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High quality telescoping ratchet?

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unashamedlaborer

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I have been searching to no avail for a high quality telescoping ratchet. Is there such a critter in existence? I have used the HF ones and love the feature but hate the cheap feel. I have various snap on and Matco ratchets and love them.... Just looking for a better option for my mobile tool bag.
 
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OP
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unashamedlaborer

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SMKS said:
Since it's kind of a gimmick tool, I don't think the high-end manufacturers have them.

My casual google search only turns up E-Z Red, Westward and HF, all of which appear to be the same ratchet.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021UN09A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-extendable-ratchet-98831.html#.Uxaf7YWhYU8
http://www.grainger.com/product/WESTWARD-Hand-Ratchet-5TZF1?searchQuery=5tzf1

I think Stanley makes one, too.
Click to expand...


Yeah I'm pretty sure that all those you linked are the same ratchet.
I know it's a crow tool but it has been a perfect fit for a lot of my co-workers. I just can bring myself to buying and using a cheap HF drive tool.
 
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rtole

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I have used other guys ez red ratchet like that. I could break it no problem on tough bolts. No way they could build one that would be strong enough without it costing way too much money.
 
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nicksnothereman

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Ampro stuff isn't bad (see it listed on amazon). But it's probably the same taiwanese ratchet (which isn't bad in the first place). OP, if it's telescoping the handle portion has to be hollow which might make it feel cheap to you but it's pretty much the only way it can be made unless it's modular/thread on (which no one makes).
 
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owenst7

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The 1/2" HF ratchet is just fine. I've been beating the hell out of mine for a couple years in my trail toolbox. I don't need to carry a breaker bar to remove wheels now, just extend the handle to 18" and throw a 6" extension on to get inside the beadlock ring. It makes a decent hammer too if you don't get too carried away. It has actually become one of my favorite ratchets.

Strength-wise, I have removed pinion nuts at the junkyard without noticing any flex. I did break it once...playing light saber with it Lol. There's a snap ring that holds the ball bearing in that indexes the handle. I found the ball and just put it back together. Didn't actually damage anything, just violently disassembled it in midair during a martial arts display.
 
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TAMPAGT07

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SMKS said:
Since it's kind of a gimmick tool, I don't think the high-end manufacturers have them.
Click to expand...

I always find that no matter how "gimmicky" a tool is, one day I will find a job that I could apply it to....In this case maybe a nut or a bolt that is in just a location where you might find that a cheap ratchet is maybe what you need to modify it to reach the fastner....I will never chop up a good name brand tool... A pittsburg or cheap chinese tool, I will modify all day long...:thumbup:
 
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sberry

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If it would make you feel better you could waste some money and buy the same ratchet under a brand other than HF.
Click to expand...
I got to second this. Try it, find out if its what you need, I made it a long time without one.
 
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unashamedlaborer

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sberry said:
I got to second this. Try it, find out if its what you need, I made it a long time without one.
Click to expand...


I have used them and it is indeed what I need. I just want a better one. When you work out of tool bags it is desirable to replace two or three ratchets with one. That is my motivation. The Hazet one is only like 32 teeth? I'd probably pay the premium if it were fine tooth.
 
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SJShaw672

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I believe Facom are just launching one, but it might be a while before it gets into circulation.
 
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mdnelson86

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The Ampro branded ones are actually pretty good. I've got several of them, and even though I've got several Snap-On ratchets in the box, I tend to grab the ampro's.

Obviously I'm not saying they're better than the Snap-On's, but they're actually very smooth and I've been using them for 5 years and have yet to have any trouble with one. I've got a standard length extendable 3/8", and standard length extendable 1/2" and a long length extendable 1/2".

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013VJ3FS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is the long 1/2" drive version that I have. It extends out to something like 24" and I've put all the weight I can on it multiple times. I use it a lot when I really should be using a 3/4" drive set, and it's never jumped a tooth or broke on me yet.
 
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P_I_Torque

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Here is our new product:

http://images.myautoproducts.com/images/Product_Media/TechData/PRE/PRE-XT36H_sheet.pdf

It's mainly an accessory for our C4 / C5 torque wrench line with the removable ratchet head, but we've tested it over 1,000Lb.Ft. of torque without failure when use with our manufactured PI Ratchet Head.

Available part numbers are:

C4D600F36H (3/4" Torque wrench and breaker bar combo pack)
C5D600F36H (1" Torque wrench and breaker bar combo pack)
XT36H (stand alone ratcheting breaker bar) requires a PI ratchet head or previously purchased C4 / C5 click wrench.

Breaker bar and ratchet assembly coming soon, can't keep these codes in stock at the moment. Probably not what you're looking for, but maybe...
 
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mdnelson86

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MonoxieChild said:
Comparing the pic's of the Ampro 1/4 and 3/8ths extendable ratchet, to the HF one, They both look identical. I think its yet another rebranded HF.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure, I bought a HF standard length 1/2" drive thinking it looked the same as my Ampro's, but I don't like it near as much. I'm wondering if it's built in the same factory, but to different specs?

The ratchet mechanism isn't quite as smooth as the Ampro and the extension part doesn't seem to lock in place as smoothly. Could just be something related to quality control and/or opening it up to give it a little lube.

I'd say the HF is still decent quality for what you're paying (I'd put the extendable ratchets a step above any other ratchets I've gotten at HF) but it doesn't quite match up my Ampro branded ratchets.
 
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jeff g

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Manchester UK
SJShaw672 said:
I believe Facom are just launching one, but it might be a while before it gets into circulation.
Click to expand...

Hi
Toptul make one in 1/2, 3/4 & 1"
The 1/2" as 36 gears in the ratchet head.

Toptul make tools for Facom, is the new Facom ratchet a Toptul ????

I think Koken do one.
 
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unashamedlaborer

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mdnelson86 said:
I'm not sure, I bought a HF standard length 1/2" drive thinking it looked the same as my Ampro's, but I don't like it near as much. I'm wondering if it's built in the same factory, but to different specs?



The ratchet mechanism isn't quite as smooth as the Ampro and the extension part doesn't seem to lock in place as smoothly. Could just be something related to quality control and/or opening it up to give it a little lube.



I'd say the HF is still decent quality for what you're paying (I'd put the extendable ratchets a step above any other ratchets I've gotten at HF) but it doesn't quite match up my Ampro branded ratchets.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. It's nice to hear from someone who has one of the "others" what did you lube it up with?
 
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unashamedlaborer

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Guadalajara, MX
P_I_Torque said:
Here is our new product:



http://images.myautoproducts.com/images/Product_Media/TechData/PRE/PRE-XT36H_sheet.pdf



It's mainly an accessory for our C4 / C5 torque wrench line with the removable ratchet head, but we've tested it over 1,000Lb.Ft. of torque without failure when use with our manufactured PI Ratchet Head.



Available part numbers are:



C4D600F36H (3/4" Torque wrench and breaker bar combo pack)

C5D600F36H (1" Torque wrench and breaker bar combo pack)

XT36H (stand alone ratcheting breaker bar) requires a PI ratchet head or previously purchased C4 / C5 click wrench.



Breaker bar and ratchet assembly coming soon, can't keep these codes in stock at the moment. Probably not what you're looking for, but maybe...
Click to expand...


I'm looking for something in 3/8" and 1/2" drive. Thanks though.
 
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unashamedlaborer

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Messages
209
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Guadalajara, MX
jeff g said:
Hi

Toptul make one in 1/2, 3/4 & 1"

The 1/2" as 36 gears in the ratchet head.



Toptul make tools for Facom, is the new Facom ratchet a Toptul ????



I think Koken do one.
Click to expand...


I didn't find anything in the KOKEN catalog. I wouldn't be opposed to the toptul but the thought of a long handle ratchet with 36teeth does not appeal to me in any way. I have been using fine tooth ratchets for far too long.
 
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Ruger_556

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Dec 8, 2013
Messages
4,005
P_I_Torque said:
Here is our new product:

http://images.myautoproducts.com/images/Product_Media/TechData/PRE/PRE-XT36H_sheet.pdf

It's mainly an accessory for our C4 / C5 torque wrench line with the removable ratchet head, but we've tested it over 1,000Lb.Ft. of torque without failure when use with our manufactured PI Ratchet Head.

Available part numbers are:

C4D600F36H (3/4" Torque wrench and breaker bar combo pack)
C5D600F36H (1" Torque wrench and breaker bar combo pack)
XT36H (stand alone ratcheting breaker bar) requires a PI ratchet head or previously purchased C4 / C5 click wrench.

Breaker bar and ratchet assembly coming soon, can't keep these codes in stock at the moment. Probably not what you're looking for, but maybe...
Click to expand...

You have pics? I kind of want this...
 
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Outlawmws

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Aug 9, 2011
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I have one of the husky versions in 3/8 drive coming home from Idaho and my Dad's collection. I almost left it, then decided it would cost nothing to add it to one of the boxes, and would post it and then probably toss it in the road box for those times when you really need a breaker but your on the road...
 
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nicksnothereman

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mdnelson86 said:
I'm not sure, I bought a HF standard length 1/2" drive thinking it looked the same as my Ampro's, but I don't like it near as much. I'm wondering if it's built in the same factory, but to different specs?

The ratchet mechanism isn't quite as smooth as the Ampro and the extension part doesn't seem to lock in place as smoothly. Could just be something related to quality control and/or opening it up to give it a little lube.

I'd say the HF is still decent quality for what you're paying (I'd put the extendable ratchets a step above any other ratchets I've gotten at HF) but it doesn't quite match up my Ampro branded ratchets.
Click to expand...

Could be. Some of the harbor freight taiwan (assumed this is where it's from) stuff is kind of lax in the fit & finish area but the price is much less. It's a good trade off for most stuff because they're still structurally sound. I doubt the internals are any different though. Probably something psychological or possibly a difference in manufacturing based on when it was made. Lot's of things can change in manufacturing of even the same stuff.:lol:
 
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bczygan

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DETROIT! Arsenal of Scrappers
unashamedlaborer said:
I have used them and it is indeed what I need. I just want a better one. When you work out of tool bags it is desirable to replace two or three ratchets with one. That is my motivation. The Hazet one is only like 32 teeth? I'd probably pay the premium if it were fine tooth.
Click to expand...

Send it to me.

I'll put a nice Snap-on handle on it, and send it back with a bill for a couple hundred.

That should solve the problem.
 
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jensputzier

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