recommendations for stubby socket wrench

[BTL-A4]

I needed to borrow a stubby socket wrench the other day and found it very useful. The one I borrowed was an older one with a ginormous head on it. I have a gift card to Home Depot and thought I would apply it toward one of these. Does anyone who has used either one have any comments or opinions? I'm a home gamer, so I don't need anything fancy:

Gearwrench:

GEARWRENCH 3/8 in. Drive 90-Tooth Compact Head Stubby Teardrop Ratchet 81228T - The Home Depot

GEARWRENCH 90-Tooth ratchets have a 4°F swing arc and low profile head to give easier access to hard to turn fasteners. The compact head ratchets come with a 3/8 in. drive tang but the head width of a

www.homedepot.com

Tekton (set of 2):

TEKTON 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Stubby Quick-Release Ratchet Set (2-Piece) SRH91105 - The Home Depot

Stubby Quick-Release Ratchet Set (2-Piece) SRH91105. 90-tooth, 4° swing. Sleek, comfortable handle.

www.homedepot.com

Thanks!

 

[Cruzan80]

I eprsonally have and like the Power torque version, as the end of the handle has a square drive. Allows you to use it kind of like a nut driver if needed, or drop an extension on to increase the handle.

 

[BTL-A4]

I personally have and like the Power torque version, as the end of the handle has a square drive. Allows you to use it kind of like a nut driver if needed, or drop an extension on to increase the handle.

Thanks! The wrench is only 72 teeth, so it might not work in tight spots. Now that I know these exist, I'll have to see if I can find one with a higher tooth count.

 

[dnschmidt]

Tekton. Easy to get and I believe it to be 90 tooth.

 

[Grokew]

For a really tiny 3.5 inches 1/4 drive ratchet the Titan 11204 is quite nice, and their mini swivel head, at 4 inches.

 

[KnurledNut]

The Duralast 51-104 3/8 is a sweet little ratchet.
Bonus points in that its sitting on the shelf at AutoZone.

https://www.autozone.com/ratchets-s...osition-full-polish-stubby-ratchet/565719_0_0

 

[cannuck]

I have 1/4 and 3/8 Ultrapro grearless stubbies - UHT 04803 & 06809. Won't break a tight fastener loose (the Sprague clutch will slip), but not what they are for. For myself and BIL (mechanic) they are one of the most used tools in our boxes.

 

[Fly YX]

I use these at work Power Torque Wright 3430 and Tekton. Don’t use them that much. Mostly the Wright when I do.

 

[aggiegrads]

I really like the design of the Nepros stubby. The design allows me to add a small breaker or sliding t-handle to increase leverage. Perfect for my sub-compact tool kit. I realize that it doesn’t fit the OP’s HD gift certificate criteria, but by far my favorite stubby after my SK thumb wheel.

nepros 1/4" 90-Tooth Ratchet, Stubby (NBR290H)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken and more..

drpd.cc

 

[JradM]

I purchased a set of stubbies from Amazon recently. Haven't recieved them yet, so this isn't an endorsement - but they're cheap. $40 Canadian for all three sizes.

I suspect the same set is being sold under multiple brands (I ordered "ABN", but I think Ares has them too). They come in a nice foam tray.



I actually picked this set out of annoyance. I was trying to order a stubby Proto 1/2" ratchet, but it was ~$150 Canadian and only half that in the USA. I ordered it from the states but the carrier said it was "undeliverable". I got a refund, which was fine, but still had no stubby and didn't feel like paying the Canadian price.

I figure stubbies won't see the torque of regular and XL ratchets, these LOOK nice in the photos and claim to be 72 tooth. Worth a shot.

 

[Cruzan80]

Honestly, I don't see the large difference in 72 vs 90 tooth. However, this isn't my daily job, so maybe others do. I think we have gotten to the point of chasing tooth-count, as I regularly use 40-60 tooth ratchets without issue. But YMMV.

 

[JradM]

Honestly, I don't see the large difference in 72 vs 90 tooth. However, this isn't my daily job, so maybe others do. I think we have gotten to the point of chasing tooth-count, as I regularly use 40-60 tooth ratchets without issue. But YMMV.

I agree. I don't think it matters on stubby ratchets.

On my 1/2" XL ratchet, the 120 teeth made a big difference in how much swing arc is needed at the end of the handle to grab the next tooth. On a 4"-5" stubby? It's hardly noticeable.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I got my Husky one at Home Depot it works excellent for my use which is professional. Same one as the Duralast pretty much except unfortunately mine has quick release. I think it’s 100 teeth if I remember correctly but I could be wrong. I have a Kobalt one at home that works ok but the switch is backwards and it drives me crazy lol. The two you mentioned would also serve you well if they are what you are looking for.

 

[JradM]

I'm picking up the mail now and, speak of the devil, the ratchets are here!

Nice thick chuck of foam.




This is the 1/2" size I wanted most.


First impressions:

• Definitely fine tooth ratchets. I didn't count the teeth, but it's obvious. I did count later - confirmed 72 teeth on each, including the 1/4".
• Decent chrome and polish - I can spot imperfections in the polishing job if I look close, but ONLY by looking for it.
• The 1/4" feels like the spring is a bit stiff. Little too much backdrag for my taste, but that might improve if I trim the spring.
• 3/8" has very light backdrag - very nice.
• 1/2" feels average to me. I'll probably mess with it too.
• Direction levers and release buttons all operate smoothly.
• They feel HEAVY for the size. That's neither good nor bad, just something I noticed.
• The foam finger cutouts are a little too far back from the ratchet heads - I.e. because the ratchets are heavy, where your fingers grab them out of the foam results in them wanting to tip forward.

 

[BTL-A4]

The Duralast wasn't at Autozone; they were all out, but I'll kepp looking. I also spent the HD gift card on something else, so that requirement is no longer an issue. I may go with the Tekton, since it is advertised has having a smaller head. I still would like to check out what's available in stores, though. I like to touch what I buy.

 

[Draftpick1]

The Duralast wasn't at Autozone; they were all out, but I'll kepp looking. I also spent the HD gift card on something else, so that requirement is no longer an issue. I may go with the Tekton, since it is advertised has having a smaller head. I still would like to check out what's available in stores, though. I like to touch what I buy.

I have a Matco stubby 3/8 in 1/4 body BFR58 similar to the gearwrench and it's one of my favorite ratchets so much that i got a kit and converted my Armstrong 1/4 flex to 3/8

 

[ThePostman]

I have the Gearwrench 81228T, and I have no complaints about it. I also picked up Ko-ken 2726z, which is a flex head 3/8" in a 1/4" drive head, I really like it for when it's needed doing engine or tight interior work.

 

[m6z]

You should be able to order the Gearwrench from HD.

 

[m6z]

Milwaukee 1/4 in. Drive 3 in. Stubby Ratchet with 3/8 in. Drive 5 in. Stubby Ratchet 48-22-9003-48-22-9036 - The Home Depot

Add this innovative breakthrough in comfort and support to your maintenance work by choosing this Milwaukee Drive Stubby Ratchet.

www.homedepot.com

GEARWRENCH 3/8 in. Drive 90-Tooth Stubby Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet 81212T - The Home Depot

The GEARWRENCH 90-tooth ratchets have a 4° swing arc and low-profile head for easier access to hard-to-turn fasteners. The 90-tooth design exceeds ASME torque performance requirements, delivering 1 of

www.homedepot.com

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

I eprsonally have and like the Power torque version, as the end of the handle has a square drive. Allows you to use it kind of like a nut driver if needed, or drop an extension on to increase the handle.

Seconded on the Power Torque stubby with 3/8 drive on the handle. Makes a good long ratchet in a pinch. I kind of bought it on a lark, not putting much stock in basic parts store tools, but it is actually pdecent quality.

 

[Billy Jack]

I have two 3/8" used on a regular basis. First is a round head S-K that's just a shorter version of the classic 45170. Second one, my absolute favorite, is the Snap-On 3/8" in a 1/4" body. Don't know the tooth count of either one at the moment, but I don't really care.

Bill

 

[Madjik Man]

I have the Koken 2725z (3/8 drive in 1/4 body) and it’s an awesome stubby ratchet with the super low Koken back drag.

 

[milky2k]

I have the Pittsburgh Pro stubby roto / swivel head ratchet that I like very much. I never had a roto ratchet before and gave the stubby 3/8 a try and I liked it so much I bought all the other full length sizes. You can break the bolt and then spin it out like a driver in confined space. I also use it to install spark plugs so its harder to over torque them. However, it doesn't seem to be fore sale anymore. They are clones of the Tekton swivel head and Tekton doesn't have it either. Powerbuilt has a version, looks identical except for the color for only $19. Incidentally, I also saw Pittsburgh 1/2 stubby swivel at a flea market so that's out there if that interests you.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KEFC46/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Tynee]

For a really tiny 3.5 inches 1/4 drive ratchet the Titan 11204 is quite nice, and their mini swivel head, at 4 inches.

Couldn't agree more. The 11204 is the handiest little ratchet in my arsenal. I reach for it before my Snap-On T72.

Regardless of what else you pick of for stubby flex 3/8" and 1/2" (or whatever you're looking for...), I'd definitely add one of these for $13 from Amazon. You'll be amazed how often you grab it.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i have a hf pitts pro that i use, good enough for me

3/8 in. Drive Quick Release Stubby Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Quick Release Stubby Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Houdini5150]

Picked up a stubby from HF. Has served me well. The gearwrench or Tekton from HD, either should work.

 

[boom_bap]

The Oreillys stubby is awesome. I normally use deeps when I can, so I throw two different sizes I need (if applicable) on the ratchet at once. The deep socket is sort of like a handle, and you can swap back and forth.

 

[Kuma601]

I'll throw this one in because once it is loose this palm drive has been great too:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/tools---equipment/hand-tools/ratchets---torque-wrenches/4a6b9be6ae5b/power-torque-3-8-inch-drive-swivel-palm-wrench/ptt0/gm6125?pos=17

One creator on YT cut off the bottom of the ring to allow more access when the ring is in the up position.

 

[ecotec]

I'll throw this one in because once it is loose this palm drive has been great too:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/tools---equipment/hand-tools/ratchets---torque-wrenches/4a6b9be6ae5b/power-torque-3-8-inch-drive-swivel-palm-wrench/ptt0/gm6125?pos=17

One creator on YT cut off the bottom of the ring to allow more access when the ring is in the up position.

Have you used it much? I have 4 of the thumb wheel style metal ones with knurling around the edges. I never use them.

Does the gimbal make it more useful?

 

[Kuma601]

One of those that when you need that access it is great. I wasn't able to get a good swing with the 1/4" ratchet but could get a hand into the space to spin the palm ratchet. The backdrag on that Power Torque is average but being round, it is easy to spin it. My uses that gimbal is down.

 

[GeoBruin]

3/8 Inch Drive Folding Quick-Release Ratchet | TEKTON

Our patent-pending quick-release stubby folding ratchet uses a 90-tooth gear mechanism and ultra-compact 3/8 inch drive ratchet head. SRH35104.

www.tekton.com