Super Low Profile 3/8” Ratchet Options

[CGarage]

I can see why you would think Z Series, especially the compact, but you will be getting a small head ratchet, and it strikes me you need a thin head ratchet.

First that comes to mind is the Snap On. I’ve got one of these, and the low profile sockets to match. I don’t need it often, but when I do nothing really comes close. It’s not quick release, and not the length you want, but in all other respects probably ideal.

The other contender has to be the Wera Zyklop with the metal handle. I don’t know the dimension of the 3/8, but I have the 1/4 drive and it’s very thin.

Quick release too, and a relatively long handle. Wera seemed to have put a lot of thought into this design, and came up with something very. similar to what you are looking for.

I bought the Wera.
The product packaging is marked “Made in Czech Republic”. It’s a nice little ratchet.
I will post photos soon.

 

[The Critic]

I ditched the Quick Release requirement.

I went with a Matco AFR128LFB and installed the 3/8” drive guts from a repair kit.

 

[Dave455]

I bought the Wera.
The product packaging is marked “Made in Czech Republic”. It’s a nice little ratchet.
I will post photos soon.

Yes, agreed!

I only own this ratchet in 1/4” drive - it came with a set, which I only bought because the set was so handy.

As things turned out, I use the set a lot (often because it‘s the one I have with me) and the ratchet is a good “jack of all trades” if you only have one handle with you. I wish they were rebuildable, but there you go!

I’ve become a great fan of these compact 1/4” sets. I have bigger sets in blow moulded cases, or loose in my tool chest, but these small sets are uber convenient.

 

[d.mcfarland]

What's the 3/8" repair kit number? @The Critic

I like the choice you made.

 

[KnurledNut]

@d.mcfarland
Ive done this upgrade too. Here’s what you want:

 

[LWB]

I picked up one of these sets. I haven't used it for plugs yet but I'm sure it will help get the job done. It's quality and the adapters can be used for anything.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07B3TFT2R/

Showing unavailable at the moment.

 

[Draftpick1]

@d.mcfarland
Ive done this upgrade too. Here’s what you want:

Also this will work for Armstrong maxx ratchets

 

[mike93lx]

Also this will work for Armstrong maxx ratchets

Guessing they make the Matco ratchets?

 

[CGarage]

Yes, agreed!

I only own this ratchet in 1/4” drive - it came with a set, which I only bought because the set was so handy.

As things turned out, I use the set a lot (often because it‘s the one I have with me) and the ratchet is a good “jack of all trades” if you only have one handle with you. I wish they were rebuildable, but there you go!

I’ve become a great fan of these compact 1/4” sets. I have bigger sets in blow moulded cases, or loose in my tool chest, but these small sets are uber convenient.

As always, agree on all points!

I would be totally lost without my Facom 1/4” bit ratchet set.

 

[The Critic]

What's the 3/8" repair kit number? @The Critic

I like the choice you made.

@d.mcfarland
Ive done this upgrade too. Here’s what you want:

I used the BFR5TK kit, but I think I should have used the BFR8TKA.

The 3/8” body that came with the BFR5TK kit did not have an o-ring….and did not have a groove to use one. I think it may have been the wrong kit.

 

[Fedwrench]

Guessing they make the Matco ratchets?

At one time, Armstrong has been closed for more than a few years now.

You can also use that kit in any Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth 1/4 drive ratchet. I created one of my favorite ratchets that way.

 

[Draftpick1]

Guessing they make the Matco ratchets?

Armstrong now closed is owned by Danaher that also ownes Matco, not sure who was actually making the ratchets but they definitely shared designs and parts. Pretty sure the Craftsman premium non quick release ratchets use matco internals. Why I have the Armstrong ratchets a lot cheaper than matco and repair kits are available.

 

[Draftpick1]

I used the BFR5TK kit, but I think I should have used the BFR8TKA.

The 3/8” body that came with the BFR5TK kit did not have an o-ring….and did not have a groove to use one. I think it may have been the wrong kit.

Product not found | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

https://www.matcotools.com/productassets/web-documents/BFR58_PartsBreakdown_01.pdf

I will look and see if I still have my bags where I swapped my armstrong internals and what kit i used, the matco diagram shows a o ring, I have the matco BFR58 ratchet that matco makes with the 1/4 body with 3/8 drive. Posted a direct repair kit link and repair kit list

 

[assassin10000]

I used the BFR5TK kit, but I think I should have used the BFR8TKA.

The 3/8” body that came with the BFR5TK kit did not have an o-ring….and did not have a groove to use one. I think it may have been the wrong kit.

Normal.

They didn't design the 3/8 in 1/4 kit to have the o-ring. I have had 4 of them (currently 3 after one was re-homed by my brother in law).

 

[KnurledNut]

Normal.

They didn't design the 3/8 in 1/4 kit to have the o-ring. I have had 4 of them (currently 3 after one was re-homed by my brother in law).

 

[Etchase]

How tall is it? The Matco, or the Wera for that matter.

 

[The Critic]

Normal.

They didn't design the 3/8 in 1/4 kit to have the o-ring. I have had 4 of them (currently 3 after one was re-homed by my brother in law).

I’m a little confused. This picture shows an o-ring.

3/8" DRIVE 88 TOOTH RATCHET REPAIR KIT BFR8TKA | Matco Tools

Field repairable kit for all Matco 88 tooth 3/8" drive ratchet

www.matcotools.com

 

[KnurledNut]

Matco has the BFR5TK pictured incorrectly.
The gear is much smaller. There is really not enough room to machine a groove for an o-ring.

 

[The Critic]

Matco has the BFR5TK pictured incorrectly.
The gear is much smaller. There is really not enough room to machine a groove for an o-ring.

So, BFR5TK and BFR8TKA kits are for different applications….and for 1/4-to-3/8 conversions, the BFR5TK is the only option?

 

[KnurledNut]

So, BFR5TK and BFR8TKA kits are for different applications….and for 1/4-to-3/8 conversions, the BFR5TK is the only option?

I know of none other, so I would say yes.

 

[assassin10000]

So, BFR5TK and BFR8TKA kits are for different applications….and for 1/4-to-3/8 conversions, the BFR5TK is the only option?

Yes.

The TKA part # is a normal size 3/8" drive ratchet repair kit. The picture is correct.

Your hoped for application is not .

 

[The Critic]

Yes.

The TKA part # is a normal size 3/8" drive ratchet repair kit. The picture is correct.

Your hoped for application is not .

Thanks - and my Matco dealer confirmed the same. TKA Part # is for a normal-sized 3/8" ratchet, the BFR5TK is their only 3/8" kit that fits in a 1/4" ratchet head.

 

[threewood]

I can see why you would think Z Series, especially the compact, but you will be getting a small head ratchet, and it strikes me you need a thin head ratchet.

First that comes to mind is the Snap On. I’ve got one of these, and the low profile sockets to match. I don’t need it often, but when I do nothing really comes close. It’s not quick release, and not the length you want, but in all other respects probably ideal.

The other contender has to be the Wera Zyklop with the metal handle. I don’t know the dimension of the 3/8, but I have the 1/4 drive and it’s very thin.

Quick release too, and a relatively long handle. Wera seemed to have put a lot of thought into this design, and came up with something very. similar to what you are looking for.

The Snap On is backorder. I was going to look at one on the truck but he didn't stock it. He said 3 weeks and laughed. Apparently he's still waiting on tools for months.

 

[CGarage]

The Snap On is backorder. I was going to look at one on the truck but he didn't stock it. He said 3 weeks and laughed. Apparently he's still waiting on tools for months.

I have been waiting on multiple Snap-On items for months, too.

Over a year for a mini pocket pry bar as well.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

The Snap On is backorder. I was going to look at one on the truck but he didn't stock it. He said 3 weeks and laughed. Apparently he's still waiting on tools for months.

just saw one pop on ebay if anyone is looking

Snap-on Tools USA LIKE NEW 3/8" Drive Chrome Low-Profile Ratchet RAF80A | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Snap-on Tools USA LIKE NEW 3/8" Drive Chrome Low-Profile Ratchet RAF80A at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[jonesg]

I have one, and love it.

I have used it on so many different things. It is awesome for the serpentine belt tensioners on cars with a 3/8” female square on the tensioner. It cannot go in my “good” ratchet drawer, because I have not figured out how to open it up.

That HF slim ratchet is a god send in certain situations, sharp corners on the beam for sure but it can get in where others can't.

 

[will335i]

Looks like the OP already found what they needed but FWIW I have two of the Snap-on RAF80As and I also have the Nepros NBRC390S.

The Snap-on is 10.44mm thick.

The Nepros is 11.19mm thick not including the quick release.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Armstrong now closed is owned by Danaher that also ownes Matco, not sure who was actually making the ratchets

Currently they are being manufactured by AJ Manufacturing for Matco.

 

[Draftpick1]

Currently they are being manufactured by AJ Manufacturing for Matco.

You are correct
"In 2010 Danaher decided to spin off their hand tool companies (Matco was retained), and this spin off included brands like Armstrong, Allen, and Gearwrench, and as part of the sale also included all their physical manufacturing locations, both domestic and abroad. So together with Cooper Industries they spun off these companies making Apex Tool Group in 2010. In 2012 they then sold Apex Tool Group to Bain Capital and when that sale happened Matco lost any direct connection to their domestic manufacturing partners and instead had to rely on contracts with a new company. This probably would of been fine but Bain Capital had different plans and slowly began to shut down all domestic tool manufacturing eventually eliminating Armstrong entirely in 2017. This manufacturing shuffling caused some debacles for Matco like when no one could get any 88T ratchets for over 6 months in 2015-2016. It also lead to sweeping product changes such as almost all of Matco's wrenches switching from USA made by Armstrong to Taiwan made by Kabo or Lea-Way. During this same time (2016) Danaher was taking the rest of their industrial and scientific tool companies, including companies like Matco and Fluke, which they retained, and spun them off into a new company called Fortive. Matco operates under the Fortive company to this day. Matco has since sought new domestic suppliers for many of their more iconic tools and as a result has tapped smaller companies in the USA to make things like their ratchets, extensions, pinless impacts etc.. Since roughly 2017 the ratchets are made in Elmhurst, Illinois by a company called AJ Manufacturing."

 

[KnurledNut]

You are correct
"In 2010 Danaher decided to spin off their hand tool companies (Matco was retained), and this spin off included brands like Armstrong, Allen, and Gearwrench, and as part of the sale also included all their physical manufacturing locations, both domestic and abroad. So together with Cooper Industries they spun off these companies making Apex Tool Group in 2010. In 2012 they then sold Apex Tool Group to Bain Capital and when that sale happened Matco lost any direct connection to their domestic manufacturing partners and instead had to rely on contracts with a new company. This probably would of been fine but Bain Capital had different plans and slowly began to shut down all domestic tool manufacturing eventually eliminating Armstrong entirely in 2017. This manufacturing shuffling caused some debacles for Matco like when no one could get any 88T ratchets for over 6 months in 2015-2016. It also lead to sweeping product changes such as almost all of Matco's wrenches switching from USA made by Armstrong to Taiwan made by Kabo or Lea-Way. During this same time (2016) Danaher was taking the rest of their industrial and scientific tool companies, including companies like Matco and Fluke, which they retained, and spun them off into a new company called Fortive. Matco operates under the Fortive company to this day. Matco has since sought new domestic suppliers for many of their more iconic tools and as a result has tapped smaller companies in the USA to make things like their ratchets, extensions, pinless impacts etc.. Since roughly 2017 the ratchets are made in Elmhurst, Illinois by a company called AJ Manufacturing."

Matco is now a Vontier company.
In October 2020, Fortive completed the corporate spin-off of 80% of Vontier. Fortive disposed of its remaining 20% ownership interest in January 2021.

 

[bryant 24]

I am looking for a super low profile 3/8” dr ratchet - which probably means I need a “3/8” dr in a 1/4” body” ratchet.

These are my requirements:

- Head Depth of 10mm or less
- Quick Release
- Minimum 6” long, prefer 10” if possible
- Comfort Grip

So far, the only ratchet I have found is the new Koken 2726zb-3/8(L160):



Are there any other options that I should be looking at?

In which situation do you need this super low profile(compact)? For flex head or fixed? Many brands already have normal low profile ones

 

[bryant 24]

This one is 11mm thick but not a comfort grip.

If they did a flex head version of this I would own it already.

Where will you use this super compact head? And why Flex? Can this replace normal low profile ones as a normal ratchets?

 

[Hohn]

Consider getting low profile sockets instead and use with your existing ratchets.
Something like Astro Nanos gives you impact use too.

That was the solution I settled on. It's not the heat thickness per se that is typically my problem, it's the overall height including the socket. The nano sockets plus a ratcheting wrench (I use some older gearwrench that still work well) gets me just about anywhere.

That said, I'm also looking at the Astro ratcheting wrench setup designed specifically for use with these nano sockets.

 

[AEAdam]

Is there not a special extension one could use? Like a 2” instead of 3” that would eliminate this problem?

I’m one of those people who have never understood the need for thin head ratchets. Seems to me there is always a better solution with different socket depths and extensions.

The picture I found shows what looks like a 3” extension on a plug socket with the ratchet head nearly riding what looks like a frame member. Why doesn’t a different length socket extension set up fix this? Or…why is a special ratchet the better solution?

 

[Zeus36]

...

 

[will335i]

Is there not a special extension one could use? Like a 2” instead of 3” that would eliminate this problem?

I’m one of those people who have never understood the need for thin head ratchets. Seems to me there is always a better solution with different socket depths and extensions.

The picture I found shows what looks like a 3” extension on a plug socket with the ratchet head nearly riding what looks like a frame member. Why doesn’t a different length socket extension set up fix this? Or…why is a special ratchet the better solution?

I have the Snap-on RAF80 and there have been several spots on my BMW that it has come in handy when paired with the low profile sockets. One job specifically was replacing the front wheel bearing. If I didn't have that ratchet I would have had to taken the steering knuckle apart to get to a bolt so it saved a ton of time.

 

[Madjik Man]

For how little this ratchet would probably get used, the quick release is irrelevant.

This seems like a case where you are looking to justify the purchase before making it.

However, why is a ratcheting wrench not the choice in this situation?

Last point, they make ratcheting wrench adapters that would make a better choice across a full spectrum of sizes:

Do these adapters have retention built in? Meaning the adapters will hold themselves in any 10mm, 13mm or 19mm ratcheting wrench?

 

[Jack Ryan]

I have the Snap-on RAF80 and there have been several spots on my BMW that it has come in handy when paired with the low profile sockets. One job specifically was replacing the front wheel bearing. If I didn't have that ratchet I would have had to taken the steering knuckle apart to get to a bolt so it saved a ton of time.

I guess you need to get under the car and see the problem because, from the armchair, it seems that a combination spanner or a ratcheting combination spanner would fit with plenty of room to spare.

Jack

 

[d.mcfarland]

Do these adapters have retention built in? Meaning the adapters will hold themselves in any 10mm, 13mm or 19mm ratcheting wrench?

I do not own them, but the picture has a pretty easily seen black o ring that I'm assuming does the job.

 

[Madjik Man]

I do not own them, but the picture has a pretty easily seen black o ring that I'm assuming does the job.

A couple of the reviews say they fall out. But I just wanted to see if that was user error or design error.