Need a good ratchet set: 1/4 , 3/8, 1/2

[mroneeyedboh]

Looking for a set of ratchets that aren't crazy expensive. I have snap-on at work but I don't need that quality at home. And most of my stuff is larger anyway at work.

What else is out there? I've never had flex head ratchets, are they worth it?

 

[Ming-Tzu]

Gearwrench 120XP

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT81206P

Flex head 120XP

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT81230P

Whether it's worth it or not is a subjective thing, so tough to say. I only purchased these a few weeks ago and haven't had a chance to use it as much yet, so will let others chime in.

 

[PJNJ]

The Gearwrenches are very good ratchets. I have the two piece 1/4 and 3/8 comfort grip flex head 120xp ratchets. Smooth and light backdrag after I put a dab of Super Lube on the gear and a few drops of Marvel Mystery Oil in them.

Here's a link -
https://jet.com/product/detail/cd30...156843370620&gclid=CKCUiayg4csCFQEmhgodu7sJdQ

They were $57.99 recently but went up. You can get 15% off your first order at Jet using "15NOW".

For 1/2 ratchets I find that leverage is more important than flex. I picked up a used Wright 15 inch 1/2 ratchet from Ebay. Strong and tough. I also picked up a used 10 inch Wright from Ebay and recently a used SK 10 inch at a flea market. All three are very good and will outlast me. The price for all three was probably less than the price for a new 15 inch Wright.

Here'a a 15 inch Wright on Ebay now for $40 -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wright-Tool...:g:U9oAAOSwoBtW3eqR&item=182047090188&vxp=mtr
And a 10 inch Wright -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wright-Tool...:g:7vkAAOSwP~tW3QR9&item=252311760355&vxp=mtr

Here's an SK-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-TOOLS-42...:g:WbMAAOSwwpdW2dZI&item=381561344186&vxp=mtr

SK's can be found pretty cheap at flea markets instead of Ebay. They made so many of them over the years that it seems every old tool vendor has one or two. I got mine for $8 at a small flea market and after cleaning and oiling, it works like new.

 

[AV tinker er]

SK's can be found pretty cheap at flea markets instead of Ebay. They made so many of them over the years that it seems every old tool vendor has one or two. I got mine for $8 at a small flea market and after cleaning and oiling, it works like new.

I agree with the flea market/swap meet route. Great deals on some quality older made ratchets at a fraction of the cost of even gear wrench.

 

[yamaha0343]

Also look at Williams' USA line. Recently bought a 1/2 inch ratchet that I'm really happy with it. I'll probably pick up a 3/8 and 1/4 soon.

 

[gdocktor3]

Just get gearwrench 120xp off amazon. They have a good deal on sets of flex head cushion grips.

 

[Monte]

only € 99.- if you are from the US
http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Stahlwille_Aktion/Stahlwille_415/435/512_Set_1/4_3/8_1/2_i3736_56682.htm

 

[Buster21]

I have the Gearwrench 81207 3 piece cushion grip set. Should be able to find it for around $100.00. It has served me well.

 

[GSMotorrad]

These Grey Pneumatics are very nice:

I'd also get a set of cheap Roto-Ratchets from Harbor Freight or something and swap the handles to something more comfortable.

(that picture taken from his thread here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/custom-ratchets)

I've never had flex head ratchets, are they worth it?

So worth it, but I prefer the ROTO style, which I used exclusively for many many years. I've had flex-head ratchets that I didn't bond with and got rid of. I've recently added "rigid" ratchets, just for fun, but still I prefer to use the ROTO style almost every time. Just what I've gotten used to, I guess.

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought a set of crescent 1/4" and 3/8" roto ratchets. They're exact same as Gearwrench and work really well. Just for giggles I bought a 1/4" roto from HF like the ones above. The only thing nice about it is the qr button. Other then that it's a pos. I just don't like the feel of it. It feels cheap, it's clanky, and loud. I paid $19 for the pair from cripe and around $13 for the one from HF. If you get what you pay for at HF, this thing should have been $3.

 

[derosa]

Trade tool supply has the 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 wrights in the contour grip for around a hundred plus shipping

 

[cgrutt]

Edit - sorry thought you were looking for sockets.

 

[LXCam]

I recently bought a complete set of the ezred extra long fixed heads. I luv these things. They are just as smooth as the GW's and I like the feel better. I'm most impressed for what they cost and will be trying out their other offerings the next time I decide to get a new ratchet.

 

[gdocktor3]

I recently bought a complete set of the ezred extra long fixed heads. I luv these things. They are just as smooth as the GW's and I like the feel better. I'm most impressed for what they cost and will be trying out their other offerings the next time I decide to get a new ratchet.

I was under the impression ezred was HF quality stuff. That's why I was shocked when I saw it on the truck tool equivalents thread. Do you compare HF ratchets to be equal quality as gw?

 

[Citation]

How much are you looking to spend? I mean quality wise I wouldn't dismiss Craftsman sockets even though I don't care for the ratchets. I recently got a few Husky ratchets off of ebay. They are the new 72 tooth kind that are basically the same guts as the Gearwrench ratchets but with a quick release button. The Husky 100 tooth ratchets use the same mechanism as the gearwrench but with a different tooth count.

This Stanley set doesn't look too bad but you would have to add a 1/2 drive set. The set is short on fillers and has a decent section of tools. However, unlike Husky/Kobalt/Sears the warranty requires mailing things in.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KE6E1U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Recently there was a $10 off discount once you put the thing in your cart. It might still be valid.

I can say that the Husky ratchets are slightly lower count versions of the Gearwrench design. They are quite nice in the hand. The Kobalt ratchets feel like they came out of the same shop as Tekton. Very low friction and 72 tooth but thick around the drive head and the "reversed" direction lever.

You probably have a good idea what sizes you want so I would just look for sales on those brands. The HF stuff still feels crude to me (though the price is good). Northern Tool may be a good bet if there is one in your area. Their stuff appears to also be from the same place as Tekton.

Edit: Opps, looks like you are looking for ratchets specifically. Check ebay. My Husky stuff was ebay purchased. If it comes broken, well it does have a lifetime warranty.

 

[LXCam]

I was under the impression ezred was HF quality stuff. That's why I was shocked when I saw it on the truck tool equivalents thread. Do you compare HF ratchets to be equal quality as gw?

I honestly can't compare them the what HF has since I just can't bring myself to buying them. As for a direct between GW, Armstrong, proto, Cornwell and three other lesser brands like CM, tekton and husky these are at the top of the pile. I didn't know what to expect when I bought them, but have been very happy with the purchase.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I worked in a shop with some dishonest people & picked up a couple hf pro ratchets when my dual 80 grew legs. I'm not working there anymore & replaced those ratchets with matco 88s. I like the ergonomics of the matcos better & love the locking flex but to be honest the hf ones are much smoother. I'd like to try the gearwrenches. Everyone seems to love them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jim Diesel]

Im another for Gearwrench 120xp. I have the full set of 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 all in flex head. Use them daily in the workshop and have served me well, with no problems. I also beleive they are well priced for what they are.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I'm not a pro, but I like the Gearwrench 120XP's as well. Flex or not is up to you, but I do have both.

 

[Tinner]

Gearwrench ratchets and sockets are a tremendous value when purchased at a decent discount. I have them in 1/4" drive at work, 1/4 and 3/8" in my portable tool kit. Other than that, I'm a Snap-on guy. Heck, you can find the 84 tooth Gearwrench dirt cheap and they're pretty nice.

 

[four.cycle]

mroneeyedboh - if you're used to working with Snap-on stuff you probably are wanting something of fairly good quality.

best 1/4" drive RHFT ratchet money can buy: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-5-D...336953?hash=item464b6fec79:g:Yc8AAOSwyjBW8a09

or go with a 40970 S-K 1/4" RHFT - Ebay is glutted with them right now. figure about $21.00 incl. shipping for a nice one.

or... Proto 4749 - 1/4" - nice ones on Ebay $22 - $25 incl. shipping

or... one that I found damn nice for not a lot of money, and very small: 1060 Challenger - should be under $20 incl. shipping on Ebay.

the last couple weeks Ebay is rife with 3/8" and 1/2" drive S-K and Proto ratchets. beat-to-hell anywhere from $12-$20, nice shape $20-$30.

now and then you can find Indestro 6272 (3/8") or 6472 (1/2") pear-head ratchets on Ebay that are in great condition. both generally under $25 incl. shipping. (RHFT Indestro (2775 3/8" and 3275 1/2" are few and far between, but are incomparable.)

you might want to check out this thread for some other opinions:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323736

never owned a "flex head" so I can't comment on that one.

 

[d.mcfarland]

A good set is a complete set meaning ready for the circumstances you will encounter. We don't even know what you will be using them on.

 

[jallyn]

I just added roto ratchets to my box. Partly because of some GJ comments that roto ratchets are more useful than flex head.

As for decent non-Snap-On-priced roto ratchets... GearWrench are nice. HF are low cost and click loudly, but are strong and have a quick release button.

 

[morrillm06]

Very happy with my 3pc Carlyle set that are regularly on sale for less that 40$