Best *Reasonably Priced* Ratchets

[tutti57]

Back drag is not a myth. I had never heard the term until I read it here. When I replaced the head on SK 1/4" head with the DT head to double the tooth count, that's exactly what I noticed. It's not enough of a problem to me to care, but I definitely feel it. Installing some manifolds in a tight spot on an Armada at work yesterday, I was expecting it to be an issue, only being able to fit one hand in there, but it went ok once the nuts were past the finger tight point.

Nissan Technician - ASE Master Tech

 

[dsilver1007]

You just missed a 20% Amazon Prime Day deal on a set of 4 Gearwrench 120XP flex heads... with a stubby 3/8 being the "extra" wrench. All 4 for about $78, but looks like the deal ended.

I’ve been looking at those for about a week or so now. The price before amazon deal day was around 82$. I believe they inflated the price for the 20% but I could be wrong.


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[70staged]

The newer Harbor Freight pro ratchet is actually pretty nice. Compared it to a new Snap-on very little difference

 

[MJK]

with $200 and some smart shopping could get 3 of my favorite ratchets lightly used.

1/4" SK 40970 I got in a set, but can be had for $20+
3/8 SO FLF80a $80+
1/2" Armstrong 12-974 current offerings are not attractive, but I paid $50 last year.

Not all are high tooth count, but I find myself using those the most. The FLF80a is higher count, and is worth it to me as most of my automotive adventures that require long handles in tight spaces are accomplished best with 3/8 drive.

IMO, splurge a little on the tools that you use the most. Ratchets are in there for me. $.02

 

[dsilver1007]

Actually, no -- I had them in my Amazon cart, already, and that's how I knew the price changed on them. These were, of course, shipped and sold by Amazon, and, again, the 120 XP flex heads. The 84 tooth flex heads were around $82, but the 120 XP version was in the $90s... and like I said, it was in my cart, so I can tell you Amazon did not jack up the price.

As a recommendation, just throw a bunch of the Gear Wrench ratchet kits into your cart and then watch for "Some Items In Your Cart Have Changed In Price" or something like that.... it's a good way to track price changes. Also, Amazon is running a bunch of sales on GW. Admittedly, I purchased the 4 piece 120 XP set - as the stubby 3/8 was selling for almost $50, alone - so I just pulled the trigger when it was in the $70s for the entire 4 piece set.

That sounds right. My mistake.


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[_Riddle]

Actually, no -- I had them in my Amazon cart, already, and that's how I knew the price changed on them. These were, of course, shipped and sold by Amazon, and, again, the 120 XP flex heads. The 84 tooth flex heads were around $82, but the 120 XP version was in the $90s... and like I said, it was in my cart, so I can tell you Amazon did not jack up the price.

As a recommendation, just throw a bunch of the Gear Wrench ratchet kits into your cart and then watch for "Some Items In Your Cart Have Changed In Price" or something like that.... it's a good way to track price changes. Also, Amazon is running a bunch of sales on GW. Admittedly, I purchased the 4 piece 120 XP set - as the stubby 3/8 was selling for almost $50, alone - so I just pulled the trigger when it was in the $70s for the entire 4 piece set.

Better than keeping an item in your cart, go to camelcamelcamel.com and paste in the amazon URL. It will show the price history of the item and give you an indication if its a deal or not. I just used it yesterday to buy a 15 piece set of Williams Supercombos for $150.

 

[tutti57]

That's a good tip.

Nissan Technician - ASE Master Tech

 

[Andres26tnt]

I have never experience enough back drag on any of my ratchets to make me hate them. I own multiple brands from GW, Snap-on, Craftsman, Koken, SK... you get the point. The 120XP has been great to me, it is my most used ratchet.

 

[Lisamelting]

I thought my Gearwrench 84 tooth was a pretty decent ratchet, until I dropped it 8' down onto the concrete. The snap ring came out and parts went all over the place.

 

[bonneyman]

I thought my Gearwrench 84 tooth was a pretty decent ratchet, until I dropped it 8' down onto the concrete. The snap ring came out and parts went all over the place.

I'm a decent fellow - but if I fell 8 feet onto concrete I'd be missing a few pieces too.

And I don't think I'd be working the rest of the day, either!

 

[woody6904]

Powerbuilt Pro Tech ratchets have been great so far going on a year. Love the small heads. Basically from what I can tell they are Carlyle ratchets without the soft grip and higher price tag.

Here is a deal on a 4 pc set...

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Gard...Head-Ratchet-Set-240238/28966766/product.html

 

[lardy1]

I have always liked the availability and durability of the old standby, SK roundheads. You can get them in good shape and cheap at flea markets, garage sales, etc. Rebuild kits for them are very well priced (Circle C I find the lowest prices).

 

[texjake]

I just recently stumbled upon these ratchets and was reading everyone's comments on how they passed on these back in the day because they were big and bulky, they are now a "rare ratchet" & a hot item among Craftsman tool collectors. Recently on eBay a trio still in the package sold for over $700. I bet now that they had bought as many as could back then. It reminds me of the story of Plymouth and Dodge dealerships back in the day that almost couldn't give away the now "holy grail" 1970 Roadrunners and Superbirds because they were hideous to buyers and most sat in showroom floors collecting dust. Some dealerships took the wings and nose cone off just to sell the cars. Funny that we never know what will be worth money later in life.

 

[CGarage]

No one mentions Astro Pneumatic. Available off of Amazon and a forum sponsor. Great quality at a reasonable price.

I also like Gearwrench- the 90T *locking* flex heads I use more than my Facom/Hazet/Snap-Ons.

 

[CGarage]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK10LC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I really like these and a great company!