Opinions wanted: Craftsman Thin Profile Ratchets

[turkdc]

I am looking to purchase some new ratchets in the near future. As I am a not a professional wrencher, I don't think I need to go with one of the truck brands. Hence my trips to Sears... I noticed that they have thin profile, highly polished ratchets that seem to have a nice action.

Are these worth the extra $$ or would I be just as well served by their standard ratchets. Any opinions about the quality/performance of these tools would be appreciated!

 

[Snap on]

Craftsman ratchets are junk, order the Snap On 80 tooth ratchets from the Snap On web page, you will love them they are that good.

More money yes but you will love them.

 

[philw]

The thin profile ratchets are a great deal for what they cost (3/8= 32.99). Other good options are SK's, Gearwrench, Toptul but it's not as easy to warranty if you have a problem.
Stay away from the standard Craftsman ratchets. I do not remember seeing any recent positive comments about the standard ratchets.

All Craftsman ratchets are not junk.

You do not need Snap on ratchets. I have some F80 series Snap-ons and they're great but they are over double the price as the thin profile.

It depends on how much wrenching you do. Are you working on something every weekend or at least a couple days a week? Then maybe investing into the Snap-on may be worthwhile. Are you working on something a couple times a month? Are you on a specific budget? Then maybe one of my above mentioned ratchets will work fine.
Much depends on personnel preference also.
Use the search engine and you should be able to find a great deal of useful information on all brands.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

The craftsman low profile fine tooth full polish are good ratchets they use pretty much the same gear and pawl as the 60 tooth MATCO ratchets but with the addition of a quick release. So long as you are comfortable with the handle shape they are worth every penny over the price of the junky raised profile craftsman's.

 

[06wt]

the cman low pros are nice i tryed one i have a 1/4 and like it. i have 80s too and yes they r much nicer then the cman but like you said your not a professional so why pay professional prices

 

[billymade]

I would seriously consider a used professional brand ratchet; many times you can pick them up for the price of a new thin profile Craftsman ratchet. Check your local pawnshop, eBay or flea market. The ratchet mechanism itself (60 tooth), is probably the best one that Craftsman sells right now (aside from the old fine tooth model) but the handle shape, may not be be comfortable for everyone's hands. The 1/4", 3/8" aren't too bad but the 1/2" in particular, seems to be a overly "fat" handle but I have small hands... the other problem is they only sell a standard handle; they don't have all the cool optional handle styles, like Snapon, Mac, Matco do.... that you will find to be really helpful and once you have some... indispensable when attacking a mechanical problem! A number of different styles really helps; swivel head, stubby, extra long, etc.

 

[Stuey]

The thin-profile ratchets are well regarded amongst most GJ members.

There are two sets - one for $80 on the website, and one for $100 in-stores that goes on sale for $80 sometimes. Your best bet would be to try to get the online-only set during a 10% or 15%-off promotion.

The special 80th anniversary sets that clearanced for $50 and then $25 last year may still float around on ebay and message boards for a decent bargain.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I like and use the thin pro in both 3/8 and 1/4". The 1/2" feels real unbalanced to me. I also have and tend to use more (my portable box) the round head fine tooth (raised panel handle) catalog only ratchets. I tend to grab them over my older/standard Snap-on. I prefer Snap-on for the specialty ones (spark plug ratchet, small ratchet like the 3/8" in 1/4" body).
I agree with also looking at used.

 

[FiftyCalAl]

turkdc,

please allow me to share my philosophy with you. I am not a professional mechanic, but appreciate fine tools. I also do not want to be in the middle of a task and have a tool break, or not have one that performs adequately.

If you are on this forum, chances are that you are not just your average 'once or twice a year ' user of tools. That being assumed, you probably want good value AND good service.

Here is what I do vis-a-vis ratchets and sockets. I buy pro style ratchets (Snap On, Wera) and above average ratchets (SK, BETA), but I buy Craftsman sockets. This means the comfort and good mechanoics of the pro style is there, but the full cost of a set of pro sockets is not. I can afford a couple of examples of the CMan sockets for what I could buy just one SO socket.

Now, I am (slowly) trying to add to the collection when I find outstanding deals on onesies/twosies of Snap On sockets, but I do not sacrifice buying other fine tools just to get SO sockets.

That is my suggestion - buy high quality ratchets b/c you use it with EVERY socket.

 

[48548]

I agree what fiftycalal, because I do the same thing most of my sockets are crafty's, and some are snapon, proto, koken, plomb, etc.... But my favorite ratchets are snap on, but I do have 2 sets of the craftsman pro ratchets one blue and one chrome and I would say that they aren't as good as some of my favorite snapon, but they are better than the older 20-30 tooth snapon any day.

 

[turkdc]

Thanks for all the replies! I think I will spend some time checking ebay for some used SO ratchets and see if I can beat the prices I am finding for the thin profile cmans. I'll let you know what I end up doing.

 

[Stuey]

We're not talking about Craftsman Pro ratchets or raised panel ratchets, we're talking about the thin profiles.

Again, the thin profiles are very popular and well regarded. Sure Snao-on will be better, but you'll be hard pressed to find one for the same price as new Cman thin profiles. When in doubt, buy the thin profiles, use them, and if they don't suit you well enough, return them.

 

[r6_cannibal]

the thin profile c-man ratchet is good and holds up well. If it breaks it is nice to be able to go to sears and replace it, but still I would also suggest getting a used pro ratchet. There's a good chance you currently own a ratchet to use as a backup in case your new one manages to break.
If you absolutely must have new, the thin c-man is a worthy ratchet.

 

[pjcforpres2020]

I have used those cman low profiles, very nice! My brother and cousin actually preferred them over the Snap On ratchets the industrial maintenance shop they worked at had. The regular cman ones are junk these days. Make sure when you get the thin profiles, you get them for 79.99 for the set of 3. Sears.com has them listed twice, for whatever reason, once at 79.99 and once at 99.99...

I personally prefer my SK palm control ratchets, you can find them for 99.99 in a 3 pack on line, but they are harder to warranty.

 

[fordracing200]

I like the low profile cmans, but I have a full 3 piece set of F80s and two long handle locking flexheads (3/8 and 1/2) thats almost 600 dollars in ratchets though.....I do say however I love my long handle flex 3/8 for the extra leverage on jobs like adjusting door latchs and other things, its just handy to have around.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

I have the thin profile Craftsman ratchets, and I love them. I think they're very high quality, excellent fit and finish , made in the U.S., and easy lifetime warranty. They also have a fine tooth action that's really smooth. I have other ratchets that are more expensive, but I think the Craftsman one is my favorite. Craftsman's other budget line of ratchets is a different story.

I just don't buy into the reasoning that you need a $100 ratchet to be a shade tree mechanic. When used properly, ratchets rarely break. I have cheap ChiCom junk ratchets that I abuse, and they still hold up. After years and years, ratchets may wear out, even the most expensive ones, in which case you can get a free rebuild kit if you go down to Sears. If you buy one from the truck brands though, you'll have to pay for the rebuild kit.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I use the CM thin profile ratchets in my shop daily and they are great for the $s. No need to pay high prices off the tool trucks when these will get the job done.

 

[autoace]

The craftsman low profile fine tooth full polish are good ratchets they use pretty much the same gear and pawl as the 60 tooth MATCO ratchets but with the addition of a quick release. So long as you are comfortable with the handle shape they are worth every penny over the price of the junky raised profile craftsman's.

+1 These are nice ratchets, I tend to like the egonomics of these in particular. I have some Cornwell ratchets that are very good, but more often I grab these. If you find a sale, you can usually get all 3 drive sizes for about 70 bucks.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

If you buy one from the truck brands though, you'll have to pay for the rebuild kit.

I'm all for this guy getting what ever ratchets he wants but the above is false, kits are warranty items with the truck brands too.

 

[autoace]

I would seriously consider a used professional brand ratchet; many times you can pick them up for the price of a new thin profile Craftsman ratchet. Check your local pawnshop, eBay or flea market. The ratchet mechanism itself (60 tooth), is probably the best one that Craftsman sells right now (aside from the old fine tooth model) but the handle shape, may not be be comfortable for everyone's hands. The 1/4", 3/8" aren't too bad but the 1/2" in particular, seems to be a overly "fat" handle but I have small hands... the other problem is they only sell a standard handle; they don't have all the cool optional handle styles, like Snapon, Mac, Matco do.... that you will find to be really helpful and once you have some... indispensable when attacking a mechanical problem! A number of different styles really helps; swivel head, stubby, extra long, etc.

Billy has a point, but buying used truck brand tools, are getting hard to warranty, so I would buy a new Pro ratchet if you went that route, if you make a user ID on the Snap-on website, you will always have recourse for warranty, since you have a proof of purchase. because of warranty problems only, I don't recommend used Snap-on, MAC etc....just buy a new one. I would still buy the Craftsmans, then maybe get a long, flex head ratchet from the truck tool companies, Craftsman does not make a real exceptional long handled 3/8 drive flex head as of yet, ok, but not great. Happy tool shopping.

 

[autoace]

I'm all for this guy getting what ever ratchets he wants but the above is false, kits are warranty items with the truck brands too.

Only if you have a dealer, otherwise, they are not. I would just buy a rebuild kit upon purchase, if bought online. If you are going to pay for Snap-on why sweat it over a few bucks. Just get a kit, and you will have it.....probably 5 to 10 years later when you need it.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I'm all for this guy getting what ever ratchets he wants but the above is false, kits are warranty items with the truck brands too.

+1 on this. The last one was 3 weeks ago and Bryan rebuilt it while I waited. 5 minutes later and I was on my way. Snap-on and MAC have NEVER charged me for a kit.

SK has also been very good other than having to send them back to get rebuilt or replaced. I didn't have a dealer near me when they have had problems.

By the way, I also have Craftsman thin profile rats and they do a good job for the money. All ratchets will wear out over time and need to be repaired but to be honest about it, the average non pro user that buys the Craftsman low profiles will never "need" another ratchet unless they want a longer one, or a shorter one, or a flex head, or....

Come to think about it, you need some more ratchets.....

 

[billymade]

The thin profiles are not indestructible; we did rebuild them at Sears, not as much as the standard ratchets... this may have been a combination of less of those ratchets in the field and a better quality ratchet mechanism. If you looking for a good deal on a pro ratchet; eBay imho is not the place to look. The currently shipping and rare discontinued models can bring retail and way higher then the original retail price; sometimes you will find one that has been described in a odd way and get a good price with little or no bidders on it. Snap on brings the highest prices; Matco/Mac tend to bring less, the truck brands tend to get the most bidders. Typically, I find the best prices at the flea and occasionally at the local pawn shops.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

I'm all for this guy getting what ever ratchets he wants but the above is false, kits are warranty items with the truck brands too.

Why then does Snap On charge for their ratchet rebuild kits in the catalog?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...2&group_ID=225&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I'm sure if you're a professional mechanic and are in good standing with a dealer, they will do this for free, but the original poster said he isn't a professional mechanic, so it's a bit of a crapshoot whether the dealer will give him a free rebuild kit.

 

[rsanter]

I really like my SO ratchets, but those thin profile cmans come in close behind for feel and all. the 1/2 drive version feels a bit heavy and bulky (works fine though) but the 1/4 and 3/8s version feel just right.
I would also invest in one of the flex head fine tooth cman ratchets out of the catalog. I dont like the raised panel cman ratchets, but that one is great for the price. I have had it for years with no problems

one day you will need to upgrade to a nice snap on ratchet, but save that time for when you need to get a long handle or some other special one that you want

bob

 

[rsanter]

Why then does Snap On charge for their ratchet rebuild kits in the catalog?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...2&group_ID=225&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I'm sure if you're a professional mechanic and are in good standing with a dealer, they will do this for free, but the original poster said he isn't a professional mechanic, so it's a bit of a crapshoot whether the dealer will give him a free rebuild kit.

there are a couple of reasons:
the SO warranty reads that the warranty is only good for the original owner. if you buy a 35 year old ratchet used and you are only 28 years old, it will be tough to convince the dealer that you are the original owner. some dealers dont care but other will give you a hard time about it.

if you abused the ratchet like you put a long pipe on it and it shows or you have been using it under water in the ocean for a few years and its all crappy looking, then you have the option to repair it yourself if the dealer refuses due to abuse.

for tax deducting reasons, they need to have an assigned value to these items. many of the catalogs you get for free actually have a price on them for the reason that the company can write that value off for advirtising

bob

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Why then does Snap On charge for their ratchet rebuild kits in the catalog?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...2&group_ID=225&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I'm sure if you're a professional mechanic and are in good standing with a dealer, they will do this for free, but the original poster said he isn't a professional mechanic, so it's a bit of a crapshoot whether the dealer will give him a free rebuild kit.

The warranty only applies to the original purchaser hence the reason they give you a way to still obtain the kit. Still most dealers will still warranty it even if you are not the original owner and if that route does not work you can send the whole ratchet to snap-on and more often then not you will receive a new ratchet back.

 

[SteveV]

The warranty only applies to the original purchaser hence the reason they give you a way to still obtain the kit. Still most dealers will still warranty it even if you are not the original owner and if that route does not work you can send the whole ratchet to snap-on and more often then not you will receive a new ratchet back.

So basically, it's the dealer's call. If a stranger jumps on the truck and asks for a free kit, I'm guessing some dealers aren't going to be as accomodating as others. Sears will give you a new kit free or rebuild it, no questions asked.

I've read many times on this board where people have had to buy a ratchet kit, so it's not an absurd notion that some "hobbyists" might have trouble getting a free rebuild on their ratchet.

 

[fordracing200]

well for free shipping, its easier to order a 10 dollar kit then to mail a ratchet in..flat rate is 12 w/ insurance and all. they charge for a rebuild kit to the public but to the dealer they just require a core.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

The warranty only applies to the original purchaser hence the reason they give you a way to still obtain the kit. Still most dealers will still warranty it even if you are not the original owner and if that route does not work you can send the whole ratchet to snap-on and more often then not you will receive a new ratchet back.

I still consider that type of warranty service a **** shoot for someone who isn't a professional technician.

MAYBE the dealer will fix it (with the original receipt and if he happens to have one in stock and doesn't have to order it), MAYBE Snap On corporate will repair it (after they hassle you about taking it to a dealer first) but you pay the shipping costs, and MAYBE you'll have to buy a repair kit for it (which is what a lot of people end up doing because it's just easier than fighting for free repair)

With Sears, if it has Craftsman on it, they'll either rebuild it or give you another one, no questions asked (at least that's been my experience)

 

[Powerwrencher]

There is nothing wrong with craftsman's ratchets or hand tools. I am so sick of everyone ranting on craftsman. A tool is a tool, it is made to get the job done. I am not saying craftsman is the most outstanding hand tools because I know they are not. Myself personally I have broken more snap on tools than I have craftsman therefore i use craftsman. I work on heavy industrial equipment such as front end loaders, bob cats, dozers, crawlers, and even tanks when we get them in. I have never had a problem with any craftsman wrench or ratchet even using 6 ft cheater pipes they still maintain their quality. I am also not worried about damaging the overall condition of the tool because I did not put a lot of money into it. If you want to save money (which this is a good time to do it) go with craftsman. Snap on is overpriced and in my experience not the standards of what i used to be. Sorry to rant guys i don't mean to be annoying but I am just sick and tired of the craftsman ***** blah blah blah. I would just rather buy a tool to make the money rather than pay off the tool. So Turk I would gladly recommend those ratchets for you, not only will you be satisfied with the quality you can still go to sears and get a brand new one if it doesn't meet your expectations. Good luck with your purchases.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

There is nothing wrong with craftsman's ratchets or hand tools. I am so sick of everyone ranting on craftsman. A tool is a tool, it is made to get the job done. I am not saying craftsman is the most outstanding hand tools because I know they are not. Myself personally I have broken more snap on tools than I have craftsman therefore i use craftsman. I work on heavy industrial equipment such as front end loaders, bob cats, dozers, crawlers, and even tanks when we get them in. I have never had a problem with any craftsman wrench or ratchet even using 6 ft cheater pipes they still maintain their quality. I am also not worried about damaging the overall condition of the tool because I did not put a lot of money into it. If you want to save money (which this is a good time to do it) go with craftsman. Snap on is overpriced and in my experience not the standards of what i used to be. Sorry to rant guys i don't mean to be annoying but I am just sick and tired of the craftsman ***** blah blah blah. I would just rather buy a tool to make the money rather than pay off the tool. So Turk I would gladly recommend those ratchets for you, not only will you be satisfied with the quality you can still go to sears and get a brand new one if it doesn't meet your expectations. Good luck with your purchases.

Sure pour some gas back on the fire, As if we all need to hear another Snap on craftsman rant, About warranty and how a tool is a tool. Yesh. At least this was added to a thread and not start a hole other one.

 

[charlie_nj]

Keep the Craftsman round head fine tooth quick release ratchets in mind too. They have 3/8 and 1/2 flex head versions of these ratchets as well. You can get a whole set of 5 of these ratchets 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/8 flex and 1/2 flex for right around $100.

 

[turkdc]

Thanks everyone! I ended up buying the Craftsman thin profiles and they sure have a smooth action. I dismantled them and lubed with a little bicycle grease and they are working great. Maybe in the future I'll look into a Snap-On, but for now these look like they will serve my needs perfectly! Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[billymade]

So, what do you think the 1/2" drive unit; is is bulky and too heavy?

 

[wrenchr]

Those crafty thin pro's will serve you well!!

 

[PowderKeg]

You made a smart choice. If you can swing it, consider the catalog only Craftsman RHFTQR long handle flex head ratchets in 3/8" and 1/2", to supplement the 3 slim-pro's you bought. The RHFTQR Craftsmans are my all-time favorite ratchets, and are the ones I've had the longest and used the most.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...e=Wrenches,+Ratchets+&+Sockets&sName=Ratchets

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...e=Wrenches,+Ratchets+&+Sockets&sName=Ratchets

The current slim-pro's would've given the standard length RHFTQR ones a run for my money, had they been around @ 30 years earlier.

 

[48548]

I love the two sets I have.... Mainly the 1/4 is better than all of the 20 tooth snappys I have...