Favorite ratchets in 2020?
- Thread starter Cantaloupeman
- Start date
M-Petrik
Member
So far this year my favourite new ratchets have been the Wera Zyklops rotating head, I have both 1/4” & 3/8”, they are incredibly useful. My new favourite is the Nepros 90T from Japan. Tool jewelry is an understatement!! Incredible quality and feels so good in hand! I think it’s a new rabbit hole I will be heading down.
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They are for a limited market (millbillies and ironworkers), so the stores are going to have limp offerings.
Yes its a Sidchrome got it from a girl in Australia. You push it from the side to change direction. I need to go back one of these days.
That's what caught my attention, the side button. Seen SK had a line awhile back,1980s I think, like them but they're considered less than functional. Old Sidchrome seems to be the Australian Snap On though. Nothing bad to be found about them other than if you smack the selector against something it'll switch over which isn't anything you can't guess by looking at it.
I haven't had that problem but I don't use the ratchets in that box that much unless I'm in the shop. On the floor I have a hf box that has mostly Wight ratchets in it the one that is missing from the pic is a the small 3/8 love that thing wish I had it when I started working on aircraft. All my other ratchets are at the hanger or in my home box.
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Ton ton
Well-known member
lol.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Only way to have the smack switch problem on the sidchrome is to literally smack the selector over on a bolt or something. That's the design flaw with the side selector but probably more of a first time using it thing. Once you know it's there it's probably not an issue. Also looking at the wight 1/4 maybe for my box. Think the handle might go good for little stuff in my shop. Would look at 3/8 and 1/2 too, especially the long 1/2, but my box is a mishmash of all kinds of 3/8, 1/2, and one 3/4 with a single quality 1/4 at the moment. Added a matco 88 long flex 3/8 and snap on stubby FK80 the other day and now I'm past my original 5 or less per drive idea.
what was good about it?
I don't understand Hazet ratchets - they seem fine, but are spendy like SnapOn.
I don't get why they are better than Snappy, Nepros or ko-ken - or Matco, Mac for that matter.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I agree with this alot actually. I say keep your old crapsman around and use them still. But get some that are longer, maybe a flex head and definitely a roto head in at least 1/4 drive.
I started off with the regular crapsman raised pannels and once I got serious into doing my own stuff I got better ratchets.
I started with the stanley ones and they always break on me I can't stand 3/8 and 1/4 there ratchets.
But now I have in 1/4 drive regular non flex, flexhead, and rotohead ratchets. By far my favorite is the roto head in 1/4 drive.
3/8 drive I have regular length Carlyle non flex or comfort grip the $20 one and love it so much I hae 2 of them. I also have a MAC tools round head flex head long ratchets (2 also), I have a stubby I made from a proto, and I have a long non flex Old snapon hard handle. I also have a old snapon bent handle flex head (sparkplug ratchet) on the way as well.
For 1/2 drive I have long fixed mac axis and standard sized proto and stanley fixed heads as well as the Mac tools round head flex head ratchet (2 of them as well).
I went big and it all started with wanting to try more stuff then the ones I had.
I say go out fondle a few find what you like and go with it. That is what most of us do I am sure and you can never have to many ratchets!!!!!
I agree. I think we all started with those lol. Broke the selector switch off my Crapsman the other day was really angry that’s the second time it’s happened to my USA ones but contacted Craftsman directly and new ones are on the way they told me to hold on to the others don’t worry about returning them so that is a plus. I agree with you on every aspect. Have you tried Capri? They are my new favorite ratchets I used mine the other day when it came in man I’m in love now lol [emoji23]. It was cheaper than HF because of the Christmas sale. The Carlyle is definitely a good one that’s top on my list too. I’ve only got a Matco from the truck it’s 88 teeth locking flex head.
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I really like the new version with 90 teeth’s. I have used and abused Hazet tools both on work and private for years, and I have yet to this date never had a failure. I also like the look, and feel of them. I am also in strong believe that the Germans make the best tools in the world, that is of course my own personal opinion based on my preferences.
Nope I haven't tried Capri but wouldn't mind trying them sometime. I honestly don't have alot of ratchets compared to most on here lol. I am at rhe point that right now if I get a nice regular length fixed head 3/8 drive thats finer tooth usa made I would put my carlyle in my garage box instead of my go to mobile tool bag where I keep almost all of my good tools. But I always tell people the Napa Carlyle is the poor mans snapon lol
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Lol [emoji23] yeah it is but hey it’s good stuff. I ordered my Capri directly from the website $3 cheaper than HF and free shipping. I too lack on the ratchets lol just had my PowerBuilt warrantied and I have a cheapy Walmart 1/4 and a Craftsman 1/4 some Craftsman 3/8 drives. Matco and Capri 3/8 drive and I’ve got a vintage Husky and Challenger too. For 1/2 I don’t hardly have anything though I did just get an Icon at the pawn shop yesterday one of the really long ones it seems nice they gave it to me as a Christmas gift they had it traded in as partial payment for a gun. The other 1/2 I have is a Blue Hawk from Lowe’s a long time ago and a few Craftsman ones but that’s it not near as many as my coworkers or some members on here.
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Kscardsfan
Well-known member
I’ve got SK LP90, HF Icon, Snap-On Dual 80, old USA craftsman, and a few round head SK with the DT upgrades. And one random Proto 5249 that has grown on me for some reason. The Icon and LP90 feel pretty similar if they’re lubed up properly. The Snap On feels great, but not sure if I like the soft handle on it, but it was free so I don’t mind. Honestly the round head SK with the DT upgrade kit has been the sleeper in my box. It’s taken a handful of $10-15 pawn shop and garage sale ratchets and taken them into professional tool status for $25 or so.
This is the Wight 1/4 2426 and the 3/8 3430 I have
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terrapinwheeler
Member
Out of all the ones I have I like the Wright contour grips the best. Don't know why just do. This is what I have in my box at one of the jobs I have. I have a tool cart there that has the rest of my Wright ratchets 1/4 3/8 and 1/2.
What is that one with the black handle second from the left?
Actually talked about this earlier in the thread. It's a sidchrome. Aussie only brand with a side selector. 80s SK ran a econ line similar.
Dandy1008
Well-known member
I know I am late to this party.
Years back, mid - late 90s, I used to manage the Hardware Department at our local Sears. It was honestly my 2nd favorite job just after my current position, which is self employment backed by a fantastic team. At that time, they used to offer rebuild kits. The ratchets of that era, which had a figure 8 metal piece were kinda junk. The internals were not greased. For guys that preferred, we would pull a rebuild kit off the shelf and rebuild it on site for them. Most stores didn't offer this service, they were supposed to just give you a rebuild kit and send you on your way, unless the handle or head were actually broken, they were not supposed to be swapped out. Many of our clients that came in with the older ratchets, and want to swap for new, we would talk them out of it. In addition, we would offer to grease the new ratchets if the clients wanted it to help prolong the life and minimize issues.
Long story short, if you like your ratchet and the only issue is it hanging up, check to see if they offer a rebuild kit and just remove the retaining ring and put the new kit in. If you have the style that looks like an 8 under it, you may be able to just open it up, clean up the gears, grease it and put it back together without issue.
Aside from that, I picked up a complete set of Dewalt ratchets and sockets last year for my new "toy box" shop. I have been very happy with them.
Years back, mid - late 90s, I used to manage the Hardware Department at our local Sears. It was honestly my 2nd favorite job just after my current position, which is self employment backed by a fantastic team. At that time, they used to offer rebuild kits. The ratchets of that era, which had a figure 8 metal piece were kinda junk. The internals were not greased. For guys that preferred, we would pull a rebuild kit off the shelf and rebuild it on site for them. Most stores didn't offer this service, they were supposed to just give you a rebuild kit and send you on your way, unless the handle or head were actually broken, they were not supposed to be swapped out. Many of our clients that came in with the older ratchets, and want to swap for new, we would talk them out of it. In addition, we would offer to grease the new ratchets if the clients wanted it to help prolong the life and minimize issues.
Long story short, if you like your ratchet and the only issue is it hanging up, check to see if they offer a rebuild kit and just remove the retaining ring and put the new kit in. If you have the style that looks like an 8 under it, you may be able to just open it up, clean up the gears, grease it and put it back together without issue.
Aside from that, I picked up a complete set of Dewalt ratchets and sockets last year for my new "toy box" shop. I have been very happy with them.
Northern26
Well-known member
TEQ Correct Professional ratchets from Advance Auto Parts/Car Quest, they are rebranded GEARWRENCH 84T. They offer lifetime warranty and a 25% discount is available for online orders on already competitively priced ratchets.
sethharris
New member
Ton ton
Well-known member
Welcome to garage journal. Seth Harris.
Dual 80’s at home. I love them.
At work, a Dual 80 would probably get stolen. I used a vintage SK until about 3-4 weeks ago. I want to say 34 teeth... I could be wrong. About 3-4 weeks ago, I bought a Wright 3490 on Amazon. It is so much better. I was looking through my better ratchet drawer and found a 4494 in there. I had bought it at our local farmers market flea market day for $10. I have never used it. I need to make an effort to use it.
At work, a Dual 80 would probably get stolen. I used a vintage SK until about 3-4 weeks ago. I want to say 34 teeth... I could be wrong. About 3-4 weeks ago, I bought a Wright 3490 on Amazon. It is so much better. I was looking through my better ratchet drawer and found a 4494 in there. I had bought it at our local farmers market flea market day for $10. I have never used it. I need to make an effort to use it.
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Al Borland
Well-known member
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- Jan 20, 2016
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You need a lanyard for that.
It's gonna want to jump overboard from the lift at the worst time.
I use one of those Husky $6 round cordura bags as a rig bag. Those bags, along with a big carabiner, are one of the best deals in tools. A lot of tradesmen are using them as a rig bag. You just have to cut out the fabric with the drawstring from the inside.
I have, on occasion, dropped tools.
I have, on occasion, dropped tools.
ThePostman
Well-known member
Proto long handle flex head 90 tooth. 3/8 and it's little brother are used daily. I went from doing a lot of suspension work to engine work. They are Mac axis at 2/3 the price, and what I grab first. I own many ratchets, I used a Pittsburgh pro flex long handle for years, I couldn't break it, I moved to a new shop and gave it to the apprentice as a parting gift. I beat the hell out of my icon 18" 1/2" drive flex head, put a pipe on it, still kicks. I broke a 24" Snap-On on the bell housing of an 07 4runner a few weeks ago. In comes Wright 6425 for the win, everything crumbles before that. I have many ratchets, and will buy more, but those, I can't kill them.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hey, I know it's 2021 but, I thought the urge to share. I spent the last week working at one of my satellite shops and took my new Gearwrench 3/8 drive compact head ratchet with me. I used it as my primary 3/8 drive ratchet and like it quite a bit. at 8 inches long, it can handle most tasks with ease. It has great balance and feel. This isn't a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 drive body ratchet. It's more of 2/3 normal Gearwrench ratchet head size if that makes sense. Crisp 90 tooth action. I have a new friend. 
Nachito13
Member
@FedwrenchHey, I know it's 2021 but, I thought the urge to share. I spent the last week working at one of my satellite shops and took my new Gearwrench 3/8 drive compact head ratchet with me. I used it as my primary 3/8 drive ratchet and like it quite a bit. at 8 inches long, it can handle most tasks with ease. It has great balance and feel. This isn't a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 drive body ratchet. It's more of 2/3 normal Gearwrench ratchet head size if that makes sense. Crisp 90 tooth action. I have a new friend.
In your opinion, is the Gearwrench 81220T a better buy at $30 than the SK 3/8 LP90 (#80200, 8") on the Steals & Deals for $35? From your description above, the Gearwrench might be the way to go.
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sweet victory
Well-known member
I love my tried and true SO ratchets. I picked up a Mac Axis ratchet which I really like after cleaning out the ratcheting mechanism and relubing. It's longer than any of the 3/8" SO ratchets I have so it's become my mini breaker bar. I really like it for breaking loose caliper bolts. I've been meaning to picked up a Matco ratchet, but just haven't gotten around to it. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the tool trucks, just pick the one that emphasizes the features you find the most desirable: quick release, locking flex head mechanism, grip style, etc. I love my quick release ratchets, so I gravitate towards SO.
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Owning both, Except my SK LP90 is an early model with the green direction switch, I think I would lean towards the Gearwrench Compact head 3/8 drive ratchet. However, my opinion is based solely on my hands, how the ratchet performs in my hands, and how I wield it. You might not feel the same way about it. When SK quality control is up to the task, the LP90s can be great ratchets. The LP90 also has features that the Gearwrench doesn't, like a thicker gear cover retained by two screws rather than a snap ring holding a thin sheet metal gear cover. I do prefer the Gearwrench's compact head's feel and balance. I also have a wide array of other ratchets to choose from. I think all of the LP90s are a little on the heavy side but, at times that can be a good thing.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Speaking of LP90's, SK's new Steals and Deals came out today. There are some pretty good deals on ratchets there. The 3/8 drive 11" flex head is $45ish. They also have the regular length fixed heads in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, and I think a 1/4 flex head.Owning both, Except my SK LP90 is an early model with the green direction switch, I think I would lean towards the Gearwrench Compact head 3/8 drive ratchet. However, my opinion is based solely on my hands, how the ratchet performs in my hands, and how I wield it. You might not feel the same way about it. When SK quality control is up to the task, the LP90s can be great ratchets. The LP90 also has features that the Gearwrench doesn't, like a thicker gear cover retained by two screws rather than a snap ring holding a thin sheet metal gear cover. I do prefer the Gearwrench's compact head's feel and balance. I also have a wide array of other ratchets to choose from. I think all of the LP90s are a little on the heavy side but, at times that can be a good thing.
u118224
Well-known member
Like most people here I have quite a few ratchets. Dual 80 and SK round heads are my favorites but I really like the Astro 3/8 ratchets in 1/4 size. I bought 2 of them and use the long handle the most. It's smooth, good backdrag, stout and best of all it fits in small places.