USA made quick release ratchet

[kunkernator]

Currently I have a set of these (the pear handled ones, not including the rotator) and I love them. I like the pear handle and quick release. I would like to upgrade to USA made fine-toothed ratchets, but not so much in the Snap-On price range. Anyone know of some good ones? Does armstrong or SK make any? How are Gearwrench's?
Thank you!

 

[GeneralDisorder]

If you can step out of the "USA made" realm why not check out the NEPROS stuff?

They have an upcoming 90 tooth ratchet and the fit/finish is every bit as good as Snap-On without the price.

http://www.nepros.net/?p=2&s=3&t=0&tt=Tool

They have really great customer service also. Fast shipping from Japan and really nice to deal with. Buying direct from the manufacturer makes it easy.

GD

 

[Mickey O]

Proto J5249XLQR -$44.87 for 3/8" drive, 45 tooth, nice ratchet

link

And for the folks with poor sight:

You can also still find the USA made Craftsman thin profile ratchets.

 

[03protege]

The Armstrong MAxxs are supposed to be very good $32 for the 1/4", $37.50 for the 3/8", and the 1/2" jumps up to $60.

http://store.harryepstein.com/merch...n=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=Ratchets

I was going to buy those and still may but Snap-On is having a buy one get one sale. $116 will get you the 1/4" and 3/8" flex head ratchets so I think I am going to give that a go.

 

[03protege]

Those Protos look pretty good^^^

I have been eying the Blackhawk ratchets but I hate that they are not USA.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/BLACKHAWK-BY-PROTO-Ratchet-6UAG3

 

[Mickey O]

Currently I have a set of these (the pear handled ones, not including the rotator) and I love them. I like the pear handle and quick release. I would like to upgrade to USA made fine-toothed ratchets, but not so much in the Snap-On price range. Anyone know of some good ones? Does armstrong or SK make any? How are Gearwrench's?
Thank you!

If you can step out of the "USA made" realm why not check out the NEPROS stuff?

They have an upcoming 90 tooth ratchet and the fit/finish is every bit as good as Snap-On without the price.

http://www.nepros.net/?p=2&s=3&t=0&tt=Tool

They have really great customer service also. Fast shipping from Japan and really nice to deal with. Buying direct from the manufacturer makes it easy.

GD

You want an apple, here you go:

You're welcome.








.

 

[kunkernator]

I was just looking at Epstein's.

I like the look of the Proto ratchet, but my Stanley ones are around 45 teeth. The main reason of upgrade would be for the high teeth count (80 or so).

Also I guess I would be willing to look at normal non quick release ratchets, but still pear handle.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

You want an apple, here you go:

He asked for fine tooth count. Your suggestion didn't provide that. I didn't provide USA made with my suggestion.... so we're even.

No need to make a spectacle of it. Just because you are rabidly pro-USA doesn't mean that there aren't other quality options that someone else might consider. I might consider low tooth count to be personally insulting.

Get off your high horse.

GD

 

[SMKS]

There are still lots of USA made Craftsman thin profile ratchets available on ebay. They're 60 tooth and they have a quick release.

 

[03protege]

You can also still find the USA made Craftsman thin profile ratchets.

I really like my thin profile but I believe you can only get them as USA if you buy a socket set or module. The premiums are sold USA on the shelf.

 

[kunkernator]

There are still lots of USA made Craftsman thin profile ratchets available on ebay. They're 60 tooth and they have a quick release.

Yeah, I did take a look at those. I tried them out in store but they just do not feel completely right in my hand. I do not like the squarish grip, looking more for round pear handled. But thanks for the suggestion.

I am looking on Feebay right now.

 

[lauver]

Don't forget the older Crafty RHFT that are all over ebay now that they have been discontinued. Don't like the Crafty raised panel rectangular handles, look for Easco, K-D, or Allen variants of the RHFT; these have round/knurled handles.

These are still awesome ratchets with quick release, 90-tooth action, and the cool little spinner wheels that are handy as hell.

 

[kunkernator]

Don't forget the older Crafty RHFT that are all over ebay now that they have been discontinued. Don't like the Crafty raised panel rectangular handles, look for Easco, K-D, or Allen variants of the RHFT; these have round/knurled handles.

These are still awesome ratchets with quick release, 90-tooth action, and the cool little spinner wheels that are handy as hell.

Sorry, what does RHFT stand for?

EDIT: Nevermind that, I figured it out.

 

[Mickey O]

He asked for fine tooth count. Your suggestion didn't provide that. I didn't provide USA made with my suggestion.... so we're even.

No need to make a spectacle of it. Just because you are rabidly pro-USA doesn't mean that there aren't other quality options that someone else might consider. I might consider low tooth count to be personally insulting.

Get off your high horse.

GD

I, as most, would consider a 45 tooth ratchet fine tooth, anything over 60 is excess.

 

[JASTECH]

I tried a 1/2" drive pear handled polished, it felt too short and por balance. Noticed it is Taiwon made. The whole rack only had Taiwon or China except for one RP 3/8".

 

[pipsters]

FWIW I like quick release ratchets as well. I bought the thin profiles and didn't like them at first. Used them some and really warmed up to them. Unfortunately I did check ebay, only one set of "well used" USA stamped ratchets on there. My local stores haven't had them since earlier this year.

I am following this thread as well as outside of that Proto I don't think there are any US quick release ratchets being produced in that price range, and it's not a fine tooth ratchet.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

There are still lots of USA made Craftsman thin profile ratchets available on ebay. They're 60 tooth and they have a quick release.

beat me to it, best suggestion yet.

I have all three USA thin profile ratchets. Op if you want them I can part with them. They are in.mint condition.

 

[SMKS]

Most of the ones listed on ebay won't have a COO in the title or description, you just have to look at the picture.

Plus, I wouldn't bother buying the 3 piece set of the Craftsman thin profile ratchets. The 1/2" is super heavy and club-like. I would only get the 1/4" and 3/8".


About 5 minutes of searching turned up these, and I didn't even include all the USA ones I found. As with anything on ebay, you'll have to do a little searching and keep your eyes peeled to get a good deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-3-Cr..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item1e73ddb86b&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-1...H_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f1e4a7e92&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-1...785?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item232429a6b1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-CRAFTSM...439?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccc051b17

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-L...442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccc0401da

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-3...984?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e73e55028

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-F..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item337c55f1db&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-1..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item3cc34edd53&vxp=mtr

 

[Notwerk]

You can try these:
http://www.stanleyproto.com/default...ckhawk&SDesc=3/8"+Drive+Quick+Release+Ratchet

They're "assembled in USA of domestic and global components."

I briefly owned one, however, mine wasn't strictly "fine tooth," but it seems other users have gotten a fine tooth model. From what I can tell, the tri-wing selectored ratchets are fine tooth, with non-tri-wing being somewhere in the 40-tooth range. My guess is that whatever ratchet I had may have been an older model or it may have been repaired with a single pawl kit. Most of the ones I've seen posted by other users had the tri-wing selector as pictured on the Blackhawk site and users reported that it was fine-toothed.

I wish I could be more certain, as the fit and finish on the ratchets really were top notch. Absolutely flawless chrome, and it felt indestructible. If the ones I got had been fine-tooth, they would have been perfect. The handle is almost identical to the Stanley ratchets you're already used to.

See if you can find them from an official source (perhaps Zoro or Grainger). Mine did not come from an official distributor, and I think that may be where I erred.

Anyway, after that experience, I bought a Williams B-52. It's not quick release (and I sometimes wish it was), but it is a great ratchet. Smoothest I've ever used.

Here is a close up picture of the ones I owned and returned:

Note the non-tri-wing selector that differs from the Stanley site. Also note that chrome. Looks liquid, doesn't it?

 

[dirtydogintex]

...

And for the folks with poor sight:

...

"I'd like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves, and..."

 

[GeneralDisorder]

I, as most, would consider a 45 tooth ratchet fine tooth, anything over 60 is excess.

For those of us that have to use ratchets in tight places on newer model cars and trucks (US brands included) the fine tooth of the 70+ tooth ratchets is absolutely not "excess".

Personally I have 90% Snap-On 80 tooth ratchets and I love them. The Nepros tool line is one of the nicest I've had the pleasure to hold in my hand - exceeding IMO the quality and fit/finish of any US made tool including all my Snap-On ratchets.

America is going to hell in a rowboat and it isn't because we don't all buy American. It's our way of life and our consumption of everything with no regard for quality or the quantity we use. Products, energy, and natural resources are of no concern to Americans - most Americans don't even care where all this stuff comes from - a few such as yourself do but are missing the point. Consumption is the problem - not where it's made. Buy something quality - buy it once and save our resources and our energy. Doesn't matter where it's made if it's a quality product that's going to last a reasonable amount of time and the people making it are being paid a fair wage.

GD

 

[5mall5nail5]

I, as most, would consider a 45 tooth ratchet fine tooth, anything over 60 is excess.

That's because all of your tools are from 1910

Some people argue that a CPU over 1GHz is excessive, too. But, technology progresses, stick with the times!

 

[Exceller8]

He asked for fine tooth count. Your suggestion didn't provide that. I didn't provide USA made with my suggestion.... so we're even.

No need to make a spectacle of it. Just because you are rabidly pro-USA doesn't mean that there aren't other quality options that someone else might consider. I might consider low tooth count to be personally insulting.

Get off your high horse.

GD

Amen!

 

[Notwerk]

45 teeth is definitely fine enough for me...if it has two pawls.

OP, if those ratchets you have are like the pear head Huskies (and I'm virtually certain they are), they should be 60 tooth. Foreign made, but tough little ratchets. I took the pipe to those an awful lot when I didn't know any better and while I sheared off a tooth on the 3/8, it actually survived it. Still works, missing tooth and all.

I guess we always want something nicer than what we've got, though, no? Silly human nature.

 

[bobcatdan]

In my opinion, 36 tooth is fine enough for 90% of the time. For the other 10% of the time, there is my 72 tooth SO roto. The couple dual 80's I have, I have found no real advantage to them. As for your question, if SO dual 80 QRs are out of the question, Finding USA craftsman thin profiles are about the only option. I wonder if those are available from the indutral line?

 

[kunkernator]

45 teeth is definitely fine enough for me...if it has two pawls.

OP, if those ratchets you have are like the pear head Huskies (and I'm virtually certain they are), they should be 60 tooth. Foreign made, but tough little ratchets. I took the pipe to those an awful lot when I didn't know any better and while I sheared off a tooth on the 3/8, it actually survived it. Still works, missing tooth and all.

I guess we always want something nicer than what we've got, though, no? Silly human nature.

You could be right about them being 60 tooth, I am getting them confused with my craftsman. And yes, they are identical to husky. I love them, but after reading responses, and researching, I might end up buying a Snapon dual 80 and see how I like it.

 

[Notwerk]

For those of us that have to use ratchets in tight places on newer model cars and trucks (US brands included) the fine tooth of the 70+ tooth ratchets is absolutely not "excess".

Personally I have 90% Snap-On 80 tooth ratchets and I love them. The Nepros tool line is one of the nicest I've had the pleasure to hold in my hand - exceeding IMO the quality and fit/finish of any US made tool including all my Snap-On ratchets.

America is going to hell in a rowboat and it isn't because we don't all buy American. It's our way of life and our consumption of everything with no regard for quality or the quantity we use. Products, energy, and natural resources are of no concern to Americans - most Americans don't even care where all this stuff comes from - a few such as yourself do but are missing the point. Consumption is the problem - not where it's made. Buy something quality - buy it once and save our resources and our energy. Doesn't matter where it's made if it's a quality product that's going to last a reasonable amount of time and the people making it are being paid a fair wage.

GD

I have to agree. Kobalt tools are always a seering reminder of this: Lowes had to go offshore to find decent tools because the **** Danaher was producing wasn't worth the scrap it was made from. USA doesn't always mean "good" anymore.

And while I love my USA tools, buying USA stuff that was made at the turn of the century isn't really a big help for American manufacturing. Arguably, buying an HF tool has a bigger economic impact. At least HF has to pay rent, cashiers, and longshoremen to keep the operation running.

That said, I prefer quality USA tools, but I don't assume that all USA tools are great and for me, at least, old tools aren't an option. Miami isn't the kind of place where people collect industrial tools. I pretty much have to buy new or go eBay( which I hate, having had a few bad experiences). There are no estate sales around here, and garage sales are for furniture and clothes. Given all that, quality and price are the factors I look at, and Nepros beats the snot out of a craftsman ratchet (the premiums are nice, but no sears in Miami actually carries them).

 

[Chadwilliam1]

 

[hifi_hokie]

The answer is D, all of the above.

 

[vga]

Last month I picked up a newer used Mac 3/8 ratchet with a Q/ release button on it.

 

[Skin]

If you can step out of the "USA made" realm why not check out the NEPROS stuff?

They have an upcoming 90 tooth ratchet and the fit/finish is every bit as good as Snap-On without the price.

http://www.nepros.net/?p=2&s=3&t=0&tt=Tool

They have really great customer service also. Fast shipping from Japan and really nice to deal with. Buying direct from the manufacturer makes it easy.

GD

Nepros basically is snap-on priced, and without the convenient warranty.

 

[mbret2004]

don't over look Wright tools. I have the three main drive ratchet sizes and the are every bit as good as the truck brands. In fact, the Wrights end up in my hand most often.

 

[kiatech]

Love my 84 and 88 tooth ratchets

 

[GeneralDisorder]

Nepros basically is snap-on priced, and without the convenient warranty.

Let see:

Snap-On 3/8" quick release ratchet: $95

Nepros 3/8" quick release ratchet: $48

Hhhhhmmm. Gosh I'm having a hard time with the math here. Can someone help me?

GD

 

[Skin]

Let see:

Snap-On 3/8" quick release ratchet: $95

Nepros 3/8" quick release ratchet: $48

Hhhhhmmm. Gosh I'm having a hard time with the math here. Can someone help me?

GD

You get free shipping from Japan?! Neat how'd you manage that? Oh wait you dont. So +$10. $48 + $10 = $58.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-3-8...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Rat...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-on-FR8...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Manage to break it. Repair kit costs about $10. Chrome peeling? Replaced. Nepros. Ship it back to japan. Plus what is that, like 30 teeth? No thanks. Most of the people waving the Nepros flag dont even use the damn tools, just marvel at the chrome. Excuse me if i roll my eyes.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

Whatever - obviously you haven't ever used one and that's perfectly fine. I have and own both and I like the Nepros better.

They have a 90 tooth version that will be available next month. I've already spoken with my Nepros rep in Japan about it.

As for shipping - its not free from eBay or snap on either and from Japan its amortized across the entire order so it amount to about $2 - $4 per tool which isn't significant.

Warranty isn't an issue for me or most people with the need for ratchets of this quality. I have shitloads of ratchets and have no problem sending it back - snap on works the same way if you don't have a truck that comes to your shop. My snap on rep has been out sick for like 4 months and they haven't bothered to send another guy by even once for a cursory check of my needs. I'm getting rather tired of paying their ridiculous prices for service I'm not receiving. Nepros is on another continent and speaks another language and their service is still better in my experience.

GD

 

[FiendFX]

For me, I prefer 80 degree for less arc swing.

 

[kc-steve]

For me, I prefer 80 degree for less arc swing.

80-degree?
That's not even on the chart.

I'm not so picky. I like Wright's dual pawl, but it is a roundhead.

Steve