compact ratchets and who has them

[king1320]

I recently picked up one of the 72 tooth compact flex ratchets from Carlyle and I really like how handy it is. Low backdrag, solid locking flex head, and the low profile quick release button and selector lever. I decided to get a couple more and I know other companies use this design such as Powerbuilt, Duralast, Alltrade, and Tone. Who else uses this design? Any other compact ratchets worth looking into as well?

 

[nichocha33]

Nepros


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Rickster]

SK makes a stubby. Cornwell has a 3/8dr in a 1/4dr body. One of my favorites is an old-school Cornwell I picked up at a garage sale somewhere. It's an open-head style (where you can see the drive gear) with a really thin head profile.

 

[retDAC]

Wright has 3/8 in 1/4 heads.

 

[sberry]

I use small when I got to but don't are if I got a 3/8 in a small body. I try to use as big a drive as I can.

 

[Karl_B]

an open-head style (where you can see the drive gear) with a really thin head profile.

HJE still has one like that from Wright.

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-dr-ratched-open-head-7-7-8-series-80.html

I have an old Thorsen like those, and then some other ratchets for a shorter head. It all depends on where you need the clearance.

 

[senlow]

SK makes a stubby. Cornwell has a 3/8dr in a 1/4dr body. One of my favorites is an old-school Cornwell I picked up at a garage sale somewhere. It's an open-head style (where you can see the drive gear) with a really thin head profile.

Would you mind posting a pic of the open head Cornwell?

 

[woody6904]

I recently picked up one of the 72 tooth compact flex ratchets from Carlyle and I really like how handy it is. Low backdrag, solid locking flex head, and the low profile quick release button and selector lever. I decided to get a couple more and I know other companies use this design such as Powerbuilt, Duralast, Alltrade, and Tone. Who else uses this design? Any other compact ratchets worth looking into as well?

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...™-by-Proto®-Quick-Release-Pear-Head-Ratchets/

Blackhawk has this design as well, with a 90 degree rotated handle compared to the Powerbuilt. Only regular length available, and no flex heads.

 

[tgb]

I have a tiny little 1/4" Matco that I love it's only like 3" overall in length

 

[Empty Pockets]

Wright has 3/8 in 1/4 heads.

I am the proud owner of the Wright, fixed head

 

[TheoShooter]

Tekton makes some decent ones at a good price.

 

[king1320]

Here is a side by side of a few different 1/4” drives I have. The longest is my new Powerbuilt flex head that is about 9” long and the stubby is the same style but from Carlyle. I found a cutaway view of these 72 tooth compact head ratchets and it looks like the pawl has about 14 teeth. Seems like they should be fairly strong little ratchets minus the quick release mechanism.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The current Duralast compact is the smallest that I've seen. Get's pretty good reviews also.

 

[noahwins]

I reach for my VIM HBR5 more than my regular 1/4". One of my all time favorite tools.

HBR5 + Snap On shallow 1/4" swivel sockets is one of the best combos.

 

[king1320]

I reach for my VIM HBR5 more than my regular 1/4". One of my all time favorite tools.

HBR5 + Snap On shallow 1/4" swivel sockets is one of the best combos.

I agree, I use mine all the time. Recently did a tensioner on a Honda V6 and that little ratchet was perfect for the job. The ultra compact head along with the finger spinner part really comes in handy.

 

[noahwins]

I agree, I use mine all the time. Recently did a tensioner on a Honda V6 and that little ratchet was perfect for the job. The ultra compact head along with the finger spinner part really comes in handy.

They're surpringly strong, too, even though it feels like a toothpick. I've put some torque on it and the action hasn't deteriorated a bit. The weight, balance, positive lock of the socket mount and the drag is all perfect. If I could find a full size set of ratchets with that VIM action, I'd be set for life.

Just sent VIM an email asking them to make 3/8" and 1/2" versions.

 

[Mr_B]

i like koken and carlyle.
carlyle great buy at deal prices and warranty generally good, my napa swapped out a ratchet no hassle and even collected and delivered so all I had do was initiate the warranty via call .