d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Any update on the long term F80 users. Any good/bad reviews? I'm looking at getting one as my most used ratchet.
Snap On F80
- Thread starter Jason280
- Start date
abvw
Well-known member
One?
So far in three years of shop use I've only had to replace two stripped gears (FLL80 and FHL80). Broke loose countless bolts that are normally 1/2" duty with the 3/8s (pinch bolts, locktite, locknuts, no problemo).
Straight off the truck, they are quite stiff and feels no different than any other fine tooth ratchets, but once they're broken in, there is no comparison. Hands down the best ratchets I have ever used.
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
So I have a few older Snap On 3/8 ratchets, they are all either F71 or F710. Could someone please explain to me the difference between the newer and older ratchets? Why are they called "dual" 80's? And, finally, there sure are a lot of different model numbers...what is the difference from one to the next? Forgive me, it seems l am late to the party 
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The have an 80 tooth gear with a 14 tooth pawl. 7 teeth are engaged with the gear at all times in each direction. They're extremely smooth when comparing them the the previous generation 36 tooth models. They almost make a buzzing sound when using them fast.
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
Gotcha, good stuff. So do my F71's have 36 teeth then?
I have a few.They're great ratchets.
I like my Matcos better.
Thinner. Smoother.Better selector position.I like all metal handles and I like the Matco better on that point too.More meat on the Matco handle and a built in thumb angle.
BFR88T over the F80 for me.
I like my Matcos better.
Thinner. Smoother.Better selector position.I like all metal handles and I like the Matco better on that point too.More meat on the Matco handle and a built in thumb angle.
BFR88T over the F80 for me.
Dual 80 is the holy grail of ratchet technology. It's a ratchet mechanism that is stronger than the square drive, with fine teeth, and low back drag. It is the product of a company with real engineering, R&D, and marketing departments. it's allowed me to retire my breaker bars.
That said, the strength advantage is really only useful for the long handles. And low back drag helps you ratchet in or out loose hardware. I could make a case for choosing dual 80 only for the longer models, and picking f100s or your favorite fine toothed round head for general ins no outs. If you dont want a drawer full of ratchets, choose dual 80 and be done.
That said, the strength advantage is really only useful for the long handles. And low back drag helps you ratchet in or out loose hardware. I could make a case for choosing dual 80 only for the longer models, and picking f100s or your favorite fine toothed round head for general ins no outs. If you dont want a drawer full of ratchets, choose dual 80 and be done.
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Dual 80 mechanism is nice.
The F80, IMO, is too short to be especially useful. FL80
FWIW: Gearwrench/Armstrong/Matco heads are thinner. With only dual 80 mech ratchets in the box, there will be times you can reach the work.
The F80, IMO, is too short to be especially useful. FL80
FWIW: Gearwrench/Armstrong/Matco heads are thinner. With only dual 80 mech ratchets in the box, there will be times you can reach the work.
joel63
Well-known member
The F936's have 36 teeth.
They are a minor update of the 20 and 30 teeth F720, F730 and others F7xx.
Check out item E
http://www.collectingsnapon.com/catalogs/catalogs-large/1975_Catalog_EA/1975-Catalog-EA-p046.jpg
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d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I'm looking to replace the 36 tooth Duralast that has been my trusty beater for a few years now and want to go fine tooth action.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Gearwrench 120XP.
I rarely buy into the premise that non "pro" users need something like snap-on. And by "pro", I don't mean skill level, I mean usage time. It can take years for the average home user to accumulate the "hours" a professional mechanic can put on a ratchet over the course of a month.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
You're 100% correct, but I'm an avid tool fanatic so that accounts for something.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I'm the same way.
Honestly, in the current market, you're spoiled for choice. There are few truly inferior or "bad" ratchets.
Have you been encumbered by you current ratchet/tooth count? Or you just want to upgrade? Both are 100% reasonable reasons to purchase new tools.
But knowing exactly what you're looking for makes it easier. I assume the F80 in question means your budget is around $100?
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
I love mine, I own almost every model in the standard handle. Only about 5 shy from a complete set from 1/4 - 1/2. I do like my cornwell ratchets as well but only use those for leisure work
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
Love my F80, maybe the smoothest ratchet I own, good weight, good lever, great size.
@nutsnbolts
In short: the F71 ratchet has 30 teeth while the F80 ratchet has 80 teeth. This results in a much lower ratcheting arc. "Dual 80" because it uses two instead of one pawl, which results in one pawl being fully engaged, at all times.
Take a look at this Snap-On Video, it explains it pretty well:
For the model numbers, take a look here: https://store.snapon.com/Hand-Tools-C700010.aspx You can of course find the same list for T72 (1/4") and S80A (1/2") (and other sizes Snap-On offers)
For example you find a model: SL80A (1/2" ratchet, long, standard handle) - now if you look at FL80 you'll find a 3/8" ratchet, long, standard handle and TL72 is a 1/4" ratchet, long, standard handle.
Now, I'm not going to do this for every style Snap-On offers,
Kind regards,
Oliver
Thank you very much. This helps a lot!
Guess what just filled 3 pages of my Ebay watch list?
tremek
Well-known member
Snap-on Tools Dual 80 Technology Ratchet
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ORvTPFY4MZ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ORvTPFY4MZ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
martin666
Well-known member
The F80 is a good place to start if you haven't tried fine tooth ratchets yet. For what you're getting even off the truck the price is ok. That being said, I sold both of mine, only because they didn't get used often enough. I only work on older Harley Davidsons, so clearance is rarely an issue and thats where the high tooth ratchets shine in my opinion. But I did keep my FLL80, FLF80 and my FHRLF80. All of which get used pretty often, but no more often than my FL836 and F720, both if which are broken in just right and are as smooth as can be. Also have Matco 88's but I'm not crazy about them, they've both been rebuilt a few times compared to zero times for my Snap On's. When the Matco's are working they're nice ratchets but in my experience they just dont hold up as well as the Snap On's do
Wamsutta
Well-known member
They probably have 20 teeth if they haven't been rebuilt. The rebuild kits will have a 30 tooth gear with the corresponding pawl. A Dual 80 would be a real eye opening experience for you.
bcradio
Well-known member
Love my F80, maybe the smoothest ratchet I own, good weight, good lever, great size.
@nutsnbolts
In short: the F71 ratchet has 30 teeth while the F80 ratchet has 80 teeth. This results in a much lower ratcheting arc. "Dual 80" because it uses two instead of one pawl, which results in one pawl being fully engaged, at all times.
Take a look at this Snap-On Video, it explains it pretty well:
For the model numbers, take a look here: https://store.snapon.com/Hand-Tools-C700010.aspx You can of course find the same list for T72 (1/4") and S80A (1/2") (and other sizes Snap-On offers)
For example you find a model: SL80A (1/2" ratchet, long, standard handle) - now if you look at FL80 you'll find a 3/8" ratchet, long, standard handle and TL72 is a 1/4" ratchet, long, standard handle.
Now, I'm not going to do this for every style Snap-On offers,
Kind regards,
Oliver
Good info here. Thank you
Dave455
Well-known member
In the years before the Dual 80 came out, I'd bought myself standard length, long, and long flex Snap On ratchet's in 3/8 drive. No complaints. Doubted I'd ever need more in 3/8 drive!
Even when the Dual 80 came out, I wasn't rushing to upgrade! But then there was a special deal, buy a set of deep sockets and get a Dual 80 free or somesuch! Always a sucker for the specials so I ended up with one, and it straight away became my most reached for ratchet!
Great in tight spaces (and find me a modern engine bay that isn't), less back drag than even my 80's vintage 'fine tooth' (when you had a choice) and a delight to use! Though I swore I wouldn't, I've ended up with the long (FL80) and long flex (FLF80) as well, though I waited till they came on special.
You get used to nice tools real fast! Before I owned the Dual 80's I was quite happy using my old British made Britool ratchet, when the occasion demanded. Now it feels quite coarse and unrefined!
If I was starting out again in 3/8 I'd probably acquire at least the regular and long flex dual 80's, and perhaps something a little less costly for scrapyard / outdoor use! Think that would do about 95% of my needs!
Even when the Dual 80 came out, I wasn't rushing to upgrade! But then there was a special deal, buy a set of deep sockets and get a Dual 80 free or somesuch! Always a sucker for the specials so I ended up with one, and it straight away became my most reached for ratchet!
Great in tight spaces (and find me a modern engine bay that isn't), less back drag than even my 80's vintage 'fine tooth' (when you had a choice) and a delight to use! Though I swore I wouldn't, I've ended up with the long (FL80) and long flex (FLF80) as well, though I waited till they came on special.
You get used to nice tools real fast! Before I owned the Dual 80's I was quite happy using my old British made Britool ratchet, when the occasion demanded. Now it feels quite coarse and unrefined!
If I was starting out again in 3/8 I'd probably acquire at least the regular and long flex dual 80's, and perhaps something a little less costly for scrapyard / outdoor use! Think that would do about 95% of my needs!
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
What is the standard length of an F80" I am seeing one online that is 7 1/2"
abvw
Well-known member
Too short to be useful, unless cheater pipes are your thing.
For anything less than a foot long I'd look into the 1/4" Dual80s. They are mighty impressive, easily withstand 90ft-lb of torque, close to 170lb of torque on the 6.5" TL72.
170lb!!
Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
You're assuming the person who buys an F80 only has one ratchet and no breaker bars.
It's plenty long for a lot of stuff. If not go to the long handle 3/8 or long handle 1/2.
It's plenty long for a lot of stuff. If not go to the long handle 3/8 or long handle 1/2.
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
I have a Snap On 1/2" that is 15" and a Proto that is almost as long, so I could always go to that if needed. I might think about it, since I have yet to own one. Uh oh, I can feel it. This is going to be big, and expensive
Well, since I started this thread a couple years back, thought I would at least give an update. I still have the ratchet...but honestly, I don't use it that often. The feel is great, action is smooth, but it is the most difficult of all the ratchets I own to remove sockets. I'm sure this will get better with more use, but I just can't bring myself to grab for it when I have a half dozen other ratchets that are easier to use.
That will get much better with more use. Both of my dual 80 ratchets are finally needing rebuilding. A little spring broke inside the head of my flex head not too long ago, and my f80 is feeling pretty sloppy sometimes and it sometimes gets jammed up where it won't select from on to off without some pretty good force. Both of these are from 2008. I love them though
Dave455
Well-known member
All depends how you work!
Personally, I reckon the standard length is about perfect for the majority of jobs!
Remember that the longer the handle, the more mass you will be spinning around! Spinning off a load of small bolts with a long handle ratchet is a pain!
I really only use my long handle versions if I'm working with stiff nuts, corroded fasteners or suchlike!
Of course, the standard handle is less good for breaking fasteners loose, but I can't quite bring myself to do that with my best ratchets!
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
I decided to get in the game and bought one. I couldn't pass it up for under $70
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-on...:g:fxIAAOxyfS1R12SQ&item=252255408641&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-on...:g:fxIAAOxyfS1R12SQ&item=252255408641&vxp=mtr
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Nice! Wish the price was a little lower in the used market, but people still want them at those prices.
abvw
Well-known member
As you can see from the following picture, the 1/4" long TL72 and flex handle TF72 are almost as long as the 3/8" standard length F80.
https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/12670614_10204539758007571_4930228482160482376_n.jpg?oh=8f6d3248d91a05db116f0a2303722bf8&oe=576EDF7D
I personally like flex heads to run small fasteners, I find it much more efficient than a rotohead because the ratchet works like a speeder. The F80 is just too cumbersome for sub-14mm fasteners.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Below 10mm I use 1/4"
Entire engine bay basically can use 3/8" plus there random household projects the 3/8 covers most of it.
Variety is key, but this is also a thread dedicated to the Snap On F80. Cough cough.
Entire engine bay basically can use 3/8" plus there random household projects the 3/8 covers most of it.
Variety is key, but this is also a thread dedicated to the Snap On F80. Cough cough.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Take a set of channel lock type pliers, and spray down the detent ball. Work it back and forth a few times, and it should be fine.
FWIW: I experience this with nearly every new ratchet, maybe I'm picky.
davethorik
Well-known member
Even older non dual 80 Snap-on ratchets still command $. I've been trying to find a long 1/2 for under $50 just don't see them.
I've used 3 dual 80 3/8 ratchets and liked them mostly. An F80, FLL80, and whatever the 3/8 locking flex head is. The mechanism is great but I was not impressed with the locking flex head, it was only a few months old and sloppy. I own Armstrong in 1/4 and 3/8 and I know a little give is inherent in the design, but the Snap-on I used did not impress me at all.
I had a chance to buy a new F80 for $50 a while back, but had literally just blown my tool budget earlier that day. Eventually...
That's a listing for new ones.
JonDick13926
Well-known member
Definitely strong, but I do want to share a photo. This is what happens when you use the FLL80 to loosen somewhat tight fasteners for about a month. And equivalently what happens if you use any 3/8" dual 80 ratchet with a cheater bar.
Picture kinda *****, and it's easier to tell in person, but if you look at the pawl on the right, it's worn down/deformed. The ratchet eventually started to skip (a lot) and I rebuilt it.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
New is off the truck. Those are for unused ratchets on the used market.
New means Snap On knows I purchased one new so if a warranty issue occurs I can be confident I won't have a problem. Even though I don't expect to have one.
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
I am fully confident that I will have no problems returning mine if I need to.
Got ya.