Help me choose 1/2 inch ratchet

[jvitez]

I've got a Husky 1/2" ratchet right now, 44 clicks per 360 degrees so I assume 44 teeth. The actuation is rather coarse/sloppy, and the handle movement per tooth engagement is more than I'd often like. So.....

what else should I buy? I'd like something with more teeth, finer actuation. My favorite ratchet is my father's old Indestro 3/8 inch, smooth as butter, very fine actuation, small arc per click. I've always wanted to try Cornwell (not available in Canada) but I see their ratchets are only 30 teeth. I've got Snap On, Mac, Wright, and Gray available easily. I want to keep it USA or Canadian made. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Bull]

The smoothest ratchets I have ever felt are the vintage Huskies with the black push button release on top...made by New Britain I believe. I have a 1/2 and then a Penncraft 3/8 but it's the same manufacturer (NB). Lubed with Permatex red, they are absolute silk, and I've played around with a lot of ratchets (I am not well-versed in the truck brands, I admit.)

They have to be the quick-release kind, though. I've had the vintage Husky/NB with the non-quick release head and they are less silky. Odd, but true in my experience.

 

[MikesTTGt]

If your just looking for a standard size 1/2in ratchet i would try a Snap-On S80, ever since I bought my first 80 tooth Snap On ratchet Ive been hooked. I somtimes wonder if people that own the 80's still use their 36's etc... I just cant do it anymore Im hooked!!

 

[arkangel06]

MATCO!

Remember snap on's are no longer US made.

 

[Mickey O]

I would recommend a Proto 5449P, great deals to be had on them on eBay, but since you are in Canada I would suggest this particular auction, great Proto ratchets at a great price, link.

Patented push button release and hand turned speeder ring
4° ratcheting angle for more turning in confined spaces
Double pawl mechanism doubles the action of the teeth
Speeder ring

Length 10"
Weight 1.26 lbs
Drive Type 1/2 In

 

[jvitez]

Sorry, I should have clarified. My Husky was purchased from Home Depot maybe 7 or 8 years ago as a 1/2" set. The smaller sockets say Made In USA but the larger ones don't, nor does the ratchet. It's an OK set, but I'd like a better ratchet. I will definitely upgrade to a better set overall at some point.

That awesome vintage Wright socket set I got from you Bull has a smoother actuating ratchet, but still 44 clicks. I really don't want to use the tootsie-roll handled ratchet for removing my Dodge diesel filter cover, it's much too special for that, though I do want to use it for cleaner work here and there.

 

[Mickey O]

I just checked the link and it's gone, was available when I posted. Someone here?

Nope, I was wrong, it has ended, "My eBay" had it as re-listed. It didn't sell and the seller is out of town according to his auction listing, I would contact him/her if you're interested and make arrangements.

 

[jvitez]

I would recommend a Proto 5449P, great deals to be had on them on eBay, but since you are in Canada I would suggest this particular auction, great Proto ratchets at a great price, link.

Patented push button release and hand turned speeder ring
4° ratcheting angle for more turning in confined spaces
Double pawl mechanism doubles the action of the teeth
Speeder ring

Length 10"
Weight 1.26 lbs
Drive Type 1/2 In

Very interesting looking ratchets. I've never seen these before. Are they actually made by Proto or something rebranded? I know Proto is Stanley/Mac/Armstrong/Matco but there are variations between them. I've got 30 year old Proto tools of my Dad's (sockets and open ended wrenches) that are fabulous quality, so if this is the same level of quality I'm interested.

I've also always wanted to try a fine tooth Snap On. Hmmm, I just realized I might really need 2 new ratchets

 

[Mickey O]

Very interesting looking ratchets. I've never seen these before. Are they actually made by Proto or something rebranded? I know Proto is Stanley/Mac/Armstrong/Matco but there are variations between them. I've got 30 year old Proto tools of my Dad's (sockets and open ended wrenches) that are fabulous quality, so if this is the same level of quality I'm interested.

I've also always wanted to try a fine tooth Snap On. Hmmm, I just realized I might really need 2 new ratchets

I don't really know if it's re-branded, I haven't see another similar with a different name, I have one and it says Proto USA and it's a very good ratchet, especially for the money. I was going to buy them but shipping to the states was a little high and I already have the 1/2".

 

[Fedwrench]

I know Proto is Stanley/Mac/Armstrong/Matco but there are variations between them.

Proto may be related to Stanley and Mac but not to Armstrong or Matco.

I agree that you really need two 1/2 inch drive ratchets, a standard length and a long flex head model but, that's just me.

 

[Chadro]

MATCO!

Remember snap on's are no longer US made.

Hate to hijack, but really? Is that the truth?

 

[jvitez]

Proto may be related to Stanley and Mac but not to Armstrong or Matco.

I agree that you really need two 1/2 inch drive ratchets, a standard length and a long flex head model but, that's just me.

Sheesh, Danaher for Armstrong/Matco. I knew that...until I posted the wrong info! Thanks for clarifying

I've got a hankering for a Cornwell long handled flex head with blue handle, but none to be had here. First I should get a better standard length ratchet.

Have you looked at Armstrong? 12-992 is a standard length, 10 11/64", 60 tooth. The 12-994 is 18 1/2", 60 tooth - and also locking flex.

No Armstrong around here AFAIK. I also forgot to mention we do have Proto available at retail industrial houses here.

 

[plinker]

The most comfortable 1/2 ratchets I have used are Armstrong 12-972/3/4 ratchets.

I swaped my S-O and Williams 936 series ratchets to my home box and use the Armstrongs for my go-to ratchets.

 

[atari]

Proto on e-bay are new, cheep, and plentiful.

 

[Merkava_4]

MATCO!
Remember snap on's are no longer US made.

According to customer service, Snap-on ratchets are made here:

Snap-On Tools Corp.
2195 State Line Rd.
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Phone: 423-543-5771

The whole entire ratchet, guts and all.

 

[chadster1]

MATCO!

Remember snap on's are no longer US made.

Wrong info. According to official information, Snap-on ratchets are 100% made in the USA.

 

[stricht8]

Hate to hijack, but really? Is that the truth?

According to two SO dealers that I've asked, they are still US made.

 

[stricht8]

Let's not forget the craftsman RHFTs. They are dirt cheap new.

 

[l_bilyk]

Buy a snap-on dual 80. It's my go-to 3/8 ratchet now. The others are collecting dust.