ratchets ?

[Sonny2010]

Jesus, some of you do need help. Just PM me for my address....

I have an unmarked (taiwan, I think) master mechanic roundhead that's remarkably fine, a US NAPA quick release that's remarkably coarse, an SK 45170, and a duralast pear head (coarse, but feels great, very strong, my go-to). All 3/8ths.

I have matching duralast 1/4th and 1/2 pear heads, but they're the exact same design as the 3/8th, and while it works great in 3/8ths, scaling it doesn't QUITE work - the quarter is obnoxiously stiff, and the half will pop into neutral, or switch directions - the design (snap-on or similar copy, I believe) needed some tweaking to scale it up or down, and it doesn't seem to have recieved an adequate dose of said tweaking - I'm going to see if they'll swap the half out for a roundhead, since I can make it slip on command to show them, but I really need more half inch ratchets - and some bigger stuff wouldn't hurt either..

And I need some breakers - I have my favorite pipe (leather handle and all) for lugs, but I've never been able to bring myself to spend as much as an alright ratchet costs, for a freaken.... bar.

Open up the Duralast and lube it will be much smoother.

 

[BK13]

Just counted (the ones I could find, at least) and came up with 18. Three 1/4", two 1/2", the rest 3/8".

 

[platypus20]

somewhere between 600 and 700

 

[Outlawmws]

It's seeming to me that the people with more than 15-20 are collectors and want different brands, sizes, types, etc. The people who go for utility go for value, quality, comfort, etc.

Not really except for one part of what you said; at least for me, Mostly this:

Almost, and yet, not quite.

I can't say I'm looking for one particular brand. I just don't like passing up on sub-$5.00 old US made iron.

What I use most in my personal box are my Snap-On's (both hh and sh), my Matco 24 incher, a few pristine SK's, and a Challenger QR given to me by Geologist.

Can't say I ever WANTED a particular brand to collect, they just seem to cross my path. I'm not complaining though!

Different companies make different configurations for their interpretation of what's needed. Sometimes I need a longer handle on one, sometimes I need a stubby. A good example are flex heads. The SO 3/8/ is way longer than the Indestro 3/8, but both get used a lot, depending on what I'm doing.

SK round head 1/4's have a fine tooth count compared to others I own and that can factor in a lot.

Then there are having the tools where you need them: I have partial sets in my vehicles, complete sets in my main box, and I've replaced the cheaply made Craftsman ratchets in my long trip road box entirely with RHFT Craftsman as I like those for general all-purpose use.

The only "collection" of tools I have are the antique/vintage Long C Craftsman, some really old SO, Hinsdale and the like, some of the wood handled screwdrivers, and the old tappets just because. But ALL my tools with very few exceptions are users, adn get used when the mood strikes me. Those exceptions are invariably either too worn, or too delicate in their advanced age to risk breaking for any but the lightest use.

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

I feel out gunned with only 15. Use all of these except the Stanley, Blackhawk, ParX and the SK 45775.

Snap On-
L72t with 35 inch handle
S80A
SF80A
SLF80A
FL80
FHLFD80
THLFD72 x2
T72

SK-
45775
45183
40170

Stanley-
87-998

Blackhawk-
34950R

ParX-
3/4 ratchet head, exact same as the L72T ratchet head just not as pretty.

 

[zkling]

And I need some breakers - I have my favorite pipe (leather handle and all) for lugs, but I've never been able to bring myself to spend as much as an alright ratchet costs, for a freaken.... bar.

Go get a harbor freight 1/2" breaker bar for $9.99. Your ratchets will thank you.

 

[Conductor562]

I've got something north of 50. Some are old and more collector type pieces, and some are just surplus.

As far as users that stay in my box for regular use:

1/4":

Proto 4757F
Proto 4757
Proto 4749
Proto 4749XL
Tekton Composite

3/8":

Proto 5257F (Favorite ratchet ever)
Proto 5249
Proto 5250
Proto 5248S
Proto 5249XL
Proto 5250XL
Blackhawk spark plug rat (same as a Champion plug master II)
Tekton Composite
Tekton XXL

1/2":

Proto 5449
Proto 5450
Proto 5449XL
Proto 5450XL
Proto 5457F
Tekton Composite

I kinda have a thing with Proto

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

What's your review on that EZRed ratchet? I've heard good and bad. .

It's actually a pretty good tool IMO. I let a co worker borrow it a while back, and he managed to break the square drive off, and break the bolt that lets the head pivot. I fixed it for less than 10 bucks, and I use it alot for alignments, and actually more of breaker bar than anything...

 

[MrJason]

It's actually a pretty good tool IMO. I let a co worker borrow it a while back, and he managed to break the square drive off, and break the bolt that lets the head pivot. I fixed it for less than 10 bucks, and I use it alot for alignments, and actually more of breaker bar than anything...

I'm now of the same mindset. I bought the 3pk Extra Long Ratchet set, as they were discontinuing the red/blue handled edition.

I have used them to open up two Rodeck engines and reassemble. I like them, but still reach for more practical ratchets for quick jobs.

The leverage and control is wonderful, the weight in the hand is a little much, but manageable.

I haven't broken the square drive just yet, but from what I've read that it will happen eventually.

Until then, I appreciate the value for the dollar. I scored the 3pk for a real low price.

Thank you for replying,
Jason

 

[colin39]

I only have a few, but recently have a rad or ,ratchet acquisition disorder, lol

 

[davethorik]

I have been buying a decent amount of ratchets lately, but I don't buy anything I don't like. I also want to expand beyond the pear head Crescent brand ratchets I started with. I finally found an SK roto ratchet, picked up a Craftsman 1/4 RHFT, a 1/4 Action, a 1/2 Mac, and an old 1/2 Snappy. I still want to get an SK 1/4 rat, probably a 40971 long handle. I also still want a Snappy TM737 1/4 dr. That is a pretty short want list as of right now.

 

[BK13]

I only have a few, but recently have a rad or ,ratchet acquisition disorder, lol

There's two rats towards the back... third from the back and the rear-most, they appear to be 3/8 and 1/2" version of the same ratchet, nicely polished with a red logo on a black comfort grip. What are they?

 

[Loscaldazar]

Hmmm....I'll include ratcheting Torque wrenches, because why not! Only 32 ratchets for me (but I'm only 19)!

1/4 drive
2696 Pittsburgh Torque Wrench X2
81011P Gearwrench Non Flex 120XP
81012P Gearwrench Flex 120XP
10-992 Armstrong MAXX 88T Non Flex
48975 SK Tuff 1 Long Handle Non Flex
49270 SK 60T palm ratchet
66312 Pittsburgh Composite Ratchet

3/8 Drive
81211P Gearwrench Non Flex 120XP
81212P Gearwrench Stubby Flex 120XP
81215P Gearwrench Flex 120XP
11-992 Armstrong Maxx 88T Non Flex
43175 SK Long handle non Flex Tuff 1
45173 SK Slim Line 60T Non Flex
45171 SK Slim Line 60T Long Handle Non Flex
3767 SK Slim Line 60T Flex
45172 SK 60T Palm Ratchet
45875 SK Bent Handle Flex Tuff 1
66313 Pittsburgh Composite Ratchet X2
C2FR100F PI Split Beam Torque Wrench w/ Flex ratchet
Craftsman 3/8 Pass Through
Gearwrench 3/8 Pass Through

1/2 Drive
66314 Pittsburgh Composite Ratchet X2
81304P Gearwrench 120XP Non Flex
81306P Gearwrench 120XP Flex
42475 SK Tuff 1 Non Flex
SL80 Snap On Long Handle Non Flex
SLX80A Snap On 24" Locking Flex
C3FR250F Precision Instruments Torque Flex Ratchet

3/4
47170 SK 72T Ratchet

Soon to add:
Tekton 24in Non Flex 1/2 drive ratchet
Tekton 18in Non flex 3/8 drive ratchet
One or two 1/4 drive torque wrenches
Indexable ratchets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2
Roto Ratchets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2

 

[caper]

I nearly choked when whoever it was called bs on Powderkeg lol. Not hard to tell they haven't been around long. The veteran members would remember the ratchet threads of old where Powderkeg and others showed hundreds of ratchets.
Myself,I have a few, maybe I should count them someday.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Dude that is crazy.

I have the same big, ugly, pearhead 1/2" ratchet with the phillips screws. Ugly son of a gun. I just picked it up out of one of my "extra" boxes day before yesterday. I also have another one that is identical to yours and mine, but unmarked.

BTW- Who made the flexhead right behind it? SK? Wright?

 

[caper]

It's a Walden. I have Waldens,Stewart Waldens and Walden Worchesters:

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

About 120 bought seven more at the flea market today.




I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman won't give me no credit

 

[davethorik]

I took a count, and I have 8 quarter inch drive rats...7 three eights...5 half...and one 3/4. For 21 total that I use. I also have an SK 1/2 hex drive rat, but having no hex drive sockets it is solely a "collectible".

My latest fascination is RHFT, I currently have 1 Craftsman 1/4, 1 Easco 1/2, 1 K-D 3/8 flex, and 2 Allen, a 1/4 and a 1/2. I have heard the Allen branded versions of these rats are ****, but the 2 I have are just as nice as any of the others. I actually prefer the Allen 1/4 over the C-man, just because of the handle...I hate C-man raised panel handles, give me a plain old round knurled (not too sharp) handle any day of the week.

edit: as for breaker bars, I have 3 quarter inch drive, one 3/8, one 1/2, and one 3/4. I feel these have their place but are not a high-use tool, so I don't really seek them out since I have my bases covered.

 

[Cato]

I just counted 15. I think 10 I got in socket sets - mostly Craftman and one Husky. I build my socket collection out of set because the sets with ratchets were always cheaper than buying sockets one by one or even in the socket only sets.

 

[Jarhead0408]

It's a Walden. I have Waldens,Stewart Waldens and Walden Worchesters:

Thanks for the info man! I'll be keeping my eye out for one of those!

 

[north]

There's two rats towards the back... third from the back and the rear-most, they appear to be 3/8 and 1/2" version of the same ratchet, nicely polished with a red logo on a black comfort grip. What are they?

Facom SL.161 (1/2") and KL.161 (3/4") methinks. Also available as USAG 237 B 1/2 and 237 B 3/4.

 

[Supe]

Facom SL.161 (1/2") and KL.161 (3/4") methinks. Also available as USAG 237 B 1/2 and 237 B 3/4.

Also rebranded in Australia under Sidchrome.

http://www.sidchrome.com.au/products/compact-head-ratchet

 

[kythri]

81 in my big toolcab (84 if I count the thumbwheel ratchets).

There's another 4-5 in my lug-around travel box.

There's definitely dupes as part of that number - I've got at least 3-4 raised panel Craftsman jobs in each drive size (came as sets or picked up cheap), and what not.

 

[ecotec]

15. None of them are high end. Mostly Craftsman RP and HF.

 

[expfcwintergreen]

Wow. Either some of you 1) aren't married 2) your wife doesn't know her way to the garage 3) or she has more shoes than Imelda Marcos.

I believe I have 1 Craftsman pear-head, 3 Craftsman round head and a round head JH Williams that I inherited from my father, 3 Craftsman pear head that came with 151 piece 6 pt tool set, 3 Craftsman pear head that came with a 167 piece 12 pt tool set, 3 Craftsman round head that came with a small socket set, 3 Stanley round head that came with a 151 piece 6 pt set, and 3 SK round head that came with socket sets. I only have 6 ratchets that I bought that didn't come with sets: 3 Craftsman Low Profile which are my favorites, a Stubby Craftsman flex head in 3/8, 1 Snap-on round head, and a Gear Wrench Flex-Head. I hope to buy a Snap-on Dual 80, and Wright Tool, Proto, and Williams in 3/8 drive.

Before reading this thread, I have always secretly thought of myself as OCD; now I'm feeling pretty damn normal. Thank you,

 

[Outlawmws]

Wow. Either some of you 1) aren't married 2) your wife doesn't know her way to the garage 3) or she has more shoes than Imelda Marcos.

I believe I have 1 Craftsman pear-head, 3 Craftsman round head and a round head JH Williams that I inherited from my father, 3 Craftsman pear head that came with 151 piece 6 pt tool set, 3 Craftsman pear head that came with a 167 piece 12 pt tool set, 3 Craftsman round head that came with a small socket set, and 3 SK round head that came with socket sets. I only have 5 ratchets that I bought that didn't come with sets: 3 Craftsman Low Profile which are my favorites, 1 Snap-on round head, and a Gear Wrench Flex-Head. I hope to buy a Snap-on Dual 80, and Wright Tool, Proto, and Williams in 3/8 drive.

Before reading this thread, I have always secretly thought of myself as OCD; now I'm feeling pretty damn normal. Thank you,

1) Yes I am. 2) yes she does, 3) No She doesn't!

And she knew who and what she was marrying when she said yes, and I do...

First date: Race track (cars) Second date Rifle range (shot rifles, pistols, and shotguns...)

Set expectations, and don't deviate...

Define "Normal"

 

[Loscaldazar]

1) Yes I am. 2) yes she does, 3) No She doesn't!

And she knew who and what she was marrying when she said yes, and I do...

First date: Race track (cars) Second date Rifle range (shot rifles, pistols, and shotguns...)

Set expectations, and don't deviate...

Define "Normal"

Very good choices for dates if I say so myself!

 

[expfcwintergreen]

Second date Rifle range (shot rifles, pistols, and shotguns...)

Set expectations, and don't deviate...

Define "Normal"

============
Rifles are another of my obsessions. The only reason I don't have more than I do are that being more valuable and portable per piece, they are harder to secure.
--------------------
Maybe "average" would be less judgmental than "normal."

 

[Outlawmws]

Two words: Gun safe.

 

[BK13]

Before reading this thread, I have always secretly thought of myself as OCD; now I'm feeling pretty damn normal. Thank you,

Really? I'm feeling a touch inadequate.

 

[MrJason]

Really? I'm feeling a touch inadequate.

Ha, I know what you mean. I've only got about 20-30 but, seeing these big numbers. . I have to think... damn.

But, hey. . Seeing these big collections is impressive. Have to think these collections end up owning their owners after a while.

 

[BK13]

Yeah, I think about all the money I wasted on unimportant things .... Like eating.... How many rats could I have on pizza costs?

 

[MrJason]

Yeah, I think about all the money I wasted on unimportant things .... Like eating.... How many rats could I have on pizza costs?

Exactly! [emoji115]

 

[AndrewV]

All mine are for work, make me money.
Some of you just have tonage, and it scares me

 

[Outlawmws]

============
I am more than a bit paranoid and am away from home about 13 hours a day during the week so depend on concealment rather than safes. On my road, the houses are far apart, and my neighbors are mostly retired people who keep to themselves. My area is considered a low crime area, but I still worry about using a safe where the burglars will know right away what you have and what they have to do to steal it, not to mention what they might be used for after they are stolen.

Also, my rifles are for fun where my tools are practical, thus easier to justify in my diseased mind.

Sorry to temporarily hijack the thread.

A buddy of mine relied on that method: He's now in the process of replacing every gun he owned.

Alarms plus safe = making it harder, and more obvious,m the need to bug out. a pro doesn't care, The amateurs are redirected to easier pickings. That and I hide the safe, and if they happen to find it it's marked "explosives!" - You know, for the fire department...

 

[ArtDeco]

105-110 Made in USA - just a few duplicates

 

[ctsv]

I have about 50, most Craftsman and Armstrong.

These are the few Snap on and Matco ratchets that I own.

 

[Parrothead]

I have less than 10 in my main box, flex, standard, ect. I have 2 in my travel box and 1 in the truck. I think I am going to pare down, as truthfully how many do I really need?

 

[slip knot]

I'm not really sure! I dont even know where I have them stashed at. I'm missing a few I know I have.

 

[Ruger_556]

All mine are for work, make me money.
Some of you just have tonage, and it scares me

Same here, my huge collection... All 10 of them The Craftsman in the back of the drawer is special.