Which 1/2 ratchet?

[astrodoggie3000]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying a 1/2 ratchet and i'm down to 3 choices.

1- Snap-on
2- SK
3- Facom

The SK is the cheapest, but i don't know anything about them. I know the Snap-on is good. The Facom just looks amazing, and people have said great things about them. What to do?

 

[jethro29]

i can only speak about the s.o. i've got three that i've had for about 14 years.they have had pipes on them ,been hit with a hammer and at times i'm sure used as a hammer and they are and have always been trouble free.

 

[Mario]

I own, use and like both the Snap-On and the Proto 5449.

 

[Wesley B]

For me, I rarely use a 1/2 and when I do its for breaking big bolts loose. But if I used 1/2 alot I'd get a Snap-on 80 or Matco 88 tooth ratchet.

 

[Wesley B]

Last thing I heard about sk is they went bankrupt so IDK how waranty replacements will be.

 

[moparmuscle88]

i have the snap on sh80, as well as the shl80 and shlf80

very nice ratchets, very durable, ive had the long flex head ratchet on a bolt, and was jumping up and down on the handle and it held up, (i weigh 185 lbs btw)

ive always had good experiences with SK as well, its not as many teeth as an s80, but still a good tool

to be honest with you i know nothing about the facom at all, so i couldnt tell you anything there.

the best move, IMO would be to buy a used snap on s80 or sh80, (or s936 if you want) because its cheaper than new, and you get a new or rebuilt one if you ever break it

it all comes down to what you like, how much money you have, and how much you will use it, it is YOUR DECISION in the end

 

[mrholeshot]

Both the SK and Snap-On are excellant (havent used Facom enough to form an honest opinion) The only problem with SK is they are in the middle of a restructure and if you have a problem with a ratchet you can't get serviced. The Snap-On would be the way to go of those three. If you wanted to come out cheaper by a used Snap-On and if it breaks just send it in and they will repair or replace it.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i'm not the biggest fan of snap-on, but of the three choices they are the ones i'd choose.

 

[spongerich]

I'd take a look at a Cornwell SR501. They're a PITA to source since they don't seem to have any retail channel other than the trucks, but used ones show up on eBay fairly often and they're excellent ratchets. The handle design is extremely comfortable and they're pretty bulletproof.

 

[Davefr]

Go SK or Cornwell if you can get a good deal. If cost isn't a major consideration then go SO Dual 80.

All the above ratchets are built like tanks. Don't worry about the silly warranty.

 

[Kirbot]

I'd take a look at a Cornwell SR501. They're a PITA to source since they don't seem to have any retail channel other than the trucks, but used ones show up on eBay fairly often and they're excellent ratchets. The handle design is extremely comfortable and they're pretty bulletproof.

Sounds like a good idea.

While I haven't used the 1/2" version, I have a 3/8" cornwell Jr-30 and I really like it.
I don't see a lot of need for a fine tooth 1/2" ratchet.
Your not as likely to use it in tight spaces as a 3/8".

 

[SMKS]

Last thing I heard about sk is they went bankrupt so IDK how waranty replacements will be.

Warranty replacements start March, 2011.

Here's a thread with more details.

Here's a link to the SK website.


Back to the original topic,

The SK ratchets are quite nice. Seem tough and a good overall design, IMO. Although the head is a little on the large side.

I don't know what Facom ratchets you are looking at, but if it's palm control, then you could get one cheaper that was branded as SK. Also, the palm control ratchets are now marketed as MAC ratchets, because Stanley now owns Facom as well as MAC. Here's a pic off their website of the MRR6PA.

Depending on what Snap-On ratchet you're considering, be ready to spend some $$$.

What is your budget for this purchase?

 

[astrodoggie3000]

Honestly... i'm thinking about getting the ratchet in 3/8, since that will will be the most usefull. When i need something bigger, use a 1/2 breaker bar. What do ya think? I can spend about 100 dollars. Are the MAC ratchets made in the US?

 

[mrholeshot]

Honestly... i'm thinking about getting the ratchet in 3/8, since that will will be the most usefull. When i need something bigger, use a 1/2 breaker bar. What do ya think? I can spend about 100 dollars. Are the MAC ratchets made in the US?

I wouldn't even consider the MAC ratchet. Now that others are expanding your choices I've got one for you. Buy a Duralast from Autozone. Sounds crazy but ask anyone who actually owns one.

 

[StinkyBunny]

I have a Williams, Crapsman and Snap On, I usually grab the Williams.

 

[patrickw10]

Ive got a duralast 1/2 drive ratchet with comfort handle and its a beast and you cant beat it for the price.

 

[SMKS]

Honestly... i'm thinking about getting the ratchet in 3/8, since that will will be the most usefull. When i need something bigger, use a 1/2 breaker bar. What do ya think? I can spend about 100 dollars. Are the MAC ratchets made in the US?

I'd recommend your plan of getting a 3/8" drive.

No, the MAC ratchets are made in Italy.

If you want a bargain and you're flexible on brand, just check out the classifieds here or ebay.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

To answer the OP's question, I would get the 24" long SLF-80 ratchet from Snap-on. My second choice would be SK (also tough as hell) and third would be Facom. They are a good ratchet but for the money, I would rather have one of the other two choices.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

Get the Snap On one... Buy once, cry once.

 

[Kirbot]

If you want a bargain and you're flexible on brand, just check out the classifieds here or ebay.

Best idea yet!

You can pick up some great ratchets really cheap.
A lot of older one were really good.

I love my old Armstrong.

 

[zer0cell]

@mrholeshot

I've read your glowing review if you will, of the duralast brand. Is it that you think it is a superior ratchet regardless of price, or that because it is the best ratchet you can buy 'new' at that price point? I guess what I am asking is if price was not an issue would you still choose the duralast ratchet over sk, facom, williams, wright armstrong etc. ?

 

[Repairman]

My recommendation would be the Facom S.171 (top one). It is a very well made ratchet, proven design, strong, reasonably priced, and super smooth. What more could you want?

Let's not forget it served these guys well for many years.

 

[lipadj46]

Williams USA is hands down the best bang for buck USA made ratchet. You are more or less getting a 36 tooth snap on ratchet for $25-$45 depending on drive size and head configuration. That being said The ratchets I reach for first are either my snap on dual 80s or craftsman premium.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

Sorry to change directions... i think i'm going with a 3/8 drive for sure. Works weell since all my sockets are 3/8 drive already. What is so bad about MAC ratchets? It looks just like the Facom in design. I like the comfort grip handles on some of these ratchets, ( Facom/ Mac ). Don't know why but i really do. Thanks for all the opinions. You all have more knowlege at his than me.

 

[Kirbot]

In that case...
Snap-On F80 for a fine tooth, or Cornwell Jr-30 of you don't mind a coarser tooth ratchet.

Check out the topic I posted a little while ago.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85110

 

[stricht8]

The MAC in question is really a FACOM. It is made in Italy. I own a few of the FACOMs and they are extremely fine tools. They are smoother than anything I've ever used.

 

[Repairman]

The Facom design has/is been used by many other companies including SK, Mac, and even Hazet (916F). I would go for the original and get the Facom, but if you get a good deal on any of the other ratchet then go for it. The Facom 3/8 J.161 is a little shorter than my other 3/8" at about 7", not sure about the other brands.

 

[Hamster]

My SK 1/2" takes all the abuse I throw at it. Cheap too, think it was $12 shipped from here. This and a 3/8" SK 45170 I paid $3 at a pawnshop were the public ratchets that gets used like a dirty ***** at my shop. Just keep them well lubed and they will keep working.

Also consider Cman =v= series, it is the one I pull out when I need to manhandle some nuts.

 

[SMKS]

The Facom design has/is been used by many other companies including SK, Mac, and even Hazet (916F). I would go for the original and get the Facom, but if you get a good deal on any of the other ratchet then go for it. The Facom 3/8 J.161 is a little shorter than my other 3/8" at about 7", not sure about the other brands.

How would you ever warranty a Facom? Here is what the website says, in broken english.

How Does the Guarantee Work ?



Tools should be returned to your, or the nearest, Facom distributor (no other proof of purchase necessary), who will then decide if the guarantee is applicable and contact us for exchange or replacement.



Retailer FACOM will appreciate the justification of the guarantee and will put himself in contact with our services to make exchange or repair the tool in question.

I don't have any local Facom distributors and they don't list an address to send in a ratchet.

 

[stricht8]

I would think that Stanley would warrantee it.

 

[SMKS]

I would think that Stanley would warrantee it.

I don't know about that. Stanley has different addresses for each of its brands.

Stanley, Proto and MAC each have a different address for sending in warranty returns. Also, they aren't separate addresses in the same complex, they're in different states.

I would be surprised if the Stanley warehouse in NC had a bunch of Facom ratchets sitting around that they could send out as warranty replacements. I could be wrong, though.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

well if we have switched to 3/8'' i'd go Cornwell JR-40 long handle or Matco 88. both of these are good ratchets that are built strong. i got a snap-on FHNF100 for Christmas but have yet to use it.

 

[JayL]

Get the Snap On one... Buy once, cry once.

This is what I would do.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

No wonder some many people own 10 or more ratchets in every drive size. There are so many good choices! Sounds like you can't go wrong.

 

[Kirbot]

No wonder some many people own 10 or more ratchets in every drive size. There are so many good choices! Sounds like you can't go wrong.

Lol, you've got that right.

I have... I think 6 3/8" ratchets.
And thats nothing compared to some people here!

 

[astrodoggie3000]

Snap-on is the king... but i don't like the shape. Mac has the best handle... but i can't find a 3/8 with a shorter handle. SK looks good... but there in limbo right now. Facom is sweet... but if it breaks it could be a year or so to get it replaced.

 

[stricht8]

Get one of each that you mentioned. Best of all worlds!

 

[scottmlew]

I'd also recommend considering Matco, Hazet, and Beta for 3/8, and Hazet for 1/2. I'd go with one of these options or SO.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I like the wright 3400 series in the 3/8" just to further make your choices more difficult

 

[RLRRLRLL]

I wouldn't even consider the MAC ratchet. Now that others are expanding your choices I've got one for you. Buy a Duralast from Autozone. Sounds crazy but ask anyone who actually owns one.

the duralast is pretty sturdy, i have the 1/2" with comfort grip...ive hung from it trying to break a bolt loose..im 250 pounds, then i had a guy in the shop that was 300+ pull on it, he hung on it as well...didint budge the bolt, ratchet held up great haha.