Opinion on snap on Rachets

[LawnBoy-5247]

I am looking at buying several snap-on ratchets in the next few years to replace the old craftsman ratchets I have since any warranty replacements I get for the craftsmen ratchets will be cheap Chinese versions.

I was looking at getting a T72 1/4 ratchet , F80 3/8 ratchet , and a S80A 1/2 ratchet.

I just was wondering what your guys opinion on them were. I also did not know if I should consider the Quick release models as that is what all my craftsman's are. If there is anything else I should consider please let me know as I am new to snap-on tools.

 

[organ]

Great ratchets. If you can afford them, buy them. You will not be disappointed. None of mine are quick release. Can be somewhat difficult to remove sockets when new.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If you prefer quick release, you won't like the standard snap on versions. Sockets don't come off easily, which is a good thing.

 

[c-moe_117]

I use my flf80a more than I use my f80

Their ratchets are great... out performed the armstrong, matco, harbor freight, craftsman, sk, husky, kobalt, and proto ones I've used through the years

 

[Empty Pockets]

I can't think of a bad thing to say about them, except that the quick release would be easier to remove sockets.

 

[Roobaix]

Love my Snap On ratchets, easily my favorite.

 

[heytrid]

you will not be disapointed and it will ruin most other ratchets for you.

At first going to a sealed head from the quick release was annoying but now I like the slim back for tight areas, when you have to grip it around the head you do not bump the button and after some use they are easier to get the sockets off.

I started with the comfortgrip but I felt like they were "bouncey" when putting alot of pressure on them, traded for the chrome ones and no looking back.

I use my FF80 quite a bit.

ps: it will not take a couple years, once you buy one you will quickly get the others haha.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I came from craftsman standard ratchets and still use them regularly. Got a few non quick release snap on's local cheap and tried to loose the quick release. It didn't work, I just really like hitting the button and dropping the socket. This is 100% true for 1/4" drive, less so for 3/8" drive, and a non issue for 1/2" drive. Everyone"s different, but if you like the button on the craftsmans I would suggest you look for it on your new ratchet, especially in 1/4" drive.

 

[T45]

Just a note of caution--snap on ratchets don't always show their full potential / best aspects in the generic standard styles. when you hear people raving about them its usually in a variation that is well suited to specific needs or more niche-style they like, etc.

 

[Anotherrcguy]

I,did,the same thing only to later sell those and replace with long handled flex heads.

I like fx80, tx72...

Good luck

 

[purplezr2]

I would skip all three of those, I find myself using the longer versions of all three more often. I don't even on a standard length 1/2 ratchet.

 

[ken w.]

I really like the SO flex head ratchets. I have a few with the hard black screwdriver handles and comfort grips. I can't complain about them.

 

[M6erfan]

Great ratchets, nothing but a great experience here. Mine are all quick release...

 

[rsanter]

I love my SO ratchets but I still use some of my older craftsman ones and they work fine.
IMO if you are going to start buying SO ratchets don't just go replace the ones you have with the SO version.
so, what to get
yes that little T72 is a great ratchet but my go to 1/4 drive is the flex head version of that. it serves its own need and you will still have the craftsman version for the fixed head till you have the money to upgrade that one too.
same deal with the 3/8 ratchet. think about getting the long handled version of the snap on to supplement the Cman that you have.
similar on that 1/2 drive, get the longer handled version or the longer handled flex version.
this way you are expanding your capabilities verses just doing replacements.
while those ratchets are a little expensive, they are in the price range for gifts from family. you could ask them to pool their money if one is too much as a gift from one person.

also, don't forget about Williams brand. they will use the same innards on many of them and are a great ratchet for less money. and they are available from amazon

also don't forget used. you can often get good deals on nice condition used stuff. if its not all beat up then it will be the same as after you have used it for a bit

bob

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Tl72 and a FL80, no regrets. Just need to get the flex versions.

Edit: I missed the quick release at first, but now when I use a QR ratchet I find it annoying.

I do have to point out, that almost any ratchet will be an upgrade over a craftsmen. I have a HF 3/8" drive flex ratchet that is light years ahead of my craftsman ratchets. I also love my long handle SK 1/2" drive ratchet.

 

[Sugarfryz]

Fhlf80 is by far my most used ratchet. It's easily long enough to break most things free. But the flex head makes it so you can fit in more places than you think. I recommend getting shlf80 for anything that's really stuck, fhlf80 and a 1/4 flex head. You'll love them. For my regular ratchets (non flex head, standard size) I still just use my craftsmans at work when I just need a normal ratchet. It's few and far between so I don't feel the need to upgrade it.

 

[zkling]

I'd recommend and don't know the model numbers off hand...
a 1/4" roto ratchet
mid length 3/8" flex head locking


Then ask yourself how often you really use a 1/2" ratchet and is it worth spending snap on money for. Usually by the time I get to 1/2" drive, it's breaker bar or impact.

All depends on what you typically work on though.

 

[Rossco]

Trying to get a 10mm shallow off a 3/8 ratchet requires a nak. IE bash the ratchet and the momentum will remove the socket. Ha ha ha that's unless you polish them up.

Just bought a 1/2 QR long handle today. Not into the flawed handle versions.

 

[Know Wosad]

I am looking at buying several snap-on ratchets in the next few years to replace the old craftsman ratchets I have since any warranty replacements I get for the craftsmen ratchets will be cheap Chinese versions.

I was looking at getting a T72 1/4 ratchet , F80 3/8 ratchet , and a S80A 1/2 ratchet.

I just was wondering what your guys opinion on them were. I also did not know if I should consider the Quick release models as that is what all my craftsman's are. If there is anything else I should consider please let me know as I am new to snap-on tools.

OK. Opinion right ?
The 1/4" Snap on is outshined by the Gearwrench models and the 6 1/2" SK 60 tooth.Pick them up and spin them. You'll see quick. If you need Super Super Long in 1/4, buy the EZ Red.
The 3/8 offerings from Mac(90) and Nepros(90) are far slicker ratchets than Snap-ons 80 series.THe Matco 3/8 are also excellent and (IMO) superior.
Now. The S80 is the best damn 1/2" ratchet money can buy.Snap hit the home run with that combination.The Proto XL is right in there with it.So is the 44 series Wright dual pawl.
"Fine tooth" and 1/2 are a delusional desire. If you're yanking 1/2 ratchet you have space. If not use a breaker bar to start and an adapter and a 3/8 for the ratcheting.
I have a mix of quick release and non.I could generally care less either way.
QR is handy when buried in 90 weight.

I have all the above and more. I only listed currently available new stuff. There's lots of old models like Tuff1 and Dual Pawl Williams and stuff that I consider better 3/8 than F80.I like Snap-Ons F872 better(no longer made). Not in 1/2" tho. S-80's are awesome.

 

[Know Wosad]

If you're one of the 14 people who have a Cornwell dealer those 72 tooth models are mighty nice too.

 

[DMAR]

IME, pretty hard to beat Snap On ratchets. There's a lot of good ratchets out there (I also like Matco/Armstrong, Cornwell, and even the SK round heads), but the Snap Ons are my favorite... They are smooooth, strong, well designed, comfortable and trouble free; you'll love them and wish you switched sooner.

 

[Hiball]

Opinions are like ......... Well you get the picture. IMO the 3/8" drive Dual 80 is the cream of the crop in regards to fine tooth/pear head ratchets. I've had too many issues with Apex 84+ tooth ratchets, I'll never own another one. I enjoy using my Cornwell 30 toothers, 72 have a tremendous amount of backdrag IMO

Again... The best advise is to simply put your hands on one, they can be found on EBay for $60 +\- in F80 form, which is a Chrome handled standard handle. Even if you don't like it, you can damn near get your money back on a lightly used model.

 

[90zcar]

Start off with a t72 for your little handheld 1/4 ratchet and a f80 for a normal size 3/8.

Let that ride a little and then maybe step up to a longer 3/8 flex head

Don't bother with a normal size 1/2" ratchet. I find them useless. I own a older s936 ratchet that I use maybe twice a year and usually involves a hammer hitting it. Anyways if anything you want one of the lone 1/2" ratchets from them or just get a 24"+ breaker bar


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tinner]

Snap-on ratchets are the only game in town for me. I threw my Craftsmen in the trash back in 1980 when I walked off the truck with my Snappys. I still have that original set, as well as the new 80 tooth I've bought in recent years. I think I have 11 total.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I love Snap On ratchets, but I agree with the others. I think I'd start with the flex head ratchets since you already have a regular ratchets. After you get a flex head set, then I'd upgrade the standard ratchets.

My favorite ratchet that I have is probably my Snap On FF80. It's the flex head standard handle. I didn't think I wanted a long handle so I waited for a deal on one of these used. After using it then getting to use my buddies long handled version, I think I'd have been very happy with either one. There are so many times that the flex head makes the ratchet a life saver. I think everyone should own at least one.

 

[Rossco]

I current have 3 ratchets in service (Like make money with them) All 3 are CAT rebrand 36 toothers. All standard length.

I disagree that a standed length 1/2 is useless. The long handle ratchets can hinder the job and slow multi fastner removal. Also they take up more space in the mobile box.

I will trial run this new fangled long hand jobby. Time will tell.

Also I don't recommend any form of handle be it hard or soft.

It kinda Depends on the equipment worked on as well.

 

[Wamsutta]

I just was wondering what your guys opinion on them were.

When I die, I'm going to try my best to take them with me. Does that answer your question?

 

[ssdave]

It all depends on your preferences, as the above posts show. Some like one that others hate, others feel one is essential, some like them all.

I like my snap-on ratchets, by and large. I love my midget M70 1/4 inch (have 3 of them). Like the T72 and TF72 flex. Don't like the soft handle 1/4 and the rotohead 1/4 i have. Like the black handle 3/8; have a few older steel handle 3/8 and 1/2, they're okay but use my protos, long handle SK's, and Indestro's more. My favorite flex's are Snap on T72F in 1/4, and indestro and duro flex's in 3/8 and 1/2".

I've owned (and own) a lot of ratchets, I think the Snap-on are the best of the expensive, and the round head SK's are the best of the cheap. Of the respected brands, Craftsman are bottom of the barrel, more or less on line with the unnamed chinese and tiawanese ones. There's a lot of others in between, jockeying for position with tradeoff's between features and price.

 

[camd64]

Depending on the type of work you are doing I would look into the longer flex head ratchets and probably a quick release in the 1/4 drive. Leverage is your friend and any time you can make the job easier on yourself it's worth it IMO. I have an FLF80 as my most used 3/8 and lately find myself using my Tekton flex quick release 1/4 fairly often. Tons of options out there these days.

 

[Skin]

I like them, one of the few left in the USA making a QR ratchet. That said there are many excellent ratchets coming out of Taiwan every bit as good/strong for 1/4 of the price.

I do think Snap-Ons locking flex design is garbage though. I wouldn't use it if you gave it to me free. Just my opinion.

Its a ratchet, its not a complex tool and there are loads of competition out there. Buy and use what you want.

 

[Davefr]

Yes, they are good ratchets. But those three ratchets will set you back over $300. It might make sense if you use them everyday and depend on them for your livelihood.

But if cost is a consideration, there are tons of alternatives that are "almost" as good at a mere fraction of the price. You also need to realize that about 1/2 of the price of SO reflects the dealer services vs. the product.

I have some Dual 80's but tend to leave them in the drawer and grab the HF 3/8" composite for most non critical tasks. I also like old Thorsens, CM RHFT, SK, Cornwell JR72's, large Protos/Plombs, etc.

And I know this is shocking, but the current crop of Pittsburg Pro's are really closing the gap. (better then any other B&M store ratchet).

 

[red94chev]

I've got 12 Snap On ratchets. None are quick release and I love them all.

 

[MattVette89]

Lots of good advice here. Sounds like you've got your heart set on Snap On because it's Snap On. Nothing wrong with that, but there are a lot of good brands out there. I prefer my Mac Axis 3/8 flex over my Snap On, but they are the same price point. Carlyle at Napa is a great choice for less money, as is Gearwrench and a few other import brands. I'm a big fan of SK 1/4" ratchets, but my Snap On is top notch, too. My advise would be try some different brands if you have to opportunity. Otherwise just buy a bunch and enjoy your collection

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have several brands of ratchets but my Snap On ratchets are my favorite. I personally prefer the standard non-quick release head. Don't worry about people telling you that you need to get the longer handles or the longer handles with the flex. Get what you want. I have various types of SO ratchets. I have some flex, and some longer handles, and the rotos too. But there's nothing wrong with the 3 you have intentions of buying. They're all great ratchets. Later on you can invest in different kinds if you need to. I find lots of situations where I need a shorter handled ratchet rather than a longer one. But there's also places that a flex handle is a little better. I haven't had any problems with any of mine. Only thing I might suggest is looking into the 3/8" in a 1/4" ratchet (I forget the part number). I have the flex version. Very handy.

 

[sk farmer]

contrary to popular opinion here. i don't think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. are they good ratchets? i suppose, i own one, an fhd80 with a red handle. a real looker but it sits with all of my other ratchets and rarely gets used. i occasionally wipe the dust from it when i wipe the dirt, grime and grease from the others. it just doesn't appeal to me. i don't like the feel of the action or the way the direction lever feels.

what do i use? i love my proto big dawgs with hard handles in all three sizes. the old sk round heads are always in the rotation as well as my armstrong 88 toothers, especially the locking flex 3/8. i also have some gearwrench 60 and 120s in the mix along with a composite hf. throw in the tuff1's, the cornwell 36 tooth, rhft in several brands and a host of others that i have in my collection and i have most styles and types of quality ratchets covered. in my opinion the dual 80 is not better than any of them. the only thing it tops the list on was price. they are all ratchets. find one you like and use it. better yet, get a variety of styles, brands and handle types as i find things like head shape, thickness and handle styles and lengths far more useful in differing applications than one particular brand and style of ratchet.

 

[ptschram]

You would not believe the number of guys who will trade their other brand ratchets for Snap-On ratchets!

Happens all the time!

 

[Davefr]

You would not believe the number of guys who will trade their other brand ratchets for Snap-On ratchets!

Happens all the time!

But a lot of that is probably based on the "Kool Aid" factor vs. the attributes of the product.

 

[sk farmer]

But a lot of that is probably based on the "Kool Aid" factor vs. the attributes of the product.

yup........

i would bet that if you could do a blind test with people that are not skewed the answer would not be so obvious.

 

[Cobradriver]

I'm a single man show here at my place. Nobody to influence me. Heck I didn't even know about comfort handle with fine tooth until I picked one up on the truck and played with it. My Snap On guy never even told me about them.

Once i picked up a comfort handle Snap On i never looked back. Between the house and the shop I probably have twenty different ones. All comfort handle,all fine tooth.

Other than a fine tooth SK 1/4'",I replaced every single ratchet I own.

BTW,the comfort handle,fine tooth,1/2" drive,xtra long ratchets (fixed and flex head) are very durable. I've had a length of pipe on them more than once(I know,I know). As long as breaker bar and they ratchet!

 

[Jason280]

If you prefer quick release, you won't like the standard snap on versions. Sockets don't come off easily, which is a good thing.

This is the only complaint I have with the F80, its simply too difficult to remove sockets...I'm hoping it will ease up a bit over time, but not so far. That being said, I have three F80's in the box, an F80, FL80, and FLL80.