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Looking for a new 1/2" ratchet

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iroc409

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Aug 7, 2011
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498
I'm looking for suggestions for a new 1/2" drive ratchet. I have been kind of eyeing the Williams S-52A or the S-53A, as they sound like pretty good contenders.

I have a F80 that I really like, and have looked at the S80, but I don't really want to spend more than maybe about $50.

I want something that the drive mechanism isn't all wobbly, and would like something fairly smooth. I'm not too keen on comfort grips, but maybe I could get into it. I've also never really been into round heads, but the S-52/3 sounds pretty nice. Maybe the sealed head Williams would be better?

Also, should I lean more towards the 15" models instead of 10/11"? 15" sounds like a big ratchet, but I'll probably keep my Cman RP around which is about 10" so maybe I wouldn't need both.
 
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archirelic

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Sep 24, 2010
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75 shipped isn't too far off 50 and I picked up a S80a from the classifieds for that much. I've been extremely pleased with my purchase, I'd recommend you "cough" up an additional 25, you won't be disappointed.
 
S

Shenator

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Mar 2, 2008
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Now that SK is back in business I've been looking at one of these. http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-40170.aspx

I've heard they are pretty smooth and strong but they are only 40 teeth (I think) instead of the 72 on the Williams. I'm not saying you should get one since I have no first hand experience with them I just want to bring it up since I've been looking at them too.
 
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Gtamazing

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Oct 4, 2010
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Fort Erie On.
I too share your aversion to round head ratchets. The Williams is a damn fine ratchet. I own one in every size. And the mechanism is definably not wobbly.

I'm speaking about the 36 tooth USA Williams not the imported dual purpose 60 tooth.
 
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toolmaker1

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Oct 3, 2010
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Northwest Pa
what about one of the Bahco sh80 clones? I have actually been wanting to try one because I really like a fat comfort grip and they have identical guts to the Snapons
 

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iroc409

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498
Well, I might still get a Snap-On, but 1/2" isn't my most-used drive--usually (probably like most) just for the larger stuff). I would like to get a FL80, so if I were getting another Snap-On I might just do that.

I like the look of the Bahco, and that one is very tempting. I'm just not sure I'm sold on the grip. What happens if it gets torn up? I do really like the looks of that though, and it's a good price.

The sealed Williams look pretty nice too, and they also come in long handle version. My breaker bar is only 18", and it would probably make it obsolete just about.
 
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Jim85IROC

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Sep 15, 2010
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333
I love my thin profile 3/8 craftman, but the handle is too short on the 1/2" to interest me. The only time I reach for 1/2 is when my long handled 3/8 can't cut it, so the short handled 1/2 is useless to me. I just bought the 1/2 HF extendable handled ratchet and so far I'm really liking it. It bridges the gap between my long 3/8 ratchet and my 1/2 breaker bar.
 
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iroc409

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Aug 7, 2011
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I have a thin profile, brand new actually, but I don't like the 1/2" model. The 3/8" are decent and the 1/4" is really nice. The 1/2" is a nice ratchet, I'm just not keen on it in that size.
 
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SMKS

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Feb 14, 2010
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USA, planet Earth
Here's the Bahco another member was talking about. There's a thread on here about it. A member bought one and posted pics. Identical mechanism to a Snap-On and made in Spain. About $50 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Tools...063?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415a2d995f

Here's another choice. This is a long-handled 1/2" Williams, but it appears it was rebranded by Williams for a company called Reed. $43 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-REED-MFG..._Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item2eb5d440d0
 
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franzdom

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Sep 7, 2009
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NC
How about Cornwell SR50? I picked up a new one for $39 shipped on ebay. Very nice ratchets. Not high tooth count but very smooth and feels great.
 
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matthew

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Dec 4, 2009
Messages
1,347
I just got an Armstrong 12-973 for less than your budget with shipping included, as NOS with just a few scuffs on it. It's only 36 tooth, but a nice 15" long handle and seems pretty stout. I'm only a hobbyist, but I find when I pull out the 1/2" stuff that I need more leverage and that clearance is less of an issue - I generally was borrowing my Dad's 24 tooth long handled ratchet before, and while a tad coarse it was great to use. So I'd definitely go for the longer handled version.
 
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iroc409

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498
Well, I bought the Reed that Stephen linked to, so thanks for the link. It was a few dollars cheaper (literally only a few), and came with the Bahco extension I probably don't need (I already have a few 1/2" drive extensions).

I might pick up a rebuild kit for it just to have around, and so I don't forget it's a S-53 LOL.

I'm going to keep one of my 10" Craftsmans, either the RP or the thin profile, and save up for a FL80 down the road. I think I'd use an FL80 quite a bit, and not so much a 10" 1/2" drive--but I think the 15" will be nice.
 
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