what to look for in used socket wrenches

[BTL-A4]

There's a weekly swap meet at the old Saugus Raceway near my house (northern LA county). I thought I might look for a nice used socket wrench since mine (Craftsman raised panel I got over 20 years ago) is getting worn.

There are a few vendors there that sell old Snap-On, Mac, other truck brands and even older made in the US C-Man, etc.

What should I look for when looking at a used ratcheting socket wrench? Non-plastic selector, excessive back drag (how much is acceptable?). What is normal wear and tear and what is a red flag?

I'm thinking I might just get a new one (looking at a $40 Proto), but I like to browse at the swap meet and it would be nice to know for haggling purposes.

 

[B_Bimmer]

There are so many it's hard to give blanket advise. The SK round heads are all the same and a quality ratchet if you are in to round heads. Otherwise I don't think there is much I would seek out other than the snap on ones from right before the dual 80 series. There are hundreds of others that would still be a step up, but it is difficult without specifics to say it would really be an improvement.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Stay away from rust, any modifications, and do your research before going out there. The best are ratchets that only need a repair kit and like the poster above SK roundheads are bulletproof.

The Proto ratchets you are talking about the ones that haven’t changed for decades are very dependable, why buy new though? There are a ton of used versions on eBay. A personal favorite is there extra long 1/2 drive ratchet. And the head thickness is super thin, I’ve never heard of anyone regretting getting a Proto ratchet.

 

[getbent4x4]

Really any ratchet will work just fine most of the time. I have several husky; HF; lowes ones that were found broken in the junkyard that were warrantied I use for junkyard runs.

Used Cman; other common usa ratchets you should be able to get for cheap $2-5 ea? It's worth it to look.

 

[DwightS]

I’ve picked up a few S-K 45170 3/8” ratchets and they feel good in the hand and even better in action. I would keep an eye out for one of them or a Proto. It seems like the S-K ratchets are usually overlooked and under appreciated.

If you find one, put a socket on the ratchet and turn it and make sure it turns smoothly without catching or skipping. Check both forwards and reverse, especially on the round head ratchets as there are teeth in the body and any glitches could indicate gnarled teeth which can’t be fixed. If the action is smooth, even if it’s noisy or slightly stiff, and you can get it for a few dollars, get it. You can clean & lube it up and have a great ratchet.

As for rust, if there’s a speck or two or if it shows some honest usage wear , it’s still worth a few dollars. Now, if you think you should have a tetanus shot before you handle it, then don’t.


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[bonneyman]

I’ve picked up a few S-K 45170 3/8” ratchets and they feel good in the hand and even better in action. I would keep an eye out for one of them or a Proto. It seems like the S-K ratchets are usually overlooked and under appreciated.

If you find one, put a socket on the ratchet and turn it and make sure it turns smoothly without catching or skipping. Check both forwards and reverse, especially on the round head ratchets as there are teeth in the body and any glitches could indicate gnarled teeth which can’t be fixed. If the action is smooth, even if it’s noisy or slightly stiff, and you can get it for a few dollars, get it. You can clean & lube it up and have a great ratchet.

As for rust, if there’s a speck or two or if it shows some honest usage wear , it’s still worth a few dollars. Now, if you think you should have a tetanus shot before you handle it, then don’t.

Big 10-4. That's the main drawback with most all round heads - the teeth are in the head and any wear is non-repairable. With pearhead rats the teeth are on the gear and pawl(s) - which are both replaced with a rebuild kit.
Honestly though, in all my years of using and buying S-K roundheads I've only had one that was beyond repair.

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[QwikKotaTx]

I bought a real nice Proto off eBay for $25 but it's very heavy compared to the new items. Built like a tank but I doubt I would want to use it all day as a tech.

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