Long handle 3/8 or 1/2?

[AceofSpad3s]

So I want to continue my problem by getting some more ratchets I don't particularly need. Most likely one of the williams 936 based ratchets. Was thinking of getting a long handle since that isn't something I really have. What do people find more useful, a long 1/2 or a long 3/8 ratchet? The 1/2 is 15" and the 3/8 is like 11 minus a hair. Was thinking the 12 would be nice if I need to do suspension work or something. Maybe should go with a flex if I am going for a long 3/8? I got 2 roto ratchets that are pretty long though, so not too sure if I need one.
Black oxide or chrome from williams? I got nothing black oxide so it might be interesting (as well as cheaper).
Though I'll probably end up getting both knowing how things work

To clarify I'm talking specifically about williams stuff.

 

[plinker]

Both are useful lengths, 1/2 drive slightly more so. A long 3/8 with a flex head is nice to have.

I've found a flex head is a little better for working on vehicles then a roto, It can reach around stuff so to speak.

 

[Steve_P]

Of course you really need both but those aren't very long. I have the 3/8 flex Williams and its ok but I use my SK much more often

Look at SK flex in 3/8 and 1/2.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Of course you really need both but those aren't very long. I have the 3/8 flex Williams and its ok but I use my SK much more often

Look at SK flex in 3/8 and 1/2.

To me a 15" 1/2 is pretty good size. I find most 3/8 kinda annoyingly short handle wise even with my hands, so something 10" or so with a good size handle is probably my ideal (though I don't have anything like that in a fixed head).

 

[MrDeerHunter]

Of course you really need both but those aren't very long. I have the 3/8 flex Williams and its ok but I use my SK much more often

Look at SK flex in 3/8 and 1/2.

Have you put the dt kit on any of these? I have been contemplating it but I don't know if the added back drag would hurt the use too much?


Sent from my Moto Z (2) using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[James-W]

I don't have a real long handle ratchet. I just use a breaker bar to get the nut/bolt loose and then use a regular ratchet to remove it. When I tighten it back up I get it snug with the ratchet and then use the breaker bar to finish tightening it.

 

[M6erfan]

It sounds like you answered your own question, but my $.02...

10"-12" for 3/8 and 15"-18" for 1/2 are useful long pattern lengths. Flex heads are a bonus. Also, IMO, the longer the ratchet the more important it is to go with a (relatively) fine tooth (72+).

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I have the CAT branded version of Williams long 1/2 ratchet, and It's the perfect length for a 1/2 drive. I've tried a few long 3/8, including the Williams, and they just haven't been as useful as I'd thought they'd be.

 

[General Geoff]

My far my most oft-used long handled ratchet is 1/2". When I really have to lean into it, I step up to 1/2" drive so I don't sheer off a smaller square drive (when space permits, of course).

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have 3 long 1/2 drive, two are flex. I'm different than most since I like the non flex better. Besides my 3780 I have one long flex 3/8. If I really need to stand on something, I use the 1/2 Carlyle. If it's a tight spot and need the length to get a bolt out (not tight just snug) the 3/8 works great. Looks like you need to buy both. Next ratchet for me will be a SK 40170.

Edit: I forgot I also have 3770. It's great too. One guy asked about the DT upgrade. It's great and back drag isn't any more noticeable.

 

[Fedwrench]

Proto has some nice long handled 1/2 drive ratchets in sub 30, 45, 72, & 90 tooth heads. Although the 90 tooth versions are insanely pricey.

For me, I like the long handled Gearwrench fixed head ratchets in 84 tooth trim. Gearwrench also offers extra long fixed head ratchets in 120xp trim..

 

[Wamsutta]

An 18'' flex head 1/2'' drive is very useful for suspension work.

You can also use it for turning the engine over if need be.

 

[Tonyuk]

I like a long 3/8 flex head for most things, the gearwrench 84 tooth 3/8" is about the ideal size imo.

I dont like the short 1/2" ratchets, but i use a longer one now and then.

 

[RedneckWelder]

11” locking flex 3/8 and 17” locking flex 1/2 are my favorite and most used ratchets by far. The 18” 3/8 works well for certain things but being fixed head has clearance issues where it could otherwise really be useful.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Duralast 1/2" drive long handle flex head ratchet.

It's like $22.

 

[VinceG]

Go for both. I worked on Class 8 trucks and used long handle only. now that I am a Tool polisher/work on a few cars here and there I still go for the long flex first when I use a ratchet. To be honest I can usually get my electric ratchet in there and make it do the work.

 

[rijndael]

I find most 3/8 kinda annoyingly short handle wise even with my hands

Same here. I'm really enjoying my new Carlyle 3/8 Long Flex: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFLQR

 

[matt_i]

I like a long 1/2". I feel like there's fair potential to damage (twist the square drive off) a 3/8" long-pattern ratchet. I don't feel like I could damage a long 1/2".

 

[Stooge]

Most of my 3/8 ratchets are under 11-12" and that seems to get me through most of what I need for 3/8. I bought one of the Snap On Fll80 17" 3/8 ratchets when they came out and it didn't really have a purpose for me, seemed too skinny to really put some weight behind it, for extra reach it could have been handy, but I sold it after it sat mostly unused for months.
My SK 42472 1/2" drive 17 1/2" flex head ratchet is an absolute brute though, I really recommend it https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/ratchets-1-2-drive-26462.html

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Same here. I'm really enjoying my new Carlyle 3/8 Long Flex: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFLQR

I don't know why all of them are like a 2 1/2-3" " long tapered or knurled portion for the handle, I don't have big hands but even then I have I still have 1/3 of my hand not on the handle because it's too short. 7" overall length is pretty short as well, annoys me a bit.

If anyone has one of the 936 based williams, I'd be curious to hear how long the handle is, the design already looks better than most since it's a meaty handle not tapered down like most non knurled metal hanldes. If they are like 4" long worth of handle I might pick up a regular length too.

 

[rijndael]

I don't know why all of them are like a 2 1/2-3" " long tapered or knurled portion for the handle

The plastic handle is 4.5" long.

 

[scubadoober]

I picked up this earlier in the year and have really enjoyed it. It is listed at 8.5" but in actuality it is 10.5". Hard to beat for the price.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-hand-ratchet-38-dr-flexible-8-12-l-j5257f/i/G0751204/#description

 

[CR888]

You want length......what to you want length for....torque. So if torque is the purpose of the tool go 1/2" for sure. When you push 3/8 gear to it limits and ratchets start bending and you feel some twisting you have the wrong drive size in your hand IMO. When 3/8 is in the danger zone torque wise 1/2" tools aren't even beginning to break a sweat.

 

[pilotmotor]

It really matters what your working on. I prefer long handle ratchets in all drive sizes but I mostly work on modern cars and its for access more so that the additional torque it provides. If its torque your after then go for the 1/2" drive but your not going to squeeze that into a modern engine bay very often. I have a few snap-on long 936's with the grip and without. I think they have way to much back drag . There are much better alternatives these days.

 

[jsmeece]

I like my long handled 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive Armstrong ratchets, flex heads and breaker bars. I also have 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 Carlyle flex head ratchets and like them as well. Brute force I reach for an Armstrong ratchet in tight spaces I use the Carlyles.

 

[franzdom]

Most of my 3/8 ratchets are under 11-12" and that seems to get me through most of what I need for 3/8. I bought one of the Snap On Fll80 17" 3/8 ratchets when they came out and it didn't really have a purpose for me, seemed too skinny to really put some weight behind it, for extra reach it could have been handy, but I sold it after it sat mostly unused for months.
My SK 42472 1/2" drive 17 1/2" flex head ratchet is an absolute brute though, I really recommend it https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/ratchets-1-2-drive-26462.html

The FLL80 is a specialized item but definitely has its place. I had one rarely used (with comfort handle) for a while before I realized just how perfect it is for removing oil drain plugs. I don't have a lift so I can use it when a breaker bar often won't work.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Get both. If you work on enough different things you'll appreciate having them. I prefer my long handle 3/8" and 1/2" to be locking flex heads to add some more versatility to them.

I too like the Gearwrench 84 tooth ratchets. They have a pretty good price on the three piece set. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OL2X9CE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
You could keep and use the 1/4" of sell it if you already have something similar in that size.

 

[Dingleburry]

My most used and fav ratchet is wright 3/8 long handle contour grip.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Get both. If you work on enough different things you'll appreciate having them. I prefer my long handle 3/8" and 1/2" to be locking flex heads to add some more versatility to them.

I too like the Gearwrench 84 tooth ratchets. They have a pretty good price on the three piece set. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OL2X9CE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
You could keep and use the 1/4" of sell it if you already have something similar in that size.

I haven't run into any situations where it was really desperately needed over something like a breaker, but most of williams stuff is like $20-$30 at tools delivered for USA long handles so I'm obligated to buy something

Wish shipping wasn't brutal though

 

[M6erfan]

I don't know why all of them are like a 2 1/2-3" " long tapered or knurled portion for the handle, I don't have big hands but even then I have I still have 1/3 of my hand not on the handle because it's too short. 7" overall length is pretty short as well, annoys me a bit.

If anyone has one of the 936 based williams, I'd be curious to hear how long the handle is, the design already looks better than most since it's a meaty handle not tapered down like most non knurled metal hanldes. If they are like 4" long worth of handle I might pick up a regular length too.

Wait. What? That Carlyle ratchet is 13.62" long. Also, the handle is as large or slightly larger than most comfort grips. When I compared my Carlyle against my Snap On comfort grip it was ever so slightly larger in every dimension.

 

[M6erfan]

I picked up this earlier in the year and have really enjoyed it. It is listed at 8.5" but in actuality it is 10.5". Hard to beat for the price.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-hand-ratchet-38-dr-flexible-8-12-l-j5257f/i/G0751204/#description

Great ratchet

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Wait. What? That Carlyle ratchet is 13.62" long. Also, the handle is as large or slightly larger than most comfort grips. When I compared my Carlyle against my Snap On comfort grip it was ever so slightly larger in every dimension.

He said same and I was talking about how most 3/8 stuff is short, then I was asking if anyone knew how long the handle on the williams ones I originally asked about, wasn't talking about the NAPA ones at all/

That's the regular length one but the handle portion is the same between the two.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I haven't run into any situations where it was really desperately needed over something like a breaker, but most of williams stuff is like $20-$30 at tools delivered for USA long handles so I'm obligated to buy something

Wish shipping wasn't brutal though

I use them in the straight position most of the time. Have needed them to flex their heads on more than a few occasions as was glad they could. When not using my impact, I pretty much break everything loose with my breaker bars. The ones I linked to are less than $30.00 each and free shipping if you are a Prime member. I like both Williams and Toolsdelivered too.

 

[bobcatdan]

With 1/2" I almost always use a long ratchet. Standard length mostly just for wheel bearing nuts. In 3/8", my flex head is my go to, but standard ratchet gets uses a lot compared to the 1/2" version. I have an 18" long 3/8", but use that for reaching into area, not high torque jobs.

 

[Stooge]

The FLL80 is a specialized item but definitely has its place. I had one rarely used (with comfort handle) for a while before I realized just how perfect it is for removing oil drain plugs. I don't have a lift so I can use it when a breaker bar often won't work.

i went on the SO site to remember the part number for the FLL80 and noticed they had the flex head version available, which was an issue a few times when the fixed head and extra long length of the FLL80 would get in the way, but maybe I'll give the flex head version a shot. If I didn't use the first one at all, I might as well buy another!

 

[JerryC]

I like an extendable handle 3/8 for a lot of the work I do on my vehicles. I get plenty of leverage for most nut/bolts and can shorten it up for faster use or clearance.
I like to avoid too many different socket types and sizes when I'm laying under a vehicle so if a long 3/8 does what I would use a 1/2 for, the 3/8 goes under the vehicle and the 1/2 stays in the box. Also the 3/8 is lighter and when you are wrenching over your head, weight matters.

To the OP's question, and that he says he doesn't "need" either the answer has to be "both".

 

[PR1Gneon]

For me a 10-15" lenght 3/8 drive is the best all around.

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[ihateminimumwage]

If anyone has one of the 936 based williams, I'd be curious to hear how long the handle is, the design already looks better than most since it's a meaty handle not tapered down like most non knurled metal hanldes. If they are like 4" long worth of handle I might pick up a regular length too.

Handle on the Williams is a really good size and shape. I'd measure my 1/2" handle for you, but I'm working on the road for 2+ weeks and it's currently at home and not the service truck. It's a much better fit than the undersized Snap-on bare handles, especially in 3/8" drive.

 

[gtlaw]

3/8" is about 3.5" it's not what I would call big if you have huge hands you might not like it.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

3/8" is about 3.5" it's not what I would call big if you have huge hands you might not like it.

I don't have big hands, I just like having a full grip on ratchets. Knurled 3/8 or smaller ratchets always tend to be kinda short handle wise, I get like 3 fingers then my pointer ends up riding on the portion where it steps down to the beam of the ratchet which I don't care for. 1/2 stuff is better, I can get a full grip on the handle of a 42470. I have a cornwell SR30 that's my favorite handle design since it's it's long and has a good palm swell, but doesn't have any spots where it's too thin to get a good grip.

At 3 1/2" the Williams looks just about right for my tastes for a 3/8 handle.