Tekton Ratchets?

[Nineeightyone]

Hey everybody, I'm looking to add a new 3/8" ratchet to the family, something low-profile, non-flex-head, and preferably 72 tooth or higher. So far, it looks like the Tekton 3/8" Drive Quick Release 7" ratchet fits the bill, but I have a couple questions.

I've been a huge fan of Kobalt, but it sounds like Lowe's might drop Kobalt in favor of new Craftsman. I'm not a big fan of Craftsman's handles, and I know in the past their quality went downhill. I've been using my Kobalt Taiwan COO ratchet for nearly a decade, but the new ones don't appear to have a COO stamped on them -- leads me to believe they may have moved production since I got that initial ratchet that sparked my love for Kobalt.

I'm a big fan of the design of the Kobalt handle, and it appears that Tekton offers a similar handle, in the 72 tooth that I like and at a reasonable price point. The million dollar question is, what's the Country of Origin of the Tekton ratchets? The website is vague, and before I order one, I'd like to ensure that I'm not going downward in quality.

 

[jd_1138]

I think their ratchets (composite ones anyway) are the same as the HF Pro ones. They are nice. Definitely worth picking up -- great value. HF ones are black and grey, though. Tektons are red I believe.

Also, I really like my little HF roto ratchet (1/4) that I picked up for like 8 bucks with coupon. I think it's in their Pro line.

 

[njc41980]

Tekton site says Taiwan.

I like them.

 

[njc41980]

https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-drive-x-7-inch-low-profile-polished-ratchet-14932

 

[DFB]

I'm really liking the composites these days, I have 3 of the Pittsburgh ones. 2 with offsets handles 1/4" 3/8" and the big 1/2" with straight handle

 

[t4runner]

They look like Craftsman pro ratchet they sold at one time.

 

[powertrip]

I seriously doubt Lowes is going to drop Kobalt, just ain't happening.

 

[ptgarcia]

I have the Tekton swivel-head ratchets and a couple of their 1/4" drive stubby low-profile ratchets and they are all made in Taiwan.

 

[Mr_B]

Carlyle from napa .
Nice smooth action/strong and well made plus warranty pretty simple .
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38TD
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38QR

 

[Wamsutta]

You never mentioned a budget so I'll recommend this.

72 teeth and the most comfortable handle in the world.

 

[uncwstudent]

You should check out the Powerbuilt Pro Tech ratchets. Same heads as Carlyle but have some funky handles that I personally like. They're pretty cheap too (usually around $20).

 

[BlackLS2]

Big fan of the Cornwell JR30/301 ratchets!

I picked up a couple of the Tekton 72T ratchets just to have around, and for mobile tool kits. I find myself using them surprisingly often. They are tough.

 

[Parrothead]

I have the Titan version of the Tekton soft grip handles, and I can say those are darn near indestructible. A 250+ lb man jumping on a 1/2 ratchet to remove lug nuts should probably break the ratchet...it did not. I still use it to this day.

The low profile design you're interested in looks to have the same pawl design as the Titan I outright abused. If it's anything like mine, it's a winner.

I am also using my Craftsman USA low profile ratchets too and like those.

 

[Holmesx10]

Capri tools has 72tooth ratchets that are very cheap but also very good quality. CoO is Taiwan and has a lifetime warranty. Highly recommended.

 

[X1 Mike]

I'm really liking the composites these days, I have 3 of the Pittsburgh ones. 2 with offsets handles 1/4" 3/8" and the big 1/2" with straight handle

I have 1 of each size of both styles of composite ratchets and I really can't believe how often I am going to them. I originally got them because I like the idea of a softer surface while working on my Harley, but find myself grabbing them more and more all the time.

I really like the look of the Craftsman Pro copies.

 

[Nineeightyone]

Thanks for your inputs everyone! The Carlyle quick-release doesn't seem like a bad move as well, I'll have to poke around and look at all the options.

 

[Mr. Tool]

This Tektron 3/8" drive ratchet does look cool with it's low profile slim line design. At it's current price I wouldn't mind buying one.

https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-drive-x-7-inch-low-profile-polished-ratchet-14932

 

[CallumRD1]

I have that model in both 1/4" and 3/8" drive and really like them, especially the 1/4" model. It's the perfect size for a lot of the work I do and has a nice shape.

 

[Mr. Tool]

The Tektron website list that particular 3/8" model ratchet for only $20 bucks.

As for the 1/4" ratchet, same style/model at $17 bucks but it currently shows "Out of Stock".

 

[Benito]

I have a couple. Not bad, nothing fancy. Clean up well

 

[M6erfan]

That Tekton lo pro is interesting but the 7" length kills it for me

 

[Mr. Tool]

Not for me it doesn't.

That's part of the beauty of it. It's length. Not too short, not too long, just right with it's low-profile design makes it special.

EDIT UPDATE:....as a matter of fact, I just placed my order for that specific 3/8" low profile ratchet through Amazon with free shipping! Not bad for just under $20.00 bucks (priced paid $19.80)

 

[ptgarcia]

That Tekton lo pro is interesting but the 7" length kills it for me

Too short or too long? They have a 4.5" version, also.

 

[zorrox]

I have the tekton 1/4 and 3/8 set. The ratchets are high quality, my only gripe is the lever mechanism is the reverse direction from what I'm used too. It clicks to the right to tighten, sorta drives me nuts.

 

[DTuck]

I have the tekton 1/4 and 3/8 set. The ratchets are high quality, my only gripe is the lever mechanism is the reverse direction from what I'm used too. It clicks to the right to tighten, sorta drives me nuts.

I'd say majority of my ratchets are the same way. Makes total sense to me. To the right is tighten to the left is loosen.

 

[Lelandwelds]

How do they make and sell them for that? If they chose any of the alloys I would pick, there is $15 worth of steel in there! Does Amazon distribute them as a loss leader?

CNC machines cost the same in Taiwan as they do here.

 

[Tallpilot]

How do they make and sell them for that? If they chose any of the alloys I would pick, there is $15 worth of steel in there! Does Amazon distribute them as a loss leader?

CNC machines cost the same in Taiwan as they do here.

1) The operator of the CNC machine costs less.
2) The steel costs quite a bit less when bought in volume. (In this case the volumes are very large because the manufacturer makes private label ratchets for 10+ different customers.)
3) Do they spec the same steel you would? How is the quality control in the mill that makes the steel?

We don't know these answers but we do know that these ratchets have taken some pretty serious real world abuse and are going strong. So for the price you can't go wrong.

 

[zorrox]

I'd say majority of my ratchets are the same way. Makes total sense to me. To the right is tighten to the left is loosen.

Unless you are looking at the bottom of the fastener, in which case the left tightens it.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Check out the Duralast ratchets at autozone, seems like a good ratchet for the $$.

 

[DTuck]

Unless you are looking at the bottom of the fastener, in which case the left tightens it.

Same goes for the opposite, pretty poor argument you made there.

 

[oldldh]

I have ten of them...They do the job...

Got most of them from Amazon on the 30% off Christmas sale, a couple of years ago...

Worth what they're asking...

 

[zorrox]

Same goes for the opposite, pretty poor argument you made there.

It's not an argument, just an observation. Moreover, the clicker is on the bottom of the ratchet head and from that perspective* the fastener goes to the left to tighten a standard threaded fastener.

That's how the almighty snap-on ratchets are setup and as we all know they can do no wrong!

 

[rustbucket5]

i have all of the styles, great ratchets. if you have to get one style get the low profile, super comfy

 

[DTuck]

It's not an argument, just an observation. Moreover, the clicker is on the bottom of the ratchet head and from that prospective the fastener goes to the left to tighten a standard threaded fastener.

That's how the almighty snap-on ratchets are setup and as we all know they can do no wrong!

Lol you have a point with the snap on comment. Just use an impact when under a car problem solved.

 

[PR1Gneon]

Hey everybody, I'm looking to add a new 3/8" ratchet to the family, something low-profile, non-flex-head, and preferably 72 tooth or higher.

Craftsman extreme grip

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[dthor68]

Just bought the Gearwrench XP-120 3/8" from Advance Auto for $29.88. I was not expecting to find the XP in the store, never seen it on their website. Anyway, nice ratchet, very happy with purchase.

So Lowes is dropping Kobalt for Craftsman? Wow! I would much rather purchase the Kobalt. So will Lowes be swapping out Kobalt warranty claims with Craftsman?

 

[dwasifar]

I have the tekton 1/4 and 3/8 set. The ratchets are high quality, my only gripe is the lever mechanism is the reverse direction from what I'm used too. It clicks to the right to tighten, sorta drives me nuts.

That's what it's supposed to do. Drive nuts.

 

[dwasifar]

This Tektron 3/8" drive ratchet does look cool with it's low profile slim line design. At it's current price I wouldn't mind buying one.

https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-drive-x-7-inch-low-profile-polished-ratchet-14932

I have one of these and can vouch for its initial quality. Can't speak to how it will hold up over time, but right out of the package it seems very nice and to the extent that I've used it I have no complaints.

 

[SRX]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KLY1CDY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I purchased this a bit ago and I really like using it. Nice, clean feel. Very stout. Very comparable to a Kobalt 3/8" flexhead I have, just not as long. I like the size.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

Craftsman extreme grip

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

This ratchet is actually pretty good. I like the comfort grip on it.