Ultimate 1/4 Ratchets

[Mr_John]

What 1/4 ratchet is that one?

Looks like a Nepros 90 to me.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I've got a Bahco 1/4 that I really like. It is pretty stubby, but unless the fastener is too tight, or my 1/4" 10mm is missing (again) it is my go to for smaller fasteners.

 

[M6erfan]

What 1/4 ratchet is that one?

Matco AFR372TA

 

[JBH]

Not sure, but I didn't find anywhere that sold the Nepros ratchets less than buying direct from Nepros. Again, though, I think $20 to ship a 1/4 ratchet from the mfr is ridiculous.

Why? They’re shipping from Japan. We’re not talking about a company with the shipping volume of Amazon here.

 

[Mr_John]

Why? They’re shipping from Japan. We’re not talking about a company with the shipping volume of Amazon here.

I've purchased a bunch of stuff from Japan and received free shipping. In fact, I just ordered a Tone BRS20 mini ratchet set, the entire set, shipping from Japan for $36. Stuff ships from China all of the time for next to nothing, as well. So, don't tell me a manufacturer that charges $102 for a small 1/4 ratchet needs to charge $20 to ship it.

 

[M6erfan]

I've purchased a bunch of stuff from Japan and received free shipping. In fact, I just ordered a Tone BRS20 mini ratchet set, the entire set, shipping from Japan for $36. Stuff ships from China all of the time for next to nothing, as well. So, don't tell me a manufacturer that charges $102 for a small 1/4 ratchet needs to charge $20 to ship it.

Keep in mind that Nepros ratchets come in a fancy box, so the package is a bit larger than a simple padded envelope. I wonder what S-o would charge to ship a similar package from the U.S. to Japan?

Edit: Just for kicks I went to Matco's site and they want $10.09 to ship a $68 ratchet, domestically. Tekton shipped my $20 1/4" ratchet, free.

 

[JBH]

I've purchased a bunch of stuff from Japan and received free shipping. In fact, I just ordered a Tone BRS20 mini ratchet set, the entire set, shipping from Japan for $36.

I’m happy for you.

I Stuff ships from China all of the time for next to nothing, as well.

There are reasons for that, but international postal treaties are out of the scope of this discussion...

Bottom line is, if you want it, buy it. Whining is unproductive.

 

[mudflap]

I’ve been been using hell out of these lately. I really like using them.

I have the 1/4in version..i like the QR, but it has more backdrag than a breaker bar. Maybe it just needs to be broken in some more. Yours look like they have seen some serious use...

 

[Mr_John]

I’m happy for you.

I'm happy that you're happy for me.

There are reasons for that, but international postal treaties are out of the scope of this discussion...

Bottom line is, if you want it, buy it. Whining is unproductive.

Oh come on, you're exaggerating the scope of the discussion. No we don't need to talk about international shipping treaties or if China is not really still an emerging economy and is given unnecessary USPS shipping rate discounts. That said, the point is, a lot of eBay sellers selling from Japan offer Free Shipping. And, a $102 1/4 ratchet has more than enough profit margin to allow the mfr, KTC, to free ship it, or ship it at a discount.

Bottom line is, I did NOT buy it, and part of the reason I did not buy it, was the ridiculous price of shipping. Also, at $102, I'd like a US-based warranty location. If it's a $20 ratchet, who cares, but at $102 - an easy warranty process would be nice, as well.

 

[KenC]

I have an ancient Snap-On, an older Proto, a HF roto ratchet and several others. Just got a 120 tooth Craftsman as a warranty replacement for an older 80. so far I really like it, very low back drag, no unintended reversing, cool nickle look plating, and with 120teeth, you just wiggle it and get a click. Now if I could get that mechanism in a roto ratchet I'd love it.

 

[joel63]

I'm happy that your happy for me.



Oh come on, you're exaggerating the scope of the discussion. No we don't need to talk about international shipping treaties or if China is not really still an emerging economy and is given unnecessary USPS shipping rate discounts. That said, the point is, a lot of eBay sellers selling from Japan offer Free Shipping. And, a $102 1/4 ratchet has more than enough profit margin to allow the mfr, KTC, to free ship it, or ship it at a discount.

Bottom line is, I did NOT buy it, and part of the reason I did not buy it, was the ridiculous price of shipping. Also, at $102, I'd like a US-based warranty location. If it's a $20 ratchet, who cares, but at $102 - an easy warranty process would be nice, as well.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=snap+on+1/4+drive+ratchet&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=1

Maybe this might work for you.

 

[rice rocket]

I like the Bahco 6950. They poach the Snap-On dual 80 mechanism in a more svelte body. My mobile kit on my bike is the Wera 1/4" thin metal ratchet, which I like for the quick release.

 

[rhys99]

Just been hit with a £28 ( $34 ) import charge, bumps the price up substantially from $ 74 to $108, the ratchet itself is only $59.

 

[mr.lemons]

Just been hit with a £28 ( $34 ) import charge, bumps the price up substantially from $ 74 to $108, the ratchet itself is only $59.

Ouch! I had the same experience the one time I bought tools of some value direct from Japan to UK. Put me off buying anything over about £20. Unfortunately it seems that sellers from Japan aren't kind enough to lie about the value on the shipping forms like the sellers from China do.

 

[jimmyin3D]

What 1/4 ratchet is that one?

Naw that’s not a Nepros it’s a Matco AFR372T 72teeth micro ratchet

 

[rhys99]

Ouch! I had the same experience the one time I bought tools of some value direct from Japan to UK. Put me off buying anything over about £20. Unfortunately it seems that sellers from Japan aren't kind enough to lie about the value on the shipping forms like the sellers from China do.

Really does put you off buying when the postage and charges are near enough the same price as a premium product.

 

[Fedwrench]

The ultimate ratchet is in the eye of the user but, I think this thread could use some Powerbuilt Pro ratchet input.

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...ssories/drive-size_1-4-in#H7GwTHWpS41fhKmC.97

Seriously though, if you shop around these ratchets are pretty sweet. They have a crisp 72 tooth ratcheting action, come in a variety of lengths, and have a small thin head for great access. The handle shape is comfortable and a vast improvement over the almost #2 pencil size handles found on many 1/4 ratchets.

 

[M6erfan]

The ultimate ratchet is in the eye of the user but, I think this thread could use some Powerbuilt Pro ratchet input.

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...ssories/drive-size_1-4-in#H7GwTHWpS41fhKmC.97

Seriously though, if you shop around these ratchets are pretty sweet. They have a crisp 72 tooth ratcheting action, come in a variety of lengths, and have a small thin head for great access. The handle shape is comfortable and a vast improvement over the almost #2 pencil size handles found on many 1/4 ratchets.

Agreed Fed. I have the Carlyle flex version (if you like a comfort grip) and it's one of my favorites. Tone also makes a version of this ratchet with a similar but slightly different handle than the Powerbuilt Pro.

 

[scubadoober]

I have the 1/4" x 7" flex Powerbuilt Pro and have absolutely no complaints. Especially for the money that you can find them for on ebay. Best bargain, and better variety than Tekton 90t.

 

[Mr_John]

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=snap+on+1/4+drive+ratchet&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=1

Maybe this might work for you.

I actually bought a 1/4 Snapon locking flex head - my point in the post was that I was considering a Nepros ratchet, but given the high price and then ridiculous shipping costs, I ended up ordering the Snapon, brand new, for about $79 with free shipping.

 

[joel63]

I actually bought a 1/4 Snapon locking flex head - my point in the post was that I was considering a Nepros ratchet, but given the high price and then ridiculous shipping costs, I ended up ordering the Snapon, brand new, for about $79 with free shipping.

You just can't beat (IMO) a deal like that. And Free Shipping, Woo Hoo!

 

[rice rocket]

The ultimate ratchet is in the eye of the user but, I think this thread could use some Powerbuilt Pro ratchet input.

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...ssories/drive-size_1-4-in#H7GwTHWpS41fhKmC.97

Seriously though, if you shop around these ratchets are pretty sweet. They have a crisp 72 tooth ratcheting action, come in a variety of lengths, and have a small thin head for great access. The handle shape is comfortable and a vast improvement over the almost #2 pencil size handles found on many 1/4 ratchets.

Hmmm, those look very similar to my TONE ratchets I picked up from Japan.

I'll have to grab a few to see what the differences are.

 

[rhys99]

well here it is, sadly the photos don't do justice. The finish is excellent and action incredibly smooth, shame they don't offer a softgrip version.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

Hmmm, those look very similar to my TONE ratchets I picked up from Japan.

I'll have to grab a few to see what the differences are.

It's the exact same ratchet except for the handle design.

 

[Corndoggeh]

The new craftsman quick release is outstanding. It's proably my favorite right now. It's very reliable. Very nice looking chrome. And the quick release is perfect.

I saw that one in lowes, im considering getting it. They have two versions of the 1/4" made by SBD now in open stock.

 

[gears]

I've been on a vintage kick and finding Craftsman 1971 V series quick release 1/4 & 3/8 at garage sales, they're smooth after a good cleaning and lube. I take them over my Snapons. The Cornwell ball head is nice but I don't like the way the softgrip twists on the shaft.

 

[measuredtwice]

It's the exact same ratchet except for the handle design.

Would you happen to know the model number of the Tone ratchet equivalent?

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

well here it is, sadly the photos don't do justice. The finish is excellent and action incredibly smooth, shame they don't offer a softgrip version.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

That is a real beauty!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

Would you happen to know the model number of the Tone ratchet equivalent?

Equivalent to what?

 

[M6erfan]

That is a real beauty!

+1

 

[measuredtwice]

Equivalent to what?

I found it. NVM. Thanks though.

 

[gil]

Hello
Check out the "EZYRED" brand, usa tool brand.
They offer a 6 inch, and 12 inch ratchet.
72 tooth ratchet, very fine.
Both ends on a flex.
One end a 1/4 inch drive.
Other end takes "screwdriver bits".

Regards, Gil

 

[mr.lemons]

well here it is,

Great pic.

 

[banditbigdog]

Hazet 1/4

 

[rice rocket]

I have that Hazet. While a very smooth ratchet with great ergonomics, it isn't my go-to because the big head is a hindrance sometimes.

 

[dredoubleu]

I’m a big fan of the Thorsen 77 open gears, especially the 1/4. Mine was acting up and reversing lately, but a good soak and cleaning seems to have fixed it up nice. The 1/4 is tiny, with possibly the smallest, thinest head of any 1/4 I’ve used. With such a small ratchet, and such low backdrag, I find myself using the 30 tooth Thorsen in tight spots over my more modern 72 and 90 tooth ratchets. I also recently got the SK 40970 because of GJ recommendations, and have been loving it as well.

 

[bonneyman]

I’m a big fan of the Thorsen 77 open gears, especially the 1/4. Mine was acting up and reversing lately, but a good soak and cleaning seems to have fixed it up nice. The 1/4 is tiny, with possibly the smallest, thinest head of any 1/4 I’ve used. With such a small ratchet, and such low backdrag, I find myself using the 30 tooth Thorsen in tight spots over my more modern 72 and 90 tooth ratchets. I also recently got the SK 40970 because of GJ recommendations, and have been loving it as well.

It's hard to beat Thorsen open gears and S-K roundheads!

 

[bonneyman]

well here it is, sadly the photos don't do justice. The finish is excellent and action incredibly smooth, shame they don't offer a softgrip version.

Maybe you could Macgyver one? There's the Plasti-dip, or screwdriver handle mod, or gasoline hose work arounds.

I did some to a pair of Bonneys, as the knurling was worn badly and the handles tend to be quite thin anyways. They don't look pretty - I should have taken more time with them, but they are tools after all - but they add bulk and grip and are basically free.

 

[regguy1]

Craftsman RHFT and the Snap-on Swivel Head with a black hard handle are my fav's!

I agree, the Snap-On swivel head is my favorite. I noticed that Harbor Freight has one that look just like the Snap-On

 

[dredoubleu]

It's hard to beat Thorsen open gears and S-K roundheads!

Those classic roundheads really shine in 1/4. I feel like with such a small package and such low torque, the simple old stuff outdoes the new stuff. As much as I love the F80s I’ve used, the newer technology just doesn’t seem to scale down well to the T72.