Recommend a 1/4" drive ratchet

[Tooljerk]

For my 1/4" drive collection, I currently have one Snap on comfort-grip roto head ratchet and one S-K palm control ratchet. I do not like the S-K one that much. The head is huge. So I'm thinking to buy another ratchet.

Any suggestions will be appreciated!

 

[ImportTuner]

How about a Snap On TL72 ...?

 

[Flash21]

I have several I like...What is your budget?

 

[J.A.F.E.]

SO T860?

~Steve

 

[Danglerb]

harbor freight, buy the swivel, the composite, and the flex head.

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

Snap On TF936 if you can find one. I use that more than any of my other 1/4" ratchets.

 

[Crawlin]

I just got the 72 flex head the other day, and I like it alot. I have a feeling I will be reaching for that over my round head or pear head MACs

 

[wrenchr]

The TL72 is a great choice!!

 

[rsanter]

I have a 1/4 flex head SO that is likly my favorite ratchet
feels good and works great.
for a little less money I also have the new generation cman ratchets. the 1/4 and 3/8 drives feel good but the 1/2 drive feels a bit bulky to me

bob

 

[plinker]

Try a S-K 40970 ratchet they have a slim head and very smooth operation.

A T936 is also nice.

 

[justinmc]

I'm with Bob... I have an older snap on long handle flex head (non comfort grip) 1/4" ratchet and its by far my fav ratchet. I've been debating getting a flexy dual 80 to upgrade

 

[zuspiel]

I ony use 1/4" for small stuff in cramped quarters. My vote would go to the T72. It's tiny and rated for 90 ft-lb of torque, not sure how you would accomplish that...

On the cheaper side, I agree that the Cman 1/4" thin profile ratchet is quite nice. The 3/8 is somehow unbalanced (the handle is way too heavy), I don't really like it.

If you like to see a comparison (I also have the HF rotohead), let me know...

 

[Tooljerk]

Thank you for your suggestions. It seems that Snap on TL72 gets the most votes. I will go for the regular one, since I already have a swivel-head ratchet.

 

[PowderKeg]

Thank you for your suggestions. It seems that Snap on TL72 gets the most votes. I will go for the regular one, since I already have a swivel-head ratchet.

Good choice, my long handle TML830 has been my favored 1/4 driver since I got it. Someday I'll break down and invest in one of those TL72's as well.

 

[gofastman]

another vote for the cman thin profile

 

[speed bump]

I like the Cman round head, the mechanism is just so smooth.

 

[wrenchr]

Good choice, my long handle TML830 has been my favored 1/4 driver since I got it. Someday I'll break down and invest in one of those TL72's as well.

I have a TML830 as well, the TL72 is very nice though!!

 

[Merkava_4]

I have a TML830 as well,

I thought you had liquidated all your 30 tooths out. . .

 

[wrenchr]

It is new acquisition!! And I still have my mint F830!!!

 

[Honda 1]

I also have the Cman 1/4 drive thin profile ratchet and really like the way it handles! It is a ratchet that I would recommend.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I like the Cman round head, the mechanism is just so smooth.

The fine tooth one that has the built in thumbwheel I hope. My first 1/4" ratchet and it still gets a lot of use, even after 30 years!

 

[Speed-Racer]

How about a williams M-52EHF, it can be found new for $26-$27. Looks a lot like the sealed Snap-on.

Product Code Description
Length
(Inches) Number of Teeth
M-52EHA Chrome Finish Enclosed Head Ratchet 5 1/4 36
M-52EHF Chrome Finish Flex Head Ratchet 7 32

Fed. Spec: ANSI B107.10M
Features
Enclosed head is sealed to prevent dust, dirt, and liquids from entering head, preserving
internal lubrication.
Forged one-piece ratchet provide strength and safety for industrial applications.
36 tooth gear with 10 degree of engagement allows engagement in tight working areas.
Nickel/Chrome plating provides increase protection from rust and corrosion.
Chrome finish models feature mirror-like exterior that can be easily cleaned after each use.
Single Pawl ratchet design:
Designed for tighter tolerances between pawl and gear which reduces metal fatigue
and slippage under load.
Does not require as many working parts, reducing possible breakage and parts
to repair.
Easy access reverse lever allows user to change working direction quickly and easily with
only one hand.

 

[Uncle Buck]

How about a williams M-52EHF, it can be found new for $26-$27. Looks a lot like the sealed Snap-on.

Product Code Description
Length
(Inches) Number of Teeth
M-52EHA Chrome Finish Enclosed Head Ratchet 5 1/4 36
M-52EHF Chrome Finish Flex Head Ratchet 7 32

Fed. Spec: ANSI B107.10M
Features
Enclosed head is sealed to prevent dust, dirt, and liquids from entering head, preserving
internal lubrication.
Forged one-piece ratchet provide strength and safety for industrial applications.
36 tooth gear with 10 degree of engagement allows engagement in tight working areas.
Nickel/Chrome plating provides increase protection from rust and corrosion.
Chrome finish models feature mirror-like exterior that can be easily cleaned after each use.
Single Pawl ratchet design:
Designed for tighter tolerances between pawl and gear which reduces metal fatigue
and slippage under load.
Does not require as many working parts, reducing possible breakage and parts
to repair.
Easy access reverse lever allows user to change working direction quickly and easily with
only one hand.

That looks like a smashing deal to me.

 

[Stanger]

I think the best value is the Cman thin profile. It is reasonably priced, easily replaced, strong, smooth with 60 teeth, and it has a sealed head. The more teeth the better in a 1/4" drive ratchet IMO. I always have them in tight situations with very little handle movement. They are $25 new from Sears or you can pick it up on ebay for a few bucks less.

 

[Fedwrench]

I am disappointed with the performance of the Snap on T72 series ratchets. Mine seem to bind, I broke a direction lever just by changing direction, and the heads are too thick. Your results may vary. I would recommend either the Craftsman, Napa, or Matco standard length 60 tooth ratchets. I would recommend the Gearwrench 60 tooth flex head ratchet with comfort grip for a great flex head ratchet. It's superthin head and fine tooth action combined with long length make it my grab first 1/4 drive ratchet. Whatever you get, shop around as the price differences are huge.

 

[ImportTuner]

I am disappointed with the performance of the Snap on T72 series ratchets. Mine seem to bind, I broke a direction lever just by changing direction, and the heads are too thick. Your results may vary. I would recommend either the Craftsman, Napa, or Matco standard length 60 tooth ratchets. I would recommend the Gearwrench 60 tooth flex head ratchet with comfort grip for a great flex head ratchet. It's superthin head and fine tooth action combined with long length make it my grab first 1/4 drive ratchet. Whatever you get, shop around as the price differences are huge.

You might want to take your's back to a Snap On driver; I have 3 T72 models and they are all really smooth. My previous goto 1/4" ratchet was the round head Craftsman which is also smooth.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I like the Cman round head, the mechanism is just so smooth.

The fine tooth one that has the built in thumbwheel I hope. My first 1/4" ratchet and it still gets a lot of use, even after 30 years!

You might want to take your's back to a Snap On driver; I have 3 T72 models and they are all really smooth. My previous goto 1/4" ratchet was the round head Craftsman which is also smooth.

THAT MAKES THREE OF US!

 

[vssjim]

Another vote for the Craftsman thin profile, really worth the money.

 

[SCguy]

Its not fine toothed- but I still like my TH737.

RD

 

[Merkava_4]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0267099383&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT&viewitem=

How about this one?

 

[jape]

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=146014

How about Facom R.161? (not SK Facom) This is the best 1/4 ratchet what i have used

 

[shocksystems]

How about a williams M-52EHF, it can be found new for $26-$27. Looks a lot like the sealed Snap-on.

Product Code Description
Length
(Inches) Number of Teeth
M-52EHA Chrome Finish Enclosed Head Ratchet 5 1/4 36
M-52EHF Chrome Finish Flex Head Ratchet 7 32

Fed. Spec: ANSI B107.10M
Features
Enclosed head is sealed to prevent dust, dirt, and liquids from entering head, preserving
internal lubrication.
Forged one-piece ratchet provide strength and safety for industrial applications.
36 tooth gear with 10 degree of engagement allows engagement in tight working areas.
Nickel/Chrome plating provides increase protection from rust and corrosion.
Chrome finish models feature mirror-like exterior that can be easily cleaned after each use.
Single Pawl ratchet design:
Designed for tighter tolerances between pawl and gear which reduces metal fatigue
and slippage under load.
Does not require as many working parts, reducing possible breakage and parts
to repair.
Easy access reverse lever allows user to change working direction quickly and easily with
only one hand.

I can't seem to find this cheaper than $35 plus shipping. Where have you seen it for 26-27? Looks like a great ratchet.

Cheers!

Jim

 

[paramudduck]

I bought mine brand new off of ebay for $26 shipped.
I really like mine. It is long enough to give that little bit of extra torque when you need it.