Need a beastly 1/2" ratchet

[finn]

I will vouch for the Snapon. Not much of a Snapon nut hugger, but it’s a great tool.

Got mine, almost brand new, along with about 8 or 10. Snappy andMatco 1/4” and 3/8” drive ratchets for $75 at an estate auction.

 

[General Geoff]

I also might think about getting that big Tekton breaker bar.

A 3/4" breaker at 38" long ought to make life a little easier in me and tougher on those bolts.

That's gonna be the real hero of the show. No matter how expensive, a 1/2" square drive can only be so strong. 3/4" bumps up the beef so you can hang off it with a 4 foot cheater pipe and the tool will take it.

Even a cheap 3/4" breaker bar will be stronger than a Snap-On 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar.

 

[Super Mech]

Sounds like a good way to hurt your back over not just grabbing an impact.

Work smarter not harder

This.

 

[patchap]

3/4drive breaker bar, and just pick up the sockets as you need em. Even my cheap one is 3' long, nothing on my trucks has been difficult since I got it.
Impacts where they fit are much easier ofcourse.

 

[jsmeece]

Good luck on the Carlyle - Seems to not be many left around with the sale.

On that note I am pretty impressed with the tekton 90 tooth for the budget option. They have the service to back it up as well.

There are six, yes 6, NAPA stores near me that have that 24" ratchet in stock.

 

[BK13]

I have the long Kobalt flex head ratchet that for my limited uses has been fine. Some knucklehead cranked the lug nuts down on the GF's Volvo so hard that it took all of my 340 lbs. bouncing on it to break them free. That's a fair amount of force...

 

[JVB]

There are six, yes 6, NAPA stores near me that have that 24" ratchet in stock.

Send one this way

I was told by my local store that Texas was the closest location and shipping cost is determined after it ships.

 

[jsmeece]

Send one this way

I was told by my local store that Texas was the closest location and shipping cost is determined after it ships.

I just bought one 15 miles away from me for $42.39 with sales tax.
Let me pick it up first, just to make sure that have it in stock.

I will then send you a PM for your address. I will pack and calculate shipping to you in PA. Sound OK?

 

[uncwstudent]

If you want a 3/4" ratchet, here's a Heyco for $74.72 on Amazon.

 

[scubadoober]

One other option.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt-Pro-Tech-1-2-Drive-X-25-Long-Reach-Flex-Head-Ratchet-Handle-649956/292103301753?epid=1566306233&hash=item4402b6aa79:g:N6sAAOSwLs9aXpKB:rk:1f:1&frcectupt=true

 

[dr_clyde]

I've never had a lick of trouble with my Snap-on SLF80A. If I can't budge it with that, I move to 3/4" drive.

 

[uncwstudent]

One other option.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt-Pro-Tech-1-2-Drive-X-25-Long-Reach-Flex-Head-Ratchet-Handle-649956/292103301753?epid=1566306233&hash=item4402b6aa79:g:N6sAAOSwLs9aXpKB:rk:1f:1&frcectupt=true

Those Powerbuilts are nice! Have you put a lot of torque on them though?

 

[rmsg0040]

4 foot hein werner jack handle slipped over a SLF80, turning it into a 4 foot ratchet, with my dad pulling and me pushing, tough as nails

It is the first version with screws on the face plate, new versions have the screws on the back of the head

 

[njc41980]

Okay. I now officially hate you all. LOL

Looks like I'm going to have to buy about 5 ratchets now.

 

[protegeV]

I just bought one of these today. Didn't "need" it but couldn't pass up the deal

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR12XL48

 

[Professional Tool User]

Snap-on rated these ratchets at 700 lb-ft. There was a pdf file from Snap-on with the info, but I can’t find it now. The old links no longer work.

I highly doubt any 1/2" dr ratchet can take more than 300 to 400 ft lbs and last a long time. I've seen cases of Snap on ratchets failing on much less torque.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-on makes the strongest 1/2 inch drive ratchet in the world bar none. They are very expensive, but not digestible; meaning, it will be with you for the rest of your life.

 

[Ign]

Snap-on makes the strongest 1/2 inch drive ratchet in the world bar none. They are very expensive, but not digestible; meaning, it will be with you for the rest of your life.

May you mean consumable or possibly expendable?

 

[Wamsutta]

May you mean consumable or possibly expendable?

I mean digestible. Can you digest a ratchet in your stomach?

 

[Ign]

Okay. I now officially hate you all. LOL

Looks like I'm going to have to buy about 5 ratchets now.

This. I ordered the 24" Tekton in non-QR (mostly just 'cause the QR version is OOS) and I kinda want the 24" Carlyle. Found a store about an hour away with one.

 

[Wamsutta]

May you mean consumable or possibly expendable?

How much money do we spend every year on things that are digestible? Wouldn't it be nice if that money was spent on something that's not digestible? Can you digest a Snap-on ratchet? What happens to the ratchet if you can't digest it? I'll tell you, it stays there in your possession forever!

 

[Mr_B]

^
Well if the guy didn't spend on a digestible his snappy ratchets be up for grabs at an estate sale lol ...

 

[Wamsutta]

^
Free pizza and free gasoline; how much money would we then have for Snap-on?

 

[kctyphoon]

$45 shipped
TEKTON 1/2-Inch Drive x 24-Inch Ratchet (90T) | SRH01224 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GHSFJ76/?tag=atomicindus08-20


$65 shipped
EZ Red MR1224FL 1/2" Drive x 22" Flex Head Ratchet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IUM9M9U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or $200 on a used rip off
1/2" Drive Flex Head Ratchet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C3JL0PA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[LilEngineeringBoy]

If you don't need Amazon Prime shipping, you can get the Tekton from Tekton directly for the same price.

And it looks like they give you a little kickback for spending money with them.

 

[LilEngineeringBoy]

I didn't have 5 posts so it wouldn't let me include the link:

https://www.tekton.com/long-ratchets

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Here is a beast of a 1/2" drive ratchet. https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...30-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-RATCHET-CHROME/
I like the Matco locking flex head ratchets the best. I reach for my locking flex Armstrong's (same design as Matco) over my SO's ratchets almost every time.

For what you are doing, I would also suggest a 3/4" drive breaker bar. I have a 40" one and it's way safer to use than my 24" 1/2" breaker. It's also more efficient as there is far less flexing and the additional length.

 

[jabberwoki]

Proto has my vote or Wright if they make one.

 

[jd_1138]

He has a bar. He doesn't want to spend time switching.

Yeah but putting a lot of pressure on a ratchet will mess it up. I use breaker bars to loosen then I put the ratchets to work.

 

[ku17]

I personally have the long flex head Proto 90 tooth and it’s a tool that’s a throwback to a time when gravity was free. It’s not a cheap tool and I’d imagine that a Matco 88 or similar Snap-On will deliver similar results. Considering you intend tend to use it as a breaker bar and ratchet, your best bet may be to go with whatever option is the most convenient to warranty in the event of a failure. Your location would be the deciding factor. If there’s no brick and mortar stores near you then I can vouch that Proto, Snap-On, and Tekton have excellent online customer service.

Also, the 3/4 drive ratchet suggestions aren’t such a bad idea. You’d have the be a World’s Strongest Man Competitor, or a forklift, to break one of those.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Sounds like a good way to hurt your back over not just grabbing an impact. Work smarter not harder

Agree with the above, excellent point. Particularly for a DIY weekender (like me), who doesn't wrench for a living. Let the tools do the work. I carry a breaker bar in my truck, in case I break down away from home. But at home, I use an impact wrench for high torque fasteners (e.g., lug nuts). And impact wrenches are quite affordable for DIY weekenders.

Impact Wrench Cost = $100
Back Surgery Cost = I hope you have good health insurance.

 

[Dakkyz]

Gedore 1993GU-10XL £120 ish... but I use it daily on trucks best thing I have ever bought.

2 settings one turns it into a breaker bar then you flip it into a ratchet.

600mm long with a Flex Head.

Sent from my SM-G950F using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[outdoorspace]

My vote as well goes to the SLF80A. It is my favorite Snap On tool. Smooth and strong. I would like to see someone break it just so I know what it will take. I tried the 200LB gorilla routine and I could not make it happen.

I broke the anvil off my SLF80 tightening an axle castle nut. The torque spec was 360 ft-lbs, and then tighten further to align the pin. My body weight standing on the end was about right for torque but it broke when I was bouncing on it to get the pin in.

Luckily it was just the anvil. The other parts of the ratchet mechanism and flex pin were unscathed.

 

[gearhead1]

I bought a cheap 3/4” drive set just for this type of thing. If my impact won’t get it, then out comes then 3/4” drive set.

 

[mike93lx]

Agree with the above, excellent point. Particularly for a DIY weekender (like me), who doesn't wrench for a living. Let the tools do the work. I carry a breaker bar in my truck, in case I break down away from home. But at home, I use an impact wrench for high torque fasteners (e.g., lug nuts). And impact wrenches are quite affordable for DIY weekenders.

Impact Wrench Cost = $100
Back Surgery Cost = I hope you have good health insurance.

the bills for my micro discectomy (2 herniated discs) was somewhere around $50k before insurance adjustments...

i only paid my deductible, but it was still a few grand.

 

[JulianMorrow]

the bills for my micro discectomy (2 herniated discs) was somewhere around $50k before insurance adjustments...i only paid my deductible, but it was still a few grand.

There's a reality pill for everyone here. A few years ago, I was in Wal-Mart's hardware section and was looking at a sledge hammer. I had an old shed on my land (built by the previous owner) that was falling apart, so I was going to take it down.

As soon as I put my hand on that sledge hammer, a voice behind me says "Don't do it". I turn around & there's a guy my age (mid 50s). He says: "I don't know what you plan on doing with that sledge, but I ruined my back using a sledge to knock out a wall. I'll have my second back surgery next month".

I thanked the gent and put the sledge away. I hired out the job for $150 to a neighbor half my age.

 

[Ign]

Some are confused on the physics of leverage. A longer lever multiplies the amount of force you are able to exert on a fastener, making it easier on your back.

Remember the famous saying of "give me a lever long enough and I'll lift the world"?

And yes, I've had a microdiscectomy too. Now they say I need a double fusion but they won't do it due to my age.

My damage is from dumb **** like throwing NP205's around. Not from using long levers.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I've been using my 24" flex head snap on on 1-1/4" flange bolts for 16 years. got the fine tooth when it came out. SLD80 or whatever the number is, is actually stronger than the 836 course tooth. I broken one handle after having a 4" pipe attached to it.

and before yall say use a breaker bar or impact. I have one. carry a tool box while climbing 120' up scaffold in a plant/efinery and tell me how many tools you take with you....

 

[mike93lx]

Some are confused on the physics of leverage. A longer lever multiplies the amount of force you are able to exert on a fastener, making it easier on your back.

Remember the famous saying of "give me a lever long enough and I'll lift the world"?

And yes, I've had a microdiscectomy too. Now they say I need a double fusion but they won't do it due to my age.

My damage is from dumb **** like throwing NP205's around. Not from using long levers.

you must have missed the post where the OP talked about having to brace himself against a tire and giving it everything he could.

i understand leverage very well and also understand when something is the wrong tool for the job.

 

[Ign]

So the NAPA about an hour from me that had 1 of the Carlyles actually had 2....

...so similar to "the first rule in government spending" as cited in the movie Contact -- why buy one when you can buy two for twice the price -- I got both