Ratchet Recommendations. New or Old?

[ehits]

First post!
Hello, at home I’ve been using cman 36t raised panels and other cheapies I stumbled on for as long as I’ve had tools. I got used to them, but I’m looking for something better. I am not on a tool truck budget, but may spend more if it’s worth it. Below is what I’m after…curious how vintage easco types compare to…say modern gear wrench 90t…open to other suggestions too. I’ve been researching but having a hard time deciding. I know preference goes a long way so here’s what I know I like:

-Higher tooth count: 80+
-Knurled or a flat edge on the handle so I can easily index the ratchet with oily hands in blind spots. (Never used cushion grips, so maybe that)
-Quick release
-low back drag
-matching style in standard length 1/4 and 3/8 lengths and long (~15”) 1/2 drive.
-slim head is a lower level preference
-not a huge fan of flex-heads, but tech has come a long ways I’m sure.

I rarely lose tools and I’m not hard on my ratchets, and may have broken one 1/4” ratchet in 28 years of wrenching…and I knew I was pushing it! I just step up in size or use a breaker/impact. I don’t expect warranty issues and I’ll have them for life. I daily an 89 suburban and an 88 sprint turbo and I wrench on general house stuff.

Thanks for reading!

 

[belvedere]

Many modern ratchets are excellent. I have one each S-O Dual 80 and Matco 88 and love them, but also have some Carlyle ratchets that come pretty close.

 

[Steve_P]

Knurled handles don't really exist on modern design ratchets. Unfortunately. I'm a huge fan of my old SK roundheads with knurled handles. But they just don't fit in a lot of places.

I'm a fan of Gearwrench 90T ratchets. Tekton 90T, Capri 90T, Matco 88T..... are also all good and I have all of those. Along with a few Snap On 72T 1/4 drive. You'll get another 20 recommendations in the next hour. But it's tough to buy something worse today, a new design, than what was available even 15 years ago.

A good thing to do is to look on Youtube for the Project Farm ratchet tests and watch his videos. This way you'll get more than opinions and can draw your own conclusions based on what's most important to you.

What you'll find is that modern ratchets have thinner heads, so the grip size of a steel handle is also much smaller than decades old designs- as driven by the head thickness. I'm not really a fan of comfort grips, but a modern 1/4 drive ratchet steel grip is often smaller than a sharpie, and more like a pencil. So I've moved to a lot of comfort grip ratchets for the, well, comfort, even though I'm not a huge fan because of the cleanup.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Tools-93812-Nano-Ratchet/dp/B01JBK10LC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Astro makes a 3/8 and 1/2 standard length, but with very small heads. They're nice, I like them. But they do have a round handle, not a flat style. Not sure who really has a squared off ratchet handle these days.

 

[kngelv]

I’m using Snap-On, Wright and Koken. No need to comment on Snap-On as every one knows how nice the Dual 80 is. I also like the dual pawl Wright. My new favorite are Koken. Super low backdrag and I have a couple of their 3/8 heads on 1/4 sized ratchets. They are great for tight fits.

James

 

[Wamsutta]

No need to comment on Snap-On as every one knows how nice the Dual 80 is.

You'd be surprised by the number of people still out of the loop; hence, this thread.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You'd be surprised by the number of people still out of the loop; hence, this thread.

If we remove budget, dual 80 is the answer to most ratchet questions.

 

[Callelle]

I personally prefer the Matco dual 80 over the Snap On, the grips feel better in my hands. I would opt for a locking flex head if you go that route, I've been spoiled with it.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Tone or powerbuilt ratchets have flat handles, not super high tooth count 72t. Great ratchets with slim heads.

For knurling they don't have much. I have a set of 3/8 proto 90t ratchets. They got some really light knurling. Great ratchet.

SK lp90 great ratchet, great price. Can be had from olsa tools too. Don't know who is Manufacturing them, but they are made in the USA.

Capri, gearwrench, SATA, vim, tekton all make great 90t and 72t ratchets. Cheap price, great quality.

Snap-on dual 80 the standard, but high price. Skip the 100t version.

Mac 90t, also great, basically a proto 90t with more options. One of my favourites.

Koken Z, amazing low back drag, strong 72t, great quality. It's flawed in some peoples eyes do to the switch lever being reversed from typical USA ratchets. Also the handle can be small. For the price almost nothing touches it.

Nepros 90t, wow the quality of this ratchet. Like jewellery. Not many options, gets pricey.

DeWalt 72t a workhorse, it's my daily driver for the junkyard. No frills, just works. I believe the craftsman mini head(not the new low profile) is the same version of this ratchet. Will find out once I get some. Also expert has a version.

SK round head, it's got what you want. Great knurled handle. You can buy them with the updated gear and or the old Facom gear that's is way smoother. I own both. Can be a little bulky.

Craftsman - mm skip the 32t models, skip the fat head models 72T. Best ones are the mini head 72t(no known issues). The new low profile 72t replacing the fat ones. The 72t roto head, and the V-line. The V line is sealed can't be serviced, and has high back drag. Still a good ratchet.

Stahlwille 80t, great ratchet. Buttery smooth gear. Tho warranty might be a problem.

All these ratchets I own and many more. For the most part you won't find complete garbage from big box stores. Just make the best educated option and have a great start to your collection.

 

[sparky 1971]

Milwaukee has high tooth count and a flat handle, but no quick release AFAIK. They also have locking flex heads, might be the best of both worlds? I know nothing else about them

 

[JEdiag]

Go with Wright. USA made in Ohio. Double pawl, can get knurled grip, contour grip or nitrile. Short or long handle, they even have the 3/8 guts in 1/4 body. Hard to beat Wright in my opinion, still family owned too. They even make a 42" long ratchet. The price is great on them usualy too. Very reasonable.

 

[70chevellegsp]

I've purchased a few (4 or 5) Williams (USA) round head 72t ratchets. Other ratchets that I've had for decades are Cman pear head quick release from the 70's & 80's, some round head Cman from 90's and a few Snap-on. The Williams are very nice in comparison.

 

[lardy1]

Proto Precision 90 clicks most of your boxes. I don't think (but may be wrong) the quick release is available but there is some knurling on a very nice, modern, high tooth count, fairly compact ratchet. My favorite.

Now........the budget box..............

 

[rooster59]

Icon with a coupon. Then enjoy steaks and beer.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

As a home gamer I started with inexpensive CM 1/4 and 3/8 drive basic tri wing set with skips from Sears over 30 years ago. Was ok since building up home renovations power tools first.

Current V series not bad from Lowes if you want to upgrade. I always wanted Snapon and fortunately had $ over time upgraded to Dual 80 standard and long flex in all drive. Skipped some meals and beers saved up to buy SO good for loosing weight. Stay away from GJ dangerous on the wallet , Saving up for a Epiq 60 inch tool box.

 

[M635_Guy]

Icon with a coupon. Then enjoy steaks and beer.

I don't think Icon makes a quick release, but I really like my Icon ratchets a lot.

Icon and Ko-ken would be my vote (ignoring the quick-release gap for Icon). I like my dual-80 Snap On ratchets a lot, but don't think they're very far ahead of the Icon TBH, with the exception of the 1/4" roto, which is usefully thinner and even less backdrag.

 

[JradM]

Easy fellows, the OP talks about upgrading from 36t Craftsman Raised panels to something modern and this crowd starts talking about Snap-on, Mac, Proto, Nepros, Koken...

Those ratchets are great, but hardly necessary steps for someone upgrading once in 30 years.

Gearwrench is superb value, available in all the flavors and seems to offer everything the OP is looking for.

You could say much the same for Tekton - which is a perfectly reasonable alternative. I don't see why a person with the OP's requirements and preferences would start looking at anything besides one of those two.

I'm not trying to impugn YOUR favorite ratchet. It's just that there are diminishing returns as you climb up the price range - i.e. there ARE differences and improvements, they're just less significant.

I say that even though I'm mainly a Proto user, with some Williams, SK, Wright and even a couple Gearwrenches thrown in.

 

[KnurledNut]

Just reminiscin’ but this thread reminded me of the unicorn 1/2 drive Dual80 Snap-on knurled handle ratchet. I would have loved a set of those in all three drive sizes, less the shackles and with ball anvils instead of pinned. (As far as I know they only offered 1/2 drive: THSHL80AKH.)

 

[mreisner]

AJ manufacturing makes the Matco and the Olsa. A lot of times the Matco will be 88 to where the Olsa is 100 if you look at the heads one has the Matco Eagle engraved in it the other doesn't but they all have the hexagon.

 

[Citation]

From the last time a question like this was asked...

Looking to redo my ratchet drawer with some new tools. which brand would you go with ? 1/4-3/8-1/2 looking for great quality.

So I like to step up with some comfy new ratchets. I was thinking snap on set or gear wrench I see some that are 90 tooth vs 120. what are your thoughts? snap on reviews here in Canada is not very good customers complaining about warranty and support issues. vs gear wrench reviews some...

www.garagejournal.com

I would suggest looking at ratchets that fill a purpose your current ones can't. So consider something like an offset ratchet or a roto head ratchet or an extra long handle ratchet. As much as I prefer a nice SnapOn ratchet vs my old Craftsman stuff, there are few times when a standard length SnapOn will do a job the same length Cman won't. However, there are lots of times that an extra long handle or a flex head/roto head will make a big difference.

I will also add that the Husky ratchets are basically the same as Gearwrench with just a few less teeth (anything over 72 seems to be all the same in my book). While I don't like the plastic handles on my roto ratchets nor their round heads, they are my go to because the roto design works really well.

 

[chris142]

I use this ratchet every day. It's my go to.

 

[richfinn]

I've got 4 different 3/8" flex heads on the go (not a massive fan of quick release or locking flexheads, but not a deal breaker)

1. Snap-On dual 80 flexhead (one of the best all rounders)

2. 1990s Mac Spin-flex (a relic from before fine tooth USA ratchets became the norm) been a good reliable tool though (I like the handle)

3. Ko-ken Z series flexhead 72T very small head and low back drag (invaluable in tight spots), I liked it so much I got the 1/4" version.

4. Facom 72T, quick release flexhead with extendable handle (a bit chunky but very strong and affordable), I liked it so much I got the 1/2" version.

I only use flexhead ratchets nowadays, more versatile

 

[Caa311]

Koken is only $42 or the Williams with the old 36 tooth snapon guts for about the same price.

 

[ehits]

Easy fellows, the OP talks about upgrading from 36t Craftsman Raised panels to something modern and this crowd starts talking about Snap-on, Mac, Proto, Nepros, Koken...

Those ratchets are great, but hardly necessary steps for someone upgrading once in 30 years.

Gearwrench is superb value, available in all the flavors and seems to offer everything the OP is looking for.

You could say much the same for Tekton - which is a perfectly reasonable alternative. I don't see why a person with the OP's requirements and preferences would start looking at anything besides one of those two.

I'm not trying to impugn YOUR favorite ratchet. It's just that there are diminishing returns as you climb up the price range - i.e. there ARE differences and improvements, they're just less significant.

I say that even though I'm mainly a Proto user, with some Williams, SK, Wright and even a couple Gearwrenches thrown in.

I kinda think you nailed it. After watching a couple of those videos, I can’t justify 2-3x cost for something getting beaten by GW in almost all regards. So far, gearwrench seems to be the way. I’ll have to compromise on a preference or two, but that’s ok.

I may start with a long handle locking flex head set with the soft grips. Depending on how those go I’ll probably go with a standard length qr set with regular handles or maybe just buy them together. That’ll honestly probably hold me over for life. Still want to look up more suggestions offered here but I’d say my choice is made.

Thank you all!

 

[Mgdoug3]

AJ manufacturing makes the Matco and the Olsa. A lot of times the Matco will be 88 to where the Olsa is 100 if you look at the heads one has the Matco Eagle engraved in it the other doesn't but they all have the hexagon.

Olsa is 90, just like the SK LP90. Has it ever been confirmed that AJ makes the LP90 and Olsa ratchets? It's my best guess that they do, but it's only a hunch.

I heard Wright were making sockets for SK after SK moved out of Illinois so it makes sense that someone else also made their ratchets.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

If you have been using Craftsman raised panel ratchet and had good luck then you can buy anything name brand. I remember stripping the gears from those several times. I have really grown to like tektons ratchets myself. Wish they made a locking flexhead but they don't. Gear wrench locking flexhead is probably my next one to try.

 

[richfinn]

I kinda think you nailed it. After watching a couple of those videos, I can’t justify 2-3x cost for something getting beaten by GW in almost all regards. So far, gearwrench seems to be the way. I’ll have to compromise on a preference or two, but that’s ok.

I may start with a long handle locking flex head set with the soft grips. Depending on how those go I’ll probably go with a standard length qr set with regular handles or maybe just buy them together. That’ll honestly probably hold me over for life. Still want to look up more suggestions offered here but I’d say my choice is made.

Thank you all!

Woah there Tiger!!, you need to do some more research.

There are deals galore if you shop around, for my money this one is a bargain (you might not have to pay VAT if you're in the USA

Facom SXL.171 1/2" Drive Flexi Head Extendable Locking Ratchet 305-435mm - PrimeTools

8 positions extendable from 305mm – 435mm. Access in confined spaces. Powerful: more torque less effort. Safe: extension locking mechanism. (Pull collar down to release). Sealed head maintenance free. 72 teeth mechanism for 5 degree increments. Drive direction switch. Hanging hook.

www.primetools.co.uk

 

[Steve_P]

Sorry, but in the US it just doesn't make sense to buy Facom, or any Euro brand ratchet, when you can buy a Gearwrench 90T, available everywhere, and then get a rebuild kit or three for $8-15 each to put in the drawer in case you need it in 20 years. The Gearwrench is just tough to beat for the $. The only reason I have some Matco and Snap On is because they offer sizes that GW doesn't.

 

[KSJeff]

SATA makes some pretty decent quick release ratchets. Available on Amazon pretty cheap. Made by the Apex Group in Taiwan. I've got a couple in my throw around box and never had any issues.

 

[dclark2171]

I was in the same boat. I have PROTO 1/2 and 1/4 inch that are pieces of art and a pleasure to use. For my normal 3/8, the KOKEN ZEAL is the perect size and super nice. I'm going to try a NEPROS sometime.

 

[richfinn]

Sorry, but in the US it just doesn't make sense to buy Facom, or any Euro brand ratchet, when you can buy a Gearwrench 90T, available everywhere, and then get a rebuild kit or three for $8-15 each to put in the drawer in case you need it in 20 years. The Gearwrench is just tough to beat for the $. The only reason I have some Matco and Snap On is because they offer sizes that GW doesn't.

With the Facom you get multiple different lengths in one tool

I think you will find a Facom thread on GJ somewhere, it's good value pro-quality stuff and has some fans in the USA.

I look at Facom/USAG tools as the best stuff coming out of Taiwan, innovative designs - reasonably priced.

 

[mreisner]

Olsa is 90, just like the SK LP90. Has it ever been confirmed that AJ makes the LP90 and Olsa ratchets? It's my best guess that they do, but it's only a hunch.

I heard Wright were making sockets for SK after SK moved out of Illinois so it makes sense that someone else also made their ratchets.

You're right I got a little confused. Olsa at 90 is extremely smooth. I'm not sure if Matco 88 and Olsa 90 are the same internally or not.

 

[JradM]

I like Facom too - and that's a slick ratchet Richfinn shared - but I agree with Steve_P that it doesn't make sense as a general recommendation for US-based non-professional wrench turners. Even the one Richfinn posted as a good deal - I agree, but its going to be like $90 once it gets to the USA. A flexhead 84t Gearwrench is like $44 at regular price (and less if you buy the 3-pack of 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2").

You could call the Facom "multiple tools in one" because of that cool extending feature, but that also means it has a thick handle and grip, which will limit it's utility if you're trying to snake it through an engine bay.

The Garage Journal approach is to just buy both....

A little tangential, but I like the 120xp Gearwrench models for my long-handled ratchets (you can get a four pack for $137) and prefer slimmer heads and less backdrag over maximum tooth count for my "regular" length ratchets. The extra positions of the 120XP ratchets makes a big difference in how much you have to move the end of the handle on 10" and longer ratchets, but anything over 72 teeth isn't really noticeable on shorter ones.

 

[Andres26tnt]

The GW is hard to beat for sure. I personally don't buy tools on price or warranty anymore. Only quality, I don't brake ratchets often, and mostly the ones I broken are the cheap of the cheap.

The facom is a great ratchet, one of the nicest extendable versions out here. Compare to all those other extendable, it's up there with gedore. The rest I've tried are sloppy and just ok quality. Don't be afraid of the unserviceability. The 72t gear they use is smooth, and has lower back drag. It's the ratchet craftsman should had rebranded, instead of those 96t whatever ratchet they have for the V line. I own one, nowhere near smooth or the same backdrag.

 

[liliysdad]

I’ve had and tried all manner of ratchets, and the only things left in my drawer are SnapOn and Matco, with the exception of one lonely Cornwell 1/2 job that I hang onto for some reason.

My favorites are the Matco Eighty8s, but I’ll take a Dual 80 if the deal is right.

 

[Outwest]

Koken has a nice 72 tooth quick release that must have been well priced when I bought it. Napa’s Carlyle quick release ratchets are great also as long as you can find a decent deal on them. Proto’s 90 tooth ratchets are my favorite with a little kneeling on the handles, but no quick release. Wright has nice round head ratchets with knurled handles and also square-ish contoured handles that might be of interest also.

 

[mreisner]

I was in Napa this morning and looked at a Carlisle ratchet and they have gone nuts. To the point that you can catch a Snap-On on a deal for damn near as much .

 

[JEdiag]

Easy fellows, the OP talks about upgrading from 36t Craftsman Raised panels to something modern and this crowd starts talking about Snap-on, Mac, Proto, Nepros, Koken...

Those ratchets are great, but hardly necessary steps for someone upgrading once in 30 years.

Gearwrench is superb value, available in all the flavors and seems to offer everything the OP is looking for.

You could say much the same for Tekton - which is a perfectly reasonable alternative. I don't see why a person with the OP's requirements and preferences would start looking at anything besides one of those two.

I'm not trying to impugn YOUR favorite ratchet. It's just that there are diminishing returns as you climb up the price range - i.e. there ARE differences and improvements, they're just less significant.

I say that even though I'm mainly a Proto user, with some Williams, SK, Wright and even a couple Gearwrenches thrown in.

Gearwrench is garbage in my opinion soley based on their ownership.(dont like the quality either) Anyone remember bain capital. Or Armstrong or KD." Hey lets buy american companies and kick all the employees to the curb then take the intellectual property to slave labor land and make it there to sell back to americans". I could care less if gearwrench surpassed snapon or any other by a long shot I still wouldnt buy them. Ill stick with Wright. Family owned made here by us for us.

 

[Fedwrench]

Both

Sometimes it feels good to use an old school round head, fine toothed, quick release ratchet while other times, you want the thin head and high tooth count of a modern ratchet.
Here's my pick for you:
https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/3-8-dr-pro-tech-ratchet?_pos=4&_fid=c17401ab2&_ss=c

This is a great ratchet. It doesn't cost a small fortune and it will serve you well.

If your ratchet needs to be made in the USA, I recommend the Proto premium pear head ratchet.

Proto 3/8" Drive 45 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 8-1/2" L, Full Polish Finish J5249XLQR | Zoro

Order Proto 3/8" Drive 45 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 8-1/2" L, Full Polish Finish, J5249XLQR at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

At times the answer is Tekton. They offer excellent customer service and a wide range of 90 tooth quick release ratchets that won't break the bank

90-Tooth Ratchets | TEKTON | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 Inch Drive

Shop straight ratchets in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, or 3/4 inch drive sizes. Available in both quick-release or non-quick-release styles, and with comfort grip or polished handles.

www.tekton.com

 

[KnurledNut]

Seems the OP has made up his mind, but I’ll also throw the Proto roundheads out there as a suggestion that checks a lot of his boxes.
J4752F 1/4 standard
J5252F 3/8 standard
J5454F 1/2 long

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/proto-roundhead-ratchets.494401/