Best VALUE flex head ratchet, Kobalt?

[zkling]

I had the opportunity / pleasure of using a snap on flex head ratchet the other day. Now thinking that I would like to purchase a 3/8" flex head ratchet. Currently, nor anywhere near in the future do I foresee having the funds to purchase a snap on flex head ratchet. I am looking at other options.

I have seen the Great Deals thread on the Kobalt 3/8" flex head ratchet "kit" for $20 at Lowes and am starting to think that is the way to go. Please keep in mind, I do not know the constant pleasure of high quality ratchets. All 3/8" ratchets that I have ever owned are the Craftsman standard 3/8" ratchets that come with the tool sets. The same ratchets that so many on here seem to despise.

Would I be making a mistake purchasing a Kobalt flex head for $20? Is there anything substantially better for the same or a little more (trying to keep under $35) money? As much as it pains me to think of adding a non USA made tool to the box I am starting to think price will win out on this one.

 

[shoturtle]

It is a good ratchet, nice smooth 72t movement, just open it up and oil it up. They are bone dry when they are shipped. For what you want to spend, there is really not to many good flex head in that range.

 

[blackz26]

Just read through that hot deals thread. If you can get pass coo, you won't regret it. I had on, but ended up giving it to my brother. Just because it didn't lock. Not because of the quality of the ratchet. Although maybe you could cruise eBay for a similar USA offering. I love my extendable locking flex Stanley 3/8 ratchet.

 

[sberry]

Its actually one I need to replace, a cman that never did work right,,, go figure. Now that I know a Lowes is 20 or so might get one. For me it is a "problem solver" just like any other ujoint etc.

Part of the reason I dont as much is mine is a pos but I am super simple unless the need arises. I can go a long time before I have to use a universal. Same for a ratchet wrench.

 

[sberry]

Would I be making a mistake purchasing a Kobalt flex head for $20?

How scared can you get here? You would be making a mistake paying 200 for one.

 

[sberry]

That is part of my point in my cheap tool argument, the prices are so insanely cheap anymore if its suffecient and even if not the greatest you are not getting robbed. If a guy was paying a lot for a cheap tool then its a different point.

 

[zkling]

Thanks guys. The others that I was possibly considering were Gearwrench, Duralast (due to some good reviews on here) and POSSIBLY the Williams, if folks think it is really worth the $30 price increase over the Kobalt.

How scared can you get here? You would be making a mistake paying 200 for one.

I like to buy things once. 99% of my tools are good quality old USA that I have purchased used over the years because I couldn't afford the new price. Don't see to many flex head ratchets at garage sales or the like, usually.

$20 is not bad at all for a decent flex head ratchet, but if someone says that for $10 more I can get xxyy and it is so much better, then I will probably do that. It is not something that I will use all of the time, otherwise I would purchase a nicer one.

 

[Ovalinaz]

I have heard good things about the Gearwrench ratchets. but if you cant buy a new SO flex head ratchet you can always look for a used one!!

 

[TwoInch]

gearwrench is a step up from the Kobalt. its a rock solid mechanism that is proven. the duralast ratchet is decent, but low tooth count.

 

[Gotmayhem]

Thanks guys. The others that I was possibly considering were Gearwrench, Duralast (due to some good reviews on here) and POSSIBLY the Williams, if folks think it is really worth the $30 price increase over the Kobalt.



I like to buy things once. 99% of my tools are good quality old USA that I have purchased used over the years because I couldn't afford the new price. Don't see to many flex head ratchets at garage sales or the like, usually.

$20 is not bad at all for a decent flex head ratchet, but if someone says that for $10 more I can get xxyy and it is so much better, then I will probably do that. It is not something that I will use all of the time, otherwise I would purchase a nicer one.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ols-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

$35, American, 3/8 flex head ratchet. 36 tooth count but very smooth with little drag. You may end up paying a bit for shipping but I think you'll be happy with the Williams.

 

[sberry]

I dont wear a ratchet like I did when I was a kid. Get that Lowes and invest or save the 30 juice towards some power drive.

 

[sberry]

I like to buy things once. 99% of my tools are good quality old USA that I have purchased used over the years because I couldn't afford the new price. Don't see to many flex head ratchets at garage sales or the like, usually.

Buying a used 3/8 ratchet is a waste of effort. You can find a 1/2 here and there, I bought 3 good working cman for 10 a piece. There is a demand for 3/8 the most abused tool made.

I like to buy once too but not at a price that may include other factors, no reason for me anymore to have a 200 ratchet sitting, a 20 one can do that too and to top it off the best one I have owned was a knockoff at the parts counter. Buy once is great but you will likely buy once at 20 vs 100 too,,, so the worst is once replacement,,, possibly,,,, sometime in the future provided its not lost etc.

 

[Hiball]

Buying a used 3/8 ratchet is a waste of effort. You can find a 1/2 here and there, I bought 3 good working cman for 10 a piece. There is a demand for 3/8 the most abused tool made.

I like to buy once too but not at a price that may include other factors, no reason for me anymore to have a 200 ratchet sitting, a 20 one can do that too and to top it off the best one I have owned was a knockoff at the parts counter. Buy once is great but you will likely buy once at 20 vs 100 too,,, so the worst is once replacement,,, possibly,,,, sometime in the future provided its not lost etc.

So confused...



Already some good options given, Williams, Gearwrench can prob be found in that price area ($35). I own the complete EZ red 72 tooth set and they are Ok.. I can see the small handles being a issue for someone with big mits.

 

[plinker]

I like the Gearwrench 60 tooth models I have in 3/8 & 1/4, no issues.

 

[Tribalvision]

The Kobalt is $18 and worth every penny if not more..you'll be fine getting the Kobalt...it's only $18. I spend more than that in tolls to cross the bridge here...lol

 

[fivespdcat]

I like American made tools too, but this Kobalt ratchet caught my interest. I didn't buy it because I already have a craftsman bent handle flex head and the Armstrong locking flex. If this was a bent handle i probably wouldnt be able to stop myself. however, if I was looking to spend $20 I would definitely buy this, if I wanted something nicer I would jump right into the Armstrong Maxx flex head locking ratchet but that is 3x the price! $20 is not a whole lot to spend on a ratchet, don't over think it, especially if you won't use it everyday.

 

[bcradio]

So confused...



Already some good options given, Williams, Gearwrench can prob be found in that price area ($35). I own the complete EZ red 72 tooth set and they are Ok.. I can see the small handles being a issue for someone with big mits.

It's fairly straight forward actually

I'd go with Gearwrench myself... the 60 tooth

 

[Hiball]

It's fairly straight forward actually

I'd go with Gearwrench myself... the 60 tooth

Yep.. Clear as Mud... Especially the "what the future will bring" and $200 dollar 3/8 flex ratchet example.. Uh.. Yeah.

Good one..

 

[bcradio]

Yep.. Clear as Mud... Especially the "what the future will bring" and $200 dollar 3/8 flex ratchet example.. Uh.. Yeah.

Good one..

Yup, you like to argue and always try to get the last word... good one

 

[Hiball]

Yup, you like to argue and always try to get the last word... good one

Argue? Did we not give the same recommendation? Pot --->>> Kettle --- >>> Black Cha.. Good One.

 

[bcradio]

Argue? Did we not give the same recommendation? Pot --->>> Kettle --- >>> Black Cha.. Good One.

Pretty much... you said it didn't make sense, I said it did, then you said it didn't. Maybe you need some reading glasses or some coffee or somethin

Don't worry, I'll let you get the last word so you feel better about yourself and sleep sound

 

[TwoInch]

all i see is hiball saying that sberrys post doesnt make sense.

i agree. it doesnt.

 

[Hiball]

Pretty much... you said it didn't make sense, I said it did, then you said it didn't. Maybe you need some reading glasses or some coffee or somethin

Don't worry, I'll let you get the last word so you feel better about yourself and sleep sound

Maybe... I just don't rationalize my purchases based off what the future will bring in regards to losing tools and factious retail numbers..

I win....

 

[Hiball]

all i see is hiball saying that sberrys post doesnt make sense.

i agree. it doesnt.

Now your arguing.. And don't try and take my last word.

 

[TwoInch]

...

 

[wrh3]

The Kobalt is GREAT for $18, my GW has been my go to ratchet for years and it is still ticking.....picked up some more 60T ones when Sears was clearing them out for the newest ones.

 

[montanafordman]

I remember someone on the forum saying that if the Kobalt ratchet was made in the USA it would be the talk of the town in GarageJournal, but the guys that are so bent up about COO completely pass it over. I'm one of those guys that's a bit hung up on COO but I have to admit whoever said that was right.

I was in lowes and was looking at those and their action feels really nice, especially for the price. Just think at how much more market share Craftsman would have, and how many fewer people would bash craftsman if they had adopted a design like the Kobalt ratchet years aog?? It is so superior in feel to the Cman ratchets its not even funny. ( I am certain its more durable too). The duralast ratchet also has a metal direction selector. I havn't had a chance to play with gearwrench so I can't help you there but the Kobalts do seem nice, especially for the price.

 

[silviaboy89]

buy a Duralast 3/8 flex . very nice and cheap also around for about 20 also comes with full lifetime warranty

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...d-ratchet/_/N-25el?itemIdentifier=482538_0_0_

 

[wrh3]

buy a Duralast 3/8 flex . very nice and cheap also around for about 20 also comes with full lifetime warranty

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...d-ratchet/_/N-25el?itemIdentifier=482538_0_0_

Only 36T though.

 

[sberry]

Ther more I babble the more you guys read, who is the crazy one? Or ones? Yes it does make sense. I see a podst here where a guy was whining he lost his 150 snappy ratchet,, a lot it did to worry how good it was, how many teeth it had, how it fit his hand for the 2 dozen times he used it over 3 years,, seems to me a guy could feel a lot better abouit losing a 15$ one which is about 10x more likely again than ever wearing it out?

Whats wrong with numbers? Here is why I think 80% of ther opinions about tools are useless.

Note also that "Liquid Wrench" is about as good as "Kroil" for about 20% of the price

This is a set of real numbers but we get a lot of sworn testomoney that its 10 times as good etc,, same with the wrench.

Somehow the logic for value can be accepted if the dealer is making 500$ on a set of wrenches but Walmart is hosing a guy making 5 on a set of wrenches almost as good he pays 20 for? I have even hear how it is patriotic among other things, how it saves all the production from going to china, the list of dumb can go on.

 

[sberry]

I was in lowes and was looking at those and their action feels really nice, especially for the price. Just think at how much more market share Craftsman would have, and how many fewer people would bash craftsman if they had adopted a design like the Kobalt ratchet years aog?? It is so superior in feel to the Cman ratchets its not even funny. ( I am certain its more durable too).

I think this is a good assesment. BTW how much foes a 3/8 snappy cost with tax, a 1/2 is probably closer to 200 than the 3/8 but the 200 you spend is after takes etc,, its really about that much when you get to the bottom line.

Heck it depreciates about 40% just stepping off the truck with it, you can add some extra effort to find this brand or that, some shipping. It makes the 20 off the shelf look pretty good and a guy has a couple bucks left over to buy something else he might need.

 

[sberry]

Wonder where the 200$ come from,,, well,,, if it can be found elsewhere similar for 20 it cost 200 from the truck.

 

[kunkernator]

I personally own 84t Gearwrench flex heads, and love them. If you just want a 3/8", high tooth count, USA made, get an Armstrong. I have heard great reviews, and I believe they are 88 tooth.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/11-994.html

 

[Rico.]

The only long 3/8" flex head ratchet I have is a FACOM J.153a.

This thing, in my humble opinion, is amazing. 72 teeth, ultra compact head and really
really smoooooth. But I think in the USA they are around $80. I don't know how that
compare's to a snap on in terms of price, but again in my humble opinion, it is a nicer
ratchet, and if it's $30 or $40 cheaper, it would be well worth getting one, as you
won't ever need to buy another one again.

So although it's not cheap, it is certainly great value.

 

[sberry]

The Kobalt is $18 and worth every penny if not more..you'll be fine getting the Kobalt...it's only $18. I spend more than that in tolls to cross the bridge here...lol

I can see you must have had a logic class along the way.

 

[sberry]

Maybe... I just don't rationalize my purchases based off what the future will bring in regards to losing tools

I do, I know that the avg socket is likely to be lost in one way or another than it is to be broken. No matter how much I spend on it thats the case, the more I spend the higher the pot odds become, losing 1 tool means losing more $, mean insurance that wouldnt even be worth the effort on a 2$ tool, most of the time if it was broke not worth the effort to shop although the auto parts will replace with delivery same day.

This means lots of tools may return investment in initial use, I spent 25 on a set of Allens to leave on the job AS insurance the other day. Left them in unlocked un attended environment, so far had to replace 1 lost but they paid the day I purchaced and I doubt many here would let a 9 pc set from the truck out of their sight, probably sleep with it under their pillow for a week or 2 till the first payment was due for some.

 

[Hiball]

One thing about Sberry.. He's a riot in the mornings.... 80% there, truck dealer making $500 here.. Value my opinion, but not his because logic tells me that since 15% of something I read on the internets has to be true.

Gotcha... Keep up the good work Sberry, even after a crappy train.. I get to smile

 

[sberry]

If I really need it would be worth credit card interest on a set of stanley at wallyworld, how long anyone figure it would take the avg guy working by the hour or similar to pay for tyhat from the truck,,, how many house payments and meals got to go along to service a debt that could never be recovered.

How come we dont see the dealer shoving mechanics boxes full of tools,,, why,,,, got the guys to do it for them, buy 10 times as much as they need at 10 x the price to speed up 5%, ha.

You wonder why I weonder about the math. On one of these forums by a guy says he is on commision says it cost him 100 a week to speed up 5% using his new tools so,,, at the end of the year he has earned 2500 to spend on tools. He loses 2500 a year and its all worth it cause it makes him faster.

To add to that someday he will have a big chest of tools to sell. I can just about spot a turd in a single argument he makes. He could have invested in nothing and stayed in the lube bay where he probably doesnt belong either and at the end of the year wouldnt be far behind without all the effort.

 

[sberry]

No sales tool is as great as fear. Fear of loss is greater than the enjoyment of sucess. The extended warranty is living proof of this concept.

 

[Hiball]

Your Too much....