Ratchet suggestions........new tool guy....

[EmptyWallet]

Just starting my tool collection, I decided to go this route:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941309000P

Which after the sale, coupons, and my rewards points, I got for $125 out the door.

I don't think I made out that bad.

I know the ratchets that are included are not that great, so I'm looking for some better ones. I'm not a snap-on rich guy, nor do I want something that is like the included.

Suggestions? I noticed Wera mentioned a lot over at toolguyd.com. I've never seen a ratchet like that. Looks interesting.

Thoughts? Decent deal on what I'm purchased so far? What can I use to organize all those sockets? It came with no blow molded case.

 

[Bull]

Welcome aboard. That's a lot of USA (I think) tools for $125. I say "nice!"

Do you want a flex or roto ratchet, or just basic?

I think the Craftsman Premium 84 tooth models are really, really nice and worthy checking out.

Williams offers a line of ratchets that is essentially based on retired Snap-on designs, I believe. They also offer a number of other nice ratchets that are all USA-made from forge to finish.

Wright makes a ratchet that is 3/8 drive but in a compact 1/4 drive body, which is great for tight spaces.

Armstrong has a 60 tooth 3/8 drive flex that Stuey from Toolguyd reviewed as being quite nice. Armstrong also has a new 88 tooth aerospace ratchet.

There are also a lot of vintage ratchets that can be bought for small money that will provide you with years of pleasant and reliable service.

And actually, check this page here: http://store.harryepstein.com/c/Ratchets.html

A bunch of us will be placing orders with Harry J. Epstein on July 4th to celebrate their commitment to USA-made tools at good prices and with excellent service. Maybe you could participate if any of their ratchet offerings catch your eye.

As for organization, I am a recent convert to Hansen trays; I think they are great. But Ernst offers a number of organizers that people here seem to like. Both companies offer USA products.

 

[PRH44]

309 piece set for 125 bucks thats a great deal.
Do you have a box?
I like to use the Craftsman socket racks, you can expand and move things around
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-socket-rack-set/p-00941849000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

The ratchets you have will work fine. I would pick me up some flex heads or gearwrench rotoheads.

 

[Big Johnson]

Just starting my tool collection, I decided to go this route:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941309000P

Which after the sale, coupons, and my rewards points, I got for $125 out the door.

I don't think I made out that bad.

I know the ratchets that are included are not that great, so I'm looking for some better ones. I'm not a snap-on rich guy, nor do I want something that is like the included.

Suggestions? I noticed Wera mentioned a lot over at toolguyd.com. I've never seen a ratchet like that. Looks interesting.

Thoughts? Decent deal on what I'm purchased so far? What can I use to organize all those sockets? It came with no blow molded case.

Used Snap-On.

 

[Joe B.]

Don't chase the ratchets, let them come to you. Just watch the Hot Deals forum and get set up to search Slickdeals.net daily (or other deal site) Like everyone else, I would agree with upgrading the ratchets but the ones you have will work fine for a long time.

 

[EmptyWallet]

No box. I like the way those socket racks look though. Maybe I can find some ratchets in the for sale forum here. How many teeth does one really need? I know generally the more the better, but is there a drawback?

Any thoughts on this deal?

http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-20p...p-00931535000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I believe they are China COO and not Taiwan. Also the 309 piece comes with Craftsman ratcheting wrenches, but I hear the Gearwrench ones are superior? Still true for China Gearwrench?

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Look for used Snap-on ratchets - they're typically a decent bit cheaper than new prices, and are a huge step up over the generic Craftsman ratchets. Gearwrench makes some nice ratchets, and I believe the Kobalt ratchets at Lowes are basically Gearwrench with different livery colors.

Wera ratchets are neat, but I really haven't seen pricing on them anywhere that was much cheaper than Snap-on new prices.

 

[fivespdcat]

If you need it a good ratchet is a must. My two favorites or I guess three are a 3/8" Craftsman stubby (nice to have) a 3/8" Armstrong Maxx and a craftsman 3/8" bent handle, they get the job done and are well priced. I haven't tried the latest craftsman polished ratchets but mine work great.

 

[Bull]

It would help to know whether you have any COO preferences, too.

 

[boostedgt]

used bent handle flex head snap on's are awesome

 

[shoturtle]

I have the wera, and it is my go to ratchet. But the set of 3 is not cheap either. If you are looking for a good upgrade to the ratchet you have without spending a ton. Look at at the craftsman slim profile. They are good ratchet, are fine tooth 60t ratchets. The set of 3 is about 90 dollars on sale. And stores still have some NOS new stock made in the USA. But from allot of reading the made in taiwan ones are actually better.

I would just get the craftsman limited edition top and bottom, or the HF 44inch box. And get some hanson rail for the sockets.

 

[MarkH]

Ratchets vs Epstiens website if you have not yet.

 

[EmptyWallet]

It would help to know whether you have any COO preferences, too.

I honestly don't, as long as they are good ratchets. I couldn't care less about the COO, but that Gearwrench set up there being made in China and not in Taiwan, does irk me slightly.

If only for the fact I don't know if it's a good deal or not. $49 for 20 China ratcheting wrenches? When the kit I bought already comes with 16 Craftsman ones?

How do the Craftsman China ratcheting wrenches compare to the Gearwrench China ratcheting wrenches?

 

[shoturtle]

they are the same the craftsman and the gw from china.

 

[EmptyWallet]

they are the same the craftsman and the gw from china.

Hmmmm, I should return these GW ones then. I COULD pick up some of the GW flex head ones, those are made in Taiwan, correct?

 

[shoturtle]

It depends on the set, some are chinese some or taiwan. It makes more sense to get the flex then a second set of standard ratcheting imho.

 

[Link-Belt]

Hey guys, don't forget S-K they ate work horses very durable with simple classic design.

 

[shoturtle]

Back to the original question.

Since you have the craftsman rp ratchet. They are okay ratchets. I would look to add a set of fine tooth ratchet over another corse tooth ratchet set.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Back to the original question.

Since you have the craftsman rp ratchet. They are okay ratchets. I would look to add a set of fine tooth ratchet over another corse tooth ratchet set.

Are the Wera fine or coarse?

These two:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V9NCS6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V9XGKA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They also look to be so adjustable...I wouldn't need a flex head right now, correct?

 

[shoturtle]

They are 72t fine tooth. Made in the czech republic. I have all 3 sizes.

 

[EmptyWallet]

It depends on the set, some are chinese some or taiwan. It makes more sense to get the flex then a second set of standard ratcheting imho.

This is what I was thinking as well. Already got 16 of the China COO Craftsman, makes no sense to add a set of 20 China COO Gearwrench.

I'm going to put that $50 towards some ratchets.

 

[shoturtle]

That make more sense.

 

[EmptyWallet]

They are 72t fine tooth. Made in the czech republic. I have all 3 sizes.

Is there any...disadvantage to getting a fine tooth? Do you need more than 72?

 

[shoturtle]

There is no real disadvantage. They give you less swing arch. So they will advance the teeth in tight places. 36t you have 10 degree of swing to engage the nex tooth, 72t you only need 5 degree, the higher 80+ you need 4.5 degrees. Is that extra 1/2 worth 30 more a ratchet, it depends on the person. At 53 for a wera ratchet it is pricey enough.

 

[egnorant]

Use what ya bought for a while! This set may do 99% of the jobs you have for it.

If I had to add a next tool I might go for a flex head ratchet.
A good box is a wonderful thing too!

Bought a pitman puller at HF..it was **** then I bought a Lisle drop forged Made in USA for about 4 times the cost and it did the job in about 40 seconds. Stick with name brands.

Sometimes a certain odd tool just does it for you. Probably my most used 1/4 ratchet is a round head fine tooth that says "Craft Japan".

A lot of the tools that I read about here I may never even see, but they should be considered should your need/desire for a type of tool arise.

Without knowing your tool collecting desires I can only say...buy quality!

Bruce

 

[EmptyWallet]

Use what ya bought for a while! This set may do 99% of the jobs you have for it.

If I had to add a next tool I might go for a flex head ratchet.
A good box is a wonderful thing too!

Bought a pitman puller at HF..it was **** then I bought a Lisle drop forged Made in USA for about 4 times the cost and it did the job in about 40 seconds. Stick with name brands.

Sometimes a certain odd tool just does it for you. Probably my most used 1/4 ratchet is a round head fine tooth that says "Craft Japan".

A lot of the tools that I read about here I may never even see, but they should be considered should your need/desire for a type of tool arise.

Without knowing your tool collecting desires I can only say...buy quality!

Bruce

East Texas?!?? You got PM.

 

[EmptyWallet]

There is no real disadvantage. They give you less swing arch. So they will advance the teeth in tight places. 36t you have 10 degree of swing to engage the nex tooth, 72t you only need 5 degree, the higher 80+ you need 4.5 degrees. Is that extra 1/2 worth 30 more a ratchet, it depends on the personae. At 53 for a wera ratchet it is pricey enough.

I hear ya. I was curious if finer tooth ratchets tended to be slightly weaker than coarse tooth ratchets.

 

[shoturtle]

Not really, they have gotten the steel stronger over the years. But if you really need to crank down on a fastener, just use the craftsman you have. They are good for brute work.

 

[pilotman81]

If you have more time than money but still want quality stuff, you can usually find used snap on, craftsman, s-k, etc at pawn shops or garage sales. That's how i've built most of my collection.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Back to the original question.

Since you have the craftsman rp ratchet. They are okay ratchets. I would look to add a set of fine tooth ratchet over another corse tooth ratchet set.

That's right... the S-K 42470 1/2-inch drive ratchet is my go-to ratchet of choice. Highly recommend it.

 

[OEXL16B]

Start with the Williams B-52EHA.

 

[transittech]

A couple thoughts:

1. A longer handle is better than a shorter handle - less busted knuckles. Same principle as a sharp knife being safer than a dull knife.

2. As that handle gets longer, it runs into more stuff. Pure physics. Thus a flex head is a 'must' for many people, including myself. Flex heads don't really make the ratchet 'weaker' on a good ratchet, and I prefer joints I can tighten/lock.

3. As that handle has more stuff to run into, a higher tooth count gets more important. Sometimes even on 80+ teeth, you can only advance one tooth at a time, especially for initial loosening/tightening where you need that extra leverage.

4. Size matters. This time, smaller is better, you can get a smaller ratchet head into more places.

I have 12+ dual 80's and I love them and use them daily. YMMV, they're not for everybody and expensive as hell. But, they save my knuckles on a daily basis. I don't have to worry about the ratchet slipping, I have the leverage to loosen/tighten the bolt without really reefing on it, and I can get in tight spaces. Sometimes, you do get what you pay for.

If you want the best = Snap On Dual 80, Matco 88, Armstrong Maxx, Gearwrench. There may be a few more, but you get the idea.

Keep us posted.

 

[EmptyWallet]

I found a brand new F80 that I might pick up for $65.

Which Flex Head ratchets have the locking joint capability?

The Wera does, but that's the only one I'm aware of.

 

[cgv69]

Its funny how we all have are own idea on when it is worth spending the money on top of the line stuff like Snap On or when its wiser to save some money by going with a less expensive option.

IMO its your most used tools that are the ones that warrant getting the best. Ratchets are one of the few tools that you can pretty much guarantee you will use on just about every job so I feel they are worth spending extra on. Personal preference can play into this but IMO, Snap-On Dual 80 series are the best right now and if you look around e-bay and the classified here, you can find them for much less then off the truck prices and not much more then other options.

 

[Davefr]

I wouldn't be in a panic to replace those ratchets. They'll do fine for the time being.

I'd use the $'s to buy tools you don't already have before buying duplicates.

 

[EmptyWallet]

I wouldn't be in a panic to replace those ratchets. They'll do fine for the time being.

I'd use the $'s to buy tools you don't already have before buying duplicates.

I have no flex/adjustable locking ratchets, that's what I'm looking at purchasing.

 

[shoturtle]

The wera is a good flex/adjustable ratchet, and you can lock the head in different positions which is a nice feature. I like the rotating sleeve as well. Have you youtube the wera zykolp on its' features.

 

[RKA]

They also look to be so adjustable...I wouldn't need a flex head right now, correct?

A typical flex head and that wera are adjustable in different ways. I find the flex head a little more handy because the head sticks out a few inches from the socket, then you have your pivot point and the handle can be angled toward the socket, where the wera can only really be angled away from the socket (if that makes any sense) since your pivot point is directly above the socket.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Are the premium ratchets going to continue to be US made? I wouldnt be surprised if they werent considering the chrome stuff all went import.

 

[bobbar]

Hf composite ratchets... get all 3 sizes. You can get them all for under $40