looking for a strong 1/4 ratchet

[Trucky]

Another vote for Armstrong. I own the 3/8 but the 1/4 version is no slouch either. I know the size is a little different but I know I can throw all of my weight into that ratchet and it's never given me pause before.

 

[CWP1616L]

This is the 1/4 ratchet I'm getting next:

Facom R.155A

 

[amitchell]

This is the 1/4 ratchet I'm getting next:

Facom R.155A

I have the Proto version of that(exact same), its very nice, and was about $35 in Canada.

 

[buffalobill]

isnt that the same as the sk "palm control" ratchet? i have one, from a set, never used it enough to get rid of the "so new its tight" feeling. have an old whopped out sk that i really like for a short 1/4 drive. I like ratchets that feel like they are on the verge of falling apart, really. no backdrag at all.

 

[Matt018]

Armstrong or Williams, I use 1/4 extensively in small engine repair, and put 12mm sockets on em all the time, They work great.

 

[robe5000]

Just wanted to drop my two cents on the gearwrench quality issue
I just got my first gearwrench ratchet, it's 3/8 drive but it appears to be of very good quality, 3x less then my comparable snap on (dual 80 soft handle) if I do recall correctly.
I have all brands of hand tools in my box, I brake more snap on tools then any of them
When I buy a tool it's because I can feel the quality, I don't care what name is on the tool, nor do my customers.
Anywho, gearwrench make good tools
Well ratchets, pliers, and impact sockets anyway(that's all I own so far)

 

[goodysgotacuda]

locking flex 1/4" comes with 80 tooth? thought it was 72

Maybe thats it, I bought it 4 years ago..80..72..close enough.

 

[FiendFX]

Just wanted to drop my two cents on the gearwrench quality issue
I just got my first gearwrench ratchet, it's 3/8 drive but it appears to be of very good quality, 3x less then my comparable snap on (dual 80 soft handle) if I do recall correctly.
I have all brands of hand tools in my box, I brake more snap on tools then any of them
When I buy a tool it's because I can feel the quality, I don't care what name is on the tool, nor do my customers.
Anywho, gearwrench make good tools
Well ratchets, pliers, and impact sockets anyway(that's all I own so far)

i got the gearwrench 3/8 flex head also. the head is actually thinner than the snap on by a little. I bought it because it's longer than my snap on.

 

[Jrican]

Autozone's Duralast ¼" flex head is about as good as you can get for an import (Taiwan).

I second the Duralast.

 

[Conductor562]

Facom R.158A

This is identical in every single detail to the Proto 4757F I just bought last month. Curiously, it was made in Italy. It's a very nice ratchet.

 

[nanofrog]

Sure, I initially had an order into Matco for them but then I found a truck and got it there instead.
Matco 88 tooth rebuild kits: (They're Unavailable for Online ordering, Phone or dealer ordering only)
AFR8TK (1/4")
BFR8TK (3/8")
CFR8TK (1/2")

Thanks.

 

[Subyroo651]

OP - Any updates for us?

 

[Holt]

View media item 26413
I love this. Found at a pawn shop for 13 bucks

 

[genevabuck]

MAC Tools

 

[Millo777]

Carolus

http://www.carolus.de/en/products/group_articles.html?oe_opt[list_set]=149133,147364,147365

 

[Brownsfan]

If you have access to a Cornwell dealer(I know as rare as Bigfoot maybe more rare). The Cornwell Tr72 is strong as an ox and smooth as butter. The Cornwells I have are fast becoming my favorites.

 

[wxm]

Autozone's Duralast ¼" flex head is about as good as you can get for an import (Taiwan). If you are more interested in a USA made piece, SK40972 runs under $50 and is virtually indestructible, as is the Proto J4757 for around $50.

^^^ another vote for Duralast.