Alternative to Gearwrench 81012P 1/4" Ratchet

[The Critic]

I have a Gearwrench 81012p 1/4" flex-head ratchet that works well for my applications, but doesn't seem to last very long before the internals get fubared. The sizing is perfect for my needs.

https://www.gearwrench.com/products...drive-120xptm-flex-head-teardrop-ratchet-6-34

Do Snap-On/Matco make anything that is remotely similar? All of the Snap-On Dual 80 1/4" ratchets appear to have a much larger head. I am not familiar with Matco's line-up.

Thanks!

 

[JeffKeryk]

Buy once, cry once...

or maybe ebay special

 

[BigCahuna]

If you get a new wrench before you use it take it apart and get, rid of the grease it comes with from the factory. Then repack it with a good wheel bearing grease. I used to wear out at least 2 ratchets a year, until I started re-greasing them with better grease.,,

 

[Kruse]

Doesn't their web site say their tools have a lifetime warranty?
Still, if it's anything like Harbor Freight's lifetime warranty, it's a real PITA to have them honor it.

 

[Job]

They make an even smaller one, but long handle. Here it is next to my Williams, made in USA by Snap On. It is so nice I can’t even use it yet. Very reasonably priced either one.

 

[2010Civic]

I thought I heard the 84 tooth ratchets were more durable.

 

[eljefino]

I wonder if there are other, stronger guts that will fit that cavity.

 

[Rand]

Wright tools 2495WR ?

 

[Timmastertech]

i'd hop on the snapon truck and compare personally. That said I swear by Snapon dual 80 ratchets for everything but 1/4 inch flex. My first grab 1/4 inch ratchet is this one. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Rou...t-Grip-Round-Swivel-Head-Ratchet-(Red)/THNF72 That said, I have about all of em and use all of em. Also, spec sheet on a Snapon 1/4 flex head shows the head width at 15/16 of an inch, gearwrench spec sheet shows at 1.02 inches so snapon is a hair smaller. Head depth is about the same.

 

[RooflessVW]

If you get a new wrench before you use it take it apart and get, rid of the grease it comes with from the factory. Then repack it with a good wheel bearing grease. I used to wear out at least 2 ratchets a year, until I started re-greasing them with better grease.,,

Wheel bearing grease doesn't work in these ratchets; it's far too thick. I let mine soak in Mobil Jet

 

[JeffKeryk]

Wheel bearing grease doesn't work in these ratchets; it's far too thick. I let mine soak in Mobil Jet

I have a tube of that Super Lube that SO uses. Pretty light. Very low back drag.

 

[BigCahuna]

Wheel bearing grease doesn't work in these ratchets; it's far too thick. I let mine soak in Mobil Jet

It does work. That's the only reason I suggested it. I won't recommend something if I haven't used it myself.,,

 

[D60]

i'd hop on the snapon truck and compare personally. That said I swear by Snapon dual 80 ratchets for everything but 1/4 inch flex. My first grab 1/4 inch ratchet is this one. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Round-Head-Ratchets/1-4"-Drive-Dual-80-Technology-Soft-Grip-Round-Swivel-Head-Ratchet-(Red)/THNF72 That said, I have about all of em and use all of em. Also, spec sheet on a Snapon 1/4 flex head shows the head width at 15/16 of an inch, gearwrench spec sheet shows at 1.02 inches so snapon is a hair smaller. Head depth is about the same.

If one is on a budget and wanting a roto head the Carlyle is an excellent choice, and on sale right now for $60.

Cornwell rebadges this so you can still convince yourself you're "tool trucking." I have this Carlyle and it is typically my go-to in 1/4" drive as well, but there's no question the forked head of this style has disadvantages at times.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR14S100

 

[D60]

@The Critic these newer Protos are just **** sexy and work well. I have the 3/8 version of this and love it.

Unlike SK's LP90 ilk (which is mostly garbage and an embarrassment to Made in USA) these Protos are absurdly nice and what we should expect for Made in USA. Unfortunately I'm only finding the long version which is longer than what you want

https://www.toolsource.com/14-in-dr...UlOKyOOxGGTNBMSFce_IhkB1hjp20sfQaAlDtEALw_wcB

 

[drtyler]

If the above referenced Proto from D60 is too long at 9", they have an older design 72 tooth round head, 1/4" drive, flex ratchet: J4757F. The ratchet is made in Italy by USAG. The mechanism is extremely durable, and there are rebuild kits available. I have several of these in various configurations and brands (Facom, Proto, USAG, MAC).

 

[RooflessVW]

It does work. That's the only reason I suggested it. I won't recommend something if I haven't used it myself.,,

It doesn't work. When I tried to use grease in my Gear wrench 120XP ratchet the backdrag became miserable and defeated the whole point of have a 120 tooth ratchet.

The oil works much better.

 

[BigCahuna]

It doesn't work. When I tried to use grease in my Gear wrench 120XP ratchet the backdrag became miserable and defeated the whole point of have a 120 tooth ratchet.

The oil works much better.

Yes your right, whatever you think. I don't care what you use.,,

 

[D60]

If the above referenced Proto from D60 is too long at 9", they have an older design 72 tooth round head, 1/4" drive, flex ratchet: J4757F. The ratchet is made in Italy by USAG. The mechanism is extremely durable, and there are rebuild kits available. I have several of these in various configurations and brands (Facom, Proto, USAG, MAC).

View attachment 89002

I found those, too, but that head style is really tall. Otherwise, probably a great ratchet although I personally hate that huge reversing knob on the back.

 

[Lenny5160]

This is disappointing to read, as I recently purchased the 120XP flex heads in 1/4" and 3/8" drive. I haven't used them much at all, as the lion's share of my wrenching is done during the summer.

If the durability issue is unique to the 1/4", I really don't use that much at all. If I do, the Milwaukee electric is my first choice.

 

[Bozzman72]

I just got the V series from Craftsman. What a great flex ratchet and great specs. I think it was $75 delivered from Lowes.