Craftsman Premium Grade Ratchets
- Thread starter myers212
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Any recent love or experiments with these? I just bought a 3/8 and 1/2 in lightly used condition from a fellow GJ'er. I'm going to throw them in the ultrasonic, then try a lube, maybe some engine assembly grease that I have a large container of.
These will be my first premium grade ratchets that I will actually use, other than some time I spent with a Cornwell flexhead. Generally, I don't feel like I deserve or need pro quality tools, but these were affordable and I like the length and the handle shape.
These will be my first premium grade ratchets that I will actually use, other than some time I spent with a Cornwell flexhead. Generally, I don't feel like I deserve or need pro quality tools, but these were affordable and I like the length and the handle shape.
NC-Fordguy
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I've had mine for a several months now. Used them to pull a c-4 ****** out of a bronco and a zf-5 ****** from a f-350 and reinstalls. A few other odds and ends like an alternator swap and installations of adjustable sway bars.
I think they are well built ratchets. I would prefer a quick release as sometimes when your hands are greasy sockets can be a bit unco-operative
GMZ
Well-known member
Ive had the 3/8 and 1/4 for about a year now and they are holding up fine. Nothing too major car work, furniture assy, etc. I keep meaning to bring them to the ship to wring them out on the big gun but never remember. When I got them I de greased the inside and put Break Free LP (not to be confused with CLP) and the action is very smooth, no binding whatsoever. Would I pay retail for them again? Nope, but I do enjoy them now that I have them.
I'm surprized these ratchets are working out. The other day I bought a 3/8 drive "Evolve" ratchet (soft grip), by Crafstman. I took it into work to test it out, the very first use, within 15 seconds of a quick "loosen then re-tighten" test, it locked up on me twice and couldn't move the selector either. I haven't touched it since.
lauver
Well-known member
powertrip
Well-known member
This thread is not about the evolv ratchet.
I think Evolv tools are for guys whose greatest mechanical task is assembling a kid's scooter at Christmas. The 84 tooth premium ratchets are in a different league,
Billymade, why did you delete your post? It was valid advice.
Have you guys found a preferred lube for these things?
The 3/8 is pretty smooth as-is, so I am going to leave it alone.
I disassembled the 1/2 and ran it through the ultrasonic to get the old lube out. Reassembled it with Valvoline multipurpose red grease. It feels like it did before, which is to say that it is VERY loud and clicky, sort of like one of those ratcheting noisemakers that you might whip around for New Year's. Maybe it will smooth out with use? It's the loudest ratchet I have ever owned at this point.
I disassembled the 1/2 and ran it through the ultrasonic to get the old lube out. Reassembled it with Valvoline multipurpose red grease. It feels like it did before, which is to say that it is VERY loud and clicky, sort of like one of those ratcheting noisemakers that you might whip around for New Year's. Maybe it will smooth out with use? It's the loudest ratchet I have ever owned at this point.
My thin profile shares a similar design inside and the 1/2" is also very "loud". I've never used any of brand other than an OLD 1/2" Snap-On so I don't have much to compare to but I do agree with you. Truth be told I hardly ever use a 1/2" ratchet, almost always an impact or breaker bar - so it doesn't bother me - but I do agree.
bcradio
Well-known member
Seriously... And bahco ratchets are nothing like the evolv... They are basically snap on ratchets with a different look
the only thing i've confirmed is that Matco rebuild kits will not work. About the only thing you can transfer is the reverse switch and spring. Because the premium grade use cover plates they've recessed the gear further by further milling out the back of the drive gear and inside the ratchet head which Matco/Armstrong and older 60 tooth ratchets didnt have so when you put the cover plate back on its crushes the gear in place. Was kinda bummed when i discovered this.
If you can get your hands on 1 or 2 rebuild kits from Apex or Sears do so because if they do happen to vanish you're SOL.
If you can get your hands on 1 or 2 rebuild kits from Apex or Sears do so because if they do happen to vanish you're SOL.
TwoInch
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wreckerman5357
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The loudest ratchet I own is a Cman RP 1/2" drive. It clunks along until it makes a stripping noise and breaks again. I don't even know why its still in my box, it breaks and my hand slams into something hard so frequently that I am afraid to use it.
Back on topic, I'm surprised you guys are having loud 1/2" premium ratchets. A guy I work with has the 1/4" and 3/8" and they are pretty quiet. I would buy a 1/2" model (I don't have a Dual 80 in 1/2" yet) but i keep hearing.g they are to be discontinued and I don't have a Sears store anymore.
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
Here is my take....
I absolutely love the length and handle, but was HATING the way they always locked up. But once i went to a REALLY light lube they have been PERFECT! The 1/2 has never really been a problem, but the other two drives constantly would lock up, especially in the cold. Used RemOil on them (real light gun oil) and smooth as silk since.
As for the whole ".5" gear thing, i think people are mistaking the fact that the gears are marked with the drive size, and misread the 1/2 drive one day
I absolutely love the length and handle, but was HATING the way they always locked up. But once i went to a REALLY light lube they have been PERFECT! The 1/2 has never really been a problem, but the other two drives constantly would lock up, especially in the cold. Used RemOil on them (real light gun oil) and smooth as silk since.
As for the whole ".5" gear thing, i think people are mistaking the fact that the gears are marked with the drive size, and misread the 1/2 drive one day
TwoInch
Well-known member
never looked in the prem ratchet to see where such a confusion would come from... im sure i had a puzzled look on my face trying to figure out how a gear would not have a whole number tooth count....
Real light oil, eh? I used grease because I recall reading on this site that the real high-tooth rats respond better to grease than say, Permatex red, which works wonders on coarser ratchets. Maybe I am remembering incorrectly, or maybe these Premiums are just odd. I'm not going to reclean and lube the 1/2...I'll just use it for a while and see how it goes.
I will say that I love the length, heft, feel, and handle shape on these things. I really enjoy handling them.
I will say that I love the length, heft, feel, and handle shape on these things. I really enjoy handling them.
I bought all three. The 1/2" has worked great from day one. The 3/8" and 1/4" would bind, self reverse, or lock up occasionally. I disassembled both, cleaned and relubed with 10w oil. I also stretched the pawl spring slightly. The 3/8" has worked perfectly since, but the 1/4" still occasionally locks up or self reverses. It's frustrating.
Although I like the feel of the handle shape, the ratchets are heavy. Especially the 1/2". Of all the ratchets in my box, I find myself reaching for the HF composite ratchets the most. They are smooth, quiet, lightweight, and comfortable. For 90% of the jobs I do, I prefer the HF composites over the Cman professionals, and even my old SOs.
Although I like the feel of the handle shape, the ratchets are heavy. Especially the 1/2". Of all the ratchets in my box, I find myself reaching for the HF composite ratchets the most. They are smooth, quiet, lightweight, and comfortable. For 90% of the jobs I do, I prefer the HF composites over the Cman professionals, and even my old SOs.
mooman
Well-known member
I hated my 1/4" when I first got it. Cleaned it and put Tri Flow in it and it is working much better. Still pissed that you have to do this with a "premium ratchet". It sould be working great right off the shelf. I'm fearful of this thing ever breaking and Sears not being able to support the replacement/repair of it....
I love the size and shape of the handle.
I love the size and shape of the handle.
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
You mean, "...they are just getting greedy LIKE the tool truck companies..." right?
Sheesh, seems like if you didn't strap yourself to the wall for multi-THOUSAND DOLLAR tools people sniff and regard you as a peasant.
they dont i just wasnt thinking when i read the pawl. The 1/2 is marked 84-1/2 hence my idiot conclusion
.You dont want to use grease in a floating pawl design because the pawl engagement is controlled by the tension of the spring. If you pack it full of grease the pawl can stick and the ratchet will self reverse or free spin. The only place you could put a very small amount of grease in these ratchets is behind the drive gear but from the factory they're lubricated with something like 3-1 oil.
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What does "floating pawl" refer to, anyway?
I believe from the factory they come with Marvel Mystery Oil.
There are 2 pawls with a spring between them that 'floats' As opposed to fixed pawls that are held in place with pin of some sort.
-Jeff
Edit that is the SO I was thinking of, the Cman has one pawl that move back and forth, but isnt secured to anything.
pic from page 7
-Jeff
Edit that is the SO I was thinking of, the Cman has one pawl that move back and forth, but isnt secured to anything.
pic from page 7
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Buckgnarly
Well-known member
Two pawls? The 1/2 I just worked on just has one, curved pawl.
No, SO dual 80 has two, the Matco/Cman/gearwrench/Armstrong has one.
blasto9000
Well-known member
LOL. So true. I like the expensive stuff, naturally, but was surprised by the quality of the "high end" Taiwanese ratchets in my local Horrible Freight, and about a quarter of the price of even Craftsman. (Still, I didn't want to be seen with them, so I only bought a 1/2" breaker to keep in my car.)
GMZ
Well-known member
Ok here goes,
They are great, and I love them. The handle shape is fantastic, the length is just right for most jobs, and the gearing has proven to be a lifesaver on many occasions when I try to secretly work on my car in my apt parking lot.
But the 3/8" is what $60 retail? While I applaud the effort from Sears on this and love the ratchets, I don't think they will be around very long either at their current quality level or at all period. There just isn't the interest at the B&M level and the marketing has been absolutely horrible.
And that is my main contention, I pay $60 for a ratchet with a lifetime warranty then Sears either discontinues the line or cheapens them in line with their recent MO. 88T kits wont work so you're SOL. Im not going to shell out that much and end up getting a downgrade if it breaks in the future.
You can get a Wright Contour Grip for $25 (or other Ind. brand) and can be fairly certain that they wont be discontinued. Or get a truck brand for a bit more. I think if they were maybe $40 MSRP that would be much better and a more linear progression of the product tier.
A little about myself to lend some perspective; I am in the Navy and work on major caliber gun systems and have used pretty much every brand of US made tools in an industrial setting.
The way Sears prices is with high pricing and couponing or sales to spur activity. It does actually work - Pizza Hut used that strategy back in their heyday - and just look at Amazon "Hot Deals" on here - but the problem is people just wait for the sales. And Sears totally fucks up the system by not allowing you to order if they get sold out online (going to backorder). I had the 3 pc Premium ratchet set in my cart for around $105 and was ready to buy but they went out of stock and I couldn't order. Then I just lost interest.
The only time I have seen a premium was on the clearance section at my local Sears - the 1/4" ratchet was locking up - I almost wanted to buy it ($12) and then turn around and trade it in under warranty, but figured I have enough ratchets as is.
The only time I have seen a premium was on the clearance section at my local Sears - the 1/4" ratchet was locking up - I almost wanted to buy it ($12) and then turn around and trade it in under warranty, but figured I have enough ratchets as is.
smothers33
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- Mar 16, 2012
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agree I don't mind some craftsman tools especially sockets/ratchets and wrenches, but for that price why not just pony up for the truckbrand and know you'll have that quality for life. Way craftsman is going they might not have this ratchet in a couple years when it breaks. then your replacement is the ratchet is the one you couldve bought for half the price to begin with.Craftsman needs to go to all high quality and charge more, or keep selling the **** and lower the prices. The inbetween stuff is scaring people off.i cant speak for anyone else but its at least scarin me off
I was able to use my 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets over the weekend while working on my GTO. I absolutely love the handle design and lengths. I am very proud to own these, as they feel like very nice tools, certainly far superior to any ratchets Craftsman had to offer when my dad introduced me to the brand as a kid.
I highly recommend trying them.
I highly recommend trying them.
dont think so. the sears by me had quite a few on the shelves.
Cinneagh
Well-known member
Where are you located?
Louisville, Ky
It's too bad that our member here who was involved in designing these didn't stick around. It's also disappointing that Craftsman didn't more heavily promote these items. I mean, I never even would have known about them if not for this board and this thread!