Cornwell JRF36

[Merkava_4]

First of all, let me say the chrome is better than what the pictures show.

The chrome is smudged all over with grease and there's no way to escape it.

 

[bry@n]

Not a bad ratchet. I was eyeing up Caper's ratchet when they were here. Not too crazy about the detents, as I "assume" (you know how that goes) it will be like the Mac detents and wear easily.

Did you use it yet?

 

[Merkava_4]

This is nothing like a MAC ratchet. The detents are VERY firm with a large detent ball and a strong spring. It will not flex just by shaking it. This a serious ratchet. The quality is insurmountable. The reverse lever moves like a dial on a high-end stereo - very precise. The movement of the mechanism is so smooth, it feels like it's gearless. This thing is like the Swiss watch of ratchets.

 

[bry@n]

Nice avatar.

 

[Fedwrench]

Is it yours? where did you get it? You're awfully excited over a 30 tooth ratchet whose design hasn't changed in 40 plus years. I'm glad you're happy. If you use your RLL, it will be everywhere....
Now, go buy a FLF80 and a Matco 88 to compare.

 

[bry@n]

That seems awfully like your tempting Merk to move away from Snap On.....

 

[Merkava_4]

Is it yours? where did you get it?

Secret Santa came early this year. I need to get mine mailed off later today. I've been going all over town this week trying to find a box. I finally found one last night at the Pack 'n Ship and the lady charged me $2 for it.

 

[Fedwrench]

Secret Santa came early this year. I need to get mine mailed off later today. I've been going all over town this week trying to find a box. I finally found one last night at the Pack 'n Ship and the lady charged me $2 for it.

Why didn't you just use a free priority mail flat rate box from the post office?

 

[Merkava_4]

Why didn't you just use a free priority mail flat rate box from the post office?

Don't know how that flat rate stuff works.

 

[krusty the clown]

the cornwell ratchet is nice. it's a bit heavy for me but it's comfortable and strong. i do prefer a direction switch that can be changed with just a thumb though.

now if they would just come out with a fine tooth model (hint hint).

 

[Merkava_4]

now if they would just come out with a fine tooth model (hint hint).

Apparently they are ... they're gonna pull a Matco and make 72 tooth kits that drop right into the existing ratchets.

 

[krusty the clown]

Apparently they are ... they're gonna pull a Matco and make 72 tooth kits that drop right into the existing ratchets.

that was posted here before but my dealer doesn't know anything about it.

 

[Merkava_4]

that was posted here before but my dealer doesn't know anything about it.

That's because your dealer is a [censored].

 

[krusty the clown]

girl?.....

 

[bushhawg73]

My dealer also told me that he is not aware of any pending changes to the tooth count. I do hope it is true though, I really like the Cornwell ratchets.

 

[forceyoda]

72 tooth will be nice but even with the current 30 tooth I prefer Cornwell over the matco 60 tooth and dual 80 ratchets I have used. I think alot of people think that the 30 tooth feels like the other 30-36 tooth ratchets like MAC or craftsman but that is not the case.

 

[Fedwrench]

72 tooth will be nice but even with the current 30 tooth I prefer Cornwell over the matco 60 tooth and dual 80 ratchets I have used. I think alot of people think that the 30 tooth feels like the other 30-36 tooth ratchets like MAC or craftsman but that is not the case.

I agree that the Cornwell 30 tooth ratchet is by far the smoothest of the 30 -36 tooth ratchets on the market. I think it may be due to the way the gear and pawl aren't lumped together under a single cover. However, it's a matter of personal choice as to whether you like it more than the 60,72, 80, or 88 tooth models available elsewhere. Cornwell makes great old style tools but, they really need to update their ratchets and sockets.

 

[autoace]

72 tooth will be nice but even with the current 30 tooth I prefer Cornwell over the matco 60 tooth and dual 80 ratchets I have used. I think alot of people think that the 30 tooth feels like the other 30-36 tooth ratchets like MAC or craftsman but that is not the case.

Yeah, alot of guys have not used them, the green Permatex really does wonders for the CW ratchets, they are the smoothess coarse tooth ratchet for sure, and probably the strongest, although opinions may vary.

 

[arkangel06]

I love cornwell ratchets!!!!!!

 

[autoace]

I agree that the Cornwell 30 tooth ratchet is by far the smoothest of the 30 -36 tooth ratchets on the market. I think it may be due to the way the gear and pawl aren't lumped together under a single cover. However, it's a matter of personal choice as to whether you like it more than the 60,72, 80, or 88 tooth models available elsewhere. Cornwell makes great old style tools but, they really need to update their ratchets and sockets.

What is wrong with the sockets, just wondering what you think.? They need some fine tooth kits, but I don't think the handles or design has to change on their ratchets. The non-cover plate design prevents walk between the pawl and gear.

 

[wyndycity]

I applaud Cornwell for not being afraid to continue offering the 30 tooth ratchets.

They seem to understand the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy because no matter how "coarse" the rats may be, there's still tons of us out there that can't help but love 'em.

I only hope they don't eliminate them when the day does come they offer higher tooth count ratchets as their main line.

 

[Fedwrench]

What is wrong with the sockets, just wondering what you think.?

Their chrome sockets are like impact sockets in that, they don't have a scalloped area on each side of the square drive for the drive tool detent ball. The sockets only have a hole on one side so you either line it up with the drive tool detent ball, or the socket gets flung across the shop especially when using an air ratchet. A minor pain, but it bothered me so much, that I sold off all of my Cornwell sockets.

 

[autoace]

Their chrome sockets are like impact sockets in that, they don't have a scalloped area on each side of the square drive for the drive tool detent ball. The sockets only have a hole on one side so you either line it up with the drive tool detent ball, or the socket gets flung across the shop especially when using an air ratchet. A minor pain, but it bothered me so much, that I sold off all of my Cornwell sockets.

I like the hole, it gives a nice positive engagement, and tools don't fall of the ratchet. I can see where it would be a problem if the hole was not lined up with the detent ball though. Maybe they should detent the other three sides, and leave the hole for the people who like it.

I also like the detent hole because chrome socket can be locked on impact extensions, nice not to have to deal with the collar locking extensions, IMO I don't use chrome sockets for impact, but the impact extensions can double for locking chrome sockets on.

 

[methomas70]

If you look back to post #11, back in 2009, there was talk of a fine tooth drop-in gear for this ratchet.
Did that ever happen?
Cornwell website doesn't show one.
I know Cornwell makes a 72 tooth ratchet, but the frame is different than the JRF36.

 

[KEH]

I have Cornwell ratchets, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive. They are so well made you don't notice so much the smaller tooth count. Possibly this is due to the high quality machining.

Direction can be reversed using one hand.Not as easily as on some other ratchets, such as old Craftsman or Protos, but it's workable and somewhat easier than on a Snap on, unless it's a well broken in one. The easiest ratchets to reverse are the old open tooth Thorsen and P & Cs.

KEH

 

[Fedwrench]

If you look back to post #11, back in 2009, there was talk of a fine tooth drop-in gear for this ratchet.
Did that ever happen?
Cornwell website doesn't show one.
I know Cornwell makes a 72 tooth ratchet, but the frame is different than the JRF36.

Nope, never happened and I don't think it ever will based on the vast differences between the two styles.

Ahh memories, of merk and his photographs.

 

[bowtie3]

If you look back to post #11, back in 2009, there was talk of a fine tooth drop-in gear for this ratchet.
Did that ever happen?
Cornwell website doesn't show one.
I know Cornwell makes a 72 tooth ratchet, but the frame is different than the JRF36.

That never happened. They Changed the whole head design.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Correct. They created a whole new mechanism for the fine tooth ratchets. Very well received, even for the ******** lovers of the old style from what I hear ... I've never used one, but the old style works just fine for me.