Best Ratchets?

[HFlashman]

There are lots of threads discussing quality and comparisons among different ratchets. It is a very crowded field and it gives pause to how there can be so many manufacturers.

However, rather than Snap On versus GearWrench, what are the best designed and made ratchets regardless of price available today?

 

[JBradley500]

The answers for this question are all about opinion. Ratchets are preference, and I think all of the big 3 tool truck ratchets are currently awesome. One thing though, even as a dual 80 addict, the locking matco 88 with comfort grip is probably the best combination of traits. Thin head, great locking system, pretty nice action, easy to maintain, and comfortable to use. Again, this is just opinion.

 

[Tallpilot]

You are correct and this has been discussed extensively. The big problem is it is too subjective a question. You are correct and there are now a large number of quality fine tooth ratcheting mechanisms produced today. The tried and true 72 tooth design from Titan? is found in almost every Taiwanese ratchet and it is quite strong and will stand up to a surprising amount of abuse. When you start moving up the food chain the mechanisms get a little smoother and in some cases a little stronger.

Just like the perineal comparisons of screwdriver handles as soon as you are paying enough to get a decent spec blade the handle is personal preference. Everyone has different sized hands and some wear rubber gloves while others wear shock absorbing gloves while others work bare handed. Some like to take 15 minutes at the end of shift to clean their tools and others just throw them back in the drawer covered in oil. These individual differences dictate handle preference.

The only thing you can really do is order a variety of quality ratchets and try them yourself. Once you figure out what feels best to you then you can start building a collection. Poking the trolls and fanbois is fruitless as it seeking justification for buying something expensive. If you can afford it and it gives you pleasure don't worry about what others think. If you can't afford top tier but need something that will be serviceable the good news is there are now plenty of choices at every price point.

 

[Mgdoug3]

From a round head perspective I will have to say the dual pawl were/is a great design. I'm not sure but I think the JH Williams were the first? I don't have one but I do have a Craftsman and a few SK ratchets with that design. I'm a big fan of them and will probably get more. I need to try out a Wright but there's something about SK that just feels right in my hand.

 

[ngk22r]

The answers for this question are all about opinion. Ratchets are preference, and I think all of the big 3 tool truck ratchets are currently awesome. One thing though, even as a dual 80 addict, the locking matco 88 with comfort grip is probably the best combination of traits. Thin head, great locking system, pretty nice action, easy to maintain, and comfortable to use. Again, this is just opinion.

Have to agree, Matco did a little update on their ratchets and they are REALLY nice. For a non locking flex head the Mac axis is really strong.

My two go to ratchets when I am not using the Milwaukee fuel ratchet is the Matco 88 and Ko-ken Zeal.

 

[DadsTools]

Bulwinkle: "Hey Rocky! Watch me start another 'best ratchet' thread on Garage Journal!"

Rocky: "Again????"

 

[xin]

Have to agree, Matco did a little update on their ratchets and they are REALLY nice. For a non locking flex head the Mac axis is really strong.

My two go to ratchets when I am not using the Milwaukee fuel ratchet is the Matco 88 and Ko-ken Zeal.

MATCO 88 are awesome - they are pretty tough!

 

[kctyphoon]

This is all a matter of opinion rather than function. Take the most expensive metal handle snap on ratchet and give it to a guy that has to work out in the cold, and I'll bet alot of guys would rather pick up and use a $10 hf composite ratchet that does not conduct the cold into his hand and still functions very well.

 

[Kasal]

Nepros has them very good and beautiful.

 

[97nismo]

Fhl80a

That is all

 

[xin]

My suggestion would be to buy the best tool you can afford and one with quality.

We are awash in quantity of trinkets from CHINA.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-on has always made the best ratchets.

Eugene Cornwell a close second.

 

[nitrowrench79]

Fhl80a

That is all

I'll second that. Love mine.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Ji m]

MATCO 88 are awesome - they are pretty tough!

This is where I'm at

Almost all my go-to ratchets are Matco these days,

lots of other very good stuff to choose from,
but that's what I like.

 

[Parrothead]

Bulwinkle: "Hey Rocky! Watch me start another 'best ratchet' thread on Garage Journal!"

Rocky: "Again????"

I think I’m going to buy a popcorn machine...Just sit back and watch.

 

[Snaparxon]

Snap-on has always made the best ratchets.

Eugene Cornwell a close second.

Why do you always put Eugene in front of Cornwell when referring to Cornwell ratchets? I know who Eugene was, just curious.

 

[davethorik]

From a round head perspective I will have to say the dual pawl were/is a great design. I'm not sure but I think the JH Williams were the first? I don't have one but I do have a Craftsman and a few SK ratchets with that design. I'm a big fan of them and will probably get more. I need to try out a Wright but there's something about SK that just feels right in my hand.

I believe the first twin pawl ratchet was patented and made by Duro/Indestro.

A lot of people view round heads as dinosaurs, outdated. I disagree. Most round head ratchets seem to be very strong, e.g. the original, the SK round head, was introduced in the 30s and still made today, I believe the oldest ratchet design still produced. If it was so outdated, why does SK still make them? Answer: because they are a no frills American made tool that will get the job done reliably, as many have done before it.

The only oddity about SK is how the different drive sizes have different tooth counts. I'm not a big fan of them in 3/8, as it has the lowest tooth count around 40 (once any ratchet acquires X amount of wear it smooths out, these being no exception. I have 2 older units from 50s-60s that are smoother than new, and are my favorite SKs). The 1/2 has 50ish teeth, 1/4 is 60 teeth and a completely different animal, easily shining star of their offerings. Then their 3/4 has 72 teeth, lol those numbers just kind of defy logic.

I agree with you about twin pawl units though. My favorite ratchet with this design would be the Wright round heads. I recently got a modern Wright twin pawl repair kit, and put it in a 3/8 ratchet from 1961 that was originally a single pawl. This ratchet is almost tied with my SK Tuff-1 in terms of smoothness, and the tick-tock sound is just right, not intrusive, but it announces its presence. It is a downright joy to use. Also FYI, I've determined Wrights are superior to SK and others for one-thumb direction changes, the trick is to put pad of thumb near outer edge of selector, and give it a quick firm push. Still not 100% foolproof but one handed direction changes are far from impossible like some here will say.

I had a Williams Superratchet, and it just didn't do anything for me, gave it away. I have a 1/2 drive Indestro Super and it has around 50 teeth like the SK, but seems more industrial and sturdier, with nice loud clicks. It is also marked with a patent number relating to a ball detent built into the selector, and as a result this ratchet has the most positively engaging selector of any round head ratchet I've ever touched, bar none. It is too bad Duro/Indestro is gone, if they were still around I bet they would specialize in innovation and offer high quality tools.

All this being said, I don't have a favorite ratchet. I own even amounts of pear and round head styles. They all have their own qualities and quirks. Variety is key.

 

[ssdave]

Most of my prefences have been touched on. Snap-on dual 80's are great. I have a couple Cornwell I really like. Have a round head SK long handle, like it for it's strength. Have a few older Proto; they're not the best, but they're a solid performer and very durable. I like the new style full polish ones, but haven't used them enough to get a solid preference for them. My favorite 1/2" is an old Indestro flex head, like Dave Thorik said I wish they were still made. The old SK's are good solid performers. So are almost all the older Snap-on designs.

I've never warmed up to the cheap copies sold by HF and Napa Carlyle and other asian brands. Mostly, they're copies of the US originals, and not as well made, but made cheaper to appeal to the mass consumer market. They're a good value, but not the best made/designed.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I believe the first twin pawl ratchet was patented and made by Duro/Indestro.

A lot of people view round heads as dinosaurs, outdated. I disagree. Most round head ratchets seem to be very strong, e.g. the original, the SK round head, was introduced in the 30s and still made today, I believe the oldest ratchet design still produced. If it was so outdated, why does SK still make them? Answer: because they are a no frills American made tool that will get the job done reliably, as many have done before it.

The only oddity about SK is how the different drive sizes have different tooth counts. I'm not a big fan of them in 3/8, as it has the lowest tooth count around 40 (once any ratchet acquires X amount of wear it smooths out, these being no exception. I have 2 older units from 50s-60s that are smoother than new, and are my favorite SKs). The 1/2 has 50ish teeth, 1/4 is 60 teeth and a completely different animal, easily shining star of their offerings. Then their 3/4 has 72 teeth, lol those numbers just kind of defy logic.

I agree with you about twin pawl units though. My favorite ratchet with this design would be the Wright round heads. I recently got a modern Wright twin pawl repair kit, and put it in a 3/8 ratchet from 1961 that was originally a single pawl. This ratchet is almost tied with my SK Tuff-1 in terms of smoothness, and the tick-tock sound is just right, not intrusive, but it announces its presence. It is a downright joy to use. Also FYI, I've determined Wrights are superior to SK and others for one-thumb direction changes, the trick is to put pad of thumb near outer edge of selector, and give it a quick firm push. Still not 100% foolproof but one handed direction changes are far from impossible like some here will say.

I had a Williams Superratchet, and it just didn't do anything for me, gave it away. I have a 1/2 drive Indestro Super and it has around 50 teeth like the SK, but seems more industrial and sturdier, with nice loud clicks. It is also marked with a patent number relating to a ball detent built into the selector, and as a result this ratchet has the most positively engaging selector of any round head ratchet I've ever touched, bar none. It is too bad Duro/Indestro is gone, if they were still around I bet they would specialize in innovation and offer high quality tools.

All this being said, I don't have a favorite ratchet. I own even amounts of pear and round head styles. They all have their own qualities and quirks. Variety is key.

I have 3 Indestro Supers. Two 3275 and one 2875. They are high quality but I don't use them. One of the 3275's looks like it was never used. All of my SK's minus the 3/4 are easy to reverse one handed. The few New Britain and related companies require two hands. I will have to try out a Wright ratchet someday.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It really comes down to personal preference. Tooth count, internal design, flex head mechanism, head type, handle length, grip and other design features as well as non design features like country of origin. Snap on dual 80 ratchets are the current king of the hill. Personally, I have the Pittsburgh Pro flex head ones. If it weren't for the switch going into neutral if I really beat on them, I wouldn't want anything better.

 

[DadsTools]

I think I’m going to buy a popcorn machine...Just sit back and watch.

Loved your post about how threads wander, especially the coloring book. About the best summary I've ever seen. Should be required reading in here.

Still, OP has only 12 posts, so I guess we have to go around the circle again, like each time an AA meeting gets a new attendee (so I'm told).

I think I'll stick with the microwave popcorn. I may invest in a full blown popcorn maker when HF starts carrying them.

 

[ngk22r]

I think I'll stick with the microwave popcorn. I may invest in a full blown popcorn maker when HF starts carrying them.

What kind of pop corn would you use in it? Will it smell like butter or cheap chinese plastic?

But on a serious note for what they are, the pittsburgh ratchets are leaps and bounds better then what was available many years ago as a low cost ratchet. I would take it over a new craftsman raised panel.

Compared to whats out there though, there are better ratchets you can get for $10-20 more.. As mentioned the ratchet can go into "neutral" and what I have found is the cover plate screw has to be set just right or it locks up or just gets loose quicker. If they were going to copy the proto design they should have spent a little more time doing so.

 

[jacked_72]

Bulwinkle: "Hey Rocky! Watch me start another 'best ratchet' thread on Garage Journal!"

Rocky: "Again????"

And again

 

[ngk22r]

And again

If only a sticky would be made for a ratchet thread?

 

[Toothaker]

Loved your post about how threads wander, especially the coloring book. About the best summary I've ever seen. Should be required reading in here.

Still, OP has only 12 posts, so I guess we have to go around the circle again, like each time an AA meeting gets a new attendee (so I'm told).

I think I'll stick with the microwave popcorn. I may invest in a full blown popcorn maker when HF starts carrying them.

I'm out of popcorn. Somebody refill my bowl, please.

 

[Wamsutta]

Why do you always put Eugene in front of Cornwell when referring to Cornwell ratchets? I know who Eugene was, just curious.

I do that because a lot of people don't know where the Cornwell name came from. Eugene Cornwell was a blacksmith in the year 1919 when he started the company. Some people make fun of the Cornwell name by replacing it with rude words. People need to be reminded that it's actually somebody's name and that they probably wouldn't want their own name being altered in a rude way either.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's impossible to answer your question because, I don't know what you want in a ratchet. i only know what I like in a ratchet

I will say this though, there has never been a wider selection of ratchets available at any other point in time.
That also might be a problem for some as there are too many choices.

I think the key is first to figure out what you want in a ratchet. Pear head or round head, fine tooth, kind of fine, or coarse tooth (>60, 36-45, or 30),
all metal handle or comfort grip, standard length, stubby, flex head, offset handle, long handle. Is warranty important? Do you care where it's made?
How much do you want to spend? Are you going to use it or polish it?

Once you figure out what you want most in a ratchet, you can then figure out who makes what you want and get it.

 

[joebachor]

I collect and professionally use ratchets 6 days a week, I own an embarrassing number of ratchets and I can recommend 3 depending on what you are after : series 80 Snap On for high end, SK for round head and Harbor Freight straight handle composite for a cheap ratchet. Currently I carry the Harbor Freight composite at work, over a year now, and its my favorite for actual use. My honest review on the Harbor Freight website is the most liked positive review https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...sional-composite-tear-drop-ratchet-62318.html

 

[sweet victory]

This is currently my favorite ratchet. I only like flex heads if there's a locking mechanism; this ratchet has the option to remain locked or unlocked, so it's versatile. It's also longer than the standard 3/8" ratchet. I prefer quick release ratchets, as it's annoying to pull a socket off of an extension and have that pop off as well. Just less fuss when your hands are oily. I've been wanting to try to Matco version of this ratchet, but can't really justify having both. I'm sure it's just as awesome.

DSC00881 by P A, on Flickr

 

[scubadoober]

The truck brands all make great ratchets. With that said I have not used the nepros and hazet/ stahlwille just rolled out there fine tooth pear heads. This answer could be easier to answer in about six months maybe. "Best" is relative and I try not to speak in relative terms.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

It helps to be a bit of a hard ***; and limit the choices to three or four brands.

For anything new: Snap-on, SK, or Proto, with Wright as an untried alternate.

What do I like? The Snap-on reverse lever, the brute strength of SK, the durability of Proto. For tight quarters, I like the small head designs. The quick release is a nice feature. The price of new proto ratchets is very attractive; but for 1/4" and 3/8" drive, I favor paying more for the Snap-on.

What do I mostly dislike? Some of My Proto that lack a reverse lever are not always easy to reverse. Some ratchets have too much back drag.

A fine tooth count is not a requirement for every ratchet 1/2" drive or larger, but My durable old Proto pearheads are often sidelined by their fine tooth, long flex handle
counterparts. Proto dominates My 1/2" drive ratchets. No longer produced members are USA Craftsman, Armstrong, and Challenger by Proto. I should treat Myself to a new 1/2"drive Snap-on flex head dual 80 one of these days, but I really don't need one.

3/4" drive is Proto pear head. tough and durable. enough said.

!" drive is a China component type ratchet. Being it isn't used enough to justify an upgrade, it will remain in use. Proto or Sk would be the upgrade choices if ever needed.

 

[Tallpilot]

My suggestion would be to buy the best tool you can afford and one with quality.

We are awash in quantity of trinkets from CHINA.

I get your point but only Chairman Mao, Richard Nixon and President Xi believe Taiwan is China. Two of those three men are dead.

 

[JBH]

Unfortunately it seems a lot of people don’t look beyond “[US] truck brands,” due to prior positive experiences, existing business relationships, provincialism, whatever. But there’s a whole world of great stuff out there.

For example, this Gedore 1/2” 1993 GU-3 ratchet is a phenomenal tool.





The action is smoother than anything else I have tried. The head is barely thicker than the 1/2” Facom sealed pearhead. Backdrag is as low as I’ve experienced. The locking mechanism is strong and versatile. Despite the cost of EU production, shipping, and currency exchange, it sells for less than the “truck brands.” The comparable Snapper is over $200, but KC Tool (as an example) currently offers this ratchet for about 30% less.

It is also finished as a tool for use, not for a display cabinet. See this comparison to an “industrial” 3/8” Proto ratchet, which shows the latter finishing approach.



The Proto ratchet is not a bad tool, based on my very limited experimentation. I use it here only to illustrate differences in finish philosophy.

My only major complaint is that Gedore does not offer a 1/4” drive model in this line. (I just ordered the 3/8” drive one. I hope it is as good as the 1/2” drive one!) Minor complaint is no quick release.

 

[plinker]

Unfortunately it seems a lot of people don’t look beyond “[US] truck brands,” due to prior positive experiences, existing business relationships, provincialism, whatever. But there’s a whole world of great stuff out there.

I agree that there are lot of high quality import tools available, but many people (on and off this website) arent going to bother due to lack of availability, price and support/parts.

That's one reason the truck tools are as popular as they are and why some stores are carrying the selection of tools that they do. The internet changed a lot in regards to ordering what from where, however.

 

[HaroRider]

I love my Matco 88 locking flex. My 3/8 has never let me down.

I have the super long 1/2 one and stripped the head on it though..they sent a new one and was super easy to warranty.

 

[JBH]

I agree that there are lot of high quality import tools

"Import" tools? Am I mistaken that the year is currently 2018, not 1818?

but many people (on and off this website) arent going to bother due to lack of availability, price and support/parts.

You mean "[perceived, likely incorrectly] lack of availability, price and support/parts."

Availability and price...for this particular ratchet I actually showed national availability at a much lower price than a comparable "truck" equivalent. The seller I named is not the only US seller offering this particular ratchet. It turns out Amazon can get this particular ratchet to any Prime member in a day for around $100 plus applicable sales tax. I wish it had been that cheap when I bought mine!

As for support/parts, you are shooting first, asking questions later. Here is a relevant GJ thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201595

At any rate, support/parts will never come up for a hobbyist for something like a 1/2" drive ratchet. Especially one as solidly built as this Gedore.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

oh boy another ratchet thread

any ratchet that isn't the bottom of the barrel chinese or 36 tooth craftsman pear head raised panel is going to serve the majority of people just fine

Pittsburgh pro
gearwrench and other more mid range taiwanese stuff
industrial brands and euro-jap imports
tool trucks
in that order of price, pick whatever you prefer, can afford and is the easiest for you to find
don't put a pipe on a ratchet (well at least not too long ) or use it with a hammer and it'll probably be fine

I don't use fine tooth ones unless I really need the space or it's convenient because it's right there

 

[plinker]

"Import" tools? Am I mistaken that the year is currently 2018, not 1818?



You mean "[perceived, likely incorrectly] lack of availability, price and support/parts."

Availability and price...for this particular ratchet I actually showed national availability at a much lower price than a comparable "truck" equivalent. The seller I named is not the only US seller offering this particular ratchet. It turns out Amazon can get this particular ratchet to any Prime member in a day for around $100 plus applicable sales tax. I wish it had been that cheap when I bought mine!

As for support/parts, you are shooting first, asking questions later. Here is a relevant GJ thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201595

At any rate, support/parts will never come up for a hobbyist for something like a 1/2" drive ratchet. Especially one as solidly built as this Gedore.

Import means import regardless of what year (or century). If you are in a different country, another country's product would be imported.

Obviously Gedore has support for their product. That doesn't mean all brands imported into the US have the same level of support.

Toptul does not have much support (if any), and they make very good tools. I have several of them. I also have a Koken ratchet that I was unable to find a repair kit for. I should look into it again but it's not exactly on the priority list.

 

[JBH]

Obviously Gedore has support for their product. That doesn't mean all brands imported into the US have the same level of support.

My point is, "domestic vs import" is a limiting, provincial way of looking at goods in 2018. Maybe in 1818, when products moved by boat and there weren't even ZIP codes, national rail networks, or canals in Panama or Sinai, and the only truly multinational companies were colonizers or merchant marine, it was a distinction with a difference. In an era of the internet, global logistics firms, air freight, containerized shipping, etc., it is not.

Besides, merely being a local brand guarantees nothing. Companies, even once dominant companies, come and go. They drop product lines, get bought out, and even go under. How's Craftsman support these days, especially for customers who bought their premium tools? What about Armstrong? See https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374861

That you brought up Toptul as your "import" example is telling, because it happens to fit your narrative but is as unrepresentative as it gets. Toptul has no official US presence. A consumer's parts/service from expectations from Toptul in the US are very different from expectations from any brand, regardless of origin, that has an official US presence. Generally nice tools, though, I agree.

PS: http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/172

 

[Musicinabottle]

I think I’m going to buy a popcorn machine...Just sit back and watch.

Too bad you couldn't sell bags of popcorn in computer land! Pay pal accepted!

While we're at it, why not start a "Best Ratchet" part two thread?