I have seen way to many Chapman sets break to make them a good value, the ratchets are a very weak link,
seen many new guys buy the Chapman and a year later buy the Wadsworth because of higher quality product/ failure of the Chapman
That's bad luck man!
Im surprised you've had/seen so many deficiencies with them.
We had 2 heavy battalions with them issued in the armament/maintenance sections (100+ guys) using them almost everyday over the course of 6 years....
I was the Tooling NCO as an additional duty, and responsible for warranty/stock replenishment/ running spares ordering and replacements of all issued tools within the section... And I only replaced a handful or so of 1/16" Hex and #2 Phillips bits from Chapman sets, and they were only due to field loss and end user-admitted neglect (corrosion/over-torque/etc).
I won't hype up a tool that isn't deserving, but i sure as hell won't sell a tool short either.
The Chapman 13 series stuff is AMCOM/TACOM field tested and proven.
Again, if utilized -within- its parameters.
Countless times I've used the Chapman #3 Phillips on a Chapman ratchet/handle combo to remove Hardman-coated machine screws out of ballistic decking to pull 30mm ammunition side loaders off a helicopter. I've seen a couple of snap-on 1/4" drive breaker bars split doing that same task.
I'm sure there's some bad ones out there, I just figured I'd have seen one.
To each their own I suppose.
AFTERTHOUGHT: I have no experience with the Wadsworth, but based off the video I watched above, the Chapman appears to be more streamlined as far as length and profile... If your not using a midget ratchet due to spacial constraints, you probably shouldn't be using a midget ratchet to begin with for the task at hand. (smithing excluded)
A midget ratchet is a solution to a task that a 1/4" "standard" ratchet won't swing, and a stubby screwdriver won't give enough control/torque.
***Precision electronics excluded***
There are better solutions altogether in that aspect.
If I may ask, RAYJAY...
How many sets is "too many" that you've seen **** out?
~Tejaas~
WTB: Snap-On Orange Hard Handle SDD6 & SSDP63 in Very Good Condition!