Thoughts on my 3/8 Ratchets

[M635_Guy]

I've been on a bit of a ratchet-bender lately, and now have Sunex, Carlyle, Icon, Snap On and most-recently Tekton chrome pear-heads. It's interesting (to me anyway) the takes of the various makers on things like the handle shape, length and head/switch design. I see a lot of discussions spread out across a number of threads, so a mini-shootout in the form of my semi-caffeinated thoughts:

I think all of these are made in Taiwan except Snap On, which is of course MiUSA.

Snap On has a magnificent feel - buttery but beefy somehow - but loses if value-for-money is in consideration at all, as both the Tekton and Icon are excellent. Not as buttery as Snap On, but both have a fantastic feel to me. Tekton wins by a nose for out-of-the-box feel vs. Icon. My Carlyle is the 60-tooth version, and is fine-but-unremarkable in terms of feel. Sunex is a little clicky and kinda meh - feels consumer-grade in this company.

All have pretty nice-feeling handles. I wish Icon would slightly round the bottom of their handle, and I wish Tekton would slightly round the "top" of the area where your index-finger sits when you hold it. Sunex is actually pretty comfortable, but Snap On easily has the best feel to me - one of those "becomes-part-of-your-hand" kind of things.

Icon and Snap On have pretty large, beefy heads where the others are pretty small - Tekton is the most compact overall.

Icon is following Snap On's "rise to the head" design with a prominent, domed switch with a pretty positive motion - I haven't had any issues with accidental reversing with the SO, and don't expect to with the Icon. They both feel great. I've had LOTS of problems like that with my Sunex, which looks recessed but really isn't, and it too easy to flip, which is why it's the last of these I'd pick up these days (it was also the first of these I bought). There's not really a physical cue that you're up around the head and with gloves I can't really feel the selector. Not a fan, at least for wrenching on cars. Carlyle is somewhere in the middle - there's a bit of rise to the head, a recessed switch that has enough beef to it you can feel it through gloves but is still pretty shallow in profile. It's a pretty balanced and successful design. Honestly, I'm not sure how I like the Tekton selector - it's recessed to the head, but there's no real transition from the handle to the head. The selector has a little meat and the feel is pretty positive though. I haven't gotten a chance to really smack it around yet, but I'm changing the oil on a couple of my cars at some point this weekend, so I'll run it for that.

For warranty, Icon, Carlyle and Tekton are all pretty great. Send pix of the problem and Tekton replaces it by mail. Carlyle and Icon are no-fuss store-swaps. Sunex also has a lifetime warranty, but I haven't heard much about how well they do. My impression is "pretty good" from stories about replacement sockets, but Tekton's rep seems overall better/faster. Snap On is a PITA unless you're in a shop visited by the truck. They'll warranty it to the original purchaser only, though they seem to honor it for secondary owners in some cases, and you have to send it in if you aren't a truck-person. (I'm not sure if they pay shipping in or not, but I kinda doubt it given their pretty-extraordinary $15 minimum shipping charge if you order anything on their site under $200) [Update: I've read a couple stories on Reddit where SO did honor the warranty on their tool, and sent labels for shipping. The tools in question weren't documented to be originally purchased by the owner ("inherited" it, etc.). And noticed a couple stories about truck guys taking a tool from a walk-up, tossing it into their warranty bin and giving the owner a new one. YMMV...]

For me, despite only being able to putter around with it so far, the runaway winner is the Tekton if price is a factor. At $25, it's several dollars less than the Icon with the best coupon, and isn't giving up anything I can see. I'm a big fan of the Icon, though at the list price of $35, it's hard to pick it because of the absolute value of the Tekton. Tekton monkey-slaps the similarly-priced Carlyle that's only 60-tooth. The Sunex honestly doesn't belong in this company. I don't think it's fair to compare these to Snap On - I do think it's the best ratchet of the bunch in every single way, but at triple the cost used, the Icon and especially the Tekton are awfully close for a fraction of the $$$. And Tekton's rep for their customer service and warranty appears stellar.

 

[Ton ton]

Which ratchet is the easiest to lubricate?

 

[anavrinIV]

Good to hear about the Tekton, I have been wanting new ratchets to upgrade my 12-year-old Kobalt handles that are unremarkable but just keep going, and the Tektons have been my top contender. I badly want a set or Snap-Ons but not being a pro in a shop my options are MSRP from their site or Ebay, neither of which is my preferred route.

 

[Ton ton]

I think the ICON is the best looking ratchet in the comparison.

 

[Ton ton]

I like the looks of the Sunex as well.

 

[M635_Guy]

Which ratchet is the easiest to lubricate?

All except Sunex use two screws. The dual-pawl design of the Snap On make it a little more fiddly to put back together I'd guess, but otherwise I don't think there's a lot of differences going on there.

Sunex uses a snap-ring, which is better or worse depending on whether you've got snap-ring pliers - lol. I don't like how open that makes the Sunex to be honest.

 

[Ton ton]

Ease of lubrication and general durability is what I am concerned about.

 

[M635_Guy]

I think the ICON is the best looking ratchet in the comparison.

I agree, a bit more squared vs. the Snap On, but still a very classic look. I'm not really hung up on looks though.

I like the looks of the Sunex as well.

If the Sunex had the Tekton head, it would be a contender. The handle is really comfortable when it's fully in your hand. For situations where that's not the case, it feels kinda fat. That's the beauty of what Snap-on is doing - the handle just seems to work and feel great in pretty much every situation.

 

[M635_Guy]

Ease of lubrication and general durability is what I am concerned about.

I guess it depends on what you consider hard. Assuming you've got snap-ring pliers, I think the Sunex is probably the easiest and fastest to get into, but their design makes me worry about ingress of grit, etc. though. The rest are pretty similar, and I think lubrication is pretty simple for all of these. Given that you're taking apart your impacts, I doubt any of these scare you

As far as durability, the only one I'd have second thoughts about is Sunex. If you're really tough on a ratchet, I think they're not making the one for you - more the homeowner/gentler-DIY type. The rest I think are pretty durable. I haven't seen the pawl on the Carlyle, but Snap On, Icon and Tekton have pretty damn beefy pawls and anvils. In those "test to failure" videos I dislike so much, Snap On, Icon and Tekton have all done very well. Can't recall seeing a Carlyle or Sunex in those, but I'd speculate that Carlyle would do fine and Sunex wouldn't. But that's not a reality I care about - I'd only have real-world concerns about the Sunex in this group, but I doubt it's truly weak. The other options are so good I wouldn't choose it again.

 

[Handyandy23]

My Tekton's are likely my favorite too, great ratchets for the money. I've bought them up in all the sizes. My favorites are actually the bent handle flex heads. Seems like they are something people either love or hate, but they're my go-to 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets.

The Icon is just like everything in the Icon line, a straight visual rip off of the Snap On design. Which is fine, but when Tekton has such small headed ratchets with such good quality and warranty, hard to pay more for a SO direct knockoff.

If you like the Tekton I'd suggest you try a GearWrench 120XP. I went back and forth on buying one based on some people saying they have a lot of back drag, but I really like it. Got it in a 1/4" flex since back drag is usually worse on the smaller size, and I didn't have a Tekton 1/4" flex. The feel is a little smoother to me than the Tekton, and has me thinking about buying more of them, even though I don't need more ratchets.

 

[Tallpilot]

Thank you for a well written report. One key takeaway that has been discussed lately in other threads: Sunex makes passable impact sockets, full stop. Do not trust their trademark for any other tool.
Tool truck ratchets are more refined than the alternatives. Are they worth the significant premium? That's an individual decision. My personal opinion is if you are a serious wrencher (and budget allows) it makes sense to get a tool truck brand in your most used sizes/styles and use another brand for speciality ratchets.

 

[Nineeightyone]

Good to hear about the Tekton, I have been wanting new ratchets to upgrade my 12-year-old Kobalt handles that are unremarkable but just keep going, and the Tektons have been my top contender. I badly want a set or Snap-Ons but not being a pro in a shop my options are MSRP from their site or Ebay, neither of which is my preferred route.

Let me tell you firsthand, I've been using a ~13 year old Kobalt 72 tooth, and a more recent 90-tooth Kobalt. I picked up the Tekton about a year and a half ago, in 90-tooth flavor. It's by far my favorite hand ratchet, better than both Kobalts and better than all my variations of the Pittsburgh Pro offerings. It's got a nice, strong feel to it, but doesn't feel chunky or "loose", the ratcheting action is smooth and tight.

Best ~$20 I ever spent.

 

[anavrinIV]

Let me tell you firsthand, I've been using a ~13 year old Kobalt 72 tooth, and a more recent 90-tooth Kobalt. I picked up the Tekton about a year and a half ago, in 90-tooth flavor. It's by far my favorite hand ratchet, better than both Kobalts and better than all my variations of the Pittsburgh Pro offerings. It's got a nice, strong feel to it, but doesn't feel chunky or "loose", the ratcheting action is smooth and tight.

Best ~$20 I ever spent.

The more I read the better I feel about the decision. For the $275 I was ready to spend on a Snap-On standard length ratchet set (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" dual 80s) I can get a Tekton standard set, Tekton flex head long handle set, and a 38pc set of combination wrenches 6-24mm and 1/4-1". The latter route is the one I'm preparing to take

 

[M635_Guy]

Thank you for a well written report. One key takeaway that has been discussed lately in other threads: Sunex makes passable impact sockets, full stop. Do not trust their trademark for any other tool.

The Sunex ratchets I have came with a kit I got - it had great reviews and I wanted something that could work as a good "travel kit" (I have an old BMW that I run around in a couple times a year). As it turned out, I like the chrome sockets just fine, but the ratchets were pretty meh with the accidental flipping of the on/off selector. I blame them for all the ratchets I have now -lol.

Tool truck ratchets are more refined than the alternatives. Are they worth the significant premium? That's an individual decision. My personal opinion is if you are a serious wrencher (and budget allows) it makes sense to get a tool truck brand in your most used sizes/styles and use another brand for speciality ratchets.

I got my Snap On ratchets as a birthday present to myself (I have the F80 shown above and an FL80), but it's entirely possible I'll sell them and replace with a Tekton or Icon over time. It's nice that they hold value...

 

[toddmorr]

tekton 90 tooth--lube it right, snip the pawl spring, really nice.
waiting for a comfort grip.

 

[M635_Guy]

My Tekton's are likely my favorite too, great ratchets for the money. I've bought them up in all the sizes. My favorites are actually the bent handle flex heads. Seems like they are something people either love or hate, but they're my go-to 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets.

The Icon is just like everything in the Icon line, a straight visual rip off of the Snap On design. Which is fine, but when Tekton has such small headed ratchets with such good quality and warranty, hard to pay more for a SO direct knockoff.

If you like the Tekton I'd suggest you try a GearWrench 120XP. I went back and forth on buying one based on some people saying they have a lot of back drag, but I really like it. Got it in a 1/4" flex since back drag is usually worse on the smaller size, and I didn't have a Tekton 1/4" flex. The feel is a little smoother to me than the Tekton, and has me thinking about buying more of them, even though I don't need more ratchets.

My solution to a non-fixed head has been swivels. I have Pittsburgh Pro, Icon and Snap On. Had and returned Carlyle - too clicky and higher back-drag. I've really loved the Icon - great feel, great handle, great length, etc. - no complaints at all - it's the first 1/4" ratchet I reach for in general. The Pit Pro is a great value, but over time I just found it a bit numb - handle and mechanism are only OK. The Snap On came just after I'd spent a ton of time under the hood of my old car, so I don't have a lot of time with it in-hand. A different approach to the handle and really compact head with what must be a really-tiny Dual-80 mechanism. I decided recently to take off the intake manifold off the car to chase what might be a ground issue, which is the definitive use-case for a 1/4" swivel to me, so I'll let the Snap On lead for that one and see how it shakes out.

 

[Fedwrench]

The one thing I'll add about the Tekton ratchet handles is that there's a little meat to them which makes them pretty comfortable especially in 1/4 drive. All too often a 1/4 drive all metal handle isn't much thicker than a number two pencil. The overall ratchet length is very handy too.

 

[bonneyman]

Which ratchet is the easiest to lubricate?

Bingo!

I prefer snap-ring construction to tiny screws.

 

[Tallpilot]

Bingo!

I prefer snap-ring construction to tiny screws.

They are certainly easier to pop off for a quick drop of your favorite libation. However I’ve seen them pop off under extreme loads. The screwed in backplates stay on even as the anvil shears off.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Thank you for taking the time to write a good review. I hope your typing skill is better than mine other wise, it's double thank you.

GJ being such a bad influence, I picked up a couple of 1/4" ratchets, a Gearwrench flex and a Tekton pivot. The Gearwrench is the nicer.

 

[Handyandy23]

My solution to a non-fixed head has been swivels. I have Pittsburgh Pro, Icon and Snap On. Had and returned Carlyle - too clicky and higher back-drag. I've really loved the Icon - great feel, great handle, great length, etc. - no complaints at all - it's the first 1/4" ratchet I reach for in general. The Pit Pro is a great value, but over time I just found it a bit numb - handle and mechanism are only OK. The Snap On came just after I'd spent a ton of time under the hood of my old car, so I don't have a lot of time with it in-hand. A different approach to the handle and really compact head with what must be a really-tiny Dual-80 mechanism. I decided recently to take off the intake manifold off the car to chase what might be a ground issue, which is the definitive use-case for a 1/4" swivel to me, so I'll let the Snap On lead for that one and see how it shakes out.

I have swivels/universals, but I've never been a fan of how they feel. Because they are universal joints, it almost feels like you need to use them with two hands to keep the socket from twisting off the bolt. Hard to use under any substantial amount of torque IMO.

A flex head ratchet only pivots around one axis, so when you apply torque to the handle all of that torque is transmitted to the socket. It just feels like a much more rigid joint that I can apply high force to without having to hold the socket with one hand.

The other advantage of a flex head is once a fastener is loose enough you can fold the handle in line with the socket and use it like a speeder.

I'm sure it's all a preference thing, but whenever I get tempted to try out a new ratchet brand, I try to grab a style or length slightly different from what I already have. That way I can try out a new feel and new brand at the same time.

 

[lardy1]

Threads like this cost me money.

 

[M635_Guy]

Threads like this cost me money.

It's my revenge against GarageJournal while I wait for UPS to deliver my latest weak moment (and no, it wasn't a ratchet... )

 

[Wamsutta]

I sure wish I could get Snap-on to make me a set of ratchets with the Carlyle style handle. That would be easy for them to do. All they'd have to do is program the CNC lathe (or whatever it's called) to skip the step that involves cutting the grooves. That sure would be sweet.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

For a ratchet handle, I like the made in Canada Gray, nothing comes even close.

 

[Fedwrench]

I sure wish I could get Snap-on to make me a set of ratchets with the Carlyle style handle. That would be easy for them to do. All they'd have to do is program the CNC lathe (or whatever it's called) to skip the step that involves cutting the grooves. That sure would be sweet.

I'm shocked here i thought your favorite ratchet handle was the classic coke bottle shaped Cornwell handle.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have swivels/universals, but I've never been a fan of how they feel. Because they are universal joints, it almost feels like you need to use them with two hands to keep the socket from twisting off the bolt. Hard to use under any substantial amount of torque IMO.

A flex head ratchet only pivots around one axis, so when you apply torque to the handle all of that torque is transmitted to the socket. It just feels like a much more rigid joint that I can apply high force to without having to hold the socket with one hand.

The other advantage of a flex head is once a fastener is loose enough you can fold the handle in line with the socket and use it like a speeder.

I'm sure it's all a preference thing, but whenever I get tempted to try out a new ratchet brand, I try to grab a style or length slightly different from what I already have. That way I can try out a new feel and new brand at the same time.

I think what you're calling a flex head, I'm calling a swivel. I had my swivels out last night working on my car a bit:

 

[Handyandy23]

I think what you're calling a flex head, I'm calling a swivel. I had my swivels out last night working on my car a bit:

Ah ok, yes I think we were talking about different things.

I usually see those called roto head ratchets so that's what I've always called them. I have a Tekton set of those that I like quite a bit.

Then the flex heads are your more standard style where the whole ratchet head pivots from a joint below the head.

 

[M635_Guy]

Ah ok, yes I think we were talking about different things.

I usually see those called roto head ratchets so that's what I've always called them. I have a Tekton set of those that I like quite a bit.

Then the flex heads are your more standard style where the whole ratchet head pivots from a joint below the head.

I'm not a fan of flex heads at all, and love my roto/swivels a lot.

 

[M6erfan]

I'm not a fan of flex heads at all, and love my roto/swivels a lot.

I'm not a fan of flex heads either, unless they lock

 

[Mr_B]

I'm not a fan of flex heads at all, and love my roto/swivels a lot.

Yes I like the roto/swivel head ratchets .
1/4 and 3/8 super versatile and fast to use plus handle lengths on some good balance of length .
The ICON roto heads actually another item they got that not a bad buy with good coupon added, decent length decent tooth count head easy stripped to clean/lube and strong mechanism, head is little bulkier than snapon and grips could be better quality but for 30bucks and a currently usable warranty they fair deal for a fair quality tool .

Flex heads over rated to me and I only like them with tight heads or good selectable mode locking mechanism like the matco .

 

[M635_Guy]

Yes I like the roto/swivel head ratchets .
1/4 and 3/8 super versatile and fast to use plus handle lengths on some good balance of length .
The ICON roto heads actually another item they got that not a bad buy with good coupon added, decent length decent tooth count head easy stripped to clean/lube and strong mechanism, head is little bulkier than snapon and grips could be better quality but for 30bucks and a currently usable warranty they fair deal for a fair quality tool .

Flex heads over rated to me and I only like them with tight heads or good selectable mode locking mechanism like the matco .

I have lots of opinions on swivels - there is a thread somewhere here on those. I need more time/use with the SO, but the Icon is still my favorite so far - love the symmetrical comfort handle. I also have it in 3/8", but like traditional ratchets better for some reason in that size. I have a PPro 1/2", but don't think I've used it yet. I'm generally using an impact for stuff that requires a 1/2".

 

[Tallpilot]

Yes I like the roto/swivel head ratchets .
1/4 and 3/8 super versatile and fast to use plus handle lengths on some good balance of length .
The ICON roto heads actually another item they got that not a bad buy with good coupon added, decent length decent tooth count head easy stripped to clean/lube and strong mechanism, head is little bulkier than snapon and grips could be better quality but for 30bucks and a currently usable warranty they fair deal for a fair quality tool .

Flex heads over rated to me and I only like them with tight heads or good selectable mode locking mechanism like the matco .

Icon, Pittsburgh Pro, Gearwrench and others from Taiwan all seem to use the exact same comfort grip. It's serviceable but it just isn't 'nice.' Carlyle is slightly better. Compared to Matco or Snap-on it's night and day. It isn't just the lack of contour, it's the durometer of the material.

 

[Mr_B]

I have the toptul ones and quite like the design and material handle they use as works well on the roto heads but wouldn't be so favourable on other ratchets perhaps.
Carlyle grip style was never favourite but it has proven be better material spec, just don't like the colors as don't mix well with grime

 

[M635_Guy]

Icon, Pittsburgh Pro, Gearwrench and others from Taiwan all seem to use the exact same comfort grip. It's serviceable but it just isn't 'nice.' Carlyle is slightly better. Compared to Matco or Snap-on it's night and day. It isn't just the lack of contour, it's the durometer of the material.

The Icon and Pittsburg are completely different handles (and different mechanical as well - slight differences in the diameter/thickness of the pivot, different shaft lengths, finishing seems a little better on the Icon, etc.). the PPro handle has an egg-shaped cross-section where Icon's is pretty much round and firmer. Much-prefer the Icon. The handle on the PPro is one of the main reasons I'm relegating it to a travel kit and got the Snap On. The SO handle is asymmetrical, which surprised me. It seems to work pretty well when using it in spinner mode (where the PPro felt very awkward), but it's not leaping ahead of the Icon yet. Unsurprisingly, I do like the mechanism/feel of the SO. Will get some more time with them in the next few days.

 

[Tallpilot]

The Icon and Pittsburg are completely different handles (and different mechanical as well - slight differences in the diameter/thickness of the pivot, different shaft lengths, finishing seems a little better on the Icon, etc.). the PPro handle has an egg-shaped cross-section where Icon's is pretty much round and firmer. Much-prefer the Icon. The handle on the PPro is one of the main reasons I'm relegating it to a travel kit and got the Snap On. The SO handle is asymmetrical, which surprised me. It seems to work pretty well when using it in spinner mode (where the PPro felt very awkward), but it's not leaping ahead of the Icon yet. Unsurprisingly, I do like the mechanism/feel of the SO. Will get some more time with them in the next few days.

Yes, the roto head Pittsburgh has a different handle (same as Tekton IIRC). I forgot that but the comfort grip on the other ratchets and breaker bars is the same as Icon and the Gearwrench roto head.

The asymmetrical nature of the Snap-on is why I like it. I don’t like ‘broom handle’ screwdrivers either. I suspect my preference would keep me from liking Mac comfort grips. It looks like a Duratech screwdriver handle to me.
Grip design is very personal though.

 

[Tallpilot]

I have the toptul ones and quite like the design and material handle they use as works well on the roto heads but wouldn't be so favourable on other ratchets perhaps.
Carlyle grip style was never favourite but it has proven be better material spec, just don't like the colors as don't mix well with grime

I wish I had heard of Toptul before Dennis got mad and gave it up. I refuse to pay what the remaining vendors charge now that I know the wholesale cost. Some of the items do look very nice though.