Upgrading ratchets

[Marc Voorhees]

At the risk of creating a small war on the forum.....

I am looking to upgrade my ratchets. I currently have chanelock 72tooth that came in a set 10 plus years ago. I love them, but I was thinking of treating myself to a bit of an upgrade.

I have been looking at the F80 ratchets, but am other to other suggestions. Also, I am a bit overwhelmed with the different types of snap on ratchets if I go that way. Does model year matter?

I prefer the metal handles, no grips, or weird shaped things.

Budget is a bit irrelevant, I would feel comfortable buying a brand new F80 straight from SO, but I of course would rather buy used, or at a discount in general

I am really only looking at upgrading my 3/8 which is my most frequently grabbed, but if someone recommends a set with 3 of them, I would be open to that as well.

I am just asking for some options, or advice
in buying one (what to look for etc). I THINK I have seen sealed head versions as well no sealed, no sure if one is better than the other.

Anyway, any advice or ideas would be appreciated!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

If you want an F80 and it's in budget, buy one.

Otherwise i'd recommend Gearwrench as very good but a fraction of the price.

 

[Pontiac787]

In my opinion you can’t go wrong with a dual 80. If you a looking for just one, I would suggest the non-locking flex head. I think it’s an FLF80. You can buy new/like new from eBay at a good discount over the truck.

 

[M635_Guy]

I don't have any fault with any of my F80's (multiple lengths). It's a sweet mechanism, a great handle and easy to repair. If the money isn't a big deal, you can't go wrong.

My regular Icon ratchets aren't far behind (standard pearheads), and their swivel heads are fantastic.

 

[Walkers]

I have a SO flex head with about a 12” handle. It is about the only ratchet I use in 3/8 anymore. I had to rebuild it once and it was a one year only kind of kit, so my SO guy swapped it for a cushion grip. I was A little worried, but have found I really like the cushion grip, highly recommend it. The flex head is one of the best feature, I never grab my fixed head ratchets, ever, I like 20 years.

 

[Marc Voorhees]

Is there anything to consider when buying one new/slightly used on ebay? Just find The best price and order?

I did look at the flex head, that seems neat. Never had anything quite like that!

 

[KnurledNut]

Why do i have a feeling this thread is about to get slammed with Tekton recommendations?

 

[Marc Voorhees]

Why do i have a feeling this thread is about to get slammed with Tekton recommendations?

Heh. not going to lie, I looked at those too.

I actually just bought the complete tekton screwdriver set to replace all my other random stuff I have collected over the years.

 

[M6erfan]

Sounds like you really want a S-o. Get one. If you don't you'll always wonder. Good ratchets.

The downside to buying used is warranty. But If you need a rebuild kit they're like $10.

Choosing can be difficult, there are so many great quality ratchets available at all price points.

 

[Fedwrench]

Why do i have a feeling this thread is about to get slammed with Tekton recommendations?

Nope, he doesn't care about price that much.

Get the Snap on F80, get the FL80 (long 3/8 fixed head) and get the FLF80 flex head ratchet. Those three should do it for now,

 

[Marc Voorhees]

I gotta ask, and I have always wondered this. Where the hell are people getting all of these new snap on (or whatever) tools to sell at a 40% discount?

One eval seller is selling brand new f80 for $95 and has already sold 88 of them. Where did he get 88 snap on ratchets for a price lower than 95$!? I gotta get into the wholesellign business

 

[Marc Voorhees]

Those three should do it for now,

Sigh. That is what I am afraid of. Is buying a snap on ratchet a gateway drug!?!

 

[joel63]

In my opinion you can’t go wrong with a dual 80. If you a looking for just one, I would suggest the non-locking flex head. I think it’s an FLF80. You can buy new/like new from eBay at a good discount over the truck.

If you want a FL-80 F-80, this would the way to go. I don't think you will regret it.

 

[Rinspeed]

Is there anything to consider when buying one new/slightly used on ebay? Just find The best price and order?

I did look at the flex head, that seems neat. Never had anything quite like that!

SO has great customer service even if purchased used. To find a good deal on slightly used you just have to have patience and a good deal will come along. There are a shitload of people getting out of wrenching or just an estate wanting to get rid of tools. I like flex head and have several but most of the time if they are not needed I just grab a fixed.

 

[Fedwrench]

Sigh. That is what I am afraid of. Is buying a snap on ratchet a gateway drug!?!

No, more like a potato chip, you can't just have one.

 

[Raineman]

Every self respecting man should own at least 1 Ferret. F80 that is. I own Tekton ratchets too (for the peanut gallery). They’re nice, but I always grab my Snap-on first. Its a natural movement.
Its like riding a Harley. Unless you own one, you don’t understand.
Yes. It most certainly is a gateway drug.

 

[Walkers]

Sigh. That is what I am afraid of. Is buying a snap on ratchet a gateway drug!?!

No, wrenches are a gateway tool, so avoid buying a set of wrenches. Complete socket sets are also a gateway tool.

 

[Walkers]

I gotta ask, and I have always wondered this. Where the hell are people getting all of these new snap on (or whatever) tools to sell at a 40% discount?

One eval seller is selling brand new f80 for $95 and has already sold 88 of them. Where did he get 88 snap on ratchets for a price lower than 95$!? I gotta get into the wholesellign business

Do you have a link by any chance? I have never heard of eval.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Why do i have a feeling this thread is about to get slammed with Tekton recommendations?

It is hard to argue with them. They are pretty good quality and the price is right. I have several. But I admit my go to ratchet is my Snap On in 3/8 and 1/2. My favorite 1/4 is actually a Bahco ratchet.

 

[Marc Voorhees]

Do you have a link by any chance? I have never heard of eval.

That would be ebay with a weird auto correct error

 

[Walkers]

Gotcha!

 

[Tonymanx]

Is there anything to consider when buying one new/slightly used on ebay? Just find The best price and order?

I did look at the flex head, that seems neat. Never had anything quite like that!

Just find the SO part # of what you want and search for that on Ebay. I bought 2 3/8 dr long flex handle ratchets for home and work. Now, all I grab are the flex handle. Also like my Tekton 1/2 dr flex ratchet.

 

[Walkers]

BTW, I went and looked and put in a couple bids on a long handled 1/2” flex head ratchet. Probably going to be a $200 debacle in the end. So thanks a lot.

If you want to know about SO ratchets and sockets, while I already shared my 3/8” preference, my most used tool set is my 1/4” SO swivel head, black hard grip ratchet and the SAE and Metric Semi-deep sockets. Absolutely the most used tools in my box.

 

[KnurledNut]

Nope, he doesn't care about price that much.

Get the Snap on F80, get the FL80 (long 3/8 fixed head) and get the FLF80 flex head ratchet. Those three should do it for now,

I got all the above, but ive been using my FX80A locking flex mostly.
For the OP, this model has a lock release position which makes it non-locking when needed.

 

[dnschmidt]

OK I'm going to take a shot here. Please don't compare an F80 to a Harley. All of my friends that own Harley's have them in the shop far more time than they ride them. Those that own Honda Gold Wings on the other hand seem to never have an issue. I routinely knock Snap-On but I'd never hit them with the low blow of comparing them to a Harley. Even I will admit they are better than that.

 

[Jersey Drew]

just get the snappy

 

[measuredtwice]

Dual 80 is a good choice. The F80 is probably the easiest to find new and cheap on Ebay. Double check that you are buying a F80 and not an F80 FOD. I've seen a few auctions leave off the FOD off the description.

 

[pizza]

do you want quick release or not? flex head?

you're looking to treat yourself?

can't go wrong with snap on dual 80 series, but i'd rather have nepros or koken (japanese tool companies).

the top three are by nepros (90 tooth), and the bottom two are by koken:

---

nepros: fit and finish is superior to snap-on. unless you HATE quick-release, you can't go wrong with one of these as your main ratchet. i'm sure you will not regret your purchase. nepros is the premium show-off line of its parent, KTC, so their offerings are more streamlined. that's why it only comes in quick-release.

fyi the dark blue ones are a limited edition finish. their standard finish is basically the best chrome you can find on a tool. these are arguably the most premium ratchets in existence.

buy direct from nepros

---

koken: also great! it's a tool company with a strong focus on ratchets and socketry, so they have a lot more offerings. it takes some time to familiarize yourself with what they've got. they have standard and quick-release for a lot of their ratchets. excellent fit and finish (but not nepros quality chrome), and they are in general known for their low, buttery-smooth backdrag (the resistance when turning the ratchet in the counter-drive direction). low backdrag helps you use the ratcheting action when the fastener is not tight. if the backdrag is higher than the fastener friction, the tool will turn the fastener back instead of ratcheting. the backdrag is lower than nepros or snap-on.

the zeal series aka z-series (shown at bottom) is now available in 72 teeth via a recent update. Z-series has plastic grip though, so maybe you won't like that.
i think most or all of their other series are 24 tooth. buttery smooth and honestly fine unless you really need more teeth due to clearance issues. if you like knurled grips, the knurling on those variants is very nice.

koken catalog

for palmac, try coupon code mrsubaru5

standard series, knurled grip (not z-series even though it says it is)
standard series, smooth grip
72-tooth z-series

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I am personally not a fan of Snap-on ratchets but that’s just me. For tool truck ratchets I like Matco locking flex heads the best. Even the regular ratchets are good. They are 88 teeth. My go to over any though are Capri ratchets they just feel so smooth and have very little back drag and are affordable too. I paid less than what you could get them for at Harbor Freight now they are only 72 teeth though if that’s an issue but to me they are so smooth I was thinking it was about at least a 90 tooth originally.

 

[GTO]

I used my Craftsman and Made in Japan ratchets from the 70's and 80's until I found this site....
Back in the early 2010's I had great luck in finding lightly used SO Dual 80's on Ebay for great prices....some were new too.
I'm just a home wrench turner, not a pro.
Good luck

 

[Marc Voorhees]

Dual 80 is a good choice. The F80 is probably the easiest to find new and cheap on Ebay. Double check that you are buying a F80 and not an F80 FOD. I've seen a few auctions leave off the FOD off the description.

What is the FOD and how can I differentiate them?

do you want quick release or not? flex head?

you're looking to treat yourself?

can't go wrong with snap on dual 80 series, but i'd rather have nepros or koken (japanese tool companies).

Never had a flex head, so If I buy one of them, I will probably buy a fixed head as well!

Quick release or not is irrelevant, my current ones are quick release and I have never had an issue.

And yes, I am just looking to treat myself a bit! The negros look amazing. Will do a bit more searching!

 

[Rinspeed]

What is the FOD and how can I differentiate them?

FOD

 

[Marc Voorhees]

FOD

Is there a reason I wouldn't want the FOD version of the ratchet? How can I identify one vs regular if I am looking on Ebay?

Thank you for the link!

 

[Ton ton]

There's a huge selection of snap on ratchets out there. It's really hard to limit yourself to just one model.

 

[Bradc1989]

Proto precision 90

 

[Neggy]

I own very few SO sockets, mostly 3/8 impact metric shallow and deep I have had for 35 years..... but I do like my SO ratchets, they are my "go to" 99% of the time, especially a 3/8 flex head with a black plastic handle F735 that I bought in 1983

 

[measuredtwice]

What is the FOD and how can I differentiate them?

Is there a reason I wouldn't want the FOD version of the ratchet? How can I identify one vs regular if I am looking on Ebay?

Thank you for the link!

The coverplate on the F80 is attached with screws. The coverplate on the F80 FOD is riveted and is not intended to be opened for oil or rebuild. If there are decent auction photos, you'll be able to see.

 

[anavrinIV]

If I were willing to pay the price for them I would absolutely have a bunch of snap-on ratchets. If you want to replace your current ratchet and get a feel for them I would buy the closest equivalent to what you have, it will feel more natural to start and you'll get to learn how it likes to be used. Then it's time to go nuts with the rest

 

[johninct]

Every self respecting man should own at least 1 Ferret. F80 that is. I own Tekton ratchets too (for the peanut gallery). They’re nice, but I always grab my Snap-on first. Its a natural movement.
Its like riding a Harley. Unless you own one, you don’t understand.
Yes. It most certainly is a gateway drug.

Not just own a Ferret but use the Ferret too. My Ferret has a 9/16 " deep socket on it ready for me to use in about an hour. Also, a Ferret is smaller and can get into tighter places.

 

[dar24601]

If you want the F80 then get it. I’m just a home diy’er who wanted upgrade from craftsman ratchets. Went with Wright 3490 3/8 double pawl ratchet. Never used a snappy but the Wright is very nice