Recommend Weekend Warrior Ratchet (please)

[Stuey]

I don't use my Craftsman ratchets enough to warrant going to tool truck quality or cost, but I need something more rugged with finer teeth.

I'm not sure which brand to lean towards. I've seen Proto recommended, and SK is also within my budget. What are my other options? What about Craftsman's thin profile full polish wrenches? Would those fit the bill?

Cost is also a factor, I'd like pay less than $60-80, for 1/4" and 3/8" drive tools.

What would you guys recommend? Also, I tend to prefer purchasing from well established online retailers, which usually excludes ebay or smaller no-name vendors, if that makes a difference.

I opened up one of my ratchets yesterday, and well, I can definitely see why Craftsman ratchets are considered ****.

 

[eschoendorff]

For the price you're gonna pay, I just don't think that you can beat one of the Big dawg Protos on ebay. That or an SK round head ratchet.

If you want a real sweetheart Craftsman ratchet, check these out. A lot of people like them, but they are only available online:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Ratchets

 

[martell06]

I have the protos and the rock. wouldn't mind having a couple sk's too. proto gets my recommendation. they are really cheap on eBay right now too.

 

[ImportTuner]

For the price you're gonna pay, I just don't think that you can beat one of the Big dawg Protos on ebay. That or an SK round head ratchet.

If you want a real sweetheart Craftsman ratchet, check these out. A lot of people like them, but they are only available online:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Ratchets

Those round head fine tooth Craftsman are excellent ....

 

[wrenchr]

Search fleamarkets and pawnshops and you can have a snap on ratchet pretty cheap. You can pick up a standard handle for around $30.00 there.

 

[Zeroek]

Try harbor freight. They have a cheap fine tooth ratchet. I think it's made by Pitsburgh. And for the price you could probably get 2. One for a backup. If I am right I think it's got a warrenty as well.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would go with the Craftsman thin profile or their round head quick release ratchet. They would be great for ocassional use, are economical, and have the Craftsman warranty.'
SK ratchets are also great but, may not be as easy as Craftsman to warranty. Whatever you choose, I would try to handle them so you'll be happy with your purchase. I would also compare prices. Sears is very expensive on SK stuff whereas, you can get decent prices from the online tool stores.

 

[ba614]

no doubt about the Proto ratchets being top quality ... you say you don't want to deal with e-bay though ... that being said I would also recomend the round head fine tooth Craftsman ... I have one I cut the handle down and welded up to make a shorty ratchet from ... this is my go to ratchet .... I use a flex handle to break everything loose and swith over to my shorty ratchet ... I also like the 1/4 and 3/8 drive nex - gen full polish Craftsman rachets but I havn't used them enough to recomend them ... I've been using that fine tooth round head Craftsman at least 15 years without any problem

 

[Stuey]

Hmm, I just might go for that Craftsman model. I did see the Proto Ebay thread, but a few people have reported problems with that seller. That, and I prefer new tools that I don't first see, or used tools if I can see and handle them first.

No HF around here, so scratch that option. I'd like to find a garage or junk sale to pick some tools up, but I haven't really seen any where I live.

Would you guys recommend the newer Protos?

As for warranty, I have no hesitation about sending a broken ratchet out for repair. After all, I don't really do a lot of wrench-breaking work. Besides, I have two or three crappy Craftsman spares just in case.

 

[wilbilt]

Hmm, I just might go for that Craftsman model.

Avoid this one. If you don't keep the little screw in the center of the head tight, it will explode when you least expect it.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Ratchets

 

[brianpgriset]

I just got some SK Palm Control ratchets (3/8" and 1/4"). They are pretty nice, 72 teeth too. I think thetoolwarehouse.com has a 3 piece set for right around $80.

Plus it seems for warranty all you have to do is mail in the ratchet to SK or call and ask for a rebuild kit.

 

[Senorpablo]

The thin profile Craftsman Pro's are really nice. They're not too heavy, and the fine teeth are silky-smooth.

The Ebay Proto's are great for the price, and are more heavy-duty, but their weight and heavy ratchet action reflect this.

 

[mikester]

As bad as this may sound, I have 1/2 and 3/8 fine tooth ratchets made by Husky and I have to say that I really like them. Ive got SK, Craftsman, Williams and I just got 3 Proto ratchets off of ebay last month that were a package deal but I really like to use the Huskys. They are black with the red ergo handles. I dont know how long they will last but for the $ how can you go wrong.

 

[JRGSPE73]

Another vote for the Proto Big Dawg here. As some people have said, they're definitely heavier than some other ratchets out there, and they may not have the smooth action that you would find in something like a Snap On - however, I think this is the most versatile ratchet I've ever owned, perfect for a weekend warrior like myself (or you). The ratchet feels great in your hand, so its comfortable enough to use in a wide variety of applications - at the same time, however, it's a heavy duty ratchet, beefy enough to handle just about any high-torque application that you can throw at it. And for about $20-$25 shipped from e-bay, the price can't be beat. This is my go-to ratchet, and the more I use it, the more I like it. Obviously, you should choose whatever ratchet you're most comfortable with...but if you go with the Big Dawg, I'd be willing to bet that you won't be disappointed.

Just my $0.02

-J

 

[wilbilt]

The thin profile Craftsman Pro's are really nice. They're not too heavy, and the fine teeth are silky-smooth.

The Ebay Proto's are great for the price, and are more heavy-duty, but their weight and heavy ratchet action reflect this.

I don't think the action is that heavy. I have some old S•K ratchets that are really light and smooth, but they can skip when the torque rolls in.

The Protos are premium, durable ratchets at a good price. The weight, for me, has never been a factor. Actually, I think they have very good balance.

 

[eschoendorff]

Avoid this one. If you don't keep the little screw in the center of the head tight, it will explode when you least expect it.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Ratchets

Yeah... that one's different than the round head Cman I posted - make sure you do not get the one with the screw in the middle .. The round head quick release Cman is the one you want.


Actually all of the suggestions are good. What you really need to do is to start buying ratchets and see which ones YOU like best.

 

[wrenchr]

Yeah... that one's different than the round head Cman I posted - make sure you do not get the one with the screw in the middle .. The round head quick release Cman is the one you want.


Actually all of the suggestions are good. What you really need to do is to start buying ratchets and see which ones YOU like best.

Yah the round head you are refering to is only available thru the catolog
I do not understand why the stores do not stock these. They are their best ratchet by far imo.

 

[Stuey]

It seems that the Big Dawg offerings are all gone. =( Would you guys advise against the newer proto ratchets?

standard full polish
standard pear head

Actually all of the suggestions are good. What you really need to do is to start buying ratchets and see which ones YOU like best.

Actually, I typicall adhere to that philosophy. While that usually works well for individual screwdrivers or wrenches, doing that with ratchets would burst my budget. Over the years, I expect to try different brands out, but right now I can only afford to trust your guys' experience.

 

[eschoendorff]

It seems that the Big Dawg offerings are all gone. =( Would you guys advise against the newer proto ratchets?

standard full polish
standard pear head


Actually, I typicall adhere to that philosophy. While that usually works well for individual screwdrivers or wrenches, doing that with ratchets will burst my budget. Over the years, I expect to try different brands out, but right now I can only afford to trust your guys' experience.

Links don't work...

What store do you have in your area? What are your choices? Do you have a pawnshop that you can check for ratchets?

I guess that if I had to keep only one ratchet it would be one of my Snap On. After that, I would choose the SK or Protos... but those may or may not be available in your area.

The Craftsman thin profile are probably your best bet if you want a good ratchet taht is readily available at a store- right now.

 

[Stuey]

Links don't work...

What store do you have in your area? What are your choices? Do you have a pawnshop that you can check for ratchets?

I guess that if I had to keep only one ratchet it would be one of my Snap On. After that, I would choose the SK or Protos... but those may or may not be available in your area.

The Craftsman thin profile are probably your best bet if you want a good ratchet taht is readily available at a store- right now.

I think I fixed the links. But now I cannot access the Proto site so I may be wrong.

I've got Lowes, HD, Sears, and that's pretty much it. I don't mind ordering from McMaster Carr, Grainger, or smaller distributors. Pawn shops are out of the question since I don't know of any in my area.

At $70+, Snap-On is still out of my budget.

My problem is that my "I want" list is really long and my budget is relatively limited. I don't like settling for crappy tools, but I'm happy with medium-range.

Sears' thin profile might be alright. I mentioned in another thread that I have $50 gift card worth of points and can redeem it for either Sears or Snap-On. That money won't get me squat at Snap-on but will get me a 1/4" and 3/8" thin profile Craftsmans, and possibly the round head that you guys recommended as well. Maybe I will go down that path after all.

 

[TNToy]

Someone mentioned this, but it didn't get much play.

The fine-tooth Husky ratchets are apparently the one tool they forgot to screw up. I've got the 3-piece set in black chrome finish that I use at the house, and they feel great. They're actually just behind my fine-tooth Matcos at work when it comes to my favorite ratchets.

I like the 5 32-tooth Snappy (936 series) ratchets that I have, but I prefer the smoother action and thinner heads of the Matco fine-tooth ratchets.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I bought one of those thin profile, fine tooth craftsman ratchets and I've had no problem so far. Like it so much, I will probably buy it's 1/4 and 3/8 siblings

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

Another vote for the proto big dawg, I've got one in 3/8 that I absolutely love. If you don't want to get it on ebay, try a grainger store or their website. I also happen to like my craftsman 3/8 raised panel, never had any problems with one.

 

[Stuey]

Another vote for the proto big dawg, I've got one in 3/8 that I absolutely love. If you don't want to get it on ebay, try a grainger store or their website. I also happen to like my craftsman 3/8 raised panel, never had any problems with one.

Actually, I believe there is a Grainger branch near me. I'm not sure what to expect though - do they have a storefront or would it be a closed distribution center?

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

They have a storefront, it's fairly small, and most of the stuff is kept in the back warehouse section, they just go and get it for you. They usually sell to businesses, but i believe that a few of the guys on here have gone in and bought stuff no problem. I've gotten stuff from them, but I've always used my companies account (paid with my own charge card).

 

[JRGSPE73]

Someone mentioned this, but it didn't get much play.

The fine-tooth Husky ratchets are apparently the one tool they forgot to screw up. I've got the 3-piece set in black chrome finish that I use at the house, and they feel great.

Is this the ratchet you're talking about?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100068824&N=10000003+90034+527299&marketID=34&locStoreNum=4106

 

[nissan_crawler]

Avoid this one. If you don't keep the little screw in the center of the head tight, it will explode when you least expect it.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Ratchets

Sounds like my snap-on. The simple answer is to do proper maintenance. If it's a regular problem, use some blue loctite, problem solved.

 

[Danglerb]

I don't buy tools to turn bolts, I buy tools to make me enjoy turning bolts.

Snapon FHLF80 I bought at the swap meet for $65 does that pretty well.

 

[wrenchr]

Someone mentioned this, but it didn't get much play.

The fine-tooth Husky ratchets are apparently the one tool they forgot to screw up. I've got the 3-piece set in black chrome finish that I use at the house, and they feel great. They're actually just behind my fine-tooth Matcos at work when it comes to my favorite ratchets.

I like the 5 32-tooth Snappy (936 series) ratchets that I have, but I prefer the smoother action and thinner heads of the Matco fine-tooth ratchets.

The 936 is a 36 tooth ratchet, The F830 has 30 teeth, The F80 - 80 tooth.

 

[mikester]

I cant get the Home Depot picture to come up but I went on the Husky site and its no longer on there. I cant believe how HD was pushing the Husky mechanics tools and all of a sudden they seemed to drop almost the complete line. They stopped selling Delta too.

 

[TNToy]

Is this the ratchet you're talking about?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100068824&N=10000003+90034+527299&marketID=34&locStoreNum=4106

Yup. Strolled through the tool asile and saw they were on sale for somewhere around 25% off over a year ago. Bought the 1/2" and used it at work that morning as a test drive.

Went back and grabbed the 1/4" and 3/8" ones at lunch, and took them home.

My tools get wiped down with brake cleaner each time they're put away, so the "HUSKY" label on the handle is long since gone, and the rubber handle shows a little bit of wear. But otherwise, they've held up very well.

EDIT: The link isn't working for me now, either. So here's a picture of the one were referring to...

 

[eschoendorff]

Yup. Strolled through the tool asile and saw they were on sale for somewhere around 25% off over a year ago. Bought the 1/2" and used it at work that morning as a test drive.

Went back and grabbed the 1/4" and 3/8" ones at lunch, and took them home.

My tools get wiped down with brake cleaner each time they're put away, so the "HUSKY" label on the handle is long since gone, and the rubber handle shows a little bit of wear. But otherwise, they've held up very well.

EDIT: The link isn't working for me now, either. So here's a picture of the one were referring to...

I don't think that they offer that one anymore... haven't seen it at the HD in ages. Too bad....

 

[Stuey]

Well, I've got a 3/8" Big Dawg on the way thanks to Wrenchr, and will probably pick up a Craftsman thin profile in the future.

Thanks for the education, guys!

I'm still in need (or rather I want,) a decent 1/4" ratchet, so I'll pick a new brand I haven't tried yet for that one.

 

[wrenchr]

I have no extra 1/4. Well that I know of anyway.

 

[IanF]

For the price you're gonna pay, I just don't think that you can beat one of the Big dawg Protos on ebay. That or an SK round head ratchet.

If you want a real sweetheart Craftsman ratchet, check these out. A lot of people like them, but they are only available online:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Ratchets

I have an Easco/K-D flex-head version of that ratchet I bought about 17years ago. It and my craptastic made-in-Japan Snap-on copy bought in 1988 have been my main 3/8 ratchets ever since.

Of course, I religiously use a breaker-bar for initial loosening if the fastener is really tight, so I doubt I'll ever break either of them.

I keep thinking of replacing them with nicer ones, but there are so many other tools I need...

 

[Stanger]

Craftsman Thin Pro

 

[l_bilyk]

I don't think that they offer that one anymore... haven't seen it at the HD in ages. Too bad....

They re-appeared in a chrome finish around here. I picked mine up when they were clearing them out... same thing as the MAC ratchets but with a different handle

 

[wilbilt]

Sounds like my snap-on. The simple answer is to do proper maintenance. If it's a regular problem, use some blue loctite, problem solved.

Of course. I had LocTited the thing a few times. The "regular problem" is that once the LocTite gives way, it takes about 10 swings of the ratchet to remove the screw.

Poor design, IMHO.

 

[mikester]

Yup, the HD ratchet in the picture is the one that Im talking about. I use the 3/8 over any other ratchet that I own. I wonder who made it for Home Dumpo since alot of the Husky line is made by Stanley. Anyone have any ideas ?

 

[wrenchr]

That is a micro tough ratchet. Mac has one, Proto, then there is a precision series as well. It is a Stanley corporate item.