Wright vs SK Ratchet

[cookiemonster]

Looking to make a purchase of several ratchets, I am torn between wright and sk. I don't know which brand to purchase. What do you guys prefer? Which one is finer tooth?

 

[TheGrooveking]

The Wright is finer tooth. IMO you can't go wrong with either brand.

TheGrooveking

 

[jackfork]

I have some older S-K ratchets and some newer Wright's. I like them both and won't reach for one over the other. I like to hold some tools like ratchets before I buy. I don't know of anyplace local to buy S-K but there are several places for Wright which is why I now buy them. Other than that I don't prefer one over the other.

 

[woody 73]

I like 99% of the tools coming from SK but I was never a fan of their ratchets ,I have the Wright contour handle ratchet and they are the cat's meow!

 

[tweedlestan]

This thread might provide some insight:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=187267&showall=1

 

[SMKS]

The Wright has much finer teeth, but the SK is a basic design that I really like. I actually have both brands in my ratchet drawer.

Here are threads with pics of two I own, the Wright 3490 and the SK 457170:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77148
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130863

Also, if you haven't seen this thread, it has pics of the SK and Wright side-by-side (along with an Armstrong 88 tooth):
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130377

 

[tyndall]

I don't think you could have picked two two tougher ratchets to choose between.

SK has a beefier feel, Wright has a lighter, more precise feel. Both are probably just as strong.

I'd have to go with Wright for a matching set. Only because I can't stand the sharp retaining ring on the 1/4" SK.

 

[brianpgriset]

I just got a contour grip wright and it is great.

 

[bobkentnova]

I have the SK that is second from the left in stephen9666's photo above. It was my grandfathers'. After several decades a flat spot developed on the ball bearing that holds the socket on -- It was well used. SK, at no charge, sent me a rebuild kit that included every moving part. I was amazed at the near perfect condition that all of the original components were in. I wholeheartedly recommend this wrench. I've not owned Wright ratchets though.

 

[sk farmer]

they are both damn fine ratchets. i like the contour grip wright. i have the 3/8 version and just about every version of the sk in every drive size. also an excellant tool. the sk ratcheting action feels a little nicer even though the wright is a finer tooth. the dual pawl wright just has a slightly weird feel to it. i recommend one of each. of course my favorite racthet right now is the armstrong like stephen9666 has pictured above. get all three!

 

[bonneyman]

I've had/used S-K roundhead ratchets for over 30 years. Never had a problem. Still have my original rat with the socket set it came it. I judge all ratchets to the S-K 45170.
That being said, Wright is still USA made, and alot of their tools are mighty fine looking. So it would be a tough choice.

Sort of like Ford vs. Chevy.

 

[lowbucktruck]

S-K all the way!

 

[ChevyEFI]

SK have been my main ratchets for nearly 20 years and I was using Dad's before that. I'm comfortable with and like the feel of them. But I really like the look of the Wright contour. If I was outfitting a garage for a semi-retro look, I would consider the Wright, no question. And they seem to have good feedback here. Specifically, I read good things about the "1/4" size, 3/8" drive" model from Wright years ago.

 

[Conductor562]

I'm a Proto fellow personally, but between the 2 I'd go with SK. You can't go wrong with either, but I prefer the knurled style grip over a smooth.

 

[Hiball]

I'm a Proto fellow personally, but between the 2 I'd go with SK. You can't go wrong with either, but I prefer the knurled style grip over a smooth.

Wright makes knurled Grips Also..

 

[Conductor562]

Wright makes knurled Grips Also..

Hmmm....well I guess it doesn't matter then Of all the industrial brands Wright is the one I throw the least about and have the least experience with. I'd only ever noticed the smooth handles, but hadn't really looked to hard either.

 

[egnorant]

Buy one of each! Problem solved!

Bruce

 

[ganymede]

Just tried to purchase a rebuild kit from Wright and was told they only sell to distributors.
SK was much easier to deal with.
Something to consider if you'd rather pop in a rebuild kit than deal with packing a ratchet and sending it in for warranty.

 

[SMKS]

Just tried to purchase a rebuild kit from Wright and was told they only sell to distributors.
SK was much easier to deal with.
Something to consider if you'd rather pop in a rebuild kit than deal with packing a ratchet and sending it in for warranty.

Wright would have warrantied it for you. You didn't need to buy a kit.

 

[ganymede]

It wasn't broken. I just want to buy a kit to have on hand in case it breaks.
Even if you don't have a kit on hand it's going to take twice as long if you have to send the ratchet in vs just ordering a kit.

 

[pfctblu]

These threads seem fun AND useful.

I came down to wanting to have a ratchet from each company, while still performing useful role in my tool arsenal.

The Wright 3430 (3/8 in a 1/4 body) is just too cool not have and comes from Epsteins so that was a no brainer. The action was a little choppy until I dipped it in Marvel Mystery Oil an now its buttery smooth. Everyone that sees this ratchet seems to want one.

Though I've never owned one, Ive been wanting a SK ratchet. However, when it comes to knurled ratchets, I prefer the old Proto Big Dawgs to SK. The little 3/8 thumbwheel is just cool, functional and priced right so I just picked one up.

These are the only items from Wright and SK I have any hands on experience with and both are terrific tools from quality mfrs. You very likely cannot go wrong with either.

 

[Hiball]

It wasn't broken. I just want to buy a kit to have on hand in case it breaks.
Even if you don't have a kit on hand it's going to take twice as long if you have to send the ratchet in vs just ordering a kit.

Maybe utilize the "find a retailer" section on wrights website? As far as I know Sk can only be "purchased" via retailers also. I've scored a ton of wright rebuild kits on eBay for cheap.. If that Interests you.

 

[1982fxr]

Just tried to purchase a rebuild kit from Wright and was told they only sell to distributors.
SK was much easier to deal with.
Something to consider if you'd rather pop in a rebuild kit than deal with packing a ratchet and sending it in for warranty.

Pretty sure HJE can get any rebuild kit they make, as can many, many other retailers?

 

[ganymede]

Maybe utilize the "find a retailer" section on wrights website? As far as I know Sk can only be "purchased" via retailers also. I've scored a ton of wright rebuild kits on eBay for cheap.. If that Interests you.

Yea, I tried a big supply house up here who deals Wright but they didn't have any. Didn't know that Sk had changed their policy though. I guess that's how everyone's going to be doing things soon.

Pretty sure HJE can get any rebuild kit they make, as can many, many other retailers?

Cool . I think I'll give HJE a shot later.

Thanks guys!

 

[mikebramel]

Proto 24, SK roto head, Wright fine tooth

 

[mofo62]

.




*Wright +1

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1615356&postcount=67


V!

 

[Fedwrench]

If only those two brands, I'd go with SK in a heartbeat. SK offers a wider selection of styles, lengths, flex head options, etc. SK is your best bet for strength, fit, finish, and durability.

 

[John316]

If only those two brands, I'd go with SK in a heartbeat. SK offers a wider selection of styles, lengths, flex head options, etc. SK is your best bet for strength, fit, finish, and durability.

Wow, have to agree 100%. Wright ratchets are cool, but SK just has so much more to offer! Also, I love how common they are and how they have not seen any need to change the design in ..what 70-80 years?

Recently picked up one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FAN3OK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
3/8 in a 1/4 body

I love this thing! Has even renewed my appreciation for S-K tools

 

[thesilverone]

can't go wrong with either. I own many ratchets from both companys

 

[Hiball]

Wow, have to agree 100%. Wright ratchets are cool, but SK just has so much more to offer! Also, I love how common they are and how they have not seen any need to change the design in ..what 70-80 years?

Recently picked up one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FAN3OK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
3/8 in a 1/4 body

I love this thing! Has even renewed my appreciation for S-K tools

The only thing Sk offers that Wright doesn't is:

(Ratchet wise)

3/8 stubby
3/8 stubby flex
1/4 long
3/8 in 1/4 body long ratchet.

Off the top of my head, where wright excels is they offer 3 different types of handles, comfort, knurled and contour.

I own both, 6 one way and half a dozen the other.

 

[slob]

The correct answer is "both".

 

[Hank McMauser]

I like the SK tuff one ratchets, genius tools makes similar design also

 

[ChevyEFI]

The only thing Sk offers that Wright doesn't is:

(Ratchet wise)

<snip>

and long 3/8 swivel head.

I'm a 3870 fan and couldn't hold back.

 

[Hiball]

and long 3/8 swivel head.

I'm a 3870 fan and couldn't hold back.

True... 3870 is a awesome ratchet, but its also a non current production ratchet I believe, thus I left it out.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I knew the fine tooth 43875 (and Facom twin J.159A) were disco.

I will now plug my ears and pretend I didn't just hear that.

 

[KnurledNut]

Anyone else think the FT wrights are a little stiff new? However, they seem solid.


for SK 3870 rotohead.

Heres mine: