I want to get a nice snap on ratchet set for myself for Xmas. I'm going to have to go metric since both cars are non domestic(for the USA). I don't want anything over the top expensive but I know snap on is not cheap so I am prepared to spend a little$.which set would you all recommend for someone to start with? Thanks!
Which snap on ratchet set for home auto repair?
- Thread starter Lbcwanabe
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bob15
Well-known member
Without knowing what other tools you own:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Mint-Snap-On-Tools-Metric-General-Service-Set-222AFSMP-/141347966315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e8fecd6b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Mint-Snap-On-Tools-Metric-General-Service-Set-222AFSMP-/141347966315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e8fecd6b
espyking83
Well-known member
Bahco or Williams.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Then forget SnapOn !
If you want Made in the USA, buy Craftsman industrial 009-24782 -$103 + shipping
You can buy a lot more tools with the money you are going to save.
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Ratchets or sockets? Ratchets are sized by drive; 1/4, 3/8, 1/2"
Just finished a shade tree brake job yesterday- used pretty much all of my 3/8, 1/2 ratchets. Snap on ratchets sure are nice, but what makes the most difference to me is having a variety of sizes and styles. I used 3/8 stubby, hard handle, and long flex HH, also 1/2 flex stubby and the big long flex.
In terms of value, I appreciate my long flex ratchets the most. I had craftsman full polished tear drop ratchets for many years. They worked fine and still would if I had replacement guts. I had a craftsman 3/8 flex stubby I loved. Tho not as nice as Snap on, shorter ratchets don't need to be super strong or have super fine teeth, just low back drag.
So I recommend buying yourself long flex ratchets. Maybe spurge on soft grip handles. Snap on 1/4 drive, especially the long flex, are also worthwhile, since they are strong enough to pull really hard on.
Just finished a shade tree brake job yesterday- used pretty much all of my 3/8, 1/2 ratchets. Snap on ratchets sure are nice, but what makes the most difference to me is having a variety of sizes and styles. I used 3/8 stubby, hard handle, and long flex HH, also 1/2 flex stubby and the big long flex.
In terms of value, I appreciate my long flex ratchets the most. I had craftsman full polished tear drop ratchets for many years. They worked fine and still would if I had replacement guts. I had a craftsman 3/8 flex stubby I loved. Tho not as nice as Snap on, shorter ratchets don't need to be super strong or have super fine teeth, just low back drag.
So I recommend buying yourself long flex ratchets. Maybe spurge on soft grip handles. Snap on 1/4 drive, especially the long flex, are also worthwhile, since they are strong enough to pull really hard on.
espyking83
Well-known member
Owned by Snap On. Pretty much same internals. Good enough for me.
rsanter
Well-known member
Are you opposed to used stuff?
Bob
Bob
Cope
Well-known member
That's a pretty good starter set.
I have that set and bought it when I first started. Its a great set and woth it.
crewchief888
Well-known member
my "go to" ratchet is a 3/8" dr long handled flex head.
if you are set on having SO ratchets,
that one set me back $130 several years ago...
if you are set on having SO ratchets,
that one set me back $130 several years ago...
bczygan
Well-known member
Snap-On ratchets are magical.
Any one that you buy will fix all problems your car may ever have.
Oh, and I forgot to add, just holding one in your hand will make you an expert mechanic.
And you will walk among the gods.
Any one that you buy will fix all problems your car may ever have.
Oh, and I forgot to add, just holding one in your hand will make you an expert mechanic.
And you will walk among the gods.
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jeepinerdeep
Well-known member
my "go to" ratchet is a 3/8" dr long handled flex head.
if you are set on having SO ratchets,
that one set me back $130 several years ago...
Yeah this too. ^
A FLHF80 Ratchet, a FXK6 6 inch extension and a set of 212FSMSY mid depth sockets = off to the races. All of these can be found on ebay regularly too, in various states of condition.
Cope
Well-known member
devoncoolman
Well-known member
3/8 will be your most used drive size. But snap-on and cheap are not generaly two words used together. I do not dissagree with your choice to own quality snap-on tools but they cant be had cheap unless bought used.
lightning02
Well-known member
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You can get all 3 Armstrong ratchets (1/4-3/8-1/2) and have money left over for sockets.
Make in the USA and well respected.
Make in the USA and well respected.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Just did a front wheel hub and bearing on a Buick Lesabre, which includes removing the caliper, caliper bracket and rotor. Used only my 3/8" flex head Craftsman and my 1/2" impact (Craftsman rebranded over CP). for lug nuts and the axle nut.
Roger that ! I had to replace mine a few years back. The old was Made in the USA. The replacement was not and it shows.
No interest in hard or soft handle ratchets. My standard length 3/8" is as short as I will likely ever need.
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ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Chuck Norris carries an SK 3870. Just like my Grandpa did, and my Dad and I do.And I guess Chuck Norris carries one?
The equivalent Snap-On FHNF100 would work well for OP.
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
Get something with a decent handle in whatever sockets drive you got. Snap on handles are really good usually. Please tell me you have sockets/other tools.
Quality wise...for home...for a guy asking this question? Not worth it. I don't know what knowledge you have but pro quality tools do not replace knowledge and mechanics (for a lot of people) isn't something you pick up quickly. Just saying, not knocking.
davethorik
Well-known member
I would say start off with the Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchets in all 3 sizes, they are very nice and slightly less money than Snappy. Personally I dislike their sockets because of the laser etching, I would go with Wright sockets. Or you could buy Snap-On! Seems like in the tool world there are too many choices sometimes.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Nothing wrong with a DIY guy having nice tools. I don't make my living with a ratchet, but I own 12 Snap On Dual 80's. A lot of us "DIY" guys maintain race cars and motorcycles, so some of our tools get used as much as the "professionals". The O.P. doesn't sound like a heavy tool user, but if he wants nice ****, then he wants nice ****.
If I was getting into quality 3/8" drive sockets/ratchets I would start with Williams USA sockets and a simple Snap On F80. Williams USA made sockets are damn near as nice as Snap On as they are an industrial division of Snap On.
I'd be careful using basic chrome sockets with a 3/8 impact. Technically it can be done, but there's a reason for impact versions of sockets. Chrome (designed to be used with hand ratchets) have a tendency to crack or blow out under the blows of an impact. Unless the op is looking to pick up a set of impact 3/8 sockets, but I doubt it since the walls are typically thicker and can be a hindrance in other applications.
+1. If you don't know the difference between a socket set and a ratchet set, but you're sure you need snap on, I think I can't help.
This forum slightly frustrates me. Questions like this one come up fairly frequently and really should be sticky, instead of the frought with misinformation truck tool equivalent thread.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
All my 3/8" drive sockets are impact except 12pt shallow. My point was 3/8" can do most automotive work. I use impact sockets for hand and impact use except 1/4".
I find these sets to be expensive and far from complete. If a person wants a "basic set of tools" for automotive, that set better include things like torx bit sockets, Allen bit sockets, and at least some flex head something.
I concur. A large kit set from Husky/Craftsman/Stanley would probably be much cheaper, complete and useful. Then also have the added benefit of not making you cry when you inevitably lose a couple sockets.
2jz4me
Well-known member
I dont understand how any thread gets started with questions like these.
I mean when I started working on cars I was 18 and lived on my own. I didnt have any tools to really speak of when I moved so when the first time came that I had to do car repair I just went and bought what I needed at big lots. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I had to change my fuel filter on my 83 celica so I went and bought 20 or so piece ratchet set for like $2.99!!! It did exactly what I needed it to and I still have that very set 16 years later and the only thing that ever broke was the 3/8 to 1/4 adapter. People get so consumed with what brand to buy or whos using what and it doesnt matter. Just get what you need that works until you need something more. Period.
creativecars
Well-known member
Most people don't need snap on, but for many reasons that is what they think they want.
If you are looking for a set of pretty good quality chrome sockets I recommend the 301 pc set from HF. The set runs $200 but with a 25% coupon it runs $150 and that is 50 cents per tool without too much repeated junk (like 40 Allen wrenches and 25 magnetic bits). This includes most metric and SAE sockets you will use. I would then recommend getting a plier set, combination wrench set and a few hammers. Upgrading to HF's new professional line of ratchets would be great to.
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html
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joel63
Well-known member
^^^
This is a very nice starter set, and for the price too, if you want Snap-On.
It just needs the 12 mm shallow and deep sockets. For it comes with 11 mm sockets instead of 12 mm.
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-3-8-D...8828f51be180&pid=100009&prg=11353&rk=1&rkt=4& anybody know if theres a metric set like this?
mmack66
Well-known member
Good lord.
I don't care what people do with their money, but for home auto repair, I'd run to Costco and buy that made in USA set of Craftsman ratchets and sockets. Or I'd buy that giant set of Craftsman sockets and some nice ratchets.
I wouldn't, however, buy a virtually useless 22-piece set of Snap-On tools for $335
bob15
Well-known member
To each his own. You want Crapman, fine go buy it. That wan't the question.
If he wanted a nice starter set that was less money, Crapman isn't it. You would go buy this SK set:
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94547.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplp6828451&gclid=CIv0ouHI38ECFW4F7AodjB8AWQ
Oh, and how is that Snap on set useless? Do explain.......