What's the general consensus on the Snap On F80 series of ratchets? I picked up a 3/8" drive model yesterday, and I am impressed thus far. Definitely a lot smoother than my F732, and seems to be on par click-wise to a couple of my Gearwrench ratchets.
Snap On F80
- Thread starter Jason280
- Start date
billymade
Well-known member
The F80 is the currently shipping standard size 3/8 ratchetl, one of the most commonly used models (especially good when you don't want to over torque something like spark plugs); all my dual 80 ratchets have been excellent. The 3/8 and 1/2 drive models seem to be particularly smooth and the sweet spot in the dual 80 line compared to the 1/4 models. I would also take it apart and clean the head; lube with your favorite lube and see how it works....clean/lube a used ratchet can make a huge difference in performance! I have a feeling this won't be your last dual 80; you have been warned 
They tend to multiply themselves like rabbits in your toolbox; when you aren't looking!
They tend to multiply themselves like rabbits in your toolbox; when you aren't looking!
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I van putski
Banned
On par with gearwrench. Lol
Fordman7795
Well-known member
I lold as well
dual 80's in 3/8 and 1/2" drive are fantastic. I'm not a big fan of the 1/4" 72 tooth models, both of mine seem to jam up from time to time. Best part is these ratchets get even smoother with use, they are smoother than the Matco 88 series IMO
dirtmister16
Banned
i have both the standard and long versions of that ratchet. ive been very happy with them. glad to have them. wouldn't want to trade them off for anything else if i had a choice.
kunkernator
Well-known member
I love my F80, but I am on the fence on what is better; F80 or the new Gearwrench 120XP. Check out the 120XP, 120 clicks, and amazing quality.
Fastbird
Well-known member
I should be picking up a SF80A from my local dealer next week. Can't wait!
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
I haven't tried the Gearwrench but I really like my FX80. I have a Matco 88 flex head too and I like the Snap On a little better.
I agree with you 100%. I have two of the 1/4" drive Snap On 72 tooth ratchets, a standard head and a flex head, and I have not been all that impressed. Oddly enough, I find myself reaching more for my 1/4" Blue Point ratchet than the Snap On.
I would love to find one of the long handled versions of the F80 for a decent price!
humpdawg
Well-known member
Definitely the best ratchets off any of the trucks. I have noticed that the 3/8 drives break in a little bit, 1/4 drive break in drastically, 1/2 drives are crazy smooth from the factory.
They are highly addictive like everybody says. Here's my current dual 80 technology roster; T72, THLD72, TF72, THLF72, FHD80, FHLFD80, SHF80A, and finally, the biggest and baddest, SHLF80
I once had a FX80, it was good, but I hated the locking head, The free flexing head suits me more better.
They are highly addictive like everybody says. Here's my current dual 80 technology roster; T72, THLD72, TF72, THLF72, FHD80, FHLFD80, SHF80A, and finally, the biggest and baddest, SHLF80
I once had a FX80, it was good, but I hated the locking head, The free flexing head suits me more better.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I love my FH80. The only other ratchet I grab in 3/8 is my Cornwell jr72. The Cornwell is an f-ing tank but so is the Snap On. I absolutley love my TH72 and TLL72. I think these are the best 1/4" drive ratchets ever. I use 1/4 more than any because I do more work on dashes and electronics. The TLL72 is VERY handy. More than I ever thought it would be,
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
The concensus is that they are pretty much near the pinnacle of the industry std.
Most folks don't want to pay the $$$ for one. That's fine.
Go buy matco, Armstrong and Gerwrench then.
I don't find GearWrench anywhere NEAR the F80 in this catagory IMHO. Not at all. Nada.
Your money, your purchase.
Good is not cheap is the world of good ratchets.
FiendFX
Well-known member
I got the F80 and the Gearwrench 3/8 ratchet. The snap on definitely noticeable better.
bcradio
Well-known member
The concensus is that they are pretty much near the pinnacle of the industry std.
Most folks don't want to pay the $$$ for one. That's fine.
Go buy matco, Armstrong and Gerwrench then.
I don't find GearWrench anywhere NEAR the F80 in this catagory IMHO. Not at all. Nada.
Your money, your purchase.
Good is not cheap is the world of good ratchets.
That's why you get the bahco ratchets... Exactly the same thing and much cheaper. I like it's handle better too
davesnothere
Well-known member
As far as im concerned the dual 80 rats are as good as rats get.
At least for now.
At least for now.
dirtydogintex
Well-known member
To me this is a good data point - the handle bent but nothing broke under a high application of torque.
Smooth action is highly valued ($$$) by some while others seek strength, reliability w/the ability to withstand a certain amount of abuse.... because we all know stuff happens.
I think it'd be interesting to compare ratchets not only for smoothness but also for the ability to get the job done in R/L when used/abused by ordinary, average folk.
~~~~~~~
I thought I understood the workings of the SO and Williams lines and here comes the Bahco line.
How do the 3 lines work/interface?
I love my 2 Dual 80s buy I am only a DIY guy.
I have the thlf72 and thlf80 (I'm sure I messed up those model numbers) and they can take some serious force. I have 100% confidence this ratchet can take more force than I am capable of and I do not have to worry about my knuckles.
I would like the sf80 and the really long s80 but being that I am just a hobbyist I will go without unless I can find a nice deal on some used ones.
I have the thlf72 and thlf80 (I'm sure I messed up those model numbers) and they can take some serious force. I have 100% confidence this ratchet can take more force than I am capable of and I do not have to worry about my knuckles.
I would like the sf80 and the really long s80 but being that I am just a hobbyist I will go without unless I can find a nice deal on some used ones.
I love dual 80's there awesome ratchets I got all 3 standard handled ones for free for some old ratchets my dad gave me that I warranted. I loved them so much I bought them all in swivel heads and a 3/8s swivel stubby. I prefer them over my craftsman 60t and premium 84t ratchets and so far none of them have gave me trouble and never seem to get sticky, switch directs, slip etc. I think its ridiculous to put a cheater on a $100 fine tooth ratchet and pull hard enough to bend the handle although that is pretty impressive
Hyster Gareth
Well-known member
I am very impressed with my Dual 80 ratchets. But I have to say I still have a soft spot for my 830 and F936!
dirtydogintex
Well-known member
No doubt but you've never been out in the boonies and
decide to change a flat for the lil ol lady from Pasadena
who had NTB rotate her F350 tires/over torquing the Hell outta the lug nuts
then make an extended drive in the surf (salt water)
on a Sunday about a year, year and a half ago?
If this wasn't bad enough,
some DA used your 4 way and as well as your 3/4 and 1/2 breaker bars
neglecting to put 'em back so
all you've got is a '$100 fine tooth ratchet' and a cheater pipe
to bust the lug nuts with....
Shake your head but R/L is full of stuff like this!!
dirtmister16
Banned
whats R/L? and are you serious? on a f350? please tell me this didn't really happen? if so im way impressed. i would have found a way to get better tools for lugs that size. if you could anyway.
AndyA
Well-known member
I have the 1/2" and it's so *smooth*. I recently bought the 1/4" but haven't put a lot of use on it yet. I may or may not buy a 3/8. I use 3/8 the most, but I already have several older snap-on 3/8 ratchets. Kinda hard to justify buying a new one just because it's smooth.
R/L = real life (if im not wrong!)
and yes, sad to say, but it does happen. not everyone knows everything about their cars. some shops will use a ratcheting gun to torque down the bolts so tight that it can actually stretch them. you also get the same people who will drive around on those tyres until they are bald without even rotating them.
dirtmister16
Banned
i feel sorry for some people,more times i feel sorry for the car or truck because people dont care.
also used my dual 80 today, first time i really used it since i got it. its a great ratchet for sure, though i didn't stress it at all. just took out a few 5/16" fasteners and thats all today. ive been told these will hold up to some really great tourqe values though, im sure many have tested them.
i like the standard one, but for some things that long handle sure is a great addtion to my tools.
i wouldn't be without these two now after owning them.
also used my dual 80 today, first time i really used it since i got it. its a great ratchet for sure, though i didn't stress it at all. just took out a few 5/16" fasteners and thats all today. ive been told these will hold up to some really great tourqe values though, im sure many have tested them.
i like the standard one, but for some things that long handle sure is a great addtion to my tools.
i wouldn't be without these two now after owning them.
carterbeauford
Well-known member
speaks well for the F80, your technique not so much. if I owned a $100 ratchet I'd use a breaker bar.
Obviously decided to open mouth and insert foot prior to reading to the bottom of the thread.
carterbeauford
Well-known member
nope, read the whole thread, still stand by my statement. the long handled ratchets probably make a nice hammer too.
What he is trying to say is he would have left the lady on the side of the road.
I know what you mean. I have 16 dual 80 ratchets between my work and at home boxes, but I still love my go to hard handle F936!
humpdawg
Well-known member
LOL
I hope I don't have to use a cheater on my SHLF80, but if I have to do it I wont think twice about it. I can replace that ratchet as many times I can break it, its only a hand tool.
I try to be easy on my body since I cant replace that... yet.
I gathered as much. What a fellow....
All I can say is go reread post 24 and get back with me then about the whole reading the entire thread...
dirtydogintex
Well-known member
ratchets as hammers?
cheater pipe/struct tubing usually work better - higher chance of landing a solid blow
R/L = real life
forgot a std disclaimer above.... so here it is:
'Some of the things herein could cause a person to get hurt, expelled, arrested, possibly deported. To put it another way: Don't try this at home'
cheater pipe/struct tubing usually work better - higher chance of landing a solid blow
R/L = real life
forgot a std disclaimer above.... so here it is:
'Some of the things herein could cause a person to get hurt, expelled, arrested, possibly deported. To put it another way: Don't try this at home'
kippieland
Well-known member
I love my F80. Got it used for $50. Like it better then the Armstrong Maxx 88 and Matco 88's in 3/8. Super smooth. In 1/4 I prefer the Matco 88 to the SO T72 I have.
I gound my first F80 in the cinder block pile at the marina I worked at. I was so rusted and nasty. I didn't know what Snap On was then. I cleaned it with the wire wheel and soaked it in 6-56 overnight. I couldn't beleive how smooth it was!! It came out great!! That was 3 years ago. I now own 4 dual 80's, and 4 other Snap On ratchets!!!