I have the "original" HF composite that is Gray and black. The thing is 20 yrs old and was ahead of its time lol. I forgot I had it until reading your post. Went out to the shop and found it and placed it into my tool box. It still feels good and has decent rachet action maybe 72 teeth I guess. Glad you reminded me of it because its 25 degrees today and I have some small projects to do outside and now my hands won't freeze on the rachet LOL!
Your Current Favorite 3/8th drive Ratchet ?
- Thread starter ChrisD46
- Start date
Is that one of the old classic raised panel style that is like 40 teeth? Try any modern rachet and you will not use that Craftsman again.
I avoid 3/8" drive. Does not seem really needed to me. Just 1/2" and 1/4".
I respectively disagree, I use 3/8 most of the time, just seems to be the sweet spot for automotive work.
Me, too. Perhaps because my very first socket set was a 3/8.
1/4” and 3/8” most of the time. 1/2” rarely.
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I agree, 3/8" might be the sweet spot for passenger cars.
Another reason would be, since I frequently need to use a 3/8" drive torque wrench
so why wouldn't I use the same sockets? That leads on to a 3/8" drive ratchet.
My favorite is my Stahlwille 435SG-QRN 3/8":
I agree, 3/8" might be the sweet spot for passenger cars.
Another reason would be, since I frequently need to use a 3/8" drive torque wrench
so why wouldn't I use the same sockets? That leads on to a 3/8" drive ratchet.
My favorite is my Stahlwille 435SG-QRN 3/8":
For many decades in Germany the most common sets were 1/2 and 1/4, 3/8 drive was seldom seen in stores but could be had from specialty dealers. In the late 80's the 3/8 started to become more available and more working mechanics used them and for good reason engine rooms got more cramped, today it the most commonly used drive size. Even today the most common DIY sets sold in big box stores like OBI are 1/2 and 1/4 like this one from Proxxon, German made but low/mid tier stuff.
Did you've ever seen stamped Made in Germany on anything Proxxon? I'd bet all Taiwan made.
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Try Palmac tools, they are in the same building as Koken not far from me, koken moved their office to Westford which is around the corner. No problem with warranty either, just a phone call.
https://palmac.net/pages/search-results?q=koken+3+8+ratchet
Good point, the ones I have seen some years ago were German but I didn't pay much attention to them and I don't remember owning any but my friend had a set and it was very coarse, not smooth, high back drag and a rubber grip that came off every time it was used, the sockets were okay.
I did have one of their dremel type tools and it was made in Germany and not too bad.
You've used their warranty? That was the only thing holding me back. Was a little nervous if I had a warranty claim.
I have, on a XZN 16 socket that broke under extreme stress on an Audi Brembo rear caliper, no problem at all. I had one the next day (mind you I am very close to them).
And thus stores sell a variety and we can each choose what suits us best. But at 72 I doubt I will change given all the 1/2" sockets I have. Mostly Wright Tools.
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Beautiful ratchets. I can't afford these posts.
Hazet and Stahlwille are also top tier world class tools.
I'm still using my Craftsman ratchet sets that I bought in the early '70s. 1/4, 3/8,1/2 and 3/4 sets.
Here is the shop 3/8” drawer. I’ve got a couple of Craftsman 3/8” at home, some Tekton in the truck, but down at the shop you can see Snap-On, Ko-Ken, Nepros, S-K, Craftsman, Wright and Proto.
They’re all good, but the Nepros are simply excellent.
They’re all good, but the Nepros are simply excellent.
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