Who makes the best quick-release ratchet?

[1982fxr]

For the type of wrenching i do, the quick release is an awesome ratchet. I have a few of the c-man RP's. I got them all used and they are a little loose--not sure if they come this way new or they are loose due to wear and usage.

Who makes the tightest/best non-truck brand (can't afford them) quick-release ratchets in your opinion?

I know c-man makes different models--I would like to avoid them because I hate Sears though...so what all is out there?

as always, thank you

 

[Veto]

Bahco makes some good quick release ratchets, S61, S750 and S81. I have them and definitely recommend them. There's also the Facom 171 series. I don't have them, but I have the 161 series which I believe is the same ratchet, just without quick release.

 

[Wakefield]

The svelte little Nepros 3/8" drive ratchet "90 tooth" I got has QR.

 

[DTB]

I have a Napa Carlyle R38QR that was a warranty replacement for a older Napa ratchet.I actually like it quite a bit for just being a simple cheap ratchet.60 tooth action,pretty smooth really.It's the only quick release ratchet I own.Available at your local Napa store for around $30.

 

[1982fxr]

any USA made though?

 

[trout]

Proto and Williams both make some nice QR ratchets

 

[devoncoolman]

Bahco and facom are made in Europe. Good quality tools. The napa carlyle tools aren't too bad great for price. But not us made.

 

[Veto]

Bahco and facom are made in Europe. Good quality tools. The napa carlyle tools aren't too bad great for price. But not us made.

Acutally the Bahco are Taiwan made nowadays, no longer Swedish. Although being made in Taiwan, they are still very good.

The Facom are still made in Italy though.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

I upgraded my old Williams/Kobolt that had a quick release to the Craftsman Thin Profile (I think you're going to have to go to ebay for US stock though) and I'm happy with them.

 

[bluebolt]

If you can find used Craftsman RHFT's get them. Other companies had the same style of ratchet and new rebuild kits were available.

 

[geojag]

I have an KD flex head that is quick release. I end up using it about 99% of the time.

 

[mbrisson]

Proto and Williams both make some nice QR ratchets

I second this, Taiwan Williams all day. great prices too.

 

[1982fxr]

is this the Proto? it says 24 tooth, does it "double up" inside making it like a 48 tooth? I only have one Proto ratchet but it isn't like that one...is that the release button in the middle or is this the wrong ratchet?

 

[trout]

that's not the QR proto, that's a really old design dating back to the Plomb days.

Take a look at this one, model J5449XLQR (1/2"), J5249XLQR (3/8"), or J4749XLQR (1/4")

 

[wafrederick]

Snap On makes them too,I have one.I have the F723A which the rebuild kit is still available.The newer craftsmans with the thin plate held in with a snap ring ****,dirt gets in the mechanism real easy.

 

[ImportTuner]

Get the Armstrong RHFT ratchet. It's just like the Craftsman but without the raised panel on the handle.

 

[1982fxr]

Get the Armstrong RHFT ratchet. It's just like the Craftsman but without the raised panel on the handle.

I just found the above Proto. Saw it is only 45 teeth. I have the Armstrong 88 tooth aerospace and I love it except for it's not a QR style.

The Armstrong you mention is a QR, yes?

 

[ImportTuner]

I just found the above Proto. Saw it is only 45 teeth. I have the Armstrong 88 tooth aerospace and I love it except for it's not a QR style.

The Armstrong you mention is a QR, yes?

Yes, it is a QR ...



Middle ratchet in the picture

 

[padronanniversary]

Snap on, just got a few 3/8 and 1/2

 

[FiendFX]

Was at home depot today, and saw a 3/8 ratchet with quick release, 72 tooth from husky. Not bad honestly. The quick release was very flat compared to others.

 

[1982fxr]

just found the Armstrong, I was hoping it would be a higher tooth count than 45. Do any of the non-truck brands offer a higher tooth quick release?

or are any of the c-man high tooth count?

 

[NC-Fordguy]

just found the Armstrong, I was hoping it would be a higher tooth count than 45. Do any of the non-truck brands offer a higher tooth quick release?

or are any of the c-man high tooth count?

Carlyle(Napa) has a 60t quick release in 3/8 drive. I've been using mine since the came out last year with the line--no problems

 

[TwoInch]

just found the Armstrong, I was hoping it would be a higher tooth count than 45. Do any of the non-truck brands offer a higher tooth quick release?

or are any of the c-man high tooth count?

the craftsman thin profile are quick release, and 60 tooth. they are great ratchets also, same mechanism as the matco, armstrong, CM premium, gearwrench ratchets, with an added quick release button.

 

[Veto]

I still think you should take a look at Bahco or Facom, may not be Made in USA, but still excellent quality. The Bahco is 60 teeth and the Facom is 72 teeth.

 

[otis66]

any USA made though?

Snap On Dual 80 with quick release.

 

[Delray]

I have a lot of ratchets but the ones I use most are SO's and Thin Profile Craftsman. Mine are all USA. If the new ones are imported I can't give a fair opinion of them.

 

[IndyGarage]

I like the Kobalt ones. Don't know how much abuse they would take, but yesterday I recovered a 1/4 drive Kobalt that I dropped in the bilge of my boat 18 months ago. Underwater for 18 months I thought it would be toast.

I pulled it out, wiped off the goo and grime and it worked great. Very slight pitting on the chrome plating in one area, other than that it was fine.

 

[ilovevocs]

I was pleased with my craftsman thin profile but they don't Compare to my dual 80's; then again neither does the price point. You don't need a whole box of the stuff, but buy one nice flex head dual 80 and you find that it's your go-to.

 

[CWP1616L]

Some quick release ratchets have a tiny little button with a stiff spring that likes to jab into your thumb. Proto had a round head like that. I got rid of it.

 

[1982fxr]

I was pleased with my craftsman thin profile but they don't Compare to my dual 80's; then again neither does the price point. You don't need a whole box of the stuff, but buy one nice flex head dual 80 and you find that it's your go-to.

truck brands are out of my range, I want a fixed head also. I just don't have any use for flex head. Yes, I consider myself lucky, lol

 

[trout]

truck brands are out of my range, I want a fixed head also. I just don't have any use for flex head. Yes, I consider myself lucky, lol

truck brands are out of my normal price range, but it's worth it to save up and buy one off ebay. Snap on 3/8" F80 sell for $50 all the time. 1/2" S80 sometimes sell for cheaper than that.

 

[ChevyEFI]

quick release is an awesome ratchet.

didn't get one of these? http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192648

 

[cole_CT]

I like the Kobalt ones. Don't know how much abuse they would take, but yesterday I recovered a 1/4 drive Kobalt that I dropped in the bilge of my boat 18 months ago. Underwater for 18 months I thought it would be toast.

I pulled it out, wiped off the goo and grime and it worked great. Very slight pitting on the chrome plating in one area, other than that it was fine.

+1 on Kobalt. Not the best but very smooth, fine tooth action. No complaints here

 

[1982fxr]

I'm sure the Kobalt would do what I needed with ease, but I don't want a Taiwan ratchet, that's all

 

[rusty65]

If you can swing it I would get the proto higher tooth count model with the quick release. It's made in USA and is about as smooth as a broken in f80. I have one in industrial finish I found at a pawn shop and has become a go to in my workshop.


Sent From Snap On Head Quarters deep in China.

 

[sleepjeep]

You can try Allen tools which are made in the US. They are available at Menards if you have one near you. You can also get them on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CD1AJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sleepjeep]

Here is the link to the one at Menards.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...ve-quick-release-ratchet/p-1503184-c-9159.htm

It is masterforce which is made by Allen in US. It's even cheaper then the amazon @ 20.99 amazon. 24.99.

 

[Brownsfan]

There are USA made craftsman thin profiles out there. My local sears hardware has 3 of the 3pc sets in stock and USA made. I have them in all 3 sizes and they are better than any other craftsman I have ever used. Except maybe the 84t premium ratchets. You will have to some leg work in finding USA made thin profiles. I got them in the add on modules. I bought the last of the USA made ones at my local sears

 

[1982fxr]

There are USA made craftsman thin profiles out there. My local sears hardware has 3 of the 3pc sets in stock and USA made. I have them in all 3 sizes and they are better than any other craftsman I have ever used. Except maybe the 84t premium ratchets. You will have to some leg work in finding USA made thin profiles. I got them in the add on modules. I bought the last of the USA made ones at my local sears

this is looking like the most likely choice at this time...not a c-man fan, but....

 

[Piles]

Don't let the low tooth count scare you away from the proto. They are really smooth once you lube them up and use em a bit. I got the 1/2, found the best lube to be plain ole grease. I tried a few different oils and stuff and it was a little rougher than expected (not bad by any means, just not snap on quality that I was kinda expecting) after greasing the head it is my favourite ratchet (and I own a few dual 80's).