I ended up going with the unpopular option. I talked to him and we went to Sears. Spent some time looking at Chinese saw blades, Chinese wrenches, Taiwanese pliers, Indian abrasives and lots of Chinese power tools. Turned it in and placed an order for the 3/8 84 tooth. It was a good time.
While I understand where many of you are coming from, about it being a gift from Dad, I've got lots of stuff to remember him when he's gone and am sure I will collect much more in the coming years. Instead of "that **** ratchet my dad got me" it's become "this awesome ratchet I helped my dad get me". I've turned a gift that bugged me into a memory of wandering around the store with my dad bitching about COO, corporate mergers, and the environmental impact of gigantic transoceanic cargo vessels.
Thanks for the input guys.