Best ratchet 3/8 ?

[HandyManny]

No better way to start a heated argument than by asking what is the "best".

For me it depends on what I'm working on. For work on older domestic vehicles where I have more space and clearance I prefer my old Proto 3/8" ratchet. But for working on modern stuff where I may need a smaller head and may not have as much clearance I've actually come to prefere my Duralast 3/8 drive, both the regular version and the longer handled flex head. Ialso like the S-K round heads and used one often in the past.

 

[blarf]

Williams B-51 or SK Tuff 1. They just feel right in my hands, and the SK is easily rebuildable.

 

[buffalobill]

beat up old mac i "stole" at a garage sale for a dollar. threw a rebuild kit in it and it good as new. low tooth count, but it hasn't held me back yet, and i've got plenty of others if i need the higher tooth count. I really like the screwdriver type handle on it, I wish they still made them like that.

 

[Jim85IROC]

based on the number of these sitting behind the counter at Sears for warranty replacement, I can't in good faith call it the "best", but the Craftsman offset flex handle ratchet is the one I always reach for, and despite the long handle, I've never managed to break it.

I've had mine for 5 or 8 years now and it's by far my most frequently used ratchet.

 

[JMcFly]

clearly anything snap on with the bright green comfort handle is the best......

 

[BigAl62]

On the topic of ratchets: do you huys prefer the quick release or non-quick release style ratchets? I prefer the non-quick release. The QR button sticking up makes the ratchet head thicker and they seem to release the socket at the worst possible time.

I use both, it depends on the job as to which I use. I find it handy to have both on hand. Same with extensions - I have regular and locking and use the one that fits the job (like using locking when you could loose a socket into the abyss, never to be seen again!).

 

[ctb]

Anything that has 50+ tooth count and can stand up and live after a 3' cheater bar has been subjected to it!! It doesn't matter if it is an offshore or truck brand, as long as that bas^ard works!!

That sums up my old 3/8 drive indestro and it's still going strong.

 

[cruiser808]

Any of the Luther Kilness designed ratchets from New Britain Machine Co.

 

[Old Donn]

My old C-man RHFT.

 

[jfcasey]

The baddest *** ratchet of all time:

Sorry, couldn't resist! I definitely agree on the SK 45170 as probably the all around best, especially for kicking around unchanged for so long. I also give the Craftsman RHFT credit for being an incredibly good ratchet at a very low price. Whoever discontinued it was an IDIOT!!

Can anyone point a guy where to get a rebuild kit for that style ratchet? I've got an old one that the guts busted on and would love to repair and put it back in action.

 

[billymade]

Recently, when I was at my local sears; my former co-workers told me that they have started making those rebuild kits again, your local store should be able to rebuild them for you. The only difference is that the rebuild kit is black oxide; so, if you want... you could retain the old chrome lever to keep it original looking... check your local sears, good luck!

 

[ibedayank]

Bench Flex Top ratchets

there i fixed it for you

 

[SMKS]

Can anyone point a guy where to get a rebuild kit for that style ratchet? I've got an old one that the guts busted on and would love to repair and put it back in action.

As another member said, Sears started carrying kits for these again.

If you want to keep the original look, keep the original selector and the plate on the front that goes around the gear. Those two pieces will be black in the new kit.

 

[wrenchr]

Snap on ratchets are my top choice and matco is 2nd, I have the craftsman premium ratchets in all drive sizes though and I think they are very nice and I wish craftsman would build off of that design and offer more variations.

 

[taterdog]

I have 6 snap on dual 80's with comfort grip handles. I really like them. So far I haven't found any other ratchet comparable. But im still new