Shopping for a 1/2” ratchet

[DGersic]

I have a few 1/2” ratchets already, but I’m not entirely happy with any of them. I have a couple (Craftsman, Tekton) that feel too short. At 10-11”, it feels like they should be longer. I also have a Tekton 24” that feels too long most of the time.

Shopping for something in the middle, around 16” or so.

A few other restrictions to narrow it down:

+ Must be quick release.
+ Must be chrome.
+ No comfort, rubber, or plastic handles.
+ I prefer a smooth handle, like the Tekton, but knurled like Proto is ok too.
+ 72T or 90T with reasonable back drag

So far, the closest I’ve found is this Proto



which hits most of my requirements, but it’s black oxide, not chrome. Proto don’t seem to offer this one in chrome.

What else is out there in a semi-long 1/2”?



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[Macneil]

Have you looked into the GearWrench stuff? There are some nice options. 120 teeth for instance.


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[Yarpo]

https://store.snapon.com/Quick-Rele...ong-Handle-Quick-Release-Ratchet-P884771.aspx

 

[woody6904]

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Drive-Tools-%26-Accessories/Ratchets/7bf109b1-fa50-4a1d-b668-df59d9948156_Proto®-Quick-Release-Premium-Pear-Head-Ratchets/J5450XLQR_Proto®-1%7c2"-Drive-Premium-Long-Handle-Quick-Release-Pear-Head-Ratchet-15"/

Not 72 or 90 tooth but great ratchets. Also, might want to start looking at a flex head ratchet in this length.

https://www.google.com/search?q=649...oid-sprint-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

I think this fits the bill. These are nice ratchets, have the long 1/4 and long 3/8. Same head design as the Napa Carlyles and Blackhawks.

 

[drtyler]

Snap-on SL80A is my favorite, but you ask for quick release — which is SRL80A. Perfect length at about 15 inches. Browse the auction site or the classifieds here to find a deal.

 

[protegeV]

Snap-on SL80A is my favorite, but you ask for quick release — which is SRL80A. Perfect length at about 15 inches. Browse the auction site or the classifieds here to find a deal.

This. /thread


True, you pay $$$ for snapon, but it's worth every penny for the best quality ratchet.

 

[Skeptic68W]

This: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR12XL48

25" long, awesome brand, comfort grip. On sale for $40 right now

 

[bobcatdan]

It's hard at argue against proto, but there is always Wright, William's and SK for long handle 1/2".

 

[DGersic]

SO make nice stuff, and I have some of their tools in my box. I’ll pay for quality, but not necessarily for the name. eBay has lots of SO tools for sale, mostly comfort handle stuff, though. Only one SL80A right now, no SRL80A.

That Proto looks pretty good. Was thinking I’d like a higher tooth count, but 45T might be ok.

Not looking for a flex head. Generally prefer a pear head design. I don’t know why, but I’ve never liked round head ratchets.



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[Wamsutta]

The J5450 is not quick release. I don't know why Zoro is saying it is.

 

[xela456]

The Proto is a Great ratchet. Sadly though its only a 24 tooth. Even the premiums are only 45 tooth.

 

[Mr_B]

Carlyle maybe
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR12LQR

Proto 5450XLQR !

I'm a big user of adjustable length 1/2" facom, they go from 12" to 17-1/4"

 

[rhandwor]

I have a Proto like this I use a lot. I have air tools I use a lot and don't use a ratchet as much as you will probably would.

 

[M6erfan]

SK Tuff1 40175, 15 inches of 72T round head goodness. I like mine a lot.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Although not a quick release I really like hf Pittsburgh professional rachets. Masterforce at Menards look really nice

 

[Mgdoug3]

I really like my SK 40170 with DT100 mechanism and Carlyle R12LQR straight ratchets. If I need a flex I'll use my GW 120xp but I prefer a straight ratchet when space allows.

 

[Negen]

Koken 4753-410 is a 1/2 drive 16" smooth handle ratchet with 24 teeth non quick release but super low back drag most people that use this ratchet love it.

Also an incredible ratchet is the koken is the 4750pb 30 tooth count 3 step pawl smooth handle and quick release.

Koken ratchets are lower tooth count but make up for it in smoothness and nearly 0 back drag.

Nepros NBR490L is 15" smooth handle quick release 90 tooth ratchet probably one of the highest quality ratchets in production.

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[ChrisLS8]

Gearwrench

81306F- 84 tooth flex, 16 inches
81360- 84 tooth non flex 16 inches.

Both these would do you very well, I'm a fan of the 84t over the 120 as they are thinner and less backdrag

 

[65k10]

I think the Proto J5450XLQR or the SRL80A would be the way to go since they fit your requirements fairly well. I have the non QR version of both and like them. The Snap-On is a better ratchet, but I can't really complain about the Proto. The tooth count hasn't really been an issue. My only gripe is the Proto rebuild kits aren't as cheap as Snap-On (haven't broke either, but I like to have a kit on hand), but the flip side is the ratchet is cheaper.

 

[coljar]

Snap-on SL80A is my favorite, but you ask for quick release — which is SRL80A. Perfect length at about 15 inches. Browse the auction site or the classifieds here to find a deal.

This is what I've got and like. The price has gone up a tad since I bought mine in 1981.

 

[KnurledNut]

+1 for the Carlyle R12LQR.
I have one. I think it would do you well.

 

[mudflap]

This. /thread


True, you pay $$$ for snapon, but it's worth every penny for the best quality ratchet.

Yea....but he said he wants low backdrag...so that eliminates SO. The ones i have got a little better after about 3 months of daily use. The Carlyle is the way to go..mine was great right out of the box..

 

[JBradley500]

1/2” dual 80s are the best ratchets I have used. I’d recommend getting a used one if the price is hard to get over.

 

[DGersic]

It's hard at argue against proto, but there is always Wright, William's and SK for long handle 1/2".

Wright, Williams, and SK all seem to be eliminated by not having a long quick release option. Did I miss something from one of these?




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[DGersic]

The J5450 is not quick release. I don't know why Zoro is saying it is.

Oh? ****. That’s annoying. Thanks.



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[DGersic]

Carlyle maybe
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR12LQR

Proto 5450XLQR !

I'm a big user of adjustable length 1/2" facom, they go from 12" to 17-1/4"

Hm. The Carlyle looks good. Local store doesn’t have it, but they could get it.

So Carlyle and Proto are both in the running now.




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[Ole Slewfoot]

The annoying QR rebuild kit will drop into almost any normal Proto, Plomb, or Urrea pear head ratchet.
I'm in my SK long handle less than $50 after the DT100 kit though.

 

[DGersic]

I have a Proto like this I use a lot. I have air tools I use a lot and don't use a ratchet as much as you will probably would.

I have air as well, but ratchets are handy for lots of things where air tools aren’t appropriate or useful.

There’s one with a 5/8” socket on the crank bolt to hand turn the engine, for example. 10” is too short. 24” is too long, not enough clearance for the handle to move. Something around 16” would be just right, I think.




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[DGersic]

The Carlyle is sounding good, plus I can buy it locally. I like my local NAPA store.


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[Mgdoug3]

The Carlyle is a great ratchet. I believe it's 48 teeth. I have a soft spot for my SK ratchets but the Carlyle was my go to 1/2 long ratchet before the 40170. I still grab it occasionally because it has the smallest head of my 1/2 ratchets. Here's some pictures comparing the Carlyle to the GW120xp to give you a comparison.

 

[Tallpilot]

Tekton is releasing long flex heads soon. They usually offer QR. Wait and see before buying the low tooth count Carlyle?

One thing I’ve never understood is why comfort grip and uncomfortable grip ratchets from most manufacturers aren’t the same length.

I have a SHX80B and it’s my favorite 1/2” but pretty ridiculous pricing. It’s longer than both the SF80A and the SHF80A.

 

[Wamsutta]

SRL80A $192.50

Let's hear all the reasons not to buy it.

 

[ChrisLS8]

SRL80A $192.50

Let's hear all the reasons not to buy it.

Found one

 

[ChrisLS8]

If you don't mind round heads I almost forgot about this guy

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/mobi...ols-1-2-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

 

[Negen]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/152842416642

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[Tonyuk]

Tekton do a 24" long 90 tooth ratchet with a QR, for less than £50 delivered;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GH87585/?tag=atomicindustr-21

 

[scubadoober]

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collections/pro-tech-ratchets-accessories/products/pro-tech-1-2-dr-17-long-reach-flex-head-ratchet?variant=33812345284#vBYhycpWTU5XkIe9.97

 

[exmaxima1]

If you don't mind round heads I almost forgot about this guy

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/mobi...ols-1-2-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

I don't believe that Williams is quick-release. I know mine isn't.

 

[GrayFlattop]

I have several of these and they are the first I pick up.

Discontinued, so used is it unless you find NOS somewhere.

Fine tooth, quick release
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Professional-Tools-USA-1-2-Drive-Thumbwheel-Quick-Release-Ratchet-5452A/292907106841

 

[GrayFlattop]

This is a more current model - it has good heft to it, but it's almost too heavy - it's the longer handle version:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-1-2-dr-CHROME-QUICK-RELEASE-RATCHET-15-LONG-5450XLQR/401607282678

It's a pear-head which some prefer.

The "QR" designation after the XL denotes Quick release.