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UK's Top Tier Quick Release Ratchets?

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gdocktor3

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Apr 18, 2015
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5,419
Location
Connecticut
Whats the skinny on UK's top tool manufacturers? I'm looking for a nice quick release ratchet comparable to Snappy's dual 80, but without the hefty price tag. Research has led me to Bahco, but I can't find the 80 tooth with qr. Facom, Wera, Stahlwille. There are so many, but I can't find a fine tooth with quick release. Ideally I would like a sealed pear head. Any handle, in 3/8" drive. But there's a catch. Where can I find these being sold in the states? Shipping seems to run anywhere from $20-40+. Also, whats the story with Teng Tools?

I'm not a mechanic and don't make money with tools, but screw around on my personal stuff daily. I enjoy it and love the satisfaction and feeling I get when I finish a project or make a repair that would other wise cost me lots of money. For that reason, I insist on buying quality tools. I don't want HF. I don't want Blue Point or Chinese Craftsman and don't want UK's comparison to those. I just bought a Facom J161 and have been very impressed with it. For that reason I am considering a quick release of that caliber.
 
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Dave455

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I think the only domestically produced ratchet at the mo is the King ****, but I wouldn't call it top end!

Looking for a ratchet comparable to the Dual 80, but without the price tag, is a bit like looking for a car that's an uber fast motorway cruiser but doesn't use a lot of fuel - you and everyone else want one but expect a long hunt!

To be honest, if you want a dual 80, save up and get one! If you can't justify the cost, haunt your dealer each month and pick up the special's flyer - a dual 80 will be featured at some point!

Forget the Bahco. I know the tools you mean, but we don't get offered those in the U.K. If you order one, you will get a rough Taiwanese thing that you will not be happy with.

Williams is a better bet. Be sure to get the U.S. made stuff, not the Taiwanese. They offer both and the website will tell you which is which. This is basically the older pattern Snap On. They're good, but not as good as the Dual 80. You will also need to order from a U.S. supplier.

The euro tools are good, and I'd be happy with either Stahlwille or Hazet, but neither offer the range of tools their U.S. cousins do, so you can have a fine tooth ratchet, or a quick release, but not both! I'd opt for the Stahlwille quick release with the all steel handle. Good tool!

Facom is tricky at the mo as you have to know what you are looking to ensure you get a euro tool, not a Taiwanese. Subject to this, they're good! J161 is an example! If you can pick up the version of this you want, I'd do so!

I'd forget the Wera. They're made in Taiwan send are expensive for a Taiwan tool.

I would consider KoKen though. Lovely tools, really tough, choose your tooth count (in half inch drive I think there are at least 3 different tooth counts of ratchet) and reasonably priced. Regular 1/2 drive ratchet is about 1/3 the price of the snappy equivalent, but it's probably 90% of the tool!
 
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maico

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Nov 21, 2014
Messages
711
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England
Dave455 said:
I think the only domestically produced ratchet at the mo is the King ****, but I wouldn't call it top end!

Looking for a ratchet comparable to the Dual 80, but without the price tag, is a bit like looking for a car that's an uber fast motorway cruiser but doesn't use a lot of fuel - you and everyone else want one but expect a long hunt!

To be honest, if you want a dual 80, save up and get one! If you can't justify the cost, haunt your dealer each month and pick up the special's flyer - a dual 80 will be featured at some point!

Forget the Bahco. I know the tools you mean, but we don't get offered those in the U.K. If you order one, you will get a rough Taiwanese thing that you will not be happy with.

Williams is a better bet. Be sure to get the U.S. made stuff, not the Taiwanese. They offer both and the website will tell you which is which. This is basically the older pattern Snap On. They're good, but not as good as the Dual 80. You will also need to order from a U.S. supplier.

The euro tools are good, and I'd be happy with either Stahlwille or Hazet, but neither offer the range of tools their U.S. cousins do, so you can have a fine tooth ratchet, or a quick release, but not both! I'd opt for the Stahlwille quick release with the all steel handle. Good tool!

Facom is tricky at the mo as you have to know what you are looking to ensure you get a euro tool, not a Taiwanese. Subject to this, they're good! J161 is an example! If you can pick up the version of this you want, I'd do so!

I'd forget the Wera. They're made in Taiwan send are expensive for a Taiwan tool.

I would consider KoKen though. Lovely tools, really tough, choose your tooth count (in half inch drive I think there are at least 3 different tooth counts of ratchet) and reasonably priced. Regular 1/2 drive ratchet is about 1/3 the price of the snappy equivalent, but it's probably 90% of the tool!
Click to expand...

German made Stahlwille QR N series are fine tooth (80) and QR
Facom round head palm controls are also available in QR versions made in Italy
 
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gdocktor3

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Apr 18, 2015
Messages
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Location
Connecticut
Does anyone know where Toptul can be bought? I cannot find anywhere in the U.S. and can't find prices on Toptul.com
 
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