Help me pick out some new ratchets

[soloz2]

I am more or less a weekend warrior. I like to do simple repairs and upgrades to my vehicles on my own so I can frequently be found in my driveway detailing or working on one of my vehicles. Until recently I had no idea why I would need or want a better ratchet, but seeing a couple buddies use a rotor ratchet a couple times led me here...

I started out with the basic Craftsman kit my parents bought me when I was in high-school. Over the last 10 years I've slowly added to it and now have a decent selection of sockets in 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" I always looked at the newer ratchets at Sears and thought some of the handles would be more comfortable but figured they were an unnecessary luxury.

I did some reading here and found a couple references indicating that the Napa branded rotor ratchets are the same as the Gearwrench ones so I picked up a pair the other day as they were on sale for $37.50 for both 1/4" and 3/8". Before I realized this I grabbed a cheap HF version that I will probably return.

I quickly realized that even the cheap HF ratchet felt smoother than my old Craftsman ones and did some more reading. It seems my Craftsman ratchets only have 32 teeth and aren't very low profile. I'd like to upgrade my ratchets in at least 3/8" and 1/2" sizes for now but am not really sure what the best bang/buck is. I'd like to keep the cost down, but am fine searching for a deal or saving up. Used is OK too, but I don't know what to look for. Please point me in the right direction.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Gearwrench 60th teeth, upgrade to 88..
I heard they were going to make with 84 teeth.
Armstrongs 88th ratchets
Same as Matco 88

 

[transittech]

What features are you looking for? Roto head, flex head, locking flex head, indexing head, low profile, fine tooth, long handle, standard handle, soft grip, screwdriver handle, etc?

There are literally hundreds of choices out there, If you don't narrow it down you will get hundreds of answers.

 

[TwoInch]

GearWrench has a good selection of ratchet styles, and are a finer tooth design. good bang for the buck, and definitely worth the money. if you can swing the money, the armstrong ratchets seem to be popular the last few months

if you are looking for roto-head design, i cant help much. i havent been a fan as of yet, and own none.

 

[Hank McMauser]

GearWrench has a good selection of ratchet styles, and are a finer tooth design. good bang for the buck, and definitely worth the money. if you can swing the money, the armstrong ratchets seem to be popular the last few months

if you are looking for roto-head design, i cant help much. i havent been a fan as of yet, and own none.

don't go with gearwrench .....read his signature line for the real truth williams round head ,it's a much better ratchet. A fine tooth(dual pawl) round head design
I like the S-K tuff 1 series,a sweet 72 tooth floating/sliding pawl design. Also might want to try the old school standard S-K's 42t they are nice too, as are the old New Britain made round heads(sparta,husky,proto,etc)

 

[soloz2]

Well, I don't need roto head ratchets as I already picked up the pair of 1/4" and 3/8" drive Napa roto ratchets. Am I correct in understanding that these are rebranded gearwrench? I paid $40 for the pair. Is there something better for my money?

I think with the roto ratchets I'm mainly looking for a good all around ratchet. I don't think I need both flex and roto. I don't know what indexing means. I think a fine tooth (remember I'm coming from a 36 tooth ratchet) low profile would be nice. A long handle might be nice as well, but I might be asking too much to get all these together. I'd be happy with a low profile finer tooth ratchet and then add a long handle or telescoping handle ratchet later on down the line.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Sorry, but ratchets are one of those areas I can only suggest "big boy - big price tools" meaning Snap-On T72's and F80's and S80's or Matco 88's if you plan on wrenching for decades or use them regularly.

It just one area where you get what you pay for and almost all are VERY happy for having it when you need it.

I know, many folks can't buck up the coin to pay for it (and ***** daily about it), but it really is worth the money spent if you plan on relying on a ratchet for daily or heavy duty.

I get tired of the argument. But don't go all batshit when a ratchet fails but you did that 4th meal at Taco bell all week with teh ratchet fund moneies.

.

 

[Bull]

Hey, this is great timing. You can join us for Epstein's Day, which ends at midnight tonight. They have good prices on the Armstrong 60 tooth locking flex head ratchets that many people report are excellent all around, from grip to feel to function.

http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=armstrong+flex

Armstrong makes good stuff. This isn't any dinky cheeseball quality deal.

 

[TwoInch]

Well, I don't need roto head ratchets as I already picked up the pair of 1/4" and 3/8" drive Napa roto ratchets. Am I correct in understanding that these are rebranded gearwrench? I paid $40 for the pair. Is there something better for my money?

I think with the roto ratchets I'm mainly looking for a good all around ratchet. I don't think I need both flex and roto. I don't know what indexing means. I think a fine tooth (remember I'm coming from a 36 tooth ratchet) low profile would be nice. A long handle might be nice as well, but I might be asking too much to get all these together. I'd be happy with a low profile finer tooth ratchet and then add a long handle or telescoping handle ratchet later on down the line.

sounds like a locking flex armstrong is what you need. longer handle, fine tooth, and they seem to have small head profiles compared to many others.

a flex and roto both have there place. the locking flex can be locked in any position, so if you dont want to buy a ton of different ratchets, i think it would be a good middle. long handle, fine tooth, and the locking flex is just a bonus. perfect all-around ratchet and im sure once you used it, you would

just .02

 

[Fedwrench]

Just use the roto ratchets you already have for awhile to see how they work out for you. Down the road, you can always add longer ratchets if needed.

The Matco 60 and 88 tooth models, Armstrong 60 and 88 tooth, and Gearwrench 60 tooth versions are all the same ratchet design with cosmetic differences along with being made in different places.

When you disassemble them, they're the same internally down to the color of the o rings. All of them will serve you well.

It boils down to cost, handle shape, options like a locking flex head, origin, etc. as to what you want most.

 

[pipsters]

Sorry, but ratchets are one of those areas I can only suggest "big boy - big price tools" meaning Snap-On T72's and F80's and S80's or Matco 88's if you plan on wrenching for decades or use them regularly.

It just one area where you get what you pay for and almost all are VERY happy for having it when you need it.

I know, many folks can't buck up the coin to pay for it (and ***** daily about it), but it really is worth the money spent if you plan on relying on a ratchet for daily or heavy duty.

I get tired of the argument. But don't go all batshit when a ratchet fails but you did that 4th meal at Taco bell all week with teh ratchet fund moneies.

.

I dunno man I've done a boatload of work with my el cheapo Craftsman ratchets. Upgraded to the thin profiles for $55 for the 3 pc set and I'm really happy with them, anything really stuck I use a breaker bar or impact.

 

[TwoInch]

I dunno man I've done a boatload of work with my el cheapo Craftsman ratchets. Upgraded to the thin profiles for $55 for the 3 pc set and I'm really happy with them, anything really stuck I use a breaker bar or impact.

i agree. while they are great ratchets, there are many options for great quality, cheaper alternatives. the gearwrench-armstrong-matco mechanism is proven quality. then there are many other that are plenty, but of less tooth count.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I dunno man I've done a boatload of work with my el cheapo Craftsman ratchets. Upgraded to the thin profiles for $55 for the 3 pc set and I'm really happy with them, anything really stuck I use a breaker bar or impact.

Yep. Same tools. LOL.

Just like when I show up in a Ford 350 for work in nice dress clothes and at the end of the day buy a 12 pack of Yeungling and park next to the guy in a beat up caviler in a tank top buying Milwaukee's Best.

Yep. It's just a vehicle, clothes and beer.

But you forgot the part about knowledge, professionalism and money buy the tools you do need to do the job better and quicker.

We all start out with beginner tools. Smart folks know when to buy better tools to get the job done better. Thumbup for GED. Or not. YEAH.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have ratchets from Armstrong, Craftsman, GearWrench, Kolbalt, Matco, and Snap On. I would recommend looking at the GearWrench brand first to see if they have what you want. I do highly recommend the Armstrong Maxx locking flex. TwoInch outlined most of their attributes already. The newer CM 84T ratchets are very nice as well. They seem well made and feel good in my hand. I like my SO's as well, but they are not the least expensive by a long shot.

 

[pipsters]

Yep. Same tools. LOL.

Just like when I show up in a Ford 350 for work in nice dress clothes and at the end of the day buy a 12 pack of Yeungling and park next to the guy in a beat up caviler in a tank top buying Milwaukee's Best.

Yep. It's just a vehicle, clothes and beer.

But you forgot the part about knowledge, professionalism and money buy the tools you do need to do the job better and quicker.

We all start out with beginner tools. Smart folks know when to buy better tools to get the job done better. Thumbup for GED. Or not. YEAH.

Implying a better car makes someone more professional? Really?

A $200 Snap-On ratchet tightens a bolt 10x better than a cheapie $20 ratchet? LOL

 

[billymade]

I would look at new Bahco dual 80s and Williams USA made pear head 36 tooth designs; both snapon designed, at affordable prices!

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...f.,cf.osb&fp=a2e370afc0354df8&biw=992&bih=724

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...f.,cf.osb&fp=1b470fcc170f7fec&biw=992&bih=724

 

[shoturtle]

First off, budget for the set of fine ratchet you want to get. Don't get caught up between 60, 72, 80, 84 or 88t. The difference is less then 1.5 degrees in swing form a 60 to 88.

Second, do you want quick release.

Third, long ratchet have their place, but they are not very useful in allot of applications. It is a tool that sits around more. My breaker bar gets more uses.

 

[OEXL16B]

Sorry, but ratchets are one of those areas I can only suggest "big boy - big price tools" meaning Snap-On T72's and F80's and S80's or Matco 88's if you plan on wrenching for decades or use them regularly.

It just one area where you get what you pay for and almost all are VERY happy for having it when you need it.

I know, many folks can't buck up the coin to pay for it (and ***** daily about it), but it really is worth the money spent if you plan on relying on a ratchet for daily or heavy duty.

I get tired of the argument. But don't go all batshit when a ratchet fails but you did that 4th meal at Taco bell all week with teh ratchet fund moneies.

Isn't it funny how we have to apologize for recommending a high quality expensive tool?

 

[shoturtle]

Isn't it funny how we have to apologize for recommending a high quality expensive tool?

Allot have to apologized because on countless post, people always recommend expensive tools, even when op's had asked for reasonable price tools with great quality. Which there are plenty out there.

Not sure where the op is going with his budget yet. SO might fit or it may not fit.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Isn't it funny how we have to apologize for recommending a high quality expensive tool?

LOL.

Nope.

Just the constant whining on GJ somehow becomes no one can afford ANY tool for the job, much less the right tool.

Some days you save up for a good meal at a nice steak house. Some days you eat at McDonalds.
***** all you want about not being able to afford high quality. But just because you can't afford them doesn't mean they are not among the best.

Get fired for having poor tools and you learn (and getting fired for that is fair in any "right to work" state.)

Sad.

A $200 Snap-On ratchet tightens a bolt 10x better than a cheapie $20 ratchet?

If it's a ISO 9001 MIL spec contact with calibration tests and on-site overseers, yes.

But that's six figure or seven figure contracts.
Gawd I'm tired of dealing with dumb on GJ.

 

[TwoInch]

Implying a better car makes someone more professional? Really?

A $200 Snap-On ratchet tightens a bolt 10x better than a cheapie $20 ratchet? LOL

i would actually prefer the armstrong over a snap on. i have snap on ratchets, and craftsman RPs, and many in between.

i absolutely would never recommend for someone on a budget to buy snap on ratchets. there are just way too many comparable quality ratchets out there, for much less money. its that simple. someone with a little more open budget, buy the snap on, or whatever it is you like. but that snap on ratchet will not turn a nut better than all other ratchets out there... craftsman 36t, sure thing. the many other under a $100 higher tooth ratchets... nope.

jjjrmx, now if you are talking about how it makes you feel inside driving an f350 or turning a dual 80.... thats another issue. we are talking function here

 

[shoturtle]

But there are high quality out there, and they are reasonable for the shed tree guy and weekend warrior.

 

[kams1973]

You may also want to consider Proto. They aren't fancy, but they work.

 

[shoturtle]

The new proto 45t ones are excellent tools.

 

[pipsters]

If it's a ISO 9001 MIL spec contact with calibration tests and on-site overseers, yes.

But that's six figure or seven figure contracts.
Gawd I'm tired of dealing with dumb on GJ.

You must be talking torque wrenches here which clearly this discussion is not about (context is everything). Not to mention, the first sentence on this guys post is "I'm pretty much a weekend warrior". What weekend warrior is working on military contracts in his backyard?

I'm still baffled you think driving an expensive car makes you more of a professional as well.

 

[OEXL16B]

A $200 Snap-On ratchet tightens a bolt 10x better than a cheapie $20 ratchet? LOL

I feel the same way about Mobil 1 and Amsoil as you do about Snap-on.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

How about the 72 tooth Kobalts for less then $30 and the next step up would be the Bahco dual 80s from $40 ish to $50 ish if you do a little shoping around. About the same as the snapon duel 80s without the $100 to $120 price tag.....

 

[Flatintoone]

Also might want to try the old school standard S-K's 42t they are nice too, as are the old New Britain made round heads(sparta,husky,proto,etc)

This is what I (DIYer/hobbyist) did. Plentiful, dirt cheap, and great. I also have a Thorsen USA of a slightly different design that works well. Of course, you've got to find one when you're actually looking...

 

[shoturtle]

RangerDaleXP's suggests are both excellent ratchets, and affordable. Along with the armstrong 88. The kobalt is simple to warranty just like the craftsman. Just go to lowes and they will exchange it for you. And they will not break the bank.

 

[pipsters]

I feel the same way about Mobil 1 and Amsoil as you do about Snap-on.

I'm not disputing they aren't a good product, I'm just saying his mentality of "you are a hack" if you don't buy expensive tools/clothes/cars/beer is disingenuous. I know several guys at work making hundreds of thousands of $$ a year on the side driving beat up F150's, and they drink the cheap stuff too.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

A $200 Snap-On ratchet tightens a bolt 10x better than a cheapie $20 ratchet? LOL

Hate to say it pipsters, but that is BS

 

[TwoInch]

LOL.

Nope.

Just the constant whining on GJ somehow becomes no one can afford ANY tool for the job, much less the right tool.

Some days you save up for a good meal at a nice steak house. Some days you eat at McDonalds.
***** all you want about not being able to afford high quality. But just because you can't afford them doesn't mean they are not among the best.

Get fired for having poor tools and you learn (and getting fired for that is fair in any "right to work" state.)

Sad.



If it's a ISO 9001 MIL spec contact with calibration tests and on-site overseers, yes.

But that's six figure or seven figure contracts.
Gawd I'm tired of dealing with dumb on GJ.

im seriously tired of holier than thou, im gonna go way off track to try to prove a point when im wrong, just because im thick headed on GJ

get a life bro. no one cares about your milspec 9000 snap on nut turner job.

we are talking about ratchets, for working on cars, and around the house ****, and on a budget. not torque wrenches, or the best of the best torque wrenches. dont they have a forum for your type somewhere? cuz this aint it man.

 

[TwoInch]

I feel the same way about Mobil 1 and Amsoil as you do about Snap-on.

dont get me started....

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Reading the OP needs, either kobolt or craftsman thin profile would work well

 

[thesilverone]

Look for used SK, Wright and Williams B/S-52 on ebay

 

[soloz2]

I think I'll look around at used prices and maybe see about hitting up some garage/estate sales. I think in the meantime the rotor ratchets will be better than what I've been using.

Ill probably start looking for 1/2" drive first as I normally use 3/8" most often then 1/2" and the 3/8" rotor ratchet will hopefully receive lots of use.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I am more or less a weekend warrior. I like to do simple repairs and upgrades to my vehicles on my own so I can frequently be found in my driveway detailing or working on one of my vehicles. Until recently I had no idea why I would need or want a better ratchet, but seeing a couple buddies use a rotor ratchet a couple times led me here...

I started out with the basic Craftsman kit my parents bought me when I was in high-school. Over the last 10 years I've slowly added to it and now have a decent selection of sockets in 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" I always looked at the newer ratchets at Sears and thought some of the handles would be more comfortable but figured they were an unnecessary luxury.

I did some reading here and found a couple references indicating that the Napa branded rotor ratchets are the same as the Gearwrench ones so I picked up a pair the other day as they were on sale for $37.50 for both 1/4" and 3/8". Before I realized this I grabbed a cheap HF version that I will probably return.

I quickly realized that even the cheap HF ratchet felt smoother than my old Craftsman ones and did some more reading. It seems my Craftsman ratchets only have 32 teeth and aren't very low profile. I'd like to upgrade my ratchets in at least 3/8" and 1/2" sizes for now but am not really sure what the best bang/buck is. I'd like to keep the cost down, but am fine searching for a deal or saving up. Used is OK too, but I don't know what to look for. Please point me in the right direction.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

I have a bunch of those plain Craftsman ratchets---, they are tough and dependable; and get used allot... not all jobs require a fine tooth flex head---for those needs; I like my SnapOn and Proto.. Take your time when shopping for tools, and buy the tools you need, and will enjoy using..

Glad to see others who are not totally hooked on one brand loyalty..You have many choices, enjoy the hunt..

 

[KTMrider]

Screw all of these suggestions! Get yourself this!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000I5DQQC/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/181-6663659-7310409

 

[rmsg0040]

Check the classifieds or ebay, always deals to be had.

 

[Anotherrcguy]

They run sales on the craftsman low profile and premium ratchets all the time. I have or do own both types and I like them both a lot, but I am not a big fan of the 1/2" low profile. It is a little short and very heavy. Just my .02