New Duralast Ratchets

[bigredjeepone]

OK so for fear of shaming and being the new guy I am going to post about my Duralast ratchets.

I have all kinds of tools and not brand loyal. My go to 3/8" ratchet for 20 years was a Thorsen. Never missed a beat and it has seen a ton of use. My current line up includes Snap On, Duralast, Craftsman (pre China only), Husky, Cornwell, MAC, Wright, Thorsen, Titan (super nice stubby compact gearless 1/4 and 3/8) and Kobalt. However I do have a love for Snap On ratchets. I just love the feel of the 936. My long handle 3/8" with the big cushy grip was all I used if there was room for it. Easy to loosen fasteners and easy to judge tightening torque with very little user fatigue.

So after reading an article in Hot Rod magazine about cheap ratchets, I decided to take a look at the Duralast 36t. Looks amazingly like a 936. I bought the entire set with coupons and rewards for less than one new Snap On. I cleaned each of them, re-lubed and they are nice for the money. There are no $20 ratchets anywhere that are this nice. Plus if I loose one of these in the junkyard its not that big of a deal.

Just wish Duralast would have listened to folks and made rebuild kits for these. Although the 72t are decent, they are no dual 80s. Would have also liked a 1/2" flex head.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The Duralast are nice for the money. I'm always afraid if they change style then the warranty replacement will be some crappy item though.

 

[lightning02]

i thought they stopped making the 36t or was the comfort grip ratchets they stopped making? i know it was one of the other i heard they stopped

 

[bigredjeepone]

Best I can figure they stopped the 36t design. Looks like Comfort handle are only online now.

 

[mikebaker1129]

My AZ has a completely different style of 72 tooth ratchet . I see none of the older 36 tooth ratchets anymore. I like the style also, rebuild kits are available for the 36 tooths , I believe they are OEM brand. They cost almost as much as the Duralast ratchets.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Best I can figure they stopped the 36t design. Looks like Comfort handle are only online now.

I think you're right about these. Website says ship to home as only option.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I would say that for that price you would be better suited with the GearWrench 84/120 tooth ratchets. Same warranty, better tooth count and lower profile.

 

[bigredjeepone]

My AZ has a completely different style of 72 tooth ratchet . I see none of the older 36 tooth ratchets anymore. I like the style also, rebuild kits are available for the 36 tooths , I believe they are OEM brand. They cost almost as much as the Duralast ratchets.

Do you have a link to order the kits?

 

[mikebaker1129]

Here you go
https://www.greatnecksaw.com/22914-3-8-drive-ratchet-repair-kit-oemtools.html

 

[jw3]

I've never used a Duralast ratchet, but I'm quite fond of their screwdrivers. I have a few of their other tools, and for the money they are pretty decent.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

I have a 1/4 drive socket set with the new 72t ratchet in my service van. I use it daily. I paid 19.99 for a 45PC set and it really was money well spent. I HIGHLY recommend them. Ratchet is nice and smooth and the sockets fit bolts really well. No complaints what so ever.

 

[427]

I have a 3/8 one I use daily at work. The handle has a good feel and the ratchet action seems pretty smooth.

 

[jonnymopar]

I wanted a 3/8" flex head ratchet for a long time, but couldn't swing a Snap-On. I ended up buying the Duralast. It's a nice smooth, reliable ratchet. It can't be beat, bang for the buck. I ended up trading my original one in after a LOT of use because the flex head torx screw stripped out and the head got a bit "floppy". No questions asked, and the new one is just as good.

I've since saved my pennies and grabbed my dream Snap-On FHLF80, but that Duralast ratchet never let me down and still gets used time to time. I'd recommend them to anyone.

 

[Kirbot]

Duralast would be a great deal, if there weren't so many equally nice, fine tooth ratchets in the same price range.

Gearwrench, and the 60t Carlyles are both better choices IMO. Although the fit/finish on Duralast is hard to beat.

 

[Rarified27]

Just bought a 73-868 today, it's the 3/8 drive in their 1/4 body.

I'm impressed with it for a $20 ratchet and the places it can fit 3/8 bit sockets is surprising.

The only way I'd be happier with it is if they made a flex head.

Duralast may see more business from me as a result. Chrome is outstanding too.

 

[lightning02]

Just bought a 73-868 today, it's the 3/8 drive in their 1/4 body.

I'm impressed with it for a $20 ratchet and the places it can fit 3/8 bit sockets is surprising.

The only way I'd be happier with it is if they made a flex head.

Duralast may see more business from me as a result. Chrome is outstanding too.

whats the tooth count on that one?

 

[Rarified27]

whats the tooth count on that one?

An enjoyably smooth 72 teeth.

My only concern is it looks truly sealed- not sure how I'd open it for service (no screws/snap rings).

For reference, I have some old Napa 60 tooth ratchets I really like and this has the same quality feel, but the 12 tooth difference is notable.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[asm154]

I have that Snap-On, the Duralast comfort grips plus a 1/2 Duralast hard handle, the Carlyle hard handle 1/2 and 3/8, and the Carlyle 1/4 extra long comfort grip 90 tooth.

Would highly recommend all of them. If you're on a tight budget, I agree regular Carlyle hard handles are tough to beat. The Duralast comforts are long and really high leverage beasts. If you're tearing things down regularly, you will like them.

Now my favorite might just be the Snap-On thllf72 1/4 extra long flex. It is just awesome but sometimes if I'm worried about overtorquing I switch to the Carlyle. You'll be cranking and wondering why there's no resistance

I wanted a 3/8" flex head ratchet for a long time, but couldn't swing a Snap-On. I ended up buying the Duralast. It's a nice smooth, reliable ratchet. It can't be beat, bang for the buck. I ended up trading my original one in after a LOT of use because the flex head torx screw stripped out and the head got a bit "floppy". No questions asked, and the new one is just as good.

I've since saved my pennies and grabbed my dream Snap-On FHLF80, but that Duralast ratchet never let me down and still gets used time to time. I'd recommend them to anyone.

 

[asm154]

Trying to decide between this and the Wright. I like supporting Wright & SK but hard to justify 2x the price when people rave about the Duralast.

An enjoyably smooth 72 teeth.

My only concern is it looks truly sealed- not sure how I'd open it for service (no screws/snap rings).

For reference, I have some old Napa 60 tooth ratchets I really like and this has the same quality feel, but the 12 tooth difference is notable.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[asm154]

Free lightning fast shipping though, and with code SAVE20 get 20% off.

I think you're right about these. Website says ship to home as only option.

 

[lightning02]

Isn't the 20% off only if you spend like 100?

Also for the guys that have the duralast comfort grip and regual handle. Which do you prefer and will the comfort grip hold up over the years???

 

[asm154]

No the code I provided works for everything.

I prefer the comfort grip and it is holding up great. I've only had it a couple months though, but expect it to last.

It is also longer than the hard handle by about 2 inches. Definitely recommend it at the same cost as the hard handle online last I checked.

I've owned the hard handle for years and like it, but the comfort grip lives up to its name.

Isn't the 20% off only if you spend like 100?

Also for the guys that have the duralast comfort grip and regual handle. Which do you prefer and will the comfort grip hold up over the years???

 

[asm154]

Can anyone compare the Wright 3430 to the Duralast 73-868?

Trying to decide between this and the Wright. I like supporting Wright & SK but hard to justify 2x the price when people rave about the Duralast.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Just bought a 73-868 today, it's the 3/8 drive in their 1/4 body.

I'm impressed with it for a $20 ratchet and the places it can fit 3/8 bit sockets is surprising.

The only way I'd be happier with it is if they made a flex head.

Duralast may see more business from me as a result. Chrome is outstanding too.

I bought the same ratchet last night. Looks to be quite nice. It's a little shorter than my comparable SK 3/8-1/4 ratchet, but the head is smaller and it has a quick release.

They're new 72t linup looks pretty nice overall. They have a 18" 1/2" flexhead ratchet as well. I don't think I've seen a ratchet that long from a parts store before.

I also don't like that it's fully sealed, but for as little as it'll be used I think it'll be okay.

 

[asm154]

Hmm, shorter than the SK. That actually sounds appealing. It's almost a low profile stubby.

I bought the same ratchet last night. Looks to be quite nice. It's a little shorter than my comparable SK 3/8-1/4 ratchet, but the head is smaller and it has a quick release.

They're new 72t linup looks pretty nice overall. They have a 18" 1/2" flexhead ratchet as well. I don't think I've seen a ratchet that long from a parts store before.

I also don't like that it's fully sealed, but for as little as it'll be used I think it'll be okay.

 

[Wvspeed]

There is a 90t 1/2 drive ratchet that I've considered buying

I own the 18" flex head and it's pretty nice for the little amount I have used it and I also got the 3/8 in 1/4 body that I've yet to use

 

[asm154]

Yeah, 3/8 in a 1/4 body not a necessity for me, I don't run into too many clearance issues wuth what I already have to use, but sometimes I like to palm-cradle the 1/4 ratchet head and could see myself doing that and not having to switch drive sizes with the 3/8. Plus my other 3/8's are all torquey with the exception of a 60T Carlyle. I'll find uses for it but mostly I just want one!

The VIM HBR5 I just picked up, on the other hand, is a major stress reducer! Can't believe I made it this far in life without a micro bit ratchet.

There is a 90t 1/2 drive ratchet that I've considered buying

I own the 18" flex head and it's pretty nice for the little amount I have used it and I also got the 3/8 in 1/4 body that I've yet to use

 

[Jarhead0408]

Hmm, shorter than the SK. That actually sounds appealing. It's almost a low profile stubby.

Keep in mind, my SK is the long version of the ratchet; the 45171. The 45173 is the short version. So the Duralast is shorter than the 6" 45171, and longer than the 4" 45173.

 

[bigredjeepone]

Anyone have pics of the inside of the 72 tooth ratchets that Duralast makes?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Anyone have pics of the inside of the 72 tooth ratchets that Duralast makes?

More along the lines of does anyone have more pics of the lady in your avatar?

 

[d.mcfarland]

 

[Rarified27]

Trying to decide between this and the Wright. I like supporting Wright & SK but hard to justify 2x the price when people rave about the Duralast.

For $20, it's tough to not try and for me, was a great way to know how useful it could be without just asking around.

The only down side is I'd really like a flex version and I think the closest thing is the SO FCF72, which is like $100 more.

 

[txlch]

For $20, it's tough to not try and for me, was a great way to know how useful it could be without just asking around.

The only down side is I'd really like a flex version and I think the closest thing is the SO FCF72, which is like $100 more.

Have you looked into the Wright 3440 or SK 3767?

 

[Rarified27]

Have you looked into the Wright 3440 or SK 3767?

I have and I'm an SK fan, but the nature of things I repair (musical instruments, particularly percussion) means sometimes the clearance is minimal at best. Having the lever style direction switch instead of the knob style on the round heads is an easier ratchet application which saves me from carrying a ton of ratcheting wrenches around.

SK keeps teasing about releasing a pear head ratchet in 2017, so part of me hopes there will be a SK version at about half the SO cost.

 

[txlch]

I have and I'm an SK fan, but the nature of things I repair (musical instruments, particularly percussion) means sometimes the clearance is minimal at best. Having the lever style direction switch instead of the knob style on the round heads is an easier ratchet application which saves me from carrying a ton of ratcheting wrenches around.

SK keeps teasing about releasing a pear head ratchet in 2017, so part of me hopes there will be a SK version at about half the SO cost.

Gotcha, didn't realize you were looking for a pear head. I just picked up the Duralast today and didn't realize how small the head was until I got it. I gotta agree, I'd like one of these in a flex ratchet for sure.

 

[bigredjeepone]

I just picked up a Carlyle tear drop 3/8" ratchet. Very nice and small. Here are pics.

 

[bigredjeepone]

Ok pics are not loading!

 

[Whchua]

I will stopby autozone to check out their ratchets

 

[asm154]

You might not be able to find the one we're talking about in the store.

Go to Autozone.com & type in:

73-868

I the search field.

Also check these out:

1/4" Chrome #71-416
1/4" Chrome Flex #71-417
3/8" Chrome #73-870
3/8" Chrome Flex #73-871
3/8" Chrome Stubby #73-872
3/8" Comfort Grip #73-873
1/2" Chrome #72-126
1/2" Comfort Grip #72-127

And this:

72-124

(Awesome 24" breaker bar with comfort handle)

Better yet, free shipping regardless of price & type in "SAVE20" as coupon code saves you 20% off your order.

I have the 1/2" chrome, the 1/2" comfort grip, 3/8" comfort grip, and the 24" breaker bar comfort grip. I use the 1/2" almost more than any other 1/2" ratchet & the 3/8" comfort grip as much as my FHLF80. Love them, especially for tear downs. They just feel good in the hand and are indestructible. Stumbled upon the 1/2" Duralast chrome handle many moons ago (first Duralast purchase) & now it rides around in my road bag looking for trouble.

I will stopby autozone to check out their ratchets

 

[Whchua]

Thank you for all the informatio