Smoothest GW ratchet?

[Cantaloupeman]

So there have been a few threads talking about this but I'd like so know what the real world differences between the 84tooth, 90tooth, and 120xp are. At least on amazon and home depot prices are all over the map for GW stuff so it looks like the 90t are cheapest followed by 120xp and then 84.

From what I've gathered the 90t is basically the 84t with a thicker pawl. The extra teeth don't make a big enough difference to notice.

Anyway do the 84 and 90t both feel pretty much the same in terms of backdrag, smoothness, and slop? If so how does that compare to the 120xp? Thanks!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

120 has much more backdrag than the 84 IMO, thicker head as well.

I never found one or the other particularly smoother than the other. I have yet to use a 90tooth model.


EDIT:

I'll throw this in as a summary - IMO there is zero reason to purchase a 120xp, when the 84 exists. The 84 has less back drag, and a thinner head. If I will put up with a thicker head, I'll use a snap-on dual 80. The ratchet the new GW90 is competing against, is the 84 which set the original standard as a high quality ratchet, thinner than a snap-on.

 

[PugetDude]

Kinda like looking for the worlds tallest midget?

 

[qqzj]

Feeling has little to do with number of teeth. I have 45, 84, 220xp, 144 position varieties. I like the 45 most

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[vssjim]

I have all three and they all feel about the same nut I always lube my ratchets from new. The 120 has it's place as in real tight places and the 84/90's are really thin which is another big plus.

 

[Fedwrench]

Anyway do the 84 and 90t both feel pretty much the same in terms of backdrag, smoothness, and slop? If so how does that compare to the 120xp? Thanks!

I'm not a fan of the 120xp series. The ratchet heads are larger and I don't think the 120xp ratchets as smoothly due to its twin pawl gear. Your results may vary.
To me the 84 and 90 tooth models' ratcheting action feel close to one another.

Here is Gearwrench's four page ratchet guide for their current models.

https://cms.gearwrench.com/WebShare...res_pdf/ATG-5682 GW_RatchetGuide_Final_HR.pdf

Keep in mind that there are people here that trim springs to get their ratchet to feel exactly how they want it to. I don't go that far but, i feel with thin oil applied, and broken in, the 60/84/90 tooth Gearwrench ratchets can be smooth as silk.

 

[lardy1]

My 84 tooth self switched and locked up on its own. They sent a warranty replacement and it does exactly the same thing which suggests a design flaw to me.

Those 84's get very high marks in Garage Journal but not from me. I'll never buy another after that experience.

 

[jshillin]

Not exactly answering your question, but my favorite stubby ratchet is the little flexhead 120XP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXQ02/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mr_B]

I not had issues with 84T .
Having said that it is possible current production facility or spec has changed and they ain't what they was originally hence differing experience with lotof current newer stock owners .
M7 84T been perfect and once broke in with bit of dry use then stripped cleaned and lubed they pretty good for deal prices use to get on the sets .
They also fairly slim low bulk heads which good design and also take the Matco ** tooth repair kits perfectly for an upgrade .
These days you got huge choice on ratchets and I don't thing GW that high up on the list unless a steal of a sale deal ...

 

[bonneyman]

Kinda like looking for the worlds tallest midget?

Yeah, you have to bend over to reach that high.

For me OP, I thin a thinner head and lower backdrag would win out over a miniscule drop in rotating angle.

 

[jonshonda]

The one you don't yet own!

 

[fang123]

My 84 tooth self switched and locked up on its own. They sent a warranty replacement and it does exactly the same thing which suggests a design flaw to me.

Those 84's get very high marks in Garage Journal but not from me. I'll never buy another after that experience.

I think Gearwrench has the lock up and self reverse feature patented.
I had a 60 tooth gearwrench ratchet that did that to me at the wrong time. I threw it as far as I could. never to be seen again.
I've had the 84T lock up and self reverse. Many times.
I've had the new 90T lock up and self reverse.
the only gearwrench ratchet to not do that to me is the 120XP, and they have so much back drag, that it makes the ratchet worthless to me.


My advice would be to buy a Tekton.

 

[dsaabm]

Ha I too threw a 3/8" 60T Gearwrench that keep reversing, I threw it at the floor, it popped the snap ring and the guts exploded out lol. I had 60T 1/4" that did the same thing. I have a 84T 1/2" that has been great, and all my Matco 88T has not had any issues. I think Gearwrench needs to improve it's quality control. I also think the 120xps are too draggy.

 

[visionguru]

I think Gearwrench has the lock up and self reverse feature patented.
I had a 60 tooth gearwrench ratchet that did that to me at the wrong time. I threw it as far as I could. never to be seen again.
I've had the 84T lock up and self reverse. Many times.
I've had the new 90T lock up and self reverse.
the only gearwrench ratchet to not do that to me is the 120XP, and they have so much back drag, that it makes the ratchet worthless to me.


My advice would be to buy a Tekton.

Check out this video about ratchet backdrag, 120XP is not bad at all comparing with truck brands.

To me, 120XP is the only non-truck brands that gives Snap On like clicks, all the 90T, 84T, 72T run of the mill Taiwan ratchets give cheap clunky clicks, including Carlye, Duralast, Tekton, Harbor Freight,.......

I like Matco 88teeth, smooth and nice clicks, but don't like the unsealed head that leaks out grease all the time.

 

[ike]

I can't tell a difference between my 84 and 88 tooth ratchets.

 

[Iowafox]

The only Gearwrench ratchet I've had was the $40 84 tooth 1/2 non flex head the 15 inch 81360 model.
I bought it as a keep in the car ratchet for doing tire changes. I didn't get to really use it when I gave it to my uncle who needed a new 1/2 as his old Crapsman seized up. To my knowledge he is still using it and likes it still and the long length helps he said. \

Personally for 3/8 fixed heads I say get a Napa Carlyle standard length ratchet. I have 2 and there amazing. I di however relube mine right away but they did come lubed. Mine have been tanks and for a $20 ratchet they kick well above there price range.