Suggest a ratchet for around $50

gtivr4 · Jul 14, 2009

I'm tired of my crappy craftsman 3/8 ratchet. Too many degrees between clicks and too much reistance as well. I have $50 to buy the best 3/8 ratchet I can, and I have no problem with a good used piece. Should I just head to ebay for a used Snap-On (if so, which model)?

X1 Mike · Jul 14, 2009

I purchased 6 Matco ratchets on e-Bay for around $150 a while ago. I like Matco as much as Snap-On and it doesn't go for the crazy prices used like Snappy does. If not that you can always get good deals on new Proto ratchets on e-Bay.

Here ya go two new Proto ratchets for $50

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PROTO-SPINF....c0.m14&_trkparms=65:1|66:2|39:1|293:1|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PROTO-SPINF....c0.m14&_trkparms=65:1|66:2|39:1|293:1|294:50

pearl_dude · Jul 14, 2009

Anyone of these is under $50. You could probably get 2.

http://www.wrenhandtools.com/sockets/3-8_ratchet_handles.html

The CJHM series gets great reviews(last one) and its $32.07

pjcforpres2020 · Jul 14, 2009

Check out the S&K Palm Control 3/8th drive... at my local industrial supply shop they are $32.80... 72 teeth, have a free wheeling plate on top so you can press down on the top on the head without reversing or releasing the socket.

I took mine apart the second I got them, like every ratchet I get, and filled the head with some engine assembly lube... the ratcheting on them feels like you are pulling a zip tie it is so smooth and fine.

You can find them on eBay fairly easily... this auction is one I was eyeing, but decided to buy local since I am building up my tool set for when I finish auto tech school, and am getting a very good deal on a super large buy I am doing in a couple months... I am getting better pricing than if I pieced it together on the internet by about 10%!

http://cgi.ebay.com/SK-3-8-DR-PALM-...%2BFICS%2BUFI%2BMRU-15032&otn=39&po=LVI&ps=54

Mr.Nutcase · Jul 14, 2009

What kind of ratchet? long, short or flex?
Oreilly autoparts have KD flex, it a round head, quick release, cost like $ 30.
looks like the flex from sears, the only thing that not same are the handle,
Sears have ratchets online .....
44995
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942794000P?keyword=42794%2C&sLevel=0
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943781000P?keyword=43781&sLevel=0

DaMaN · Jul 14, 2009

Used F80, you will be pleased

Here is a new one for slightly more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SNAP-ON-3-8-SEALED-HEAD-80-TOOTH-RATCHET-F80-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1171Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3a50dc8136QQitemZ250464731446QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools#ht_987wt_1833

nate379 · Jul 14, 2009

The dual 80 Snappy units are nice.

Joe Mamma · Jul 14, 2009

Mr.Nutcase said:
What kind of ratchet? long, short or flex?
Oreilly autoparts have KD flex, it a round head, quick release, cost like $ 30.
looks like the flex from sears, the only thing that not same are the handle,
Sears have ratchets online .....
44995
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942794000P?keyword=42794%2C&sLevel=0
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943781000P?keyword=43781&sLevel=0

Yeah, I would recommend the Craftsman 43781. I have the old Easco version of this and it is good.

I have the Proto spin-flex and it *****. The Mac version is much better.

Joe Mamma

Joe Mamma

Mike83 · Jul 14, 2009

I have purchased 3 Snap-on ratchets on ebay, all for roughly $50 a piece. I have an F830, FLF936 (both 3/8" dr.) and an S80 (1/2" dr.). Good deals are out there to be had.

I might also suggest Gearwrench ratchets. With 60 teeth and low profile they seem to compete well. I only have experience with the 1/4" drive ratchet but I like it a lot. Got it for $15.

ATTappman · Jul 14, 2009

If you want the best $50 ratchet available, get a Snap-on F80 off ebay. If you're patient, you can get a new one for around $50. There are a couple of Buy-it-now listings for about $60, right now.

wantedabiggergarage · Jul 14, 2009

Which ratchet do you have? Their fine tooth sealed head, pro model, is much better, but only a fixed handle. The older Round head fine tooth style with the speeder can still be found on their site, but people are wondering if they are discontinuing them (not in the catalog).

Finding older Snap-on's your bound to have the same issue with tooth count (36 or less on older ones).
We can give suggestions, but if will come down to hand feel for you.

nate379 · Jul 14, 2009

Some reason I thought the F80 was around $40.

philw · Jul 14, 2009

Hard to beat this Beta for the price.
http://www.amazon.com/Beta-Drive-Reversible-Ratchet-Teeth/dp/B001ODKH8C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1247604052&sr=8-3

I like my F80 better because it has less backdrag.
F80's or Matco 60 tooth ratchets from ebay (but your always taking a slight risk with ebay tools)

SK palm control or a Facom 72 tooth (the new MAC's are Facoms).
Craftsman slim profile.
SK tuff 1

Proto's are nice but tend to be larger in size and not as fine toothed. Very good ratchets but wouldn't be my on of my top choices for auto repair.

mooman · Jul 14, 2009

Just make sure you're aware if you by Snap On from ebay, good luck getting waranty work done to it from a dealer.........

pjcforpres2020 · Jul 14, 2009

philw said:
Hard to beat this Beta for the price.
http://www.amazon.com/Beta-Drive-Reversible-Ratchet-Teeth/dp/B001ODKH8C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1247604052&sr=8-3

I like my F80 better because it has less backdrag.
F80's or Matco 60 tooth ratchets from ebay (but your always taking a slight risk with ebay tools)

SK palm control or a Facom 72 tooth (the new MAC's are Facoms).
Craftsman slim profile.
SK tuff 1

Proto's are nice but tend to be larger in size and not as fine toothed. Very good ratchets but wouldn't be my on of my top choices for auto repair.

I have that Beta ratchet, and it is a real treat! I prefer my SK Palm Control, just my personal preference in how I like to use my ratchets... but that Beta is such a treat! I use it a lot, especially when I am working on something that is a bit of a reach.

Merkava_4 · Jul 14, 2009

$56.95 shipped!! :thumbup:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SNAP...Z250464731446QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

Joelfke · Jul 14, 2009

pearl_dude said:
Anyone of these is under $50. You could probably get 2.

http://www.wrenhandtools.com/sockets/3-8_ratchet_handles.html

The CJHM series gets great reviews(last one) and its $32.07

x2....i use that type of ratchet from toptul all day every day

1/4 3/8 1/2 i got em all and use em all

mooman · Jul 14, 2009

$56.95 shipped!! :thumbup:

You're not gonna drive up the price on this one are ya Merk??

Wesley B · Jul 14, 2009

If you wanna flex head get this bad boy http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...id=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65:12|39:1|72:1171

Merkava_4 · Jul 14, 2009

mooman said:
You're not gonna drive up the price on this one are ya Merk??

Nah....I don't need one of those right now.

volvo420coupe · Jul 14, 2009

I would also have to recomend the sk palm control, its action is amazing I have the bent handle version but I think others are available.

pjcforpres2020 · Jul 14, 2009

volvo420coupe said:
I would also have to recomend the sk palm control, its action is amazing I have the bent handle version but I think others are available.

Yup, I got one of the straight and one of the bent handles. I prefer the bent handle... only a little offset, but just enough to keep from scraping my knuckles.

Volvo420coupe... I have an '84 240DL...

sk farmer · Jul 14, 2009

i like any of the sk rats-pear head, pro, tuff1 or palm control. i also am a fan of the proto big dawg ratchets wich can be had on ebay for some really good prices on occasion. with a little patience one could pick up 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 for about 50 dollars total. the spin flex and indexing rats are not the same style and are not real fine. the big dawgs can be identified by the letter p in their model number.

scottmlew · Jul 14, 2009

Can someone tell me more about this Beta ratchet, e.g., why they like it so much? It looks really cool!

pjcforpres2020 · Jul 14, 2009

scottmlew said:
Can someone tell me more about this Beta ratchet, e.g., why they like it so much? It looks really cool!

I like it for a couple reasons...

First and for most, it has just that right feel to it... I don't like really heavy headed ratchets, but like them to have weight all in the same. These are just right, great balance, heavy enough to trust them, yet light enough you don't notice it.

They are of the highest quality... these are the ratchets used by the Ferrari F1 team, and for them a broken tool is the difference between 1st and last place.

For $50, you will be very, very, very happy with a Beta ratchet... And if not, I will even buy it off you, just because I know I will, and you can never have too much of a good thing.

scottmlew · Jul 14, 2009

pjcforpres2020 said:
For $50, you will be very, very, very happy with a Beta ratchet... And if not, I will even buy it off you, just because I know I will, and you can never have too much of a good thing.

Alright, I took you up on your offer

Just ordered the 910/55 3/8"

pjcforpres2020 · Jul 14, 2009

scottmlew said:
Alright, I took you up on your offer

Just ordered the 910/55 3/8"

Nice! 48 or 72 teeth? I am guessing with no "Q" in the product code, it is the 72 tooth one... :drool:

eric87 · Jul 14, 2009

why not just get some gearwrench ratchets. i use them all the time and they are a lot better than the craftsman ratchets. they had them at sears for $20 plus sockets not a bad deal

scottmlew · Jul 14, 2009

pjcforpres2020 said:
Nice! 48 or 72 teeth? I am guessing with no "Q" in the product code, it is the 72 tooth one...

Yep, the 72 tooth. I'm very excited to try it out! Will post comments once I receive it and get a chance to try it.

Merkava_4 · Jul 14, 2009

scottmlew said:
Just ordered the 910/55 3/8"

Whom did you order it from? I've never been able to find any online sites that sell Beta.

Elroy · Jul 14, 2009

gtivr4 said:
I'm tired of my crappy craftsman 3/8 ratchet. Too many degrees between clicks and too much reistance as well. I have $50 to buy the best 3/8 ratchet I can, and I have no problem with a good used piece. Should I just head to ebay for a used Snap-On (if so, which model)?

Notice the "signature" at the bottom of Elroy's post:

Elroy said:
A complete set of Proto ratchets all purchased from Grainger at close out prices. With sales tax, Elroy has $45.70 total in all three tools. Thanks to the board for posting these close out items. Hope to return the favor.

The moral of the story is to shop around and wait for the good deals

pjcforpres2020 · Jul 14, 2009

Merkava_4 said:
Whom did you order it from? I've never been able to find any online sites that sell Beta.

Small parts Inc sells them in the USA... They have their own site and are on amazon.

When I got mine my brother had them shipped from a UK supplier... But no need to go that route with small parts Inc now selling them.

There should be a link on the first page of this thread.

sk farmer · Jul 14, 2009

Elroy said:
Notice the "signature" at the bottom of Elroy's post:

The moral of the story is to shop around and wait for the good deals

elroy ,i have gathered that same set together with the knurled handle 3/8 and 3/8 long.some were picked up through grainger and some on ebay. i am awfully proud of my sk stuff but those big dawgs are damn nice and seem to be the ones i reach for these days. i will be picking up versions that i don't have if oppurtunity arises. i am happy to say that i may have even done a little better on price. :pimpflash

Elroy · Jul 14, 2009

Let Elroy tell ya what he likes about SK

Their Chrome is about as nice as it gets.

Bo Heck · Jul 14, 2009

Elroy said:
I tell ya what I like about SK

Their Chrome is about as nice as it gets.

Speaking in the first person??!! :shocking:

I think Elroys account has been hacked.

fordracing200 · Jul 15, 2009

The gear wrench ratchets break way too easily, But I've got a 80 tooth snap on 3/8 then a long handle locking flex 80 tooth 3/8, both awesome, you'll never want to use another ratchet ever again after using one of those.

scottmlew · Jul 15, 2009

Merkava_4 said:
Whom did you order it from? I've never been able to find any online sites that sell Beta.

Got it from Small Parts via Amazon.

billymade · Jul 15, 2009

I just picked up a used f80 at a local pawn shop for $35; go look at the pawn shops/flea markets, you might just find a good deal!

29Sedanman · Jul 15, 2009

I love my gearwrench fully polished ratchets.

FiftyCalAl · Jul 15, 2009

philw said:
Hard to beat this Beta for the price.
http://www.amazon.com/Beta-Drive-Reversible-Ratchet-Teeth/dp/B001ODKH8C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1247604052&sr=8-3

I like my F80 better because it has less backdrag.
F80's or Matco 60 tooth ratchets from ebay (but your always taking a slight risk with ebay tools)

SK palm control or a Facom 72 tooth (the new MAC's are Facoms).
Craftsman slim profile.
SK tuff 1

Proto's are nice but tend to be larger in size and not as fine toothed. Very good ratchets but wouldn't be my on of my top choices for auto repair.

JUST BOUGHT THE LAST ONE< THANKS FOR THE LINK. I now have this and Wera Zyclops in 3/8; SK in 1/4; and SO SL80, SO GS80, and WERA Zyclops in 1/2 - diversity! haha

I have SK sockets in 1/4 and Wera 1/2 sockets and Craftsman reg and long in al 3 drive sizes.

Suggest a ratchet for around $50

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