I need ratchets available on Amazon.

[onthefence777]

So, throughout my time wrenching, I have always used craftsman ratchets.

I have a craftsman set (USA circa 2005-6) of 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive ratchets.

Problem is, I can't find my 1/4" or 3/8" drive ratchets. I'm sure they are here, but are currently unobtainium with no time in short term to hunt them down, need to finish this project first.

I want to have back ups anyway.

I have been satisfied with the USA C-man performance. I had the 3/8" warrantied once, but that was because I used a cheater bar and pushed it way too hard for what it was. (head clearance issues)

So I am in the market for good dependable 1/4" and 3/8" drive ratchets to hold me over until I find the Craftsman ones I have and beyond.

I don't have a lot of money, but I do have a few Amazon gift cards.

Looking at the JH Williams B-52EHA 3/8" and the JH Williams 30111 1/4" ratchets for a total of $60.

Does anyone have any alternative suggestions? The 1/4" drive is fine tooth, 60T, I'm pretty set with that one. But the 3/8" is the regular rough 36T ratchet. Would love a nice 88T Matco but they don't seem available on Amazon, and not sure I could afford it anyways. The 3/8" drive is the most important choice right now, and if there is a finer tooth ratchet available on Amazon at a comparable price (around $50ish?) I would love to hear about it!

What say you?

 

[shawndp]

How about Gearwrench? I find the 84T to be the closest to Matco's Eight8 ratchets.

 

[T45]

If you're on a budget, the USA williams are excellent.

They are the old snap on 36t desigins and can take snap on rebuild kitsfor $10/each. So that means you can upgrade to top of the line gears and square drive if you ever need to.

As for other options on amazon, you can get Proto for decent money there (check wherehouse deals). Also look for SK and Wright. Cannot comment on pricing, however.

I think any of those will be better than any Cman. So you really cannot go wrong.

Just make sure the wiliams ones are the USA variations. the p/n should be alpha-numeric.

edit: i'd also suggest GW if that is available on amazon for good prices.

 

[minnesotadude]

Gearwrench 84t are a good option and affordable. Also I think wright and sk are on Amazon.

 

[MattVette89]

Since you're limited to purchasing on Amazon, I'd consider a set like this:

GearWrench 81216F 2-Piece Full Polish Flex Handle Ratchet Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OC8S6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[davethorik]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWG810/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ocloc24]

Yeah if Matco is appealing to you, then you should definitely go with a Gearwrench 84T. They're the same exact ratchet just with different tooth count. I personally prefer the feel of a nice Snap On ratchet but I have a couple Gearwrench ratchets and they are very very good ratchets for the money. I would go with a flex head soft grip, since you already have a craftsman non flex

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[onthefence777]

Wow thanks for the awesome, quick replies!

I bet I would love the Gearwrench with the soft-grip! But that set with the flex head looks like the key for my current budget! Fine tooth, and flex head all in one at an awesome price FTW!

Thanks guys, Garage Journal has been so good to me!

 

[ocloc24]

Just looked through Amazon and the only other decent option is Tekton which is very popular, but for ratchets I think you'd be better off going to Harbor freight.

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[jumbojak]

If the williams are in fact the older snap on 36 tooth - they certainly look like it - I think you'd be very happy with them. For the same number of teeth the snap on are a major step up from craftsman ratchets.

 

[onthefence777]

If the williams are in fact the older snap on 36 tooth - they certainly look like it - I think you'd be very happy with them. For the same number of teeth the snap on are a major step up from craftsman ratchets.

I'm not poor, but I ain't rich either. I still intend to get the JH Williams as soon as I can. It's odd, I have all these spare sockets and wrenches, but my major hold back is missing ratchets and weak little HF ratchets? LOL. The gearwrench set will help me hold out for time to clean out the garage and find my C-mans, but with Sears on the way out I am definitely going to step it up soon!

Thanks for the feedback, I have been teeter tottering on those JH Williams for like 2 years lol

 

[jumbojak]

I'm not poor, but I ain't rich either. I still intend to get the JH Williams as soon as I can. It's odd, I have all these spare sockets and wrenches, but my major hold back is missing ratchets and weak little HF ratchets? LOL. The gearwrench set will help me hold out for time to clean out the garage and find my C-mans, but with Sears on the way out I am definitely going to step it up soon!

Thanks for the feedback, I have been teeter tottering on those JH Williams for like 2 years lol

I wouldn't call the HF ratchets weak. I have a long flex that I feel should be broken by now. It doesn't seem to have noticed. Hammers and cheaters don't seem to phase it one bit. It even looks pretty good still.

 

[kythri]

Looking at the JH Williams B-52EHA 3/8" and the JH Williams 30111 1/4" ratchets for a total of $60.

Does anyone have any alternative suggestions? The 1/4" drive is fine tooth, 60T, I'm pretty set with that one. But the 3/8" is the regular rough 36T ratchet.

So, the 1/4" drive with that model number is Asian-made (Taiwan, I believe?), so, probably a decent ratchet, but, nothing special. All-numerical Williams part numbers are Asian-sourced, if I'm not mistaken.

The 3/8" drive model is 36 tooth, but it's a REALLY good 36-tooth, and it's US-made (if that matters to you).

If you're on a budget, the USA williams are excellent.

They are the old snap on 36t desigins and can take snap on rebuild kitsfor $10/each. So that means you can upgrade to top of the line gears and square drive if you ever need to.

You're not suggesting that one can use the 80-tooth rebuild kits in these, are you? Because I don't believe that's accurate.

Snap-on 36-tooth rebuild kits (936 stuff) will certainly work in them.

weak little HF ratchets?

HF's current crop of ratchets get some amazingly good reviews. I'm quite impressed with both flavors of the composite ratchets from there, but don't have any direct experience with the chrome stuff.

 

[onthefence777]

I wouldn't call the HF ratchets weak. I have a long flex that I feel should be broken by now. It doesn't seem to have noticed. Hammers and cheaters don't seem to phase it one bit. It even looks pretty good still.

I'm talking about the like 11.99 26ish socket and ratchet deals, not the full on real ratchets. Still works, just seized up and doesn't ratchet at all. I got what I paid for. The 1/4" broke with no force required, and the 3/8" felt rough as graphite the first time I used it. Surprised it held up to what I've put it through already.

 

[jumbojak]

I'm talking about the like 11.99 26ish socket and ratchet deals, not the full on real ratchets. Still works, just seized up and doesn't ratchet at all. I got what I paid for. The 1/4" broke with no force required, and the 3/8" felt rough as graphite the first time I used it. Surprised it held up to what I've put it through already.

That makes sense then. I've broken similar ratchets quite a few times. The next time you're in hf grab one of their pro ratchets though. It might not come out often if you like the williams but the higher tooth count might come in handy.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Research the Pittsburgh Professional ratchets, they're some of the best imported ratchets available, and they're very strong.

 

[onthefence777]

Research the Pittsburgh Professional ratchets, they're some of the best imported ratchets available, and they're very strong.

I will definitely remember your suggestion. It should be only a couple months that work is real slow, I'll toss in a 3/8" drive the next time I am in there with some spare cash.

 

[Empty Pockets]

If you're on a budget, the USA williams are excellent.

They are the old snap on 36t desigins and can take snap on rebuild kitsfor $10/each. So that means you can upgrade to top of the line gears and square drive if you ever need to.

As for other options on amazon, you can get Proto for decent money there (check wherehouse deals). Also look for SK and Wright. Cannot comment on pricing, however.

I think any of those will be better than any Cman. So you really cannot go wrong.

Just make sure the wiliams ones are the USA variations. the p/n should be alpha-numeric.

edit: i'd also suggest GW if that is available on amazon for good prices.

+1 Williams, Wright or SK. All good choices

 

[Philbert]

I was going to go in the direction of Armstrong Mass ratchets the 80t ones. But alas Armstro g is no more. So it looks like I went with wright. I have the 3/8 reg. & the long 1/2" in them lo g contour so far I'm a fan. Despite the fact that that my 1/8 Got neutered1when the socket retaining ball fell off. I like their ratchets simple old school tough. The co tour handles are comfortable as well. Their breaker bars are sweet and their wrenches are one of the best bargain s around. WRIGHT tools made In the USA, America F@#$ Yeah!

 

[PhysicsDude]

I bought a set of higher end Crescent ratchets the other day and have been pretty impressed with them. They're not pro quality, but they're on the order of CraftsMan quality. Very smooth head/ratchet, feel very solid, and are priced reasonably with Prime shipping, one of the cheaper high tooth count ratchets you'll find.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EFKZRRW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PJNJ]

Grab the Gearwrench set and if you have a flea market nearby, look for used SK, Proto, Easco, New Britain, Husky (USA - New Britain era) and Williams (round head B-52 and S-52). I have picked up SK 1/4's for $5 and a 1/2 for $8; a 1/4 Proto for $4; Williams b-52 for $8; Easco round head, fine tooth, long handled flex (who supplied Cman for their fine tooth round heads for a time) for
$10 and so on. They're all very good ratchets and with a good cleaning and lube, they all work well.

Also, when you have the money, look at the new SK ratchets and Carlyle quick release locking flex ratchets. They go on sale during the year and I just picked up the 1/4. It's head is very small to get into tight places and works very well. It is a real deal when on sale. NAPA's website is still showing it on sale for $32.99.

 

[T45]

Snap-on 36-tooth rebuild kits (936 stuff) will certainly work in them.

Correct. My comment had nothing to do with changing the tooth count.

The main point is that SO teeth and square drives are made from very good quality alloys with excellent heat treatment, tolerances etc. The key part here is that all of the key parts that see wear/use or actually touch the sockets would be snap-on quality.

Thats a great insurace/upgrade plan for $10
(only needing to be paid when and if you want to spend the $10.)

 

[HanShotFirst]

I will definitely remember your suggestion. It should be only a couple months that work is real slow, I'll toss in a 3/8" drive the next time I am in there with some spare cash.

I have ratchets from (Craftsman, HF, Stanley, Kobalt, Husky, SK, Williams, Proto, and SnapOn), and I'm here to tell you, the HF ratchets are VERY good. I personally think you really have to buy on of the American brands to get any tougher (and they're tougher than some US brands).

I have come to like their cheapest ratchet, the Composite Ratchet. It's light weight, and it's WAY stronger than it has a right to be. High tooth count, smooth; just very nice to work with. Not my favorite ratchet, but I used it often, and enjoy using it.

I also have one of their all steel ratchets, their rip-off of a SnapOn Dual 80, and I have to say, it's tough, smooth, never binds, and just works.

I don't typically abuse my tools too much, and only use a cheater bar when I get completely desperate. Generally if I have something that tough, I'm reaching for one of my old, but brute strong SK ratchets...Never been able to break one of those.

Anyhow, I tend to think the HF's are pretty hard to beat; especially for the price.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have a B-52EHA.
It is a strong ratchet, but new it has stiff back drag.
And im not crazy about the smooth handle.

For the same price, if i was going to go with Williams, i would get the 72t B-52A.
(You may not want a round head, as you are used to the craftsman pear head.)
Its currently $36.50 on Amazon.

 

[M_George]

Don't hesitate to hit a flea market. You can almost always find a good ratchet there for under $10. I found a nice SK ratchet a couple of weeks ago for $5. Just open them up and give them a little grease and they are like new.

 

[M_George]

Forgot, you can get the flea market bug real fast... LOL

 

[Yarpo]

I'll throw my 2cents in with another vote for the 84T gearwrench stuff.

My most used ratchet is the 1/4" gear wrench flex head, phenomenal.

 

[American Locomotive]

i vote the new SK 90T ratchet.

 

[4x4gearhead]

If the round head ratchets are anything like the old williams design, those are awesome. But they dont have the big spanner nut holding the mechanism in. Which is why i would probably go with rebranded 936, I have my 936 ratchets at home and used them for 6-7 years professionally and they are very tough. I still use them in my side job set. Upgraded to dual 80 stuff mostly at work because having more teeth makes a difference when using ratchets every day, but i have found the 936 ratchets to be tough as nails and cant take that away from them. Those williams versions are much less than i paid for the snap on ones 11 years ago. So its def a good deal.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I vote SK. Good quality stuff. If you're shooting for Amazon they usually have better prices on SK than almost any place else.


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[yamaha0343]

I have the Williams USA 36t ratchets in each size. Really great tools, and you'd definitely be satisfied.

eta: Williams ratchets with a letter in the model number are US made, all numbers are Taiwan.

 

[65k10]

If the round head ratchets are anything like the old williams design, those are awesome. But they dont have the big spanner nut holding the mechanism in. Which is why i would probably go with rebranded 936, I have my 936 ratchets at home and used them for 6-7 years professionally and they are very tough. I still use them in my side job set. Upgraded to dual 80 stuff mostly at work because having more teeth makes a difference when using ratchets every day, but i have found the 936 ratchets to be tough as nails and cant take that away from them. Those williams versions are much less than i paid for the snap on ones 11 years ago. So its def a good deal.

The current Williams round head ratchets are a 72 tooth Facom style mechanism.

 

[JohnDeere1]

The Williams 36t are strong awesome ratchets and the GW are a fine choice and do craftsman I highly suggest the craftsman industrial ratchets I just bought one for a buck never used and it's USA and supposed to be made of stronger steel than the regular and also they're more polished. SK are also a fine choice and I personally own a couple of those and a GW 84t ratchet along with a few matco ratchets and they are basically the same but the GW has better chrome and you can put matco 88t kits in the GW.GO on your choices

 

[JohnDeere1]

Here's pics of a craftsman industrial looks the same but more shinier it's also very smooth.

 

[turnthewrench]

The current Williams round head ratchets are a 72 tooth Facom style mechanism.

The Proto/Facom 72T has become my go to ratchet.

http://amzn.to/2xhJR2z

Okay, okay... until I bought my Dual 80

 

[texchappy]

What about the Bahco ratchets? They're available on Amazon and the close relation of the Current snap-on no?

 

[ChevyEFI]

Because I just used this pic in another thread, I am going to again say the Great Neck 18098 is mighty handy.

 

[lightning02]

id skip over the HF stuff. they are starting to fix the few issues they have in that design. there are WAY better ratchets people posted here that are the same or a few bucks more that are leaps and bounds better then the HF stuff. hell even the duralast stuff makes the HF ratchets look like ****. i actually wish i never bought any of the HF ratchets.

 

[Tonyuk]

Over there i would go out and buy all 3 sizes of the harbour freight composite ratchets, the 72 tooth design is excellent and very smooth. We have a version of them over here under the Clarke brand. I've had cheaters on the 1/2" and 3/8" a few times and apart from a few marks they're none the worse for it, cheap too.

 

[timgr]

I have the Harbor Freight 1/4" and 3/8" composite ratchets, and they are great for the price. My complaint about the 1/4" ratchet is the plastic release button is fragile. When I bought my 1/4" ratchet, I had to pick through all those on the peg at Harbor Freight to find one that was not broken. Now the button is broken on mine - casual handling will break it. It still works, but you now have to put your finger into the hole left by the button to press the metal part under the button.

The larger scale of the 3/8" ratchet seems to make the button strong enough to stand up to regular use.