Which 1/2 ratchet?

[treasureseeker]

I own one Facom Ratchet and I find the handle annoying. My next ratchet is going to be a Hazet 916F. I have mainly Snap on dual 80’s along with a fine tooth 3/8 and ½ drive STAHLWILLE. I sent the 1/4 dr fine tooth STAHLWILLE I purchased back and got the Hazet version. My favorites now are Snap On and Hazet. I am very impressed with the one Hazet and wish I would have gotten them instead of the two STAHLWILLE but it is nice to have a variety and for me the STAHLWILLE has the most comfortable handle. My perfect ratchet would be the STAHLWILLE handle where the steel of the ratchet isn’t cut down in size under the comfort material and the smoothness of a dual 80. The Hazet fine tooth is the middle ground where it is not as smooth as a Snap on but is smoother than STAHLWILLE and the handle isn’t as comfortable as the STAHLWILLE but more so than Snap On. I am not sure what the Mac version of a Facom is as the shaft of the ratchet looks round and the Facoms I have seen so far are flat.

 

[littlekillertoad]

Snap-On is the best out the three you've listed. I have a 1/2 sk and it's pretty darn nice too. Not quite Snap-On, but it's a good ratchet.

 

[mrholeshot]

When you buy a ratchet no matter what it is always figure in how well and easy the warranty is to use. I own many ratchets and warranty is a big deal because I break them (not like I once did) no matter what brand. Snap-On will warrranty but takes a week or so through the mail or up to a week with a dealer. I wouldn't buy Facom because of warranty issues. That leaves out a bunch of other brands as well. Just take everything into consideration when you make your decision. The ting I like about Duralast from Autozone is that you aree getting a tool truck quality ratchet at a price point about where Craftsman is and warranty is as close as your local Autozone. Quality, Price and warranty. It takes all three to make a ratchet a solid value. If money isn't an issue the Dual 80 is great because of the tooth count. If Snap-On top ratchet was still 36 tooth it would be no contest in favor of the duralast. I rather have the Duralast than Willimas 936 style simply because of warranty. The quality of the two is so close that it's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

 

[Rickster]

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

Get the Snap-on. I have all three of those in my toolbox and hands down the Snap-on is better than the SK & Facom

 

[Clarifixer]

Don't forget to check out Nepros ratchets, a best kept secret in the tool world. Nepros is the "boutique" line from Kyoto Tools that are gorgous jewels and mechanically top drawer. They are suppliers to Japanese industry, which does a bit of high end manufacturing, I've heard......

 

[mrholeshot]

Don't forget to check out Nepros ratchets, a best kept secret in the tool world. Nepros is the "boutique" line from Kyoto Tools that are gorgous jewels and mechanically top drawer. They are suppliers to Japanese industry, which does a bit of high end manufacturing, I've heard......

Yeah, buy a ratchet that takes 3 months to get a warranty. Come one this guy is looking for a solid value. No ratchet is any better than it's warranty.

 

[Clarifixer]

Yeah, buy a ratchet that takes 3 months to get a warranty. Come on, this guy is looking for a solid value. No ratchet is any better than its warranty.

You're right--practicality has never been my strong suit. I'm just a sucker for aesthetics and Nepros has my number.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

You all have a good point about the warranty, if ever needed. I only turn the wrenches at home so the useage will be minimal. I really would like to buy american made, (the Facom was bending the rules a bit- it is so pretty). I think i will try the SK for 38 dollars... despite the company issues. It is the cheapest, and maybe try the Snap-on later. Thanks for all the opinions.

 

[Hiball]

Warranty Smarranty... For the 100th time. If you use your Ratchets correctly you wont have to worry about Warranty for many years. I Used my Grandfathers SK ratchets for 10+ years before i could afford my own stuff and I asked him one day "How many times have you warranted a Ratchet" He looked at me like i was Stupid. Did i mention he has owned his SK sets for over 40 years and still counting and they where used in a Agriculture Enviroment back when you worked on your own equipment? Any tool will Wear Period but the better ratchets IMO have "Replacement Guts" to Renew your Investment to New condition, Which speaks volumes to me in regards to the Manufacturer standing behind there product. The Best thing you can do is check the Ratchets out first hand, Dont let Warranty scare you into your decision. You cant go thru life being a ***** and worrying about Warranty because frankly any of these companies could go belly up or change there warranty guidlines at any time. My Opinion Only...

 

[mrholeshot]

HiBall, I agree with you when it's comes to SK ratchets as I've had nothing but great experiance with them. The one I use for engine assembly has almost all its chrome gone and never given any problems. Absoluttly fantastic tool. I have however had a fresh Snap-On come off the truck and break within minutes of using it. It's a fluke thing but it happens. It doesn't stop me from buying Snap-On or think any less of it's quality. It is important that if something happens that you be able to have that item repaired. I have a brand new Craftsman Premium 80 dollar 1/2 drive that has problems already. It aggrivates me that i'm having trouble getting it replaced. It's not a matter of being a ***** about it but more a matter of a company that fulfills it's obligation for repair or replacement. Abuse and neglect can be causes for ratchet failure but sometimes it's not the users error. Sometimes the ratchet just fails.

 

[Hiball]

HiBall, I agree with you when it's comes to SK ratchets as I've had nothing but great experiance with them. The one I use for engine assembly has almost all its chrome gone and never given any problems. Absoluttly fantastic tool. I have however had a fresh Snap-On come off the truck and break within minutes of using it. It's a fluke thing but it happens. It doesn't stop me from buying Snap-On or think any less of it's quality. It is important that if something happens that you be able to have that item repaired. I have a brand new Craftsman Premium 80 dollar 1/2 drive that has problems already. It aggrivates me that i'm having trouble getting it replaced. It's not a matter of being a ***** about it but more a matter of a company that fulfills it's obligation for repair or replacement. Abuse and neglect can be causes for ratchet failure but sometimes it's not the users error. Sometimes the ratchet just fails.

I believe the Craftsman Premium issue your having will eventually be remedied once they start carrying more stock. Its No secret that sometimes QC issues arrise with tools, Its not brand specific in Most cases. I Feel anyone who Relies on there Tools to get the job done should keep a rebuild kit/Multiple Tool Options in stock. I doubt there is anyone on this board who only has 1 of Each Drive size concerning Ratchets... As far as the Warranty Issues... I do even factor it into the equation when im buying tools unless its a large Single Purchase. I used to think it was the Gospel and if a tool didnt carry a Warranty it was Junk, Dont get me Wrong its a Nice feeling when the Manufacturer stands behind there Tools but its not a Deal Breaker. Maybe its because i was forced to use tools that where older than me for many years? Dunno...

 

[mrholeshot]

I believe the Craftsman Premium issue your having will eventually be remedied once they start carrying more stock. Its No secret that sometimes QC issues arrise with tools, Its not brand specific in Most cases. I Feel anyone who Relies on there Tools to get the job done should keep a rebuild kit/Multiple Tool Options in stock. I doubt there is anyone on this board who only has 1 of Each Drive size concerning Ratchets... As far as the Warranty Issues... I do even factor it into the equation when im buying tools unless its a large Single Purchase. I used to think it was the Gospel and if a tool didnt carry a Warranty it was Junk, Dont get me Wrong its a Nice feeling when the Manufacturer stands behind there Tools but its not a Deal Breaker. Maybe its because i was forced to use tools that where older than me for many years? Dunno...

Back when most ratchets had 24 teeth and were built like tanks it wasn't as much of an issue. There was a lot more pride put into tools back 40-80 years ago. Now with ratchets having very fine teeth and getting more compact they just arn't as durable or forgiving. In this guys case it sounds like this will be his only ratchet. He needs a warranty. In my case I have plenty of back ups so I would have no problem buying and SK with no warranty.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

My only ratchets now are PROTO 24-tooth models. They might be tanks, but they aren't fun to work with. That is why it's time to upgrade to something with more teeth.

 

[mrholeshot]

You also may want to look at Gearwrench. 60 tooth, priced right and easy to warranty. If you want fine tooth I would stick to the Snap-On if you are looking for the fun factor while using your tools.

 

[Elroy]

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

Elroy is partial to the suggestion above

For all practical purposes the issue of warranty is a moot point. If it's a true concern then rest assured that both Proto and Snap-on offer full warranties.The Proto's up front costs being less than 50% of the Snappy

Is the traditional Proto a modern fine tooth design?? No
Are you going to require a warranty ??

Only Elroy's hair dresser knows for sure

Are there any advantages to the Proto besides up front cost?

Yep it's thin and ****.

And the Proto is actually longer than the Snappy even though you can't tell in this view due to the parallax

Elroy would recommend the Proto but the ultimate decision is yours. Good luck in your choice. Elroy is confident you'll make the correct selection based upon your own circumstances.

 

[lipadj46]

When you buy a ratchet no matter what it is always figure in how well and easy the warranty is to use. I own many ratchets and warranty is a big deal because I break them (not like I once did) no matter what brand. Snap-On will warrranty but takes a week or so through the mail or up to a week with a dealer. I wouldn't buy Facom because of warranty issues. That leaves out a bunch of other brands as well. Just take everything into consideration when you make your decision. The ting I like about Duralast from Autozone is that you aree getting a tool truck quality ratchet at a price point about where Craftsman is and warranty is as close as your local Autozone. Quality, Price and warranty. It takes all three to make a ratchet a solid value. If money isn't an issue the Dual 80 is great because of the tooth count. If Snap-On top ratchet was still 36 tooth it would be no contest in favor of the duralast. I rather have the Duralast than Willimas 936 style simply because of warranty. The quality of the two is so close that it's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

But what happens when autozone finds a cheaper manufacturer in a cheaper country and makes a cheaper product? It is not a matter of if but when. There goes that warranty. I do agree duralast tools are a good value at the present time but I'm sure they will be forced to go with another manufacturer eventually to stay at that price point. williams are made in the USA for not much more money and their warranty process is pretty painless besides the shipping costs to williams.

 

[Elroy]

Elroy would say the Williams is a good choice as well.

The imports: not so much so, but that is simply Elroy's opinion

 

[mrholeshot]

Nice selection Elroy. I like the older style proto but the rebranded Mac red handle proto I'm not crazy about. Just personal preferance and probably because Mac left such a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[mrholeshot]

But what happens when autozone finds a cheaper manufacturer in a cheaper country and makes a cheaper product? It is not a matter of if but when. There goes that warranty. I do agree duralast tools are a good value at the present time but I'm sure they will be forced to go with another manufacturer eventually to stay at that price point. williams are made in the USA for not much more money and their warranty process is pretty painless besides the shipping costs to williams.

That could happen with anything you buy. Williams is no exception. Look how much of their line has moved overseas. It's just a matter of time before the 52 series and the 936 series is gone. The same could be said for Snap-On Mac, Matco and Cornwell. It's happening right before us. Like Snap-On I'm of firm beleif that if it doesn't say USA it's because they legally can't put it on the ratchet. For now the Duralast is great.

 

[Hiball]

Back when most ratchets had 24 teeth and were built like tanks it wasn't as much of an issue. There was a lot more pride put into tools back 40-80 years ago. Now with ratchets having very fine teeth and getting more compact they just arn't as durable or forgiving. In this guys case it sounds like this will be his only ratchet. He needs a warranty. In my case I have plenty of back ups so I would have no problem buying and SK with no warranty.

I believe its been proven over and over that Generally the More teeth/Paw contact the stronger the Ratchet is. I know this is the case in Automotive Axles etc... This has been backed up by Many Members and our Tool truck Dealers in regards to Kit replacements. To the OP.. Keep a Eye on the Classifieds here at GJ, You can find many quality ratchets for sale well below Retail.

 

[mrholeshot]

I believe its been proven over and over that Generally the More teeth/Paw contact the stronger the Ratchet is. I know this is the case in Automotive Axles etc....

Axles have 360 degrees of contact area. Also size matters. There is a reason 3/4 drive and bigger don't have 80 teeth. Where you don't have 360 degrees of engaugement the bigger deeper teeth have more contact area. The more compact the gear the less surface area. I don't think he's going to have a problem with any quality ratchet and he should make a choice based on cost, quality and warranty. Because he names Snap-On that would be my choice

 

[astrodoggie3000]

So would a dual 80 be stronger than a 24-tooth proto pear head? I will pay what ever it costs to buy the strongest ratchet i can.

 

[spongerich]

FWIW - Amazon has this Proto set on sale for $52 that includes a 3/8" ratchet, a couple of extensions and 9 sockets. I grabbed a metric version earlier, but those seem to be out of stock at the moment.

 

[Deafautotech]

this would be overkill for someone who dont doing for living on wrenches, i just got a new SLX80 as i took my SLF936 to home as flex head kept get floppy easy after i had it work on.. so SLX80 will take care of it at my work.. it is worth to me as for heavy line tech... but if use it at home only, craftsman flex ratchet do jobs for me... (few times i had either broke or stripped the ratchet head mechanicals because i have to do but got overloaded on it...)

 

[astrodoggie3000]

I have that same set in metric and SAE with the same ratchet. I know it is a good ratchet, but i was wanting to upgrade to something with more precision. After hearing all these opinions, maybe i'll lube it up and stick with it! I've used it at work for almost 9 years now without a problem. Thanks for all the input... i feel like i learned alot today about ratchets.

 

[Deafautotech]

my opinion is go for your feeling... if you like the ratchet, keep use it and care of it... i could keep use craftsman ratchets but after hard work and long hours, i just dont like it so i had upgraded all of it but kept all olds at home...

 

[Garage_Mahal]

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



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

Steve from Ultimate Garage, UltGar on this forum, is a Facom dealer and always give exemplary service and rapid shipping.

I love my Facom ratchets but they are not the equal of the Snappys. The upside is, if I shop around, I can often find them for less than half the price for equal function.

 

[quattrojon]

astrodoggie3000, Have you considered the Armstrong Maxx series of ratchets? All things considered they are an excellent range of ratchets. They have 60 teeth, extremely shallow head, and a near perfect handle. On top of this, you can upgrade (should you so wish) by buying a 88 tooth gear set from any Matco dealer.