first snap on ratchets to get?

[homec]

I'm upgrading my sockets to williams USA. I want to buy a snap on ratchet or two. I already have Canadian tire regular ratchets in 1/4 3/8 1/2 purchased as part of a set. They're not great.

This is for automotive (car, not truck). There's such a huge variety of snap on ratchets taht i'm not sure which to get first.

Regular handle, long handle, regular vs flex head?

If I were to get three snap ons, which should I get in which order?

thanks

 

[Whoismiked]

Me personally, I would get long handle flex in 1/4 and 3/8, and extra long flex 1/2.

Dual 80's of course.

The 3/8's would definitely be the first purchase, the second would depend on which what I work on more often. If I do a lot of interior work I'd get the 1/4 next, if I do more of the heavy stuff i'd get the 1/2 next.

What other similar tools I had in my arsenal to supplement the ratchets would also affect my choices.

 

[shawhite]

Long locking flex comfort grip(dual 80) 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2.

 

[bimmer630]

I like to have a standard non flex short handle for certain things, too.. I suppose your existing ratchets can cover that realm if you already have that style...
I get annoyed with a long handle once I crack a fastener loose.. It feels like swinging a long handle is just an annoyance once the thing is broken loose

 

[Michael_in_DE]

80 tooth, locking flex head, soft handle.

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...king-Flex-Head-Ratchet-ndash-Red-P890296.aspx

I have the above in a slightly longer handle. It has everything SO ratchets have to offer. I love mine. You can get them for around $75 on ebay. Worth every penny.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You buying online or off the truck ?

Mine would be a 3/8" something. Hop on the truck and see what fits in your hand.

 

[ocloc24]

Definitely 3/8" comfort grip flex head long handle first. Locking is up to you, some like it some dont.
You'll use this for 95% of everything. You will be in love when you first use it.

Personally I'd say next get a flex head 1/4", long handle. I prefer comfort grip on these also but you may want reg so you can squeeze it in tighter places. I'd say not to get the extra long, its length limits where itll fit. The reg length is a little too short to me, I think the long handle is the perfect size for everyday use.

Lastly is a toss up, the 24" flex 1/2" is great for lug nuts and suspension, etc. But you wont use it very often. My favorite 1/2" is the long handle(the medium length one), I went non flex on that just so I could really pull on it without worrying about it flexing. It's long enough to get serious torque on, but not so long that it's a hassle to use.

Another 3rd option, depending on what you work on the most, would be a stubby. A lot of people rave about the 3/8" in a 1/4" body ratchets. Many use them as their everyday ratchets. My favorite variety is the roto head 3/8 with a 1/4 handle. Its fantastic, and you can use it as a nut driver.

Best bet is to find a truck and put your hands on them

 

[CR888]

First of all, its gotta be a dual-80. Then I'd go flex/locking flex long 3/8 or 1/2 with the new colored comfort handle. There's kinda a reason so many are all making the same suggestion to a question that literally has hundreds of answers. But at the end of the day, (the sun goes down) if your going to invest in a top shelf ratchet, buy the drive size & style that your going to use the most... ideally you want it to be your 'go-too'.

 

[Tallpilot]

Long locking flex comfort grip(dual 80) 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2.

That’s my advice as well; 3/8” first.

I’m curious what others think. I don’t love the 1/4” as much as the 3/8 and 1/2. I think the lower tooth count and the lack of pretension spring keeps them from feeling as crisp.

 

[Rickster]

I would recommend my two favorites the 1/4 & 3/8dr Roto-head ratchets with a hard or comfort grip handle. I found these to be my go-to ratchets.

 

[AmishFury]

i'd start with a standard length 1/4", a standard length fixed 3/8", and a long handle flex 3/8"

regular metal handle vs grip handle will be personal preference... i personally feel grip handles are too bulky for 1/4" but like the hard grip handle for 3/8" i have a couple with the soft grip and i loved them at first but they aren't so easy to clean compared to the hard handle... the grip handles do add a bit of extra length to the ratchet with the soft grip being a tad longer than the hard handle and both being noticably longer than the regular metal handle

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

flex long handle is most useful to me.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

You could upgrade the ratchets you have with similar Dual 80's as one option. I'd add to what you already have with different ones and upgrade down the road if you want. I would get locking flex heads with mid length handles in chrome grips. I use my standard length SO ratchets far less now that I have the longer locking flex heads (3/8" and 1/2") and 1/4" drive is a 8" ratchet . I also like the Matco locking flex heads way better than the SO's.

I'd get 3/8" drive first and then the drive size you use the second most followed by the least used one.

 

[homec]

Question on the "comfort handle" people keep referring to. I don't see that on the snap-on site. You're obviously talking about something other than the chrome. The choices I see are a hard grip with colored handles, and a soft grip. So when you say comfort, are you referring to the hard grip or to the soft grip? My concerns around the softgrip are durability. Plus i could see it getting permeated with grease etc. Is that an issue?

thx

 

[GTO]

F80,fl80

 

[Whoismiked]

Question on the "comfort handle" people keep referring to. I don't see that on the snap-on site. You're obviously talking about something other than the chrome. The choices I see are a hard grip with colored handles, and a soft grip. So when you say comfort, are you referring to the hard grip or to the soft grip? My concerns around the softgrip are durability. Plus i could see it getting permeated with grease etc. Is that an issue?

thx

When people say comfort grip they are talking about the soft grip ones.
Some people love soft grips, some prefer not to have them. I will mention though if go with soft grip your can replace the grips for fairly cheap if they wear out.

 

[WWheeler]

I would strongly recommend Snap-on swivel-head in whatever size you will use the most which depends on what you're working on. They've been my 1st choice / go-to ratchets since the first time I used one.

 

[seber]

Long handle 3/8 flex is almost the only thing I use. Personally I fing the comfort grip is a detriment. For running the screw-nut up and down I turn the handle back to it's full bend limit and spin it as a speed wrench. Comfort grips don't spin in the palm very well.

 

[Tallpilot]

The comfort grips do get dirty but I find a quick wipe with a Grime Boss or Tub o Towels cleaning cloth before you put the ratchet away keeps it looking pretty much new.

 

[Wamsutta]

The 3/8" drive flex stubby with the hard handle.

 

[KM223]

Take your pick. I’ll sell you anyone you like!

View media item 80183

 

[JimNC]

I know that you said SO, but if you haven’t looked at the tools from Japan thread...

 

[homec]

How are the ones you own now not up to the jobs you do?
Did they break?

Just don't like them. They're too short imo, and too much back drag, often defeating purpose of ratchet. Plus I don't like the old style heads. Would rather flip a switch to reverse. Plus, I think the SO would be a bit lower profile. Was trying to get in at something the other day and I couldn't. A little difference in head height would have gotten me in there.

Was debating getting a set of GW, but someone in one of the snap-on threads talked about back drag being higher on the GW and that's something I can relate to.

While I'm not SO obsessed, I do like high quality tools. Williams sockets, WrightGrip 2.0 wrenches, knipex pliers etc. Time for a bit of SO methinks. I violated my buy once cry once policy when i bought the CT kit, but it was a big discount and it got me started so can't complain too much.

 

[R_einan]

The 3/8" drive flex stubby with the hard handle.

FHFDK80, a great little 3/8 and comfortable too! I have been considering the FHFLD80 but I’m still holding out for a hard handle 3/8 roto to come back. I love my 1/4 hard handle roto even more than the flex heads.

However, I’m really liking the SK LP90 I got last year from Epstein’s, minimal back drag, 90T, very low profile head, really an awesome ratchet. Not as comfortable as a snap on hard handle, but not bad either.

 

[L.Cheapo]

My most used ratchets are a 1/4" medium length flex head hard handle, a 3/8" standard hard handle ratchet, and the longest flex head 1/2" hard handle. The latter makes quick work of tough jobs, though some suggest they're for collecting only.
View media item 85953

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

hard handle look nice, but i personally don't like the feel of it. soft handle is nice though.

 

[ReggieR]

Gearwrench 84's have less back drag than the series 80 snap on. So do Matco 88's and Mac 90's are similar to the series 80. Nepros is similar too.
Nepros has better handles than any of them. Thats a chunk of sausage there. Too bad they arent knurled a bit like the Proto XL. Thats a nice handle. If i get any more Snap-On they'll likely be comfort handles this time

 

[homec]

Ugh. Being in Canada *****. It doesn't seem like you can actually buy from Snap-on's Canadian site, and you can't select Canada from the US site. And all the US tool sites with best pricing don't ship to canada.

What is with all these professional tool companies making it so hard to acquire their products? I'm almost considering GW ust because I can order from amazon and be done with it.

So frustrating.

 

[ducksface]

Just don't like them. They're too short imo, and too much back drag, often defeating purpose of ratchet. Plus I don't like the old style heads. Would rather flip a switch to reverse. Plus, I think the SO would be a bit lower profile. Was trying to get in at something the other day and I couldn't. A little difference in head height would have gotten me in there.

Was debating getting a set of GW, but someone in one of the snap-on threads talked about back drag being higher on the GW and that's something I can relate to.

While I'm not SO obsessed, I do like high quality tools. Williams sockets, WrightGrip 2.0 wrenches, knipex pliers etc. Time for a bit of SO methinks. I violated my buy once cry once policy when i bought the CT kit, but it was a big discount and it got me started so can't complain too much.

Thanks.
That's just about the most reasonable thing I've ever read on gj concerning tool selection

 

[gdocktor3]

Some of the best money I spent was on SO 1/4" and 3/8" long handled flex heads with quick release.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have 4 GW120xp ratchets and I don't think the back drag is that bad. I like SK round heads the best so if I bought another Snap-on ratchet it would be the roto head ratchets. They ought to be just as good as my SK 3870 and the best part, Snap-on still makes them. They also just have that cool look to them.

 

[fos373]

I would recommend my two favorites the 1/4 & 3/8dr Roto-head ratchets with a hard or comfort grip handle. I found these to be my go-to ratchets.

I have to agree with this. I love my SO roto ratchets (1/4, 3/8 regular and 3/8 "stubby") - all hard handle.

 

[Wamsutta]

Ugh. Being in Canada *****. It doesn't seem like you can actually buy from Snap-on's Canadian site, and you can't select Canada from the US site. And all the US tool sites with best pricing don't ship to canada.

What is with all these professional tool companies making it so hard to acquire their products? I'm almost considering GW ust because I can order from amazon and be done with it.

So frustrating.

You can't order online from Canada? That can't be right.

 

[JBradley500]

TL72, FLF80A, and SLF80A. I love all of my kids, but those ones are the most versatile workers.

 

[Evan(CA)]

Take your pick. I’ll sell you anyone you like!

View media item 80183

Trade me the 1/2" techangle for my 1/2" techwrench. I have a 3/8" techangle thinking that would be enough but I've needed more a few times now

 

[Fedwrench]

Probably the best all round 3/8 drive ratchet from snap on would be their flf80

 

[mlum6969]

the one i use the most would be the flf80, then the slf80. i got the 3/8 first, then 1/2 and the 1/4 last.

 

[chipper]

If I could only have one it would be fl80 but as everyone knows....once you pop you can't stop...drink the kool-aid

 

[65k10]

While my FF80A and FL80 are my favorite Snap-On ratchets, I think I'd go with and FLF80A as my first since it probably is the most versatile. In 1/2" I like my SX80B when I need a flex, but to be honest my Gearwrench 81306f has been decent. I don't have much of an opinion on 1/4". I have a TF72, but I don't use 1/4" much and it hasn't seen much use. If you've noticed a pattern that if I was going to buy only a few Snap-On ratchets, it would be flex head (maybe locking flex) with a longer than standard handle. Other lengths and fixed handles are nice, but they can come later or can be taken care of with other brands if budget matters.

 

[PR1Gneon]

FLF80 and SLX80A

IMO SO 1/4 ratchets are overpriced.


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