Best Ratchets for the Money Today

[Trav]

To his credit, he admits he's a HF hater and begrudgingly said the new G2s are surprisingly nice -- but that was also when he made the claims about price that didn't entirely make sense to me.

Regardless, in a world where partisans masquerade as impartial news, at least Mr Subaru tells you up front he is not impartial, and I respect that.

Was it the G2s that showed inconsistent metallurgy in TTC's testing?

Yes, 2 out of the 10 were lower but still not bad. I look at it this way, I have an 80% chance of getting a 3/8 drive that can handle over 300 ftlb of torque which in reality will probably never even see 150. It is worth noting that they didn't sample 10 of any of the other brands.

 

[D60]

Yes, 2 out of the 10 were lower but still not bad. I look at it this way, I have an 80% chance of getting a 3/8 drive that can handle over 300 ftlb of torque which in reality will probably never even see 150. It is worth noting that they didn't sample 10 of any of the other brands.

I noticed that, too. I suspect metallurgy would be more consistent in SnapOn, but have no proof of that without the testing -- and wow, trashing 10 Snappy ratchets wouldn't be cheap!

 

[GMBoy]

For the use you're considering check out the Duralast rachets at autozone. They are an impressive rachet for the cost. I have a few in my "emergency kit" as well in my daily tool box laying next to my Snap Off and Icon's.

Also - if you want a really nice and complete kit ready to go and no skips in sockets, has allen and torx sockets, organized well and carries well - I strongly recommend this little set. My commercial price on mine was 179 - a steal but even at retail price it is a solid deal! This is 95% off what you need on hand. It has a storage compartment on top to add additional tools as well!


https://www.autozone.com/p/duralast...9ej9v3OO_91TvMdDvs57NubPU70nQuSwaAmKLEALw_wcB

 

[alarmguy]

Hands down, I would trust Harbor Freight ICON based on glowing comments from Premier Auto Service. Many times they have compared to Snap On and many of their mechanics now use. ICON

 

[RyanY]

It's almost hard to find truly substandard tools now. Even the amazingly nonsensical Chinese Amazon brands aren't the trash of 30 years ago. Most are at least not going to break the first time you use them.

I don't carry a travel tool set with me in my vehicles (because frankly I've never had a roadside emergency that they would help). If I did, I'd probably get a blow-mold case Tekton set that's metric only with maybe one additional drive tool option. They're a pretty solid value at just over $100 or so IIRC for a basic 3/8 metric set.

More useful roadside emergency tools are 1) zipties with multipurpose pliers that can cut them off (like lineman's), 2) heavy stainless lock wire with safety wire pliers and/or wire cutters, 3) foil HVAC tape, 4) Trex tape.

IME, the need to tighten or remove a hex by roadside is almost nil. But the need to tape, ziptie or wire up something is infinitely more likely. Anything more than that and you're probably not making hit home even if you had a socket set.

I completely agree with your comment about a mobile kit's limited usefulness during roadside emergencies.

My situation is a little different though, and maybe the OP has similar to mine (or yours, or completely different). I camp and boat several times per year and sometimes need to work on cars, boats, gear during the trips. Zip ties and duct tape are the first choice for jury rigging, but after returning to camp a more permanent repair is desirable, if possible. This usually requires ratchets/sockets, combination wrenches, pry bars, screwdrivers, etc. so these are always in my go bag. And, of course, a 1/2" impact and extra battery. Maybe in the future I will add a torque wrench so i can do it right...

 

[GMBoy]

Hands down, I would trust Harbor Freight ICON based on glowing comments from Premier Auto Service. Many times they have compared to Snap On and many of their mechanics now use. ICON

I agree and one of the mechanics that switched to ICON over the past couple years. Will not buy another Snap on tool.

 

[Oliveoil2]

I’m a fan of the HF composite ratchets. Light and very smooth fine tooth mechanism.

 

[Trav]

I noticed that, too. I suspect metallurgy would be more consistent in SnapOn, but have no proof of that without the testing -- and wow, trashing 10 Snappy ratchets wouldn't be cheap!

No doubt, Snap on has a lot of practice and with a few exceptions have always been very good tools but even they can drop the ball eg 100 tooth ratchets.
new snap on 100

 

[Mechanician]

I have a similar looking black color 1/4" drive with a ratchet that skips sometimes. Are there parts available? I'd replace the guts if possible.

You may be able to get that warranted by a dealer? I didn't even try with mine, because it has a "G" stamp by the switch. From what I've read that designates it as government issue, and not eligible for the lifetime warranty.
I found the kit for mine by searching the model number, and bought it on Ebay.
It's more cool than it is useful, my tool addiction had to have it working, and in my box.
I have so many ratchets, it's only gotten occasional use when I see it and get the itch.

 

[Nessism1]

You may be able to get that warranted by a dealer? I didn't even try with mine, because it has a "G" stamp by the switch. From what I've read that designates it as government issue, and not eligible for the lifetime warranty.
I found the kit for mine by searching the model number, and bought it on Ebay.
It's more cool than it is useful, my tool addiction had to have it working, and in my box.
I have so many ratchets, it's only gotten occasional use when I see it and get the itch.

Just got done cleaning and oiling it, and it seems to be working well. The inside was dry as a bone. Can't remember where I got it, but I (embarrassingly) never serviced it. Rebuild kits are available on eBay for $18, so I'm tempted to pick one up just because.

 

[RyanY]

Just got done cleaning and oiling it, and it seems to be working well. The inside was dry as a bone. Can't remember where I got it, but I (embarrassingly) never serviced it. Rebuild kits are available on eBay for $18, so I'm tempted to pick one up just because.

This discussion just led me to take a closer look at my old SO. I was wrong...mine is not the Ferret model but looks very similar.

 

[slo town]

These are 40 years old and no longer made, but these have always been some of my favorites.

Scott

 

[Trav]

Easco was a good tool maker, some of the best of the Craftsman tools were Easco.

 

[slo town]

Easco was a good tool maker, some of the best of the Craftsman tools were Easco.

Coming from you, @Trav, that means a lot because I know you are very particular. And as you most certainly know, Easco was made in USA.

Scott

 

[Nessism1]

Don't laugh too hard, but my dad bought a set just like this back in the 1970's, and I've used the heck out of these ever since.

Digging around on eBay and found the exact set. Japan 224. I'm half way tempted to buy this set...but I just don't need any more metric sockets.

Just dug the ratchet out of the tool box and opened it, and other than filled with black grease, it's in excellent condition. I'm going to clean it up tomorrow, and look for all the pieces for this "set".

 

[RyanY]

Serious question. Back in the 70s and 80s many good ol' Americans scoffed at Japanese tools as inferior or otherwise cheaply made. Were they really that bad, or was this just affirmation that American tools must be better because they are produced here?

 

[kballowe]

I'm very fond of my galactic standard 3/8" Snap-On ratchet and my 1/4" Matco thin head ratchet.

Everything else in the box is old USA made Craftsman, SK, and Crescent. With a sprinkling of Palmera.

 

[Trav]

Serious question. Back in the 70s and 80s many good ol' Americans scoffed at Japanese tools as inferior or otherwise cheaply made. Were they really that bad, or was this just affirmation that American tools must be better because they are produced here?

Compared to USA made tools the Japanese stuff of the 50's-70's was not the same quality. Many American made tools were some of the best tools in the world, lots of great brands, very high quality steel, good workmanship. Today all that is mostly gone along with most of the great brands Every kid be it a smart or a moron expect a degree and a corner office and would never even consider being a mechanic, machinist, tool and die maker, plumber, electrician or other slave worker pee on.

 

[shortyb]

This discussion just led me to take a closer look at my old SO. I was wrong...mine is not the Ferret model but looks very similar.

View attachment 321812View attachment 321815

How many teeth? Looks like any standard 7 series kit will drop in. In fact, I bet a Q/R F723 drive anvil would fit right in if you wanted to go that route. I've done many a conversion that way. But, to keep it's pedigree intact, I would just clean and oil it (as long as the teeth are good) and ratchet on. Old tools are like old guys. They rule .

 

[slo town]

Don't laugh too hard, but my dad bought a set just like this back in the 1970's, and I've used the heck out of these ever since.

Digging around on eBay and found the exact set. Japan 224. I'm half way tempted to buy this set...but I just don't need any more metric sockets.

Just dug the ratchet out of the tool box and opened it, and other than filled with black grease, it's in excellent condition. I'm going to clean it up tomorrow, and look for all the pieces for this "set".

View attachment 321826

A nice Dad memory.

Surprising that there's no 13mm in the set. In my experience 14mm is an oddball.

Scott