Hey looking to get a couple new ratchet wrenches. Any good recommendations out there for a part time heavy equipment mechanic. I work at a cemetery on all the equipment and am looking to replace a couple husky and napa/carlisle 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets. The tools are my own and i'd like to get something affordable but well built. I prefer something with a teardrop shape with a quick release and thumb lock. So many options out there online but i want some real feedback from guys who love there tools as much as i do. Ive got 2 young kids so its hard to get out and really touch and look at alot of the ones i see online. Let me know what you guys/girls are using so i can spend some more money on tools. Thanks for the feedback
Help me find a good ratchet
- Thread starter NPando85
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devoncoolman
Well-known member
I use almost all snap-on dual 80 ratchets. But do have a couple sk ratchets thrown into the mix. Honestly love my sk ratchets. If your trying to stay affordable buy sk. Just my opinion but they are very good.
Sam'sAutoParts
Well-known member
I really like me snap on dual 80s
But I have seen Armstrong and Carlyle (Napa) praised as well. All are teardrop. I like my SK rats as well but they are round head.
But I have seen Armstrong and Carlyle (Napa) praised as well. All are teardrop. I like my SK rats as well but they are round head.
Askme42
Well-known member
AceofSpad3s
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SK is the ****, my favorite ratchet is 45170 cannot suggest it to the op since it is not a pear head or quick release but the finish on it is really exceptional, I cannot speak for the new sk though, I got mine used so it is pre bankruptcy sk.
Kirbot
Well-known member
The current Husky ratchets are basically quick release versions of gearwrench, and actually really nice. There are a number of cheap rebranded gearwrench gems in the Husky line up.
If by thumb lock, you're talking about a locking flex head.... That REALLY narrows it down, especially wanting quick release. Snapon might make one..... I can't really think of any others
If by thumb lock, you're talking about a locking flex head.... That REALLY narrows it down, especially wanting quick release. Snapon might make one..... I can't really think of any others
AceofSpad3s
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I have the husky roto that is pretty similar to the gearwrench one and it is pretty good for the price.
Agreed. Though the "new" S-K looks pretty awesome.
rockinacummins
Well-known member
Snap on dual 80
I absolutely LOVED my Snap on 36 tooth hard handled ratchets I bought in the mid 1990s. Then I bought a Dual 80 comfort grip 1/2" long handled ratchet. Mind blown. All my future ratchets will be Dual 80s. Not cheap, but worth it to me.
For our info, what's wrong with the Carlyle? they get a lot of buzz here but still hard to separate the signal from the noise.
This thread can help you find what models of dual 80 are quick release, the SO website isn't great really.
This thread can help you find what models of dual 80 are quick release, the SO website isn't great really.
PowderKeg
Well-known member
Yup, quick release is easily understood (prefer it as well for user ratchets) but need a better description of "thumb lock" - you talking about locking flex head ratchets (which will severely limit the options) or something else, maybe referring in some fashion to the style/shape of the reverse switch/lever?
quattroJoe
Well-known member
This post has made me realize that, although I prefer quick release as well, all of my favorite ratchets don't have it! My most used are Armstrong, then Bahco (with the dual 80 mech,) then Gearwrench 120XP. Probably my favorite ratchet that does have quick release is my thin profile Craftsman (Taiwan.) Gonna have to check out the Husky rats that Kirbot mentioned... as if I need an excuse to buy more ratchets!
XxToolAholicxX
Well-known member
Get the Harbor Freight ones that looks just like Snap-On. They are 72 tooth and feel really good in hands. With a 25% coupon you cant go wrong and they have lifetime warranty. They are the ones with black and orange handles. It might be the same company that makes the Gearwrench products.
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I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit
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I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit
1950mercury
Well-known member
If money is no object get new so duel 80's from ebay for about half price. They are awesome.
MrJason
Well-known member
You'll need a mix of regular and long handle ratchets.
For the short ratchets, and a price point where it doesn't bankrupt you, the Harbor Freight ratchets are really good. If you want to step up, go Carlyle at your NAPA store. Highest step up, Snap-On or Matco. Check this forum, for Tool Truck Equivalent help. You can save big coin, by using the info available.
For the Long Handle ratchets:
I bought the Titan long handle ratchets, and they are damn good. Here's a link.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0017XOIOI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420271752&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40
EzReds aren't worth the hype. Individual Tekton long handle ratchets are beasts too.
Spend the time to read up on the tools, then make a qualified decision and buy in confidence.
we're here to help.
Jason
Sorry should have been more clear by thumb lock I meant the reverse switch. By thumb I meant something one handed that I can flick direction in a tight spot. I don't have a problem with my Carlisle ratchet I just need something new and have been lurking on these forums a long time so I thought I'd see what's recommended. I don't have a snap on truck that comes around tho I see them around. I ordered a catalog on there site which just came so I was checking out the popular dual 80. Not sure I wanna drop 160 bucks on a wrench for the amount I use it but I'm Def gonna try to find someone local who has one I can check out. I appreciate the feedback Def gonna try to head out tomorrow and take a look at Napa and some of the other ones you guys mention.
You do not need a dual 80. Despite all of the chest pounding it is just a ratchet and not as spectacular as everyone gets all wet and orgasmic about.I have a dual 80 and grab my Armstrong 60/88 models, gearwrench 60/120 models nearly 100% of the time.
The dual 80 is a fine ratchet but it is thick and bulky. Try lots of things as no ratchet is perfect for every job. Get what you like not what some one else likes.
The dual 80 is a fine ratchet but it is thick and bulky. Try lots of things as no ratchet is perfect for every job. Get what you like not what some one else likes.
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RedneckWelder
Well-known member
Honestly I'd look at Armstrong and used Snap Ons.
Gearwrench is also OK, but not sure if I would consider them a huge upgrade over Carlyle.
Gearwrench is also OK, but not sure if I would consider them a huge upgrade over Carlyle.
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ishiboo
Well-known member
The GW 84-tooths are really well-reviewed.
I would personally get 2 sets of the HF composite ratchets, they are fantastic. Or one of the composites, one of the new red/black handled ones with the same fantastic guts.
I would personally get 2 sets of the HF composite ratchets, they are fantastic. Or one of the composites, one of the new red/black handled ones with the same fantastic guts.
The OP said he wants "Teardrop", "Quick release" and "Thumb switch". SO Dual 80's do not have quick release.
One option is to go to Ebay and search for Kobalt Spark Plug Kit. The ratchet in this kit is a 3/8" Teardrop, Quick Release, Thumb drive with a flex head. It's really a nice ratchet and is made in Taiwan vs China.
They're <$30 on Ebay.
One option is to go to Ebay and search for Kobalt Spark Plug Kit. The ratchet in this kit is a 3/8" Teardrop, Quick Release, Thumb drive with a flex head. It's really a nice ratchet and is made in Taiwan vs China.
They're <$30 on Ebay.
Kirbot
Well-known member
These are the Husky ratchets I was talking about.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Flex-Head-Ratchet-H38FPFRAT/202923412
They're made by Apex. (same as Gearwrench)
And they use a 72 tooth version of the Gearwrench mechanism.
I wouldn't call these an upgrade from Carlyle either, BUT if you want quick release, I don't see how you could go wrong.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Flex-Head-Ratchet-H38FPFRAT/202923412
They're made by Apex. (same as Gearwrench)
And they use a 72 tooth version of the Gearwrench mechanism.
I wouldn't call these an upgrade from Carlyle either, BUT if you want quick release, I don't see how you could go wrong.
Brians VWss
Well-known member
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espyking83
Well-known member
Start out with either Bahco, Williams, Armstrong 88's, SK, or Carlyle. They're very affordable and designed for proffesional use. If you like it a lot and you feel the necessity to spend more on a ratchet then go with a Snap On.