OP
Gavin.reid
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 17
Yeah I might try ebay! Or something seems not worth buying from snap on directly online
Sent from my SM-N910H using Tapatalk
Best ratchet for the price?
- Thread starter Gavin.reid
- Start date
Sent from my SM-N910H using Tapatalk
OP
Gavin.reid
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 17
Oh really didn't know that about the warranty thing!!!
Sent from my SM-N910H using Tapatalk
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I like Roundheads. Others like pear heads.
I much prefer a swivel head (SK 3870) ove the flex handles others love.
I am cool with knurl handle SK, but SnapOn comfort grip is good too.
Quick release is cool, but it's not a requirement for me.
Figure out what you prefer, and start with a long list, narrowing it down by your preferences. There are a lot of good ratchets in the big box hardware stores, eBay, various online retailers, and maybe at a store near you.
OP
Gavin.reid
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 17
Okay I like pearheads I want a stubby ratchet 3/8 inch drive fine tooth! I want lifetime warranty can you help me with that information
Sent from my SM-N910H using Tapatalk
anndel
Well-known member
Carlyle from NAPA, Tektons or buy used Snap Ons from Ebay. I love my Snap Ons where some are 30+ years old and still working great. A good ratchet should last you a lifetime.
Last edited:
byoungblood
Well-known member
Truck brands are only worth it if you have easy access to the truck. Otherwise their warranty service is about on par with every other tool manufacturer. You call them, they send you a repair kit or replacement in a few days.
If you're not hung up on new, old Williams round head ratchets (M,B,S-52; 1/4,3/8,1/2 drives respectively) are really good. Wright ratchets have about the same feel (they both use dual pawl mechanisms) once they are broken in too. Only downside to the Williams ratchets is that rebuild kits are unavailable except to find the occasional NOS one off of eBay, where someone will probably want a stupid amount of money for it. Rebuild kits are still available for most old Wright and S-K ratchets, unless you get into some of their much older models.
If you're not hung up on new, old Williams round head ratchets (M,B,S-52; 1/4,3/8,1/2 drives respectively) are really good. Wright ratchets have about the same feel (they both use dual pawl mechanisms) once they are broken in too. Only downside to the Williams ratchets is that rebuild kits are unavailable except to find the occasional NOS one off of eBay, where someone will probably want a stupid amount of money for it. Rebuild kits are still available for most old Wright and S-K ratchets, unless you get into some of their much older models.
If you're sticking to a budget, the Tekton 72t low-profile ratchets are excellent for the price. My Mastercraft ratchets are now strictly backup duty as the Tektons are just so much nicer to use. Comfortable and far less backdrag.
slow_mow
Well-known member
I have two long handled comfort grip Carlyle ratchets in 3/8 and 1/2 and have had terrible luck with them. I'm on my third 3/8 replacement https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38L90, and my 1/2 just recently started locking up. I'm not abusing them (no pipes) and I'm not a huge guy (170 lbs).
The good news is my local NAPA easily warranties them, but I will never buy another. Not worth it.
On the other hand, I've got a Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 long handle with a ton of use, and I've yet to have a problem.
I've got a roto 1/4" Tekton that I absolutely love, and my 84 tooth Husky flex has been fantastic. I also have an assortment of S/K round heads that have always served their purpose. They are not smooth like the newer ratchets, but they are super reliable.
I do this for a living, so my tools are used daily.
Last edited:
Husky 72T because it's the same basic ratchet as the GW 84T (both made by Apex). Low profile and low back drag. The dual pawl setup used in Apex's higher count ratchets (120T) has higher back drag and the extra teeth are of limited value. I also like the Husky better because of the quick release feature.
I would also suggest a roto head ratchet. For a while you could get a Crescent 1/4+3/8 roto head ratchet set for $26. These are the same tools GW sells. Currently you can get a Napa branded version of the same for ~$30 on ebay. Even though I prefer teardrop heads with a fix reverse lever, the roto head ratchets are my new go to tools.
I would also suggest a roto head ratchet. For a while you could get a Crescent 1/4+3/8 roto head ratchet set for $26. These are the same tools GW sells. Currently you can get a Napa branded version of the same for ~$30 on ebay. Even though I prefer teardrop heads with a fix reverse lever, the roto head ratchets are my new go to tools.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
What do you work on? Around the house stuff? Occasional automotive? Machinery?
I entered the automotive trade 20 years ago and had the basics...I probably bought 10 different flex/bent/whatever ratchets off the trucks...they all sucked, until I found the snap on swivel head. Nothing g else got used after that. Now everyone sells 'em. I have a harbor freight 1/4 drive and a crescent 3/8 drive in my road box...they get used all the time. I'd recommend a swivel head. I'd also recommend a symmetrical handle, since they are commonly used as a nut driver and stupid oval shaped handles make this awkward. My favorites are the snap on hard handles, but crescent is a close second. The snap on soft handle is about and inch longer than the hard handle, and I've broken it 5 or so time...with no failures on the others...so I'm gonna say the extra leverage might be too much for the fine tooth head design. The HF and crescents work very well...and they're cheap enough to buy 2, so if you break one you have a spare until the first is warranted.
I entered the automotive trade 20 years ago and had the basics...I probably bought 10 different flex/bent/whatever ratchets off the trucks...they all sucked, until I found the snap on swivel head. Nothing g else got used after that. Now everyone sells 'em. I have a harbor freight 1/4 drive and a crescent 3/8 drive in my road box...they get used all the time. I'd recommend a swivel head. I'd also recommend a symmetrical handle, since they are commonly used as a nut driver and stupid oval shaped handles make this awkward. My favorites are the snap on hard handles, but crescent is a close second. The snap on soft handle is about and inch longer than the hard handle, and I've broken it 5 or so time...with no failures on the others...so I'm gonna say the extra leverage might be too much for the fine tooth head design. The HF and crescents work very well...and they're cheap enough to buy 2, so if you break one you have a spare until the first is warranted.
OP
Gavin.reid
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 17
Thanks man! And basically right now I'm working on a 1981 chevy k10 trying to learn the basics of mechanics as I'm only 14 but plan on going into the trade so I am doing everything from replacing body panels to putting in a new clutch doing a carb rebuild all sorts of stuff
Sent from my SM-N910H using Tapatalk
kwoswalt99
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
Gavin.reid said:
Keep your eye on this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6299759&posted=1#post6299759
In response to your original question: "Best ratchet for the price?" - that could be interpreted in different ways.
For the price, the "best" ratchet is one of those Pleistocene-era Thorsen-made open-gear models that I listed yesterday:
CRDTI said:
ACTION 77JA 3/8" drive open-gear ratchet (same as 77J Thorsen)
used. cheap.
99 cents + $5.35 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Mon. 02/13
OR $7.77 + $5.35 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-ACT...9a86ba9&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=4&sd=371860331780
==
ACTION 77JA 3/8" drive open-gear ratchet (same as 77J Thorsen)
used. cheap.
$1.50 + $4.11 shipping now. 1 bid now. ends Sat. 02/11
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ACT...331780?hash=item56949a5d04:g:KbAAAOSw-0xYmUp4
Like the man said: Nothing glamorous, "back drag" wasn't even taken into consideration when those were made, and most of the members here are probably snickering right now as they're reading this. That notwithstanding, I would posit they'd be at a loss to offer up an option equally as bulletproof for that price point.
There are literally hundreds of "best ratchet?" threads on this site. The "best" ratchet is the one that works for you - feels good in the hand, doesn't disappoint you when you need to rely on it, and doesn't put you in debt. Along the same lines as finding a good woman, the same rules apply: try out a whole bunch of different models and figure out which one you like best and stick with it.
Easy peasy.
Last edited:
WittHay
Well-known member
That's cool, my first project truck was a 1975 GMC with a 454.
Try to find a Snap-on FL936 3/8" long handle ratchet. They are light and the long handle helps with tight or rusted bolts
Try to find a Snap-on FL936 3/8" long handle ratchet. They are light and the long handle helps with tight or rusted bolts
fastbike02
Well-known member
I have a drawer full of ratchets, and the HF composite is my favorite.
mine too, seems like I always reach for it first
gearwrench 84T make a good buy when on offer, and they on offers a lot due to new range being 120XP. 84T in many ways is better ratchet, I got a set of long flexi's silly cheap with reduced shop price and coupon added ...
Locker537
Well-known member
The best one is the one you need for the upcoming job.
I've got some old USA made 36 tooth Craftsman that have been more than adequate for a long time. I just bought a HR 3/8 long handle flex head because I needed the flex and long handle for some undercarriage bolts.
My wife got me a 3/8 cordless ratchet from Milwaukee and it's awesome as well.
I've got some old USA made 36 tooth Craftsman that have been more than adequate for a long time. I just bought a HR 3/8 long handle flex head because I needed the flex and long handle for some undercarriage bolts.
My wife got me a 3/8 cordless ratchet from Milwaukee and it's awesome as well.
For me the best ratchet is a long handled flex head snap on 3/8", but I use it everyday to make a living.
Long handled flex head will do most of what you ever need to do with a ratchet, but there are certainly times when it won't work.
A stubby flex head 3/8" is probably my second most used ratchet, followed by 1/4" long handled flex, and then a 1/2" long handled flex.
Also worth noting is I will use air by preference, so that will switch things around somewhat if you don't have it handy. Still mainly the 3/8" long flex head, but the 1/2" would get used more for sure.
There are also times when a straight non flex ratchet is handy, especially using universal sockets. Pretty much guaranteed to pinch your hand if you use a universal socket on a flex head.
Anyway, given your situation I would say the best for you would be the gearwrench set of 4 ratchets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5G7LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
For about $100 you get the 4 most common ratchets (somebody did their research well), easy to warranty - at least in the US, and fairly decent quality, and they have a fairly stiff/incremental flex so will kind of work as a straight ratchet also.
Advance/discount carries gearwrench and if you buy any parts there - odds are you will, they will warranty them no problem for sure, and probably even if you don't buy anything there.
Several guys who have passed through our shop have had these sets and they seem to hold up ok.
Long handled flex head will do most of what you ever need to do with a ratchet, but there are certainly times when it won't work.
A stubby flex head 3/8" is probably my second most used ratchet, followed by 1/4" long handled flex, and then a 1/2" long handled flex.
Also worth noting is I will use air by preference, so that will switch things around somewhat if you don't have it handy. Still mainly the 3/8" long flex head, but the 1/2" would get used more for sure.
There are also times when a straight non flex ratchet is handy, especially using universal sockets. Pretty much guaranteed to pinch your hand if you use a universal socket on a flex head.
Anyway, given your situation I would say the best for you would be the gearwrench set of 4 ratchets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5G7LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
For about $100 you get the 4 most common ratchets (somebody did their research well), easy to warranty - at least in the US, and fairly decent quality, and they have a fairly stiff/incremental flex so will kind of work as a straight ratchet also.
Advance/discount carries gearwrench and if you buy any parts there - odds are you will, they will warranty them no problem for sure, and probably even if you don't buy anything there.
Several guys who have passed through our shop have had these sets and they seem to hold up ok.
Wright 3490 off Amazon... $40
Cornwell JR30 or JR301 off eBay... $30 -$40
(Both of these are butter smooth and works of mechanical art..JR301 black chrome is the sexiest ratchet ever made)
Right now, excellent, flex head, and $20.... HF 62321
Right now, offset, composite, 5 star rated, and $10...HF 66313
Snap On Dual 80 is very nice, but significantly more expensive, and not near as comfortable to me as my nearly 40+ year old Cornwell JR30.
I also like all my Tekton 72T's...won't go wrong there.
Cornwell JR30 or JR301 off eBay... $30 -$40
(Both of these are butter smooth and works of mechanical art..JR301 black chrome is the sexiest ratchet ever made)
Right now, excellent, flex head, and $20.... HF 62321
Right now, offset, composite, 5 star rated, and $10...HF 66313
Snap On Dual 80 is very nice, but significantly more expensive, and not near as comfortable to me as my nearly 40+ year old Cornwell JR30.
I also like all my Tekton 72T's...won't go wrong there.
Last edited:
jallyn
Well-known member
I had never seen the Cornwell JR301 black, but I might agree with your statement now that I have
Best value is probably HF Pittsburgh Pro. You get a 72-tooth Taiwanese imitation of Snap-On with a lifetime warranty / free replacement in store.
Inabox85
Well-known member
If your using the mastercraft you must be canadian. First off it it works why bother changing it.
But with that said a few months ago I got a set of 3 Pro point ratchets from princes auto. I have to say I'm quite impressed with them. But I'm just a DIYer/weekend warrior.
But with that said a few months ago I got a set of 3 Pro point ratchets from princes auto. I have to say I'm quite impressed with them. But I'm just a DIYer/weekend warrior.
OP
Gavin.reid
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 17
Yeah I'm from southern bc! The ratchets just aren't that good and I'm planning on becoming a mechanic after high school so just trying to get all my tools togeather but yeah the mastercraps do the job not great quality but lifetime warranty is good
Sent from my SM-N910H using Tapatalk
bczygan
Well-known member
Harbor Freight.
for the money? read it two ways...
expense - for a consumable, buy harbor freight
investment - buy snap on f80
the difference is how long you want to use the tool, and what else you need to do with the $40 difference in the interim.
OP is pretty young, so his MMV on best choices.
expense - for a consumable, buy harbor freight
investment - buy snap on f80
the difference is how long you want to use the tool, and what else you need to do with the $40 difference in the interim.
OP is pretty young, so his MMV on best choices.
buckwheat_la
Well-known member
How close to the border are you?
OP
Gavin.reid
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 17
byoungblood
Well-known member
You are still in high school? That settles it, stay far, far away from a tool truck. In fact, I'd stay away from anything new.
Buy a set of good quality used ratchets and call it a day. Unless you abuse them, the good brands last forever. Once you actually start making money, if you find that your good used ratchets aren't working well enough, or you just want to try something different, knock yourself out. Warranty on something like a ratchet is really overrated if you take care of the tool and use it for what it is meant for. Take the money saved and put it towards more tools.
Everything you buy is an investment; there are good ones and then there are bad ones. You purchase a tool one time but its used many times. Every time you use the tool you will be reminded about it being a good or bad investment.
I think I have tried and been happy with nearly every good US brand of 3/8 ratchet except the traditional Craftsman, which I think feels all right but is not as strong as the others and breaks even if not misused. They all have different handles and tooth counts but it does not make much difference to me except I prefer a smooth handle. The one I most routinely pick up is a regular metal Snap-on.
What kind of mechanic are you looking to become? If you are planning to work on automobiles I would seriously reconsider! Get into plumbing, electrical, HVAC, anything but things that move.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
My favorite ratchets are Snap-on and Cornwell. I won't recommend anything I don't like.
jwsia
Well-known member
Best ratchet for the price is in the Pawn shop loose tool bins. Ive bought alot of good quality ratchets for 1-3$ over the years.
WWheeler
Well-known member
The best ratchet for the price is whichever one you last used that got the job done that you were able to afford at the time you bought it.
There's no real answer to a question so subjective.
There's no real answer to a question so subjective.
MWEric
Well-known member
Sorry I can't get a better picture but if you can get this in Canada do it.Wright 3490, less than $40 here. Better yet the tool store.ca sells Gray. At least it would be Canadian made.
Attachments
Last edited: