Ratchets

[Phantom552]

So I've been lurking around reading for awhile and finally decided to sign up and join the discussion.

Basically, I have some newer cman ratchets currently, and I'm wearing 'em out on a near-weekly basis. Looking for some sturdier stuff, with a few preferences in mind.

• Made in USA is preferrable.
  
• No-fuss lifetime warranty pretty much a requirement.
  
• High Tooth Count (80+) also a big plus.
  
• While I could justify dropping the cash on Snap-On / other truck brands, I'm no f/t mechanic so I'd prefer to keep my investment lower.
  
• Like the look/feel of the CMan ThinPro ratchets, but don't like the quick release buttons. Not sure if they are more durable than the ones I have, either.
  
• Like the look of the CMan Premium ratchets, but I've heard some bad things about 'em. Plus, at $50 ea. MSRP, I'd probably just spend a few bucks more and get snap-on.

Anyone have any ideas / suggestions? Thanks!

 

[1950mercury]

Armstrong if u want us made. Or new or like new snap on on ebay for about half list price.

 

[monomach]

The biggest problem you're going to have is the no-hassle lifetime warranty/US made combination. Since you don't have regular dealings with a tool truck, that's a tough combo. You're kind of stuck with Craftsman Premium grade. It's awfully close to the Matco/Armstrong 88t.

I have the 3/8. My local Sears gave it to me as a warranty replacement for a $10 CM Industrial ratchet. It's a fine ratchet. I've never had the problem with it binding up that people with the early ones had.

Just get them when they're on sale and use a coupon code. I think the 3 pc set goes on sale for $99 sometimes. After the $15 off coupon, you've got a heck of a deal.

Everything else is going to be a mail-in warranty, which is the opposite of no-hassle.

If you're willing to go Taiwan, there are really, really decent 72t ratchets so common that they practically grow on trees. Kobalt from Lowes, Duralast from Autozone, and Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight are all over the place and are all a really easy warranty.

 

[wild cowboy]

Carlyle from NAPA are on par with the tool trucks (in fact they have less back drag) and are a fraction of the cost and have a lifetime warranty.

If you are blowing up ratchets on a weekly basis, then you are breaking fasteners with them, that is what they make breaker bars (flex handles) for.

Also, do not overlook Taiwan made ratchets, that is quite different than China, many professional mechanics are finding out that Taiwan made is built better than USA made these days!

Also, do not look down on Harbor Freight, they are currently carrying some of the best engineered ratchets out there, so scoff at your own risk.

 

[Wamsutta]

Cornwell 72 tooth ratchets; they're sweet.

 

[monomach]

Also, keep in mind that there is a huge difference between the perceived and actual values of super-duper-high tooth counts.

Really, once you get to 60 teeth, you're good and can work in the smallest of confined spaces. Higher counts than that are basically marketing intended to make your eyes glaze over.

 

[PureLeaf]

Based up your requirements, your only option is the Craftsman Premium Ratchets.

Heres why. You want an American made, 80+ fine tooth ratchet without quick release, with a no hassle warranty.

Your real clincher is the no hassle warranty, only company is you're going to get that from is Sears. If you take the no hassle out and are willing to settle with a slightly tougher to warranty (likely mail in if you don't have a tool truck), then there are plenty of quality american brands out there like SK, Wright, Armstrong, etc and The tool truck brands (Cornwell, Snap-on, Matco).

Anyone else, may warranty manufacturer defects or flaws, but if you're already blowing up ratchets once a week, eventually someone like a tool truck is going to deny your warranty for abusing tools.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Hmm,

Methinks you first need a breaker bar or two. Then, buy some USED, older Snap On ratchets on ebay. I've got several older Snappys that I swear by. Never broken them yet.

For what the Craftsman thin/pros cost, you could easily find used Snap On on ebay.

FWIW pre-GarageJournal, Craftsmans were all I had, never broke one. So if you are wearing them out that fast, again, might be time to consider a breaker bar.

Heck, you can get a brand new F80 for around $40-$50 bucks!

 

[bob15]

Buy and/or use a breaker bar. Then keep the ratchets you own. Money saved. Hassles prevented.

 

[woody 73]

Yes Breaker bar first then go buy the new kobalt gearless ratchet.

 

[Dirty Diesels]

So I've been lurking around reading for awhile and finally decided to sign up and join the discussion.

Basically, I have some newer cman ratchets currently, and I'm wearing 'em out on a near-weekly basis. Looking for some sturdier stuff, with a few preferences in mind.

• Made in USA is preferrable.
• No-fuss lifetime warranty pretty much a requirement.
• High Tooth Count (80+) also a big plus.
• While I could justify dropping the cash on Snap-On / other truck brands, I'm no f/t mechanic so I'd prefer to keep my investment lower.
• Like the look/feel of the CMan ThinPro ratchets, but don't like the quick release buttons. Not sure if they are more durable than the ones I have, either.
• Like the look of the CMan Premium ratchets, but I've heard some bad things about 'em. Plus, at $50 ea. MSRP, I'd probably just spend a few bucks more and get snap-on.

Anyone have any ideas / suggestions? Thanks!

What exactly are you working on that is causing breakages of your ratchets ?

 

[erty67]

If you can see past the "made in the USA" part, your options open a lot wider. There are a lot of Taiwan made ratchets that are much better than your Cman raised panels. I'm all for US made, but in the ratchet world buy off a truck or go Taiwanese. A lot of people here like Gearwrench and Carlyle which I believe are both Taiwan.

 

[SantaAna12]

What exactly are you working on that is causing breakages of your ratchets ?

^+1.

I want a ratchet that I do not have to go to the breaker bar frequently.
I have no quarrel with those ...."purists"....that do. Not me, as I would spend more on the ratchet to save time and make me more productive.
Of course, as DirtyDiesels cuts to it....it depends on what you are working on.
P.S. No....the CMAN button release ratchet I have is a pain in the ***.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I want a ratchet that I do not have to go to the breaker bar frequently. Not me, as I would spend more on the ratchet to save time and make me more productive.

A long handle truck brand would be perfect for this mindset. My Cornwell has absolutely zero flex (3/8 and 1/2 drive) when I pull as hard as I can.

 

[trpearcy]

Hf 44"

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

Hf 44"

I think you mean HF Pro.

 

[DeliveryGuy]

I have a couple Gearwrench 120xp ratchets. I know they aren't USA made, but they feel great, have a more slim head than the Snap On Dual 80, and are 30% the price of one, too.

 

[JBradley500]

I'd probably just buy the Snap-on dual 80 you want from eBay. You won't spend much more than the craftsman would cost if you keep your eyes opened on ebay.

 

[trpearcy]

I think you mean HF Pro.

Wait.... I thought HF 44 was the answer to all tool questions on this forum.

 

[bob15]

^+1.

I want a ratchet that I do not have to go to the breaker bar frequently.
I have no quarrel with those ...."purists"....that do. Not me, as I would spend more on the ratchet to save time and make me more productive.
Of course, as DirtyDiesels cuts to it....it depends on what you are working on.
P.S. No....the CMAN button release ratchet I have is a pain in the ***.

Not a "purist", but if you are breaking ratchets weekly, you are doing something wrong. I have yet to break the long handle Snappy's, in any drive (including 3/4"), but to break a CM weekly, you are doing something wrong.....they aren't that weak.

 

[bwringer]

Masterforce ratchets, wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers are US-made and available at any Menards for very friendly prices. (Masterforce pliers, alas, are made by the commies.)

They do carry a lifetime warranty, but I'm not sure how hassle-free that is in real life; I have no idea if you can just waltz into any Menards with a busted ratchet and receive a replacement on the spot.

That said, the Masterforce ratchets do not use the high tooth counts (maybe they'd be more durable?), and their tools don't have the jewel-like finish of some others, if you care about such things. Personally, I much prefer the precise matte finishes on their tools to the thick, slippery chrome swaddling many other tools.

I'll also echo the question on many other minds -- what the HELL kind of work are you doing where you're breaking or wearing out a ratchet a week?

 

[BK13]

I see everyone is assuming you are BREAKING ratchets every week, but in your OP you say you are wearing them out, but then mention breaker bars. Confusing. But, whatever. If you are truly wearing them out, as a 47 YO guy I can only cringe at what you are doing to your hands/wrists/elbows... sounds like you might need to invest in some air or cordless tools...

But to answer your question, I really like my Armstrong MAXX ratchets.

And HF44, LOL.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Masterforce ratchets, wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers are US-made and available at any Menards for very friendly prices. (Masterforce pliers, alas, are made by the commies.)

They do carry a lifetime warranty, but I'm not sure how hassle-free that is in real life; I have no idea if you can just waltz into any Menards with a busted ratchet and receive a replacement on the spot.

That said, the Masterforce ratchets do not use the high tooth counts (maybe they'd be more durable?), and their tools don't have the jewel-like finish of some others, if you care about such things. Personally, I much prefer the precise matte finishes on their tools to the thick, slippery chrome swaddling many other tools.

I'll also echo the question on many other minds -- what the HELL kind of work are you doing where you're breaking or wearing out a ratchet a week?

Masterforce ratchets are the same as the Craftsman Raised Panels. Both are the basic Danaher 36 tooth design.

 

[PureLeaf]

 

[shockwave]

I recommend the course tooth older style Cornwell ratchets they can be had for cheap thru eBay and are extremely durable

 

[firebox40dash5]

Defining "hassle free warranty" as walking into a store and walking out with a new one, combined with wanting USA-made, is going to SERIOUSLY limit you, as others have said. I wouldn't even count anything from Sears, while you might be able to do it today, when are they going to discontinue (or move production) of the premium ratchets, and/or go **** up (or just close your local store)?

My answer is Matco off ebay, or Armstrong. Either one can be warrantied by mail, if you can't find someone local. I'd go with the locking flex in each size... they're longer for better leverage, lock just like a regular ratchet, plus they'll fit lots of places a regular one won't. I only have 2 solid-handle ratchets... and they're an 8" long 1/4" drive, and a 15" long 3/8" drive. I have them, but almost never used them at work, so they went home with me.

Hell, if you can track down a local Matco driver (or Snap On, if that's your flavor, I prefer the thinner heads on the Apex/Danaher design) you can buy them from him and warranty them. Maybe not as convenient as a store, but more so than mailing them. Matco does warranty tools to anyone (not just the original buyer) but good luck getting a driver you've never bought from to warranty stuff on the spot... not that I can blame them. It's not going to be cheap in relative terms, but we're not talking the price difference between a Kia and a Mercedes here... buy once, cry once.

 

[kctyphoon]

Just curious but did the OP happen the see the "stress test" video on the new HF 1/2 ratchet.. It might not be a snap on, but you can't deny that's a pretty good buy for $20.. .. Also, I have the 1/2 extending ratchet from HF, and that basically get used as a ratcheting breaker bar. Not trying to make this a HF vs Snap On thread, but those are definitely two ratchets i don't worry about breaking..

 

[kctyphoon]

Hell, if you can track down a local Matco driver (or Snap On, if that's your flavor, I prefer the thinner heads on the Apex/Danaher design) you can buy them from him and warranty them. Maybe not as convenient as a store, but more so than mailing them. Matco does warranty tools to anyone (not just the original buyer) but good luck getting a driver you've never bought from to warranty stuff on the spot... not that I can blame them. It's not going to be cheap in relative terms, but we're not talking the price difference between a Kia and a Mercedes here... buy once, cry once.

Tool truck drivers have to pay to send back any items that get warrantied, so I can't Imagine the guy being to happy about paying out of pocket to help someone that never bought a penny's worth of tools...bBut I guess that depends on the driver. Personally I don't think I could ask they guy without planning on making another purchase in return, or offering to pay for the shipping so it didn't cost him anything for the favor..

 

[bobbycos]

Wait.... I thought HF 44 was the answer to all tool questions on this forum.

HF 44 is also known to cure the common cold and ease the pain of bursitis

 

[monomach]

Masterforce ratchets, wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers are US-made and available at any Menards for very friendly prices. (Masterforce pliers, alas, are made by the commies.)

They do carry a lifetime warranty, but I'm not sure how hassle-free that is in real life; I have no idea if you can just waltz into any Menards with a busted ratchet and receive a replacement on the spot.

That said, the Masterforce ratchets do not use the high tooth counts (maybe they'd be more durable?), and their tools don't have the jewel-like finish of some others, if you care about such things. Personally, I much prefer the precise matte finishes on their tools to the thick, slippery chrome swaddling many other tools.

I'll also echo the question on many other minds -- what the HELL kind of work are you doing where you're breaking or wearing out a ratchet a week?

Masterforce ratchets have the same internals as the Craftsmans he says he's breaking weekly, so he probably doesn't want those.

As for the warranty, you have to show your receipt.

 

[Phantom552]

Hmm,

Methinks you first need a breaker bar or two. Then, buy some USED, older Snap On ratchets on ebay. I've got several older Snappys that I swear by. Never broken them yet.

For what the Craftsman thin/pros cost, you could easily find used Snap On on ebay.

FWIW pre-GarageJournal, Craftsmans were all I had, never broke one. So if you are wearing them out that fast, again, might be time to consider a breaker bar.

Heck, you can get a brand new F80 for around $40-$50 bucks!

I have breakers in various lengths (6" on out to 24") for all of the drive sizes I have sockets in, and they get used, along with pneumatic impacts and other tools meant for harder uses. I'm actually pretty gentle with my ratchets all things considered. I may be just having a bad run of luck with my local sears IDK. I never had issues untill recently.

 

[Phantom552]

What exactly are you working on that is causing breakages of your ratchets ?

Currently I have a harley sportster, a suzuki 600, a silverado 2500, and a jeep wrangler I'm actively wrenching on. The harley, silverado, and jeep are custom projects, the suzuki is my ride while the weather is good lol.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

You are doing something wrong if you are going through ratchets working on that stuff. You can spend a ton of money buying multiple **** ratchets, or you could spend the money on a quality ratchet and never look back. If you're working with basic Craftsman rsised panel ratchets, step it up to something nicer and you won't regret it.

 

[Phantom552]

You are doing something wrong if you are going through ratchets working on that stuff. You can spend a ton of money buying multiple **** ratchets, or you could spend the money on a quality ratchet and never look back. If you're working with basic Craftsman rsised panel ratchets, step it up to something nicer and you won't regret it.

I get the sentiment that I must be at fault, but I haven't changed my pattern of behavior over the last several years, the tools are the ones suddenly crapping out left and right. And it's not like I'm shearing teeth or stripping them out, they are just rounding to the point where the main gear and pawl won't engage to the point where they are reliably able to take any force without slipping. I think I'll pick up a few of the ratchets you guys have suggested and just see what I like, and what my wallet/patience level likes. lol

 

[Snap_cap]

I get the sentiment that I must be at fault, but I haven't changed my pattern of behavior over the last several years, the tools are the ones suddenly crapping out left and right. And it's not like I'm shearing teeth or stripping them out, they are just rounding to the point where the main gear and pawl won't engage to the point where they are reliably able to take any force without slipping. I think I'll pick up a few of the ratchets you guys have suggested and just see what I like, and what my wallet/patience level likes. lol

These are new stock CMan?

Are they US made or Taiwanese or Chinese imports?

 

[firebox40dash5]

These are new stock CMan?

Are they US made or Taiwanese or Chinese imports?

Hardly even matters with RPs... even the US ones of the last decade or 2 were awful.

OP, if those are your frame of reference... just give something else a try. Anything. Really.

 

[dgxlh]

Also, keep in mind that there is a huge difference between the perceived and actual values of super-duper-high tooth counts.

Really, once you get to 60 teeth, you're good and can work in the smallest of confined spaces. Higher counts than that are basically marketing intended to make your eyes glaze over.

That's an interesting graph. Where did that come from

 

[92integra]

Buy snap on buy once be done with it.

 

[bwringer]

Hardly even matters with RPs... even the US ones of the last decade or 2 were awful.

OP, if those are your frame of reference... just give something else a try. Anything. Really.

Pretty much what I was thinking. My Craftsman raised panel ratchets are pretty manky compared to my other ratchets. I never use them any more.

If you're on a budget, loosen up on your requirements a bit and grab some of the made in Taiwan goodies. They are seriously, seriously nice. Very good stuff, and I ain't kidding.

Pittsburgh Pro at Harbor Freight has been mentioned. Autozone sells some very, very nice Taiwan made stuff -- much of it is identical to the HF tools (look for COO -- as with HF, the Chinese stuff is awful, but the Taiwanese stuff is outstanding). Advance Auto sells a lot of nice Gearwrench stuff, but you have to pay attention -- GW has started making many of their tools in China, sadly.

If you have a Meijer store around, they should have a nice selection of Tekton tools. Some Tekton tools are US-made, but the ratchets and sockets are Taiwan and also extremely nice. Open 24/7, so that's nice...

If it makes you feel any better, we're friends with Taiwan and they're a democracy...

 

[shockwave]

I can say from experience that dura last ratchets can take an xtreme amount of stress and still function I have used a 3 foot pipe with a 3/8 drive to break loose caliper bracket bolts and still not skip a beat its part of my road bag and Asian make but works reliably thou