Recommend a really long 1/2" ratchet?

[gatewaysysop]

Turning to the collective wisdom of the group here. I've got a couple of long handled 1/2" ratchets, the longest being a RHFT flex head, about 16" from end to end. Looking to see if anyone can recommend a good ratchet that is slightly longer, up to 20" - 24" range. Not really needing it to be a flex head, kinda prefer that it not be, but open to suggestions either way.

Not really interested in Snap On, already aware of what they have that fits the bill. Trying to see what else I might consider instead. Not about the money, just want to know if anyone has other recommendations. Tooth count isn't important, as you might have figured.

Does Wright have something that might fit the bill? I've been pretty impressed with my other Wright ratchets with the round head/dual pawl design and that would be perfect.

Let me know what you guys have used/recommend.

 

[JLee1469]

I'd suggest just throwing on a cheater bar if you need the extra torque but you're probably looking for real options.

 

[twincam00]

if you need a ratchet that long you should be using a bigger drive size like 3/4"

 

[Danglerb]

I have a 25" HF breaker bar, and a 25" Titan flex head ratchet, both 1/2" drive cost $10 and $32 respectively. I wanted a SHLF80, but too much $$$, and the Titan I have no complaints with even though its fewer teeth.

Longer ratchet gives you reach and torque with a LOT more control than a shorter ratchet, and no way am I buying all the sockets I need with it in 3/4" drive.

 

[hammergodthor]

A couple co-workers have Titan ratchets and are happy with them. Ez-Red has one for about $28.00 on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Z-Red-MR12F-Extendable-Flex-Head/dp/B002YKGXRS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_3

 

[Danglerb]

A couple co-workers have Titan ratchets and are happy with them. Ez-Red has one for about $28.00 on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Z-Red-MR12F-Extendable-Flex-Head/dp/B002YKGXRS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_3

Extends from 13-1/2 inch to 19-1/4 inch

Nice to have, but no substitute for a 25" ratchet.

 

[kv501]

if you need a ratchet that long you should be using a bigger drive size like 3/4"

^ this

 

[ibedayank]

the new kobalt is really long... 27 inches $69.99
http://www.lowes.com/pd_337328-2232...br|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

 

[oldtools]

You can buy the HF 1/2 torque wrench for $10 on sale. Don't use it as a torque wrench but as a ratchet. There is also HF ratcheting breaker bar or this ratchet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/t-bar-with-1-2-half-inch-flexible-ratchet-66434.html

 

[MattPersman]

Matco has a few to choose from. EZ-Red also has one http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021UL100/?tag=atomicindus08-20 pretty reasonably priced. there is the Craftsman raised panel its not bad, I have had a couple for 10+ years. tooth count is lame but it is one that has not reversed or failed yet (actually not sure if they still make it because I do not see it on there site)

 

[stricht8]

I have a Mac 24" flex head that I got on some promotion a few years ago. It is Taiwanese made but I've been happy with it. It's come in handy on too many occassions!

 

[Black89LX]

that kobalt looks nice! I'd watch ebay for an shlf80 if you dont want to buy new.

 

[ndoran]

I have the Titan - very happy with it

 

[Fedwrench]

http://www.tooltopia.com/ez-red-mr1224f.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/e-z-red-mr482xl.aspx

Personally I think the EZ-Red, Kobalt, Titan, and Mac (the one with the red and black handle) are all made in the same factory in Taiwan. If you don't want to spend truck brand money and want it long, I'd go with the EZ red.

 

[Timex]

that kobalt looks nice! I'd watch ebay for an shlf80 if you dont want to buy new.

That's what I do for ALL of my quality tools! I usually average half off retail and still have like-new quality snappy or matco stuff. I did splurge on that ratchet, though ... hard sucker to find, let alone half price, lol.

I'm a new member here BTW Cheers, folks.

 

[Monte]

 

[Sterff]

I like my Matco CFR248LFT. I have had both this one and the Snap-on model and sold the Snap-on. In my opinion the Matco 24" ratchet is very nice and the best part is the locking flex head. Im not saying you have to buy a new one either ($200) but, I purchased mine lightly used for $75. Another option would be to use a long breaker bar and a ratcheting adaptor. I have the Snap-on S77A that I use with my 24" and 30" Matco breaker bars at times.

 

[JeremyManning]

^^what he said I have a 24" SO breaker bar and ratchet adapter both purchase used for a fraction of the price of new or a ratchet for that matter

 

[Danglerb]

that kobalt looks nice! I'd watch ebay for an shlf80 if you dont want to buy new.

^^what he said I have a 24" SO breaker bar and ratchet adapter both purchase used for a fraction of the price of new or a ratchet for that matter

I didn't check every day, but I watched for a Snapon 24" ratchet on ebay and CL for about a year, and even checked completed auctions from time to time to see if I missed one, and its pretty much $100+ and mostly $125+ for any without engraving. My Titan is lifetime warranty and $32 shipped.

A breaker bar with a ratchet adapter is going to have clearance and clumsy issues too often for me, and isn't in any special brand cheaper than the Titan ratchet.

 

[oldtools]

Buy a HF ratchet and weld a long rod to it.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Words fail me on some of these, so I'll substitute smilies.

I'd suggest just throwing on a cheater bar if you need the extra torque but you're probably looking for real options.

if you need a ratchet that long you should be using a bigger drive size like 3/4"

^ this

I'd watch ebay for an shlf80 if you dont want to buy new.

Buy a HF ratchet and weld a long rod to it.

With that out of the way, thanks to those who contributed genuine, helpful advise and, apparently, read the original post. I will check out the options mentioned, much appreciated!

 

[kms]

very nice. but the price = ouch!

 

[BajaBound]

24" matco I used my buddies to install some ball joints, what an incredible tool.

 

[camarotoolman]

Buy a good used usa ratchet and weld a pipe on it.

 

[MattPersman]

I stated there was a Cman RP in my previous post, I looked at the one I thought I had and it appears to be 16.**" not 24. my apologies. Titan looks like the best value. the Matco is very nice I looked at on the truck and was offered a reasonable price but still it is a lot of money for something you will not use a ton.

 

[toolmaker1]

+1 for the titan or the ez-red, which ever is easier to find for you.

 

[Black89LX]

Words fail me on some of these, so I'll substitute smilies.



















With that out of the way, thanks to those who contributed genuine, helpful advise and, apparently, read the original post. I will check out the options mentioned, much appreciated!

I see you found the smilies...