Best *Reasonably Priced* Ratchets

[Handyandy23]

I'm looking to upgrade my ratchets and/or ratcheting breaker bars, but I'm not really sure what brand to go with. I'm not looking to spend a huge amount of money on something stupid expensive like SO, but I'm also looking for something that is an upgrade to the HF-grade stuff.

I'm just a DIYer with a car lift at home, a hobby car, and I wrench on my family's and friend's cars. They will get used a lot, but obviously not as much as someone using them every day to make a living.

Anyone have any suggestions on what ones I should look at? My current ratchets are a combination of Mastercraft Maximum (Canadian Tire brand, probably similar quality to Craftsmen) and Princess Auto/Titan (Canadian HF type store). My main complaint is the low teeth counts (sometimes in tight areas can't get enough swing to engage next tooth), and rubber handles coming apart.

Whatever I get next I'd like it to be something with a higher teeth count, and overall better quality without breaking the bank. I was looking at the Tekton's, and they seem to have mostly all positive reviews, but I just wanted to see if there were other suggestions to look into as well. Thanks!

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I'd start with Gearwrench 84T. I like my GW as much as I do my Armstrong, Matco, and SO ratchets. They have all worked well without any issues.

The second brand would be Tekton 90 T.

 

[mryuck]

I second gearwrench. I've put hundreds of hours on some of my gearwrench ratchets. Lifetime warranty too.

 

[Zewnten]

Carlyle if you want a long handle or powerbuilt if you don't like the locking flex

 

[Fedwrench]

I think in Canada you have Napa Ultra instead of Carlyle so, i would give them a look. The new 90 tooth Tekton ratchet are real good for US money but, not to sure about pricing in Canada.

Powerbuilt Pro ratchets are another economical choice that have various lengths of flex head ratchets that feature relatively small heads with a crisp 72 tooth action.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Gearwrench 84. Sk round heads are nice too but are limiting in access to some places on modern cars. The newest ones are available with dual tooth panels, so the teeth count is up there with current offerings from other brands.

 

[uncwstudent]

I'm all about the Carlyle (when they're on sale) and the Gearwrench 84t. Only ratchets that I've used that are better are Snap On and MAC Axis and they're wayyyyy more money.

 

[JVB]

The gearwrench 120xp will get you one of if not the lowest degree of arc swing for tight areas.

It is all preference from there on what feels right to you.

Tekton 90t are tough to beat for the money
Gearwrench 84t
Armstrong 88t if they can be found anymore
Carlyle or Napa for being local especially when on sale like said above.
Duralast also has a few high tooth count and strong warranty (AutoZone)

 

[Philbert]

I would say Duralast from AutoZone. Cheap with an honored warranty.
I SO, Wright, and Snap-on. If you want to go USA, go to Cripe, Epstiens or Ebay.
Other wise go Taiwan they are mostly all good enough, and inexpensive for the quality you get.
There are many Taiwanese branded ratchets/tools to choose from.

 

[flying eyeball]

Wright

 

[archirelic]

Putting down the budget you have to work with will help narrow the focus.

 

[Citation]

Gearwrench or one of the many Apex siblings. Husky in the US is basically the same thing but with quick release. I would also strongly suggest getting a set of roto ratchets. I picked up some Crescent branded ones off eBay for under $30 for a 1/4 and 3/8 set. Once you start looking at the details you will find many ratchets clearly have the same OEM. I would also consider if a "reversed" selector will bother you. A "normal" selector (if there is such a thing) is pushed in the direction you want to drive the nut. Snapon, Gearwrench, Cman raised panel and the 90 tooth (but not 72t) Tekton ratchets all work this way. Reversed ratchets push the selector the other way. The selector moves to the direction in which the ratchets will click. Not a huge deal for me but my muscle memory pushes my thumb in the direction I want the nut to turn. I have to think about it when handling my one reversed selector ratchet. That said, the reversed selector mechanism used by 72T Tekton, 72T Kobalt (these apart to be identical to Tekton), and Harbor Freight are generally very smooth.

 

[Yarpo]

I'll join the pile and suggest the 84T gearwrench as well, not to hop on the bandwagon but because I generally recommend them most times these threads come up. Super cheap from Tooltopia/amazon/tooldiscounter and they're enjoyable to use. I cant comment on other Apex siblings like husky for example as I checked them out and everything was made in China and seemed like cheap garbage to me.

Plenty of good alternatives in that price range however, Carlyle, Tekton and so fourth.

 

[ATC]

Gearwrench
Craftsman premium (you'll probably have to look at used...don't think they sell them new anymore)

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-premium-grade-3-8-in-drive-ratchet/p-00902548000P

 

[65k10]

Another vote for the Gearwrench 84t ratchets. I like my Snap-On dual 80 ratchets and I like checking out ratchets from other, mainly US manufacturers. However, my Gearwrench 84t ratchets work very well and if I was just buying ratchets purely to use vs use/hobby of sorts, I'd get a set of 84t flex heads, standard handles, and maybe some long handles and call it a day.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

I’ll go against the grain and say Williams. I like their tear drop ratchets and just ordered their flexhead. Why? I want USA made.

They are NOT cheaper Snap On, I got to compare a snap on side by side and the snap on felt smoother, had a higher teeth count and some more finish machining. The head was even different. I know nothing about metallurgy so I can’t comment on that.

 

[Citation]

I believe the Williams are the previous 36T Snapons. For example, this is the same ratchet save for the name as the pre-dual 80 SO
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNRPH4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Boilerhouse]

I will really go against the grain and suggest you should have another look at Princess Auto. I have no idea which particular ratchet you have, but the PA ratchets I have are Taiwanese made, 72 T, quick release, every bit as good as my Craftsman, Herbrand and Gray, and very very inexpensive, when on sale. I like to try each ratchet while still in the store and grab the one with the smoothest action. I find it can vary.

 

[M_George]

You can get a USA made SK LP90 for $57 at HJE
https://www.harryepstein.com/index....ooth-8-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

 

[buckwheat_la]

First off, the Princess pro-point and the Titan stuff is nice and should be at least 72 tooth counts. New Maximum Canadian tire is 90 tooth count. Tekton is available through Amazon.ca. If you have a Lowes near you, kobalt line is on clearance.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I'm looking to upgrade my ratchets and/or ratcheting breaker bars, but I'm not really sure what brand to go with. I'm not looking to spend a huge amount of money on something stupid expensive like SO, but I'm also looking for something that is an upgrade to the HF-grade stuff.

I'm just a DIYer with a car lift at home, a hobby car, and I wrench on my family's and friend's cars. They will get used a lot, but obviously not as much as someone using them every day to make a living.

Anyone have any suggestions on what ones I should look at? My current ratchets are a combination of Mastercraft Maximum (Canadian Tire brand, probably similar quality to Craftsmen) and Princess Auto/Titan (Canadian HF type store). My main complaint is the low teeth counts (sometimes in tight areas can't get enough swing to engage next tooth), and rubber handles coming apart.

Whatever I get next I'd like it to be something with a higher teeth count, and overall better quality without breaking the bank. I was looking at the Tekton's, and they seem to have mostly all positive reviews, but I just wanted to see if there were other suggestions to look into as well. Thanks!

If the new 90 tooth Maximum ratchets at Canadian tire are an improvement over their crappy 72 tooth ones and they go on sale, those are an option. Tekton's 90 tooth ratchets are also an option if they don't go into neutral easily (the only thing I don't like about my Tekton 1/4 dr set is the 72 tooth ratchet). As for princess auto, there's those pro point long flex head ratchets - a thick quick release head that look like they have the same rubber handle as the ez red extendable ones, those composite ratchets which look identical to the Harbor Freight ones, and the locking flex head power fist one of which there is a thread on here claiming that Carlyle, Tone, and Princess auto all have their own rebranded versions with some differences. Can't wait for the locking flex head to go on sale. And then there's the Gearwrench 84 and 120 tooth ratchets.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I will also throw out there if you are able to is the Gearwrench 120 xp 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 combo sets.

 

[Kevinwilliams891]

Gearwrench 120xp is my favorite ratchet and I have two snap ons, a 90t proto, stahlwille, 90t sk, 84t gearwrench and the 90t carlyle.

 

[AL`]

You can get a USA made SK LP90 for $57 at HJE
https://www.harryepstein.com/index....ooth-8-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

I like the looks of that, but man I need another 3/8 regular length ratchet like I need another hole in my head. A long flex version would be good although I do already have a Craftsman and a bent handle flex Matco. A high tooth count premium would be a welcome addition but I really should focus on other priorities in the toolbox first. Glad SK is making them though.

 

[IdahoMan]

And 3/4"?

 

[rmsg0040]

If the new 90 tooth Maximum ratchets at Canadian tire are an improvement over their crappy 72 tooth ones and they go on sale, those are an option. Tekton's 90 tooth ratchets are also an option if they don't go into neutral easily (the only thing I don't like about my Tekton 1/4 dr set is the 72 tooth ratchet). As for princess auto, there's those pro point long flex head ratchets - a thick quick release head that look like they have the same rubber handle as the ez red extendable ones, those composite ratchets which look identical to the Harbor Freight ones, and the locking flex head power fist one of which there is a thread on here claiming that Carlyle, Tone, and Princess auto all have their own rebranded versions with some differences. Can't wait for the locking flex head to go on sale. And then there's the Gearwrench 84 and 120 tooth ratchets.

Never seen the locking flex head ratchets at princessauto go on sale, if they do I will buy them

 

[G-Ram]

Check out Napa, I really like my Ultra Pro ratchets. I've got the 84T Gearwrench flex head ratchets as well and have no complaints.

 

[matthew]

I would suggest first deciding on the style of ratchets you want. Personally I find a 1/4" standard ratchet, and a 1/2" long handle (15" to 18" long) to be my most used, both with fixed head. Your preferences may vary.

Then start watching for good sales:

1. Napa Ultrapro are worth a look. They have both a catalog sale, and a monthly flier on their website. When they have specials to buy multiplies, or sometimes Christmas deals, they're down to maybe $25.

2. Princess often has special deals on Titan long flex ratchets with the rubber handles. And also on similar Pro-Point items. Usually those are 3-piece sets. And the Titan 90 tooth with metal handles go on decent sales.

3. Pick something you like on Amazon, and just leave it on your 'save for later' list. Amazon.ca still has a little up/down price fluctuation, just not as much as they used to. I bought the Wright compact 3/8" for about $25. That's cheaper in Canadian funds than what most people seem to have paid in US$ for it. No guarantees, but you might be fortunate to catch a short-term price drop on something.


I would suggest that putting things on your wish list now, and wait for fathers day - all 3 sources (as well as CanTire) are likely to have their lowest prices just before Christmas, and just before fathers day.

 

[WittHay]

Those 90 tooth Maximum ratchets at Canadian Tire look good. I wonder if they are the same as the Tekton 90 tooth? Nothing wrong with the Pro-Point and UltraPro ratchets. Out west Jet is really common in the parts and industrial stores. Just plain Taiwan ratchets with easy warranty

 

[Revere Cycles]

You can get a USA made SK LP90 for $57 at HJE
https://www.harryepstein.com/index....ooth-8-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

The Craftsman 84T suggested earlier in the thread was my previous favorite until the SK LP90 came out.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The Craftsman 84T suggested earlier in the thread was my previous favorite until the SK LP90 came out.

Trust me, the Craftsman Premium is not "reasonably priced" and it has the same warranty as a downtown ******. (You can exchange it for a worse version if you really wanted to.)

They only made a few configurations also and most of them aren't all that useful, such as a short (regular size I guess) 3/8" and 1/2".

The OP asked basically for a Gearwrench, Harbor Freight, or new Tekton.

 

[ChrisLS8]

US made Williams, SK LP90s or Gearwrench 84t

 

[CR888]

I'd just use the search function and do some reading. Most men into tools have more ratchets than pairs of shoes. So just start buying them in various lengths, tooth counts, drive sizes etc. I've yet to hear a mechanic say, 'my problem is I have too many ratchets'. When you get to about 50 of your desired basics, then start being a bit selective as you will know what YOU like. All these opinions are just that. Get too it start ordering them from all directions EBay, Amazon, Japan, Germany & all them other good places. Don't forget 3/4" drive...you may never ever need it or use it but owning 3 or 4 of them is required to compliment your stash.

 

[bonneyman]

You can get a USA made SK LP90 for $57 at HJE
https://www.harryepstein.com/index....ooth-8-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

Shoot - that is a good price!

Last time I looked at a new 45170 roundhead it was like $71. But I find nice condition ones at yard sales for a couple of bucks, so....

 

[Handyandy23]

Thanks everyone for the comments, lots of good info in here. It sounds like GearWrench is a good bet based on the volume of recommendations. Everything is more expensive here in Canada, but the 120XP swivel head set of ratchets is still only $200 shipped from Amazon, which isn't horrible (at least compared to what I expected to pay).

Also thanks to the other Canadians out there for the info on the newer Mastercraft and Princess Auto stuff. What I have right now is the older 72T Mastercraft, and the Titan extra long swivel heads from PA. They have all done their job for several years now, but I'm just thinking for something I get so much use out of I'd prefer to upgrade to something a little nicer to use. The Mastercrafts I don't have too many complaints about, other than the lack of teeth and the F/R selector being too easy to knock over by accident in tight areas.

The Titan swivel heads I've gotten a lot of use out of so no complaints at all on value, but they are starting to wear out. The rubber handles have come unglued and slide off occasionally with use. I lost one of the screws from one that holds the ratcheting assembly together (exposed screws) so if I want to use that one it either skips or I have to borrow the screw from one of the others. And the screw that holds the flex head together loosens all the time, so it's either too floppy, or I over-tighten it and it's too stiff, etc. Just feels like time to upgrade.

I will definitely take a look at the newer Mastercraft and Pro Point from Princess Auto though first, since they are local, and keep an eye out online for deals on the GearWrench ones. Ultimately though I think the GW will be the way I go, especially if they have that lifetime warranty, since they give that nice 3-degree tooth engagement.

 

[Handyandy23]

Putting down the budget you have to work with will help narrow the focus.

Yeah sorry for the vague budget of "reasonably priced", but I guess I don't really have a firm cap on my budget. I guess around the $200 for the GearWrench set is the ballpark I had in my head. If everyone said the payoff to go up a bit in price is superior quality then I'd go higher, but I guess really what I'm saying is I don't want to spend $500+ on a ratchet set made by SO or one of the other truck brands. More so looking for the 'best of the rest'.

Trust me, the Craftsman Premium is not "reasonably priced" and it has the same warranty as a downtown ******. (You can exchange it for a worse version if you really wanted to.)

They only made a few configurations also and most of them aren't all that useful, such as a short (regular size I guess) 3/8" and 1/2".

The OP asked basically for a Gearwrench, Harbor Freight, or new Tekton.

Agreed on the Craftsman, I don't really want to spend decent coin on something I can't get warranted or repaired easily. I don't have the same nostalgia around the C-Man name that a lot of people do on here, so when I walk into Lowes and see their budget tools on the shelves they just look like another PA/HF level option to me.

Those 90 tooth Maximum ratchets at Canadian Tire look good. I wonder if they are the same as the Tekton 90 tooth? Nothing wrong with the Pro-Point and UltraPro ratchets. Out west Jet is really common in the parts and industrial stores. Just plain Taiwan ratchets with easy warranty

Just looking at the 90T Maximums now and they do look nice, but have you noticed if they go on sale very often? At regular price the 1/2" flex head ratchet is $90, buying all 3 (1/4", 3/8, 1/2) is $240 CAD, when I can get a 4 pc GearWrench flex head set with 120 teeth on Amazon for $200 shipped. Doesn't seem like the value is there, unless they go on sale for like half price every so often.

Also I haven't tested Canadian Tire's warranty lately, but I know I've heard lots of complaints about tighter rules (needing original receipts, etc) - do you know if it's that way with lifetime warranty hand tools?

 

[Mr_B]

84T gearwrench and be done with it.
Pretty decent design with slim head and no real need for more tooth count than that plus good range of ratchet styles and set prices dirt cheap if hunt around .

 

[Handyandy23]

84T gearwrench and be done with it.
Pretty decent design with slim head and no real need for more tooth count than that plus good range of ratchet styles and set prices dirt cheap if hunt around .

Other than the cost difference (which on Amazon is only about $30 for the full set), is there any advantage to the GearWrench 84T over the 120T XP's? Assuming same style and size, is the 120T weaker or larger or giving anything up to the 84T?

 

[Spacey_G]

The 120XP heads are significantly thicker than the 84T.

 

[Revere Cycles]

Trust me, the Craftsman Premium is not "reasonably priced" and it has the same warranty as a downtown ******. (You can exchange it for a worse version if you really wanted to.)

They only made a few configurations also and most of them aren't all that useful, such as a short (regular size I guess) 3/8" and 1/2".

The OP asked basically for a Gearwrench, Harbor Freight, or new Tekton.

I paid less money for my Craftsman 84T than I did for my SK LP90. I think it was around $34 for the 3/8" when I bought it, and $52 for the 1/2". I found a NOS 1/4" on eBay after my local Sears closed for under $20 shipped. I paid $30 for my Gearwrench 84T 3/8" ratchet, so the prices are comparable based on what I spent.

It's been about five or six years with those ratchets seeing almost daily use, I haven't had a single issue. The Craftsman 84T is also about 1-2" longer than my SK LP90, and "regular" Williams, Snap On, and Proto ratchets in my main drawer. My 3/8" 84T Craftsman is actually longer than my 84T Gearwrench that I keep in my junk yard box.