CZ_Greatwrench
Active member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2014
- Messages
- 27
I agree with everyone else's suggestions, plus Blackhawk (by Proto) and Cougar (Wright's cheaper line) are worth looking at also.
Reasonable 3/8" ratchets
- Thread starter slow
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rapid robert
Well-known member
SK ratchets can be purchased for $20 - $30 in all sizes on eBay. SK 3/8 roto head is my personal favorite!
SK warranty is also very easy...email if you have a problem and rebuild kit is at your door in just a few days.
SK warranty is also very easy...email if you have a problem and rebuild kit is at your door in just a few days.
I think the KD 4 piece flex head {84 tooth} and the matching 3 piece standard sets are a decent value, they work well, fit and finish are good, and they are pretty strong...
they end up around $23 each..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-GearWren...0875777589&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5G7LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I like SK and Snap-On ratchets, but I have a bunch of different kinds and styles, I am growing very fond with the fine tooth ratchets though, and I played with the new KD 120xp and they feel good, I havent put my foot on one, but I am sure they are as strong as most others on the market...
Like others said, you use the tool in the manner it was designed for and they will hold up, the more you spend {in most cases} and the further outside that limit you can go, I have a 1/2" Mac VR15 that I have been beating on for years, Pounding on it with the other end on the 3/4" impact, I tack welded a bar to it once because I was using it below grade to loosen a 2" nut holding a commercial tube boiler together, we smashed on the tube with a 20lb sledge hammer until it broke the threaded rod that went through the boiler door, the ratchet held up!!! It still works and the best part is I bought it on ebay for under $40!!!
Mac, matco, sk, so, cornwell, they all make decent ratchets, and if you are going to pay the prices them tools fetch than you should buy the brand with a truck that frequents your area incase you break something...
they end up around $23 each..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-GearWren...0875777589&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5G7LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I like SK and Snap-On ratchets, but I have a bunch of different kinds and styles, I am growing very fond with the fine tooth ratchets though, and I played with the new KD 120xp and they feel good, I havent put my foot on one, but I am sure they are as strong as most others on the market...
Like others said, you use the tool in the manner it was designed for and they will hold up, the more you spend {in most cases} and the further outside that limit you can go, I have a 1/2" Mac VR15 that I have been beating on for years, Pounding on it with the other end on the 3/4" impact, I tack welded a bar to it once because I was using it below grade to loosen a 2" nut holding a commercial tube boiler together, we smashed on the tube with a 20lb sledge hammer until it broke the threaded rod that went through the boiler door, the ratchet held up!!! It still works and the best part is I bought it on ebay for under $40!!!
Mac, matco, sk, so, cornwell, they all make decent ratchets, and if you are going to pay the prices them tools fetch than you should buy the brand with a truck that frequents your area incase you break something...
mykvr6
Well-known member
You know what, I really dig my HF composites. I also really dig my Snap On ratchets.
Heres what I own in 3/8 size and my thoughts:
Snap On dual 80 in chrome and industrial finish - nice feel, honestly I don't use them much. They are new and nice and clean and I just don't grab them often at all lol
Snap On F720 and a F730. Just rebuilt both of these with the 30 tooth pawls and I kinda like them. They have a much slimmer profile and head compare to my new dual 80s and don't mind beating on them because they are already beat.
Craftsman raised panel and a full polished version - I loved the polished versions when I got my first one way back in the day. Feel great in your hand but same old 36 tooth sloppy mechanisms. All of my Craftsmans raised panel and polished were clunky and skipping before I started working at a shop and start buying snap on. I recently cleaned and re-lubed them all with super lube and they all work great now, still sloppy though. But I never use them anymore, I prefer my other ratchets.
HF composite ratchet. Love these things, just picked up all three sizes. I don't beating on them, they are cheap and easily warrantied. Action is nice, and the curved offset handle has come in handy in a few situations under the car already.
Snap On flex head long 3/8 with comfort handle. 36 tooth older style mechanism but very smooth and I probably use it the most. I can get to almost anything with it and it's tough as nails.
Facom palm control ratchet. Just got this recently as I loved my 1/4 palm control I've had for a long time. I haven't used it much at all, but the smooth high tooth count mechanism is very nice and the ratchet fits great in your hand. Think I'm going to pick up the 1/2 version as well to round out my collection but not sure if I will use it much. I use the heck out of the 1/4 though, its my go to 1/4.
As far as what else is available, all the 72 tooth taiwan ratchets seem very similar to me as far as feel in the mechanisms. Pick the handle you like. I like the feel of the polished Kobalt curved handle ratchets, but they seem expensive for what they are. I'd probably buy the new HF low profile comfort grip ratchets for much less.
Bang for buck I like the 36 tooth Snap On's, I have couple because when I worked at a shop the dual 80's weren't out yet. They have a great feel and are tough as nails. I have the flex head 3/8 comfort grip and a 1/2 long handle comfort grip, as well as a long handle flex head 1/2 ratchet. You can find them for deals sometimes on ebay. Sometimes people want used dual 80 money for them though so watch out there.
Heres what I own in 3/8 size and my thoughts:
Snap On dual 80 in chrome and industrial finish - nice feel, honestly I don't use them much. They are new and nice and clean and I just don't grab them often at all lol
Snap On F720 and a F730. Just rebuilt both of these with the 30 tooth pawls and I kinda like them. They have a much slimmer profile and head compare to my new dual 80s and don't mind beating on them because they are already beat.
Craftsman raised panel and a full polished version - I loved the polished versions when I got my first one way back in the day. Feel great in your hand but same old 36 tooth sloppy mechanisms. All of my Craftsmans raised panel and polished were clunky and skipping before I started working at a shop and start buying snap on. I recently cleaned and re-lubed them all with super lube and they all work great now, still sloppy though. But I never use them anymore, I prefer my other ratchets.
HF composite ratchet. Love these things, just picked up all three sizes. I don't beating on them, they are cheap and easily warrantied. Action is nice, and the curved offset handle has come in handy in a few situations under the car already.
Snap On flex head long 3/8 with comfort handle. 36 tooth older style mechanism but very smooth and I probably use it the most. I can get to almost anything with it and it's tough as nails.
Facom palm control ratchet. Just got this recently as I loved my 1/4 palm control I've had for a long time. I haven't used it much at all, but the smooth high tooth count mechanism is very nice and the ratchet fits great in your hand. Think I'm going to pick up the 1/2 version as well to round out my collection but not sure if I will use it much. I use the heck out of the 1/4 though, its my go to 1/4.
As far as what else is available, all the 72 tooth taiwan ratchets seem very similar to me as far as feel in the mechanisms. Pick the handle you like. I like the feel of the polished Kobalt curved handle ratchets, but they seem expensive for what they are. I'd probably buy the new HF low profile comfort grip ratchets for much less.
Bang for buck I like the 36 tooth Snap On's, I have couple because when I worked at a shop the dual 80's weren't out yet. They have a great feel and are tough as nails. I have the flex head 3/8 comfort grip and a 1/2 long handle comfort grip, as well as a long handle flex head 1/2 ratchet. You can find them for deals sometimes on ebay. Sometimes people want used dual 80 money for them though so watch out there.
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mjoekingz28
Well-known member
I found a 1/4" Armstrong ratchet in my grandpa's tool chest and tried its motion and it just felt of high quality.
michiganman18
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2013
- Messages
- 174
Listen to everyone here. SK i like myself. Except the dial selector. Wright is my next favorite.
the1nonlyjl
Banned
Armstrong rats r getting cheaper go grab one off ebay
panknuckshovel
Well-known member
Someone has probably already mentioned them and I am too lazy to read the whole thread so if I am repeating I apologize. Williams. Built like a tank, smooth as butter and one great warranty program. Made in the USA and if you do your googling right, you will find them on store shelves in most areas. I replaced my 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" cman's for less than $75. If you look up the catalog USA pieces have letters in the part number.
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michiganman18
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2013
- Messages
- 174
Let us know what you decide on
Jeremy77
Well-known member
http://www.grainger.com/product/22F...2F098&ef_id=VShlqAAAAXHh@hby:20150413202831:s
I like this personally. My go to ratchet at work is a 1/2 drive in this style but the 3/8 is nice as well. It can be found cheaper but I posted this link because I feel that Grainger gives the best description.
I like this personally. My go to ratchet at work is a 1/2 drive in this style but the 3/8 is nice as well. It can be found cheaper but I posted this link because I feel that Grainger gives the best description.
Jeremy77
Well-known member
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...0940098000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11
Bought this and the 1/2 version a few weeks ago. Both are branded as "Industrial" and are U.S. made. Not a big fan of round head ratchets but they both are smooth, seem well built and at less than $ 10 each, a good buy in my opinion.
Bought this and the 1/2 version a few weeks ago. Both are branded as "Industrial" and are U.S. made. Not a big fan of round head ratchets but they both are smooth, seem well built and at less than $ 10 each, a good buy in my opinion.
LordPsychon
Well-known member
Best ratchets I have used recently have actually been the Pittsburgh Pros from HF. I've held a Snap-on, felt like I went to heaven and then descended into hell when that guy told me the price. The Williams line is a good choice too and Craftsman Industrials are pretty good too. I like the GW 84 tooth ratchets more than the 120XP because the feel of the handle, to me at least, is more natural.
Andylad
Active member
I have a few American ratchets of all sizes and like them all. I also have Britool, Facom, Gedore, King ****. All of which are decent tools. Personally i would rather spend the price of a new, made in far east ratchet on a used quality tool. I have U.S.A. ratchets from 1940s and 50s and still work nicely if you look after them. Could be me but i think the quality of many modern ratchets has gone downhill. Craftsman being one of them it seems.
Like wise ,ive been doing this for some 25years i also agree with you. I also have snappy, facom ,original britool, cornwell and i dont have a single craftsman, next time im in florida i will get some.
As said above: eBay is your friend for high quality ratchets for low price if you're OK with used tools. The Proto, Cornwell Wright & SK can all be had for cheap on eBay. Might have to fight off a few bidders if you're going after an old Craftsman RHFT or a newer Snap-on.
jjminch
Well-known member
I picked these up in the same sizes and really like them. Night and day compared to my original RP Craftsman. Next set with probably be the HF composites. I work on bikes so I like the idea of a composite handle.
Kirbot
Well-known member
Since somebody mentioned Facom, take a look at the American version.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282970
Made in the same factory (in Italy), with exactly the same ratcheting mechanism as the Facoms.
And they're easy to find, relatively cheap, and easy to warranty.
The only downside is the 3/8 is kind of short, and you can only get them with knurled handles.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282970
Made in the same factory (in Italy), with exactly the same ratcheting mechanism as the Facoms.
And they're easy to find, relatively cheap, and easy to warranty.
The only downside is the 3/8 is kind of short, and you can only get them with knurled handles.
After using ratchets for a long time, I think all of the old well-known US 3/8" brands are fine except for the traditional style of Craftsman, which is a piece of junk. SK is a bargain. Fine teeth are a good idea but not critical.
I believe the 3/8" fail because they are misused by putting a pipe or just too much force on them to break stuck bolts loose, rather than using an impact or a breaker bar. Also I believe making large sockets with 3/8 drive caused people to use them that way. Just recently I had some difficult T55 bolts to take out and found that practically all T55 sockets are 3/8. Too big!
I believe the 3/8" fail because they are misused by putting a pipe or just too much force on them to break stuck bolts loose, rather than using an impact or a breaker bar. Also I believe making large sockets with 3/8 drive caused people to use them that way. Just recently I had some difficult T55 bolts to take out and found that practically all T55 sockets are 3/8. Too big!
LordPsychon
Well-known member
My Torx sockets top out at T50 for 3/8" which still might be a little too much for my ratchet. I have a T60 that's 1/2" and a T50 that's 1/2" (separate set) and that feels better than my T50 on 3/8".
SASORacing
Well-known member
Theres really only 2 ratchets that are my favorite and the only ones I use now.
Matco soft grip 88 tooth. I like the handle very much, it makes it a little longer than standard for better leverage. The soft grip is nice if you have oil on your hands etc. Its also a very compact soft grip which i like.
Also, the Matco has by far the most compact head and highest tooth count. The head is so thin on these you can get it virtually anywhere. The MAtco 3/8 head is almost as thin as a Snap on 1/4 ratchet which is impressive.
If you are needing a flex head and soft grip the Matco is the obvious choice. The locking flex design is leaps better than Snap on. If you are needing a plain 3/8 ratchet
I would enjoy a Snap on F80 vs a Matco bfr128.
Second is the snap on f80 80 tooth. Its a good ratchet. I like the gear mechanisim the most out of any ratchet. It feels sofisticated and high quality. It has a great feel. ITs also made in the USA, or most of it is I think.
Matco soft grip 88 tooth. I like the handle very much, it makes it a little longer than standard for better leverage. The soft grip is nice if you have oil on your hands etc. Its also a very compact soft grip which i like.
Also, the Matco has by far the most compact head and highest tooth count. The head is so thin on these you can get it virtually anywhere. The MAtco 3/8 head is almost as thin as a Snap on 1/4 ratchet which is impressive.
If you are needing a flex head and soft grip the Matco is the obvious choice. The locking flex design is leaps better than Snap on. If you are needing a plain 3/8 ratchet
I would enjoy a Snap on F80 vs a Matco bfr128.
Second is the snap on f80 80 tooth. Its a good ratchet. I like the gear mechanisim the most out of any ratchet. It feels sofisticated and high quality. It has a great feel. ITs also made in the USA, or most of it is I think.
oldldh
Well-known member
The pictured GearWrench flex set can be had for around $ 90.00...
That set contains two 3/8" drive 120 tooth ratchets...stubby and regular sizes...
The 81211P 120 tooth ratchet is $ 28.78...
The 81211F 84 tooth ratchet is $ 24.28...
From www.tooldiscounter.com
I love mine!!!
That set contains two 3/8" drive 120 tooth ratchets...stubby and regular sizes...
The 81211P 120 tooth ratchet is $ 28.78...
The 81211F 84 tooth ratchet is $ 24.28...
From www.tooldiscounter.com
I love mine!!!
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Andylad
Active member
Have picked up a few vintage ratchets from car boot sales (same as your flea markets/garage sales i think). Snap On, Craftsman, Herbrand, Husky, Williams all for next to nothing. They just dont make them like that anymore, a nice bit of history and still usable tools that are becoming rare over here.
Rock Hound
Well-known member
My favorite is the Armstrong Maxx, next favorite is the 84 tooth Gearwrench. Third would be the Dewalt ratchets, which I have been very impressed with for the next to nothing I payed for them at the Sears website.
My Craftsmans, which I used for years are mostly decorations now. I'll never get rid of them, especially the ones that were my uncles, but they are not fine toothed enough for a lot of the work I do and the handles just aren't that comfortable compared to the others. I still break them out now and then when I am doing something with lots of clearance.
My Craftsmans, which I used for years are mostly decorations now. I'll never get rid of them, especially the ones that were my uncles, but they are not fine toothed enough for a lot of the work I do and the handles just aren't that comfortable compared to the others. I still break them out now and then when I am doing something with lots of clearance.
Geez, there's a lot of choices here and I'm sure you can't go too far wrong with any of them. I suppose it really depends on how much you want to spend and whether or not you need a "Bragging Rights" type tool. If you are comfortable enough with yourself get a cheap Composite Ratchet from Harbor Freight. It gets great reviews, will serve you well and will keep enough of your money in your wallet that you can go out to eat somewhere. If,on the other hand, you're embarrassed by not having tools which others will envy, then go for a Truck brand or a European Import. You might not have any food on your table but all the other broke mechanics will tell you that you made the right choice. 
-Valentine
-Valentine
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I really like my GW 84 tooth ratchets.. Low drag, fine tooth, very hefty and solid feeling.
I have HF Composite ratchets, and I like the GW better.
stihlntime
Well-known member
I recently bought a Snap On FHX 80 and didn't like it at all.Quality is fantastic but deemed bulky and awkward in the hand. I've come to love the round roto heads. My favorite is an old SK I bought 35 years ago the second a old Pro America don't know who made it. The one I use most however is a cheap HF roto head in small engine applications it works great. I've abused it for three years and had zero issues. I would try a HF composite working around superchargers if you don't like it you haven't lost much.
HanShotFirst
Well-known member
Older SK's can be had delivered to your house between $25-$30, and you just can't beat that. I have an SK 1/2" that was my grandfathers, he bought it in the '40's and it's still tight as new. Check eBay.
HanShotFirst
Well-known member
hahahaha, that's a great post.Geez, there's a lot of choices here and I'm sure you can't go too far wrong with any of them. I suppose it really depends on how much you want to spend and whether or not you need a "Bragging Rights" type tool. If you are comfortable enough with yourself get a cheap Composite Ratchet from Harbor Freight. It gets great reviews, will serve you well and will keep enough of your money in your wallet that you can go out to eat somewhere. If,on the other hand, you're embarrassed by not having tools which others will envy, then go for a Truck brand or a European Import. You might not have any food on your table but all the other broke mechanics will tell you that you made the right choice.
-Valentine
I have a wide assortment of ratchets and I have to admit the HF composite is a downright decent ratchet. No bragging rights, but it works well and it's light weight. I find I reach for it quite often, especially when working out of position, where the light weight is very welcome.
byoungblood
Well-known member
If you don't have to have quick release, an old Williams B-52 that is well broken in is one of the smoothest ratchets I've ever used.
sonvolt
Well-known member
I am now a big fan of Armstrong MAXX ratchets. Made in USA, high tooth count, smooth, finely finished. Only downside is the non sealed head. But the shape is nice and slim. I have one in 1/4", and 2 in 3/8" ( regular and long, locking flex).
I have an SK that came in a tool kit and I am not impressed. Thick head, course tooth, and reverse mechinism is not a one handed affair. Handle is comfortable though. It rarely gets used.
I have an SK that came in a tool kit and I am not impressed. Thick head, course tooth, and reverse mechinism is not a one handed affair. Handle is comfortable though. It rarely gets used.
Andylad
Active member
I have a 3/8" Williams B51a refrigeration ratchet that feels really slick despite its age. Over here in England Britool make good quality ratchets of all types, dont know how common they are over there. I use Snap On and Britool daily but have a few vintage American ratchets just because i love the history behind them. Herbrand S-10 slide shift is one of my favorites.
WJD
Well-known member
I re-powered my old tuff 1 S-K 3/8 ratchet a little while back.... and then wondered why I waited so long to do it. S-k makes a good ratchets.
I grab my S-K's most of the time, more than I realized...
I grab my S-K's most of the time, more than I realized...
1990 Grand Wag
Well-known member
XxToolAholicxX
Well-known member
Harbor Freight ratchets all the way..... They are just as good as any tool truck brands which I own all... And lifetime warranty like all expensive tools with no hassle....
AV tinker er
Well-known member
I reach for my Facon designed SK ratchets. When I pushed my box around the hanger I generally reached for my SO T72 only because of size. I like the SK feel better though. Wright makes a good ratchet but low tooth count (at least the one I own).