Best *Reasonably Priced* Ratchets

[Mr_B]

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?

84t better design, head sizes smaller and mechanism less back drag and hassle over 120xp .
The race for the high tooth count is purely market once over 90 tooth .
Slim head and better back drag way more useful to the user ...
84T sets also tend be found cheaper deal prices.
Wear them in a bit few months then lube with bit of red lithium and 3 or 4 drops atf and they real nice and design/quality to cost is hard to beat .
If you got more money spend look at koken ...

 

[Gurp]

For ratchets on the cheaper end I will sexond Tekton amd Duralast. Easily warrantied and great tools for the money

 

[MrDeerHunter]

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'.



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.



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?

I would suggest the 84t over the 120. The back drag is noticable on 120.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Gurp]

Watch ebay used proto wirght and SK are great tools.
As for modern high tooth count look at gearwrench amd Tekton

 

[Mgdoug3]

I must have gotten lucky with the GW 120xp. The back drag is low and has never been a problem. Not as low as my SK's but close. My Wright 3440 has the most back drag out of any ratchet I own. I like the 1/4 and 3/8 models. The 1/2 is widest head I have. Because of that, I don't use it often. Personally, I would buy the 1/4 and 3/8 set and then buy a different 1/2 (SK, Carlyle, etc).

SK ratchets can be cheap when bought used. 75% of the ones I have, I have bought used. They're my go to ratchets. I've lost count how many I have but i use all of them often.

 

[bonneyman]

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.

I considered going for a trio of the Craftsman Premiums when they came out. Price wasn't too bad, and they looked nice and were USA. But they were just too heavy for my use. Then they went on clearance, then discontinued, and now Sears is as they are. Glad I passed on them.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Glad I passed on them.

Agree. When I bought the [rebranded Armstrong] CM Pro wrench set I almost bought that trio, but they looked clumsy and heavy... Glad I didn't.

 

[matthew]

You may also want to note that NAPA in Canada also sells some Gearwrench ratchets. Most of the time the stores don't seem to stock them, and they don't go on sale as often as the UltraPro ratchets, but some are stocked, you can order them, and they do sometimes go on sale.

Last time I'd looked at Gearwrench on Amazon.ca, I found it expensive. Definitely expensive at NAPA, too, if not on sale Not sure whether a NAPA or Amazon purchase would be easier to warranty (not that I consider that a huge deal, I'd be more inclined to UltraPro if you feel that's important).

(you can look at the flyers and catalogs at https://www.napacanada.com/en/promotions/realdeals?ref=homecategory)

 

[Handyandy23]

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

84t better design, head sizes smaller and mechanism less back drag and hassle over 120xp .
The race for the high tooth count is purely market once over 90 tooth .
Slim head and better back drag way more useful to the user ...
84T sets also tend be found cheaper deal prices.
Wear them in a bit few months then lube with bit of red lithium and 3 or 4 drops atf and they real nice and design/quality to cost is hard to beat .
If you got more money spend look at koken ...

I would suggest the 84t over the 120. The back drag is noticable on 120.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using The Garage Journal mobile app

Thank you all for the info! Sounds like the functional advantages of the 84T outweigh the extra teeth in the 120XP. Their advertized swing arc for the 84T is 4.3 degrees, and 3 degrees for the 120T, so not a significant difference there either (considering my current Titan extra long 1/2" is 36T!!).

 

[Handyandy23]

You may also want to note that NAPA in Canada also sells some Gearwrench ratchets. Most of the time the stores don't seem to stock them, and they don't go on sale as often as the UltraPro ratchets, but some are stocked, you can order them, and they do sometimes go on sale.

Last time I'd looked at Gearwrench on Amazon.ca, I found it expensive. Definitely expensive at NAPA, too, if not on sale Not sure whether a NAPA or Amazon purchase would be easier to warranty (not that I consider that a huge deal, I'd be more inclined to UltraPro if you feel that's important).

(you can look at the flyers and catalogs at https://www.napacanada.com/en/promotions/realdeals?ref=homecategory)

Thanks for this Matthew, there's a NAPA on my way home from work so I may have to stop in. I didn't realize the ratchets were on sale right now.

As for price, looks like NAPA Platinums 90T on sale are a very similar price to the 84T GearWrench's on Amazon. I can get a 3 pc long handle set of NAPA's for $148 CAD, and the GW 4 pc swivel head set is $157 CAD shipped.

 

[patchap]

Crappy tire warranty for hand tools is still hassle free here. Not that I've used it too much, but I broke 2 of the 2' breaker bars in a weekend and they didn't bat an eye.
The extra long pro point ratchets are 72 teeth, PA is hassle free warranty as well.
Haven't used the gearwrench, but I don't really notice a difference between 72 and 90 teeth.

Those Napa ratchets look pretty good to. Lots of options these days.

 

[brollona]

I have question, in a few days I will be passing trough USA, Huston. I thought if enough time that could be opportunity to buy some "USA" ratchets. Not Snap-on and similar extravaganza, but something decent for working man.

Are these ratchets that you guys are bringing on Taiwan stuff that is just rebranded, or they are made in USA? How do they compare with affordable ratchets from Europe which are mostly Taiwan made? Here Proxxon sets are very cheap, but they have just few models. Toptul has lot of models and it's ****** cheap here (you can buy almost any ratchet type for 20$ or less). USAG looks affordabe too, but it again Taiwan made apparently. Is there any point to buy those tekton, craftsman and simmilar comparing to Europe budget brands?

 

[buckwheat_la]

I have question, in a few days I will be passing trough USA, Huston. I thought if enough time that could be opportunity to buy some "USA" ratchets. Not Snap-on and similar extravaganza, but something decent for working man.

Are these ratchets that you guys are bringing on Taiwan stuff that is just rebranded, or they are made in USA? How do they compare with affordable ratchets from Europe which are mostly Taiwan made? Here Proxxon sets are very cheap, but they have just few models. Toptul has lot of models and it's ****** cheap here (you can buy almost any ratchet type for 20$ or less). USAG looks affordabe too, but it again Taiwan made apparently. Is there any point to buy those tekton, craftsman and simmilar comparing to Europe budget brands?

Most of the ones being brought up are Taiwan. SK is American though. There used to be a guy here who sold Toptul (but doesn't now) and I think it is as good quality (or better) as anything being talked about here. Kind of jealous lol

 

[brollona]

Most of the ones being brought up are Taiwan. SK is American though. There used to be a guy here who sold Toptul (but doesn't now) and I think it is as good quality (or better) as anything being talked about here. Kind of jealous lol

Thing is that on youtube there are tons of reviews of "American" brands from a actual car technicians and I can get lot of good info from there. For Taiwan-Euro stuff there are no reviews at all. Or Euro folks doesn't use budget brands, or we here just don't like to make videos.

 

[mjs3350]

I tried out the Gearwrench 84t based on all the love it gets here. It felt really nice when the pawl wasn't locking up. Came here to try to find a solution and was surprised to find how many others have issues with the 84t locking up and reversing itself, and I'm wondering how it still gets so much love. Unfortunately, it was the 2nd out of 5 Gearwrench purchases (2 out of 3 recent) that have been defective from the start, so I've pretty much written off Gearwrench tools with moving parts. I got 2 Tekton 90t ratchets over the weekend, and they're extremely nice.

 

[Handyandy23]

I tried out the Gearwrench 84t based on all the love it gets here. It felt really nice when the pawl wasn't locking up. Came here to try to find a solution and was surprised to find how many others have issues with the 84t locking up and reversing itself, and I'm wondering how it still gets so much love. Unfortunately, it was the 2nd out of 5 Gearwrench purchases (2 out of 3 recent) that have been defective from the start, so I've pretty much written off Gearwrench tools with moving parts. I got 2 Tekton 90t ratchets over the weekend, and they're extremely nice.

Did you happen to get the Tekton ratchets with the swiveling head? I saw those and thought it was a clever design with the pivot point right at/on the head. And they had excellent feedback on Amazon / other sources.

 

[Yarpo]

I tried out the Gearwrench 84t based on all the love it gets here. It felt really nice when the pawl wasn't locking up. Came here to try to find a solution and was surprised to find how many others have issues with the 84t locking up and reversing itself, and I'm wondering how it still gets so much love. Unfortunately, it was the 2nd out of 5 Gearwrench purchases (2 out of 3 recent) that have been defective from the start, so I've pretty much written off Gearwrench tools with moving parts. I got 2 Tekton 90t ratchets over the weekend, and they're extremely nice.

Did you add any grease/ATF/oil? I've received a few ratchets that where completely dry, one of my GW ones too, and I soaked it in ATF overnight and it works great now. Going to add something heavier however

 

[mjs3350]

Did you add any grease/ATF/oil? I've received a few ratchets that where completely dry, one of my GW ones too, and I soaked it in ATF overnight and it works great now. Going to add something heavier however

Tried grease, then cleaned it out and tried oil, neither worked. I returned it, no reason to keep a finicky ratchet when there are other great inexpensive options.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I recently upgraded all my ratchets to Gearwrench 120XP, total cost was $160 for 3 piece fixed and 4 piece flex. I added the Carlyle offset ratchet and their 25” 1/2” ratchet, so another $70. Very pleased with everything except maybe the quality of the chrome on the GW ratchets, the chrome isn’t the best but the ratchets work excellent.

 

[paulsomlo]

I have question, in a few days I will be passing trough USA, Huston. I thought if enough time that could be opportunity to buy some "USA" ratchets. Not Snap-on and similar extravaganza, but something decent for working man.

"USA" ratchets - if you're ruling out Snap-on and other tool truck brands, that leaves the brands that are considered "industrial", like Proto, SK, Wright, Williams. And as far as retail locations, I don't know where you would buy them. Sk would be the most likely to be sold over the counter, but truthfully, when most of us here in the USA want something from one of these four manufacturers, we order it over the internet and have it shipped. Now, if you knew what you wanted, you could maybe order something and have it shipped to where you're staying. Or maybe someone knows an SK retailer in Houston.

 

[brollona]

"USA" ratchets - if you're ruling out Snap-on and other tool truck brands, that leaves the brands that are considered "industrial", like Proto, SK, Wright, Williams. And as far as retail locations, I don't know where you would buy them. Sk would be the most likely to be sold over the counter, but truthfully, when most of us here in the USA want something from one of these four manufacturers, we order it over the internet and have it shipped. Now, if you knew what you wanted, you could maybe order something and have it shipped to where you're staying. Or maybe someone knows an SK retailer in Houston.

I see. Well my idea was to find some store location via net and then check it. But anyway, my route is changed so I'm going to panama instead. Too bad, I was thinking to browse around and then hit some stake and bottle of vine. Next time I guess.

 

[scooby074]

Old thread I know, but in Canada our resources are limited so I thought I should reply.

Everybody has a crappy tire nearby. Quality is meh. Warranty is supposed to be good by policy but can be spotty in practice. Plus I hate getting treated like a thief by some low paid store flunky to unlock the cabinet and walk the tool up to the cash, thats assuming you can find an employee in the first place!

Princess.. Decent quality in the ProPoint line. Excellent warranty. No perp-walk to buy a ratchet! Problem is lack of stores.

Napa. Probably the best deal overall if you can wait for sales promos to build your set from the Platinum Series tools. Just got a long 1/2" flex (Reg.$150) and a free bonus 3/8 (Reg. $56) standard for $49.00!! Pretty much every area has a Napa. Warranty is excellent (sometimes stock takes time to arrive) and no perp-walk. Quality ratchets too!

2019-05-01_10-19-39 by J Wangchung, on Flickr

 

[rmsg0040]

That was a great deal from the real deal that just passed

The handles on them are great too, not too soft where it will tear like SO, easy to clean also

 

[yellow wagon]

Used Snap-on or even watch EBay for new SO. I’ve gotten some killer deals on SO ratchets from Facebook marketplace and EBay.

 

[scooby074]

That was a great deal from the real deal that just passed

The handles on them are great too, not too soft where it will tear like SO, easy to clean also

Yeah they really are decent. I was really after the 1/2" because the last thing I needed is another 3/8 lol, but that price $49 for the 1/2 alone was a deal, the 3/8 was just a bonus. My branch doesnt sell many ratchets or sockets unfortunately, when he rang that purchase through he was like "damn that was a pretty good deal"

New RealDeals should be out any time now. For the last couple theyve been offering some pretty sweet combo deals on ratchets. Wonder what if any will be in the new one.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Probably already looked into them, but people really like the Pittsburgh Pro stuff(make sure you're looking at the Pittsburgh Pro line and not just regular Pittsburgh, the pro is good quality tools where regular Pittsburgh are absolute trash). Some professionals use them daily and have no problems. Would be a great buy for a home gamer. The breaker bars get excellent reviews as well.

Not much to lose when they only run $10 to just under $30 for any of their Pittsburgh Pro ratchets. And you can always use the coupons on them.

 

[Mr_B]

^
Yeh a few of the Pitts Pro tools well worth the money and more so if you real close to a HF, warranty is currently easy too (hand pick a new one off the rack) and with a coupon and bit of effort making coupons work for you the tools are real cheap .
Only thing you need do for less disappointment is QC your items well by choosing best finish/functioning item from the stock, anything boxed best looked at in car park before driving off .
Some of the napa carlyle ratchets are real nice when in the real deal offer if after bit more pro tool .

 

[Handyandy23]

Old thread I know, but in Canada our resources are limited so I thought I should reply.

Everybody has a crappy tire nearby. Quality is meh. Warranty is supposed to be good by policy but can be spotty in practice. Plus I hate getting treated like a thief by some low paid store flunky to unlock the cabinet and walk the tool up to the cash, thats assuming you can find an employee in the first place!

Princess.. Decent quality in the ProPoint line. Excellent warranty. No perp-walk to buy a ratchet! Problem is lack of stores.

Napa. Probably the best deal overall if you can wait for sales promos to build your set from the Platinum Series tools. Just got a long 1/2" flex (Reg.$150) and a free bonus 3/8 (Reg. $56) standard for $49.00!! Pretty much every area has a Napa. Warranty is excellent (sometimes stock takes time to arrive) and no perp-walk. Quality ratchets too!

2019-05-01_10-19-39 by J Wangchung, on Flickr

That was a great deal from the real deal that just passed

The handles on them are great too, not too soft where it will tear like SO, easy to clean also

Thanks for the heads up on the quality on those, but man Scooby, you're killing me with your timing!! Shame on me for not having an eye on that flyer in April, but you posted this deal up a day too late!

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

Wright, I have many of their 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets and they can be found on ebay for less than $50. Gotta stick to usa made when ya can! If youre a fan of SK or so, the wright is one step up for less $

 

[scooby074]

Thanks for the heads up on the quality on those, but man Scooby, you're killing me with your timing!! Shame on me for not having an eye on that flyer in April, but you posted this deal up a day too late!

Gotta watch the RealDeals I suppose there would be nothing wrong with trying to get the old deal through your local Napa? Worse they can say is no.

 

[Mgdoug3]

Wright, I have many of their 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets and they can be found on ebay for less than $50. Gotta stick to usa made when ya can! If youre a fan of SK or so, the wright is one step up for less $

I've handled a new Wright (don't think it was lubed) and own a 3440. I got the 3440 in good shape at the flea market for $4. That's a very reasonably priced ratchet. There's many things I like about the Wright but I still pick my SK ratchets over it. Maybe a new, lubed up Wright would perform better but I don't need any more ratchets. Except maybe a LP90 flex whenever SK releases them.

 

[Jrboulder]

Spend a little extra on the ratchets you'll use the most and then fill in the rest with Pittsburgh pro or the like.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I've handled a new Wright (don't think it was lubed) and own a 3440. I got the 3440 in good shape at the flea market for $4. That's a very reasonably priced ratchet. There's many things I like about the Wright but I still pick my SK ratchets over it. Maybe a new, lubed up Wright would perform better but I don't need any more ratchets. Except maybe a LP90 flex whenever SK releases them.

I use lucas oil to lube them, for a coarser tooth ratchet it is very nice with low drag. Also as I have been learning, the newer wrights are dual pawl, where most of what I have are single pawl. So the newer ones are even smoother.

My main tool set are all snap on ratchets. They are my favorite, but when I was setting up a second truck I wanted to save a bit and get something
“medium grade” that if I sent a guy out in it to do a job and he lost something I wouldnt be upset about it. As of late Ill hop in that truck all the time to do small jobs, and im prettty happy with the performance.

 

[Farmall450]

DeWalt/Gearwrench

OR
Via eBay, etc
US Armstrong, Cman RHFT (these can be had ((non flex)) cheap in easco, etc brands in like new or nos condition {cripe had/has nos allen, for instance}).

 

[Mgdoug3]

I've tried about every lube imaginable with the Wright but it's just isn't as smooth as my SK's with or without the DT upgrade. I still like the Wright. It has a small head and the contour grip is the best non-knurled handle out there. With the flat sides, I can hold the ratchet without it spinning in my hand.

I would maybe buy one if I could find one in person and reasonably priced. The place that sells Wright closest to home is about twice as much as HJE. I want to feel it in my hands first.

 

[737mechanic]

For the price the HF composite ratchets are good, The HF swivel head ratchets are also good. For the price and lifetime warranty, HF is hard to beat nowadays in my opinion. HF is like Sears used to be with craftsman. If you do break it they will warranty it no questions asked.

 

[jmhinkle]

I've been through a lot of ratchets in the last month thinking I would upgrade over my Craftsman 4499X series that I really loved. For the price, you can't beat the new Tekton 90 tooth ratchets. They are up there in quality with my Nepros and Snap-on Dual 80's. They operate just as smooth as those two and really are nice tools to use.

As a side note, I just lubed all my new and old ratchets with Permatex Engine assembly lube and what a difference it make to even new ratchets. Wow

 

[visionguru]

....
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!

72 tooth is pretty much standard nowadays. It's somehow hard to find low tooth count ratchets.

As some already suggested, GearWrench is a natural choice, not Teckon, which is no different than any store brands.

 

[Tallpilot]

72 tooth is pretty much standard nowadays. It's somehow hard to find low tooth count ratchets.

As some already suggested, GearWrench is a natural choice, not Teckon, which is no different than any store brands.

Please name the store brands with 90 teeth like Tekton? I happen to like Gearwrench 84T but it doesn't sound like you are considering the new Tekton design.

 

[visionguru]

Please name the store brands with 90 teeth like Tekton? I happen to like Gearwrench 84T but it doesn't sound like you are considering the new Tekton design.

Tekton designs nothing, they simply sourced from already existing products.

Carlyle, AutoZone, Northern tool, HomeDepot,.... all have 90+ teeth ratchets
Just google "90 teeth ratchet". They are available for years, suddenly Tekton designed something new.