Hand tools for quick job--what local retailer

[bbrins]

A ratchet would be about the last thing that I would need to purchase on a Sunday. But say for something like an odd sized socket, or some special tool, first I would try the Ace Hardware in Owings since it is closest and on the way to everywhere else, then towards Dunkirk where there is a Do-it Best, Wal-Mart, Advance Auto Parts, and an AutoZone. If I can't find it in those places, then I'll head toward Prince Frederick where there is a Tractor Supply, AutoZone, Advance, Wal-Mart, K-Mart(closing down), True Value, and a NAPA. Chances are that I would give up looking after Dunkirk and just go home and order what I need, if I am out driving around looking for tools, I am already driving my backup vehicle anyway, I'll just drive that for a couple of days.

 

[Yarpo]

I don't think $65 is a lot of money for a quality ratchet. How often do you buy a ratchet? But if you think the HF ratchet (Pittsburgh?) is the same quality, then ok.

You can buy Snap on ratchets for 65 dollars, so with that I also think 65 for a Taiwanese ratchet is a lot, even tho most my ratchets are made in Taiwan not a single has costed that.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I don't think $65 is a lot of money for a quality ratchet. How often do you buy a ratchet? But if you think the HF ratchet (Pittsburgh?) is the same quality, then ok.

I think they come out of the very same factory in Taiwan and the only difference is one has a 72 tooth mechanism and one has a 90.

If you think $65 isn't a lot of money to spend on an import ratchet, then okay.

 

[JulianMorrow]

You can buy Snap on ratchets for 65 dollars, so with that I also think 65 for a Taiwanese ratchet is a lot, even tho most my ratchets are made in Taiwan not a single has costed that.

Yarpo, where are you buying Snap-on ratchets at $65 a pop? Do you mean the OEM equivalents? Even used Snap-On ratchets on eBay cost way more than $65, unless they're clearly worn out and near end of life.

 

[mudflap]

What? My local NAPA is open Sundays from 9-5.

Not around here..and only open til noon on Sat.

 

[Yarpo]

Yarpo, where are you buying Snap-on ratchets at $65 a pop? Do you mean the OEM equivalents? Even used Snap-On ratchets on eBay cost way more than $65, unless they're clearly worn out and near end of life.

No, I ment snap on ratchets Have you ever searched "Snap On Ratchet" on ebay?

Found these in....24 seconds.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Snap-...253057&hash=item4431d59d18:g:UWkAAOSwUIhZYBA6

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-on-T7...846979&hash=item468c1b3aad:g:390AAOSw~flcFW4F

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-O...787716?hash=item2ce4a82c84:g:WcoAAOSw-sVcWFvx

For what it's worth, theres tons more near 80 and 90, hardly any of them "clearly worn out near the end of their life" as they're brand new lol.

You can get a brand new S80A for 85dollars last I I saw, less If you wait for Ebay coupons

Edit; Just bought a T72. For 54 dollars after my 5 dollar Ebay coupon I had, can't beat it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-O...283500&hash=item2ce4ccffac:g:K6sAAOSwyi5cW2wO

 

[JulianMorrow]

I think they come out of the very same factory in Taiwan and the only difference is one has a 72 tooth mechanism and one has a 90. If you think $65 isn't a lot of money to spend on an import ratchet, then okay.

I don't think all import ratchets are the same. There are some quality tools that come out of Taiwan--Tekton, Carlyle, and a lot of the old Craftsman were forged in Taiwan.

You'll easily drop $65 taking your wife/gf out to dinner. But $65 on a quality ratchet is unreasonable? Don't understand this, unless you think there's no difference between Tekton/Carlyle and a cheap wrench. If you're thinking HF Pittsburgh line, you'll spend more than $15 on that--unless you buy a plastic coated ratchet.

 

[JulianMorrow]

No, I ment snap on ratchets Have you ever searched "Snap On Ratchet" on ebay? Found these in....24 seconds.

That was rather slippery--2 out of the 3 links you posted were for tiny 1/4" ratchets. You couldn't even change your oil with those ratchets. Your third link was to a 3/8" ratchet that was $79, not $65.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Not around here..and only open til noon on Sat.

That's incredible--I don't know how your NAPA stays in business. Unless they're selling almost exclusively to commercial accounts, e.g., garages.

 

[Yarpo]

That was rather slippery--2 out of the 3 links you posted were for tiny 1/4" ratchets. You couldn't even change your oil with those ratchets. Your third link was to a 3/8" ratchet that was $79, not $65.

Uh, but they are ratchets, and brand new Snap on ratchets at that no?

Also, you absolutely could change your oil with a T72, TL72, or any other 1/4" variation depending on what you drive and/or depending on if you let jiffy lube hit them with an impact. I use a 3/8th drive ratchet as I'm sure most do, but 13mm drain plugs would absolutely be do-able with 1/4" drive. In fact I might just try tomorrow depending on what I'm working on.

Btw my three links where found in 24 seconds, last I looked an F80 was for sale for 72 dollars but I couldn't find that one, so I grabbed the next best thing. I should have put "near" 65 to avoid the arguing over a few dollars I suppose

 

[JulianMorrow]

Uh, but they are ratchets, and brand new Snap on ratchets at that no? Also, you absolutely could change your oil with a T72, TL72, or any other 1/4" variation depending on what you drive

Sure, if you're driving a riding lawnmower--kind of like Richard Farnsworth in The Straight Story. This exchange is now going sideways, so I'll just say thanks for your tiny ratchet lesson. Be careful using those tomorrow.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I don't think all import ratchets are the same.

I never said they were all the same.

There are some quality tools that come out of Taiwan

Agreed.

Tekton, Carlyle, and a lot of the old Craftsman were forged in Taiwan.

Funny you should mention Tekton. They have a fair bit of product overlap with Harbor Freight.

https://www.tekton.com/composite-ratchets?quantity=1&drive-size=3-8-in

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-composite-quick-release-ratchet-62290.html

https://www.tekton.com/swivel-head-ratchets?quantity=1&drive-size=3-8-in

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html

https://www.tekton.com/8-inch-long-nose-pliers-pgf10008

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-in-heavy-duty-long-nose-pliers-63811.html

You'll easily drop $65 taking your wife/gf out to dinner.

Yes.

But $65 on a quality ratchet is unreasonable?

If I can get a comparable tool for less than 1/4 the price? You're damn right.

Don't understand this, unless you think there's no difference between Tekton/Carlyle and a cheap wrench.

The difference is the Pittsburgh Pro is a 72 tooth mechanism and the Carlyle is a 90 tooth mechanism. We've covered this.

If you're thinking HF Pittsburgh line, you'll spend more than $15 on that--unless you buy a plastic coated ratchet.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-low-profile-ratchet-62328.html

18.99 - 20% coupon = $15.19

Damn. You're right.

But I still got my free magnetic parts tray!

 

[Trucker88]

That was rather slippery--2 out of the 3 links you posted were for tiny 1/4" ratchets. You couldn't even change your oil with those ratchets. Your third link was to a 3/8" ratchet that was $79, not $65.

I think the overall point trying to be made is in that price range you could buy a higher end tool. I have to agree that $65 is quite a bit of money for a Carlyle ratchet. Most of the ones I see are around the $100 range and that’s pure crazy. They are nice but they aren’t any better (maybe a tad nicer visually ) than a harbor freight ratchet. But I also don’t see the point in paying Snap-On prices either. They may be a bit better but not worth paying 6 or 8 times more than a suitable ratchet. But if you can find Carlyle in the quarterly sales flyer for $30-$40, that is worth buying. I just got 2 of them. Only down side is they require an original receipt for any warranty issues. Everyone has their own opinion on value and quality. You only need to convince yourself that your money was well spent. On to the OP’s original question; If you only own one ratchet you would probably fall under the occasional diy’er and wouldn’t necessarily be concerned about a super high quality shiny ratchet and the closest place with a fairy inexpensive ratchet would solve the problem rather quickly. I can’t see any average person who only owns one ratchet to put any thought into a ratchet purchase. Me personally I would probably wind up at HF because the only tool that matters is a tool getting the job completed.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[65k10]

Sunday? I think the closest option would be a 60 mile drive to Runnings where they sell mostly Pro Grade branded tools along with some Tekton. Any other day of the week I'd have some closer options, but nothing I'd want to rely on. It's easier to have multiples of stuff on hand in my case since having to run somewhere to get something can eat up a couple hours to most of the day.

 

[JulianMorrow]

I never said they were all the same. Damn.

I'm not sure which is worse: Yarpo's tiny wrenches or your plastic wrenches. And for some reason you linked to a pair of long-nose pliers--they're the same, is that your point--that's a five dollar difference. But that Pittsburgh ratchet does look like a good buy. Make sure you bring your coupon!

 

[Rabid Badger]

I'm not sure which is worse: Yarpo's tiny wrenches or your plastic wrenches. And for some reason you linked to a pair of long-nose pliers--they're the same, is that your point--that's a five dollar difference. But that Pittsburgh ratchet does look like a good buy. Make sure you bring your coupon!

There were words before the links. Read those and you'll understand why they're there.

As for the plastic wrenches comment...I'm at a loss.

 

[Yarpo]

I'm not sure which is worse: Yarpo's tiny wrenches or your plastic wrenches. And for some reason you linked to a pair of long-nose pliers--they're the same, is that your point--that's a five dollar difference. But that Pittsburgh ratchet does look like a good buy. Make sure you bring your coupon!

All you asked was "Yarpo, where are you buying Snap-on ratchets at $65 a pop?"

and I gave you two examples at/under that, one example 4 dollars above that, and another in that ballpark only to illustrate that 65 dollars for a Carlyle is steep when Snap on is near that price.

I think the overall point trying to be made is in that price range you could buy a higher end tool. I have to agree that $65 is quite a bit of money for a Carlyle ratchet. Most of the ones I see are around the $100 range and that’s pure crazy.

Indeed, here's another example.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR1290

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-O...h=item2ce4dfdb6f:g:1EMAAOSw3k9cXNz5:rk:2:pf:0

 

[JulianMorrow]

There were words before the links. Read those and you'll understand why they're there. As for the plastic wrenches comment...I'm at a loss.

Try these words: composite wrench = plastic wrench. You're the one who linked to those wrenches--just to show us what quality tools really look like.

 

[JulianMorrow]

All you asked was "Yarpo, where are you buying Snap-on ratchets at $65 a pop?" and I gave you two examples

And I thanked you for that tiny wrench shopping spree. Now you can change the oil on your lawnmower. Be careful driving your John Deere out on the interstate.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Try these words: composite wrench = plastic wrench. You're the one who linked to those wrenches--just to show us what quality tools really look like.

Read the words.

You held up Tekton as a bastion of Taiwanese quality. I pointed out that many of Tekton's tools are sold in Harbor Freight under different labels. Ergo, it doesn't make sense to dismiss all HF tools as junk when you hold some of them in the same esteem as Carlyle when they have a Tekton label on them.

Explain to me what makes this ratchet:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR3890

worth 4 times more than this one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-low-profile-ratchet-62328.html

 

[ssdave]

And I thanked you for that tiny wrench shopping spree. Now you can change the oil on your lawnmower. Be careful driving your John Deere out on the interstate.

Have you tried using quality 1/4" drive tools? I've gone almost exclusively to using 1/4" drive. The last three engines I pulled and rebuilt, I did 90% of the work with 1/4" drive; used a couple 3/8" sockets and two 1/2" drive for some of the tougher bolts. I bet 95% of the work I do on my Ford pickup is done with 1/4" drive. 1/4" drive isn't just for small engine repair anymore.

Now, if you want to buy lower cost ratchets at the stores you mentioned, you're right, you want to look at a bit heavier drive sizes for your ratchet and sockets. But, the 1/4" drive SO referenced aren't tiny play tools, they are workhorse tools very much in use in the real, professional world. SO really upped the game with their smaller ratchets a few years ago, and the rest of the manufacturers are rushing to try to catch up too.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Read the words. Explain to me what makes this ratchet worth 4 times more than this one:

You do know that you can buy a 3/8" Carlyle teardrop ratchet for $25, right.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38TD

Ergo, it doesn't make sense to dismiss all HF tools as junk

Who dismissed all HF tools as junk. In my opening post, I listed Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh line as my #3 choice when buying from local retailers. Read the words? You obviously haven't read this thread--try that before you post again. At least you didn't link to more plastic tools. That's progress.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Out of those choices, it's either Harbor Freight or Napa. Those are the only two I can count on to stock a wide variety of tools.

 

[Rabid Badger]

You do know that you can buy a 3/8" Carlyle teardrop ratchet for $25, right.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38TD



Who dismissed all HF tools as junk. In my opening post, I listed Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh line as my #3 choice when buying from local retailers. Read the words? You obviously haven't read this thread--try that before you post again. At least you didn't link to more plastic tools. That's progress.

Don't get distracted now.

You've been trying to make the case that the 90 tooth Carlyle is worth $62 when the 72 tooth Pittsburgh Pro can be had for $15. Remember? Right here:

You'll easily drop $65 taking your wife/gf out to dinner. But $65 on a quality ratchet is unreasonable? Don't understand this, unless you think there's no difference between Tekton/Carlyle and a cheap wrench.

So why are you shifting the goalposts now, try to tell me I can get a Carlyle that is clearly inferior to the Pittsburgh for only $10 more?

 

[JulianMorrow]

Have you tried using quality 1/4" drive tools? I've gone almost exclusively to using 1/4" drive. The last three engines I pulled and rebuilt, I did 90% of the work with 1/4" drive; used a couple 3/8" sockets and two 1/2" drive for some of the tougher bolts.

Dave, you wrote a serious post, so I'll try to provide a serious answer. When doing major engine repair, most people need long ratchets to provide the leverage and torque required to loosen fasteners. The short 1/4" ratchets linked to in a previous post would not be sufficient for most people.

In addition, the $65 spent on used 1/4" short Snap-on ratchets could be better spent. You can buy new Williams ratchets (Snap-on's Industrial brand) in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets in full lengths. For most people, that would be a much smarter buy.

 

[Magnum440d100]

First, it would never happen.

True GJ guys have way more than one ratchet.

But theoretically, if it did, whatever place was closest and open.

Closest to me is AutoZone.

If all places were open, and I had the time and gas, HF is my go to.

Bill

Took the words right outta my mouth.

The wildcard would be wether the ratchet broke at home where I have quite a few dozens, or on the side of the road where I only have one (of each size) in my car box.....

Dammit... now gonna start carrying adapters in my car box so if my 3/8 breaks, I can use my 1/2”.....

Closest to me is autozone as well, or Ace, or Oreillys.... Harbor freight is about a 10 minute drive, 15 minutes to a Sears.... different story out on the road....

 

[ssdave]

Dave, you wrote a serious post, so I'll try to provide a serious answer. When doing major engine repair, most people need long ratchets to provide the leverage and torque required to loosen fasteners. The short 1/4" ratchets linked to in a previous post would not be sufficient for most people.

In addition, the $65 spent on used 1/4" short Snap-on ratchets could be better spent. You can buy new Williams ratchets (Snap-on's Industrial brand) in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets in full lengths. For most people, that would be a much smarter buy.

Since we're talking a hypothetical "most people" and one ratchet, I'll concede that if that were me, I'd buy a 1/2" ratchet to get the greater strength and leverage needed to do ALL the work. My 1/2" SAE socket set, for instance, goes from 1/4" through 1 1/2" and has 27 sockets in it. It's arguably my most versatile set. I own it, so have that choice, but I still use my 1/4" drive T72's and my old Midget 1/4" SO more than any others. But, I am in the 25 or so ratchet category, so can pick and choose for the work needed.

Now, whether buying a T72 1/4" drive, or a williams copy of the older generation 36 tooth ratchet is best? I have both; I like both; but I've pretty much switched over to the newer T72. If you throw in the constraint that cheaper is better, than the Wiliams would win. For me, I'd not consider the cost to be a major obstacle, and would buy the T72.

The problem with all these "which is better" threads is that one size doesn't fit all. I think a $65 T72 is a good value, and would choose it over a lower performance Williams at half the price. Others would think that both are a horrible wast of money, and would pick the plastic HF or chinesium no name at $9.99 or $3.99 instead. Some people are near a HF, some are near NAPA, some buy everything at Home Depot. Like many here, I don't have to shop at any of those places, I'd just go shop around in my own toolbox. So the parameters change with each persons circumstances.

 

[JulianMorrow]

You've been trying to make the case that the 90 tooth Carlyle is worth $62 when the 72 tooth Pittsburgh Pro can be had for $15.

Ok, more of this. Quote me anywhere advising you to buy a specific 90 tooth anything over a 72 tooth anything. You can't. Yet you keep repeating this strawman argument. Instead I stated the following:

I don't think $65 is a lot of money for a quality ratchet. How often do you buy a ratchet? But if you think the HF ratchet (Pittsburgh?) is the same quality, then ok.

The statement above was not sarcasm. I was trying to get you to specify what wrench (Pittsburgh?) you were thinking about buying at Harbor Freight. In fact, I recommended the HF-Pittsburgh line (#3 Choice) before you ever posted on this thread. But thanks for taking everyone on this detour to nowhere.

 

[tonyprovo723]

My problem is the "open" part. I usually only have time to wrench late at night, when I can't go out and buy a tool. You just have to learn to improvise, and have spares of things you cannot be without. It helps to have some torches and welding ability. My favorite seal puller was a broken screwdriver in an earlier life, and my exhaust hanger tool started as broken groove joint pliers.

At my work, it's even worse. We do preventative maintenance on certain equipment during an outage window of 0000-0400. If you haven't got what you need on-site, you're screwed.

You talked about them, at least show some pics.

Sent from my SM-G965U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Let's say you're a DIY weekender working on your car. You break a ratchet and don't have a replacement. You need to finish the job today--it's your daily driver and it's Sunday afternoon. You don't have enough time to order online. Where would you buy that tool via your local retail options. Here in Central Oklahoma, my options ranked:

1. NAPA--their Carlyle line seem to be well-made. Mac Tools rebranded some of their ratchets.
2. Lowe's--large selection of Chinese-made Craftsman.
3. Harbor Freight--Pittsburgh line.
4. Autozone--Duralast.
5. Home Depot--Husky line. (Note: my local Home Depot carries GearWrench, but you have to order it--they don't stock it).

I would likely go to the closest place and buy the tool needed to get the job done. Any of the budget tools from those places would likely be more than adequate for a do-it-your-self guy.. Fact is; that is where many of you guys shop anyways.

 

[Alaniho]

Over here nearly every store and rural co-op has one of the numerous rebands of the 'harbour Freight / Tekton ' composite ratchet. Was using the 1/4" on a job last weekend and I really enjoyed using it, comfortable and the backdrag is non existent, for the 10€ I paid for it, amazing value. Not sure about the bigger sizes but this is one I'd happily get again in a pinch.

 

[GTO]

Well, I was afraid Mr. Logical might show up. On a Sunday afternoon, most guys have access to a wife/girlfriend's vehicle. I have a daily driver; my wife has a daily driver. I don't keep spare vehicles around. And I don't keep 24 spare ratchets around, lol.

I just saw your join date,give it time,you will have 24 spare ratchets soon.

..and btw,you can find $60 SO ratchets on ebay.Ask me how I know.

 

[6PTsocket]

I'd probably go to Advance and get a GearWrench.

Except it will not be called Gearwrench. Advance is clearing out all the Gearwrench and replacing it with a house brand made by Apex, who also makes Gearwrench. I do nor recall what the name is or know how similar it will be to Gearwtench. I hear there are some good deals on remaining Gearwrench stock.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Yarpo]

Dave, you wrote a serious post, so I'll try to provide a serious answer. When doing major engine repair, most people need long ratchets to provide the leverage and torque required to loosen fasteners. The short 1/4" ratchets linked to in a previous post would not be sufficient for most people.

In addition, the $65 spent on used 1/4" short Snap-on ratchets could be better spent. You can buy new Williams ratchets (Snap-on's Industrial brand) in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets in full lengths. For most people, that would be a much smarter buy.

The TL72 means its longer than the regular 1/4" ratchet (T72)

In addition, none of those ratchets I linked where used?

 

[Davefr]

The OP asked which store could he go to on the weekend to find a decent replacement ratchet for an urgent DIY task.

...and some of you are suggesting shopping Ebay for a deal on a used SO ratchet. How is that supposed to help the OP if he get's into an urgent bind and needs to complete his task?

I still say the best "store bought" ratchet value that's available locally will be Pittsburg Pro. (quality and price). They really have improved significantly
as evidenced by 4.5 star reviews. ...and I'm not even a HF "fanboy.

 

[finn]

The OP asked which store could he go to on the weekend to find a decent replacement ratchet for an urgent DIY task.

...and some of you are suggesting shopping Ebay for a deal on a used SO ratchet. How is that supposed to help the OP if he get's into an urgent bind and needs to complete his task?

I still say the best "store bought" ratchet value that's available locally will be Pittsburg Pro. (quality and price). They really have improved significantly
as evidenced by 4.5 star reviews. ...and I'm not even a HF "fanboy.

Closest HF is over 100 miles away.

HF is not a national brand, in my world.

 

[Davefr]

Closest HF is over 100 miles away.

HH is not a national brand, in my world.

The OP said HF was a local option for him.

 

[bwringer]

If you live in a state with Meijer stores, they stock a very nice assortment of Tekton stuff and are open 24/7. They also have car and motorcycle batteries and other useful odds and ends.

Meijer also has a fairly well-stocked plumbing department if your ******* starts leaking at 2am. DAMHIK.

And Walmart's recent hand tools honestly ain't too bad for the money. Mostly Chinese, but pretty decent perfectly usable stuff. They're usually open 24/7 or at least until midnight. I've been to Wally Worlds in distant cities more than once after midnight for things like batteries and tools I don't have with me.

Once, we had to do a little intarwebs research and hit a Walmart to replace a leaking oil filter on a Triumph motorcycle. Turns out there's a Supertech car filter that works great and is less than $3. We also picked up a quart of oil, an aluminum cake pan, an oil filter wrench, and a small bag of kitty litter and handled the issue in the parking lot.

 

[mfewtrail]

I would likely buy a Stanley ratchet from Walmart since it's the closest to me and is guaranteed to be open at any hour on Sunday.

 

[mudflap]

Read the words.

You held up Tekton as a bastion of Taiwanese quality. I pointed out that many of Tekton's tools are sold in Harbor Freight under different labels. Ergo, it doesn't make sense to dismiss all HF tools as junk when you hold some of them in the same esteem as Carlyle when they have a Tekton label on them.

Explain to me what makes this ratchet:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR3890

worth 4 times more than this one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-low-profile-ratchet-62328.html

I often wonder why Tekton gets a pass on here. I know their customer service/warranty is really good. I know some of their screwdrivers and pliers are USA. But everything else is HF at double the price..