Cornwell Ratchets?

[SawtoothJL]

Howdy Yall!

I was wondering what you guys that own the Cornwell ratchets think of them? Also, how do they compare to a standard Ko-Ken or Hazet Ratchet? I've read good things on this forum about them, and heard that the action on them is super smooth.

Thanks!
James

P.s. Pics related.

 

[obrientools]

Ratchets are outdated I used to sell cornwell and constantly warrantied them out I believe they no long make the guts of the ratchets themselves

 

[montanafordman]

That Koken looks very similar to a Proto 5249

 

[Skin]

Ratchets are outdated I used to sell cornwell and constantly warrantied them out I believe they no long make the guts of the ratchets themselves

They don't make the mechanism in the 72 tooth models, that is all. For me the action of the Cornwell ratchets isn't anything to write home about however the ergonomics of the ratchet handle are very nice. Its one of the few full metal (w/o comfort grip) ratchets out there that I enjoy using.

Nice looking chrome too. Both them and Mac/Proto have the best looking full polish tool chrome out there in my opinion.

 

[SawtoothJL]

That Koken looks very similar to a Proto 5249

A lot of the Ko-Ken basic ratchets are very similar to Proto ratchets....24 teeth, Knurled handle, similar reversing lever. That said, I prefer Ko-Ken to the Proto Ratchets....They just have a better feel in the hand when Im using them.

 

[Wamsutta]

I was wondering what you guys that own the Cornwell ratchets think of them? Also, how do they compare to a standard Ko-Ken or Hazet Ratchet?

I don't have a Hazet or a Ko-Ken to compare it to, but if given the choice, I'd much rather have the Cornwell. The Cornwell ratchets are very smooth and back drag is nonexistent; couple that with the most comfortable handle on the market and you've got yourself a winner.

 

[Dave455]

That Koken looks very similar to a Proto 5249

I own ratchets by both Ko Ken and Proto, and while they might look alike they are miles apart!

While I admit the Proto is an older model that I got with some other tools I wanted, it isn't really anything special. Construction is a bit crude, and when I took it apart to clean and lube it I wasn't that impressed with the design either! Struck me as a bit flimsy! The newer models may be better.

The Ko Ken ratchets I have are superb. Perhaps not quite as good as Snap On, but very close! Feel really nice and they seem to be tough tools too! Unlike some other makes (Stahlwille for example) I don't have to make a special order to get an all steel handle either!

 

[espyking83]

Cornwell ratchets don't even come close to Koken.

 

[woody 73]

Yes it is true those Cornwell ratchets just **** (send them to me); why the cornwell ratchets could not hold a candle to the ko-ken ratchets (send them to me); Just think how great all those other ratchets are against the crappy cornwell junk (send them to me).

Yes send me all those Cornwell ratchets so I can dispose of them asap...

 

[Aaron10647]

They are my go-to. The Snap-on dual 80 mechanism is WAY better but I am a big fan of the cornwell handles. Since my hand touches the handle and not the guts, it gets picked up first. Had one warranted for chipping chrome, but it was no hassle to get it swapped out.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have yet to break a Cornwell ratchet in any drive size.

Their warranty is no questions asked.

The steel they use for the ratchets is top on the line and I doubt you will even bend yours or even see one that was bent.

 

[Karl_B]

I have one Cornwell 3/8" ratchet a customer found in her backyard. No telling how long is was laying in the dirt and mud. After pulling it apart and cleaning it up, it works really well. If I had a Cornwell dealer in the area, I would definitely be looking at buying more of their ratchets.

 

[Unmarked Bill]

I think Karl nailed it, Cornwell's hardline tools are fantastic but if you factor the warranty into the price it becomes crucial to have a reliable driver for service. A lot of people her seem to be getting rid of Cornwell due to a lack of that driver in this part of LA.

Cornwell doesn't really have customer service through their headquarters from what I could tell when I needed warranty. They had me contact a rep in Salt Lake who was going to be moving here, he was trying to get me to be the new Cornwell guy for this area without even meeting me.

So yes they are great tools but pretty dear if you aren't getting them from a truck you're going to see every week.

 

[-Brent-]

I have a 3/8 ratchet that could use a rebuild. I tried, unsuccessfully to get a repair kit a while back. I should get on that and see what I need to buy.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Their customer service just tells people to mail it to them for repair or replacement? That's been my experience.

 

[jmm]

I've got a 1/2" drive ratchet, the SR50. There is much to be desired in the mechanism, but the body more than makes up for it. It's my go to standard sized 1/2". I've got other ratchets in different lengths, tooth counts, and head configurations but the strength and feel of this ratchet are too much to give up. I can't imagine breaking one.

If Cornwell had a higher tooth mechanism in this ratchet body, I'd own a lot more.

 

[Aaron10647]

If Cornwell had a higher tooth mechanism in this ratchet body, I'd own a lot more.

Part# SR72?

 

[SawtoothJL]

Thanks for the replies fellas! I'll definitely be having a chat with my local Cornwell dealer tomorrow!

Sent from my SPH-M950 using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

I own snap on craftsman SK and Cornwell and a few others. I always reach for the Cornwell ratchets first. I want to own more. But dont have a dealer anymore. My Jr72 and Jr40 are my 2 favorite

 

[JonnyMac]

Have a look at the nepros.net ratchets. They look awesome and delivery from japan is $10! I am waiting on the 1/2 breaker bar just to see whether I want the ratchet. There are a couple of guys on here with the ratchets who could give a comprehensive review. .

 

[SawtoothJL]

Have a look at the nepros.net ratchets. They look awesome and delivery from japan is $10! I am waiting on the 1/2 breaker bar just to see whether I want the ratchet. There are a couple of guys on here with the ratchets who could give a comprehensive review. .

The Nepros ratchets are definitely high quality. They make some of the best ratchets I've had the opportunity to use

Sent from my SPH-M950 using Tapatalk

 

[Wamsutta]

I've got a 1/2" drive ratchet, the SR50. There is much to be desired in the mechanism, but the body more than makes up for it. It's my go to standard sized 1/2". I've got other ratchets in different lengths, tooth counts, and head configurations but the strength and feel of this ratchet are too much to give up. I can't imagine breaking one.

If Cornwell had a higher tooth mechanism in this ratchet body, I'd own a lot more.

Have you tried lubing it first? That green Permatex caliper grease is an excellent match for Cornwell 30 tooth mechanisms.

 

[jmm]

Have you tried lubing it first? That green Permatex caliper grease is an excellent match for Cornwell 30 tooth mechanisms.

I've got super lube in mine -- works well. I'm happy with how the 30 tooth mechanism works; what prevents me from buying more is tooth count.

RE: SR72...never seen one. I'd probably jump on one if they ever came around.

 

[SawtoothJL]

From what I've read on this forum the SR72 is pretty stiff on the action when they are new

Sent from my SPH-M950 using Tapatalk

 

[d.mcfarland]

^^^ You are doing everything in your power to talk yourself out of getting one.

Honestly, go on eBay and grab the newer Cornwell 72 tooth ratchet in the drive size you are looking for and if you hate it, put it up for sale here for the price you paid and see if someone else wants to give it a try.

 

[Coach James]

I have a Cornwell 3'8 plastic handle ratchet I found in the road. Handle is scratched up but the ratchet is great. Shorter than my other 3/8 ratchets and the head seems to be smaller as well.

Great ratchet.

Coach

 

[SawtoothJL]

^^^ You are doing everything in your power to talk yourself out of getting one.

Honestly, go on eBay and grab the newer Cornwell 72 tooth ratchet in the drive size you are looking for and if you hate it, put it up for sale here for the price you paid and see if someone else wants to give it a try.

[emoji106] thanks for the great advice. I pulled the trigger after reading your advice.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Send us some pictures and a review. Post it in this thread so anyone searching or following this thread can see the follow up!!

 

[SawtoothJL]

Well, I know it's long past due but I finally got my Cornwell ratchet and have used it for the past few days at work. And as requested here is the review.

Comparison pic between the Cornwell (30 tooth, 3/8 drive), Hazet 8816P (30 tooth 3/8 drive), Bahco 7750 (Same as a Snappy Dual 80, 3/8 drive), a Wera Zyklop (Roto-head, 72 tooth, 3/8), and a Koken 4753P (24 tooth, 1/2 drive).

first off the handle on the Cornwell is much more ergonomic and comfortable than all the other ratchets I own.

Here is a pic of it with a Wright quick spinner on it. This is the only ratchet that I find comfortable to use a ratchet spinner with. Usually my hand will begin to cramp after a bit of use, however that didn't occur with the Cornwell.

The direction change lever is easy to operate one handed and is quite smooth. It is metal and not plastic like the Hazet and Wera ratchets.

This isn't a great picture, but it shows the general thickness in comparison to the other ratchets. There isn't a noticeable difference between the Cornwell and the others.

The first thing I did when I received this ratchet was to open it up, clean out the insides, and lube it up with some Permatex green brake caliper grease. This smoothed up the action a considerable amount. It is the second smoothest ratchet I own, loosing only to the Koken. If anyone is interested in buying one of these, pull the trigger. You will not be disappointed! [emoji106][emoji51]

 

[RidgevilleRob]

I use a cornwell 3/8 10" flex head more than any other ratchet I own right now and the only time it's ever failed me is when I try to use it as a hammer because I'm to lazy to walk back to my box.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

[woody 73]

See sawtooth just as I told you those cornwell ratchets just **** big time (please send them to me asap) so I can dispose of them in a safe manner...

Glad you like them they will grow on you!

 

[Brownsfan]

Everyone gets put off by the fact of them not being fine tooth. But they are the absolute smoothest ratchet out there. Do your self a favor and try a Jr72. You will really fall in love. Best of both worlds. Fine toothed action and Cornwell smooth.

 

[SawtoothJL]

See sawtooth just as I told you those cornwell ratchets just **** big time (please send them to me asap) so I can dispose of them in a safe manner...

Glad you like them they will grow on you!

I'll definitely be picking up more after trying this one, but I think I'm gonna be a bit overprotective!


Sent from my SPH-M950 using Tapatalk

 

[Larch]

I don't have any KoKen tools, but it do have a metric **** ton of ratchets. I have the 1/2" drive long handle Cornwell that I picked up at a pawnshop for like $30 or so. I absolutely love that thing. I have a long handle Snap ON 80 tooth and a long Williams, I usually grab the Cornwell first. Lube that sucker up, and use it! For 3/8" I usually grab my dual 80 first though. For 1/4" I really like my SK and Craftsman low profile, better than the 72 tooth Snap On.