looking for a good 1/4 ratchet

[Brentocool]

My Matco is 25 years old and is the slimest I have ever seen. Not made any more though!

 

[GTO]

I like the SO TL72
Good Luck

 

[Ritter4.0]

If youre looking to save a little money and still have decent quality I would recommend a Duralast ratchet 1/4" flex from Autozone, then clip the spring as kirbot shows here

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87874
I'm normally a SK guy but I think the ratchet head might be too thick on them

This. While you're at it, tighten the flex head screw as tight as it'll comfortably go. Then its pretty much a locking/ fixed flex.

If you want it slimmer, just grind it, only thing stopping you is the selector switch. Buy a second one to swap the guts with so you can still warranty it if it breaks.


If you need a longer handle, buy a Snap-On comfort grip for their 1/4" ratchets, and drill it out, press it on. You can also buy a smaller Duralast screwdriver, pull the handle off (harder than you might think for a Taiwan tool, some have double tanged shanks) Drill it out, and press it on.



EDIT: here's a comparison picture, standard, flex, and flex with a screwdriver handle

 

[diesel research]

Those are fine ratchets, but miss the point of what the OP was asking. What makes the long Matco awesome is that it is long & fine tooth, 2 things the Armstrong does not have and are the 2 things that make life easier when you are working in a hard to reach area, which is what the OP needs.

On a side note the Snap-On TL72 is 6 1/2" long, the Matco AFR88T is 8" long, and the Matco AFR88TM with the ergonomic handle is even longer at 9" overall length which is why I think it is the best 1/4" ratchet made. I have both the Matco & Snap-On ratchets.

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AFR88TM/1-4-8IN-88TH-RATCHET-ORANGE/

No it does not completely miss the point. The armstrong flex is comparable in length to the TL72, AND


....is coming out with a 88 kit installed from the factory. They weren't going to keep building ratchets for matco and let them have all the glory.

Right now websites still use old data from 60T era, but as of a few weeks ago the announcement was leaked out unofficially.

 

[Gtamazing]

No it does not completely miss the point. The armstrong flex is comparable in length to the TL72, AND


....is coming out with a 88 kit installed from the factory. They weren't going to keep building ratchets for matco and let them have all the glory.

Right now websites still use old data from 60T era, but as of a few weeks ago the announcement was leaked out unofficially.

Is this true or ********?

 

[osborn.ozzy]

I have this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCO-RATCH...ols&vxp=mtr&hash=item256a083a1b#ht_566wt_1144

and this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WILLIAMS-1-...aultDomain_0&hash=item1e5a1da80b#ht_855wt_836

I love both of them.

 

[GoBlue]

If long isn't necessary don't forget about the composite HF ratchet.

 

[wreckerman5357]

Snap-On THLX72. This is my most used ratchey of any size since I got it last month. It's a locking flex head with the comfort grip. Being a bodyman, I use 1/4 inch a lot, sometimes on stuff I should probably use 3/8 for. First flex head I have owned and I like the locking feature, I won't use flex ratchets without it. It is strong and over 8 inches long so you can get some leverage. It's in the Christmas flyer for $89.95.

 

[diesel research]

Is this true or ********?

Probably ********.

Anyways,

11-20-2011, 03:11 PM FYI guys...the 1/4 and 3/8 drive Maxx ratchets are now 88-tooth from the factory. I am sure there are some 60T units in distributor inventory, but I expect those will flow through before long.

About phi2039

Location
Baltimore, MD
Occupation
Group Manager - Product Marketing, Apex Tool Group

Yes. I am a Product Manager with the Danaher Tool Group. I currently handle all ratchets/drive tools, extensions/adapters, sockets, hex keys, and nut-drivers.

Take that as you will.