decent quick release ratchet?

[mech-tech]

First off, I'd like to say it is nice to find a place where people love tools as much as I do!

Let me start by saying I work as a mechanic on equipment that has lots of hydraulics, and just about everything on the equipment I service is filthy with oil residue on everything. Well being the equipment belongs to customers and the jobs are bidded, we are often hurried through out the day. I often find myself holding one part in place with one hand and having to switch sockets with the other oil covered hand, which often makes it impossible with out a quick release, and too much time gets wasted through out the day having to deal with a stuck socket on a ratchet.

Can anyone suggest a decent quick release ratchet in 3/8" and 1/2" drive? I have gave up on craftsman due to the ratchet switching directions at the worst times, and from what I can see, most high priced ratchets have the sealed head without quick release. Is there any good ratchet that would hold up without having to spend over $100? I do have top end ratchets, its just they work better around the house than at work for my needs. Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!

 

[John316]

These are pretty sweet

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=681231&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=681231&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[jjjrmx5]

Minimum for me would be the C'man pear head polished ratchets although COO is likely Asia.

Then I'd go USA COO C'man thin profiles. The Taiwan COO thin profiles are still new to the market to tell ability to last but not bad id found on a mega sale.

You wanna pony up the coin buy the recently released Snap-On units.

QR is not an all encompassing design by all mfgrs of ratchets so you have to source out what you can.

 

[tyndall]

Proto J5249XLQR and J5449XLQR

Built like a brick sh--house. Holds a socket like it was welded on and doesn't reverse under load. Low profile lever so it doesn't get bumped. It's considered a sealed ratchet too.

 

[jtfc]

My snap on dealer has a 3 pack of ratchets (1/4,3/8,1/2). They 3 pack is long handle flexhead wth the soft grip handle. I use standard ratchets but im going to assume snapon makes a quality qr ratchet.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

+1 for the Snap-on.

 

[shampoop]

I LOVE the SO soft grips when your hands are coated in ****. Yea, they'll end up looking nasty and don't clean as easy as chrome, but they work much better.

 

[pipsters]

Proto J5249XLQR and J5449XLQR

Built like a brick sh--house. Holds a socket like it was welded on and doesn't reverse under load. Low profile lever so it doesn't get bumped. It's considered a sealed ratchet too.

I was going to buy the Craftsman premium ratchets but didn't like that they aren't quick release. I might try those Protos.

FWIW the Craftsman thin profiles are on sale this week for $49.99 for the 3-pc set. I have them, personally I really like them, but the new ones are now Taiwan so no reason to get 'em.

 

[bobcatdan]

I like my qr SO, all three sizes.

 

[chris142]

Imo the plastic hf ratchets are awsome if you don't mind imports

 

[mech-tech]

From what I've seen, most ratchets with quick release are typically the cheaper brands. Looks like its either snap on or proto for me. My non quick release snap on, armstrong, and proto ratchets are super smooth operating, and NEVER change direction on me. I came close to trying the kobalt ratchet on clearance, but the sloppy selector lever could be moved back and forth freely with far too much play for my liking. How do the gear wrench ratchets compare? I've never handled their pear head ratchets before.

 

[Lost Road]

Oh, that proto ratchet looks sweet. I need one!

 

[dirtmister16]

at work i use the craftsman full polish premium ones. the thin profile ones i think they are called. they are ok for everyday use but i find they they are getting alot of play in them now, seem to hold up great in every other indcation.

the 1/4" has locked up once on us, but you didn't need that one, so you should be good to go!

otherwise id vote for the snap on ones, as ive seen them take some abuse and be tight and strong yet.

 

[powertrip]

The OP says he doesnt want to spend $100 on a ratchet and everyone recommends a $100 snap on????????

The 3 pc cman thin profile 60t ratchet set is $49 if you are a sears shopper rewards/ craftsman club member right now. Probably made in taiwan (newer ones are taiwan, older ones are USA) but a proven design with the easiest lifetime warranty.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/dap_10155_12602_DAP_catalog+tools+us?intcmp=cm_cat_toolus

Use the AAA
discount code and get them for 5% off.

 

[canuckian]

Though I do love the snappy qr ratchets, I have to agree with powertrip about the craftsman set. I managed to snag a US made set and have nothing but good things to say about them.

 

[tyndall]

Oh, that proto ratchet looks sweet. I need one!

You need all three! After using the 1/4 drive, you'll start thinking that 5/8 peg on the Hansen tray isn't useless after all.

I have Proto and Wright ratchets. The Wrights have never let me down, but the Protos have that indestructible feel to them.

 

[mdnelson86]

the snap on standard handle quick release ratchets are right around $100 if I remember right (depending on size obviously). In my opinion, you can't find a better ratchet. Given I haven't tried EVERY ratchet ever produced, but of everything I've tried, Snap on is the best.

I'm a lot like the OP where I deal with a lot of ratchets and sockets covered with hydraulic oil, and I just finished selling my standard snap on ratchets so I could buy the quick release versions. Yes they are pricy, but well worth it in my opinion.

 

[Cookannapurna]

I have several of the Proto QR. They are fabulous.

 

[sk farmer]

craftsman rhft, discontinued but still out there used if you look. used to be cheap at cman keeps taking a **** they may become more valuable and be a good investment.

 

[fourtythree]

Cripe has a lot of NOS US made ratchets for next to nothing. I'd look there.

 

[cbracer]

Proto J5249XLQR and J5449XLQR

Built like a brick sh--house. Holds a socket like it was welded on and doesn't reverse under load. Low profile lever so it doesn't get bumped. It's considered a sealed ratchet too.

If you don't mind a 45 tooth ratchet, that Proto can be less than $60 online. Very tempting. I too prefer quick release ratchets! But the $50 special for all three Craftsman might be too good to turn down, even if not made in the USA.....

 

[mech-tech]

Thanks for the advice guys, I believe I may have to give the proto or snap on a try. I'd like to try the craftsman, but just don't trust them any more.