Picking a 1/2" Ratchet on a budget

[Derek1387]

Looking to add a 1/2" ratchet for general use after i moved most of my older Craftsman stuff out.

I currently have the 120XP Gearwrench 1/4 and 3/8" ratchets, and like them. But, should I look at something a little more "robust" for a 1/2" drive ratchet like Armstrong or Williams? Or would the Gearwrench suit me well still?

I can spend $50-60 on a single ratchet if need be, or i can just grab the $100 120XP flex head ratchet set from Gearwrench to have a bit of flexibility

What do you all think?

 

[JJThrasher]

I have the 4 piece 120xp set for home use and honestly I find them comparable to my SO, Matco, and Cornwell tools I use at work. I'd say this one is fine for home use.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXPNU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bobcatdan]

The gearwrench and Armstrong are two very similar ratchets. Both are owned by the same company. Armstrong is USA, 88 teeth and has the Armstrong signature handle. The Gearwrench is basically the same ratchet design, but more teeth, imported and has a more common handle shape. Kinda hard to compare against the two, kinda a Chevy vs GMC debate in my book. If you like round head ratchets, there is SK. If you don't mind a lower tooth count, there is the 36 tooth Williams which is basically a 90's SO ratchet. Wright makes many nice ratchets. All of these should be with in your price range too.

 

[ImStricken06]

i have been using a 72tooth husky (from home depot) for the last 7 years, and its been amazing. i do a lot of work for a home DIYer. I also have a 72tooth 1/2" from harbor freight, and its been great too. in fact they look almost identical accept for the color of the turn-selector.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Personally I would pick up a used SK off eBay. I prefer the long handle, but they are not as common and usually bring close to your max budget.

GearWrench is probably not a bad idea either, although I don't own a 1/2"ratchet from them.

 

[Davefr]

First, take a deep breath and have a seat.

As much as I hate HF, their Pittsburg Pro ratchets have improved significantly to the point where they're not that far off from tool truck quality. I would have no problem using them "on a budget".

I'd pick them over CM, Husky, Kobalt and the other Chinese brands.

Unfortunately the other 99.98% of what HF sells is still **** but they obviously put some serious effort into their ratchet lineup and it shows.

If the name Pittsburg Pro is too emotionally upsetting, maybe you can etch it out or cover it up!!

 

[AA/FC]

Looking to add a 1/2" ratchet for general use after i moved most of my older Craftsman stuff out.

I currently have the 120XP Gearwrench 1/4 and 3/8" ratchets, and like them. But, should I look at something a little more "robust" for a 1/2" drive ratchet like Armstrong or Williams? Or would the Gearwrench suit me well still?

I can spend $50-60 on a single ratchet if need be, or i can just grab the $100 120XP flex head ratchet set from Gearwrench to have a bit of flexibility

What do you all think?

You said you can spend $50-$60 on a ratchet, then a few words later you say you can just grab a $100 ratchet...... which is it?

My opinion.... 1/2 drive ratchets exist for situations where a lot of torque is being applied to the fastener. If I were you, I would buy a nice USA made 1/2 inch drive ratchet. Even if you need to buy used off ebay to fit your budget. You will be much better off with a quality USA ratchet, than you would be with a cheese grade import. I'm gonna take some heat for this but.... I know A LOT of guys on this site have it in their heads that gearwrench stuff is just as good as USA produced tools, but I disagree! At best gearwrench is made in Taiwan, but most likely in China. I can't say that I have EVER seen a tool from either of those countries that was made better than it's USA version.

Bottom line, if you were gonna spend $100 on a gearwrench ratchet, take that $100 bucks and buy a USA produced ratchet instead. Armstrong, Williams (USA), even used Snap-On.... you won't be sorry.

Example: I recently twisted off two 1/2inch import extensions by hand using a 25" ratchet. They twisted like butter, and the bolt never moved. Once I put a USA made extension on there, the bolt came out no problem. Quality of steel is NOT universally the same everywhere you go.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

First, take a deep breath and have a seat.

As much as I hate HF, their Pittsburg Pro ratchets have improved significantly to the point where they're not that far off from tool truck quality. I would have no problem using them "on a budget".

/thread

$8.75 after coupon and you can spend the rest on hookers and booze.

 

[martin666]

Hard to beat this Williams ratchet. Been using one for over a year and no complaints at all, thing is a workhorse

 

[67King]

I picked up a 3 ratchet set (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2) of used Snap-On from ebay for about $120. I rarely ever use the SK or Armstrong in my toolbox any more, and they are much ebtter than the other stuff that I take to the track (Craftsman and I think Gearwrench, but not certain). I'd look for a used SNappy on ebay in your budget range if I were you.

 

[erty67]

In the deals forum there is a link to Napa's Carlyle ratchet set for $40. I've heard good things about the Carlyle ratchets. Check it out.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

 

[four.cycle]

best bang for the buck right now (you will not find a better 1/2" drive ratchet for this kind of money):

Duro-Chrome 1/2" drive #675
(round-head, 52-tooth)
$25 incl. shipping
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DURO-CHROME...:g:ZgkAAMXQlgtSv4tM&item=361445358964&vxp=mtr

Indestro 1/2" drive #3275 (exact same ratchet as above)
(round-head, 52-tooth)
* with an extension, a couple sockets, and a pair of 10" groove-joint pliers
$25 + $6 shipping
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ind...963473?hash=item51dd3ab651:g:D1IAAOSwHQ9Wbf4N

Indestro 1/2" drive #6472 pear-head engraved w/initials
(oval-head, 30-tooth)
$22 + $7.25 shipping OBO *
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-IND...816080?hash=item485c37f3d0:g:VnQAAOxy5jxSdB~B

* I've dealt with this seller offer him $18 and he'll probably go for it.

 

[iScream]

I've got the Gearwrench 1/2" locking flex and I'm really happy with it. It's a pretty hefty tool and feels like quality to me when I use it.

 

[Fedwrench]

Skip the Indestro/durochrome Museum pieces, how often do you actually see yourself using 1/2 drive?

To me if I didn't want to spend a lot of money, I'd look at getting a 1/2 drive breaker bar and a 1/2f to 3/8m adapter to break stuff loose and then speed it off with my 3/8 ratchet. Are you planning on getting 1/2 drive sockets too?
Just a thought.

 

[Derek1387]

You said you can spend $50-$60 on a ratchet, then a few words later you say you can just grab a $100 ratchet...... which is it?

My opinion.... 1/2 drive ratchets exist for situations where a lot of torque is being applied to the fastener. If I were you, I would buy a nice USA made 1/2 inch drive ratchet. Even if you need to buy used off ebay to fit your budget. You will be much better off with a quality USA ratchet, than you would be with a cheese grade import. I'm gonna take some heat for this but.... I know A LOT of guys on this site have it in their heads that gearwrench stuff is just as good as USA produced tools, but I disagree! At best gearwrench is made in Taiwan, but most likely in China. I can't say that I have EVER seen a tool from either of those countries that was made better than it's USA version.

Bottom line, if you were gonna spend $100 on a gearwrench ratchet, take that $100 bucks and buy a USA produced ratchet instead. Armstrong, Williams (USA), even used Snap-On.... you won't be sorry.

Example: I recently twisted off two 1/2inch import extensions by hand using a 25" ratchet. They twisted like butter, and the bolt never moved. Once I put a USA made extension on there, the bolt came out no problem. Quality of steel is NOT universally the same everywhere you go.

That $100 is a full set of 4.

 

[Jeremy77]

In the deals forum there is a link to Napa's Carlyle ratchet set for $40. I've heard good things about the Carlyle ratchets. Check it out.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

A good friend of mine bought 3 sets of these from NAPA when they ran a buy 2 get 1 free promotion a while back. Being the good bud he is, I got a 3pc. set for free. I actually like them so much that I took the 1/2 drive to work. I've forever used an Armstrong 972 and Proto 5449 doing industrial maintenance in a chemical plant. The Carlyle has held it's own with my other ratchets for several months now. It's also a fine tooth ratchet as opposed to the Armstrong and Proto. Long term, I cant say if it'll hold out but it's tackled some tough jobs so far and hasn't let me down. I'd say that the chances of it failing in a DIY situation were pretty slim. It's not U.S. made, it's COO is Taiwan, but it'd be a shame to pass these over due to that as they are well made ratchets.

 

[four.cycle]

Skip the Indestro/durochrome Museum pieces, how often do you actually see yourself using 1/2 drive?

... depends upon whether you're working on cars or tractors and heavy equipment.

but you're right: I use a 1/2" breaker way more than the ratchet. you can pick up a nice US-made one off Ebay for less than $20 bucks.

 

[AmishFury]

The Gearwrench is basically the same ratchet design, but more teeth

technically it's fewer teeth but a second pawl to double the clicks

If the name Pittsburg Pro is too emotionally upsetting, maybe you can etch it out or cover it up!!

if he gets the comfort grip model just give it a little use the etched logo on the ratchet head will fade off fairly quick


used off ebay will get the best bang for your buck... don't expect snap-on or Matco for $50-60 especially right now... MAC can be done in that range, SK can easily be found for less than half that

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have a long handled 1/2" Cornwell. In my opinion, 1/2" drive is used when I need to crank something loose. If not that situation, then a long handled 3/8" usually makes easy work of tight stuff.

With that said, pony up and get what you want and use it. Just don't get something Chinese made so you don't have to worry about injuring yourself.

 

[ladams17]

I'd say be patient and get what you exactly want, which is a quality tool. I just picked up a brand new snap on 1/2 ratchet for 80 bucks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JBradley500]

A used SO Dual 80 would be my #1 choice for sure, even if you need to step up your budget. IMO they're in a league of their own when it comes to 1/2" drive.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I don't use a ton of 1/2" drive stuff anymore, but still have my 84T Gearwrench flex head in my box. I've reefed on it like a breaker bar, and am yet to skip a tooth. I go for that 90% of the time over my standard length Snap-On 1/2" ratchet.

SK also makes a really smooth 1/2", and can be had for crazy cheap on eBay (I think I payed $20 for mine shipped about 4 months or so ago).

 

[PJNJ]

Used SK on Ebay or from a flea market. 48 teeth and virtually indestructible. Got one a few months ago for 8 bucks at a flea market. Took apart and the teeth in the head were fine. Cleaned and lubed - works like new.

For $60-100 you should be able to get an used SK, used 15 inch Wright (have one also) and a used breaker bar from Ebay. With those three, you'd be set for a long time.

 

[AmishFury]

48 teeth

the info in their catalog is most likely a typo... they are 50 tooth

 

[zkling]

Skip the Indestro/durochrome Museum pieces, how often do you actually see yourself using 1/2 drive?

To me if I didn't want to spend a lot of money, I'd look at getting a 1/2 drive breaker bar and a 1/2f to 3/8m adapter to break stuff loose and then speed it off with my 3/8 ratchet. Are you planning on getting 1/2 drive sockets too?
Just a thought.

And

First, take a deep breath and have a seat.

As much as I hate HF, their Pittsburg Pro ratchets have improved significantly to the point where they're not that far off from tool truck quality. I would have no problem using them "on a budget".

I'd pick them over CM, Husky, Kobalt and the other Chinese brands.

Unfortunately the other 99.98% of what HF sells is still **** but they obviously put some serious effort into their ratchet lineup and it shows.

If the name Pittsburg Pro is too emotionally upsetting, maybe you can etch it out or cover it up!!

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ This.

IF . . OP has no 1/2" sockets, then just look for complete socket set that comes with the ratchet.

On CL I found a Proto 1/2" drive socket complete set SAE for $40 with nice red steel box.

 

[jerseykat1]

HF flex head ratchet is awsome for 30 bucks without coupon. The one with cushion grip

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[PJNJ]

the info in their catalog is most likely a typo... they are 50 tooth

I have an older model and I believe it's 48 teeth as I did the old quarter turn and count - I came up with 12 teeth x 4 = 48 teeth.

 

[byoungblood]

Go pick up a used Wright off of eBay. You can still get rebuild kits, it has around 80 (effective) teeth due to its dual pawls, and is tough as nails.

If you're not hung up on tooth count I have a nearly brand new Proto 30t ratchet I've been trying to unload.

 

[davethorik]

Used 1/2" rats, especially standard length, are one of the things I find most of in my search for tools. Shouldn't be hard to find something. If you go with used, choose a manufacturer that still supports that ratchet. SK and Cornwell are 2 I would personally look for.

 

[woody 73]

I found the following in your area and just listed not a bad deal :

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/5368591513.html

 

[porschedude996TT]

I picked up three new ratchets, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" on Amazon. $11.06, $13.27, $15.46 respectively. They are plastic housed to prevent contact or damage to your projects. I wasn't expecting much and when they came I was truly amazed giving the price. These are my new favorite go to ratchets. I own many different brand tools including Snap-On, MAC, Craftsman, etc.

All three with free Amazon Prime shipping for $39.89.

1/4"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9UI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3/8"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9VM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1/2"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9VM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[firworks]

This is a strange concept. It's like someone asked I already took two breaths a little while ago. Do I need to take a third? Can I get by with just those two breaths?

Buying ratchets is like breathing. I pretty much do it subconsciously. I get most from auctions though so they are pretty cheap. Do you have any tool auctions in your area OP? http://auctionzip.com Put in your zip code and see what's around. I've gotten all the major brands for like 7$ at auction. It's a good way to find out which ones you like because you've got a fleet purchased at cheap prices.

All that said, I think if I was buying only one 1/2" ratchet it'd be a Cornwell SR50 off eBay. I just love the contoured Cornwell ratchets and it's always the one I end up grabbing unless I need some wizardry like flexing.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Used Dual 80 would be my first choice. Armstrong 88 would be my second. Like others have said, the Dual 80 in 1/2" drive is in a league of its own.

 

[PJNJ]

I picked up three new ratchets, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" on Amazon. $11.06, $13.27, $15.46 respectively. They are plastic housed to prevent contact or damage to your projects. I wasn't expecting much and when they came I was truly amazed giving the price. These are my new favorite go to ratchets. I own many different brand tools including Snap-On, MAC, Craftsman, etc.

All three with free Amazon Prime shipping for $39.89.

1/4"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9UI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3/8"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9VM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1/2"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9VM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Harbor Freight carries the same ratchets cheaper on closeout and updated versions also -
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=composite+ratchet

 

[[email protected]]

Used snap on 80 tooth first choice. Used snap on 936 ratchet would be second.

 

[unslow1]

I picked up three new ratchets, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" on Amazon. $11.06, $13.27, $15.46 respectively. They are plastic housed to prevent contact or damage to your projects. I wasn't expecting much and when they came I was truly amazed giving the price. These are my new favorite go to ratchets. I own many different brand tools including Snap-On, MAC, Craftsman, etc.

All three with free Amazon Prime shipping for $39.89.

1/4"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9UI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3/8"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9VM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1/2"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A50N9VM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also have many more expensive ratchets but tend to use the HF versions of those.

 

[MrGiggles]

Pittsburg Pro long flex in both 1/2 and 3/8 drives. They are really good, with a lifetime warranty. Nothing comes close in that price range. The composite ratchets are great as well, if you find yourself needing a shorter handle.

If you don't have 1/2" drive sockets, you don't need a 1/2" drive ratchet. That is just asking to break sockets and knuckles.

 

[General Geoff]

I got a new, unused Snap-On SL80A ratchet from ebay a couple years ago for about $90. I can and have jumped on the end of it to break some stubborn suspension bolts loose at a junk yard, and it has not skipped a beat (or tooth). It was more than i really wanted to spend on a ratchet, but figured I would spoil myself and get one tool made by Snap-On. I don't regret the purchase, but if I had to get a long handle 1/2" drive ratchet today, I'd get a Pittsburgh Pro extending ratchet. I have a friend with one and it has stood up to at least as much abuse as my dual-80 ratchet.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Looking to add a 1/2" ratchet for general use after i moved most of my older Craftsman stuff out.

I currently have the 120XP Gearwrench 1/4 and 3/8" ratchets, and like them. But, should I look at something a little more "robust" for a 1/2" drive ratchet like Armstrong or Williams? Or would the Gearwrench suit me well still?

I can spend $50-60 on a single ratchet if need be, or i can just grab the $100 120XP flex head ratchet set from Gearwrench to have a bit of flexibility

What do you all think?

What are you looking for in a 1/2" ratchet that your current Cman doesn't do?