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Ratchet for a Friend

RCL

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Joined
May 29, 2011
Messages
344
I have a friend that has helped me a lot over the years.
I would like to gift him a fine ratchet and would appreciate suggestions.
He owns and operates heavy equipment.
Has dozers, excavators, skid steers, side by sides, etc.
Would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
 
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OneEyedMan

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Sep 4, 2015
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157
What’s your budget? For 1/2” that would be useful on equipment, I’m a big fan of the long flex head sold at Cat dealers. $115 was the last one from October. I’ve tried several others and those and SO 936 or 80 teeth are the only ratchets I’ll carry.

263-334 is the CatIMG_2157.jpeg
 
Last edited:

woody 73

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Apr 14, 2009
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The Great State Up North
Don't misunderstand me when I say 1/2 ratchets are fantastic, but just from the op's post he is talking about some heavy equipment here, and again nothing wrong with 1/2 inch but I would be thinking along the lines of a nice 3/4-inch ratchet, did I overstep my bounds in my thinking?

Snap on
Proto
Wright
Mac
Cornwell

All great ratchets in 3/4 drive for heavy duty equipment.
 

OneEyedMan

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Sep 4, 2015
Messages
157
Don't misunderstand me when I say 1/2 ratchets are fantastic, but just from the op's post he is talking about some heavy equipment here, and again nothing wrong with 1/2 inch but I would be thinking along the lines of a nice 3/4-inch ratchet, did I overstep my bounds in my thinking?

Snap on
Proto
Wright
Mac
Cornwell

All great ratchets in 3/4 drive for heavy duty equipment.
Go all the way! 1” Snappy! 6’ with the handle and extensionIMG_2159.jpeg
 
OP
R

RCL

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Joined
May 29, 2011
Messages
344
Thanks for all the suggestions.
He already has a nice assortment of 3/4" stuff.
He has been complaining about the quality of 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets he has purchased.
I am considering a nice Wright from HJE, but will consider others.
 

paulsomlo

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Jul 16, 2013
Messages
3,875
Location
Northern Colorado
A "fine" ratchet? Maybe Nepros? Although when he opens the box and sees that polished chrome, he may be afraid to use it, for fear of scratching and dinging it.
 

Snaparxon

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Aug 24, 2009
Messages
1,681
Location
Eastor
I was very surprised, not as expensive as I thought they would be.
Could really have used that 20-30 years ago. Due to a limited swing in a confined area and backlash in the ratchet head I had to take the extension/socket off my L72 ratchet so I could advance the ratchet drive one tooth and then put the extension back on to advance the nut 1 tooth, and then repeat over and over again until the nut was tight.. couldn't swing the handle far enough to catch the next tooth. This event occurred for years until I changed jobs.
Go all the way! 1” Snappy! 6’ with the handle and extensionIMG_2159.jpeg
Is that a Cat or Williams number on the 1" dr ratchet ?
 

OneEyedMan

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Sep 4, 2015
Messages
157
Is that a Cat or Williams number on the 1" dr ratchet ?
It’s from Cat. I don’t remember if Williams has a 1” version. Cat sells the handle but not the extension for it. I had to buy DOM tubing from a machine shop to make an extension.
 

Torka

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Dec 12, 2010
Messages
218
Maybe a s and k round head 1/4 ratchet I think they are 120 tooth, or snap on 80 tooth quarter inch.

I’ve given both of these as gifts to heavy equipment guys. It’s a gift that they wouldn’t buy for themselves. But once they have one in their hands they appreciate it very much.
 

Dick Tracy

Active member
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Sep 4, 2011
Messages
42
Location
Windy City
Does your friend do most of their work out of a service truck or shop? Do they currently have a tool truck that stops by on route?
 

Dave455

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Mar 19, 2013
Messages
5,805
Location
Sussex, England
I’m a bit old fashioned, and if I’m giving a gift I generally want it to be a notch above what someone might buy themselves.

There are good ratchets out there, and the Wright isn't a bad choice.

Taking 3/8 as an example, about the best has to be Snap On. If you want something special, maybe a long. / flex head? I’d stick with steel handle if your friend works on heavy equipment.
IMG_2720.jpeg

Nepros are well up there too. Maybe nicer finished than the Snap On, but not so well known. Superb gift.
IMG_2721.jpeg

On a lower budget there’s KoKen. The regular ratchets are 24 tooth, but they are smooth, and high quality. Quite strong too.
IMG_2722.jpeg

Wild card is probably the KTC BRSW3L - an almost unique tool. Fine tooth, round head, swivel (Roto Head) but very compact. I love mine!
IMG_2724.jpeg
 
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mreisner

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Jun 25, 2019
Messages
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North of Detroit
Maybe a s and k round head 1/4 ratchet I think they are 120 tooth, or snap on 80 tooth quarter inch.

I’ve given both of these as gifts to heavy equipment guys. It’s a gift that they wouldn’t buy for themselves. But once they have one in their hands they appreciate it very much.
Unfortunately the SK are now made in China
 

exmaxima1

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Jun 25, 2011
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Midwest

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Upstater57

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jun 22, 2025
Messages
87
Location
Utica, New York
As all of these are good ratchets, I focus on backdrag. I like the lightest backdrag. In my experience owning at least 20 different 1/2 and 3/4 drive brands and models, I find the original plomb/proto mechanism superior to most all others. The original 5449 Proto is still available new. This classic design is still one of the best.
 

NUTTSGT

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Messages
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Northern Central Ohio
A little late for the party but if he was running a service truck for heavy equipment and complaining about 3/8" & 1/2" drives ratchets, I would have considered buying him several when HF had the Icon rachets on sale (wasn't it 40% off).

Like I said late to the party but for $100-120, you could have bought maybe 4 or five ratchets to live the abused life exposed to the elements.
 

CGarage

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Nov 23, 2018
Messages
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Location
United States/Switzerland
Thanks for all the suggestions.
He already has a nice assortment of 3/4" stuff.
He has been complaining about the quality of 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets he has purchased.
I am considering a nice Wright from HJE, but will consider others.


Wright makes great tools but their ratchet designs and mechanisms are ancient.

There are better alternatives on the market with modern technology geared towards your friend’s needs.

Wright is marketed towards industrial users, thus, they can get away with selling the mechanisms of yesteryear.
 

CGarage

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Nov 23, 2018
Messages
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United States/Switzerland
A little late for the party but if he was running a service truck for heavy equipment and complaining about 3/8" & 1/2" drives ratchets, I would have considered buying him several when HF had the Icon rachets on sale (wasn't it 40% off).

Like I said late to the party but for $100-120, you could have bought maybe 4 or five ratchets to live the abused life exposed to the elements.


And had easy warranty available via any local HF store.

Taiwan quality is very very good in this era.

Hard to beat the convenience of the HF store replacement if needed. And a modern mechanism with high tooth count ratchet pawl.
 

rust in the eye

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kngelv

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May 25, 2011
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Detroit, MI
Get him something unique like Koken. Very low back drag and a pleasure to use. Even my 19 year old notices how smooth they are.

James
 

BDT/NWMN

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Jan 22, 2012
Messages
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Location
Erskine, Mn
I am pleased with My recent TEKTON ratchet purchases, and plan to add a few more. They offer a broad selection which may be definitely worth a look.
 
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