Stubby ratchet thread

[bmwpower]

I'm in the market for a nice stubby.

Whenever I'm working on something that requires a gentile touch, I reach for my Craftsman 3/8" flex head stubby. Ratchet action is...ehh...okay. Would be nice if I didn't have to swing it as much in tight quarters. Also, would be nice if there was a ratchet in 1/4" as well for dash work, etc.

What do you guys use? Flex? Non-flex? 1/4"? 3/8"? Thumbwheels?

I kicked myself for missing that Cornwell 1/4" stubby earlier in the Classifieds. Looks like a nice design for when things get cramped.

Lusting after the Snappy 80 tooth stubbies, but price is kinda high. Never seem to find a decently priced used one.

Let's see what you got/what you use daily....

 

[Red Green]

I will post some pics sometime but I have in 3/8 a FC936 and a Benchtop flexable stubby. I have a thin Profile C-man in the 1/4 it is a fair amount better than the regular raised panel. I also have a 1/4 stubby round head Snap-on that I never use because the spring is too strong so it doesn't have a smooth action. I plan on adjusting it sometime in the future.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm in the market for a nice stubby.

LOL!!!!

 

[Bobby B.]

Not sure what model number it is, but I have an older SO 1/2 drive stubby that I usually reach for. I like the fact that it has the ball-shaped end over the newer flared-style end.

I also like the older CMan pro "tri wing" rats with the knurled spinner; very easy to spin down a nut or bolt. I use them all the time and they're my faves mainly because A) I really like the feel of the traditional smooth chrome handles and B) my dad gave them to me for Christmas back in the 80s.

 

[tatra]

have any old ratchets you don't use much anymore?..........just cut it down............

 

[bmwpower]

I will post some pics sometime but I have in 3/8 a FC936 and a Benchtop flexable stubby. I have a thin Profile C-man in the 1/4 it is a fair amount better than the regular raised panel. I also have a 1/4 stubby round head Snap-on that I never use because the spring is too strong so it doesn't have a smooth action. I plan on adjusting it sometime in the future.

I have the thin Cman 1/4" too, but it's too long. Does Snappy still make stubby 1/4?

LOL!!!!

You *******. I knew someone was gonna say something. I just can't take the big ones like I used to.

Not sure what model number it is, but I have an older SO 1/2 drive stubby that I usually reach for. I like the fact that it has the ball-shaped end over the newer flared-style end.

I also like the older CMan pro "tri wing" rats with the knurled spinner; very easy to spin down a nut or bolt. I use them all the time and they're my faves mainly because A) I really like the feel of the traditional smooth chrome handles and B) my dad gave them to me for Christmas back in the 80s.

1/2" stubby? Didn't know they existed.

have any old ratchets you don't use much anymore?..........just cut it down............

Geez. I could do that, but I don't have something I could use. Unless I cut a Cman raised panel. That might not hurt so much.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Not sure what model number it is, but I have an older SO 1/2 drive stubby that I usually reach for. I like the fact that it has the ball-shaped end over the newer flared-style end.

Find out that number (if it really IS 1/2" and not a typo)! All the ones I have seen are 3/8". I have the flared version, late friend (s-i-l is my boss) has the round version (can be found on Ebay sometimes), but I prefer the 1/4" body, 3/8" model.

As for 1/4", the thin pro Craftsman, has the best feel to me.

 

[bmwpower]

Find out that number (if it really IS 1/2" and not a typo)! All the ones I have seen are 3/8". I have the flared version, late friend (s-i-l is my boss) has the round version (can be found on Ebay sometimes), but I prefer the 1/4" body, 3/8" model.

As for 1/4", the thin pro Craftsman, has the best feel to me.

Wasn't that Cornwell recently for sale a 1/4" stubby though or was it more like a spinner?

 

[Red Green]

Please forgive the quality I just got a camera phone this week and I am still getting the hang of it. Left to Right Snap-on TMK739, FC936, and a Benchtop 3/8 flex. The Current number for the TMK739 is TK860.

 

[forceyoda]

The cornwell 1/4 stubby is basically a flex head ratchet without the handle. You could buy a flex ratchet from any manufacturer and remove the handle to have the little stub left.

 

[Snappy]

I'm in the market for a nice stubby.

Whenever I'm working on something that requires a gentile touch, I reach for my Craftsman 3/8" flex head stubby. Ratchet action is...ehh...okay. Would be nice if I didn't have to swing it as much in tight quarters. Also, would be nice if there was a ratchet in 1/4" as well for dash work, etc.

It might be a good idea to wait till after Christmas. Your secret Santa could be lurking around here.

 

[bmwpower]

I'm in the market for a nice stubby.

Whenever I'm working on something that requires a gentile touch, I reach for my Craftsman 3/8" flex head stubby. Ratchet action is...ehh...okay. Would be nice if I didn't have to swing it as much in tight quarters. Also, would be nice if there was a ratchet in 1/4" as well for dash work, etc.

It might be a good idea to wait till after Christmas. Your secret Santa could be lurking around here.

Never thought about that. Usually takes me 1-2 months to buy stuff anyway.

 

[Danglerb]

I use a stubby HF swivel head a lot.

 

[vr6chris]

i got the new snap-on 1/4" stubby. most teeth it can have is 72. but its extrememly smooth. definately one of my favorite ratchets.

 

[Fedwrench]

Look no further than the tiny Snap on round head in 1/4 inch drive and the Gearwrench stubby 3/8 60 tooth models availble in fixed and flex head. The gearwrench models offer quality, value, and durability.
Besides that Cornwell head only ratchet you missed only has 30 teeth, which when used in a confined space is like taking a bologna sandwich to a buffet dinner.

 

[Joe69]

Here's my favorite. It can be used as a stubby, and an offset ratchet, when you combine it with a breaker bar and an extension.

Joe

 

[jshillin]

Here's my favorite. It can be used as a stubby, and an offset ratchet, when you combine it with a breaker bar and an extension.

Joe

I've been looking for a good deal on one of those for quite some time.

 

[Joe69]

I got mine used off the SO truck, use it all the time.
I also have one similar to this, but I rarely use it.

Joe

 

[Monte]

 

[Junkman]

I'm in the market for a nice stubby.

....................

You *******. I knew someone was gonna say something. I just can't take the big ones like I used to.

.................................

This friend of yous says you already have a stubby..

 

[Mickey O]

Take an old S-K and cut down the handle.

 

[Zrexxer]

Whenever I'm working on something that requires a gentile touch

And I never knew you were Jewish!

 

[Junkman]

And I never knew you were Jewish!

The Rabbi arrived late, and announced to everyone... "it won't be long now..." and that's the rest of the story ... Paul Harvey

 

[sk farmer]

Take an old S-K and cut down the handle.

i would sacrifice a snap-on first. why cut up a good ratchet?

 

[bmwpower]

Look no further than the tiny Snap on round head in 1/4 inch drive and the Gearwrench stubby 3/8 60 tooth models availble in fixed and flex head. The gearwrench models offer quality, value, and durability.
Besides that Cornwell head only ratchet you missed only has 30 teeth, which when used in a confined space is like taking a bologna sandwich to a buffet dinner.

I assume you mean the one similar to what Red Green posted.

TK860 is what I see in the catalog now:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=107&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Here's my favorite. It can be used as a stubby, and an offset ratchet, when you combine it with a breaker bar and an extension.

Joe

You may be onto something there. It's in 3/8" drive, but I like the fact that you can use it as a "crowsfoot". Interesting enough, it looks like it's the same lenght as the 60 tooth Snap on above....

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=229&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

What the heck...?!?!

Take an old S-K and cut down the handle.

I might but I don't own an old one! I think....

This friend of yous says you already have a stubby..

And I never knew you were Jewish!

The Rabbi arrived late, and announced to everyone... "it won't be long now..." and that's the rest of the story ... Paul Harvey

Bunch of comedians in here. I like it!

Junk: Back from the dead I see! I knew a stubby thread would get your juices flowing and enable you to post! Haha

 

[AutoTech]

I'm in the market for a nice stubby.

Whenever I'm working on something that requires a gentile touch, I reach for my Craftsman 3/8" flex head stubby. Ratchet action is...ehh...okay. Would be nice if I didn't have to swing it as much in tight quarters. Also, would be nice if there was a ratchet in 1/4" as well for dash work, etc.

What do you guys use? Flex? Non-flex? 1/4"? 3/8"? Thumbwheels?

I kicked myself for missing that Cornwell 1/4" stubby earlier in the Classifieds. Looks like a nice design for when things get cramped.

Lusting after the Snappy 80 tooth stubbies, but price is kinda high. Never seem to find a decently priced used one.

Let's see what you got/what you use daily....

I use this one for under dash work! Kind of expensive little ****** but very small and handy in tight places, They come in 1/4 and 3/8 drive, here's the links to it:
http://directory.pten.com/product/57261/MAC_Tools_MR4C_14_drive_mini_ratchet
http://www.mactools.com/SearchResults/tabid/79/Default.aspx?Search=mr4c

 

[bmwpower]

Nice! ...Made in USA though? I like Mac stuff for sure.

Mac MR4C

 

[krusty the clown]

Made in USA though?

yeah right

 

[bmwpower]

yeah right

Didn't look USA, which is why I asked.
It's almost ...can't I make a wish?

 

[krusty the clown]

Didn't look USA, which is why I asked.
It's almost ...can't I make a wish?

only in one hand........you know what happens in the other

 

[bushhawg73]

I really like my snappy FKF80

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?search=true&item_ID=81187&PartNo=FKF80&group_id=20864&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

80 teeth and a swivel handle make this a gem in a tight spot.

 

[48548]

Here are few I have showing the size differences... A few snap on, a williams my dad made and has been around for over 20 years, and koken 3/8 in a 1/4 body and proto 3/8 in a 1/4 body. The genius I would recommend for little money around 20, nice 72 teeth. If you want american, the proto I got with no shipping for about 18 from grainger, I think a little less.

 

[48548]

Here are a few more views to help see the size difference.

 

[bmwpower]

Thanks 48548!
That helps alot. I can see where it would be nice to have a variety since they all have their plusses/minuses.

Proto is a little longer than I'd like. I guess I need to measure the Cman flex I have

 

[superautobacs]

What the heck...?!?!

Williams / Snap-on Super-palmster:
http://www.kell-strom.com/tools/williams/palmster.htm

Depending on the production date/origin it's a 82, 80, or a 72-tooth mechanism.
Handy for cramped working areas like under the dash?

*Left is Taiwan 72-tooth

 

[rustyproject]

I have never seen one of those Palmsters but I have told my dad(who I consult) someone has to make a tool for under dash work. Do they still make the Snap On version? I have made small tools for that kind of stuff before.

 

[Bobby B.]

Find out that number (if it really IS 1/2" and not a typo)! All the ones I have seen are 3/8". I have the flared version, late friend (s-i-l is my boss) has the round version (can be found on Ebay sometimes), but I prefer the 1/4" body, 3/8" model.

Dug out the 1/2 drive SO stubby. The model number is FK720A. Don't know what it cost new; I found it at a swap meet for around $15 if I remember right.

A few pics; the last with my truck key for size reference.

 

[AutoTech]

Nice! ...Made in USA though? I like Mac stuff for sure.

Mac MR4C

No country of origin, probably made in Taiwan but a very handy ratchet for sure. It has 72 teeth so it's fine tooth and very smooth with push button socket release.

 

[chrislehr]

my fav is my wright 3/8 in a 1/4 body

 

[jlenander]

I picked up Toptul 1/4 and 3/8 Stubby ratchets from ultimate garage. http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=3175
I am quite pleased with them, and the price was great!