Upgrading Ratchet

[cweidert03]

So thanks to this forum I have caught the tool bug. I started several years ago building my collection with Kobalt tools buying when they were on sale and have built a decent amount of tools. Now I am slowly upgrading my box. I know that I have everything I need with Kobalt and I use them to work on yard equipment my atv and minimal auto work. I just replaced my screwdrivers with 34 of the Craftsman professional. Here are my thoughts moving forward. I have 2 kits that stay in the plastic box they came in 1 is the open sockets that let bolts pass completely through, the other is probably a 200pc 1/4,3/8,1/2 set. I have bought sets that stay in my tool box along with regular wrenches, ratchet wrenches, and stub wrenches. I need to acquire 1/4,3/8 and 1/2 ratchets for my box first then what would you replace and with what brand?

ratchets I'm considering

Gear wrench set of 3
Gear wrench swivel head set of 4

Armstrong 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2

any others I should look at? Not really looking for used

 

[wagon]

how much do you want to spend? that's the real question.

I have Craftsman Premium Ratchets (discontinued for store, now Craftsman professional 84t), Proto old style and "Premium", and Gearwrench.

The Gearwrench ones I have haven't been stressed much, but I will say that they are an incredible value. Fit & finish are flawless, and I've never had a problem with the sockets.

In order, I like my Proto and then Gearwrench and then Craftsman. I had some CMan raised panels and they pretty much self destructed working on a quad. They're now gone.

Gearwrench is, indisputably, the best value.

 

[kctyphoon]

honestly its just whatever you wanna spend.. really no bad choice for your needs.. husky, craftsman, gearwrench - even the HF ratchets are really good. i have a bunch and like them all.. just pick whatever you like. just my opinion..

 

[turboneon]

I just picked up this set of 4 Gearwrench 120xp ratchets
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTEXPDK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

They are REALLY nice, a huge upgrade over my craftsman kit ratchets. Wish I bought them a long time ago.

 

[TNToy]

I agree, for a home wrench turner the Gearwrench ones offer a lot of bang for your buck.

Since you already have non-flex handled ones, get the three piece flex set. Flex handles are terrific as long as you aren't using one in an ultra high torque application (somewhere a breaker bar would be more ideal). In that situation they're more likely to roll the socket off the fastener or your knuckles into something sharp when pulling extraordinarily hard.

But 90% of the time the longer handle breaks things loose easier and fits tight spaces better.

 

[ngk22r]

As a professional mechanic I would say the Gearwrench 120xp is the best you can buy for the money.. I like it better than my Snap-on dual 80 ratchets.

 

[BMack37]

I am also a fan of the Gearwrench 120XP, fantastic ratchets and very reasonable pricing. Should have bought them sooner.

 

[liam.fenemore]

+1 for Gearwrench

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-on Dual 80 with the comfort grip. You'll never want to use another ratchet ever again.

 

[Derek1387]

I was going to ask the same thing...am about to upgrade from the Craftsman raised panel ratchets. Have a couple Tekton's that I really like as well.

I have 2 premium ratchets, a older snap on and a newer flex Matco. They are nice...but....nothing special?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Upgrade for function. If you need long, flex, locking flex, higher tooth count, etc. search for that! Don't just replace something that is working fine because then you won't increase your capabilities. Hope that makes sense.

 

[cweidert03]

Thanks for the replies.. I am ordering the gear wrench ratchets!


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