I have a shop and do a little wrenching. So far i have had back luck with ratchets. The best luck ive had was with pittsburgh 72 tooth count. Ive managed to break one here and there and made the mistake of upgrading a couple to the icon which i have had trouble with the selector locking up and just generally prefer the pittsburgh i had. Looking to get a good set of flex heads. I do have some carlyle swivel head that are nice but my store cannot get the flex head. Interested in the gearwrench 90t or 120xp and also snap on considering my love for the hard handle. Any other recommendations?
Ratchet recommendation
- Thread starter 04silverado6.0
- Start date
Tekton tools are garnering a lot of positive attention over at the GarageJournal Forum (tool section). The company keeps introducing new/improved tools, mostly Taiwan made (good), and has been introducing new U.S. made tools. They have superb customer service and tool warranty policy. They tried VERY hard to get brick & mortar shelf presence, but it just didn't work.....the general public wants dirt cheap vs. decent quality at moderate prices.
Good quality. Moderate price. Tekton
I hate to be that guy but the SnapOn Dual 80 stuff is popular for a reason. I really enjoy mine, it's just good stuff that works and I never need to think about it.
I picked up a couple used at good pricing and they sold themselves to me -- before I knew it they were my go-to ratchets. My 3/8" flex head is my primary use unless I need something different.
And yes, there are plenty of less expensive options that will get the job done. You don't have to spend SnapOn on money, but it's not a bad investment here.
I picked up a couple used at good pricing and they sold themselves to me -- before I knew it they were my go-to ratchets. My 3/8" flex head is my primary use unless I need something different.
And yes, there are plenty of less expensive options that will get the job done. You don't have to spend SnapOn on money, but it's not a bad investment here.
A quality ratchet is, for me, a lifetime investment. If it is at all in the budget, Snap On, Nepros, Koken and others are a pleasure to use.
As others have said, Tekton is a great value for your dollar.
As others have said, Tekton is a great value for your dollar.
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- Sep 1, 2024
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I bought some of the Craftsman v ratchets at Lowes. Very high quality I think. Some were on steep sale, out of stock on some now. Not a quick release. If you scroll down there are some really good deals. I never saw them so cheap.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-CM-3-8-In-DR-Bi-Mat-Lng-Flx-Ratch/5005509385
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-CM-3-8-In-DR-Bi-Mat-Lng-Flx-Ratch/5005509385
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I am 100 percent a Snapon dual 80 fan for ratchets. Been my favorite since they came out many years ago, traded most of my other ratchets at the time in on them and have bought new ones they came out with since.
This one has saved my bacon more than once.
Saint Todd to the rescue. FYI someone else found the same HF Icon ratchet is sold by EP Auto for less.
After years of using various "serviceable" ratchets, I sprung some bucks on a couple of Olsa flex heads and a Koken, and I regret it NOT. The low back drag is a joy, and the overall finish is jewelry like. Well worth the money.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
harbor freight pittsburgh for me. my uncle owns well in excess of a million dollars in snap on tools and i still gravitate to the pittsburgh ratchets and icon hard tools. i dont have to worry about the chrome finish or warranty. walk in the store and it’s taken care of.
- Used a MIA Craftsman from the late 90's until retired to the basement/workshop a few years ago
- Current garage go-to is a MIA SK upgraded with the 100 tooth kit. (The external spinning change thing is different, but I like it, I was always flipping the little lever or quick release on the Craftsman). If you can find a NOS US made SK and like that style, I would explore that option
- 3rd choice would be a MAC
-4th choice: Tekton
- Current garage go-to is a MIA SK upgraded with the 100 tooth kit. (The external spinning change thing is different, but I like it, I was always flipping the little lever or quick release on the Craftsman). If you can find a NOS US made SK and like that style, I would explore that option
- 3rd choice would be a MAC
-4th choice: Tekton
I have older craftsman in 1/2,3/8 and 1/4 along with a snap on and blackhawk by proto.
I recently bought a husky 144 tooth 1/4 inch ratchet that's really nice. I think i will get the 3/8 one too. 144 tooth is nice.
Taiwan made. Lifetime warranty.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Drive-144-Tooth-Pro-Ratchet-H14438FPRAT/311182577
I recently bought a husky 144 tooth 1/4 inch ratchet that's really nice. I think i will get the 3/8 one too. 144 tooth is nice.
Taiwan made. Lifetime warranty.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Drive-144-Tooth-Pro-Ratchet-H14438FPRAT/311182577
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If I made money using my tools, I might go with a set of Snap-On flex head ratchets. Otherwise, I'd probably go with Gearwrench or Tekton, although you might give Icon another try, since they do have lifetime warranty and you can walk into HF and trade a broken one for new.
For a new medium duty ratchet I'd recommend a Husky or Kobalt primarily for the no nonsense warranty. I had a 20 year old 1/2" flea market Husky ratchet give out. Took it to HD customer service, was told to go pick one out one in the tool aisle, brought it back to the service desk, they blessed it and I was on my way. No paper work etc. We have a farm and ranch store that now handles a lot of Tekton tools so we may be focusing on those a little more. I bought a few basic ones online a few years back when they were relatively new and much cheaper! Having a brick and mortar store makes warranty work a lot easier.
