Cushion Grip Ratchets?

[anti-everything1990]

Hey this is my first post, ive been lurking on this forum for a couple months though and its really a cool place. Long story short, i go to a community college for automotive and they have all snap on. Its good stuff but im not snob and COO isnt a selling point for me. I have mostly craftsman stuff (Newer, but it seems like most of my sockets are older made in USA) and id like to step up. After looking at everything i think gearwrench stuff is the best bang for my buck. Im gonna grab a set of there 120xp ratchets and i was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on the cushion grip versus the standard handle? Thanks!

 

[SteevoLS]

I am personally a big fan of the larger cushioned grips since they do not cut in to my palm as painfully as normal handles if I put a lot of torque on them.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[03protege]

I like the cushion grip and hard handle ratchets over chrome.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Cushion grips are nice if you work in extreme temperatures or work in semi-clean environments.

They do clean up just fine but do hold grease, oil and grit a little more due to the rubberized grip.

They also scuff and tear up over time. Concrete or a sharp fender liner or fender return edge will cut the plastic handles. A little sand paper takes the scuffs down but they do scuff and scar. Chrome handles, on the other hand, do not.

It's all a matter of preference.
Most cushion grips are replaceable, but for some, not worth the hassle.
I use both and unless bitterly cold or a really really really dirty job use them interchangably.

 

[radrush]

COO isnt a selling point for me.

Xi Jinping is so glad to hear this.

I guess we won't see you wearing any those blue-laces, huh?

 

[anti-everything1990]

Thanks for all the feedback, I think ill definitly give them a try! does anyone know if typically you can warranty a cushion grip ratchet for the grip getting cut up or worn out?

What are blue-laces radrush?
I wont bite on the america argument bait. Its simply what i can afford. I know i can get used snap-on but i prefer new tools

 

[LB-1911]

Thanks for all the feedback, I think ill definitly give them a try! does anyone know if typically you can warranty a cushion grip ratchet for the grip getting cut up or worn out?

What are blue-laces radrush?
I wont bite on the america argument bait. Its simply what i can afford. I know i can get used snap-on but i prefer new tools

Support American Manufacturing (Blue Lace Project)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=234375

GearWrench 2 Pc. 1/4" and 3/8" Drive 120XP™ Cushion Grip Flex Handle Ratchet Set
http://www.trident-supply.com/GearWrench_Two_Piece_Cushion_Grip_Ratchet_Set_p/329-81204p.htm

 

[BajaBound]

Only cushion grips for me is my 24" snap on breaker bar.

 

[anti-everything1990]

Ok one blue lace for my american car, american craftsman, american job that supports american car manufacturers, and one normal lace for my asian cell phone, asian tv, and asian toaster.

I think i might just do chrome handles for all my stuff that gets beat on hard, and cushon grip for the others.

 

[cburnscrx]

Ok one blue lace for my american car, american craftsman, american job that supports american car manufacturers, and one normal lace for my asian cell phone, asian tv, and asian toaster.

I think i might just do chrome handles for all my stuff that gets beat on hard, and cushon grip for the others.

Sounds like a plan on the Gearwrench, they're a good value. I suspect you're ordering them from Trident Supply?

*Husky ratchets are made by APEX (the same people who make the Gearwrench), and the big advantage to me was the quick release of the Husky. Granted it's only 72T vs. 120T, but I like quick release. Just saying.

 

[tyndall]

I think i might just do chrome handles for all my stuff that gets beat on hard, and cushon grip for the others.

Good plan. When you are working in a tight spot the cushion grip gets in the way. The also melt when they brush up against a hot exhaust manifold.

 

[anti-everything1990]

cburnscrx-Is the head of that ratchet really thick? The Kobalt ratchet heads are HUGE

Didnt even think about it melting tyndall, Good call

 

[cburnscrx]

cburnscrx-Is the head of that ratchet really thick? The Kobalt ratchet heads are HUGE

Didnt even think about it melting tyndall, Good call

Actually the head of the ratchet is thin, it's one of the things I like about it. MUCH thinner than the Kobalt (which I also have). If you're still shopping, also look into Titan ratchets (not the cheesy 2 sided ones either). I have one that I actively tried to kill....couldn't do it. There's also a thread about the Titan long handled flex head being rebranded a MAC, so it's got to at least be decent.

Here's at least one reference
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2061291&highlight=titan#post2061291

And here's the ratchet I am talking about. Thick head though and NOT the same internals as the Kobalt (I have taken them both apart to compare)

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200309145_200309145

 

[sberry]

I bought a couple double siders that lo0ok like the Titan, best ratchet I ever owned. 25 years in the "tool pool",, seen way more use than any one operator could ever give it and I lost the handle, not so much as a loose screw, never been apart, fine tooth and still 50% or better.

I paid way more than that bqack then, bought it one day when desperate from auto parts counter. If its the same one they don't make one better especially if one considers the cost.

 

[cburnscrx]

I bought a couple double siders that lo0ok like the Titan, best ratchet I ever owned. 25 years in the "tool pool",, seen way more use than any one operator could ever give it and I lost the handle, not so much as a loose screw, never been apart, fine tooth and still 50% or better.

I paid way more than that bqack then, bought it one day when desperate from auto parts counter. If its the same one they don't make one better especially if one considers the cost.

I love the handle you put on the ratchet. That's awesome!

 

[92integra]

****** up some snap on dual 80s with comfort grips while your at a community college with student discount! thats what im doing poeple can say what they want but you buy snap on and you own it for life! just think about it like that if your in your 20's buy a SO rat and use it daily for the next 40 years!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Hey this is my first post, ive been lurking on this forum for a couple months though and its really a cool place. Long story short, i go to a community college for automotive and they have all snap on. Its good stuff but im not snob and COO isnt a selling point for me. I have mostly craftsman stuff (Newer, but it seems like most of my sockets are older made in USA) and id like to step up. After looking at everything i think gearwrench stuff is the best bang for my buck. Im gonna grab a set of there 120xp ratchets and i was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on the cushion grip versus the standard handle? Thanks!

You will in no way be disappointed with the GW cushion grips. I held off on buying anything with them for a LONG time. At this point I use my 60/84T GW flex ratchets with the cushion grips more than my Snap On dual 80s.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I am personally a big fan of the larger cushioned grips since they do not cut in to my palm as painfully as normal handles if I put a lot of torque on them.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I wrap em with a terry towel.

 

[Mlr2006]

You will definitely like the Gearwrench cushion grips.

Also, don't forget to search around for coupons for Advance Auto Parts. I have purchased most of my Gearwrench stuff from there at prices I could not find anywhere else.

 

[anti-everything1990]

Will advance auto price match online prices for gearwrench? id rather just buy the stuff at the store than online but its so much cheaper online

 

[cburnscrx]

cburnscrx-Is the head of that ratchet really thick? The Kobalt ratchet heads are HUGE

I think you can tell the Kobalt is on the left and the Husky is on the right. You can't see it from that photo, but the quick release button on the Husky is almost completly flush with the top. The selection lever stickes up more. It's about the thinnest head I've seen with a quick release.

 

[anti-everything1990]

Thats a big difference, and i always figured kobalt was way better than husky

 

[otis66]

I only use cusion grip ratchets in the winter time or when its very cold outside. I would also buy GearWrench over The new Craftsman tools.... I hate the feel of the cusion grip when it gets grease and grim on it. If I were just starting out now I would be buying SK. Buy as much Snap ON hardline as you can while you can use your student discount.

 

[Mlr2006]

With advance, you order online to use their coupon codes and then pick it up at the store. They were running a 30% promotion using the code TRT30 which I believe is still valid. Prices vary on items, but I have not seen anything cheaper than the prices I ended up paying for my socket sets.

 

[RRmech]

I have a WRIGHT 3400 ratchet with the cushioned (tootsie roll) grip.
Works well and is quite comfortable to use.

 

[sberry]

The ratchet was a bigger deal at the start of a career, I abused and used hard, today I get a bigger or power drive, I could get a cheap ratchet today and would likely last 20 yrs. If I was busier by any real margin would get a 3/8 cordless asap.

 

[cburnscrx]

****** up some snap on dual 80s with comfort grips while your at a community college with student discount! thats what im doing poeple can say what they want but you buy snap on and you own it for life! just think about it like that if your in your 20's buy a SO rat and use it daily for the next 40 years!

Let's be realistic here, how many people are using the same ratchet they first bought 40 years ago? Oh, I suspect those ratchets still work fine, but they've been relegated to backup duty. They didn't even make the dual 80's that everybody loves then. Eventually you'll upgrade to something nicer and better.

And that doesn't apply to other import brands? According to SBerry he's been using his Titan for years in a shop environment. I have used my Titans off and on in a professional environment and have outright abused them. I had some rusty lug nuts and put the 1/2 on them and jumped up and down (oh, and I'm 250+). Held up just fine. Exactly what do you want a ratchet to do? Oh, and mine was $12 back when I bought it. The 3/8 was $10 I think. If I got a new one every 10 years, I am still way ahead.

 

[dogdad]

Bought my first cushion SO ratchet last night...hope I like it..

 

[mikeselky85]

i like cushion grip ratchets, most of mine have handles. but it wuldnt hurt to have some without for tight areas. i only use snap on ratchets, but at homi bought my dad a gearwrench comfort grip ratchet set an they are pretty nice for the price.

 

[sk farmer]

some like the wright tootsie roll handle, some don't. i don't really care for them but they stand the test of time. myself, i don't consider them a soft handle as they are more like a solid rubber tire than a soft grip. i like wright contour handles much better.

i like the hard handles. some of them have been around for a long time but i doubt they will last 40 years and i treat them a little more gently. if you think think a soft grip will last 40 years you are drinking the kool aid. i don't care if it is snap-on, gearwrench, carlisle or "fill in the blank". i seriously doubt they will stand up to daily abuse for that amount of time. i have seen some that look like they will be lucky to make 5 years. petrochemicals, sharp edges, gravel and concrete floors will be the biggest reasons.

 

[92integra]

Let's be realistic here, how many people are using the same ratchet they first bought 40 years ago? Oh, I suspect those ratchets still work fine, but they've been relegated to backup duty. They didn't even make the dual 80's that everybody loves then. Eventually you'll upgrade to something nicer and better.

And that doesn't apply to other import brands? According to SBerry he's been using his Titan for years in a shop environment. I have used my Titans off and on in a professional environment and have outright abused them. I had some rusty lug nuts and put the 1/2 on them and jumped up and down (oh, and I'm 250+). Held up just fine. Exactly what do you want a ratchet to do? Oh, and mine was $12 back when I bought it. The 3/8 was $10 I think. If I got a new one every 10 years, I am still way ahead.

dont get me wrong i see what your saying but if you can get half off some of the best tools in the planet you might as well snag up as much as you can.

i like my import stuff too very much actually my 3/8th and 1*/4 sockets are all grey pnuematic duo sockets and they kick *** i got complete sets sae and metric 4mm-15mm in 1/4inch and 7mm-22mm and there sae counter parts for like 300 bucks.

i know some of those ratchets have been put into back up duty but do you really need more teeth than what a dual 80 or matco 88 can offer ????

titan stuff is great two thats what i was using before i started doing this to put bread on the table im happy you havent broken any of there ratchets but i have broke there 18" 3'8ths drive ratchet just by hanging off it and i don't even weight 150lbs.... i also broke there 30" 1/2"drive breaker bar trying to remove an axle nut from a subaru..... in both cases where i broke titan tools they were abused but sometimes that has to be done to get the job done

i'm not saying snap on ratchets dont break i guy i work with breaks one of his 3/8ths ratchets once a month .... but the facts are that if i break my dual 80 it will be replaced without me having to even get in the car. if it last 40 years then breaks i will be handed the best brand new version of that ratchet.

to sum it up being realistic buying a snap on ratchet for 1/2 off or even full price is i great choice

 

[rtole]

I for one hate cushion grips. I have to work out in the cold from time to time. If its cold enough for a handle to be too cold to use, its glove time anyway. The cushion grip also is thinner in the handle and can bend.......my first 3 duel 80s did. I tried them and went back to hard handles. I like snap on ratchets over any other that I have tried. I did just get some gearwrench 120s, and I really like them. Factor in the price and they are a steal.
As far as long term, none of my 20 year old snap on ratchets have been turned to backups. I like having many ratchets so as I do a job that needs multiple sizes, each one can have its own ratchet. When the cart gets full of tools taken out.......its easier to find a ratchet I set down than a lone socket.

 

[rtole]

Oh, by the way, I grew up using my dads wright tootsie roll gripped ratchets. They were comfy! He still has them and uses them!

 

[F-Bobby]

Bought my first cushion SO ratchet last night...hope I like it..

I suspect you will. I've been using my comfort grip snap on ratchets for years and I've loved them.

 

[Jrussell86]

Gearwrench makes great ratchets. I would go with the metal handle over the cushion grip as the end of the grip tends to break off on them. You can buy most of them online and ship to the store. I would recomentd buying them at Advance or somewhere you have a local store for warranty reasons (not Sears as they refuse to warranty the Gearwrench products they sell). If you order online from Advance be sure to print out a receipt they wont warranty with out it and they do not keep a record of online purchases in store.