Which 1/4" Ratchet
- Thread starter ohblondi
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import extermination
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I have both, the comfort grip is nice but bulky.
T72 is too small to be breaking anything loose comfortably. My go-to is the flex model. If I don't need the leverage I just choke up on it.
The non-comfort grip models are also not very ergonomic for torque. The handles are about the width of a pen.
The non-comfort grip models are also not very ergonomic for torque. The handles are about the width of a pen.
I have a TF72? the flex head non comfort grip. It's a long ratchet, very head heavy and very thin (too thin) handle. But the mechanism is beautiful. If I was you I'd go with the flex head in comfort grip and get a basic 1/4" ratchet from someone else like SK for those tight spaces.thegroundpounder99
Well-known member
I have a T72 and aTF72? (mine has lock don't) I use the TF way more and the T72 here and there. Got two soft handle with a socket but never use them and keep forgetting to put on EBAY. Not a big fan of the soft handles.
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toddacimer
Well-known member
I really like the comfort handle flex 1/4 drive ratchet. It's a really good length
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I vote for the T72 and then get a longer one from dare I say it Harbor Freight like the roto ratchet with the comfort grip for the length you want.
When you need the small, you likely need the high tooth count.
When you need the small, you likely need the high tooth count.
1950mercury
Well-known member
I have both and never use the regular handles. Never had an issue with the comfort handle.
Not to de rail the thread. One thing you might consider if coo don't bother you is the HF pro comfort handle non flex. I was given one and it's a hell of a ratchet for 12 bucks. Same tooth count as the so. Just lube it up
Not to de rail the thread. One thing you might consider if coo don't bother you is the HF pro comfort handle non flex. I was given one and it's a hell of a ratchet for 12 bucks. Same tooth count as the so. Just lube it up
AV tinker er
Well-known member
Re: Which 1/4" Ratchet
I work in aviation and use/used 1/4 drive almost exclusively. My T72 is bullet proof. I have larger hands and never had an issue using that ratchet. Granted I saw very little corrosion, 1/4 self locking nuts provide enough drag to use that ratchet one handed and not have to hold the socket. I love SK but for the work I did clearance was always an issue. So larger handles (comfort/hard grips) and larger heads (SK as an example) can make a difference.
So think about the kind of work you'll need to use the ratchet for.
I work in aviation and use/used 1/4 drive almost exclusively. My T72 is bullet proof. I have larger hands and never had an issue using that ratchet. Granted I saw very little corrosion, 1/4 self locking nuts provide enough drag to use that ratchet one handed and not have to hold the socket. I love SK but for the work I did clearance was always an issue. So larger handles (comfort/hard grips) and larger heads (SK as an example) can make a difference.
So think about the kind of work you'll need to use the ratchet for.
Finky198
Well-known member
T72 and 1/4 flex from HF is what I have been using and I've been extremely happy with both. And if u like the HF you could always upgrade to the snappy
I am not considering HF or any other tool brands. I currently get the student discount and am in need of a 1/4" ratchet. I am also not a fan at all of Flex head models.
Judging from the responses maybe the THL72 wouldn't be a bad pick then.
Does anyone have a dimensional comparison of the comfort grip to the regular handle in terms of thickness.
Judging from the responses maybe the THL72 wouldn't be a bad pick then.
Does anyone have a dimensional comparison of the comfort grip to the regular handle in terms of thickness.
JBradley500
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- Jul 19, 2013
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If I were you i'd get the THL72 now, then if you need the T72 get it later. I feel like the "L" version of the SO 1/4 ratchets are the best overall length.
shoggoth80
Well-known member
Snapp 1/4" roto w/comfort grip. FHCNF72. That's what gets my vote.
Finky198
Well-known member
If you happen to mention that you were in student discount program that completely changes how you should approach buying tools form snap on and I'm sure many will agree. Buy As MUCH as you can without going into debt
devoncoolman
Well-known member
I understand you don't like flex head ratchets. But if you're going to do automotive type work they really aren't optional. You need flex ratchets to make life easier.
Now to your question. I like the t72 and the flex model. The short ratchet is good for tite spaces and low torque applications.
Dave455
Well-known member
Both good choices, you won't regret either!
Personally, I'd get the longer ratchet. Although you shouldn't, most folks seem to use these as both ratchet and breaker and they work just fine!
For what it's worth, i don't like soft grips. They pick up grease, then grit and are not as nice to use in the real world as they seem on the truck! So look at the TL72, which is the long handle without the comfort grip!
If you really don't like the steel handle model, see if your dealer can get you an old style hard handle variety! They seem to come available a couple times a year and are a lot more durable than the comfort grip, but still offering something bigger to grip!
Also consider the THNF72, which is the round & swivel head version. It will do everything the regular will, but you can use it like a ratcheting driver too!
For what it's worth, I started off with the T72, or whatever the regular length was called back then, but as I use 1/4 drive more and more I added the long handle and the flex!
A few months back, working away from base a lot, and fed up with hauling so much weight around, I took a long hard look at what I was carrying! In 1/4 drive I now just carry a TF72, loads of extensions, semi deep 6 point sockets, universal sockets in popular sizes, metric hex and torx! Does an awful lot for a small package!
Personally, I'd get the longer ratchet. Although you shouldn't, most folks seem to use these as both ratchet and breaker and they work just fine!
For what it's worth, i don't like soft grips. They pick up grease, then grit and are not as nice to use in the real world as they seem on the truck! So look at the TL72, which is the long handle without the comfort grip!
If you really don't like the steel handle model, see if your dealer can get you an old style hard handle variety! They seem to come available a couple times a year and are a lot more durable than the comfort grip, but still offering something bigger to grip!
Also consider the THNF72, which is the round & swivel head version. It will do everything the regular will, but you can use it like a ratcheting driver too!
For what it's worth, I started off with the T72, or whatever the regular length was called back then, but as I use 1/4 drive more and more I added the long handle and the flex!
A few months back, working away from base a lot, and fed up with hauling so much weight around, I took a long hard look at what I was carrying! In 1/4 drive I now just carry a TF72, loads of extensions, semi deep 6 point sockets, universal sockets in popular sizes, metric hex and torx! Does an awful lot for a small package!
I think I should clarify one more thing.
I am not in school to do any kind of repair work, I live on a farm so I use tools now, but I would also like to restore cars in the future. That is the purpose for me wanting to buy tools. I feel you get what you pay for and if I buy this ratchet now, it could last my lifetime. Snap on makes a great quality tool and I am trying to take advantage of the discount while I have it before I graduate.
I really appreciate a lot of the great responses and the feedback.
I think I am going to go with the THL72 along with the 106BTMX extension set.
I do not like the wobble SK extensions I have right now in 3/8" drive, which is why I am shying away from those in the 1/4" variety.
I am not in school to do any kind of repair work, I live on a farm so I use tools now, but I would also like to restore cars in the future. That is the purpose for me wanting to buy tools. I feel you get what you pay for and if I buy this ratchet now, it could last my lifetime. Snap on makes a great quality tool and I am trying to take advantage of the discount while I have it before I graduate.
I really appreciate a lot of the great responses and the feedback.
I think I am going to go with the THL72 along with the 106BTMX extension set.
I do not like the wobble SK extensions I have right now in 3/8" drive, which is why I am shying away from those in the 1/4" variety.
AV tinker er
Well-known member
He should still be wise with his money. Don't buy just to get the discount.
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
I have the TL72 and FHCNF72. Really like both of them. I've never been crazy about the comfort grip handle either. But I don't mind it on the roto ratchet. I'd considered getting a T72 but I prefer the length of the TL72. I never really have problems with it not fitting anywhere. If it doesn't that's why I have the option of the shorter and flexing FHCNF72.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
It depends on how you're going to use the ratchet. Most of the time I'm using a 1/4 drive ratchet with an extension and holding the two together like a T-handle. When holding it like a T-handle, I prefer a 1/4 drive ratchet no longer than 5 inches overall. A long handle 1/4 drive ratchet feels awkward when flicking it real fast with my wrist. I would say I prefer a short handle 1/4 drive ratchet for T-handle ratcheting and a long handle flex-head 1/4 drive when I'm not holding it like a T-handle.
TX72, it's the end-game 1/4 ratchet. This is the ratchet I use 80% of the time while working on aircraft. It gets into tight places, it gives you plenty of torque with the longer handle, there's nothing I don't like about it. With 1/4" I always go without the comfort grip because it can fit in tighter spots that way.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I have a T72, TL72, TF72, THNF72, and the 1/4" bit ratchet and use them all pretty regular.
-T72 for low drag, quick spinning or when you are in a tight space.
-TL72 if I need to break free fasteners or need some extra length
-TF72 when you need flex
-THNF72 when you need to break a fastener loose and then run it off like a nutdriver.
I'm a ratchet *****, but if I needed to pick one it would probably be the TF72 because it ***** when you don't have a flex and need one. The T72 would be my second pick due to it's short handle.
-T72 for low drag, quick spinning or when you are in a tight space.
-TL72 if I need to break free fasteners or need some extra length
-TF72 when you need flex
-THNF72 when you need to break a fastener loose and then run it off like a nutdriver.
I'm a ratchet *****, but if I needed to pick one it would probably be the TF72 because it ***** when you don't have a flex and need one. The T72 would be my second pick due to it's short handle.
I am setup like bigblue.
I traded my comfort grips (THLF72/THL72) in on the standard chrome style found I could feel them flex and they are too bulky for a 1/4"
I would go TF72 before a TL72, that being said they are both too big sometimes so you need the t72. The THLF72 I had was way to big normally
I traded my comfort grips (THLF72/THL72) in on the standard chrome style found I could feel them flex and they are too bulky for a 1/4"
I would go TF72 before a TL72, that being said they are both too big sometimes so you need the t72. The THLF72 I had was way to big normally
I agree with this totally I have had the discount for approximately 9 months now. I have only spent 72 dollars. I get a weekly email of a tool of the week with special pricing so I watch that closely.
As I get closer to graduation and am not watching my bank account as tightly I would like to get metric and standard line wrenches. 1/2 Drive standard shallow sockets, screwdrivers, a torque wrench and maybe a pick set.
are people still buying them tools in student discount and then reselling them for small profit margin on ebay/craigslist etc. (few american friends of mine said that they used to do this.. bought 3 tools, sold 2 and the 3rd they kept was practically "free".)
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I think somebody said it's bigger than the 3/8 drive steel handle.
I have seen actually people have ads on Craigslist for such a "business venture". I will not do this.
I have a t72 and a tf72 as my 1/4" ratchets.
My t72 I basically palm in my hand and the tf72 I use when I need a little more leverage.
I had a snap on hard handle flex ratchet and I honestly didn't like it. It was almost too long and felt awkward holding it. It was a nice ratchet but it just didn't work for me so I sold it on here on the classifieds section back this past summer
It's almost like some of those 1/4 ratchets that snap on makes are almost too long and just feel weird when u go to use them. If I need something super long in a 1/4 drive id rather just grab my f80 3/8 ratchet
But that's just my opinion and everyone is different.
This was my long hard handle 1/4 flex that I did NOT like
But yeah like I said I felt if I really needed to use that...it felt better just using a 3/8 f80 snap on ratchet
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My t72 I basically palm in my hand and the tf72 I use when I need a little more leverage.
I had a snap on hard handle flex ratchet and I honestly didn't like it. It was almost too long and felt awkward holding it. It was a nice ratchet but it just didn't work for me so I sold it on here on the classifieds section back this past summer
It's almost like some of those 1/4 ratchets that snap on makes are almost too long and just feel weird when u go to use them. If I need something super long in a 1/4 drive id rather just grab my f80 3/8 ratchet
But that's just my opinion and everyone is different.
This was my long hard handle 1/4 flex that I did NOT like
But yeah like I said I felt if I really needed to use that...it felt better just using a 3/8 f80 snap on ratchet
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mr57
Well-known member
I have 3 - the finger ratchet, the one that came with the general service set, and the round head with the soft grip. I use the one in the set all the time. The other two not so much but still wouldn't be without either of them.