Alternative to Gearwrench 81012P 1/4" Ratchet

The Critic

The Critic

Joined
Aug 30, 2004
Messages
31,961
Location
CA
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.

1644880032818.jpg


www.gearwrench.com

81012P 1/4" Drive 120XP™ Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet 6-3/4" - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 81012P 1/4" Drive 120XP™ Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet 6-3/4" here.
www.gearwrench.com www.gearwrench.com

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!
 
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.
 
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.



image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg
 
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.
 
BigCahuna said:
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.,,
Click to expand...
Wheel bearing grease doesn't work in these ratchets; it's far too thick. I let mine soak in Mobil Jet
 
Timmastertech said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.

 
@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

Proto® 1/4 Drive Precision 90 Pear Head Flex Head Ratchet Long [238973] - $130.61 : Toolsource.com, Your Professional Tool Authority!

Toolsource.com Proto® 1/4 Drive Precision 90 Pear Head Flex Head Ratchet Long [238973] - Key Features 90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas Full polish...
www.toolsource.com
 
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).

Capture.JPG
 
BigCahuna said:
It does work. That's the only reason I suggested it. I won't recommend something if I haven't used it myself.,,
Click to expand...
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.
 
drtyler said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
I just got the V series from Craftsman. What a great flex ratchet and great specs. I think it was $75 delivered from Lowes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
Positive Gearwrench warranty experience on 1/4 ratchet
Replies
9
Views
1K
JWC86
J
Snap On Hard Handle Conversion
Replies
8
Views
603
NYEngineer
The Critic
3/8” Drive Ratchet in a 1/4” Drive Body - Options?
Replies
12
Views
2K
The Critic
buck91
1/4" torque wrench upgrade?
Replies
12
Views
2K
The Critic
Jimzz
HomeDepot - Husky 144-Position Ratchet Set with EVA Tray (3-Piece 1/2 3/8 1/4) - $25
Replies
1
Views
976
D60
Back
Top