Craftsman RP ratchet replacement?

[kquistorff]

The Craftsman RP ratchets in my Jeeps tool box have failed me for the last time, and I was hoping to get some input from you guys on good replacements. I have a set of Craftsman thin profile ratchets in my garage tool box that have served me well for the past 12 year, but unfortunately they don't make them in the U.S. anymore. And after seeing the chrome flake off and start rusting the Craftsman full polished set my Brother has had in the back of his Jeep over the past 2 years, I don't think i'll be buying any new craftsman tools. I was considering the J.H. Williams ratchets, but wanted to know if there where any other decent options? Or maybe I should just accept and embrace the Chinesium and go to Harbor Freight.

The only real requirement is that they work when I need them to. They stay dry, but can get used in the rain, mud and snow.

Thank you for any help.

 

[mackie232005]

I build and work on Garbage trucks for a living an count on Pittsburgh Tools from Harbor Freight! Cheap and very reliable! I’ve been using my ratchets for over 10 years from HFT! Can’t complain at all!


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[bob15]

SK and Wright are quality ratchets that would hold up well. The sealed Snap On's would also work well in the mud and rain as the ratchet head is sealed.

Also looked at used and industrial finish ratchets for better prices.

 

[Citation]

Have you tried cleaning the ratchet?

As a replacement, Husky or HF and both good for a cheap price.

 

[Rickster]

You need a good set of the Craftsman old-school RHFT's. Don't make them any more so you'd probably have to pick up some... oh, maybe in the classifieds?

 

[ImportTuner]

And Rickster has a bunch for sale; very well packaged and fast shipping

 

[kquistorff]

I build and work on Garbage trucks for a living an count on Pittsburgh Tools from Harbor Freight! Cheap and very reliable! I’ve been using my ratchets for over 10 years from HFT! Can’t complain at all!

My Best friend swears by them.

SK and Wright are quality ratchets that would hold up well. The sealed Snap On's would also work well in the mud and rain as the ratchet head is sealed.

Also looked at used and industrial finish ratchets for better prices.

Thanks for the suggestion, I actually have never heard of Wright, I'll be giving them a look.

Have you tried cleaning the ratchet?

As a replacement, Husky or HF and both good for a cheap price.

Yes, I actually have. I think mine just suffer from bad machine work as they have very little wear.

You need a good set of the Craftsman old-school RHFT's. Don't make them any more so you'd probably have to pick up some... oh, maybe in the classifieds?

I actually used to have a set of them. But, the 1/4, 3/8 and flex head walked away from my toolbox many years ago. Still have and occasionally use the 1/2", and yes it is faaar better than the RP's.

Thanks for the quick input guys.

 

[ike]

I have a set of the harbor freight composite ratchets. I have no complaints about them. They may be a good option for a harsh environment.

 

[rustbucket5]

tekton low profile ratchet or GW 120xp. anything is better than a craftsman

 

[Wamsutta]

The Williams would be a major upgrade for you. There really is no better ratchet out there for the money.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ols-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

 

[Jim C.]

The Craftsman RP ratchets in my Jeeps tool box have failed me for the last time.......

I’m wondering how the ratchets failed you. What happened? What were the circumstances, etc.?

Jim C.

 

[jd_1138]

I have a set of the harbor freight composite ratchets. I have no complaints about them. They may be a good option for a harsh environment.

Yeah those are nice ratchets. Tektons are nice too. I have SK ratchets and a couple HF composites.

 

[blackwire]

HF or Tekton composite ratchet. They will not have problems with chrome flaking off for obvious reasons.

 

[Tonyuk]

I have a long Williams like the above just not a flex head, its very good now that its broken in, was rough to start with.

Honestly just to keep in the vehicle i would get one of those long handle HF pro ratchets, i think they're made in Taiwan. The 72t mechanism in them is very good and strong.

 

[uncwstudent]

I'd check out the Gearwrench 84 tooth ratchets. I really haven't found a ratchet that has had a better feel (except maybe the new MAC Axis ratchets) and for the money they can't be beat! I've honestly never had a problem with the Gearwrench ratchets and have switched over more and more of my ratchets to GW.

If you're looking for some really great flex heads, I'd also check out NAPA's Carlyle (phenomenal ratchets!) and the Powerbuilt Protech ratchets (same mechanism as Carlyle's for far less $).

 

[Wamsutta]

Everybody is recommending GearWrench and Carlyle ratchets.

Nobody likes the Williams ratchet which is an extremely strong discontinued Snap-on ratchet.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Pittsburgh pros, williams, proto pear heads, sk round heads,armstrongs, gearwrench 84t are all commonly available off the top of my head. I don't use my gw 84t much, mostly because I find using the old coarser tooth ratchets more satisfying, SK round head is my favorite but the proto pears are nice too. The composites are nice for when it is cold.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Everybody is recommending GearWrench and Carlyle ratchets.

Nobody likes the Williams ratchet which is an extremely strong discontinued Snap-on ratchet.

bigger the number means its better to most people these days unfortunately

 

[davethorik]

Everybody is recommending GearWrench and Carlyle ratchets.

Nobody likes the Williams ratchet which is an extremely strong discontinued Snap-on ratchet.

Most people on this forum don't read original posts or responses, is what I've determined. They just see "Craftsman ratchet" and "replacement" and say what they like.

For a vehicle tool box, HF is the way to go. Cheap and easily replaced if lost/stolen.

 

[7avalon7]

OP, just like anything else in life, there are plenty of choices. Need to know how much you want to spend to narrow down your options here. Without telling us your budget, kinda hard to give a good recommendation.

 

[Tallpilot]

Everybody is recommending GearWrench and Carlyle ratchets.

Nobody likes the Williams ratchet which is an extremely strong discontinued Snap-on ratchet.

It’s the tooth count. If you are working in cramped quarters a 10 degree swing will slow you way down or might not even work at all. It’s a great ratchet but newer designs have turned it into an antique.