danmcph
Well-known member
I know that the Nepro ratchets are incredibly beautiful. That aside, how do they compare from a functional perspective like backdrag, swing arc, durability etc to other high end alternatives like Stahlwille or SnapOn etc.
Nepro vs alternatives
- Thread starter danmcph
- Start date
In general, there is not alot of empirical testing on these things because both the Nepros and the Stahlwille fine tooth QR are not easy to acquire in the USA. Both cost about $70 each imported for the simpest model (125mm long non-flex, 1/4 drive) .
One of the guy here has some nepros and thinks they are the best ratchet design going. His collection of 1/4 drive tools maybe offers be the best selection of non-USA 1/4 drive ratchets on the forum (see pic below). So that type endorsement is worth considering; especially if money is no object.
One of the guy here has some nepros and thinks they are the best ratchet design going. His collection of 1/4 drive tools maybe offers be the best selection of non-USA 1/4 drive ratchets on the forum (see pic below). So that type endorsement is worth considering; especially if money is no object.
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superautobacs
Well-known member
I rank Nepros tools as a top-tier brand. I once considered purchasing Stahlwille's newest high-tooth count ratchet, but I ended up getting Nepros instead after comparing them side by side. The backdrag on the Stahlwille was too high for my likings and the plastic looking back plate wasn't very inspiring either.
redvalkyrie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2006
- Messages
- 423
Hands down Nepros. I have the older 36 3/8" and extra long 1/2" and both are fabulous. I also have the new compact head flex 90 tooth 3/8" and wow! It's so small and SO smooth. I will be replacing my main line ratchets slowly with the new 90 tooth designs. That says a lot for me as I went to great lengths and hardships to track down the best of the best from Toptul well before they were a name here. I had a Japanese friend sponsored by them.
Plus, if you order direct from Nepros.net the service and delivery speed is awesome.
Plus, if you order direct from Nepros.net the service and delivery speed is awesome.
I just got a Nepros compact stubby 3/8 flex 90 and a regular head stubby 3/8 flex 90 (sent by nepros.net by mistake) and both blow away my box full of Snap On Dual 80s and '80s-vintage Snap-Ons. Backdrag on the compact is less than any of my others; the regular size is average. The Nepros are simply stunning tools, even if I don't prefer QR ratchets.
I'll be buying the full range of 1/4 90s and a couple more 3/8s.
I'll be buying the full range of 1/4 90s and a couple more 3/8s.
SantaAna12
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2012
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- 1,091
I wish someone would strength-test the Nepros adjustable with the round handle.
Just saying.
Just saying.
superautobacs
Well-known member
It's been done already...back in 2007.
Keep in mind that the minimum requirements at the time were:
DIN 3265kg-cm
JIS 4700kg-cm
ANSI 4700kg-cm
So, each one exceeded the minimum requirements.
*note to viewers...especially for the serious observer: don't fall into thinking that tools should be chosen based solely on these numbers that simply show what is the "strongest/hardest" or "weekest/softest". These are destructive testing; NOT endurance testing. In addition, they only tested one sample instead of getting an average from testing multiple samples from different lot production. So, DON'T take this as some ultimate guide to hand tool shopping, because it certainly shouldn't be considered as such.
Likewise, just because [insert brand name] resulted in the highest value, it does NOT neccessarily equate to being the "best" of the bunch.
Keep in mind that the results are not indicative of the entire brand's quality.
There are many other factors involved in choosing a good tool that suits your purpose, needs, and personal taste.[/SIZE]
SantaAna12
Well-known member
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- Mar 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,091
Thank you Bacs. I like the idea of the handle.
P.S. Above and beyond amigo!
P.S. Above and beyond amigo!
I mostly own Snap-On with some older Craftsman ratchets in the drawer. I was very interested in Nepros to replace some of my 3/8" Snap-On ratchets. Today my 3/8"sq. 90-Tooth Compact Flex Head Short Ratchet (NBRC390FS) arrived. However it is way too small for me. I have a hard time removing sockets because the head is too small and I can't get a grip on it. It is now for sale.
I would like to try the larger version NBR390FS. Does anyone have experience with that one?
I would like to try the larger version NBR390FS. Does anyone have experience with that one?
superautobacs
Well-known member
Wizo,
My first Nepros ratchet was also a compact flex-head short ratchet (the previous generation 36-tooth mechanism) and I returned it back for an exchange. My complaint at the time was the spring rate for the push-release being too high, requiring an unneccesary amount of effort to depress the button.
Fast forward to more recent times, when their 1/4 drive, 90-tooth flex-head arrived on the market, I got one. I think the push release spring takes less effort than before, but still requires you to position your fingers to grip the ratchet head in a certain way that allows you to easily operate the push-release with your finger tip. Note that the button should be depressed with your finger tips/nail; not by the face of your thumb or finger as you won't be able to completely depress the button. This quirk is simly because we're dealing with compact 1/4 drive and especially with 1/4 flex-head ratchets. With 3/8 and 1/2 drive, no problem at all.
If you get the non-compact, standard version (you called it the "larger" version), there's more surface area for your fingers to grasp the head to allow for easier operation of the push-release mechanism and the push button itself is larger.
My first Nepros ratchet was also a compact flex-head short ratchet (the previous generation 36-tooth mechanism) and I returned it back for an exchange. My complaint at the time was the spring rate for the push-release being too high, requiring an unneccesary amount of effort to depress the button.
Fast forward to more recent times, when their 1/4 drive, 90-tooth flex-head arrived on the market, I got one. I think the push release spring takes less effort than before, but still requires you to position your fingers to grip the ratchet head in a certain way that allows you to easily operate the push-release with your finger tip. Note that the button should be depressed with your finger tips/nail; not by the face of your thumb or finger as you won't be able to completely depress the button. This quirk is simly because we're dealing with compact 1/4 drive and especially with 1/4 flex-head ratchets. With 3/8 and 1/2 drive, no problem at all.
If you get the non-compact, standard version (you called it the "larger" version), there's more surface area for your fingers to grasp the head to allow for easier operation of the push-release mechanism and the push button itself is larger.
Considering your experience, would you do the compact or larger head Nepros ratchets if both were 90s?
oldldh
Well-known member
Their stuff is almost too "Purdy" to use...
My opinion --- "Tools from Nepros are what Lottery wins are for..."
And a New Ford Raptor...
And a new Kimber 1911 .45acp...
And a...
And...
A...
My opinion --- "Tools from Nepros are what Lottery wins are for..."
And a New Ford Raptor...
And a new Kimber 1911 .45acp...
And a...
And...
A...
MaverickDMD
Well-known member
Wizo, I have the NBR390FS. What would you like to know about it? It's the best ratchet I own currently with a smooth action, thin head and recessed/flush release button.
It's a pricey little devil yes, but worth it in my opinion as it ticks every box that a pricey ratchet should. One cool feature is a nylon tensioner that keeps the flex handle at just the right tension without the worry of through-bolt wear, and thus a floppy head, with time and usage.
For tight spaces, I've reduced my roster of stubbies to just 2 now: the Wright 3930 for the smallest of small heads, and the Nepros 3/8 flex stubby for all else.
It's a pricey little devil yes, but worth it in my opinion as it ticks every box that a pricey ratchet should. One cool feature is a nylon tensioner that keeps the flex handle at just the right tension without the worry of through-bolt wear, and thus a floppy head, with time and usage.
For tight spaces, I've reduced my roster of stubbies to just 2 now: the Wright 3930 for the smallest of small heads, and the Nepros 3/8 flex stubby for all else.
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I have the Nepros 3/8 compact head ratchet. By far the best ratchet I've ever had. I grew up with Crafstman and have used Wera, Tekton and a variety of SnapOn as a hobbiest and part time industrial mechanic. I don't understand the "too pretty to use" feeling that some people get. Mine gets used, dropped on the cement/dirt regular ratchet stuff. They're much cheaper than SnapOn and I've never heard someone suggest not to use those. I don't think I'd fill a toolbox with every size, but for that one ratchet you use 90% of the time, it's nice to have a good functioning beautiful tool to do the job.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Those nepros adjustable wrenches are amazing.
Ton ton
Well-known member
They beat the bahcos on strength.
TuxThePenguin
Well-known member
Test results on that adjustable aren't great for Nepros... They beat the Bahcos... but everyone else beats them... Why did the "regular" KTC score so much differently? I'm a little too lazy to break out the kanji dictionary right now so I can only read part of this offhand
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
I just got my Nepros 3/8" ratchet and the stubby ratchet and so far I'm extremely impressed. I don't have a SnapOn ratchet to compare against but I've handled them before and they never really 'wowed' me like the Nepros stuff did.
At the end of the day though I'm sure the Nepros ratchet turn a bolt just as well as a Mastercraft ratchet. The fine tooth count is nice but even working on tightly packed BMW's and Porsche's, I can't really recall a time where I found myself thinking "Drats! If only I had ultra low backdrag and a 4 degree swing arc. There's no way to get this done otherwise!". More likely I'm going to be thinking how I can fit my power tools in there.
As far as what tools are 'strongest', I think its a pretty silly comparison. What's stronger? A spring or an end mill? That endmill will cut through a spring like paper, but the spring will handle blows 1000x a day that would have snapped the endmill and the spring won't be any worse for it.
Each manufacturer decided on the compromise they felt was appropriate for the cost, and physical properties they wanted. Do you want an incredibly stiff and well fitting wrench? Well it'll probably be brittle as a result and more likely to snap on you. On the other hand a wrench made from softer steel could take a ton of abuse but it'll never have the nice fit and finish of the other wrench and will probably round off more bolts because it'll flex and slip before it breaks.
Also - why in the world would you put 500-800ftlbs through an adjustable wrench? I can't imagine any situation where that's a good idea. Even if the tool could handle it, you'll just destroy the fastener because it'll never have a good enough fit.
At the end of the day though I'm sure the Nepros ratchet turn a bolt just as well as a Mastercraft ratchet. The fine tooth count is nice but even working on tightly packed BMW's and Porsche's, I can't really recall a time where I found myself thinking "Drats! If only I had ultra low backdrag and a 4 degree swing arc. There's no way to get this done otherwise!". More likely I'm going to be thinking how I can fit my power tools in there.
As far as what tools are 'strongest', I think its a pretty silly comparison. What's stronger? A spring or an end mill? That endmill will cut through a spring like paper, but the spring will handle blows 1000x a day that would have snapped the endmill and the spring won't be any worse for it.
Each manufacturer decided on the compromise they felt was appropriate for the cost, and physical properties they wanted. Do you want an incredibly stiff and well fitting wrench? Well it'll probably be brittle as a result and more likely to snap on you. On the other hand a wrench made from softer steel could take a ton of abuse but it'll never have the nice fit and finish of the other wrench and will probably round off more bolts because it'll flex and slip before it breaks.
Also - why in the world would you put 500-800ftlbs through an adjustable wrench? I can't imagine any situation where that's a good idea. Even if the tool could handle it, you'll just destroy the fastener because it'll never have a good enough fit.
Wait - where do you get them for less than SnapOn??
I'm looking at a stubby flex-head 3/8 and the prices are more than new Snappy (Dual 80)
TuxThePenguin
Well-known member
https://www.nepros.net/?cat=2&grp=9&sub=35 NBR390FS $136, 90 teeth short flex. NBRC390FS $114 (compact head short flex)
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...nology-Stubby-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchet/FKF80A $128 (stubby flex)
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...80-Technology-Compact-Flex-Head-Ratchet/FCF72 $118.25 (compact head, flex, but not stubby)
Nepros pricing on the simpler ratchets (fixed head etc) does seem to be a little better than Snap On, but for the more complex ones, it's similar or slight worse than Snap On
You can buy a lot of ratchets cheaper than Snap On ones, but there are many companies selling ratchets at similar prices. I think some of their other tools have a bigger difference. While I often see ratchets priced like Snap On, I don't see a whole lot of wrench or sockets sets priced as highly as Snap On ones.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...nology-Stubby-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchet/FKF80A $128 (stubby flex)
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...80-Technology-Compact-Flex-Head-Ratchet/FCF72 $118.25 (compact head, flex, but not stubby)
Nepros pricing on the simpler ratchets (fixed head etc) does seem to be a little better than Snap On, but for the more complex ones, it's similar or slight worse than Snap On
You can buy a lot of ratchets cheaper than Snap On ones, but there are many companies selling ratchets at similar prices. I think some of their other tools have a bigger difference. While I often see ratchets priced like Snap On, I don't see a whole lot of wrench or sockets sets priced as highly as Snap On ones.
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FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
It took about 3 days in a somewhat remote part of Canada. It took them 1 day to ship it. They arrived yesterday morning so my information is pretty current I think.
I'm sure it'll be much faster in the States.
I'm sure it'll be much faster in the States.
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
Welcome to the club!I should have qualified that with "the ones I want are cheaper".
I prefer fixed head ratchets and the Nepros 90t ones in 1/4 and 3/8 drive and the Nepros 1/4 regular is $59 and the 3/8 compact head is $80. Both of those are quite a bit cheaper than the SnapOn equivalents. I only have the 3/8 so far, but the 1/4 will be in my next order.
Well, guess what? Got this today.
The compact Nepros is an amazing bit of jewelry. Very fine feel as it ratchets and very low backdrag. I dunno re strength but I assume it meets or exceeds ANSI/ISO stds.
The KTC head at top is about the same size as the SnapOn in the middle, but the Nepros is tiny.
The handle might be just a tad short for me tho.
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Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
I’ve had my nepros for a few years now and they are the first ratchets I grab for. I absolutely love the feel and size of them. Every bit the quality of Snapon, and then some.
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FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
Its crazy just how tiny the Nepros ratchets are. Actually just the other day I was struggling with a bolt and trying to figure out a mess of extensions and ujoints to get at it and then I had a thought "Would my Nepros ratchet fit in there?" ... And it did. It was such a tight fit that even it just barely had enough room to engage its teeth and actually its ratcheting mechanism is so smooth and quiet, at first I didn't realize it was working. And that's compared to another 90 tooth ratchet.
RonnieC
Well-known member
Boring_toast
New member
Just about to pull the trigger on either the NBRC390 (3/8 90t compact head) or the NBR390 (3/8 90t non-compact.) My assumption is that the compact is a bit lower in maximal torque, but I doubt I'd be pushing a short ratchet to its breaking anyway.
Seems like the compact is really the move?
Seems like the compact is really the move?
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I ordered the non-compacts 2 days ago, NBR390 & NBR290 along with spinners. They're OOS, estimated ship date is mid to end of April. NBRC390 also currently says limited stock which meant OOS for the stuff I ordered. This is directly from Nepros though. Amazon Japan might have have stock.
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
Yep. Unless you're using adapters, you'll probably break your fastener before you damage the ratchet. They will do the job they are designed for.
If you really need to apply a ton of force on something, there are better tools for that like breaker bars. But I think anyone shopping for higher end tools like Nepros or Snap On probably respects their tools and understands the line between abusing and using them.
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
Good choices! And yes. Nepros has gotten some decent publicity lately thanks to YouTubers like AVE and people just in general discovering the fantastic quality of them. Sadly it means they're harder to get ahold of since my understanding is that KTC doesn't do continuous production of the Nepros line. They'll do batches every few months as needed so if they sell out, it can be quite a wait for the next production run. They're totally worth the wait though.
Boring_toast
New member
Sweet, thanks. Yeah, got the breakers and such, just finally ready to upgrade the ratchet game. Compact it is! Thanks
Ton ton
Well-known member
Bump for Japanese ratchet love.
I never posted mine here (I did post in the Tools in Japan thread) since everyone knows what they look like but since you asked.
Got these a couple of months ago as a bday present to myself.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Beautiful. I wish I could afford one.