Ratchet guidance

[EFR]

Greetings gentlemen, first post. I found the garage journal forums researching ratchets and could use a little help. I am a homeownerand have a pretty good assortment of hand tools, probably 95% craftsman, which has served me well for 30+ years. Tools are used for cars, light truck, and a little equipment (tractors, backhoe, skidder, etc). Recently I went to sears to pick up a 1/4" drive flex head ratchet and was disappointed to see that they are now made in China. After some online research, looks like gearwrench is pretty well regarded. Then I find Armstrong, made in USA and has locking flex head. Real world price is +/-$30 for gearwrench 1/4" flex and about $50 for the Armstrong version. For those that have experience between the two, what do you recommend? What about the 120 gearwrench?

I do have a preference for USA products, but I can also get a full set of gearwrench flex head 120 for around $100, twice what one 1/4" flex Armstrong will cost.

For the record, I have been pretty happy with my craftsman ratchets, but I've never been exposed to much better (except a Herbrand 1/2" drive that I was given, excellent tool). I have broken and worn out several (all 3/8") craftsman drivers and had no problem warranteeing any of them.

Thanks for any help.

 

[ADSR]

I have the Armstrong flex and the GW 120xp 4pc set. Bang for the buck, the GW 120's are a steal.

The 3/8's and 1/4" Armstrongs from harry J will run just over 100 bucks. They are beautiful rats tho.

 

[Squankum]

LORDDiESEL there is referring to Harry J. Epstein's in Kansas City.

http://store.harryepstein.com/

They're very good about letting you know country of origin for their products, and yes, many of us here have bought some nice American-made ratchets there.

If you're shopping Asian stuff, Taiwanese-built stuff can be an astounding quality/price ratio. Within the Harbor Freight playground, "Pittsburgh Pro" is very often made in Taiwan.

Oh, and by the time we get through with you, you'll own 20 ratchets!

 

[Jarhead0408]

LORDDiESEL there is referring to Harry J. Epstein's in Kansas City.

http://store.harryepstein.com/

They're very good about letting you know country of origin for their products, and yes, many of us here have bought some nice American-made ratchets there.

If you're shopping Asian stuff, Taiwanese-built stuff can be an astounding quality/price ratio. Within the Harbor Freight playground, "Pittsburgh Pro" is very often made in Taiwan.

Oh, and by the time we get through with you, you'll own 20 ratchets! (AT LEAST!!!)

Fixed it for ya!

 

[ADSR]

Another USA choice is the Williams flex heads. (Snap-On Industrial)

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ols-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

 

[countryroad82]

Oh dear you just joined the dark side here. We will have you looking at stuff you didn't think you ever needed! I have used the Gearwrench 120s at my buddy's shop and I like them, so much that I have been studying on buying a set myself not that I need them, heck I don't use a ratchet that much I use impacts most of the time! I don't think you can go wrong with either though. Another good and cheap brand I like is Performance Tool. They are Tiawan but great, they have a small head in 1/4-1/2 drive with a fine tooth count (70ish? Can't remember) and they will take a pounding! Good luck and welcome to Garage Journal.

 

[Squankum]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IQ2BE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Hey, do you have the tiny gearless ratchets for tight spots? How can you LIVE without them? Why I used one just last night!*

 

[OxJaw]

I have the Armstrong Maxx flex in 1/4" (as well as the 3/8" and 1/2") as well as a non locking flex 60 tooth Gearwrench.

The Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchets are quickly becoming my favorite. I reach for them over my Snap-On dual 80's most of the time. You really can't go wrong with them.

The Gearwrench is a great ratchet as well but I really dislike non locking flex ratchets, I really don't use the Gearwrench ratchet much. I have the comfort grip one and it is longer than the Armstrong Maxx which does come in handy sometimes. Honestly though I couldn't tell you the last time I used it though.

I haven't used any of the 120xp stuff yet so I can't comment on those.

Between the Armstrong Maxx and Gearwrench 60/84 tooth my vote would go to the Armstrong.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I have both the armstrong 88T (although not in flex) and the gearwrench 120XPs (both fixed and flex). I have toyed with armstrong flex 60T ratchets however.

As far as the ratcheting mechanism, I like the 120XPs better. Less back drag (although both are very close to each other), smaller swing arc (but a very tiny differece, 3 v 4 degree sweep), and smoother.

The 88T/60T models have a slightly thinner head, but width is the same for both the GW and Armstrong. Handles are very comfortable for both.

The locking mechanism on the 60T is far superior to the detent/ball mechanism on the 120XPs. On the 60T, you can either lock it in a detent, or let it flex freely with nothing inhibiting it. I prefer that over the preset detent/ball system of the 120XP that means you have to select a preset angle, and you can't lock it either (so if you are pulling hard at an odd angle, it will slip into the next detent unless you are careful).

120Xps are way cheaper though.

You can't go wrong with either.

 

[espyking83]

SK makes the best 1/4" ratchet in the world and it is well within your price range.

 

[espyking83]

But if I had to choose between the two, and considering that you're not a mechanic and really wouldn't have to buy for warranty as much, I'd go with the Gear Wrench.

 

[ADSR]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IQ2BE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Hey, do you have the tiny gearless ratchets for tight spots? How can you LIVE without them? Why I used one just last night!*

Please don't tempt me. I've already bought 11 ratchets this month

 

[OxJaw]

I have toyed with armstrong flex 88T ratchets however.

Just to clarify, none of the Armstrong Maxx flex ratchets or the 1/2" Maxx standard handle ratchet are 88 tooth, they are 60.

Only the 1/4" and 3/8" standard handle Maxx ones are 88 tooth. However you can upgrade the 1/4" and 3/8" with 88 tooth kits from Armstrong or Matco. Armstrong does not offer the 88 tooth kit for 1/2" though, you'd have to buy that one from Matco.

Please don't tempt me. I've already bought 11 ratchets this month

It's a sickness, I had three ratchets when I joined here and now I've got 50 or so and am still thinking about buying more

 

[e30bradley]

get the 4pc 120t gearwrench set.. I use snap on ratchets at work and those at home.

 

[Westly]

For the record, I have been pretty happy with my craftsman ratchets, but I've never been exposed to much better
Thanks for any help.

I've used some fairly exotic ratchets but always come back to Craftsman lever types for one reason or another.

There is the HF "synthetic" ratchet (is that the word they use?) that some people here are preferring over their Snap-ons. It's really inexpensive. Last year I was working on industrial electric motors all day long with a no-name cheapie that was 3/8 on one side and 1/4 on another. It was great.

 

[BK13]

I've already bought 11 ratchets this month

Jeez, first the Proto impact wrenches, now this. You may be becoming my new hero!

 

[mrborohachi]

you can't beat the 1/4dr 120xp ratchet for ratchet head thinness.
View media item 37820
Snap on TRLL72, the newest of Snap-On 1/4dr ratchets
View media item 37819

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I've used some fairly exotic ratchets but always come back to Craftsman lever types for one reason or another.

There is the HF "synthetic" ratchet (is that the word they use?) that some people here are preferring over their Snap-ons. It's really inexpensive. Last year I was working on industrial electric motors all day long with a no-name cheapie that was 3/8 on one side and 1/4 on another. It was great.

Composite, is the word.

I find myself using it more often than I expected. Smooth, doesn't skip, and the odd shape of the handle is more useful than one might think. Great for recessed bolts/nuts on the front of engines.

 

[ADSR]

Jeez, first the Proto impact wrenches, now this. You may be becoming my new hero!

LOL i'm in the dog house tho

 

[BK13]

But at least you have cool toys to play with out there...

 

[97tbird]

I love the matco 88 line. armstrong... what ever

 

[Outlander]

Composite, is the word.

I find myself using it more often than I expected. Smooth, doesn't skip, and the odd shape of the handle is more useful than one might think. Great for recessed bolts/nuts on the front of engines.

^^ this. I am surprised at how much I like mine.

 

[bart1]

The GW roto head is nice. I own the 1/2" drive Armstrong long handle locking flex and it's great. Got mine from Jori at harryepstein as well.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Just to clarify, none of the Armstrong Maxx flex ratchets or the 1/2" Maxx standard handle ratchet are 88 tooth, they are 60.

You are correct! Updated my first post to avoid confusion.

 

[Squankum]

I spent/wasted? 20-25 years with CMan "raised panel" ratchets, and there are two things about them that I really do like: pushbutton release and flippy lever (change of direction.)

And now I get those in my HF composite ratchets. I've wound up with the whole set. Taiwanese, and BTW, there is a metal shaft in thar somewhar, they're not totally plastic! Ridiculously nice for the price. I like the ergonomics of the handles, esp. the 1/2" dr. one, as I have big hands.

For those who don't like gray (hard to find in a dark or dim environment) tool around (nyuck nyuck) on amazon and you'll see the same thing in a red/gray color scheme by, I think, Titan. Most everything high qualty Taiwanese sold as Pittsburgh Pro at HF seems to show up in Titan/Northern Tool world.

Downside: I dropped my 3/8" composite ratchet down into a fan shroud and could not retrieve with a magnet tool. Had to get my fingery-grabber tool and get its metal tips around it at a narrow spot. So, that,and gray, are the only downsides I can think of.

Yeah, and I haven't really cranked on the 1/2" ratchet in an extreme situation.

To the poster who use the ratchet with the 3/8" square on one side and the 1/4" on the other, that's another one found at HF, made in Taiwan.

 

[rice rocket]

For those who don't like gray (hard to find in a dark or dim environment) tool around (nyuck nyuck) on amazon and you'll see the same thing in a red/gray color scheme by, I think, Titan. Most everything high qualty Taiwanese sold as Pittsburgh Pro at HF seems to show up in Titan/Northern Tool world.

Tekton maybe?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A50N9V2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also, I'm surprised how little tooth engagement there is.

 

[JDon99]

you can't beat the 1/4dr 120xp ratchet for ratchet head thinness.

The Armstrong MAXX/Matco 60/88 ratchets are a little thinner than the 120xp, that double stacked pawl takes up more space than the single.

I too found the site on a web search and now I find it hard to stop building up my tool set! I was so happy with my cheap USA made Cman stuff for so many years prior

 

[Squankum]

Tekton maybe?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A50N9V2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also, I'm surprised how little tooth engagement there is.

Yeah, Tekton! That's the one! What Northern Tool stocks (Titan), I don' t know, I live 2 miles from a HF, but the NT is a 25 minute drive... there just seems to be a lot of similarity between Pittsburgh Pro, Titan, and yeah, Tekton, sometimes? I think a factory in Taiwan is doing a lot of good stuff in the consumer/value-oriented range for all these retailers.

And yeah, that amazon link, that's the HF composite ratchet but with a harder-to-lose color scheme.

Yeah, that's not a lot of tooth engagement, but judging from the design, it's as much about the stiffness of that little arm, and the metal perimeter its base that it jams against. Maybe they went with fewer teeth to make for lighter effort on the ratcheting stroke? Because they sure have a light effort.

I got a Wright ratchet from Harry Epstein about two years ago, and for a while, I loved the balance of it, and the precise noise it made on the ratcheting stroke, but it's just a stiff one and requires finger drag on the socket a lot of the time. Don't use it so much anymore. Then again, thanks to you guys and your bad influence, I've got so many ratchets to choose from!

 

[pauls_workshop]

I got a couple rachets, including old us craftsman, a nice little 1/4" and 3/8" old SK set (my favorite), but also a few HF ones. For working on my small engines, I really like the extendable HF rachet that has one side 1/4" and one side 3/8" drive. I can on the fly make it smaller when torqueing tight or longer when breaking loose for breaker bar function. Can flip from 1/4 to 3/8 drive sockets as needed. Really nice for not much money. It is becoming my go to rachet to take with me somewhere to work on something. A lot of tool all in one. http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...inch-dual-drive-extendable-ratchet-98802.html $14 at the moment. Use a 25% off coupon on top of that price. - Paul

 

[wvrailroader]

They also make the composite ratchets in pink. My wife has one that came in one of those "Pink Toolbox" kits I bought her so she would leave my tools alone. It is the exact same as the Harbor Freight composite ratchet. I would imagine it is also a lot harder to lose than the gray ones lol.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

 

[johndeereman]

I also love my hf composite ratchets i grab them first usually, as many have stated before you have come to the DARK SIDE before joining GJ i think i had two of each size (total of 6 or so) now i would have to guess probably 15 or 20 and i'm in the market for the 1/4'' titans off amazon THANKS TO GJ.

 

[CZ_Greatwrench]

If your preference is USA made then don't give in. You walked out of a Sears because they were imports then you would probably regret buying an import elsewhere too. The Armstrongs are great ratchets, in the Army we used Armstrong ratchets and we used and abused those things even while covered in Afghanistan "moon dust". Other good USA options would be SK, Wright, or Proto.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Greetings gentlemen, first post. I found the garage journal forums researching ratchets and could use a little help. I am a homeownerand have a pretty good assortment of hand tools, probably 95% craftsman, which has served me well for 30+ years. Tools are used for cars, light truck, and a little equipment (tractors, backhoe, skidder, etc). Recently I went to sears to pick up a 1/4" drive flex head ratchet and was disappointed to see that they are now made in China. After some online research, looks like gearwrench is pretty well regarded. Then I find Armstrong, made in USA and has locking flex head. Real world price is +/-$30 for gearwrench 1/4" flex and about $50 for the Armstrong version. For those that have experience between the two, what do you recommend? What about the 120 gearwrench?

I do have a preference for USA products, but I can also get a full set of gearwrench flex head 120 for around $100, twice what one 1/4" flex Armstrong will cost.

For the record, I have been pretty happy with my craftsman ratchets, but I've never been exposed to much better (except a Herbrand 1/2" drive that I was given, excellent tool). I have broken and worn out several (all 3/8") craftsman drivers and had no problem warranteeing any of them.

Thanks for any help.

Did kd make any of those flex head ratchets? If so you can probably get an old stock dirt cheap. I have a flex head that don't lock (the kobalt plug ratchet), it was cheap though and I'm happy with it. In this case: if you want a us made one then you probably want armstrong (or look at proto or sk, not sure if they make them). End of the day armstrong stuff is very good, they made some of the higher end craftsman stuff so if you buy/bought that stuff then you know what you're getting.

If you go import there are cheaper options than the gearwrench. EZ red is the one to look at if you don't like kobalt. You can buy a crazy double jointed ez red 1/4 for 20 bucks but still not locking. Don't know the prices on the locking stuff but if it comes from taiwan it should be pretty good for most people, not sure about the chinese stuff, not sure where gearwrench's ratchets are made now.