Time to buy a couple new ratchets. Help Please.

[j.robinson389]

I'm just an every-other weekender here, but I am looking to buy new 1/2" and 3/8" ratchets. I am not trying to offend anyone here but COO is not my top priority. But when I spend good money on tools I like them to last.

I have a set of HF composite ratchets that I use for quick and light work. (don't care if these last, I have less than $25 invested in all three)


So I am looking to buy a 1/2" and 3/8" long framed ratchets. I don't necessarily care if they are really long, I just know that I want them to be longer than standard frames. Help me out here and give me some reasonably priced options. Truck brands are out of my price range, unfortunately.

Right now I am thinking that I want to get the 3/8" in a flex head and the 1/2" fixed for budget reasons. Smart choice here?

My options that I am currently looking at.

Armstrong 1/2"
Armstrong 3/8" Maxx Flex

I have also heard good things about GearWrench. I'm am sure there are other worthy options that I hadn't thought of so feel free to let me know.
As if I haven't asked for enough. How advantageous are offset handles?

Thanks for the advice,
Jake

 

[03protege]

Those Armstrongs have received many good praises and will probably be the next set I pick up. Harry J epstien has them for a little cheaper and is a great small business to support.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/11-994.html
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/12-994.html

I know the 1/2" is different but I think it is worth the extra change, I find the flex heads to be so much nicer. Plus it has almost twice the teeth.

The Gearwrenches you can get the 84t and they are supposed to be pretty nice.

Here is an entire set of flexheads and a stubby.

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-81230f.aspx

Buying individually though the GWs don't seem to be such a hot deal (for the flex heads) they are almost as much as the Armstrong.

For the offset handles I am sure it is like any other tool that has the same thing in 50 flavors, it is redundant and pointless until it is the only tool that will work in that situation.

 

[ed_v]

SNAP-ON!

I've had and broke them all. Finally gave in and bought a 1/2", 3/8", and 1/2" drive set new for around $250. Haven't broke one yet in about 6 years.

Other than the ratchets... I'm not all pro Snap-On, especially for the home user... but the ratchets are great!

Ed

 

[ludakris04]

I hunted around ebay until I found some lightly used ones. I bought a couple Armstrong and Snap-ons. I really like the Armstrongs, but the Snap ons are a bit longer. I am slowly becoming a tool junkie and used seems to be the best bet especially if you arent wrenching full time with them. I usually stay under the $40 mark w/ shipping.

 

[03protege]

SNAP-ON!

I've had and broke them all. Finally gave in and bought a 1/2", 3/8", and 1/2" drive set new for around $250. Haven't broke one yet in about 6 years.

Other than the ratchets... I'm not all pro Snap-On, especially for the home user... but the ratchets are great!

Ed

I (home user) also went this route and picked up a Snap On 3/8" and 1/4" flex head ratchets and they are great. The other day I was using one and I couldn't believe I didn't break the thing. They take some serious abuse and are the smoothest ratchets I own.

Considering how long a good ratchet will last, I do think they are a worthy investment. I still can't justify the sockets no matter how hard I try to, maybe that day will come soon.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Snap-on ratchets are hard to beat, but I'd only buy the 80-tooth versions. I have some of the older ratchets with fewer teeth, and they're ok, but not nearly as nice as the 80-tooth ratchets. For non-fine tooth, I actually like older SK quite a bit more.

 

[maddawg308]

Vote here for Proto - American-made and very nice quality. I like the industrial finish models, like a black parkerized coating.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

I would look around for some nice used Snap-on 80 tooth.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have ratchets from Armstrong, Craftsman, GearWrench, Kolbalt, Matco, and Snap On. For what you are looking for I would start with the GearWench long handles. If you want a locking flex then look at the Armstrong Maxx. Both are reasonable price wise and they don't really give anything up to the more expensive brands unless you have easy access to a tool truck in case you need one replaced.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Craftsman Premium

 

[Subyroo651]

Hands down, for the money? Armstrong cant be beat
But you have their best 3/8's coupled with a so-so 1/2"

I would recommend that 3/8" Flex 11-994 and their 1/2" Flex 12-994. I have both and love them. I also have Snap-On but don't spend more than you have to. You can also get the Matco rebuild kits and make the Armstrongs literal copies for half the price.
As a plus, they're still Made in 'Merica!

Craftsman Premium

Not long reach, slightly longer but not enough for it to matter.

 

[j.robinson389]

The Gearwrenches you can get the 84t and they are supposed to be pretty nice.

Here is an entire set of flexheads and a stubby.

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-81230f.aspx

The price is really appealing on this set.

Just wondering how does the warranty work, with these tool brands that aren't readily available in a store or on a truck?

 

[FiendFX]

Snap on ratchets on ebay.

 

[j.robinson389]

Snap on ratchets on ebay.

I have looked into to this, and if I do it. I'm going all in and buying Dual 80 ratchets. But I thought I remember reading about problems with early models. How would I know which model this applies to?

 

[hifi_hokie]

I have looked into to this, and if I do it. I'm going all in and buying Dual 80 ratchets. But I thought I remember reading about problems with early models. How would I know which model this applies to?

From what I've been reading, it was the SKUs that didn't have "A" on the end, and mostly 1/2" drive - so S80, SL80, etc.

 

[03protege]

Craftsman Premium

Are those really considered long handle? Certainly not anywhere near as long as what he is looking for.

 

[03protege]

The price is really appealing on this set.

Just wondering how does the warranty work, with these tool brands that aren't readily available in a store or on a truck?

Well I am trying to warranty a Gearwrench ratchet now and the rep basically told me to shove it up my ***.

Literately, she told me to find a retailer and have them perform the warranty.

 

[03protege]

I have looked into to this, and if I do it. I'm going all in and buying Dual 80 ratchets. But I thought I remember reading about problems with early models. How would I know which model this applies to?

You may also want to consider the price you would pay on ebay vs the cost of new from a dealer. If there is only a slight difference I would opt for new for warranty reasons. Although the repair kits are cheap at $10.

 

[j.robinson389]

You may also want to consider the price you would pay on ebay vs the cost of new from a dealer. If there is only a slight difference I would opt for new for warranty reasons. Although the repair kits are cheap at $10.

So if you buy used, the truck brands will not fix it for free? Or is it just common courtesy to not warranty stuff you didn't buy new?

 

[sk farmer]

SNAP-ON!

I've had and broke them all. Finally gave in and bought a 1/2", 3/8", and 1/2" drive set new for around $250. Haven't broke one yet in about 6 years.

Other than the ratchets... I'm not all pro Snap-On, especially for the home user... but the ratchets are great!

Ed

if you have not tried any other rats in 6 years you need to try an armstrong. i have the coveted hard handle 3/8 dual 80. it rests lonely in my tool chest while i use my armstrong 3/8 (88t)maxx and 3/8 armstrong (60t)locking flex. they are that nice.

 

[woody 73]

The price is really appealing on this set.

Just wondering how does the warranty work, with these tool brands that aren't readily available in a store or on a truck?

I would go with this set from gearwrench and if they break sears should be able to help you help; I believe if I am not misinformed that they carry gearwrench and they will take care of you if it breaks.

 

[03protege]

So if you buy used, the truck brands will not fix it for free? Or is it just common courtesy to not warranty stuff you didn't buy new?

Snap on require proof of purchase to get warrantied. Not saying a dealer wouldn't warranty it for you but if you don't have good dealer relationship he may tell you to show the proof of purchase.

Just something you should be aware of before laying down the green.

 

[highclassjunkman]

Wright

 

[Dubbydoo]

I would go with this set from gearwrench and if they break sears should be able to help you help; I believe if I am not misinformed that they carry gearwrench and they will take care of you if it breaks.

Ive stripped out a ratcheting wrench from gearwrench took it to sears they gave me a new one no questions asked

 

[03protege]

Ive stripped out a ratcheting wrench from gearwrench took it to sears they gave me a new one no questions asked

But what happens if it is a product they do not carry?

 

[Dubbydoo]

not sure they seemed to have a lot of selection but i guess that would very store to store. I would say go on their website and see if it says any thing about warranty items

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Are those really considered long handle? Certainly not anywhere near as long as what he is looking for.

They're longer than what he's using. Now if he wants something longer, then he's got to find something else.

Crafty has a long handle polished 3/8 non flex and flex and the old school raised panel flex in half in drive

Armstrong has some long handle non flex that I use often as well. 36 tooth count IIRC but strong as an ox

 

[NC-Fordguy]

But what happens if it is a product they do not carry?

If its not something they carry in the stores or on-line then one has to search elsewhere.

 

[dirtmister16]

id go armstrong if i were to buy again. ive always like there ratchets and handles. had one but the screws kept coming out and it got messed up.

ive bought two used snap on standard length (older models) and one new long handle. im happy with them as a much better then the craftsman raised panels i had for years and got tired of dealing with.

ive wanted to try some proto but never had the chance. i have older round head blackhawks that are great too, maybe new ones are good ive not checked them out.