Big box store ratchets

[yamaha0343]

Looking to buy my father a new 1/2 inch ratchet, since he broke his old Easco and has now run out of 1/2 ratchets. He's undoubtedly going to break this one too, so I'd like to get him something he can return if/when needed without too much hassle. Leaning towards a Craftsman 72 tooth since there's an Ace Hardware close to him, but there's a Lowe's and Home Depot about half an hour away. Are the Kobalt and Husky ratchets any better, or are they all made in the same Chinese factories these days? I might be answering my own question, but really tempted to go with SK if their return policy is easy.

He's retired and living at the hunting camp in rural Mississippi so options are pretty limited for stuff he can actually return. And like I said I'm pretty sure he'll break it and need to exchange it at some point.

 

[Scotts1200]

Around here Great lake Ace sells Crapsman tools, but they only return the ones they sell with a receipt from there store....

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[NUTTSGT]

Maybe you should buy him a ratchet and breaker bar ?

 

[FMC1959]

Between, Husky, Kobalt & Craftsman, I would guess quality will be decent and similar. Probably best to go with what is closest to your father's home AND will be there a couple years down the road. Husky (HD) probably will Craftsman, with Sears problems, might still be but or not, maybe ease of exchange might not be(?)...I don't know, just saying.

If he is a real tool guy, or a strong made in the USA kind of guy, then SK is definitely the way to go and a better product. If ever there is a problem, the ease of exchange might not be as easy as say HD Husky would be, but ten again, less chance of breaking.

Things which may be hard to guage when they are not for you personally are things like round or pear shaped head, knurled handle or smooth, overall feel and balance of the ratchet.

Good luck

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'd bet he would never break that SK if you got it for him.

Snap on is very easy over the phone repair/replacement. Keep that in mind.

 

[MrGiggles]

I've seen a couple complaint threads on here about the Lowes warranty.

Anything in that range is going to be Taiwan or China.

If there's a Harbor Freight in that area, I would look no further. Hassle free warranty and the ratchets are fantastic, grab the Pittsburgh Pro breaker bar while you're there too.

 

[6MocoA]

If you have the Advance Auto chain in your state, why not buy him some Gearwrench stuff? Advance is now stocking the 120XP ratchets and you can get him well equipped for not much $$$.

Also, the Duralast brand ratchets from Autozone feel and look great.

Lastly, the new cushion grip Harbor Freight high tooth ratchets look awesome as well. You can buy him a flex head, a regular, a couple different styles of 3/8's and still be under $100.

 

[Roobaix]

Why is he breaking so many 1/2" ratchets?
Seems like he should probably be using a breaker bar for a lot of what he's doing.

 

[6PTsocket]

By all accounts, SK is very good about backing their tools. They are made in USA. I agree, it sounds like he also needs a breaker bar. He really must have a big piece of pipe in his garage. I have a lot of old SK. I cannot takk about the warantee from oersonal exoerience because I have never broken anything

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[M6erfan]

I agree, if he's breaking 1/2" ratchets I'd also recommend looking into a breaker bar.

You can find great deals on SK ratchets on eBay or in the classifieds here from time to time...

 

[3rdbuttondown]

How about a couple of Easco repair kits?

 

[Bcom]

I have the cman 72 tooth ratchet. Ive been using it for a few years and the only thing i dont like about it is the socket release button is low profile and is hard to release sometimes. Also the direction lever is also low profile and very thin

 

[yamaha0343]

He has a breaker bar.

He's an ornery semi retired tugboat captain that has the tendency to grab whatever's near him at the time. I've given up on trying to teach him different.

Appreciate the tips guys!

 

[yamaha0343]

If you have the Advance Auto chain in your state, why not buy him some Gearwrench stuff? Advance is now stocking the 120XP ratchets and you can get him well equipped for not much $$$.

Also, the Duralast brand ratchets from Autozone feel and look great.

Lastly, the new cushion grip Harbor Freight high tooth ratchets look awesome as well. You can buy him a flex head, a regular, a couple different styles of 3/8's and still be under $100.

Didn't even think about Advance. There's one within half an hour or so from him that he frequents.

 

[Tom.C]

Didn't even think about Advance. There's one within half an hour or so from him that he frequents.

Duralast at autozone is a snapon clone and VERY tough

 

[FlushingDIYer]

Duralast at autozone is a snapon clone and VERY tough

Just want to second that, Duralast 1/2 ratchets are a pretty good deal for the money.

(Looks to me like they're made in the same factory that makes Huskys.)

A Carlyle 1/2 ratchet (if there's a NAPA nearby) is a good bet, too.

Everything I've ever warrantied at HD was really quick and easy... I'd probably go with Husky for my dad.

 

[erty67]

I tend to disagree with the duralast comments to a degree. I picked up a Duralast 1/4" set on black friday. the short extension was already defective and the ratchet jumped gears on the first use. For $15, I guess that's what to expect but buyer beware. Not all Duralast is good. My older 1/4" Duralast ratchet meanwhile is my go to ratchet.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have warrantied 2 SK sockets in my lifetime. They are exceptional to deal with. Just a quick email, send it back, and in the mail, a new tool. I think they would likely send a rebuild kit, without ever seeing the potentially broken ratchet.

You might also contact Apex, they might send a rebuild kit for the Easco ratchet

 

[shockwave]

I seriously would consider a gearwrench 84t or 120xp sold at both advance auto sears and napa for sure and easily warranted at all

Probably at ace aswell bestvall around easily attainable and warranteed ratchet

 

[1950mercury]

Duralast at autozone is a snapon clone and VERY tough

Maybe the old style 36 tooth ratchets but no where near the dual 80 ratchets