Ratchet Recomendation w/ thumb/speed wheel

[Kyle.B]

So I'm in the market for a new ratchet. I currently use Stanley/Kobalt/Craftsman, ones that came with kits, nothing fancy.

I'm looking for something a little nicer, with finer teeth and a better feel in the hand. My only requirement is that it has a thumb/speed wheel on top of the ratchet. Currently my "go to" ratchet is a Stanley 85-698(pictured attached) that has this, and that is why it's my favorite. I'd also like quick release, but that isn't a requirement.



Right now the main ones I'm looking at are the Stahlwille 422
http://www.amazon.com/Stahlwille-422-Ratchet-Component-Thickness/dp/B000YSWCU4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1388801005&sr=8-5&keywords=stahlwille

and the Wera Zyklop
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Zyklop-Ratchet-Square-Socket/dp/B003KN3GKK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1388806254&sr=8-3&keywords=wera+zyklop

Anyone have a better recommendation around the same price point or less ($80)?

 

[IROC-Z28]

You are on the right track imo. I used craftsman for a few years then tried a snap on fine tooth and will never go back. I understand the saying "different strokes for different folks" but I don't understand why the thumb/speed wheel is a requirement for you? Perhaps I misunderstand the work you do which is? For myself I want a ratchet with a small head giving me more clearance, but I mostly work on diesel trucks. For the money it is hard to say, for a little less than twice your budget you could have a really nice fine tooth snap on or matco flex head. I have never used the matco but they have a locking head which is really neat, also the ratchets I mentioned have a longer handle giving you more leverage. I apologize if you are totally set on thumb/speed wheel I'm just trying to offer my two cents.

 

[Applesauce]

The "wheel" on that Stahlwille changes the direction of the mechanism, as it does on most Facom-style round-head (single floating pawl with "heart" spring) ratchets. I don't think it will provide you with what you're looking for.

Having said that, I can't offer much help... You're probably looking at vintage gear, in any case. Good luck!

 

[Holt]

The Wera does not have a thumb wheel on top. That is a selector you ar e seeing. Other then that its a great retchet

 

[nicksnothereman]

So I'm in the market for a new ratchet. I currently use Stanley/Kobalt/Craftsman, ones that came with kits, nothing fancy.

I'm looking for something a little nicer, with finer teeth and a better feel in the hand. My only requirement is that it has a thumb/speed wheel on top of the ratchet. Currently my "go to" ratchet is a Stanley 85-698(pictured attached) that has this, and that is why it's my favorite. I'd also like quick release, but that isn't a requirement.



Right now the main ones I'm looking at are the Stahlwille 422
http://www.amazon.com/Stahlwille-422-Ratchet-Component-Thickness/dp/B000YSWCU4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1388801005&sr=8-5&keywords=stahlwille

and the Wera Zyklop
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Zyklop-Ratchet-Square-Socket/dp/B003KN3GKK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1388806254&sr=8-3&keywords=wera+zyklop

Anyone have a better recommendation around the same price point or less ($80)?

Wera is (ALWAYS!) great (but expensive). That's what I'd get. Not sure about that feature but...they have a handle twist ratchet (twist handle for movement of the head) at lowe's (kobalt) (1/2" I think) that you might also be interested in because it's cheap enough that it might be a good backup (10-13 bucks on clearance...can't remember if it was 10 bucks or 13 bucks but it has other stuff in it I think). I think I might pick it up tomorrow if they still have it to check it out. Thought it was kind of goofy but could potentially be useful; think it was taiwan too.

Definitely get the wera if you want a "wheel". Though...the warranty is probably going to require you to have a backup ratchet (which you already seem to have). Also, not everyone likes the wera handles so try to get your hands on one in a store if you can. I can't comment on the other one they don't have that much of a presence here...people like that brand but I probably wouldn't pay that kind of money for their tools without testing it out.

 

[airdale]

p.m. sent

 

[Kyle.B]

You are on the right track imo. I used craftsman for a few years then tried a snap on fine tooth and will never go back. I understand the saying "different strokes for different folks" but I don't understand why the thumb/speed wheel is a requirement for you? Perhaps I misunderstand the work you do which is? For myself I want a ratchet with a small head giving me more clearance, but I mostly work on diesel trucks. For the money it is hard to say, for a little less than twice your budget you could have a really nice fine tooth snap on or matco flex head. I have never used the matco but they have a locking head which is really neat, also the ratchets I mentioned have a longer handle giving you more leverage. I apologize if you are totally set on thumb/speed wheel I'm just trying to offer my two cents.

The use will be mostly import automotive. Toyota, BMW & Honda. My vehicles, not professionally. Lots of tight spaces where I can't get my hand to get nuts/bolts started. My preference for the wheel comes from how often I use it to get things started, or to hold the head from going backwards when I can't get my fingers on the socket (so it advances instead of just turning the fastener back and forth).

The Wera does not have a thumb wheel on top. That is a selector you ar e seeing. Other then that its a great retchet

In the video's of it I've seen the wheel does move with the rotation of the socket, so I assumed I would be able to at least turn the socket with it. It does look like it would be hard to grip with the curved edge though. That's what's holding me back on the Wera. I do have some of their screwdrivers and really like the handle design.

 

[reptilezs]

the craftsman RHFT or danaher made equivalent

 

[jeremy v]

Kyle, I don't know what type of work you do to know if having a stubbier ratchet handle would work for you, but whenever I am desiring thumb wheel functionality I use this ratchet with a custom modified socket stuck to the top to act as the thumb wheel. Just look at the attached thread link from several weeks ago.

This setup also has the benefit of being a pear head ratchet so the direction lever can flip easily (blindly and with one finger), instead of having to change direction with several fingers like round head ratchet designs.

I liked this little thumb wheel ratchet so much I just bought a second one, but this time I bought a composite version. It works just the same, but it keeps my hands warmer when it is cold outside.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224695

Just as a side note, if you want a longer handle harbor freight sells an longer extending handled version of the same thing that gets pretty good reviews for durability.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-x-1-4-quarter-inch-dual-drive-extendable-ratchet-98802.html

 

[nicksnothereman]

The use will be mostly import automotive. Toyota, BMW & Honda. My vehicles, not professionally. Lots of tight spaces where I can't get my hand to get nuts/bolts started. My preference for the wheel comes from how often I use it to get things started, or to hold the head from going backwards when I can't get my fingers on the socket (so it advances instead of just turning the fastener back and forth).



In the video's of it I've seen the wheel does move with the rotation of the socket, so I assumed I would be able to at least turn the socket with it. It does look like it would be hard to grip with the curved edge though. That's what's holding me back on the Wera. I do have some of their screwdrivers and really like the handle design.

If you can't find a suitable replacement ratchet just get an extension with a grip on the top. That's what I use (sometimes). Very useful for re-threading bolts. Or just use an offset wrench.

 

[Kyle.B]

It wouldn't really be what I'm looking for, but that is a neat idea. I like how it really gives you something to grab onto. Might make one just for the fun of it.

Kyle, I don't know what type of work you do to know if having a stubbier ratchet handle would work for you, but whenever I am desiring thumb wheel functionality I use this ratchet with a custom modified socket stuck to the top to act as the thumb wheel. Just look at the attached thread link from several weeks ago.

This setup also has the benefit of being a pear head ratchet so the direction lever can flip easily (blindly and with one finger), instead of having to change direction with several fingers like round head ratchet designs.

I liked this little thumb wheel ratchet so much I just bought a second one, but this time I bought a composite version. It works just the same, but it keeps my hands warmer when it is cold outside.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224695

Just as a side note, if you want a longer handle harbor freight sells an longer extending handled version of the same thing that gets pretty good reviews for durability.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-x-1-4-quarter-inch-dual-drive-extendable-ratchet-98802.html

 

[jeremy v]

One option you might not have seen before is that there are a few ratchets out there that have the speed wheel on the square drive side of the ratchet head. The one in the attached picture is an SK. I don't know the model number, but my neighbor has an older Snap-On ratchet that has the same feature so they are out there. I don't think the Snap-On ratchet is a fine toothed ratchet though.

NOTE- the picture is not mine, it was taken from another Garagejournal thread.

 

[lok]

You can use this.

With a ratchet which have a protective cap to prevent the direction change by accident, when you spinning the wheel holding the head of the ratchet into your palm.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HAZET-8816-F-Ratchet-Wrench-3-8-Drive-Fine-Tooth-199-mm-German-BMW-Snap-on-/141156652797?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item20dd9796fd&vxp=mtr

 

[Jason280]

Husky makes one that's been discontinued for a while, but you can still find them on eBay for fairly cheap ($10-20). Its fine tooth, has a spinner, and it quick release. I'll see if I can find a model number for you, I have one out in my shop right now...

 

[jeremy v]

Husky makes one that's been discontinued for a while, but you can still find them on eBay for fairly cheap ($10-20). Its fine tooth, has a spinner, and it quick release. I'll see if I can find a model number for you, I have one out in my shop right now...

I don't know if it is the one you are thinking of, but the Husky 22202 ratchet is one that I use occasionally and it fits your description.

 

[kts]

I'd check out ratchet spinners. I have a few on my ratchets and love them. It adds a bit more thickness to the ratchet but usually when I'm using a spinner it's for something that I have a lot of clear access to so the added thickness is not an issue.

My current set ups are Snap On ratchet spinners on Snap On F80/FL80 ratchets and a 1/2 spinner on my long 1/2 Matco ratchet. All are fine tooth and feel great.

 

[Jason280]

I checked my ratchet, and its a Husky 3810. I was mistaken, however, as it does not have a spinner on the rear of the head (but it is fine tooth, with quick release).

 

[1950mercury]

The new snap on are so smooth you dont have to hold anything to keep the nut or bolt from spinning on the back stroke. No need for the wheel

 

[logan09]

Just curious, but whats wrong with the ones you already have?

 

[superautobacs]

The "wheel" on that Stahlwille changes the direction of the mechanism, as it does on most Facom-style round-head (single floating pawl with "heart" spring) ratchets. I don't think it will provide you with what you're looking for.

What Lok pictured above is a good alternative. I have several from both Ko-ken and Nepros brands.

I find them very useful and serves the same purpose as the thumbwheel on your stanley ratchet, only it's easier to operate as the knurling sits below the drive head, where your fingers are better positioned for operating the wheel. It's basically more ergonomically positioned. The one disadvantage is the extra height it adds, but in most situations it's fine.

As for finding a ratchet with a built-in thumbwheel you'll have to look at vintage US-made ratchets, but there's a Japanese brand called TOP that still offers round head ratchets like your Stanley.

They are both 72-tooth.

TOP RH3 (3/8" drive ratchet)

*click

TOP SR3 (3/8" drive ratchet with extendable handle) *click

TOP also offers stubby models with a square on the end of the handle for attachments:

with a built-in wobble

More info at TOP

 

[IROC-Z28]

The new snap on are so smooth you dont have to hold anything to keep the nut or bolt from spinning on the back stroke. No need for the wheel

+1