What's the best ratchet made today?

[cowtown]

Hey guys,

Well, after 12 years I finally lost my Craftsman 1/4" ratchet, and couldn't be happier. I was always a little disappointed with it, since it never held the sockets on too well. But I had it in the toolbox, so that's what I used.

So I'm looking around for a new 1/4", and probably also a 3/8" because I've worn that one out too, and I've decided to get something really good for the next 10 years.

I'm not opposed to getting used stuff if there's a particular model that's great but discontinued.

Disregarding cost, what's best? Facom, Snapon, others I should look at? I like small heads and small-degree clickers. I don't need big torque because aluminum engines are the only intended use. Any input?

Colin

[Nostril Cheese]

SK, Usag, Snap-On, Facom..

all good in my book.

[kaisen]

Craftsman should be just fine for non-professional use. Best bang for the buck and the most liberal 'guarantee'.

[Dantilla]

Craftsman now has two lines of ratchets. The new, second line is more expensive, but has a much smaller head, and smaller degree clicking, along with more ergonomic handles.

Might be just what you're looking for. I bought 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets, and moved the old ones to the seldom used spare tool kits.

[Zef]

SK...final.

[VINMAN]

Snap-on if you have the $$ Otherwise, S-K

The vast majority of my tools are Craftsman, but thier newer ratchets suck.

[on2wheels52]

If I had to I could probably live without the rest of my SO assortment (and lord knows they might be worth $40k in todays dollars) I'd give $100 for my Snap-On angle head 3/8" drive ratchet. A gotta have tool.
Jim

[azasadny]

S&K!

[lm6y]

Try this one

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=67352&group_ID=107&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

One of the best ratchets I've ever used.

Cornwell has one almost identical to it, but the reversing lever is different. I actually think they are made by the same company.

[911pcars]

I actually found a nice 1/4" drive ratchet at Harbor Freight. It has the requisite rubberized handle and a fine-tooth gear head. Feels nice and solid. It must have cost at least $5.

Look at it. You might like it.

Sherwood

[Joeaksa]

Look on Ebay or a pawn shop for SnapOn. Then get the local rep to overhaul it. Over and over... its guaranteed forever and will last long enough for you to give it to your son...

[NICKG]

matco is nicer than snap on for sockets and ratchets ...i have both (60k in tools, facom is nicer in 1/4 inch). i really like them all, but generally i prefer matco .

[chibone_914]

I have Snap-On, Proto and Craftsman in my boxes. They all work well. Snap-On for the torque wrenches for engines, gearboxes and torquing down wheel nuts.

[cowtown]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Look on Ebay or a pawn shop

Yeah, that's an option I was thinking about too. The Snapon and S-K stuff can actually be had pretty reasonably on Ebay.

The thing I don't know is whether there are knock-offs floating around. When I was shopping for Focal speakers there were Chinese knockoffs on Ebay that looked exactly like the real thing but weren't. Wonder if that's happening with tools yet...?

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I've been a Craftsman user for all my life and just want to try something else from a highline brand to see if I'm missing anything. I hadn't heard of S-K or Matco before, will check them out too.

[NICKG]

matco is owned by Danaher, they actually are the makers of /owners of craftsman tools...the matco stuff is really nicely done..and qualitywise, as good or better than snap on. you can get a new 1/4 ratchet off ebay for about 25...try one out, you will love it

[cashflyer]

Along with several Craftsman ratchets, I have one of these:


Blue Point brand. ~ $25
10 degree action.

[cashflyer]

Oh... and we had one of these at a shop I used to work at. If you want TIGHT action, this is your baby.



MAC tools, PN: MR7PAZ, $67
Gearless, meaning about a 1 degree action.

Google for "gearless ratchet" and you'll find other brands ad various price points.

EDIT:
Like this Titan for $13



It looks pretty handy for tight quarters!

[competentone]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Look on Ebay or a pawn shop for SnapOn. Then get the local rep to overhaul it. Over and over... its guaranteed forever and will last long enough for you to give it to your son...

The problem, if you're not a professional shop, is that you have to try to chase down the SnapOn truck to take advantage of the guarantee!

[Tim Hancock]

In 3/8 drive, I have about 6-7 ratchets (Snap-on, SK, Craftsman), I typically use whichever one my hand grabs first out of the drawer, but I guess my favorites are a real old Craftsman and my trusty long SnapOn.

I couldn't even tell you what brands my 1/4" drive ratchets are. I think one might be a SK.

[kaisen]

Originally posted by competentone
The problem, if you're not a professional shop, is that you have to try to chase down the SnapOn truck to take advantage of the guarantee!

+1

Craftsman. Nearest Sears