hoffman912
Well-known member
Hey guys,
I am quite disappointed with my craftsman ratchets after more than 10 years of solid use. They are just too clunky. I am going to upgrading a few areas of my tool box and I think ratchets will be a good starting point (in addition to screw drivers -as posted on another thread). I am looking for a higher tooth model... Id like to try a middle range set that's better, and if i like a certain style, invest in something like a used truck brand, European brand or truck brand alternatives (ie Williams, Proto etc).
That being said, i have done a lot of research on brands, but something I am not quite sure of is different types of ratchets. For example, flex vs non flex, and if flex, locking vs non locking.
I haven't really used a good flex ratchet before - just cheap ones that felt like wet noodles. The handle would always move from its detent (which wasn't much of a detent), making it feel like i was going to come off, or round off a nut. I wasn't too impressed. Though I understand the value and usefulness of having that flex ability.
Before spending money on ratchets though, I wanted to understand a bit more about flex ratchets - pros/cons that people who have used them see, and more specifically, pros and cons to locking vs non locking. I have only used non flex head ratchets. Can you guys share some wisdom and experience?
I like to feel confident that my stuff is going to grab on and not go caddy wompus when trying to unbolt them - especially ones that are really stuck on or have a higher torque.
Are there lower brands that you recommend trying with out breaking the bank (say tekton, gear wrench, ikon etc), to see what i like, before considering upgrading/investing in truck brand alternatives?
I am quite disappointed with my craftsman ratchets after more than 10 years of solid use. They are just too clunky. I am going to upgrading a few areas of my tool box and I think ratchets will be a good starting point (in addition to screw drivers -as posted on another thread). I am looking for a higher tooth model... Id like to try a middle range set that's better, and if i like a certain style, invest in something like a used truck brand, European brand or truck brand alternatives (ie Williams, Proto etc).
That being said, i have done a lot of research on brands, but something I am not quite sure of is different types of ratchets. For example, flex vs non flex, and if flex, locking vs non locking.
I haven't really used a good flex ratchet before - just cheap ones that felt like wet noodles. The handle would always move from its detent (which wasn't much of a detent), making it feel like i was going to come off, or round off a nut. I wasn't too impressed. Though I understand the value and usefulness of having that flex ability.
Before spending money on ratchets though, I wanted to understand a bit more about flex ratchets - pros/cons that people who have used them see, and more specifically, pros and cons to locking vs non locking. I have only used non flex head ratchets. Can you guys share some wisdom and experience?
I like to feel confident that my stuff is going to grab on and not go caddy wompus when trying to unbolt them - especially ones that are really stuck on or have a higher torque.
Are there lower brands that you recommend trying with out breaking the bank (say tekton, gear wrench, ikon etc), to see what i like, before considering upgrading/investing in truck brand alternatives?
