651015.aspx
Don't have any photos of mine yet. Found a killer deal through a friend online. Will see if I can't get some pictures up after it turns up in the mail.
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
Congrats jmm. You'll get your money's worth out of it.
Side note, just got my 18" 3/8 Tekton in today. SUper fast shipping. Very nice ratchet. Knurling is off the chain!
Side note, just got my 18" 3/8 Tekton in today. SUper fast shipping. Very nice ratchet. Knurling is off the chain!
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
Yes, no problem leaving it unlocked.
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
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