Facom j161 review

[gdocktor3]

Picked up a 3/8" Facom j161 round head ratchet off eBay for $20 the other day and got it in mail yesterday. It has excellent chrome, a rubber grip which is a bit short for my big hands, 72 teeth and a palm control direction selector. It's nice and tight, sealed head and very smooth. Its shorter and smaller than a SK round head ratchet and a bit narrower. Here's a few pics with it next to a 1/4" craftsman round head on the right, a 3/8" SK to the left and an older 3/8" Craftsman round head on the end. The SK and craftsman ratchets don't compare to the smoothness of the Facom.

 

[bonneyman]

I had one at one time, and I also thought the handle was a bit short. Smooth action, but I ended up selling it.
An S-K Tuff 1 rat has the same mechanism but with a knurled handle that I prefer.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

My SK dealer has one sitting on the rack, must be left over from the SK/Facom days. I keep meaning to ask the price, but I'm kinda scared to (it may be to good to pass up). Plus I don't need any more short handle ratchets.

 

[ultgar]

Facom Palm control ratchets and repair kits

I just put these on sale until the end of the month. Kits also fit select Mac and Proto round head (72-tooth) ratchets made by Facom.
There's also some tips and a video link on how to rebuild these ratchets. See http://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom/facom161sale.html .

Steve D

 

[dutchgray]

I have one in 3/8" and a couple 1/4", Facom round heads are really nice ratchets. Really must get some more. They do a knurled handle version.

 

[gdocktor3]

I just happened to see it on Ebay and made an offer of $20 for giggles. To my surprise he accepted it. I'm very happy with it.

 

[ultgar]

I have one in 3/8" and a couple 1/4", Facom round heads are really nice ratchets. Really must get some more. They do a knurled handle version.

The Facom knurled handle ratchets have been discontinued....the 155's, 157's, 158's and 159's. Dealers still have old stock or you can buy them with Proto branding.

 

[gdocktor3]

He accepted my offer for 18 dollars.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/35166032113...:aacAAOSwe7BWy4Q7&quantity=1&autorefresh=true

Thats who I got mine from lol

 

[PureLeaf]

Thats who I got mine from lol

I know, its pretty easy to figure it out based upon the information you provided.

 

[gdocktor3]

I wish he had quick release version.

If you don't have a 1/4" SK ratchet buy one of them from him. They're amazing. Best 1/4" ratchet I own. I own a lot of 1/4" ratchets.

 

[ultgar]

Thats who I got mine from lol

Those are old ones with the inset panel, made in France.

 

[dutchgray]

The Facom knurled handle ratchets have been discontinued....the 155's, 157's, 158's and 159's. Dealers still have old stock or you can buy them with Proto branding.

Best to buy now then, Proto is not really available over here, at least I haven't found a good source yet.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Re: Facom Palm control ratchets and repair kits

I just put these on sale until the end of the month. Kits also fit select Mac and Proto round head (72-tooth) ratchets made by Facom.
There's also some tips and a video link on how to rebuild these ratchets. See http://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom/facom161sale.html .

Steve D

Steve are the drives for the repair kits on sale also ?

 

[mikebaker1129]

I wish he had quick release version.

If you don't have a 1/4" SK ratchet buy one of them from him. They're amazing. Best 1/4" ratchet I own. I own a lot of 1/4" ratchets.

Which model did you buy ?

 

[ultgar]

Re: Facom Palm control ratchets and repair kits

Steve are the drives for the repair kits on sale also ?

I have a few of the drives but way too many repair kits. Some new kits are on order that include everything....they are featured in the video link on the site. SD

 

[Wamsutta]

I'd be getting the knurled metal handle version if I got one. The reason being is because most of the time I'm turning the ratchet with my wrist if I'm using 1/4 drive.

 

[PureLeaf]

Those are old ones with the inset panel, made in France.

So sounds like old stock is better then the new then? Old ones are French, new one's COO is Italy right?

 

[T45]

Ultgar, is your site down? Having trouble connecting to the link

 

[gdocktor3]

Which model did you buy ?

I bought the j161

 

[gdocktor3]

Ultgar can you get me a quick release kit to put in j161?

 

[mikebaker1129]

I bought the j161

No the 1/4 SK ,did you get the thick or the thin model?

 

[gdocktor3]

I have an older SK. It's narrower then both of those, but it's the fine tooth ratcheting action that matters. I'd get the thin one if I were you. These ratchets are very short too. Great for tight spaces.

 

[PureLeaf]

Got mine in the mail today. Its the new italian made version not the older french one with the inset panel. Its an ok ratchet. Definitely nowhere near my Armstrong maxx 88 or snap on dual 80. Has a lot of back drag, and its really short for a 3/8ths ratchet.

I guess for 18 bucks its not a terrible purchase, but I won't be keeping it. Gonna give it to a friend or a family member that would actually use it. Definitely feels like more of a craftsman competitor than any type of professional grade ratchet.

 

[gdocktor3]

I disagree. Maybe the new Italian ones feel that way, but mine is better than an SK round head and any craftsman, new or old.

 

[T45]

These are great ratchets, in the same league as snap on. Designed differently, palm control is held in the palm, hence the size (feature, not a shortcoming). They are also very strong, but not designed to be breaker bars. Back drag is a non-issue, also you can thread the socket on easily using your hand (again part of the design). My sense is if you think the ratchet is underwhelming it may be because you've never used it, or its style is not set up for how you like to use it.

 

[PureLeaf]

These are great ratchets, in the same league as snap on. Designed differently, palm control is held in the palm, hence the size (feature, not a shortcoming). They are also very strong, but not designed to be breaker bars. Back drag is a non-issue, also you can thread the socket on easily using your hand (again part of the design). My sense is if you think the ratchet is underwhelming it may be because you've never used it, or its style is not set up for how you like to use it.

I thought the meaning of palm control is that the inner chrome ring spins freely allowing you to place pressure onto the head without disrupting the ratchet's ability to spin.

I don't understand what you're referring to with threading the socket on by hand using the ratchet. If I turn the outer wheel of my ratchet, it just reversing the direction. So you can't do that. If you turn the chrome portion, it spins freely.

Backdrag is not a 'non-issue'. All ratchets have back drag, this just seems to be very up there with a lot of back drag when compared to the other ratchets in my collection like the Armstrong MAXX, Snap on Dual 80, even Wright.

Not trying to criticize your thoughts, just finding to the contrary. Definitely open to understanding this ratchet more incase I'm just utilizing it wrong for some reason?

 

[dutchgray]

My Facom 3/8" has less back drag that my Bahco with the dual 80 internals.
They do get a bit sticky if they haven't been used for a while as the grease dries up.

 

[gdocktor3]

These are great ratchets, in the same league as snap on. Designed differently, palm control is held in the palm, hence the size (feature, not a shortcoming). :

I didn't understand when I read description, but now holding it I understand. It's meant to fit in the palm with the head up tight between thumb and forefinger, like you would choke up on a normal size ratchet to increase the ratcheting action, but without the tail end of it sticking out. I don't know if Italy and France are different, maybe like USA and Taiwan?, but I'm very happy with my French model and for a brand new ratchet, it is absolutely hands down way smoother than my dual 80s were when new. I think the dual 80s shine after they've had some real use. New, they're too tight. I don't own any maxx88's so can't compare, but this is a 72 tooth round head, there shouldn't be much, if any, back drag. My old craftsman and SK round heads don't even have back drag. I'm going to try and email them to see if anything changed.

 

[gdocktor3]

Just as I suspected. Read this.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-146844.html

Now, I live in the states and can't find an email on the facom website, perhaps one of you gents across the pond can contact them and ask what is different between the Facom j161 made in Italy and the one made in France. Say it as if you know there's a difference. From what that thread above said, they (Facom) source stuff out to Asia, Czech, India now just as many US companies have to do. Few products are still made in France. So I'm thinking pureleaf ended up with hypothetical "Chinese made Craftsman where I ended up with a nos USA model." Same design, just made better.

pureleaf, I could tell you were trying to one up me with the $18 offer, and I admit I was a bit jealous, but who's the victor now with the pure and true French made ratchet??? This guy, that's who... Viva la France :

 

[Fedwrench]

Those are old ones with the inset panel, made in France.

How old is old?

My Facom 3/8 ratchet looks just like the one on the bottom and I got it in the early 1990's. It's stamped France on the back side, works great. I also have a couple of the Italian made Proto branded versions that perform just as well only come with a nice knurled handle. If you ever have a problem with the ratcheting action, take it apart, clean it, lube it with something thin, reassemble. Now the trick is to find the sweet spot when tightening the set screw. too tight, it binds, too loose, sloppy. has to be just right for years of smooth as butter ratcheting.

 

[colin39]

I have 3 j161 ratchets and 2 of the new pear head style, i personally prefer the feel of the j161

 

[mikebaker1129]

I have both the Italian made Proto 1/4 and 3/8 drive models as well as the French made Facoms. The French models feel just a little smoother to me,but the Protos are a good value when picked up on a Zoro 20-25% off sale.
I got 3 on eBay for $18 also,I hope mine speak French instead of Italian.
they are still a good buy even if they are Italian.

 

[ultgar]

there have been 3 iterations of the 161 ratchets. The original ones that came out in the early 90's (they are in the F92 catalog) were smooth with France stamped on the ratchet. Facom then produced ratchets with the inset panel and also had France stamped on the handle....these are a bit more rare. The ones that followed were smooth again with no country of origin stamped on the tool.

The ratchet handles and assembly are in Italy. The ratchet mechanism (ie, the contents of the repair kits) are still made in France.

If your ratchet feels stiff with a bit too much drag, try cleaning and relubricating it. See

.

SD

 

[mikebaker1129]

there have been 3 iterations of the 161 ratchets. The original ones that came out in the early 90's (they are in the F92 catalog) were smooth with France stamped on the ratchet. Facom then produced ratchets with the inset panel and also had France stamped on the handle....these are a bit more rare. The ones that followed were smooth again with no country of origin stamped on the tool.

The ratchet handles and assembly are in Italy. The ratchet mechanism (ie, the contents of the repair kits) are still made in France.

If your ratchet feels stiff with a bit too much drag, try cleaning and relubricating it. See

.

SD

Awesome post ! Thanks for ^ post, it answered a question I had.

 

[PureLeaf]

there have been 3 iterations of the 161 ratchets. The original ones that came out in the early 90's (they are in the F92 catalog) were smooth with France stamped on the ratchet. Facom then produced ratchets with the inset panel and also had France stamped on the handle....these are a bit more rare. The ones that followed were smooth again with no country of origin stamped on the tool.

The ratchet handles and assembly are in Italy. The ratchet mechanism (ie, the contents of the repair kits) are still made in France.

If your ratchet feels stiff with a bit too much drag, try cleaning and relubricating it. See

.

SD

Thanks Ultgar.

I pulled mine apart twice. It was full of a dried white grease (looked like lithium grease?)

First tried lubing it with a dab of silicon grease which made it skip .Too much/too thick I think.

Then I tried a dry spray silicon lubricant, thats made it a little better. Its still not particularly impressive though compared with some of my other ratchets.

The most interesting/impressive thing I've ever seen put out by Facom was/are their very unusual locking pliers. Some of them are really cool, I love my 500 series. Wish I had more but at 60-80 bucks a pop they're pricey!

 

[ultgar]

Thanks Ultgar.


The most interesting/impressive thing I've ever seen put out by Facom was/are their very unusual locking pliers. Some of them are really cool, I love my 500 series. Wish I had more but at 60-80 bucks a pop they're pricey!

I'll be putting together a page on my site with Facom News and Alerts. It'll also indicate products that have had warranty or performance issues. One item with problems has been the new Chinese made lockgrip pliers (513, 517, 580 and 582 series).

The 500 Series you mention are "bulletproof" , still made in France, and have now been improved after 20+ years, The new "500A series" includes 500A, 501AMP, 501A, 505A and 506A. Even the T5 series that Facom was so proud of has been replaced by the new 501AMP.

Getting back to ratchets, Facom seems to be moving towards the pear head (maintenance free) ratchets in a lot of their sets. The knurled handle 155A, 157A, 158A and 159A have gone away (still available as Proto ratchets) as have some of the long handle 3/8" drive ratchets (first the J.161L and now the J.171 and J.174). CDX (super 3/8...see http://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom/cdx.html) has finally been killed off...will probably become a collectible in the future because there was nothing else like it from any other manufacturer.

 

[gdocktor3]

Thanks Ultgar.

I pulled mine apart twice. It was full of a dried white grease (looked like lithium grease?)

First tried lubing it with a dab of silicon grease which made it skip .Too much/too thick I think.

Then I tried a dry spray silicon lubricant, thats made it a little better. Its still not particularly impressive though compared with some of my other ratchets.

The most interesting/impressive thing I've ever seen put out by Facom was/are their very unusual locking pliers. Some of them are really cool, I love my 500 series. Wish I had more but at 60-80 bucks a pop they're pricey!

A lot of people recommend using engine assembly lube on the ratchet mechanisms.

 

[PureLeaf]

A lot of people recommend using engine assembly lube on the ratchet mechanisms.

Yea, I've used it in other ratchets. The Permatex stuff. Downside is your ratchet leaks the red goo.

I'll probably browse around the hardware store. The Facom video recommends a lubricant with graphite.. so I'll see whats there. Either way, I'll be shipping it off to a friend. Prefer my Wright when it comes to round heads, and the earlier mentioned ratchets for pearheads.

 

[Superbec]

my precious !!!


I love it, I'm gonna buy 1/2+1/4 set soon

 

[PureLeaf]

So I'll report that I used some moly fortified NLGI 2 grease from my grease gun. Its definitely improved the ratchet a lot and reduced the back drag without letting it skip.