Recommend a 3/8 drive ratchet

[W_KY]

I was able to find a thread in the stickies about 3/8 drive ratchet recommendations but I think it was a little dated. I'm in the market to replace my craftsman ratchets, specifically my 3/8 since I seem to use it the most. I'd prefer not to purchase off ebay/craigslist. I'd also say the tool truck brands are a little rich for my blood. The one I have probably looked at the most is the thin profile craftsman ratchet. I would like to be able to buy from/or at try whichever ratchet I choose in person so a brick and mortar location would be good. Recommendations as well as recommendations on best place to purchase would be appreciated. If this has been covered in another thread, please let me know as I likely just missed it while searching. This is purely for DIY type stuff.

 

[MotoDave]

Definitely don't try out the Snap-On 80 tooth ratchets, you'll want one if you do I got mine for around $50, and was impressed enough with it to get the matching 1/4" and 1/2" ratchets as well. Great upgrade from my craftsman ratchets, which now ride in the truck.

I've also been impressed by Proto ratchets, if you have an industrial distributor around you like Grainger you can probably check one out before you buy.

 

[jay50]

Harbor Freight should be your first choice.
If they are not local, check out autozone for all your ratchet needs.

 

[Davefr]

I have lots of 3/8" std ratchets:

SO Dual 80
SK round head
Cornwell
Wright w/cushion grip
Old Thorsen w/exposed gears
Harbor Freight plastic
Older Craftsman fine tooth/quick release w/speeder

For smoothness the winner is SO dual 80
For my "go to" ratchet I still love my old exposed gear Thorsen since it's so compact.
Cornwell looks to have the best ergonomics
The HF plastic ratchet is very lightweight and I haven't boken it yet
The Craftsman has it all. (smooth, quick release and speeder) It's only avail. special order these days.

 

[fr0mastaj]

The new Craftsman thin profile ratchets are pretty good for the money. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944995000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=
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DRAGONBALL Z FORUMS

 

[feltciera]

Snap On Dual 80 ratchets are by far the best I've ever used. Bought the 3/8 dr. when it first came out, havent used another on the job since. But if you're looking for a good ratchet from a solidly planted tool seller, the Craftsman flat professional series ratchets are an excellent choice. Also look in local harware stores and home centers (not chain stores) for SK tools, these have always been quality and relatively inexpensive if compared to Snap On.

 

[SteveU]

I have a bent handle SK ratchet in 3/8 drive that I use for most 3/8" work unless I need a flex head

 

[mrholeshot]

Ratchet selection is tremendous and there are so many configurations. Do you want standard, flex, long, short, bent, etc. If you are looking for a good ratchet and want to upgrade your Craftman I would say move into the craftsman pro series. I don't really like the handle on the thin profile series. It slips from the hand to easy. The reg pro series are built well and I'm pretty sure Craftsman will be around awhile even if sears goes under. The Craftsman Pro flex handle ratchets are really nice if you need a flex. My Favorite Ratchets are my roto head snap-on ratchets (S-K invented the concept) with the plastic handles. Gearwrench makes a dead on copy of Snap-On's Roto Ratchet. It's very nice as are GearWrench's regular ratchets. They are becoming a major player in the tool industry. Then again they are owned by Easco and thats part of the danaher group. They built the same ratchet for Kobalt with a change of handle.

I will say this. Using a Snap-On Ratchet is like wearing a Rolex. You can wear a Timex that does the job just as well for a lot less money but it just feels differant. I love my Snap-On ratchets but I'll never buy another new one. As great as they are to the feel they are no tougher than a Craftsman. I had to have my Snap-On ratchets rebuilt about every 2-3 months for the ones that saw use all day. Now that I'm retired the Snap-On guy who services the area around my home doesn't want to repair my ratchets. I have to drive 35 miles to the area where my guy was in order to have them serviced. You won't have that hassle with Craftsman. Nothing is perfect as we have lost tool me to where we didn't have Snap-On, mac, matco, cornwell dealers sometimes spaning 8-10 years for some. Snap-On has been the most consistant in my area but we once went 18 months without a dealer. Sears has never been a problem. NAPA has changed tool brands at least 15 times in my lifetime. While I don't like the way Craftsman is going as far as buying from China and such the quality still seems to be consistant. The warranty is still the best on the planet.

 

[mixxmstrmike]

It's tough to beat that Craftsman thin profile 3/8 wrench with respect to your original terms.

If you're nearby a Harbor Freight, get a feel for their ratchets. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Think about this though... If you're going to spend roughly $35 for a new Craftsman thin profile ratchet, why not splurge on just this one specific ratchet size and get a used Snap On F80? There are some good deals to be had on eBay, if you can wait. I can also vouch that there are some great sellers AND deals in the "Classifieds" section.

Hope this helps you out,
Mike

 

[woody 73]

Hi,

You must keep what I am about to tell you a secret, (you will burn in hell if you tell my little secret).

Ok step one do not pay attention to the name on the ratchet! (I hope I won't burn in hell).

step two because money is tight go to a flea market and just walk around.

Step three,pick up every ratchet that you can find and see what feels good in your hands.

Step four make sure it works ok.

step five haggle over price,but never cheat someone.

step six try it,buy it,use it, that simple.

You will get 10,000 GJ members telling you 10,000 different ratchets to buy (all great advise). But keep in mind you are the end user...

Oh and if I miss anything see steps 1 through 6.

 

[mrholeshot]

One of my sons bought this ratchet in 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 from Harbor freight.


http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html




It was about 35 dollars for all three. I have to say I really like them. He uses them everyday (he is a Honda tech) and has had 0 issues with them. They are just a hair thicker than the Snap-On version. I was shocked how nice they are. He is shocked how well they have held up. He bought a back up set just in case he broke one. he still has less in 6 ratchets than the cost of one Snap-On. He remembers back 30 years ago when I struggled to keep up with tool payments to several differant tool men at one time. He won't allow himself to get caught up in that trap.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

The craftsman ratchets are verry nice for the price. I own them my only gripe is they are not flex head and they weigh a TON! they are made by dahner tools so they are a coppy of the guts used inside of matcos 60t ratchets but the similarities pretty much end there. The quick release has never failed me. It has a nice feel to it. Never drops the attached tools. I for the life of me can pull them off without pushing the button first. Exelent ratchets verry smooth. just HEAVY! I cannot stress that enough. im going to be buying some new ratchets soon just for that reason. Ive never actualy gotten tired from using a tool (in this aspect) but when you are trying to speed a fastner down real fast this thing weighs so much your hands and arms will quickly tire. oh and dont let it hit you in the head lol DONT ASK!

GOOD LUCK
Sean Scott

 

[fr0mastaj]

The craftsman ratchets are verry nice for the price. I own them my only gripe is they are not flex head and they weigh a TON! they are made by dahner tools so they are a coppy of the guts used inside of matcos 60t ratchets but the similarities pretty much end there. The quick release has never failed me. It has a nice feel to it. Never drops the attached tools. I for the life of me can pull them off without pushing the button first. Exelent ratchets verry smooth. just HEAVY! I cannot stress that enough. im going to be buying some new ratchets soon just for that reason. Ive never actualy gotten tired from using a tool (in this aspect) but when you are trying to speed a fastner down real fast this thing weighs so much your hands and arms will quickly tire. oh and dont let it hit you in the head lol DONT ASK!

GOOD LUCK
Sean Scott

I keep reading that the CMan thin profiles are heavy. Granted i don't own anything but CMan ratchets... i think the thin profile 1/2" is actually lighter than my raised panel 1/2"....so i have no complaints in the weight dept. for these...
________
Smallville Advice

 

[mrholeshot]

The craftsman ratchets are verry nice for the price. I own them my only gripe is they are not flex head and they weigh a TON!

In all my years of working on cars day in and day out that is the first time I have ever heard anyone complain about the weight of a ratchet. A 3/8 drive Craftsman Ratchet only weighs about 10 ounces (just a guess). The only thing I don't like about them is the shape of the handle isn't very ergonomic on the standard ratchet. I'll have to weigh one against one of my Snap-On standard ratchets. I doubt there is an ounce differance in the two

 

[mooman]

My vote is Gearwrench.
The other poster was right. My Craftsman thin profile ratchet seems like it weighs more as well.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Another vote for GearWrench. They are simply hard to beat...

 

[fr0mastaj]

Thats a sweet looking drawer Rbrt! Where do you purchase your gearwrench ratchets from? I'm interested in some of their flex heads. How much should I expect to pay?
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*** advice forums

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I would recommend, GearWrench......, add a Matco 88 gear, you will have 88 gear ratchet......
Advance Autoparts sells them...
Also many other like Fastenal, Sears, Napa
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-81211.aspx
http://www.gearwrench.com/

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I might be burned at the stake as a heretic but I do like my SO ratchets over everything else EXCEPT when I need a long 3/8 ratchet. I bought a Matco 88 with a long polished handle that is my go to when I need a longer rat. I hate to say it (because it will make me sound warped like Merk...) but that ratchet is just plain **** looking and feels nice in the hand...

 

[tyndall]

Hi,

You must keep what I am about to tell you a secret, (you will burn in hell if you tell my little secret).

Ok step one do not pay attention to the name on the ratchet! (I hope I won't burn in hell).

step two because money is tight go to a flea market and just walk around.

Step three,pick up every ratchet that you can find and see what feels good in your hands.

Step four make sure it works ok.

step five haggle over price,but never cheat someone.

step six try it,buy it,use it, that simple.

You will get 10,000 GJ members telling you 10,000 different ratchets to buy (all great advise). But keep in mind you are the end user...

Oh and if I miss anything see steps 1 through 6.

I prefer Wright and the new thin Protos. The Dual 80's may have lots of teeth but they feel clunky to me. As one of the most used tools in your box, it has to feel right to YOU. Brand be damned.

 

[Old Donn]

The Cman thin profile's the most bang for the buck. That said, I recently got an SK fine tooth palm control 3/8" drive. It's become my new favorite. They're on sale at ToolTopia.com, SK3886.

 

[gc11090]

Nothing compares to a Snapon F-80

 

[jerryW]

The best recommendation I've seen is to go to the swap meet ant try out all you find. See what works for you. Most of the time I'm finding 3/8 ratchets for a dollar or a little more.

The older Proto pear heads are pretty much bullet proff. Might not have the high tooth count of some of the newer ones, but they have benn pretty much my go to rats.


jerry

 

[AussieDan]

Another vote for GearWrench, they're nice solid ratchets out of the box and with the Matco 88 repair kit installed they're even nicer.

Here are my 3/8" and 1/2" post-conversion, I got the 3-piece set with the 1/4", and 88t upgrade kits for the 3/8" and 1/2" for under $120 total



The second pics shows the difference between the GearWrench 60t (right) and Matco 88t (left).

 

[Boiler]

As likely the most used tool in the box, find one that is comfortable, durable, and has a fine action. More teeth really does make work easier, and in some cases, possible.

 

[bonneyman]

My favorite ratchet in 3/8" drive is the S-K round head, #45170. The knurled handle is a larger diameter than most 3/8's I've hefted, and is very comfortable.
For all-around auto and home repair work, I've never had a complaint with it.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Thats a sweet looking drawer Rbrt! Where do you purchase your gearwrench ratchets from? I'm interested in some of their flex heads. How much should I expect to pay?

Some from amazon, some from Tooltopia. Tooltopia has great prices on GW stuff. If you want flex head ratchets I recommend this set:

http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-81230.aspx

It's $91. It's a very nice set. No dissapointments...

 

[MarcSeattle]

To the OP: What do you work on? High torque? Dirty environment? Wet? Cold? Or clean, warm, and only Suzuki GSXR's that have never seen rain?

Cold environment? Then maybe a soft handle. Tight places (e.g. Porsche, Audi) then short handle, stubby or flex head. You're working on dump trucks? Then definitely long, sealed and indestructible (Proto or Snap on) rather than the ratchet equivalent of a Swiss watch (Facom, Hazet).

Or do what some guys on this forum seem to do. Buy three of everything and then pick the one that matches your mood that hour.

 

[Scout Driver]

For the money, I would try a 60 tooth GearWrench. They feel nice!
Or.....a "dual 40" Wright with a "tootsie roll" grip. The handles are comfy and the ratchets tick like a fine watch.

Scott

 

[Mickey O]

Wright 3490, $35 shipped to your front door, can't beat that, link (not mine)

 

[Fedwrench]

Ratchets are like women, You really need to try a few out to see which one meets your needs best.
There are just too many varibles such as length, tooth count, handle shape and type, flex or no flex, pear shaped or round head, price, warranty,etc. What works for me, may **** to you. Any of the models mentioned in this thread will serve you well but, only you know which one will work best for you.

 

[iandh]

Honestly, if I could only own one ratchet, it would be the Craftsman thin profile 3/8".

It's cost effective, high quality, comfortable, well designed, and easy to replace all across the country.

It's not too big, not too small, not too thin, not too thick, and most importantly not too expensive.



Please don't misunderstand me, I don't by any means think it's the "best", just that it's really damn hard to beat when you combine comfort, price range, and ease of warranty/rebuild.



The wright Mickey posted is a superb ratchet for the price, but you can't exactly hop in the car and grab a rebuild kit if it craps out. OTOH, if you're light on your tools like I am, that probably isn't an issue.

 

[Teken]

Another vote for GearWrench, they're nice solid ratchets out of the box and with the Matco 88 repair kit installed they're even nicer.

Here are my 3/8" and 1/2" post-conversion, I got the 3-piece set with the 1/4", and 88t upgrade kits for the 3/8" and 1/2" for under $120 total



The second pics shows the difference between the GearWrench 60t (right) and Matco 88t (left).

Those were fantastic close up pictures of those gear sets, thanks!

 

[Bolster]

I own a 1/2" Cman Thin Profile and it is danged heavy.

But I like it so much I want to get the 3/8" too.

Everybody's different, but for me I do not like to twist the little bar on the roundhead rats. Invariably turn them the wrong way, can't tell whether they're set for on or off. So for me it is a thumb selector only!

And I miss the release button on my SO rats. A one-handed operation of releasing the socket becomes a two-handed operation.

That said, my go-to rat recently has been a vintage (two-hander) Proto Pearhead. Just feels right.

 

[iandh]

I own a 1/2" Cman Thin Profile and it is danged heavy.

But I like it so much I want to get the 3/8" too.

Everybody's different, but for me I do not like to twist the little bar on the roundhead rats. Invariably turn them the wrong way, can't tell whether they're set for on or off. So for me it is a thumb selector only!

And I miss the release button on my SO rats. A one-handed operation of releasing the socket becomes a two-handed operation.

That said, my go-to rat recently has been a vintage (two-hander) Proto Pearhead. Just feels right.

Honestly, the 1/2" Cman thin is kind of strange... they basically did a 1:1 blow-up of the 1/4 and 3/8, but what they should have done is just elongate and thicken the 3/8 a little bit.


The 3/8 and 1/4 are VERY nicely proportioned IMO, whereas the 1/2 is very bulky, although still a nice piece.



edit: It's kind of hard to describe why I like the handle shape so much on the Cman thin profiles, so I just took some pics:

When breaking the fastener loose, there's a solid place for your thumb to rest near the head of the ratchet for stability. After breaking the fastener when in a relaxed position, there's a nice little curved lip at the tip of the handle to catch your pinky on and give you a comfy pivoting grip.

Whoever designed this handle thought it out really well IMO. I thought it was kind of ugly and gimmicky at first until started to actually use it, and then I realized how nice the design was.

 

[Rickster]

If you're looking to add a new 3/8 dr ratchet I'd go with a SK roto-head. Nice upgrade from the Craftsman and won't break the bank. Also has a longer handle than your Craftsman. Craftsman also makes a longer handle flex-head 3/8 ratchet that would be a good upgrade for you.

 

[TireTracks]

on the thin craftsman, can you hold the head and swing the ratchet like that? Thats how i spin nuts and bolts on quickly, use the weight of the handle to do the work.

 

[W_KY]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'm gonna go with the thin profile craftsman. My FIL is a mechanic and that is his "go to" ratchet. He seems to agree with many here. The weight might be an issue but honestly, if it was light, I might think "man this is cheaply made." I might just go ahead and grab the three piece set they offer but we'll have to wait and see. Any idea if those go on sale very often? My second choice is the Gearwrench with the flex head. I've never had a flex head ratchet before but I could see how it could be very handy.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'm gonna go with the thin profile craftsman. My FIL is a mechanic and that is his "go to" ratchet. He seems to agree with many here. The weight might be an issue but honestly, if it was light, I might think "man this is cheaply made." I might just go ahead and grab the three piece set they offer but we'll have to wait and see. Any idea if those go on sale very often? My second choice is the Gearwrench with the flex head. I've never had a flex head ratchet before but I could see how it could be very handy.

The Gearwrench is the same as the Craftsman....... I have both...
I would recommend the Gearwrench version.... (it can be upgraded)
while the Craftsman can not be upgraded(maybe it can if cover the hole)