Upgrading Rachets

[kippieland]

I am looking to upgrade my Craftsman 3/8 teardrop rachets. I want to know what Rachets (brand/model) would be an upgrade and why? I also like the idea of a "soft-handle" Rachet, but I don't know what the downsides to them might be? I am a DIY'er and not a pro-mechanic, so I would have a hard time spending the big money on Snap-on Rachets (could do a Blue-point.) But if they are that much better, then I might consider it. Thanks!

 

[CHRIS LUCKYMAN]

You own the best ratchet on the market. Keep it and be happy.

 

[ijroorda]

mrholeshot's 3/8 ratchet shootout is worth a read.

Not sure how you feel about HF; for what it's worth, I have been quite happy with their 3/8 "heavy duty" ratchet - it 's no Dual 80, but it is 48-tooth vs the Craftsman 36, and for less money. It did well in the ratchet shootout I mentioned; pulled to 225 ft-lbs before it sheared.

The Craftsman Pro thin profile ratchet has 60 teeth, I believe; they seem to be generally well regarded.

Search around on GJ; you will find many, many threads on this subject.

 

[plinker]

S-K "pro" series are a very nice ratchet to use, 50tooth (in 3/8 drive, 45170 ). They are one of the best, IMO. I have several in different styles. Thier 40970 is the best in compact 1/4 drive ratchets (IMO).

The Williams ratchets are very nice they are the same internals as the Snap-on 936 series ratchet. Reasonably priced (Amazon & ebay), 36 tooth, same as the Craftsman raised panel(s) you have but much nicer to use overall. I have one Snap-on (S936) and one williams in 1/2 drive (S52EHLA) and they are my go-to's in that drive size.

The Gearwrench/Craftsman thin profile ratchets are 60 tooth (upgradeable to 88 apparently) and get good reviews overall. I have on in 3/8 drive (Napa branded though) and it's a nice ratchet to use. They have a nice low profile head as well.

just about any of these ratchets can be found for anywhere from 20 to 40 dollars depending on where you get them from/whos got what on sale and drive size.

Soft grip handles tend to collect dirt and may need to be cleaned more often as a result, I dont have any myself but have used some and they are nice but it's user preference mainly.

 

[Swan]

Breakdown, clean and re-grease your Craftsman Ratchets and you will be amazed at the difference and improvement. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, but do not forget to maintain it.

 

[Sterff]

First thing I would figure out is how much you are willing to spend.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Once I upgraded from Craftsman thin profile ratchets to Snap-On F80's in std, long and flex head in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 a lot of handtool tasks seemed easier and more efficient.

I bought them over an extended period of time and even the new Snap on price for them did not intimidate me and make me look elsewhere for brands.Good tools cost good money is how I see it.

YMMV, but cherry-picking some of the truck brands for well-designed and well-built tools does make a difference--at least to me.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Also a DIY'er here... My advice is to try a snap on ratchet and decide for yourself, F80 is probably a good choice. I used to be all Craftsman, then I decided to try an F80 to see what the hubbub was all about...what a world of difference. Now I own 6 SO ratchets. My wrenches, screwdrivers, and sockets are still cman pro though...I'm afraid to try their SO counterparts...

 

[RKA]

Anything I can do with my Snap On ratchets, I can do with my Craftsman ratchets. But it's nice working with well made tools, so if you don't mind spending the money.... For me it's justified on a tool I use frequently.

The rubber grip is about comfort, but your trade off is clearance and ability to easily wipe the tool down after use.

 

[woody 73]

This is my two cents for what it's worth, those older craftsman ratchets are indestructible and built like tanks; the new ones (pro series are also very nice. If you have some spare money and a little time keep looking at your cl they sometimes have good deals on used snap on tools, (also keep looking at the GJ for good deals).

Don't discount cornwell,wright,Matco,SK,Proto and some of the older Mac ratchets as they are also very nice.

 

[markw365]

I just watched the classifieds and picked up an F80, FLF80 and S80 all looked like new. Deals are out there. Like someone said earlier, it's not a bad idea to hand pick some truck brands. I've got the older craftsman ratchets, a couple craftsman pros, and once I used a dual 80, I had to get one.

 

[kams1973]

One has to be very careful with dual eighty technology. It is very addictive.

 

[db130]

another vote for Proto/Wright/Cornwell

there is a Wright 4426 ratchet right now in the classifieds for $25 shipped

 

[JMcFly]

I like my Craftsman Premium 3/8 and Thin Profile 3/8. I bought them used off a member here on the forum.

 

[kippieland]

Thanks everyone for the info. It sounds like a everyone really likes the Snap-on F80. I don't mind spending the money but its more like "are they really that nice and is it worth it???" Or "I wonder if there something cheaper??" But from your comments it sounds like it is. Keep it coming...the more info the better! Thanks

 

[kippieland]

mrholeshot's 3/8 ratchet shootout is worth a read.

Not sure how you feel about HF; for what it's worth, I have been quite happy with their 3/8 "heavy duty" ratchet - it 's no Dual 80, but it is 48-tooth vs the Craftsman 36, and for less money. It did well in the ratchet shootout I mentioned; pulled to 225 ft-lbs before it sheared.

The Craftsman Pro thin profile ratchet has 60 teeth, I believe; they seem to be generally well regarded.

Search around on GJ; you will find many, many threads on this subject.

Thanks for sharing the review. Very interesting stuff. I have both those Craftsman ratchets-new and old. The new is the reason I am interested in an upgrade. Thanks.

 

[Scout Driver]

Cool that you are keeping an open mind and are being so receptive.

I have a few different 3/8" ratchets. Here is what I like.....my used Snap On F936 with a clipped spring is my "go-to". Its got a precise feel, but isn't overly stiff (clipped spring). The chrome is worn to a satin finish. Another scuff or two doesn't bother me. That model has a proven track record for toughness too. Some searching should get you one for about $25 or $30. An FL936 gains you some length and leverage. A nice ratchet too.

Best advice I can give is to use as many ratchets as you can before you buy. Its easy to fall in love with a ratchet pictured in an ad, only to not like the feel of it when you start using it. Help some friends with some projects and use their tools. At the very least, it may narrow down some of the options for you.

Good luck in your quest.

Scott

 

[Farmer Joe]

I bought a SO 1/4" locking flex head ratchet off the truck for about $100 bucks. I really didn't want to spend that much, but I liked the idea of a locking flex head in a 1/4" size for tight spaces like replacing bulbs and batteries hidden deep within the tight confines of a car's trunk. I've had it for about a month and it has already paid off. Just wish it came without the "comfort grip"

So I guess if it does what you need it to do and makes the job easier, its worth the money. But I like my SK and Craftsman 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets. Although, I must say that my go to ratchet in most instances in the 1/2" size is the Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh Extendable ratchet. It has a green and black comfort grip, but that's been ok with me. It's only about 16-18 bucks and I've been abusing that thing for the past 6 months, hasn't let me down. I even have to more as backups in my toolbox. I would say that you should pick one up, you might actually like it, I know I have!

 

[JMcFly]

Thanks everyone for the info. It sounds like a everyone really likes the Snap-on F80. I don't mind spending the money but its more like "are they really that nice and is it worth it???" Or "I wonder if there something cheaper??" But from your comments it sounds like it is. Keep it coming...the more info the better! Thanks

I'd like to get one snap on ratchet, one day.

I've heard good things about the harbor freight composite ratchets.

 

[purplezr2]

I like my Matco 88 ratchets, I have a long handle 3/8 BFR118T I believe is the part number, I have a locking flex head version also.

 

[matthew]

If you're like me, you have more tool wishes than tool budget, so if what you've got works for you then I'd personally keep what you've got and look at supplementing with a different style of ratchet - perhaps something like a Gearwrench roto-ratchet. Or a long-handled 1/2" drive is also worth having.

 

[SMKS]

This is my favorite right now. Wright 3490. Only $25 + shipping from Harry Epstein. It's a good length, very nice fully polished finish and 82 clicks per revolution. YES 82 CLICKS!

I also like the old standard SK ratchet. Simple with a tough mechanism.

 

[scylla]

I'm have also been looking to upgrade my ratchets from Craftsmen to something a little better. After alot of thought I came to realize the Harbor Freight 3/8 ratchet I have had for 3 years has never let me down.

I subjected it to all kinds of abuse and it just kept on ticking. I can't think of a single reason to spend more money than the $10 a Pittsburg rubber covered ratchet costs.

They are 72 tooth and tough as nails.

 

[Subyroo651]

I've had it for about a month and it has already paid off. Just wish it came without the "comfort grip"

It does come in a normal grip model.

TX72

Maybe it wasn't out at the time you got yours?

 

[binkcat16]

snap on dual 80 only way to go

 

[WR250F]

I own ratchets from several mfrs including old school Cman (RP, Pro and Thins, flex), Proto, SK, Klein, GearWrench and a couple of others.

My go to almost every time is the HF composite in a 3/8 or 1/4 with the extendable green handle 1/2" a close second.

I don't know of another ratchet that has held up as well and is smooth as silk as the HF composites. I know... composite... some kind of plastic... couldn't possible hold up to a lot of torque.. well, it has held up every single time and I have used it with abandon, without regard to longevity concerns.

Best $12 you are likely to ever spend on a ratchet. You might buy others, but I bet once you use the HF composite, you'll like it.

For $12, what's the risk ?

Other HF ratchets are excellent too. Best bang for the non-pedigreed buck out there hands down.

 

[kippieland]

Anyone used or have a opinion on Blue-point Rachets?

 

[bmwohio]

I am a 'weekend warrior' like yourself and I mainly have some Craftsman and Gearwrench socket sets. I have a friend that works for Mac tools, so I was able to get a full set of internal and external torx sets through him. I bought and F80 and S80 off the forum here at basically half they price (they are out there). Just keep your eye on the forum and you should be able to find a good deal on them. I spent big on the ratchets, and went for more of a budget on the sockets. I absolutely LOVE my F80 and S80 and would say they are worth every cent.

Good luck in your quest

 

[SMKS]

Anyone used or have a opinion on Blue-point Rachets?

They're identical to the Williams imported ratchtets, but I believe you can find the Williams cheaper. BTW - The Williams imported line of tools appear to be identical to Blue Point. Sockets, ratchets, wrenches etc. Except they're cheaper.

I've had both designs. The course tooth, quick release model isn't impressive, IMO. But, the 60-tooth model is very nice.

 

[csmitty]

One has to be very careful with dual eighty technology. It is very addictive.

This is very true. Why I have a good collection of them now. More than I probably need. Excellent ratchets as well.

Other than that I really like the two SK round heads I have. They're in the truck tool box.

 

[Pro-Painter]

IMO, almost any ratchet made today will be an upgrade from the new RP craftsman's. The new standard RP ratchets are so poorly made now that it should be a joke.
You can walk into any auto parts store and find a better ratchet.


But, when upgrading from craftsman I think you should look into entry level sealed head ratchets such as Duralast, Gearwrench, or USA JH Williams. OR if quick release is a must, then look at import Williams(blue-point), NAPA brand ratchets (danaher made) or simply buy the polished craftsman's.
All brands listed above make a top notch ratchet that is miles ahead of the new craftsman RP ratchets.

 

[Aberdale]

I own ratchets from several mfrs including old school Cman (RP, Pro and Thins, flex), Proto, SK, Klein, GearWrench and a couple of others.

My go to almost every time is the HF composite in a 3/8 or 1/4 with the extendable green handle 1/2" a close second.

I don't know of another ratchet that has held up as well and is smooth as silk as the HF composites. I know... composite... some kind of plastic... couldn't possible hold up to a lot of torque.. well, it has held up every single time and I have used it with abandon, without regard to longevity concerns.

Best $12 you are likely to ever spend on a ratchet. You might buy others, but I bet once you use the HF composite, you'll like it.

For $12, what's the risk ?

Other HF ratchets are excellent too. Best bang for the non-pedigreed buck out there hands down.

+1 !!!!!

I probably own 30 or so ratchets (mostly SO and Cman), and the ones I currently use the most are the HF composites. They're a great value. They are smooth, reliable, cheap, and they feel good. Especially with winter coming.

 

[diesel research]

* 80 high performing teeth give no more than 4,5° action angle for outstanding strength and accessibility
* Exceeds the torque requirement of ISO standards
* Sealed mechanism to keep dirt out and lubrication in
* Curved shapes and highly polished surfaces
* No aggressive points and a non-slip bi-material handle ensures a comfortable and safe grip
* Made from high performance alloy steel, precision forged and heat treated to provide optimum durability

$38

 

[SMKS]

$38

I forgot about these. They appear to have the same mechanism as the F80. Another member bought one and the box said it was made in Spain.

I haven't seem them for $38, though. They're a little more than that on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Tools...593?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415a5ea239

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Tools...063?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415a2d995f

 

[diesel research]

I forgot about these. They appear to have the same mechanism as the F80. Another member bought one and the box said it was made in Spain.

I haven't seem them for $38, though. They're a little more than that on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Tools...593?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415a5ea239

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Tools...063?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415a2d995f

Ebay is hardly ever best price. Just remember, purchase price needs to cover all of those fees. Go to sellers home website and you will find $38 "dual 80 clones"

 

[SMKS]

The total difference in price is $2.45 after including shipping.

On ebay, the total price is $48.15 shipped.

On the website, the total price after shipping is $45.72. At least that's the total price to my location.

http://www.mltoolsequipment.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=JHW-7750&CartID=1

 

[kippieland]

How about 1/4 Ratchets?

 

[Sterff]

How about 1/4 Ratchets?

Matco 88. No competition

 

[Subyroo651]

Matco 88. No competition

Agreed, Locking Flex would be a bonus.

The Armstrong version is almost as sweet at half the price.

 

[kippieland]

I want to thank everyone for all the great info...learned a lot about ratchets! I wanted let everyone know that with some help from members that sent me messages, I was able to get an Snap-on F-80 on ebay for $40. I just got it and its in perfect shape...that is the SICKEST tool I have every used! Thanks to everyone for giving me such good advice and opinions.