Most used Ratchet

[ching0n]

fixed head 3/8" but it's because I have multiples, not necessarily out of preference.

 

[assassin10000]

Matco 3/8 xl locking flex (18")

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Matco 3/8 xl locking flex (18")

I love the el cheapo non locking imitation of this I made with a Matco 88 head and an 18” advance auto breaker bar. Not my most used but when you need it, you need it.

 

[bonneyman]

We bought a whole bunch of them when they were discontinued. Fits well with most farm machines, big enough to get torque, only downside does not do well with a cheater bar.

I love SK roundheads. The same way I love my New Britain made Napa and Husky wrenches. I'm fully aware that there are nicer tools out there but they feel good in my hand and they get the job done.

I lost track long ago of how many ratchets I have. It's almost criminal to own this many nice ratchets when you don't make a living with them.

Only way to improve that is to slap a DT90 kit into it!

 

[bonneyman]

Interesting to see how many times SK.... and the 45170, specifically..... popped up here.

-Ryan

You can't hide quality!

 

[bonneyman]

I love SK roundheads. The same way I love my New Britain made Napa and Husky wrenches. I'm fully aware that there are nicer tools out there but they feel good in my hand and they get the job done.

I lost track long ago of how many ratchets I have. It's almost criminal to own this many nice ratchets when you don't make a living with them.

You oughtta drown your guilt with a few more ratchets!

 

[saltwater4life]

3/8th drive flex head ratchet about 11 inches.

 

[Snapped-off]

My go to is still my Snappy ⅜ QR bent handle flex.

I also grab my Makita ratchet alot more often than I thought I would. I use both ¼ and ⅜ anvils.

 

[Old Donn]

Have several, including Snap-On, but Gear Wrench 120xp, 3/8 drive is my go-to.

 

[Samuel D]

As a European who never encounters some of the ratchets mentioned here, I’d love to get my hands on a frumpy-looking classic old American ratchet to see what the appeal is.

Since Amazon US claims to deal with import duties and the rest up front, I might order one from there. Which long-handle 3/8″-drive model should I try? Only interested in US-made ratchets, not American brands importing stuff. Considering the Proto J5250, SK 45179, and Williams B-53A. Any of these clearly better than the others for back-drag?

If you sort Amazon reviews of the SK 45170 (a standard-handle model) by “Most recent”, you get a bunch of 1-star reviews and claims it’s not even a genuine SK ratchet. Which is a worrying prospect when ordering from abroad (difficult to return).

 

[KnurledNut]

As a European who never encounters some of the ratchets mentioned here, I’d love to get my hands on a frumpy-looking classic old American ratchet to see what the appeal is.

Since Amazon US claims to deal with import duties and the rest up front, I might order one from there. Which long-handle 3/8″-drive model should I try? Only interested in US-made ratchets, not American brands importing stuff. Considering the Proto J5250, SK 45179, and Williams B-53A. Any of these clearly better than the others for back-drag?

If you sort Amazon reviews of the SK 45170 (a standard-handle model) by “Most recent”, you get a bunch of 1-star reviews and claims it’s not even a genuine SK ratchet. Which is a worrying prospect when ordering from abroad (difficult to return).

The production of domestic SK round-heads died when Ideal sold to chinese GreatStar.

Williams revised their round-head ratchet mechanism many years ago, so its not the same as the original (pre-Snap-on) J.H. Williams that some mentioned here. The classic had a dual pawl design that gave it a high tooth count and one-of-a-kind sound. Those ratchets have been long out of production.

The Proto is still true to its roots. Antiquated 24t design. Solid no-frills ratchet. Did I mention no-frills and antiquated?

If I was going to recommend any long handle classic that is still in production, it would be the Cornwell JR40. Strong 30t mechanism that has noticeably lower backdrag. User friendly selector. But that is going to be very hard to source new abroad.

Second hand used condition, like eBay, is your best bet for any of these quality old school ratchets.

 

[nerraw117]

We bought a whole bunch of them when they were discontinued. Fits well with most farm machines, big enough to get torque, only downside does not do well with a cheater bar.

I wish I would have bought 1 of these before they were discontinued

 

[Jure]

3/8 taiwan made Wurth zebra,that's the most used one...

 

[VolvoRyan]

My dad swore by round head S-K ratchets. I sure thought they were as good as it gets….until I realized I really don’t like them.

They are an awful lot better than raised panel Craftsman junk, but I sure can’t find a single reason to hang onto them with so many better options out there.

All true. Ratchet preferences are pretty personal. Lots of reasons to use something else. SK really was the bees knees until the 80's as far as I can gather.... and now there are indeed many objectively better options out there. Not sure why I gravitate towards the SK. The Matco 88 comes out for tight quarters.

I lost track long ago of how many ratchets I have. It's almost criminal to own this many nice ratchets when you don't make a living with them.

Work smarter, not harder! As I get older, having lots of options makes the work easier. And more fun.

Since Amazon US claims to deal with import duties and the rest up front, I might order one from there. Which long-handle 3/8″-drive model should I try? Only interested in US-made ratchets, not American brands importing stuff. Considering the Proto J5250, SK 45179, and Williams B-53A. Any of these clearly better than the others for back-drag?

Wright Tools is where a lot of us SK fans went. They have a clone of the classic SK's ratchets. No experience with those particular ratchets, though. I do have a super-compact, round head, flex handle ratchet from Wright. I love it.

-Ryan

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

As a European who never encounters some of the ratchets mentioned here, I’d love to get my hands on a frumpy-looking classic old American ratchet to see what the appeal is.

Yeah as another poster said Wright could be a good way to go. Their 3425 is a long handle 3/8” ratchet in their classic style but with an updated dual pawl mechanism giving you effectively 82 teeth. The head style has been copied a million times by import companies but the handle makes it unique looking. Backdrag is kind of high to start but smooths out once broken in. Not as good as the proto but way higher tooth count so it depends what you’re looking for. I have one in regular length 1/2” drive and I’m happy with it.

 

[KnurledNut]

I would personally never recommend Wright ratchets as a go-to and I own all three drive sizes.

 

[drtyler]

As a European who never encounters some of the ratchets mentioned here, I’d love to get my hands on a frumpy-looking classic old American ratchet to see what the appeal is.

Since Amazon US claims to deal with import duties and the rest up front, I might order one from there. Which long-handle 3/8″-drive model should I try? Only interested in US-made ratchets, not American brands importing stuff. Considering the Proto J5250, SK 45179, and Williams B-53A. Any of these clearly better than the others for back-drag?

If you sort Amazon reviews of the SK 45170 (a standard-handle model) by “Most recent”, you get a bunch of 1-star reviews and claims it’s not even a genuine SK ratchet. Which is a worrying prospect when ordering from abroad (difficult to return).

The old Facom 151 ratchets are generally better tools than the old US ratchets.

The Craftsman pear head with quick release was/is ubiquitous, yet they were not great.

Of the ones you mention, the Proto may be the preferred tool. I wouldn't waste money on one though.

 

[PelicanPines]

We bought a whole bunch of them when they were discontinued. Fits well with most farm machines, big enough to get torque, only downside does not do well with a cheater bar.

This is also my most used 3/8 ratchet.
My most used 1/4" is a wera
If I go 1/2"... I go breaker bar... I don't bother ratcheting. I either breaker bar it... or IMPACT it.

 

[ElectroMechTech]

Like others have said. Ratchet choice is personal decision, like any other tool. Speaking for myself, I'm not dedicated to just one. Or just one style. Depends what I'm working on. With that said, I'm partial to Snap On, Proto and Gearwrench.

Today, a coworker shows up to the job with a pair of new Matco ratchets. 1/4 and 3/8. Black chrome, with purple handles. They are **** looking. However, due to the black chrome, it will blend in with the environment too much with the nature of our work. I could see one getting lost in an engine bay too. But damn they are pretty.

 

[Wrench97]

As a European who never encounters some of the ratchets mentioned here, I’d love to get my hands on a frumpy-looking classic old American ratchet to see what the appeal is.

Since Amazon US claims to deal with import duties and the rest up front, I might order one from there. Which long-handle 3/8″-drive model should I try? Only interested in US-made ratchets, not American brands importing stuff. Considering the Proto J5250, SK 45179, and Williams B-53A. Any of these clearly better than the others for back-drag?

If you sort Amazon reviews of the SK 45170 (a standard-handle model) by “Most recent”, you get a bunch of 1-star reviews and claims it’s not even a genuine SK ratchet. Which is a worrying prospect when ordering from abroad (difficult to return).

Proto ratchets may be ok for industrial/construction use but for automotive they have a large head that's always in the way and are very clunky feeling.
Williams are decent but older 36 tooth design, Mac has a decent ratchet as does Matco but I'm not sure where either are made, the Matco head is thinner then Snap On action feels good I have one I use at home.

 

[lardy1]

Proto Precision 90 (or the Mac variants) are pretty hard to beat. They aren't really "classic looking" but they're kickass ratchets. They shouldn't be hard to source but they're pricy.

 

[Wrench97]

Proto Precision 90 (or the Mac variants) are pretty hard to beat. They aren't really "classic looking" but they're kickass ratchets. They shouldn't be hard to source but they're pricy.

Yes you are correct I had forgotten they came out with the Precision 90 line.
The older style Proto I referred to look like this.

 

[sparky 1971]

I wish I would have bought 1 of these before they were discontinued

Grab one from ebay. I have two. One in my box at home and another one in my service truck. Just punch in SK 3870 in the search bar.

sk 3870 for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for sk 3870 at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

 

[mslim]

As a European who never encounters some of the ratchets mentioned here, I’d love to get my hands on a frumpy-looking classic old American ratchet to see what the appeal is.

Since Amazon US claims to deal with import duties and the rest up front, I might order one from there. Which long-handle 3/8″-drive model should I try? Only interested in US-made ratchets, not American brands importing stuff. Considering the Proto J5250, SK 45179, and Williams B-53A. Any of these clearly better than the others for back-drag?

If you sort Amazon reviews of the SK 45170 (a standard-handle model) by “Most recent”, you get a bunch of 1-star reviews and claims it’s not even a genuine SK ratchet. Which is a worrying prospect when ordering from abroad (difficult to return).

I usually reach for an ancient SO 3/8" fixed head.

I would skip Amazon due to the possibility of getting a fake. Zoro.com has Proto if you would like to try it. Ask them about international returns.

I recently bought a $90 wood working tool from China and the project cancelled. The cheapest return shipping I could find was $30. I'll probably just keep it.

 

[F-22]

As a European who never encounters some of the ratchets mentioned here, I’d love to get my hands on a frumpy-looking classic old American ratchet to see what the appeal is.

Since Amazon US claims to deal with import duties and the rest up front, I might order one from there. Which long-handle 3/8″-drive model should I try? Only interested in US-made ratchets, not American brands importing stuff. Considering the Proto J5250, SK 45179, and Williams B-53A. Any of these clearly better than the others for back-drag?

If you sort Amazon reviews of the SK 45170 (a standard-handle model) by “Most recent”, you get a bunch of 1-star reviews and claims it’s not even a genuine SK ratchet. Which is a worrying prospect when ordering from abroad (difficult to return).

As another European with an itch for rare and high quality ratchets in our area, I collected a used standard Snap On dual 80 in 1/2" for 60€ (scouting ebay for a while), a Proto J5249XL and a 60's made in USA Husky (New Britain rebrand). All are really nice ratchets. I'd skip the round heads, a pear head design is easier to flick over.

The Proto is really nice and smooth. It's not the highest tooth count but I really like it. Head is very compact and the tooth count is high enough to just do its job smoothly and without problems (I think it's around 50 tooth?).

The Snap On deserves its praise. It is just a very good design. Very nice in the hand, very fine and smooth mechanism with low backdrag.

I bought the Proto on Amazon and it was okay, very fast shipping and no dealing with customs.

Also got a Nepros in 1/4" which I ordered from Amazon Japan. This is possibly even a notch above Snap On - though I don't have them in the same drive size to compare in that way. Very compact and tiny head. The chrome finish is unlike any I've ever seen on a tool, it really is like a mirror.

The Husky has very fine teeth for its age (I think 60 teeth?). Compared to the more modern ratchets it has very heavy backdrag. It is not pleasant to use. It is harder to flick over. It has a very beautiful taper down from the head to the handle and very deep knurled handle. In terms of looks this is the prettiest ratchet I own and I love to use it but it isn't the most "useful".

Proto is probably best functionality for the money. I thought about ordering the "classic" design but then decided to opt for the modern XL series - just more compact and finer teeth, I really like the form factor. The head on the classic ratchets seems very wide (even if narrow) and the low tooth mechanism is surely a lot more crude than what we're used to today.

 

[KnurledNut]

Proto ratchets may be ok for industrial/construction use but for automotive they have a large head that's always in the way and are very clunky feeling.
Williams are decent but older 36 tooth design, Mac has a decent ratchet as does Matco but I'm not sure where either are made, the Matco head is thinner then Snap On action feels good I have one I use at home.

The pearheads are. The modern roundheads are a 72t heart-spring style and the much praised vintage ones were 82t (dual pawl 41t).

Proto is probably best functionality for the money. I thought about ordering the "classic" design but then decided to opt for the modern XL series - just more compact and finer teeth, I really like the form factor.

Those premiums have an odd balance with their heavy handle, especially noticeable to me in 3/8 but are a solid unit. My favorite Proto design was the Big Dawg series.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Mostly around 1/2” or 1/4” at work. These two, the Wera Zyklop speed ratchet and the Hazet HiPer, are the two I use the most. In fact, I usually use them in tandem throughout my shift.

 

[F-22]

Those premiums have an odd balance with their heavy handle, especially noticeable to me in 3/8 but are a solid unit. My favorite Proto design was the Big Dawg series.

Now that you mention it... )

To be honest I think my Proto ratchet is a little bit bent. looks like the head is looking "down" just slightly. It's not really relevant when using it but I think I can see it. I don't want to measure it cause then it'd bother me more. The "neck" is wide and thin.

 

[rd65]

At work, small tool & engine tech, I rarely use a rachet. Mostly I use a Dewalt (hand me down tool) impact and for assembling I use a T handle. At home I have a 1/4" fine tooth Craftsman Pro, Snap On fine tooth 3/8, and a Craftsman flex head, bent handle 3/8, and a Craftsman 3/8 stubby, Craftsman 1/2 also. My professional wrenching has been on motorcycles and now small engines so no need for huge tools. I have never been a tool horse, couldn't ever afford it.

 

[Hohn]

I grew up using 80s Craftsmans my Dad had. I have them still. They are sloppy and generally are only kept for sentimental value now.
I find myself gravitating to my Makita ratchet a lot. It's a lot handier than I expected it would be. It's convenient to not have to run an air hose when I don't need big ugga dugga.
For manual ratchets, I've been using Icon flex heads in 3/8 or Gearwrench (the Project Farm shootout "winner") in 1/2".

I haven't used 1/4 drive in YEARS.

 

[roofdweller49]

My dad swore by round head S-K ratchets. I sure thought they were as good as it gets….until I realized I really don’t like them.

They are an awful lot better than raised panel Craftsman junk, but I sure can’t find a single reason to hang onto them with so many better options out there.

I can see the appeal of the knurled grip, and the "clacketyness" of the old SKs - it's funny because I've already heard SK fan bois proclaim that the 1/4" and the 1/2" are the better SK ratchets due to their higher teeth count

I'm guessing the old 24 tooth Proto design have a similar "positive" ratchet engagement?

 

[mikey03]

I kept seeing everyone talk so much about the 45170 I asked my uncle and he let me use his but idk I didn’t like it compared to the Snap On 80s I use.

He said maybe you can get a rebuild for higher tooth count but he wasn’t sure. I think maybe it’s too big compared to snap on.

So you guys who use it actually like it better or is it just cheaper than a snap on or nostalgia and makes you feel good to use it even if it’s not the best tool just like emotions?

 

[nicks78camaro]

TF72 and FLF80A

 

[Jim greengo]

Dewalt cordless impact these days. Hahaha

 

[wafrederick]

My Koken 3/8 flex head,very smooth back drag

 

[mreisner]

F100 Snap-on has made it up to the top of the list, took a little bit to get broken but now I'm very happy with it.

 

[Ditchdigger]

Snap-on TF72 1/4" non locking flex. It always seems to be in my pocket

 

[Kurt4440]

I am right hand dominant, so I either grab a Wright or Armstrong ratchet in my right hand, and in my left hand, a Snap-On ratchet or Snap -On impact. The Snap-On tools in my left hand make me ambidextrous.

Actually, it really depends, but, I am definitely a cordless ratchet, impact gun worker now. What a game changer these have been in my lifetime.

 

[Beerhippie]

I'll be the odd man out!

My go-to 3/8" is my T&E Tools SRC-150 (7") gearless with push-through plug. Backdrag and backlash are near non-existant. Discontinued. My second-most used 3/8" was my S-K 45170 (lives in my road box for car repair), but recently I picked up an old, well-used Indestro 2775 (6 3/8"). Less backdrag and seems like the same tooth count as the S-K--plus feels just fine in hand.

If any of you Europeans still wants to try out the S-K 45170, I have two spares--just can't pass 'em up at yard sales--I'd pass on for the cost of shipping--assuming I can find them.

 

[belvedere]

I kept seeing everyone talk so much about the 45170 I asked my uncle and he let me use his but idk I didn’t like it compared to the Snap On 80s I use.

He said maybe you can get a rebuild for higher tooth count but he wasn’t sure. I think maybe it’s too big compared to snap on.

So you guys who use it actually like it better or is it just cheaper than a snap on or nostalgia and makes you feel good to use it even if it’s not the best tool just like emotions?

I have my late grandfather's 1/2" SK ratchet...it's one of the few tools of his that I have. Yes, I use it occasionally for sentimental reasons.