How many ratchets do you own?

[Kaervak]

Off the top of my head, 52 between my home boxes, vehicle bags and work setup. I'm probably off by a couple though.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Looking at the last picture I took of the new boxes, I'm guessing without physically counting them, at least 30.

Probably no more than 35.

 

[username2]

That's a good question. Kind of a necropost, but I don't mind. Let me think...

More than I need, mostly because I've got some sets that came with ratchets. It's funny how cheap they used to be on eBay, I used to buy sets w/case because they were cool, but sold them if I didn't use them. The internet makes it too easy to accumulate.

Whatever comes with a PB17 Snap-on set, 3/8 Wera (SAE and metric), vintage 1/4 Wera (SAE and metric, Stahl sockets?), Indestro steel box 3/8.

Plus 3 Snap-on industrial-finish ratchets (1/2, 3/8, 1/4)
2 Wera all metal quick release ratchets (1/2, 3/8)

So...11? I've gone to using only impact sockets, so the sets may go away. I think my aim might be to go good as possible, but smallish.

 

[M635_Guy]

This thread makes me feel better about how many ratchets I have...

 

[Outlawmws]

I've gone to using only impact sockets, so the sets may go away.

Impacts have very thick walls, so may not be best for all situations.

 

[username2]

Impacts have very thick walls, so may not be best for all situations.

Oh yeah, I know. Not so far though. I've got some of those metal-tray Craftsman sets (bought new by moi in the early 1970s) that I stuffed over into my antique stuff ReStore box for the 1/2" situation. My big honkin' Apex sets are surprisingly fat.

Surprisingly, the 1/4" impacts (Sunex) don't seem to be bigger around than chrome ones.

We'll see. I can't stand late-model cars so the need for skinny, long, flexible colonoscopy things is low. If I ate too much spicy food, I expect my nightmare would be to find a newish Audi teleported into the garage.

 

[GaryM909]

I have about 50 that work and 5 broken ones that I keep just in case.

 

[CoogarXR]

Probably somewhere between 30 and 50? I have probably 25 or so in my main ratchet drawer, and then a couple dozen more spread all over the place. In the house, in the cars, in my service boxes/cases, etc. If you count air/electric powered ratchets, torque wrenches and breaker bars, you could probably double that number.

I mean, really, Just doing the strut/axle job I did last week, I think I had 8 "ratchets" out. 1/4" for the wiper nuts, 1/2" Air ratchet for the top strut and axle bolts, 3/4" air impact for the axle nut, 3/8" ratchet for the triple-square and torx fasteners, 1/2" flex head and 1/2" extendable for the suspension bolts themselves, 1/4" impact for the fender well screws, and a 1/2" torque wrench to finish critical fasteners.

Gotta have a million of 'em baby, lol.

PS- I'm aware that I could use way less ratchets and still get the job done. But if a tool is perfect for one task and mediocre at another, and I own the perfect tool for that specific task, I use it. And I'd rather have 4 ratchets with the 4 sockets I need, rather than one ratchet and 3 loose sockets rolling around.

 

[308guru]

Thank goodness. It's nice to know I'm not the only one with a problem.

 

[demarpaint]

Thank goodness. It's nice to know I'm not the only one with a problem.

Me too.

 

[Steve_P]

I'm sure I have 40+; most are 1/4 and 3/8 drive. 10-15 of them are older ratchets that don't see much use as they've been replaced by newer ~90 tooth models. Of course, I could get by with less than ten in my main box, but I definitely have a thing about collecting ratchets and pliers. I've got similar ratchets with the only difference is one has a comfort grip, same with pliers.

 

[bonneyman]

I, too, am a non-pro, and am probably around 30. Split between collectibles and users.

 

[Nutria]

Let's see:

3/4": one
1/2": four; one long, two standard length (one fine tooth), one flex
3/8": six; three standard length (one fine tooth), one angled flex, one stubby, one multi-purpose head
1/4": four; two standard length (one fine tooth), one short, one long flex

I'm out of fingers, but that was more than I thought: 15 ratchets

 

[twertsy]

I really have no idea but around 20 3/4" drive, and hundreds each of 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" drives. Some 5/8" drives, some 9/32" drives, some 7/16" drives, etc. Way too many to dig up and count.

 

[bonneyman]

I really have no idea but around 20 3/4" drive, and hundreds each of 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" drives. Some 5/8" drives, some 9/32" drives, some 7/16" drives, etc. Way too many to dig up and count.

Yeah, when you get to that level you just weigh them on a scale!

 

[Nutria]

He didn't have any more affection and/or interest in the tools he used on a daily basis than a secretary would have with his/her stapler . . .

http://nowiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/tumblr_mfrk9shn5x1s1kqrno1_500.gif

 

[JradM]

I thought I had more than was "reasonable", but I'm perfectly normal according to this thread - I might be a little light on the ratchet count.

The thing I like about ratchets is that it's one tool that makes all your sockets feel like different tools.

I've got:

• Proto areospace pear-head ratchets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"
• Proto aerospace pear-head XL ratchets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"
• Proto round-head flex palm-control ratchets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"
• Proto classic pear-head 3/8"
• Proto, SK and Wright 3/8" anvil in 1/4" ratchets
• Williams B52 round-head 3/8"
• Williams Taiwan 3/8" and 1/2"
• ABN Stubby 3 Piece Ratchet set
• Gearwrench 120XP XL flex head
• Stanley pear-hear 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"
• Craftsman round-head 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2".
• Ryobi cordless 3/8"
• Titan 1/4" mini roto-head
• Husky 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" roto-head
• A mystery off-set 1/2"

There's a few other in sockets sets, I have a couple I plan to restore, that doesn't include any bit ratchets.... but that brings me to 32 based on what's easily observable in my tool chests.

EDIT: Oops! Forgot about my 3/4" stuff.

 

[i84x]

I very rarely ever use 1/4” and mainly only ever use 3/8”, and only really use 1/2” when using 24mm+ sockets or when I need a breaker bar.

2 x 1/4” - Snap-On that was in a cheap eBay tool lot I bought and a SK in a little tin set.
4 x 3/8” - Wera slim with quick release, Snap-On 1/4” body with 3/8” drive, Bahco in a 3/8” set, Rolsen that came in a super cheap set I got bought when I first started my apprenticeship, something I never use now but can’t bare to get rid of.
3x 1/2” - Proto that’s pretty old that I pulled out of a metal skip at work, Laser about 1ft long, blue spot that came in a cheap set as I was impressed with their spanners and has been really good for the price.
1 x 1” Silverline for the couple of times I’ve needed to use 50mm+ sockets.

 

[rust in the eye]

I'm proud to report I don't know exactly how many. I use only a handful on a regular basis but have many more, that still after culling quite a few excess tools over the past year.

 

[70staged]

Is it bad when you go on the truck and see the weekly promo of on sale rachets and you have to ask if you have that one or not.

 

[gtae07]

Hrm.
3x (1/4, 3/8, 1/2) Craftsman from my first set of tools as a kid. The 1/4 is basically broken and skips a lot; the others are 36 tooth or something. I probably ought to upgrade but at the same time I don't often use the larger ones, since I'm mostly working on the airplane.

1x super cheap HF throwaway in the "in the house" toolbox

3 sets of 3 Pittsburgh (a set in each car and one in the garage)

2x 1/4 HF, mostly used on the airplane.

And 1x Kobalt extendable twist-handle gimmick 3/8 that is sometimes actually useful.

So... 16.

However I'm in the hunt for another mechanic's set and an extra 1/4 drive SAE set to keep at the hangar. I don't actually need the whole sets but by the time I get the individual pieces I do actually need it's just cheaper to buy a set.

 

[CS454]

The important part is mentioning none of mine have comfort grips

 

[Qualitytools]

more than I need!

 

[Outlawmws]

more than I need!

Sacrilege!

 

[hobie18]

Several failed so my focus was on always having some that worked. And not just one that tightens and one that loosens. Haha

If I ever organize, backups.

With the growth of powered sockets, I expect this thread to have fewer ratchets since it started

 

[sparky 1971]

Plenty. While I won't commit blasphemy and say I have too many, I can honestly say I have more than I use. I have some I've never used.

 

[bobg03]

I'm in the cheap seats, not too many
3 SKs
2 Snap ons
4 williams
2 craftsman

I probably will cause a case of Angina for some, but I downsized about 30 to good homes over the last two years.

 

[lardy1]

I've had to stop impulse buying new ratchets just to try them. So many ratchets that really don't get used.

 

[CS454]

this many, turns out (E&OE)

 

[speed bump]

Somewhere between 30-50, I used to buy every cool old ratchet I saw. Now I only buy one if I have an immediate need and have started giving away others, turns out DeWalt/Milwaukee makes something that fits my hand way better than a ratchet.

 

[lund]

Umm. I probably have 40+. But about 10 are inherited old Craftsman raised panel ones that I rarely use (useable, but more boxy, more backdrag, and lower tooth counts than others I have) and I keep in different locations (say wood shop and travel tools for a remote house I maintain). It is a very diverse set and I use a surprisingly high fraction of it regularly. Roto ratchets, flex, and conventional in all sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2) get used the most. Some compact to fit into spaces and some long handled for leverage. Most, outside of the old inherited Craftsman raised panel ones, have higher tooth counts and are better quality (Matco + older Craftsman Pro from this peak ... which I think are Matco, Snap-on, Proto, Koken, Gedore, ...). I also have a significant count of specialty stuff that gets used now and then like small round ratcheting spinners from SK, 3/8 drive anvils in 1/4 drive bodies for compact (which I find super useful in tight places), etc. These all prove valuable within limited situations to get me out of jams that occur infrequently. So they are worth having. But I definitely do not need more (!) I am somewhat embarrassed to have accumulated this number in spite of using most with some degree of regularity in a broad DIY mega projects and maintaining my family cars (doing 100% work on high mileage vehicles). This collection makes it hard for me to morally complain about my wife's high shoe counts. BUT the wrenches save my family significant net $ over many years, whereas I am not sure what stacks of unused shoes in the closet does for us. However, I could probably get rid of about 1/2 of the less used ones (say, bye bye Craftsman raised panels etc) before I would start to suffer in tasks that I generally do. Usually a tool that helps get projects done will pay for iteself in one use. So when even less essential ones get used now and then, it does not feel that wasteful.

The saving grace here to allow me to not admit that I have a problem: I have two young teen boys that I intend to gift full sets of tools when they are a bit older post college and start on their own. So that should allow me to drop about half of my count and save them $ at a phase when it might really help ... untill if/when they realize Craftsman raised panels and similar ones are not so hot and want better. Those are from their grandpa and still useable ... or I probably would have sold them in bulk. Without that, I would be somewhat embarrassed to show my toolbox drawers! Once of twice I recall friends seeing my ratchet drawer and saying: "You can't use all of those." That triggers my explanations that seem to be received (judging from the odd stares) like one would from explanations by a drug addict denying they have a problem. But the weird part is what I am telling them is true: most outside the sentimental holds get used.

 

[Vinny]

I have one in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.
I don't collect, just have what I need.

 

[Nutria]

Once of twice I recall friends seeing and saying: "You can't use all of those." That triggers my explanations that seem to be recieved (juding from the odd stares) like one would from an drug addict denying they have a problem.

But you can get that reaction from folks almost no matter how few tools you have. A couple of very-non-hands-on friends who were visiting asked to see what was in my rollaway. I started by opening the hammer drawer, which holds maybe a dozen hammers ranging from claw to rawhide, and one asked, sincerely, "why do you need more than one hammer?" I explained that they do different things with different kinds of materials. I got the same odd stares that you did. I asked, "Why do you need more than one kind of wine." More odd stares.

 

[twertsy]

I very rarely ever use 1/4” and mainly only ever use 3/8”, and only really use 1/2” when using 24mm+ sockets or when I need a breaker bar.

2 x 1/4” - Snap-On that was in a cheap eBay tool lot I bought and a SK in a little tin set.
4 x 3/8” - Wera slim with quick release, Snap-On 1/4” body with 3/8” drive, Bahco in a 3/8” set, Rolsen that came in a super cheap set I got bought when I first started my apprenticeship, something I never use now but can’t bare to get rid of.
3x 1/2” - Proto that’s pretty old that I pulled out of a metal skip at work, Laser about 1ft long, blue spot that came in a cheap set as I was impressed with their spanners and has been really good for the price.
1 x 1” Silverline for the couple of times I’ve needed to use 50mm+ sockets.

Now there’s a testimonial for Blackhawk’s 7/16 drive!

 

[GaryM909]

But you can get that reaction from folks almost no matter how few tools you have. A couple of very-non-hands-on friends who were visiting asked to see what was in my rollaway. I started by opening the hammer drawer, which holds maybe a dozen hammers ranging from claw to rawhide, and one asked, sincerely, "why do you need more than one hammer?" I explained that they do different things with different kinds of materials. I got the same odd stares that you did. I asked, "Why do you need more than one kind of wine." More odd stares.

My BIL asked why I need more than one level. I didn't even bother answering him.

 

[four.cycle]

^ MY favorites have always been "Why do you need so many pairs of shoes?" or (alternatively) "Why do you need so many purses?"

 

[msharley]

I really have no idea but around 20 3/4" drive, and hundreds each of 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" drives. Some 5/8" drives, some 9/32" drives, some 7/16" drives, etc. Way too many to dig up and count.

You Sir!

Win the internet!

 

[isb cornbinder]

Twenty three.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

10 now probably need another dozen over the next few years, 3 each year - Fathers Day, birthday, and Christmas.

 

[PugetDude]

A gentleman never tells.