I tried ordering the Craftsman Thin Profile ratchets to get the last of the USA stock. What was shipped was the new 84T Tiawan versions. I sent them back and purchased the Craftsman Industrial versions from Summit Racing. I have mixed views after firsthand handling both. I would have to say even though the USA Craftsman Industrials were 60 teeth vs the 84 teeth of the Tiawan Craftsmans, the USA versions were much smoother. You would swear by the action that it was the other way around. The condition of the Industrials were far from ideal. Both almost appeared used. You could tell they never were used, but as beat up as they were, looked like they were thrown around quite a bit. The 84T ratchets looked much better. The Industrial 1/2 actually had some rust beginning at one edge near the selector switch. I'm returning that one. The 1/4 wasn't too bad so I'm keeping it. I'm hoping the next 1/2 inch comes in better shape. The 3/8 was on backorder.
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Craftsman Industrial Thin Profile ratchets
- Thread starter Yankee
- Start date
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
I tried ordering the Craftsman Thin Profile ratchets to get the last of the USA stock. What was shipped was the new 84T Tiawan versions. I sent them back and purchased the Craftsman Industrial versions from Summit Racing. I have mixed views after firsthand handling both. I would have to say even though the USA Craftsman Industrials were 60 teeth vs the 84 teeth of the Tiawan Craftsmans, the USA versions were much smoother. You would swear by the action that it was the other way around. The condition of the Industrials were far from ideal. Both almost appeared used. You could tell they never were used, but as beat up as they were, looked like they were thrown around quite a bit. The 84T ratchets looked much better. The Industrial 1/2 actually had some rust beginning at one edge near the selector switch. I'm returning that one. The 1/4 wasn't too bad so I'm keeping it. I'm hoping the next 1/2 inch comes in better shape. The 3/8 was on backorder.
I recall people saying these weren't worth it in the first place. Depends on cost you paid but assume they weren't cheap.
You seem like the kind of guy that needs to inspect stuff before you buy it so maybe try to pick up tools at retail (to the extent you can buy what you need at retail). I think one of the "local" stores at least sells proto in store but haven't checked it out (might be grainger). Proto is pretty good, or try the trucks.
Industrial market tools are usually for bulk buyers and are not packaged and stored with the care that cosmetic issues are a primary concerned.
My last employer had a bulk account with PROTO and most of their tools were bought and shipped in boxes of 10ea all rattling around together. Nobody pulled a tool out and complained about scratches in the chrome.
My last employer had a bulk account with PROTO and most of their tools were bought and shipped in boxes of 10ea all rattling around together. Nobody pulled a tool out and complained about scratches in the chrome.
E.Marquez
Well-known member
I bought into the high tooth count polished, thin line craftsmen ratchets when they first came out.. bought them before you could in the store. 1/4" and 3/8" drive... I've had both replaced twice now and no longer use them.. They lock up after some use.. the 1/4" is worse and been replaced twice.
I now use my SO T72 and TF72 ratchets ... would not go back.. Smooth, consistent, trouble free.
I now use my SO T72 and TF72 ratchets ... would not go back.. Smooth, consistent, trouble free.
kansei
Well-known member
FWIW- I know this should not apply to new ones, but I too have had to have a couple of mine replaced at the store. Starting about three years ago, if the store had a "refurbished" one on hand (under the counter), that was what I was given... the old policy of getting a brand new one off the shelf no questions asked seems to have gone away, at least whenever they can avoid it (at least around here).
The last two ratchets I had to return (both 1/4" drive) suffered the same issue as has already been mentioned- quickly turning harder until one just locked up outright. Last year, a guy at my local Sears told me that they have had quite a few rebuilt ones come from the DCs to use for exchanges that were not fully seated (c-clip was not correct) and/or had no grease in them. He told me he started checking any that came in as rebuilds and had to grease nearly every one he had gotten the past several months.
No idea exactly where the units get rebuilt en masse, but nowadays, it seems a lot of tools are a crapshoot, no matter whose name is on them.
Neal.
The last two ratchets I had to return (both 1/4" drive) suffered the same issue as has already been mentioned- quickly turning harder until one just locked up outright. Last year, a guy at my local Sears told me that they have had quite a few rebuilt ones come from the DCs to use for exchanges that were not fully seated (c-clip was not correct) and/or had no grease in them. He told me he started checking any that came in as rebuilds and had to grease nearly every one he had gotten the past several months.
No idea exactly where the units get rebuilt en masse, but nowadays, it seems a lot of tools are a crapshoot, no matter whose name is on them.
Neal.
I checked these out at Sears after seeing some reviews on here. Although they are labeled as "thin profile" to me they were just wider and awkwardly shaped. I am not a fan of the design and after fiddling with a few, it was clear that the reverse mechanism would be a problem in the future. I passed and picked up some used Snap-On ratchets for less money. Very happy with them.
Industrial market tools are usually for bulk buyers and are not packaged and stored with the care that cosmetic issues are a primary concerned.
My last employer had a bulk account with PROTO and most of their tools were bought and shipped in boxes of 10ea all rattling around together. Nobody pulled a tool out and complained about scratches in the chrome.
At the plant where I work when new tools come in if they are destined for a specific toolbox (portable tool locker) they are painted a unique color that matches the box.
I was looking at a 2-9/16" Armstrong wrench the other day painted a baby poo green.
atikovi
Well-known member
The 1/4" thin profile (mine are USA) is one of my favorite ratchets.
The 1/2" is too bulky and never used, the 3/8" is borderline too bulky and generally used on messy jobs as it cleans up really easy.
Agree. Bought a set when they first came out. Use the 1/4" all the time. The 3/8" is hardly ever used because it's too short for much leverage. Use a Craftsman flex-head instead. Wish they made the thin profile in a flex-head. And I hardly ever use the 1/2" either as if I need 1/2" drive I probably use an impact wrench.