Reasonable 3/8" ratchets

[Banjorear]

I LOVE the 84 tooth USA made Craftsman ratchets. Can be had at $50 on sale all day long.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

No idea what the big fuss is over a simply ratchet.

Ratchets to a mechanic are like a putter to a golfer; they get more use than any other tool, so why not have a nice one? If taken care of, they will last a lifetime.

 

[nieuport17]

Best warranty is still Sears.
Craftsman 84t USA is good.
HF ratchets are impressive for the price.
Gearwrench is good but not so sure about the warranty.

 

[kctyphoon]

So basically any ratchet that's ever been made by men on earth... I hope we narrowed it down for you...

 

[BK13]

So basically any ratchet that's ever been made by men on earth... I hope we narrowed it down for you...

LOL... yeah, we're a big help...

 

[SantaAna12]

A reasonable, quality ratchet is an S-K. If you shop, you can find them on eBay for slightly less than $15 shipped. Clean and lube it and it will have low backdrag.

^+1.

#45170. Get a rebuild kit, some Superlube, and your gtg.

 

[AWH]

LOL... yeah, we're a big help...

The problem with personal recommendations is that few, if any. have used or own all the brands made, so we recommend what we use and like.

That being said, I'll throw out my suggestions...

You can't go wrong with Snap-On -- even at twice the price of other recommendations we're still not talking about a lot of money.

And the 84-tooth Premium Craftsmans are also very good. Another good Craftsman model is what they call the 'Thin Profile" (paint brush style handle), but I don't think they are made in the USA anymore. But, if it were me, I'd still spend the difference and get the Snap-On. Although it's probably easier to stop by your local Sears, than chase down a tool truck!

In the end I don't think you'll find anyone that has anything bad to say about either the 84-tooth Craftsmans or the F80 Snap-Ons.

FWIW I have Fleet, Husky, Gearwrench, (a lot of) Craftsman, Kobalt, Proto, Stanley, S-K, Williams and Snap-On.


.

 

[rancherbill]

you would think lol i lube all my ratchets but my cm ones since i didnt use them anymore. i had nothing to do one day and said wth and i lubed a 3/8s that worked fine. i just put little lube on the gear and then spin it couple times. after that it didnt work anymore. it started skipping and disengaging.

My post earlier said open it up, clean it and re-lube it. You missed the open it up and get the crud out, and the clean out all the oil mungy oil step.

I am amazed that tool guys don't do basic maintenance on their tools. They just buy new ones when they get dirty. All it takes for most is a Phillips screwdriver and snap ring pliers.

 

[lightning02]

My post earlier said open it up, clean it and re-lube it. You missed the open it up and get the crud out, and the clean out all the oil mungy oil step.

I am amazed that tool guys don't do basic maintenance on their tools. They just buy new ones when they get dirty. All it takes for most is a Phillips screwdriver and snap ring pliers.

i didnt miss read anything. i just didnt type it out word for word as i assumed most people would not relube it without cleaning it first.

i was just stating that it doesnt always work sometimes. maybe it just didnt like superlube. might take it apart again and "CLEAN IT" and use some type of oil lube instead just for the hell of it.

 

[Givl Reggin]

i was just stating that it doesnt always work sometimes. maybe it just didnt like superlube.

SuperLube is thick grease and works well on low-tooth count gears... in my ratchets I use 3-in-one (sewing machine) oil or 0w40 synthetic motor oil. In my limited experiments I personally think the oil (any light weight oil) works better than grease.... but, I know many will disagree with me.

 

[lightning02]

SuperLube is thick grease and works well on low-tooth count gears... in my ratchets I use 3-in-one (sewing machine) oil or 0w40 synthetic motor oil. In my limited experiments I personally think the oil (any light weight oil) works better than grease.... but, I know many will disagree with me.

it was on a CM 36 tooth. i mean it was smooth as better but i guess it became to smooth and just started skipping and or not engaging.

i am tho going to start using some type of oil lube instead of grease on my 1/4 ratchets. not a fan how they feel with grease.

 

[erty67]

I have a basic Craftsman 3/8", and it works just fine.
No idea what the big fuss is over a simply ratchet.
Another vote for lubing what you already got.

Have you used anything else? These common taiwan 72t ratchets are so much nicer to use in my opinion. I can only imagine the truck brands are better. They're just out of my budget.

 

[Danglerb]

I use a 1/4 drive ratchet the most, if I bump up to the 3/8 its either socket size or the need for more torque. Most of the time that means I grab my long handle flex head snapon. Sometimes I want the rock solid feel of the Proto pear head, sometimes I want the flexibility of my HF roto head (break loose sideways, then turn straight up and spin off like a screwdriver).

OTOH as much as I can I will be using some kind of power tool to speed up the job.

 

[Parrothead]

I'm really impressed by the Husky ratchets at Home Depot, I think they are around $15.

THIS^^^ Made by APEX tools (Gearwrench and such), with 72 teeth, and quick release. Lifetime warranty too.

 

[cowboy73]

I bought a set of Gearwrench 120xp ratchets for about $80 shipped. Got 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

 

[Tronyadorable]

I bought a set of Gearwrench 120xp ratchets for about $80 shipped. Got 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

Nuttin wrong there. Goodachit !
They'll do you well.

 

[rancherbill]

i was just stating that it doesnt always work sometimes.

I agree, sometimes it doesn't and THEN it's time to get a new one.

Personally, I like the ProPoint composite (Harbor Freight composite). They are comfortable in the hand, have a high tooth count and have low back drag. I have 20+ ratchets and the composites are my go to ratchets.

 

[benzoni]

I used a Duralast ratchet from Auto Zone for a long time. It had a comfort grip handle and sealed head that looked almost identical to a SO ratchet. Also had a good warranty that I used, just take it in and they swap it out. Dont use it any more tho cause im hooked on the SO fine tooth ratchets.

 

[shooting4life]

I like my HF composite for just about all light wrenching. I also picked up a 3/8 dewalt 84t from sears for around $15 on clearance. It is a great piece of kit for the price. Looks just like the gearwrench besides a few small indents in the handle for a lot lower price.

 

[lightning02]

I used a Duralast ratchet from Auto Zone for a long time. It had a comfort grip handle and sealed head that looked almost identical to a SO ratchet. Also had a good warranty that I used, just take it in and they swap it out. Dont use it any more tho cause im hooked on the SO fine tooth ratchets.

I always wanted to try those duralast comfort grips but never did. Are they smooth or? I know there not high tooth count. Just hope they don't feel like the newer cm **** USA made or not they feel like **** lol.

 

[Dmar836]

With the outsourcing of SO, Craftsman, and many other "USA" brands, I have looked more at the cheaper alternatives 9n this "world market. Hey they wanted to play so... What I have found is that many of the tools made in Taiwan are now quite nice and smoother than ever.
I've noticed flex sockets and some other tools may not be as functional due to manufacture(larger base diameter compared to SO, etc.) but ratchets have improved greatly. I have Proto but like so many they are too thick. I look for a lever selector rather than the dial(those flip accidentally in tight quarters or when holding close to the head).
I have been most impressed with Kobalt(though I passed by them for years without a blink) and Carlyle(from Napa) - my current favorite. The carlyle are similar in price to Kobalt but are better made and are a closer clone to SO.
JMO,
Dave

 

[d.mcfarland]

I always wanted to try those duralast comfort grips but never did. Are they smooth or? I know there not high tooth count. Just hope they don't feel like the newer cm **** USA made or not they feel like **** lol.

Smooth? Not really, but they are machined well, so the coarse tooth count isn't awful to use. It feels like it would take serious abuse.

 

[lightning02]

Smooth? Not really, but they are machined well, so the coarse tooth count isn't awful to use. It feels like it would take serious abuse.

what ratchet would you compare the back drag to? reason i ask is bc my store doesnt stock these ratchets so i cant take a look at them in person. i would have to order them online.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Back drag is similar to any Craftsman RP to be honest. I think the HF composite is a better ratchet at this point. The Duralast is a SO copy of the 936 design and is outdated. Duralast is $15 and HF is less than that.

 

[hellfiretv]

I vote Wright Double Pawls. Fine tooth with the durability of coarse toothed ratchets. Fairly priced $35-80 depending on size and flex option

 

[erty67]

Back drag is similar to any Craftsman RP to be honest. I think the HF composite is a better ratchet at this point. The Duralast is a SO copy of the 936 design and is outdated. Duralast is $15 and HF is less than that.

I have the HF composite and the Duralast. I tend to grab the HF first, but I do like the duralast quite a bit.

 

[neurotic]

My list of value 3/8" drive ratchets arranged in increasing price. I have used all those listed below, and have a few other ratchets mentioned within this thread. The list is distilled based upon value (price/use).

- HF 72T Professional Composite; ~$11
- Husky 72T QR; $20; made by Apex/Danaher, basically a higher tooth count Craftsman thin profile with a gearwrench shaped body
- Carlyle 60T Flex Head; ~$25-40 depending on sales; similar internal design as the Apex/Danaher with a smaller gear (likely a bit weaker); same length as Armstrong MAXX
- Gearwrench 120XP; ~$35
- Armstrong 60T MAXX Flex Head; ~$54 w/30% off coupon code; upgradable with either the 84T Gearwrench repair kit or Matco 88T repair kit (~$12)

 

[JDon99]

Like others have said, when it comes to NEW high quality ratchets at a reasonable price, these come to mind for me(I prefer lever directional switching).

Armstrong MAXX 88t

Bahco dual 80

The above are both fine tooth ratchets, some have mentioned USA Williams, they are decent as well, but have a course mech and quite a bet of backdrag.

 

[carterbeauford]

another vote for 120XPs. available in long handle too.

 

[bcradio]

My post earlier said open it up, clean it and re-lube it. You missed the open it up and get the crud out, and the clean out all the oil mungy oil step.

I am amazed that tool guys don't do basic maintenance on their tools. They just buy new ones when they get dirty. All it takes for most is a Phillips screwdriver and snap ring pliers.

And a good magnifying glass to find the spring that flew out when you were sliding out the gear mechanism

Still haven't found mine from my 1/4" Bahco ratchet... it's just sitting on my toolbox in the misfit tools section until it can be repaired (2 years now).

 

[bcradio]

I vote Wright Double Pawls. Fine tooth with the durability of coarse toothed ratchets. Fairly priced $35-80 depending on size and flex option

worst ratchet I own

Horrible back-drag and not very smooth either once you get past the 30 ft-lbs it takes to start it ratcheting. Maybe I got a bad one though so I can't say on others.

 

[sonvolt]

SK, bulletproof design for 80 years

 

[espyking83]

SK
Williams
Bahco
Armstrong 88

 

[espyking83]

And a good magnifying glass to find the spring that flew out when you were sliding out the gear mechanism

Still haven't found mine from my 1/4" Bahco ratchet... it's just sitting on my toolbox in the misfit tools section until it can be repaired (2 years now).

That happened to my Williams ratcheting screwdriver LOL

 

[Jacobson]

THIS^^^ Made by APEX tools (Gearwrench and such), with 72 teeth, and quick release. Lifetime warranty too.

So, Husky is the same thing as Gearwrench?
Both are just a label brand for APEX?
What else is made by APEX?

 

[Tronyadorable]

I think a better question is what ISN'T APEX ?
http://www.apextoolgroup.com/brands-faceting/handtool

 

[espyking83]

Uhhh, I've had Gearwrench and Chinese Husky and there is a significant quality difference between the two. Gearwrench is really the only Chinese brand that I have had that can hack it in a professional setting.

 

[neurotic]

Uhhh, I've had Gearwrench and Chinese Husky and there is a significant quality difference between the two. Gearwrench is really the only Chinese brand that I have had that can hack it in a professional setting.

To add confusion, there are both Chinese and Taiwanese versions of the Husky ratchets. My Husky ratchets are Taiwanese, and seem on par with my Gearwrench ratchets. That said, I don't have any Chinese Husky ratchet to compare. From my recollection, the individual ratchets were made in either location (perhaps started in Taiwan and moved to China) but some sets were made in one place or the other (ratchet + universal sockets from Taiwan and ratchet + standard sockets from China). Furthermore, the aforementioned sets are sometimes available at the same price as the individual ratchets; post-black Friday/Christmas.

 

[exmaxima1]

Try S-K and Proto for quality USA ratchets.

They are available online. I know Zoro tools is good for Proto. S-K is a finer mechanism and also available at very reasonable prices.

Proto J5257 is $41 at Zoro. Flex head, made in France, smooth as butter. It will blow away any CM or clunky vintage ratchet.

 

[LUKE221]

Used S-K or Proto you can usually get on e-bay for less than $25. I purchased an old Snap-on 3/8" at a pawn shop more than 20 years ago and have not regularly used anything else since. Trust me go for a Snap-on they are good tools