Taiwanese FCF72 equivalent

[preludeguy]

Hi,
I've been working on a timing belt with tight access and find that I would really like a 3/8" ratchet with the following specs
1. thin profile head (<= 1/2")
2. high teeth count (>= 72)
3. 6"-7" length (short enough to swing in close quarters but longer than a stubby to be able to provide break-loose torque)
4. flex head (locking or non-locking but non-locking preferred)

Snap-on's FCF72 looks like it would fit the bill, but it's a bit pricey and I was wondering if there is a "Made in Taiwan" equivalent. It obviously won't compare to the Snap-on in quality but for my non-professional use I've been happy with my Taiwanese hand-tools.

Model numbers would be very helpful.

Thanks

 

[BajaBound]

I would look at gearwrench.

 

[BajaBound]

http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench-81012f-1-4-drive-full-polish-flex-head-84-tooth-ratchet.html

 

[T45]

Snap on's sybling company Williams makes a 25 dollar ratchet that will take a 10 dollar snap on kit to make the tool you want. Search for "3/8 in 1/4 body" or similar on the forum for the p/n's involved.

SK and wright make similar 3/8 in 1/4 body tools but the flex part is harder to fulfill with them. Proto/facom flex 1/4's can be adapted but is more expensive than wiliams. Proto is 72t, overall very good and decently strong for its size. Downside is it's 19mm thick vs 12 of the snap on tho.

Williams and previous gen snappy is 36T, but honestly will work in most cases except obvious engineering mistakes by parts designes. the form factor is really much smaller than any 3/8 tool.

 

[gdocktor3]

The head isn't real thin, but this is a SK 1/4" flex head ratchet with a 3/8 drive. Prices can be found cheaper on eBay and other sites I'm sure. . https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OGWH9M/?tag=atomicindus08-20.

Otherwise go for Gearwrench.

 

[WWheeler]

Snap on's sybling company Williams makes a 25 dollar ratchet that will take a 10 dollar snap on kit to make the tool you want. Search for "3/8 in 1/4 body" or similar on the forum for the p/n's involved.

SK and wright make similar 3/8 in 1/4 body tools but the flex part is harder to fulfill with them. Proto/facom flex 1/4's can be adapted but is more expensive than wiliams. Proto is 72t, overall very good and decently strong for its size. Downside is it's 19mm thick vs 12 of the snap on tho.

Williams and previous gen snappy is 36T, but honestly will work in most cases except obvious engineering mistakes by parts designes. the form factor is really much smaller than any 3/8 tool.

I think these are some links to what T45 mentions:

Williams M-52EHFA 1/4-Inch Drive Ratchet, Enclosed Flexible Head, High Polished Chrome
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YREAF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

^ it's more than $25 everywhere I looked but that seems to be it. Maybe it's cheaper somewhere I didn't find? I dunno. (edit: Here it is a little cheaper + shipping:
http://www.autotoolworld.com/Williams-M-52EHFA-14-Dr-Flex-Head-Ratchet-7_p_196260.html )

And this $10 Snap On kit will convert that 1/4 ratchet to 3/8
https://store.snapon.com/Ratchet-Repair-Kits-QD-Series--Ratchet-Service-Kit-P662781.aspx

That's what I gather, anywho, according to this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92921

edit: Worth mentioning that it doesn't quite meet the OP's criteria. It's 36 tooth, not >72 tooth, and made in USA, not Taiwan.

And FWIW the Gearwrench suggested above looks to be 1/4" drive, not 3/8.

 

[T45]

wheeler - thanks for pulling out all that info in your post !

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ols-1-4-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

Link for the ratchet at $24 + s&h, but showing out of stock

 

[BajaBound]

I did not pay close attention. It is a 1/4 inch.

 

[MrGiggles]

Tekton 14933.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-3-8-in-Drive-7-in-Low-Profile-Polished-Ratchet-14932/205552501

I haven't measured the head, but it has to be close to 1/2".

The head on these is pretty thin, but no locking flex and they're pretty long. Flex heads with handle that short aren't common, aside from a stubby.

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-flex-head-ratchet-62321.html

 

[bwringer]

As noted above, the HF flex ratchets (#62333) are made in Taiwan, excellent quality, and very inexpensive. Cheap enough to cut it down without feeling too guilty if the handle is too long.

Or maybe get one of these double-ended dealies (#67994) from HF and cut it down. Made in Taiwan, and the absolute thinnest head I've seen. Not sure how many teeth.

 

[outdoorspace]

GearWrench 120XP 81215P (~$40) would probably be the way to go right now for a low-profile flex-head. At half the price and only 72-tooth, I am personally holding out for a flex-head version of the Tekton 14932.

Pittsburgh Professional 62321 (~$18) has a good reputation if you don't mind a comfort grip.

 

[Rustypigeon]

I got the Gearwrench 81204P set which is a set that includes both the 1/4 and 3/8 flex head 120xp ratchets. They quickly became my most used ratchets. $63 includes two ratchets.

I use the 1/4 a lot when working on engines. It is long enough to give some torque, yet small enough for access.

The 3/8 has a nice long flex head handle that is useful for breaking bolts loose.

 

[Citation]

Rather than GW, look at the 72 tooth Husky ratchet from home depot. Same Apex/GW design but a few less teeth. I would also go with the lower tooth count. The 100/120 tooth (Husky/GW) double pawl heads are taller and have higher back drag vs the lower tooth count single pawl ratchets.

 

[preludeguy]

Thanks everyone. There is really a wealth of information in this thread.

3/8 in a 1/4 body is an interesting concept but it seems it would be either 36 teeth in the required form factor, or 72 teeth in a different form factor.

I see your point that a slightly thicker or less tooth count should work ok for most applications but I feel like I have the ratchets for those. I'm looking for a go-to which saves me from removing obstructing parts or dropping the engine, etc., and there is only room for a short length and only a few clicks of swing, yet needs to be strong enough to break loose fasteners. So I'm a bit hesitant to compromise. (I know, I should probably spring for the Snap on then ... )

Cutting short an inexpensive ratchet is also a great idea. HF's would be good for this.

Flex head is probably the only requirement I feel I could skip, in which case the Tekton 14932 (and possibly others) would work.

Thanks again. Lots of food for thought.

 

[Wamsutta]

It ***** being dirt poor and needing a special tool. I feel for you dude.

 

[a52-830]

the gw 81012 people keep talking about has got a pretty thick head.

can i suggest a tekton 14967 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OHSRRA2/?tag=atomicindus08-20) which has too long a handle (although the bend might work anyway)

that really thin hf 67994 (looks like a wrench) is an intriguing suggestion.

 

[Wamsutta]

Hey! If a 100 of us chipped in a $1.00, we could buy it for you!

 

[preludeguy]

can i suggest a tekton 14967 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OHSRRA2/?tag=atomicindus08-20) which has too long a handle (although the bend might work anyway)

Yes, there are also a couple more cheap options I could use if I cut the handle like bwringer suggested. I was just at HF and really like the 62333 in its action, thin profile and non-locking flex head.

that really thin hf 67994 (looks like a wrench) is an intriguing suggestion.

It looks nice. I took a look at it but the 3/8 ratcheting is quite stiff. Not sure why.

Hey! If a 100 of us chipped in a $1.00, we could buy it for you!

Thanks for the offer . But really, I just try to limit my tool purchases to what I can get out of it. I doubt I can justify $100 worth of work from the ratchet (whether bought or given) from my DIY weekend use.

 

[WWheeler]

Well, ever since T45 posted above mentioning that Williams 1/4 flex to 3/8 conversion using the Snap On kit and I went and dug up the links and info regarding it above I haven't been able to stop thinking what a nice addition that would make to my ratchet arsenal.

So I bit. And while I was there I also grabbed some standard red 1/2, 3/8. 1/2 replacement soft grips for my Snap On ratchets. not that mine are wore out yet to the point of needing replacing, but it seemed every time I looked the price on them keeps going up. Just a few years ago they were all less than half what they are now.

Anywho, looks like it's going to cost me just under $50 for that Williams 3/8 in a 1/4 flex conversion. Not too shabby I don't think. So, thanks for the topic preludeguy and to T45 for pointing me in that direction.

 

[Ign]

I agree w bwringer about the HF double-ended dealie. They're pretty damn cool and for the price hard to go wrong.

Before he was banned wild cowboy started a whole thread on them:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264928

 

[Fedwrench]

The 3/8 drive compact (as in a 1/4 drive body) ratchet is an example of how the tool trucks have stuff that the other brands don't. I wish Gearwrench or Carlyle would jump on the compact 3/8 drive band wagon but, I don't see it happening.

Have you considered Wright?

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/minature-flex-ratchet-5-1-2-contour-handle-e997.html

It may not have the strength you need for breaking fasteners loose & it's only 5.5 inches long though.

Another option would be to cruze Ebay for used versions of truck brands as all of the truck brands offer compact head 3/8 drive ratchets.

While I have you here, I'll plug my favorite compact 3/8 drive ratchet, the Snap on FHCNF72.
https://store.snapon.com/Product-Details-FHCNF72-P650298.aspx

It's a roto ratchet design with a thinner head than the FCF72. 72 teeth, nice grip, 6 7/8 inches long. cruze ebay and be patient. These are not invincible ratchets though. I have broken mine more than once.

Lastly just to muddy the waters with another option, Gearwrench sells item # 9218 which converts any ratcheting boxed end of 1/2 wrench into a 3/8 drive ratchet. Part number 9208 does the same thing to a 13mm wrench. You may not be able to find the individual parts but, the 3 piece adapter set
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-9230.aspx
Anyway, by sliding this adapter into the right size ratcheting boxed end, you could have a very wide selection on thin head ratchets, stubby, regular, flex head, extra long, etc. It just depends on what types of ratcheting wrenches you have.
Armed with all of these options, go forth and defeat the hard to reach fasteners

 

[WWheeler]

The 3/8 drive compact (as in a 1/4 drive body) ratchet is an example of how the tool trucks have stuff that the other brands don't. I wish Gearwrench or Carlyle would jump on the compact 3/8 drive band wagon but, I don't see it happening.

Have you considered Wright?

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/minature-flex-ratchet-5-1-2-contour-handle-e997.html

It may not have the strength you need for breaking fasteners loose & it's only 5.5 inches long though.

Another option would be to cruze Ebay for used versions of truck brands as all of the truck brands offer compact head 3/8 drive ratchets.

While I have you here, I'll plug my favorite compact 3/8 drive ratchet, the Snap on FHCNF72.
https://store.snapon.com/Product-Details-FHCNF72-P650298.aspx

It's a roto ratchet design with a thinner head than the FCF72. 72 teeth, nice grip, 6 7/8 inches long. cruze ebay and be patient. These are not invincible ratchets though. I have broken mine more than once.

Lastly just to muddy the waters with another option, Gearwrench sells item # 9218 which converts any ratcheting boxed end of 1/2 wrench into a 3/8 drive ratchet. Part number 9208 does the same thing to a 13mm wrench. You may not be able to find the individual parts but, the 3 piece adapter set
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-9230.aspx
Anyway, by sliding this adapter into the right size ratcheting boxed end, you could have a very wide selection on thin head ratchets, stubby, regular, flex head, extra long, etc. It just depends on what types of ratcheting wrenches you have.
Armed with all of these options, go forth and defeat the hard to reach fasteners

Oh man am I ever in luv with that FHCNF72. I don't know how I hadn't seen that before. I had no idea my FHNF100 & THNF72 were missing a sibling. Those swivel round head ratchets are generally my go-tos unless I'm going to be breaking loose rusted/larger fasteners. That compact 3/8 is definitely now on my list of things to get in the near future.

As far as the Gearwrench adapters go, Snap On recently sent me a 3/8 dr 5/8 adapter (RWA2FR ) that I didn't even order. It was included in the bag along with a $0.89 SPP744 ratchet repair tool that I did order. I didn't even know what it was at first to tell the truth as it didn't seem all that practical but I wasn't thinking about being able to use it in a ratcheting wrench. It looks like the GearWrench are a bit more low-profile as they sit almost flush on the back and I guess have an o-ring to help keep them in place? The Snap On has a hex cap w/ quick release button that turns to lock it in place so it can't slip off that sticks up from the back about 4mm.

 

[M6erfan]

And to muddy the waters a bit more...

I have these, I chose this route instead of the 3/8"-1/4" conversion...





http://www.frankstools.com/ktcraadba.html

 

[Fedwrench]

EZ Red & Grey Pneumatic also offer those low profile adapters.

http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-103ra.aspx

On a side note, I visited AutoZone while running errands. Low and behold, they a nice looking 3/8 drive compact head quick release 72 teeth ratchet for $19.99. Now it wasn't a flex head, and I have now idea how good it is but, some people here love Duralast so, who knows

 

[WWheeler]

I have a hard time trusting any Duralast tools after I've had to utilize the 'lifetime' warranty so many times on their ball joints and wheel bearings after only a year, or if I'm lucky two. Unfortunately been there done that a half dozen times now on several different vehicles. Finally gave up and now I'll spend the extra coin on Moog and Timkin and not have to fuss with them again for another decade.

 

[davethorik]

I have a hard time trusting any Duralast tools after I've had to utilize the 'lifetime' warranty so many times on their ball joints and wheel bearings after only a year, or if I'm lucky two. Unfortunately been there done that a half dozen times now on several different vehicles. Finally gave up and now I'll spend the extra coin on Moog and Timkin and not have to fuss with them again for another decade.

You know their tools and car parts have nothing in common, right?

I have an SK 1/4 rat I converted to 3/8. I don't ever really use a standard stubby 3/8 rat, but being in a 1/4 body you can really get it in some tight spots. SK offers their regular and flex 1/4 rats with 3/8 drive brand new. I also have a Matco that is the same, but it's basically the same as a 36t craftsman ratchet. The SK has 60 teeth and is very user friendly.

 

[abvw]

You guys are over-complicating things, it's a timing cover bolt, it's not very tight. The chances of you rounding one out to a cheap socket is higher than not actually busting one loose.

The whole point of compact 3/8" ratchet is to run down large fasteners typically 1/4" don't have sockets for, in a confined space, like an engine mount bolt or rack and pinion mounting bolts. Slapping a 3/8" drive 10mm socket on a compact 3/8" ratchet is completely pointless.