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Looking for 1/4" long handle ratchets

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308guru

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After completing a project this weekend I realized a long handle ¼” drive ratchet would really be helpful.

Looking for suggestions on both flex and non-flex (non-locking). Weekend warrior budget; Snap On’s would be great but not happening, especially for a tool that would see minimal use.

I’m a bit OCD and would love to find a matching pair of long flex and long non-flex if that’s available. Not a requirement though.

One long handle flex that caught my eye was the Williams JHWM-52EHFA. It’s a pretty coarse tooth count which *****, especially for a ¼” ratchet; Any drop in upgrades that fit? I do have the long handle ½” and it’s quite nice but the low tooth count is very noticeable.

It appears that Gearwrench makes some as well and those would already have the high tooth count I’m after.

Thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks.
 
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lardy1

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Lot's of options out there. I really like my Carlyle 72 tooth. It's pretty hard to go wrong on ratchets these days unless you blindly order the cheapest thing on Amazon or something.
 
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GeoBruin

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OP, are you looking for a crazy long handle like the Astro posted above or just typical long handle?

Koken offers a long handle and a long flex handle in both QR and non-QR flavors. Super compact heads and super low back drag. Good time to buy Japanese tools right nowttoo.
 
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swsman

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I recently purchased 1/4" drive Tekton mentioned above.

Works great for my needs, did not need QR or flex head (can be taken care of with a swiwel socket/universal adapter should the need arise).

Gear Wrench 90 or 120 tooth has you covered, get a ratchet with a locking head and you have both requirements from a single ratchet.
 
OP
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308guru

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roofdweller49 said:

I like this one. The long Williams boi
Click to expand...
Just wondering if you have this one and/or have used it?

The head on my 1/2" long handle Williams is very large. Based on the pictures it looks like that theme carries over to the 1/4" as well. I'm sure it's a very stout tool but I think I'd miss a higher tooth count especially in 1/4" where I seem to like it most.
 
OP
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308guru

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Lots of suggestions, thanks everyone. I've got some looking to do.
 
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Wamsutta

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308guru said:
One long handle flex that caught my eye was the Williams JHWM-52EHFA. It’s a pretty coarse tooth count which *****, especially for a ¼” ratchet; Any drop in upgrades that fit? I do have the long handle ½” and it’s quite nice but the low tooth count is very noticeable.
Click to expand...
That's basically a Snap-on 830 series 1/4 drive ratchet. Those get buttery smooth with a little bit of use. $32.00 is steal.
 
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swsman

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OP here is my Tekton set, all 3 drive sizes in long length.
 

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swsman

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Also here is Tekton 1/4" drive long compared to my Astro 3/8" drive in 1/4 size long.
 

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oldschoolcraft

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I hate to be the guy who challenges you on what you want rather than giving you advice, but I think the matching set will be a tough find because it's not exactly what people want to buy. I have OCD too, so I get it, but I think most people, in a 2-ratchet setup for 1/4" would do a long flex head paired with something more compact, maybe a roto head short handle, maybe a tiny micro ratchet.

The goal of having a second ratchet is to increase capability, and if the long flex head won't fit, your long fixed non-flex head won't fit either. There's some argument that the flex head will make torquing some tough fasteners difficult, because some of the input forces will wobble the ratchet head. So in an instance where you need more torque, then using a straight handled will provide that. And you would lose out on that, if your second paired ratchet was a tiny one.

However, I'd counter that argument by saying if you need more torque than the long flex head ratchet can provide, maybe it's time to go to 3/8" drive. If for some reason you dont want to go to 3/8" drive, then go to a long 1/4" breaker bar which will give you even more torque than the long fixed ratchet because it's going to be stronger. You can find 1/4" breaker bars in 12" and 15" so if you find a flex ratchet in either of those lengths you like, now you have an equal size pairing.

As someone with really bad OCD too, I dont see the rationale in what you are trying to do. If you want to embrace your OCD without compromising on capability of the tools, consider a tiny 1/4" ratchet, a long 1/4" flex head, and then getting a 3/8" that is the same size as your 1/4" flex head so those two can be lined up next to each other and be pretty.

I realize your username is 308Guru... so what you're saying is analogous to "I want to have a two rifle setup that will handle all of my rifle needs. A 308 and a 30-06" when really you should pair your 308 with a 556. Unless you're big game hunting then I guess pair the 308 with a 45-70!
 
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Fedwrench

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Really need more information to make a better recommendation. Are you thinking 9 inches long or 12 inches long?
Do you prefer comfort grip or an all metal handle?
Are detents ok in the flex head?

I would look at Gearwrench's offerings. They just redid the 120XP ratchets making their heads more compact with a better ratcheting action. look for the models with orange paint accents on the ratchet head. Gearwrench is probably your bet bet for a matched set of long fixed head and long flex head.
 
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98ssuck

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I second or third the Williams 1/4” flex. Snap-On flex handles fit on them if you want to play. Pretty sure Snap-On guts will fit too. Will try to get some pictures side by side

My main 1/4” ratchet at work has become the snap-on 1/4 looking comfort handle. I adore it.

Edit
Here’s some pictures. I’m planning on putting that old williams screwdriver handle on the flex head williams.
 

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KnurledNut

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908Jim

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I'm also not one to buy the high tooth count hype. I've got 72, 80, 90 and 120 tooth ratchets and most of them end up in road kits or the back of the drawer. My "go-to" ratchets are all my truck brands in the 36 tooth range because they're well made, durable, and smooth.

My vote is to try the Williams because it's basically the last generation Snap-On which was king of the truck brands for almost 20 years before the Dual 80s were released. The screw down cover plate keeps the mechanisms well constrained and free of slop like you get in gear wrench ratchets. The sloppy heads negate the benefit of the small ratcheting arc which isn't talked about enough.

Wamsutta said:
That's basically a Snap-on 830 series 1/4 drive ratchet. Those get buttery smooth with a little bit of use. $32.00 is steal.
Click to expand...
I think it's the later 936 series, but yes, 100% agree! When these break in they're wonderful and strong.
 
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Dave455

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roofdweller49 said:
20240506_175649.jpg20240506_175523.jpg20240506_175501.jpg

Head is average size, and it's only 36 teeth, but smooth, cheap and USA made

That's a 10mm
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The Williams are a superb buy, and they were my first thought too.

I generally use a lot of European tools, but the European manufacturers all seem to struggle with the concept of long ratchets, especially in 1/4" drive.

I think this is one of the reasons folks turn to Snap On, but the Williams is 90% of the tool for a lot less cost.
 
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Chrome Vanadium Cody

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Depends what length you’re looking for and what you want to do with it.

I don’t have a budget long handle 1/4” drive suggestion but I do have one to steer clear of: Power Torque PTT12160. I had this and found the length (8”) super useful but the ratchet mechanism sucked. I upgraded to an 8” SK LP90 80181.

Another thing I’ve been using is a ratchet with a hanger hole at the base of the handle with a tether cable through it. This doesn’t help for leverage but is great for reach in situations where you have room for the ratchet to swing inside of something but obstructions in between stop you from getting a hand on it or using a longer straight or flex handled ratchet.
 
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Steve_P

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I have the Williams USA one in the OP. It has a ton of backdrag and I already clipped the spring. And I've had it for 10+ years, so it's not like I haven't used it enough.
GW makes a few 90T that are ~8" long. Longer than that I have a few Matco 88T and Snap On 72T, both flex head and standard, that I bought new on Ebay at significant discounts. The Matco sell for less $ as they don't have the SO following, and I actually like them better than SO.
 
OP
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308guru

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oldschoolcraft said:
I hate to be the guy who challenges you on what you want rather than giving you advice, but I think the matching set will be a tough find because it's not exactly what people want to buy. I have OCD too, so I get it, but I think most people, in a 2-ratchet setup for 1/4" would do a long flex head paired with something more compact, maybe a roto head short handle, maybe a tiny micro ratchet.

The goal of having a second ratchet is to increase capability, and if the long flex head won't fit, your long fixed non-flex head won't fit either. There's some argument that the flex head will make torquing some tough fasteners difficult, because some of the input forces will wobble the ratchet head. So in an instance where you need more torque, then using a straight handled will provide that. And you would lose out on that, if your second paired ratchet was a tiny one.

However, I'd counter that argument by saying if you need more torque than the long flex head ratchet can provide, maybe it's time to go to 3/8" drive. If for some reason you dont want to go to 3/8" drive, then go to a long 1/4" breaker bar which will give you even more torque than the long fixed ratchet because it's going to be stronger. You can find 1/4" breaker bars in 12" and 15" so if you find a flex ratchet in either of those lengths you like, now you have an equal size pairing.

As someone with really bad OCD too, I dont see the rationale in what you are trying to do. If you want to embrace your OCD without compromising on capability of the tools, consider a tiny 1/4" ratchet, a long 1/4" flex head, and then getting a 3/8" that is the same size as your 1/4" flex head so those two can be lined up next to each other and be pretty.

I realize your username is 308Guru... so what you're saying is analogous to "I want to have a two rifle setup that will handle all of my rifle needs. A 308 and a 30-06" when really you should pair your 308 with a 556. Unless you're big game hunting then I guess pair the 308 with a 45-70!
Click to expand...
Well said, well said......Excellent analogy.

I'm thinking, and agreeing, a flex head is the way to go at least for the first purchase. It's got more applications covered.

I'll figure out which flex head I'd like to try and if an accompanying rigid ratchet is available that's a bonus.
 
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oldschoolcraft

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308guru said:
Well said, well said......Excellent analogy.

I'm thinking, and agreeing, a flex head is the way to go at least for the first purchase. It's got more applications covered.

I'll figure out which flex head I'd like to try and if an accompanying rigid ratchet is available that's a bonus.
Click to expand...
I have no experience with it, but I'm very interested in this:

olsatools.com

Flex Head Ratchet - 90 Tooth

The precision-machined 90 tooth ratchet mechanism with only a 4-degree swing arc makes it easy to work in tight areas with a limited range of motion rotates a total of 180 degrees to help you access areas that would be hard to reach with a fixed-head ratchet. Completely engineered, fabricated...
olsatools.com olsatools.com

It did very well on the Project Farm tools, is Made in the USA, and is reasonably priced for what it is. Compared to $180 for a US Made Tool Truck ratchet.

While you're figuring out your perfect 3/8 ratchet set, you might consider the basic old school SK round head, while they are still made in the US. Model 45170.

Personally, while I do appreciate and own higher end ratchets, I wound up buying one of each of the basic old school SK made in US low tooth count round heads. The 1/2" drive model number is 42470. The 1/4" drive model is 40970. I think these are a ratchet set that is old school cool, is probably always going to be worth having as a backup at least, and even in 200 years, will be an icon tool for the 20th century.

If buying from Zoro wait for a 20% off coupon.

www.zoro.com

Sk Professional Tools 3/8" Drive 40 Geared Teeth Round Head Style Hand Ratchet, 7-5/8" L, SuperKrome Plating Finish 45170 | Zoro

Order Sk Professional Tools 3/8" Drive 40 Geared Teeth Round Head Style Hand Ratchet, 7-5/8" L, SuperKrome Plating Finish, 45170 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.
www.zoro.com www.zoro.com

I'd say, buy one of these, use it as needed, research for your perfect OCD ratchet set, and then keep the SKs as a backup and a cool museum quality piece.
 
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OP
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308guru

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I've got short to standard covered with an SK that's really short, a Husky that's "standard" length, a swivel Icon that's about 7" long.

I believe 9" or so would be the length I'm after. Longer than than and it would be too long for the jobs I'm remembering.
 
OP
3

308guru

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Messages
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oldschoolcraft said:
I have no experience with it, but I'm very interested in this:

olsatools.com

Flex Head Ratchet - 90 Tooth

The precision-machined 90 tooth ratchet mechanism with only a 4-degree swing arc makes it easy to work in tight areas with a limited range of motion rotates a total of 180 degrees to help you access areas that would be hard to reach with a fixed-head ratchet. Completely engineered, fabricated...
olsatools.com olsatools.com

It did very well on the Project Farm tools, is Made in the USA, and is reasonably priced for what it is. Compared to $180 for a US Made Tool Truck ratchet.
Click to expand...
These look quite nice and they are an SK under the hood.

Only 7" long though so it wouldn't afford any gain for me.
 
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Wamsutta

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Steve_P said:
I have the Williams USA one in the OP. It has a ton of backdrag and I already clipped the spring. And I've had it for 10+ years, so it's not like I haven't used it enough.
GW makes a few 90T that are ~8" long. Longer than that I have a few Matco 88T and Snap On 72T, both flex head and standard, that I bought new on Ebay at significant discounts. The Matco sell for less $ as they don't have the SO following, and I actually like them better than SO.
Click to expand...
I have a TM831 which is a 30 tooth 1/4 drive flex. It's buttery smooth with almost no backdrag. The pawl spring is uncut and original.

My point is you can get them to run smooth if you clean them out and put in the Superlube. The 936 will be a little stiffer because the clearances are so much tighter than the 830, but it will still smooth out with the correct grease and some mileage on it.
 
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Pasha

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I don't recommend those Williams ratchets. I bought a whole set and really wanted to like them, but they have horrible back drag. Literally among the worst I have ever experienced. It's a real pain when working in confined spaces. Unless you're on a really tight budget, I would just get a used Snap-On TLLF72 off Ebay for $90-100 and be done with it.

​

 
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Steve_P

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Wamsutta said:
I have a TM831 which is a 30 tooth 1/4 drive flex. It's buttery smooth with almost no backdrag. The pawl spring is uncut and original.

My point is you can get them to run smooth if you clean them out and put in the Superlube. The 936 will be a little stiffer because the clearances are so much tighter than the 830, but it will still smooth out with the correct grease and some mileage on it.
Click to expand...

It has superlube in it. It's a **** design in comparison to the modern ratchet designs.
 
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