New Ratchets

[cookiemonster]

Looking for some advice on buying new ratchets. I am looking into buying and 3/8 drive and 1/2 drive ratchet. I want one set to be finer tooth and the other set to be strong like an industrial brand.

I have been looking at round head ratchets Wright 3426 and Wright 4426
Anybody own these? What do you think?

I also have been looking at Gearwrench 120xp for the finer tooth set
Anybody own these? What do you think?

 

[thesilverone]

can't go wrong with Wright!

 

[SMKS]

120 teeth is overkill. Don't buy them just because they have a higher tooth count, IMO. Gearwrench ratchets are generally well regarded here, but no need to get the 120, IMO.

 

[SC-AW11]

Snap On dual 80. High tooth count and strong as low tooth

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

SK RHFT - much as I like my Dual 80s, the SK is better.

 

[Skin]

Don't think its just mine but the most notable difference of the 120XP I have is the selector switch is quite a bit harder to move compared to what the ratchets normally feel like which is effortless. Gives you a bit more confidence that its engaged one way or another and wont get accidentally bumped.

120 teeth is overkill. Don't buy them just because they have a higher tooth count, IMO. Gearwrench ratchets are generally well regarded here, but no need to get the 120, IMO.

I agree but at the same time they're only $20-$30 a ratchet so you're not paying a premium or anything. No reason not to consider them.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Am I the only one here who loves his Wera Zyklop?

 

[CWP1616L]

The 72 tooth Cornwell ratchets are very nice too.

 

[Fedwrench]

The 72 tooth Cornwell ratchets are very nice too.

The heads are too thick compared to Gearwrench or Armstrong Maxx series. They aren't sealed, aren't US made, and are overpriced when compared to other models but, that's just me.

For 3/8 and 1/2 drive I would stongly recommend the 60 tooth Armstrong maxx series or if you can live with an imported tool, the 84 tooth Gearwrench versions. Both brands are very strong dependable ratchets that will give you years of dependable service.

 

[belvedere]

Snap On dual 80. High tooth count and strong as low tooth

This. Kill two birds with one stone.

 

[John316]

This. Kill two birds with one stone.

This!
Snap-on Dual80 ratchets are the best of both worlds. I have to say I do agree, the Gearwrench ratchets are nice for the money and more than adequate, COO aside.

 

[cookiemonster]

I am really interest and what owners of the wright ratchets and gearwrench have to say.

 

[RCL]

I have a couple of Armstrongs that I purchased from Epstein, I believe, and they are nice.

 

[Skin]

I am really interest and what owners of the wright ratchets and gearwrench have to say.

Know that Gearwrench, Armstrong, Matco, and some Craftsman are all essentially the same design only varying a little (60, 84, 88 all pretty much the same aside from tooth count). You can search for impressions and find hundreds of threads here on them. Proven, great design.

Wright ratchets are all round heads. I personally avoid round head ratchets because the selector lever function isn't as finger friendly and the ratchets are substantially fatter and if we're talking inside an engine bay that thickness matters. The benefit is round head ratchet designs are generally the strongest. The latter really only matters if you like to apply the pipe.

 

[Chuck122]

love the sk pros. cheap and smooth

 

[sparky5982]

I have Gearwrench 1/4" and 3/8" roto-ratchets. I have been thrilled with the design- so much better than a flex head, and they can be had for less than $60. The handles are ergonomic and confortable aaaaaaaaand.....that's also what I don't like. I've had these for about 3 months and the comfort grip handles are already getting pretty beat up. It's too bad Gearwrench doesn't offer these in a normal high-polish. I would buy again, but knowing that the handles won't last. Big fan of Gearwrench overall though.

 

[d.mcfarland]

For the heavy duty old fashioned stong as hell ratchet, get a 3/8 and 1/2 Cornwell. You won't be disappointed in their strength. Yes, I agree, they are not high tooth count but it sounds like the type of item you are looking for.

 

[JSBriggs]

Ive got the Wright 4490 & 3490 (smooth handled versions of the 3426 & 4426) Ive also got an S80 & F80. I would consider them on par with one another, but i do find myself grabbing the Wrights more often. If cost is an issue, and you prefer comfort grip, I look at the Bahco 8150 (1/2) and 7750 (3/8) They have the same guts as the Snap-ons.

-Jeff

 

[cookiemonster]

I just can't make my mind up on what brand of ratchet to go with. I want an industrial quality ratchet but finer tooth. All I have ever used is craftsman raise panel and one nearly identical to craftsman but its called allen. Those ratchets work good but I would like to upgrade to something a little finer and less swing. I just been looking at all the tool manufactures and can't make my mind up. I don't want to pay snap on price so thats out of the question. I was really looking at the wright round head ratchets. But I don't know how well they work for automotive repair. Sk round head also have peaked my interests. I would like to stay away from that non seal head thats pretty common with the basic level ratchets. Any good suggestions?

 

[JSBriggs]

The Wrights are not sealed. Look at Bahco. Snap-on quality, Craftsman price. (Bahco IS a Snap-on company)

http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/30/home.htm

-Jeff

 

[cookiemonster]

I just don't know if I would like the comfort grips either.

 

[Chris_PT]

Are those Bahco grips orange or red?

 

[cookiemonster]

how do those comfort grips work for tight spaces?

 

[JSBriggs]

how do those comfort grips work for tight spaces?

The same. If anything because the handle is plastic/ruber, it is less likely to scratch is it touches/rubs painted surfaces.

Are those Bahco grips orange or red?

Orange.

-Jeff

 

[Deafautotech]

I has been use gearwrench ratchets at my work that I use it a lot and harder.. No problems.

I has craftsman, snap on, Mac, Matco, cornwell, gearwrench, and armatrongs ratchets.. All of those are work almost similar but I keep good one myself while gearwrench I use at work. I use 1/4dr 120xp- I love it and no problem...

 

[jmm]

Because of the amount of contact between pawl and gear, the Snap-On Dual 80 (and others, I'm sure) will satisfy both conditions. They've proven to be stronger than coarse tooth ratchets, and they work in very tight spaces. No need to buy two.

 

[cookiemonster]

Would wright ratchets work fine for automotive repair situations?

 

[kc-steve]

The heads are too thick compared to Gearwrench or Armstrong Maxx series. They aren't sealed, aren't US made, and are overpriced when compared to other models but, that's just me.

For 3/8 and 1/2 drive I would stongly recommend the 60 tooth Armstrong maxx series or if you can live with an imported tool, the 84 tooth Gearwrench versions. Both brands are very strong dependable ratchets that will give you years of dependable service.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think those are 88-tooth Armstrongs. I saw that the catalog says 60-tooth. So I counted the clicks on my 3/8" Maxx and it was ~44 half-way through.

Maybe they haven't updated the online catalog in a few years.

I do like the Wright ratchets also.

Steve

 

[SMKS]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think those are 88-tooth Armstrongs. I saw that the catalog says 60-tooth. So I counted the clicks on my 3/8" Maxx and it was ~44 half-way through.

Maybe they haven't updated the online catalog in a few years.

I do like the Wright ratchets also.

Steve

Yeah, they've upgraded the 1/4" and 3/8" drive non-flex ratchets to 88 teeth, but not the 1/2" drive non-flex ratchet.

There have been some rumors of 88 tooth locking flex ratchets, but as of now I think the locking flexes are still officially 60 tooth.

Clear as mud, isn't it?

 

[kc-steve]

Heh-heh, thanks for the update. It also explains why I was able to get a good deal on an older 1/4" drive Armstrong ratchet recently.

Steve

 

[CWP1616L]

The heads are too thick compared to Gearwrench or Armstrong Maxx series. They aren't sealed, aren't US made, and are overpriced when compared to other models but, that's just me.

Aren't U.S. made? Which part you talking about; the inside mechanism?

 

[Pumpman1968]

I recently started buying Williams. I only started with a 1/4" round head. I don't like the selector switch on pear heads in close quarters....my thumb always seems to hit it. Got it from toolsdelivered.com Kind of a cheesy website but they answered questions quickly, price was pretty damn hard to beat and it was delivered in a few days. Pretty much Craftsman price with Snap On quality. Going for the long 1/4" flex and long 1/2" drive pear heads next. Finish was great and USA made!

 

[dirtydogintex]

I recently started buying Williams. I only started with a 1/4" round head. I don't like the selector switch on pear heads in close quarters....my thumb always seems to hit it. Got it from toolsdelivered.com Kind of a cheesy website but they answered questions quickly, price was pretty damn hard to beat and it was delivered in a few days. Pretty much Craftsman price with Snap On quality. Going for the long 1/4" flex and long 1/2" drive pear heads next. Finish was great and USA made!

Tried these folk yet?
http://www.mrocenter.com/

They also have a cheesy website, a search function I have yet to figure out, overall lower prices than toolsdelivered.com and free delivery on most items (their claim).

I've bought from toolsdelivered.com - fast delivery, freight on the high side of ok but I wasn't pleased w/what they shipped me.
One would think their order pulling androids would pay a lil attention to the Williams screwdrivers somewhere in the process after the #2 phillips fiasco.... but they're not!!

I haven't bought from mrocenter.com.... yet....

 

[Pumpman1968]

Tried these folk yet?
http://www.mrocenter.com/

They also have a cheesy website, a search function I have yet to figure out, overall lower prices than toolsdelivered.com and free delivery on most items (their claim).

I've bought from toolsdelivered.com - fast delivery, freight on the high side of ok but I wasn't pleased w/what they shipped me.
One would think their order pulling androids would pay a lil attention to the Williams screwdrivers somewhere in the process after the #2 phillips fiasco.... but they're not!!

I haven't bought from mrocenter.com.... yet....

I see what you mean about their search engine. Couldn't pull up any ratchets by Williams model number and decided on the live chat after I got to page 19 with just searching "Williams". They said they would email me.

 

[dirtydogintex]

only way it'll work for me is to search
williams-actual part number

there has to be other ways but they've eluded me so far!

 

[Pumpman1968]

only way it'll work for me is to search
williams-actual part number

there has to be other ways but they've eluded me so far!

I decided to try the online live chat.....they said they would email me. I'll let you know how I make out.

 

[stonesfan68]

I am really interest and what owners of the wright ratchets and gearwrench have to say.

I've used the Gearwrench ratchets for about 2-years in a DIY setting and really like them. They are good value for the money and are made in Taiwan.

The 3-piece set goes for $80 on Amazon.com.

GearWrench 81206

 

[JSBriggs]

Would wright ratchets work fine for automotive repair situations?

Absolutely. Wright used to supply their ratchet to Matco. As far as not being sealed, its never been a issue. If it gets dirty, you can open it up easily, douche it with brake clean, dribble some ATF or RLL on it and your good to go.

-Jeff

 

[Conductor562]

For you're course toothed go with Proto Pear Heads. There isn't a stouter ratchet on the market. 5249 and 5449 are the model numbers.

 

[Millo777]

Am I the only one here who loves his Wera Zyklop?

Wera Zyklop are my favourite ratchets. Gedore a close second. Neither get much love in these parts are they are neither made in the US nor polished and shiny.