Entry-level but solid feeling ratchet?

[ab0mination]

I need to use a 3/8 socket a few times a month. My current Channelock from a Sam's Club set 15+ years ago has a bunch of slop, so I'd like to replace it.

Not looking for SK or Snap-On type performance (or price). I'm willing to spend $30-40ish dollars if need be, but I do not care about brand, country of origin, flex—unless those factor into what makes it a good choice.

Also—for a barely-hobbyist like me, what's the argument against just a 'nicer' 3/8 ratchet and a step-down for the once or twice a year I need a 1/4?

 

[Yarpo]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OC8S6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Very nice feeling ratchets, Made in Taiwan, chrome is fantastic.

 

[American Locomotive]

The SK 90T ratchet isn't that expensive. It's only $57 from HJE.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I normally go for round head ratchets, like SK.

But there was a good deal mentioned here on a spark plug set by Kobalt at Lowe's. 10" flex pear head ratchet, extension, and two sockets for under $10. ( Read:watch the deals forum on here.)

I don't love the ratchet, but it works as a ratchet without fail, which it sounds like you're after. If you later figure you are annoyed at some features, and really like others, then worry about an upgrade.

1/4" can be very useful. Figure out what you like in ratchets and pick one up, maybe. The 3/8" to 1/4" reducer is an easy to break tool, if used with some healthy torque.

 

[619DioFan]

The pittsburg professional line of ratchets at HF are very nice. flex and non flex versions. lifetime warranty. very reasonably priced as well. should suit your needs nicely.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Go to a Pawnshop/ebay with $30-40, and you can get a real nice ratchet. There isn't any really preactical reason to buy a new one. My 1/2" S-K as $1 at the flea market because the guy didn't understand the black finish. I don't think the little one was much more.

 

[ab0mination]

I actually just went out and checked my 1/4 & 1/2 ratchets, and while I wish they had quicker engagement, they have no slop in the other directions like my 3/8 has. Will be doing some searching if there's anything I can tighten…

 

[lincwelder225]

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Ratchet-Maxx-3-8-Dr-/262710988069

39.39 including shipping... Awesone ratchet

 

[ab0mination]

Go to a Pawnshop/ebay with $30-40, and you can get a real nice ratchet. There isn't any really preactical reason to buy a new one. My 1/2" S-K as $1 at the flea market because the guy didn't understand the black finish. I don't think the little one was much more.

Do those honestly perform better then they look? They look pretty beat up and that knurling looks like overkill. I think I'd skip these regardless just because I don't want any rust in my tool chest…also feel like ratchets have to have been innovated a bit since those came out.

 

[ab0mination]

The pittsburg professional line of ratchets at HF are very nice. flex and non flex versions. lifetime warranty. very reasonably priced as well. should suit your needs nicely.

These were the first I checked out this week since I was in the store. Felt pretty nice but hadn't yet done the research if they were one of those HF things that should be left alone.

 

[Wamsutta]

I dare you to find a better ratchet for $30.86

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Williams-B-...460228&hash=item41b1fe5f7e:g:YlgAAOSwFe5XzciV

 

[ab0mination]

[…]

But there was a good deal mentioned here on a spark plug set by Kobalt at Lowe's. 10" flex pear head ratchet, extension, and two sockets for under $10. ( Read:watch the deals forum on here.)

[…]

1/4" can be very useful. Figure out what you like in ratchets and pick one up, maybe. The 3/8" to 1/4" reducer is an easy to break tool, if used with some healthy torque.

And this Kobalt was the first I stumbled on in my search here, but don't think it was on Lowe's at the time or was like $20…can't recall as I've been reading so much here the past couple weeks.

That was the other brand I first though of as I have the Lowe's card for 5% off and coupons are easy to find online.

 

[DadsTools]

Go to eBay (if you don't have time to roam flea markets) and buy a decent used SK round head fine tooth. 3/8 & 1/4, #45170 & 40970 respectively. Seriously. I mean, really. Easy to find on eBay, you'll pay about $15 each landed. If ever needed, S-K will send you a brand new core on warranty, no charge, no questions asked, no receipt needed, don't have to send the old one back, don't have to go back to the store and hope they still sell them or hassle with ignorant employees. Just fill out the online form and you'll have it in a week.

They've been making the same design for decades. It's not discontinued, model doesn't change every three months, COO doesn't change every three months. And even to this day, they're universally hailed as one of the finest ratchets ever made, especially the 1/4. Tough as nails. And....USA!

I dare anyone to find a better pair of ratchets with an easy warranty that you can pretty much buy on demand for about $30 total for both.

Seriously.

 

[DadsTools]

Go to a Pawnshop/ebay with $30-40, and you can get a real nice ratchet. There isn't any really preactical reason to buy a new one. My 1/2" S-K as $1 at the flea market because the guy didn't understand the black finish. I don't think the little one was much more.

Yep, this. Used S-K round head.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Do those honestly perform better then they look? They look pretty beat up and that knurling looks like overkill. I think I'd skip these regardless just because I don't want any rust in my tool chest…also feel like ratchets have to have been innovated a bit since those came out.

You might think that looks like some terrible chrome, but they were never plated.
A lot has probably happened to them since the mid 40s. As long as they get coated in oil once in awhile, they do not rust. I'm sure if I didn't use them, they'd turn to ****. Both have action pretty well indistinguishable from new.

 

[KamiCrit]

I dare you to find a better ratchet for $30.86

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Williams-B-...460228&hash=item41b1fe5f7e:g:YlgAAOSwFe5XzciV

Want to talk about a thread killer.

$30 for an industrial grade ratchet, watch out Proto.

 

[exmaxima1]

This looks like an incredible deal for USA made ratchets (look like Armstrong):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HWTCN7E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Citation]

I would go for the 72t Husky. Home Depot has it in a kit with Torx and other drives for around $20. These are the same basic ratchet as the single pawl Gearwrench. I think they feel better than the 120T Gearwrench be they have less back drag.

 

[mrjaw14]

At your price point I'd be looking at GearWrench, SK, and Williams. Having said that I've beat the piss out of an old Husky extendable flex head i got at home depot. As the holiday season approaches, you can probably find a whole kit in your price range at the big box stores

 

[cherrybomb]

A good solid ratchet is a joy to use,IMO "Dads tools" really nailed it.I have had SK for years and are completely happy with their products and their desire to have great USA products at a reasonable price.I have purchased a lot off Ebay,punch in what your looking for,there is a tremendous amount and good prices.Try it,I believe you won't be dissapointed with SK or Ebay.

 

[bcradio]

Lots of people seem to like spending your money, but if you're honest with yourself the Harbor Freight ratchets are probably more than you will really need. They're excellent ratchets for the price and will last you the rest your life and probably your kid's life. If you're looking for a little bit nicer check out the Bahco 80 tooth ratchets.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

hard to beat HF, or wright, SK, or gearwrench, or williams...I got a free Kobalt the other day....bot impressed. Kept switching directions.

 

[sk farmer]

the argument for not having a decent 1/4 drive ratchet because you have a nice 3/8 eludes me. using 1/4 sockets with an adapter on a 3/8 ratchet *****.

like someone else said. hf and home depot ratchets are good value and you could get one of each for less than 40 bucks. if you only use them once or twice a month they will last forever. i am a big fan of the gearwrench 60/84 click ratchets. they will accept 88 click armstrong and matco rebuild kits if you want a few more teeth but they don't need them. the gearwrench 120's are pretty good but they just don't appeal to me as much as the single pawl 60/84/88 versions.

hint.... hint........ some of the home depot ratchets use that same design and while i have not done it i would bet money the internal parts would swap. they are 72 clicks maybe?

 

[uncwstudent]

Check out the Carlyle line of ratchets at NAPA. Theyre not that expensive, really well made, and have a great warranty.

 

[jshillin]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OC8S6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Very nice feeling ratchets, Made in Taiwan, chrome is fantastic.

Yep, for the money, you won't do any better... This is a great deal.

 

[Fender1325]

This thread is funny. GJ has managed to list nearly every tool company that sells a ratchet for under $50. "That oughta narrow it down for ya buddy!"

Whoever said an HF ratchet will last the OP the rest of his life and kid's life that's hilarious.

 

[Ign]

Honestly one of my favorite ratchets is my 3/8” Pittsburgh Pro “composite.” Not because it’s Snap-On quality but because it does so much and feels so nice for so little.

I also really like any of the Craftsman low profiles (either the older US 60T or newer Taiwanese 84T) and/or any of the Craftsman 75Ts

 

[Unruh]

This thread is funny. GJ has managed to list nearly every tool company that sells a ratchet for under $50. "That oughta narrow it down for ya buddy!".

We forgot Lowes is selling their current Kobalt 90 tooth ratchets for $26 a piece, but they have a bundle of 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 for $29. That way you'll have all three and you can check if you like the 1/2 or 1/4.

 

[sk farmer]

This thread is funny. GJ has managed to list nearly every tool company that sells a ratchet for under $50. "That oughta narrow it down for ya buddy!"

Whoever said an HF ratchet will last the OP the rest of his life and kid's life that's hilarious.

will they last for a lifetime with daily use in a pro environment? hell no and neither will any other brand, they all wear out eventually.

for they guy who wants a nice ratchet at an economical price? several of them listed hold up to heavy use and will give a lifetime of occasional use.

his requirements clearly state occasional use, why recommend a high end ratchet when he more than likely does not need or want one?

 

[IMStuner]

I like Armstrong and Gear wrench.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[bcradio]

This thread is funny. GJ has managed to list nearly every tool company that sells a ratchet for under $50. "That oughta narrow it down for ya buddy!"

Whoever said an HF ratchet will last the OP the rest of his life and kid's life that's hilarious.

You obviously have little to no experience with very many ratchets

It's ok, I've used enough for the both of us

 

[Username already in use]

As others have already said, buy yourself a used SK ratchet and don't look back. The knurling is not overkill or sharp and if taken care of, will last for decades to come.
I've got a drawer full of quality US made ratchets that I picked up from the flea marked for $5 or less.
Or, if you want to spend a bunch of money on something that won't see a lot of use, that's your choice.
Let us know where you net out.

 

[Zewnten]

I really like my Carlyle ratchet from Napa. I use it everyday and have had no complaints. It is a 3/8 locking flex 15 inches long, break bolts and nuts free with it and so far smooth as it was new and no slop.

 

[Sco Deac]

The Williams are great. For your budget you can get a 36 tooth USA made version. They are basically the last generation Snap-On (pre-dual 80). For less than $20 you can get the Taiwanese made Williams with 72T and a quick release function.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Ratchet-Drive-Tools_c_2675.html

If you are considering the Taiwanese version from Williams, for a couple bucks more (still under you budget) you can pick up a set of sockets to go along with it. For example, this metric set is still under $30. http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...Drive-Tools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Metric-Socket-Sets

 

[Sco Deac]

We forgot Lowes is selling their current Kobalt 90 tooth ratchets for $26 a piece, but they have a bundle of 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 for $29. That way you'll have all three and you can check if you like the 1/2 or 1/4.

The Kobalt 72 tooth seems to be a better option than the 90 tooth. Stack them next to each other side by side, and the 90 tooth is very thick for something trying to look like a pear head design. If I didn't mind that heat thickness, I'd rather have a round head design to accomplish the swing arc afforded by 90 teeth.

 

[HanShotFirst]

The $30.00 Williams is going to be impossible to beat...Get on it!!

As an aside, used SK's can be found on ebay in the $20.00 range all the time. And now you can upgrade them with their new head for 80+ tooth feel.

But seriously, I would buy that Williams and call it done.

 

[DadsTools]

Lots of votes for used S-K.

 

[ChaseDE]

I started to use my granddads very old SK roundhead 1/4" ratchet a few months ago and it fell apart, very sad, need a rebuild kit i guess.

Nothing last forever, and fwiw I would be looking at the HF Pittsburgh Pro's if I needed a new one.

 

[DadsTools]

I started to use my granddads very old SK roundhead 1/4" ratchet a few months ago and it fell apart, very sad, need a rebuild kit i guess.

Nothing last forever, and fwiw I would be looking at the HF Pittsburgh Pro's if I needed a new one.

Great subtle lead-in to knocking the used S-K and pitching the Pittsburgh Pro. Go to SK's website, look for contact link, fill in the form, at the bottom it will ask you if you need a repair kit, click Yes, you'll have it in a week, no charge, no hassle, no receipt needed, no need to return ratchet. If no can do, send the ratchet to me for the cost of shipping and I'll be happy to take it off your hands.

 

[ChaseDE]

Um, I actually very much enjoy all of the tools I have, the bulk of it all snap-on, sk, williams, etc. I have a few craftsman new and old mixed in with little harbor freight only because as mentioned previously I really don't need to buy new tools.

When I see constantly people acting like these tools don't break it is a little unnerving. They do break like everything else at some point, the little old SK was literally my favorite ratchet of my grandads and I was actually sad for a minute when it broke, and I will get it repaired. BUT

BUT

I am not a pro mechanic, I use my tools occasionally like the OP does, and if I was in the market for a new ratchet I would hop my **** right over to HF and get the pittsburgh pro...they seem nice in store and have pretty good reviews here.

edit: see, i liked it so much i took a picture of it when i inherited it. this was before it exploded.