Which ratchet?

[ls1dreams]

As described in this post, I am looking to build a basic set of tools for general household use.

Not a professional mechanic/contractor/etc.

However, I'm thinking that a ratchet might be one of those tools where it makes more sense to splurge on.

Here are ones I'm considering:

1. Snap-On F80 - 3/8", 80 teeth, should be around $60 on ebay
2. Snap-On F936 - 3/8" , 36 teeth, around $60 on ebay
2. Snap-On FN100 - 3/8", 100 teeth? - also $60 ish
3. SK 45170 3/8" http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00003030K/?tag=atomicindus08-20 - $35
4. Some cheap craftsman ratchet (seem to range $25-$60)

I'm not too worried about the slow warranty time for the SO and SK, because if a ratchet breaks I can just pickup a cheapo at Sears and have it as a spare. (I figure there will be plenty of projects where it might be nice to just leave 2 sockets on each ratchet)

Questions:
1. What's the difference between a "round head" ratchet and a regular tear drop shaped one? Any main advantage of one over the other?
2. Thoughts on # of teeth? More teeth is obviously smoother, but would that also mean that I'm giving up durability? My dad used to be a snap-on dealer and mentioned that the higher teeth counts seemed to break more.

Is it worth splurging for the snap-on wrench here?

 

[JSBriggs]

...
2. Thoughts on # of teeth? More teeth is obviously smoother, but would that also mean that I'm giving up durability? My dad used to be a snap-on dealer and mentioned that the higher teeth counts seemed to break more.

Not necessarily, 'smoothness' has more to do with spring pressure than number of teeth. The tooth count will effect the swing arc until the next tooth is engaged (how much the handle has to move before the click)

Also many of the modern higher tooth counts have multiple teeth engaged and are often stronger than the older lower tooth count models.

-Jeff

 

[Gtamazing]

Of your listed options I suggest the F80. After a few more posts you'll be recommended every ratchet know to man and you'll have an even harder time trying to decide. Good Luck.

 

[twincam00]

If you have no tools now I highly doubt you NEED a snap-on dual 80, save your money and get the SK (midgrade, still better than craftsman raised panel ratchet) and spend the rest of your money on more tools

 

[powertrip]

You probably don't know it , but you have opened up a can of worms.

 

[kippieland]

I have an F80 and LOVE IT...but I got on Ebay for $40(buy now as well)....$60 is to much...mine maybe used but you can't tell. Be patient...I just scored an Matco 88 3/8 yesterday for $31. I love SK as well, but I wouldn't get it at Amazon, try tooltopia.com. They have better prices on SK then Amazon. I have an SK and SO 1/4...the SO is WAY smoother, but the SK is tough as nails. If you want it now, then go with the SK but if you are welling to wait and be patient you can get a nice F80 used.

Very true about the can of worms!

 

[DTB]

My vote is Armstrong Maxx 88 tooth ratchets--Matco tools at (nearly) Craftsman price.
Really,with any decent ratchet you can't go wrong.High tooth count tear drop ratchets are mostly the normal now.I never cared for the round head ratchets,seeing even a high quality one reminds me of the cheap junk ratchet thrown in every $5 no name tool kit.If you can score a Snap On Dual 80 for a good price go for it.Don't count out Matco 88 tooths either tho,just a matter of preference.They are a slightly more "low profile",and usually cheaper second hand.

Also,if you don't mind "offshore" tools,the GearWrench brand ratchets are nice,high tooth count,similar to the Matco/Armstrongs.

 

[blackgold]

I just got an armstrong maxx (11-992). I really enjoy it. Very nice contours on grips, smooth tight ratcheting. I'm sold. 40 dollars shipped. I couldn't beat it.
Brian

 

[kippieland]

My vote is Armstrong Maxx 88 tooth ratchets--Matco tools at (nearly) Craftsman price.
Really,with any decent ratchet you can't go wrong.High tooth count tear drop ratchets are mostly the normal now.I never cared for the round head ratchets,seeing even a high quality one reminds me of the cheap junk ratchet thrown in every $5 no name tool kit.If you can score a Snap On Dual 80 for a good price go for it.Don't count out Matco 88 tooths either tho,just a matter of preference.They are a slightly more "low profile",and usually cheaper second hand.

Also,if you don't mind "offshore" tools,the GearWrench brand ratchets are nice,high tooth count,similar to the Matco/Armstrongs.

+1 for that as well...I was going to get one of these until I scored the Matco...same internals...I believe so I went with the cheaper.

 

[nirion]

The Craftsman thin profile is a nice ratchet. It is $30 at sears (you could get the 3/8 and 1/4 and then use 5 off 50 coupon to get both for about $50). I have all those and the 1/2" and they work well for me. Much smoother than the standard Craftsman ratchet.

 

[k9american]

I much prefer oval head ratchets with the small lever for reversing -flick it with your thumb - as opposed to the round heads like the SK - takes one hand to hold the ratchet and the other to turn the reversing control.

 

[twincam00]

You probably don't know it , but you have opened up a can of worms.

very well said

 

[bmwohio]

My vote is for the F80 too. I am also a shadetree, and one of things I splurge on is ratchets. Could be one of the last 3/8" ratchets you'll ever buy....I'll be passing mine down to my, now, 7 month old son someday.