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Ratchet recommendations

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Pumpman1968

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Oct 21, 2012
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I've been lurking around these pages for a few months and have come to the conclusion that, at the very least, you guys are passionate about your tools. Having said that, I'm looking for some guidance. I do a wide range of things...one day may be someones boiler....next I might be under a car. My tools are ALWAYS wet/muddy/greasy/snow etc.......not abused but really used. I've been a Craftsman guy since I was 17 and they really have never let me down....good price....good quality...easy access to repair parts (I'm old school ....I don't replace, I repair). A lot of that has changed. I'm not going to sell all my Craftsman stuff because they now are made in China/Taiwan...that would be like shooting myself in the foot. But, I have held some of the new stuff in my hands and they are bulkier, sloppier....you can just tell.....not the same. I need to replace the 1/4" ratchet in my job box. Its an old Craftsman........and getting worn out. I collect vintage S-K and have recently bought some Armstrong.....but I want to try something else. Tool trucks don't visit my area.......and retail outlets....well....we have a McDonalds and 3 traffic lights. Since I cant put my hands on a variety of products, I'm looking for suggestions. I don't need full polish....they will be scuffed up enough in a few weeks. I don't like levers for reverse...my thumb always seems to get in the way. I wouldn't be opposed to buying something from someone on here based on the overall opinion........even used (all of my tools are "used"). I've been leaning toward Williams....looks easy enough to take apart and clean the gunk out. But, before I bought something different, I thought....why not ask these guys. I'm SURE there are A LOT of opinions out there.
 
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toolstools

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Is there an autozone close to you? Duralast makes look a likes of snap on. Not made in usa, but i love my duralast stuff. Stanley imo is also passable, but not made in usa. Do you have a paypal account? Ebay is a great place to look. Also, some sears sell usa professional series iirc
 
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billymade

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If high tooth count isn't a issue; then the williams are one of the best deals out there for what is essentially a previous generation snapon ratchet (36 tooth). They have a number of different versions (flex head etc.) and would be great ratchets. If you want 80 teeth; you could get some Bahco ratchets which are also snapon designs for a reasonable price; they do not offer, different types of ratchets however.

Many here like the Gearwrench line of ratchets and they have just now gone to a higher tooth count.

USED: you might be surprised what you can find, pro brands can be found at reasonable prices, matco, snapon etc. Good luck and happy hunting.

Williams ratchets:

http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/cat-20-1-179/Drive_Tools.htm

Bahco ratchets:

http://www.bahco.com/english/products/ratchets.html

Gearwrench Ratchets:

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/ratchets/
 
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franzdom

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Please check out Wright, very durable, USA, reasonable, and no reverse levers.

harryepstein is a full dealer in the KC area that a LOT of us here have dealt with, and found quite satisfying.
 
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dsmnickk90

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Sep 24, 2011
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If you trying to stay USA Wright and Williams are great choices for something new. But I think Armstrong has the best ratchets out right now. Craftsman premiums are good also. I have Armstrong flex heads and Craftsman premium fixed head. If I did it again I would have got Armstrong for both the Craftsman premium 3/8" is just a little to long for me sometimes the Armstrong Maxx are about a inch shorter.
 
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4x4gearhead

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I would stand behind your williams choice. I still have and use a lot of 936 and 71 snap on ratchets (which are what those ratchets are based off) and I have always used the hell out of them almost every day to find that they only after years of heavy use would break. It sounds like youre a sealed head ratchet type of guy rather than a teardrop with the snapring and such. Side loads are supported better with a sealed head ratchet as the plate is thicker that holds the gear in. That is why they are always my choice.
 
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nanofrog

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Be careful with Williams if you're after USA, as not all of it is anymore.
 
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mrjaw14

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Snap On has a BOGO deal going on right now that includes a tl72 long pattern 1/4" ratchet rated for 90 ft lbs, a FL80 long pattern 3/8" ratchet rated for 250 fl lbs, and their gold color torx bit set with a magnetic holder for $240. I forget the part number for that deal, Do a search here for snap on BOGO and you'll find it if you're interested. I know 240 sounds like a lot, but a used FL80 on fleebay will run $70+ shipping. Then if it ever breaks you have to buy a rebuild kit. so for just a little bit more than you can buy used you can get some nice new snap-on dual 80 series ratchets and torx bits.

I'm not a pro mechanic so I questioned the value of spending that kind of money. I too was a craftsman guy until their quality went to ****. I basically made a deal with myself that from here on out I was going to buy good stuff like SK, SO, matco, armstrong, etc. I called SO and they said that if it ever breaks that they'll either send rebuild kits free or replace the ratchet and also the torx since I got the set. I'm bad about babying my better tools and abusing my cheaper ones because I hate having to get things serviced. Let me just say I have no qualms about using my snap on stuff knowing I'll be taken care of. Yeah, I have some Armstrong MAXX series stuff that's cheaper, I like just as much, but it'll be harder to get serviced.

so really your choice comes down to this: are you looking to get out as cheap as you can and aren't worried about warranty, or are you concerned about getting good quality stuff and that it's expensive enough to make sure you have a plan to get it serviced if you need it. Ask yourself which camp you're in and your choices will be more clear. $240 is a lot of money for a DIY'er or a semi-pro guy, but I felt really good about it after I got my stuff.

Edit: Here's an article on that snap-on deal: http://www.autoserviceprofessional....ets-up-benefits-with-socket-ratchet-promotion
 
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CWP1616L

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Facom R.155A

040213670.jpg
 
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Pumpman1968

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I am looking at the Williams M-52A fine tooth round head. Snap-On's website says USA made (will definitely stay USA made) and pretty inexpensive. I'm not looking for cheap .....I buy decent tools, take care of them and they serve me well by keeping dead presidents coming my way......but I do pay attention to cost...if I spend a little less, I keep a little more. Anyone have any Williams in this style? Are they easy to service? My stuff is ALWAYS wet. Boilers...pump stations....and as you guys know...no ones car breaks down in the garage on a sunny summer day. I have to take a few months off from work (operation on my neck) so I have some time to look around. It may seem petty....but since I'm not comfortable buying Craftsman anymore.....I need a new brand. BTW....I have used Proto from another guys box in the past...and almost bought one of those Facoms...just because it was labeled S-K. I sell and buy quite a bit on feebay....and do have Paypal.
 
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Pumpman1968

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I do like the round head vs the tear drop....only for the fact that my thumb always seems to find the lever at the wrong time.
 
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bobcatdan

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nanofrog said:
Be careful with Williams if you're after USA, as not all of it is anymore.
Click to expand...

Willams does not hide COO on anything, their catalog is very clear. Some online retailers really blur it though. Always a good idea to check Williams directly for COO before buying anywhere.
 
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sparky7

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Dec 13, 2010
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Snap on, order from the website, or look for deals on craigslist, estate sales, pawn shops, tool shops.

For a quick tool you need right now i prefer duralast, at least it has a warranty that is pretty much bulletproof. SK at some sears is awesome if you want to buy a tool that will last
 
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Pumpman1968

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sparky7 said:
Snap on, order from the website, or look for deals on craigslist, estate sales, pawn shops, tool shops.

For a quick tool you need right now i prefer duralast, at least it has a warranty that is pretty much bulletproof. SK at some sears is awesome if you want to buy a tool that will last
Click to expand...

I collect vintage S-K....and every piece I have, I've used. Nice stuff....haven't really looked at new(er) tools though. I rally do want to try something different.
 
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Pumpman1968

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I went with the Williams M-52A. Got it from toolsource.com less than $20 delivered. Like I said, I have some time off from work until at least May cuz of medical issues, so I'm going to experiment with a couple of things. Thanks everybody for all the input!
 
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ajchien

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Pumpman1968 said:
I went with the Williams M-52A. Got it from toolsource.com less than $20 delivered. Like I said, I have some time off from work until at least May cuz of medical issues, so I'm going to experiment with a couple of things. Thanks everybody for all the input!
Click to expand...

Nice! That's my second favorite 1/4. Not so many teeth at around 40, but virtually no back drag it is great to work with.

Nice! The m52a is one of my favorites. Not so many teeth, about 40ish. But mine has the least amount of back drag of any ratchet I have.
 
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Pumpman1968

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Upstate, NY
mrjaw14 said:
I mentioned Armstrong in my post on the 1st page as well :beer:
Click to expand...

I recently bought some Armstrong 3/4" drive...have used the sockets (which I bought used) quite a bit and JUST bought a ratchet and breaker bar (bought new....haven't used those yet but they are heavy buggers for sure).
 
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