Ratchet insight, anyone?

[Will_Yetter]

Hello friends,
I know there have been a million and one threads on ratchets, and I’ve read quite a few, but here’s a little twist on it: I’m a low budget shade tree mechanic ratchet addict who wants a taste of the fancy stuff. I don’t have a lot to spend, but am willing to set funds aside for something great that I can beat on and use for a long time with a warranty.
What are your favorite pro-grade ratchets?
Some that I’ve been thinking of are the Snap On Dual 80 (of course), the Matco 88, and SK LP90. My current favorites in my collection are my 90 tooth units from Gearwrench and Tekton.
What would you spend your money on as the “ultimate ratchet” if you could only afford 1 nice one for now?
Thanks!!!

 

[Ralf11]

buy a used Snap On Dual 80 - you will never be happy with the 36 tooth ones again

Nepros and Ko-ken are not easy to find used

also, a locking flex will be a real helpful animal to have ready

 

[seanb02]

Dual 80 in my opinion. I always grab one of those before the SK LP90.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I think I would really enjoy tool truck brands, but I’m not a professional, I don’t have that kind of spare cash. I simply cannot justify it as a weekend warrior.

I’m sure my perspective would be different if I was counting on them to make my living.


I recently bought Wera ratchets, and have been really enjoying them. They’re moderately priced, feel good in hand and operate smoothly.


https://www-us.wera.de/en/great-tools/zyklop-metal-with-switch-lever/


I have others, of course, they’re all pretty old and still working fine. Old Husky, old Craftsman (and a couple of really old Craftsman), old SK, Proto, and an old Thorsen.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Snap on without a question. Matco 88 is very nice, locking mechanism is very nice to use. Gearwrench 84 is basically the same thing, but the locking on the GW is worse to use. Just feels really cheap. Matco and GW heads are basically the same thickness (both thinner than a dual 80), IMO GW 84 isn't getting a huge upgrade going to matco. My LP90 ratchet was difficult to reverse, to the point I quit using it and replaced with tekton flex. For the time being the vo-tech student working at the shop is using it - way better than anything he has.

Dual 80 is king for a reason. FL80 is a great ratchet, my first tool truck ratchet. The standard length of 6" for a 3/8 ratchet is just too short IMO. If going 1/4 drive the standard length is more usable. In 1/2 drive anything below 18" is a joke.

 

[Jersey Drew]

Honestly I don’t think the snap on is not gonna do anything more than what you already have unless it’s a different style of ratchet meaning flex head or stubby or extra long. I think you’re going to be fairly disappointed with spending so much money on a ratchet. Snap on in my opinion is living off of a reputation from 30 years ago. 30 years ago there weren’t any lifetime warranties and they were making things that were the very best available. They may still be the very best but instead of being 90% better than junky ones, today they might only be 5-10% better than anything else on the market. So to spend the extra money I think would be foolish.Gearwrench and tekton are probably the best bang for your buck with a lifetime warranty that you’re going to find and you already on those

 

[Wamsutta]

If I were you I'd get me an FHLF80 with the green/black comfort handle.

 

[Fly YX]

Out of all the ratchets I have i like wright tools ratchets the best. But I'm crazy so there is that.

 

[sk farmer]

dual 80's are over rated. thick heads and if you are on the tooth count bandwagon in last place.

i am a fan of the single pawl danaher style ratchets with 88 teeth. i really like the armstrong and matco versions but my favorite is probably a gearwrench 60 tooth that i put a matco 88 kit in.

before i get bashed, i have a damn fine dual 80 covered with dust . the most expensive ratchet i ever purchased and least used. i have close to 20 single pawl danaher style ratchets in 60, 84, and 88 tooth branded, armstrong, matco, gearwrench and husky in almost every configuration. i have some dual pawl versions with 100 and 120 clicks but i like the single pawls better. not one issue with any of them.

 

[ChefRex]

I like ratchets.
SO is the most dependable, at least in my area and as a pro I don't want/have the time to go some where for a repair/replacement. My rep shows up and ten minuets later after he left I break something and I say bad things, I use my redundant tool and he shows up next week.

 

[qqzj]

All the truck brands are overrated, especially for home owners. You don't get tax deduction for business expenses, no sales rep will come to your door for service, you don't get gift items that pro gets. And, at the end of the day, they are not proved to be better than husky kobalt or GearWrench. If you have a tight budget, it's pretty sad to spend that much money.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[qqzj]

Watch this, and the guys other videos, read comments, judge for yourself

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[GrantCee]

Out of all the ratchets I have i like wright tools ratchets the best. But I'm crazy so there is that.

You're not crazy. The Wright Countour-Grip ratchets are the first ones I grab and are by far my favorites.

 

[justintendo]

Honestly I don’t think the snap on is not gonna do anything more than what you already have unless it’s a different style of ratchet meaning flex head or stubby or extra long. I think you’re going to be fairly disappointed with spending so much money on a ratchet. Snap on in my opinion is living off of a reputation from 30 years ago. 30 years ago there weren’t any lifetime warranties and they were making things that were the very best available. They may still be the very best but instead of being 90% better than junky ones, today they might only be 5-10% better than anything else on the market. So to spend the extra money I think would be foolish.Gearwrench and tekton are probably the best bang for your buck with a lifetime warranty that you’re going to find and you already on those

have you spent time using a snap on ratchet? they are ok, but honestly not in the same league as a dual 80. not in feel or function..im not saying snap on stuff is always worth it, but ratchets are one thing they do well. it pays also to find a nice deal on a trade in or used..that can narrow the price difference some.
i would like to try a stallwille...they look very nice

 

[sk farmer]

All the truck brands are overrated, especially for home owners. You don't get tax deduction for business expenses, no sales rep will come to your door for service, you don't get gift items that pro gets. And, at the end of the day, they are not proved to be better than husky kobalt or GearWrench. If you have a tight budget, it's pretty sad to spend that much money.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

lots of truth here. maybe not 100% but in the grand scheme of things there are lots of guys who "had" to have a snap-on ratchet and the only thing it does better or different than what they already had is have snap-on on the handle.

contrary to popular belief they are not made of pixie dust and make rainbow and unicorns suddenly appear. fasteners also do not quake in fear and remove themselves automaticly from its presence.

 

[pizza]

am willing to set funds aside for something great that I can beat on and use for a long time with a warranty

buy a used Snap On Dual 80 - you will never be happy with the 36 tooth ones again

sounds like he's not a tool truck guy. can a regular person actually warranty a used SO tool? (and does it involve making a fake receipt from an authorized retailer? lol)

not great for the warranty aspect, but otherwise nepros and koken are the best imho.

 

[unslow1]

I think you are in for a big disappointment if you think there is some kind of magic going to happen with a tool truck tool. Having lot of Snapon, MAC and Proto I still use my other stuff just as much. The only thing I really can't stand is the really cheap stuff. The buy a kit for $10 type stuff.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Dual 80 and LP90 have my vote. I got mine cheap. The SK DT upgrade kits are a good way to up your tooth count on the cheap. Got myself a 100 tooth long handle 1/2” for like $43 total.

 

[Kscardsfan]

sounds like he's not a tool truck guy. can a regular person actually warranty a used SO tool? (and does it involve making a fake receipt from an authorized retailer? lol)

not great for the warranty aspect, but otherwise nepros and koken are the best imho.

My mechanic will just hold onto my tools and drop them off for the truck guys. Not as convenient as him coming directly to me, but I’m not a pro either.

 

[Outwest]

Don’t overlook 90 tooth Proto/Mac.

 

[sk farmer]

i went back and reread the op. i would spend money on a locking flex if you were to add only one but he didn't specify drive size. i still think variety is the spice. long and extra long handles, locking flex, compact, stubby. each of them can add capability to your project.

lets just say 3/8 drive. once you have a decent standard handle ratchet the brand really doesn't matter. 3/8 drive is where the variety really is at. start with a thumbwheel, then a compact or stubby and you have the confined space covered. flex heads, rotos locking flex, bent handle, long handle, extra long handle. all of them will give you more reach angle or leverage to further your capabilities.

there is nothing wrong with a good truck ratchet but having a variety of ratchets will allow you to do more things, faster and or easier and that is something that can make you happy.

 

[FireBros.]

You don’t need a receipt for SnapOn warranty.
If you need warranty you call or email them and get contact info for your local dealer to arrange a meet up.
You can also look for a SnapOn truck if you’re out during the day near mechanic shops or car dealers. Even if the guy isn’t at the truck, they have their phone number on the side.
I’ve found the warranty service from SnapOn to only be surpassed by the Craftsman/Sears warranty of olden days, but that is long gone.

 

[Fedwrench]

I could be wrong but, it seems like you want a truck brand ratchet just to have one, which is fine

If you could only have one, my choice would be the Snap on FLF80 3/8 flex head ratchet.

However, with age, scars, wrinkles, and experience, might come wisdom. So even though I'm recommending the FLF80 (which I own along with Matco 60/88 tooth versions, MAC 90 tooth versions, Gearwrench 60/84/90 tooth versions and a bunch of others) I'm happiest with the Tekton 90 tooth 12 inch long or so 3/8 flex head ratchet but, that's just me.

 

[c5greg]

My take on your question is basically what is our favorite ratchet price not withstanding. For me it is my SO D80 3/8" long handle flex. it is my most flexible (no pun intended) ratchet and is a pleasure to work with. Leverage of a 1/2" ratchet, large range of socket sizes, flex head, and smooth dual 80 action. Also it feels good in my hands.

 

[Will_Yetter]

I could be wrong but, it seems like you want a truck brand ratchet just to have one, which is fine



If you could only have one, my choice would be the Snap on FLF80 3/8 flex head ratchet.



However, with age, scars, wrinkles, and experience, might come wisdom. So even though I'm recommending the FLF80 (which I own along with Matco 60/88 tooth versions, MAC 90 tooth versions, Gearwrench 60/84/90 tooth versions and a bunch of others) I'm happiest with the Tekton 90 tooth 12 inch long or so 3/8 flex head ratchet but, that's just me.

Part of it is I always wanted a tool truck ratchet, but it’s mainly because I know they’re quality tools with an excellent warranty, and the good quality and made in US is a massive plus in my book. Something that looks and feels nice, performs well, and something I don’t have to worry about breaking

 

[Will_Yetter]

i went back and reread the op. i would spend money on a locking flex if you were to add only one but he didn't specify drive size. i still think variety is the spice. long and extra long handles, locking flex, compact, stubby. each of them can add capability to your project.

lets just say 3/8 drive. once you have a decent standard handle ratchet the brand really doesn't matter. 3/8 drive is where the variety really is at. start with a thumbwheel, then a compact or stubby and you have the confined space covered. flex heads, rotos locking flex, bent handle, long handle, extra long handle. all of them will give you more reach angle or leverage to further your capabilities.

there is nothing wrong with a good truck ratchet but having a variety of ratchets will allow you to do more things, faster and or easier and that is something that can make you happy.

Forgot to specify drive size! 3/8 is my most used for sure, and Locking flex is next on my list- probably a soft handle GW 90T however because I know I like them and price point. I like your theory for expanding the collection... get each category covered


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[sk farmer]

Part of it is I always wanted a tool truck ratchet, but it’s mainly because I know they’re quality tools with an excellent warranty, and the good quality and made in US is a massive plus in my book. Something that looks and feels nice, performs well, and something I don’t have to worry about breaking

wanting a truck brand is a valid reason and i am all for us made tools.........


but..... truck brands or usa are not the only choices when it comes to quality and warranty. as someone said, some of the other brands are 95% or more of the quality at a fraction of the price. there is no shortage of brands that look nice, feel nice, perform well and won't break.

there are very few guys here that know their **** and are as well respected as fedwrench. as much as i despise, mit/tekton, if he says the 90 tooth flex head is a keeper i find it real difficult to argue and and would put it at the top of a short list.

 

[Ralf11]

sounds like he's not a tool truck guy. can a regular person actually warranty a used SO tool? (and does it involve making a fake receipt from an authorized retailer? lol)

not great for the warranty aspect, but otherwise nepros and koken are the best imho.

my bet is he never needs to warranty a Snappy or the 2 above

he wants just one nice ratchet - those are the 3 best options and can all be repaired

we all have our likes, so he'll need to just try out some and see what he likes

all 3 of the ones above can easily be sold again for about what he paid (esp. a used Dual 80)

BTW, nobody mentioned Facom* or Hazet, Gedore

* nifty extendable with flex head

I agree with him buying something he doesn't have now in terms of type - tubby or a locking flex, extendable...

 

[d.mcfarland]

I vote Snap-On.

 

[Jeremy__M]

I don’t know where you’re located but maybe look into the Duralast ratchets at Autozone. They are surprisingly good for the price and have a lifetime guarantee. As others have posted if you wanna drop a little more then SnapOn would be the go to.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Truck brands are to much for this diy guy. For me i traded my Pittsburgh pro flex heads for Carlyle locking flex from napa, i hear they are the same as mac or matco but I have a hard time keeping those 2 straight. I do have a snap on ratchet from a yard sale i got for $1

 

[lardy1]

Don’t overlook 90 tooth Proto/Mac.

My favorite of my premium ratchet. But.......to be honest......My Tekton ratchets are smoother operating than anything else I own.

 

[Fedwrench]

Part of it is I always wanted a tool truck ratchet, but it’s mainly because I know they’re quality tools with an excellent warranty, and the good quality and made in US is a massive plus in my book. Something that looks and feels nice, performs well, and something I don’t have to worry about breaking

Nothing wrong with that

Tool truck brands do fail but, will usually go above and beyond lessor brands before failing. You have to keep in mind though that much of the increased price for a tool truck brand whatever tool, is their sales model. the truck to you service, the use while you earn and pay for the tool model, and in many instances, a much wider selection of product.

 

[measuredtwice]

Hello friends,
I know there have been a million and one threads on ratchets, and I’ve read quite a few, but here’s a little twist on it: I’m a low budget shade tree mechanic ratchet addict who wants a taste of the fancy stuff. I don’t have a lot to spend, but am willing to set funds aside for something great that I can beat on and use for a long time with a warranty.
What are your favorite pro-grade ratchets?
Some that I’ve been thinking of are the Snap On Dual 80 (of course), the Matco 88, and SK LP90. My current favorites in my collection are my 90 tooth units from Gearwrench and Tekton.
What would you spend your money on as the “ultimate ratchet” if you could only afford 1 nice one for now?
Thanks!!!

Part of it is I always wanted a tool truck ratchet, but it’s mainly because I know they’re quality tools with an excellent warranty, and the good quality and made in US is a massive plus in my book. Something that looks and feels nice, performs well, and something I don’t have to worry about breaking

I think it's great that you want to buy a USA made ratchet. Unfortunately, Taiwan imports get heavily pushed online. Some even get free products and money for pushing these imports. Youtube and Reddit are especially full of infomercials but its everywhere on the net.

You've picked some good USA brands. What features are important to you? Do you use flex or fixed the most? If you are only buying one, I'd suggest buying the style that you will use most.

You might also consider buying on the secondary market if money is tight. I've bought very expensive ratchets for the price of cheap imports. It takes time though.

 

[Will_Yetter]

Truck brands are to much for this diy guy. For me i traded my Pittsburgh pro flex heads for Carlyle locking flex from napa, i hear they are the same as mac or matco but I have a hard time keeping those 2 straight. I do have a snap on ratchet from a yard sale i got for $1

Oh so they do make a Carlyle locking flex? I went to Napa the other day and didn’t see one. I’ll have to look at the other local one

 

[Will_Yetter]

I think it's great that you want to buy a USA made ratchet. Unfortunately, Taiwan imports get heavily pushed online. Some even get free products and money for pushing these imports. Youtube and Reddit are especially full of infomercials but its everywhere on the net.

You've picked some good USA brands. What features are important to you? Do you use flex or fixed the most? If you are only buying one, I'd suggest buying the style that you will use most.

You might also consider buying on the secondary market if money is tight. I've bought very expensive ratchets for the price of cheap imports. It takes time though.

I’m definitely heavily considering the secondary market, probably almost exclusively, just trying to get a feeler of what people think is the best. You’re definitely right about YouTube and other places being full of import pushers.

 

[lardy1]

Carlyle locking flex in 72 tooth is a great ratchet.

 

[M635_Guy]

before i get bashed, i have a damn fine dual 80 covered with dust

Why don't you msg the OP and sell it to him for a nice price?

 

[M635_Guy]

I really like swivel/roto ratchets vs. flex-dead - maybe there are use-cases where a flex is needed vs. a roto I haven't hit yet.

I'm a fairly-active DIY'er, and have ratchets from Sunex, Tekton, Icon, Carlyle, Snap On and Craftsman. I tend to reach for the Icon and Snap On the most. The Tekton is also really nice. The fact that I paid as much for my SO F80 used as I did new for Tekton and Icon combined isn't lost on me, though I do like the handle and ratcheting mechanism on the SO better than either of the others. I can't say I think they're worth the list price to a non-pro doofus like me, but my SO ratchets were opportunistic buys and gifts to myself.

Net: If spending the money on a tool-truck-brand ratchet keeps you from buying other tools you don't have, I wouldn't do it - Tekton and Icon both make great ratchets that are very affordable. If it's fun-money, I dig the dual-80 mechanism and overall feel/handling of the SO a lot.

 

[Shiftless]

Truck brands are to much for this diy guy. For me i traded my Pittsburgh pro flex heads for Carlyle locking flex from napa, i hear they are the same as mac or matco but I have a hard time keeping those 2 straight. I do have a snap on ratchet from a yard sale I got for $1

That’s my favorite way to get quality tools. I had to pay $10 for the half inch dual 80 I found and it was rusty and the mechanism skipped and jammed. But S.O. sends you rebuild kits free and removing surface rust is no big deal. It looks and operates like a new one now.

Why don't you msg the OP and sell it to him for a nice price?

Getting rid of excess stuff makes it easier to organize the things you use regularly. Selling it puts more $$ in your wallet which most all of us enjoy.