I have an old Easco 1/2″ ratchet I bought back in ’78. It’s showing it’s age, but I prefer it over the old Craftsman that I was given several years earlier. Recently picked up a Felo mini from KCtool that I really like, but all in all, I have no real loyalty to any particular brand. Whatever is within reach and gets the job done. Specialty tools that generally end up in my kit, do so more due to short term availability than what brand they are or discount they might be sold at.
I have no real preference, a ratchet is a ratchet. I own Stanley, PowerTorque, Gearwrench, Craftsman, and on and on and on…none of them are any more or less impressive than the next.
I like the Gearwrench pass-thru flex-head ratchet, it’s got a good feel and is nice to use. I also have a PowerTorque low-profile ratchet that I seem to grab for more than the other ratchets I have. Mainly because I like how it looks and feels, and not because it out-performs the others. I have a swivel-head at work that I like to use because, like Putnam said, you can use it like a screwdriver, which makes it really easy to spin stuff quick.
I have two T-handle tools that I have at work that I love to use, one is the typical spinner T-handle, the other is a ratcheting T-handle. Both are great to use, and since getting them I reach for them more than any other ratchet. They make work a lot easier and faster for a lot of stuff.
But, after saying all of that, I really don’t have much of a preference, at least not brand-wise. If it feels good in the hand and doesn’t break, I’m all good.
As far as preferred ratchets are concerned….
Proto 24T long format ratchets with superlube are my go-to ratchets. I use them whenever form factor isn’t an impediment. They are by far my favorite grips. I work in some less than sterile environments and being able to use a wd40 soaked rag to clean the handle is a huge plus.
For automotive use I have a snap-on dual 80 flex-head and an extra long indexing flex head 3/8 Carlyle 90 tooth. The Carlyle is preferred because it is a more solid feeling ratchet. I just wish it was American made and didn’t have the soft grip that gets everything embedded in it. I have overworked it and brought it up to around an estimated 200 foot pounds or more and had the head flex about 20 degrees to the side (not on the axis it is supposed to, pivoting about the Y instead of the X) without any damage or tooth slip.
The most convenient and economically priced thatched is on le that I can not recommend enough after all the times it has saved me. The ratchet I speak of is the Blackhawk stubby flex head 3/8″ ratchet. It only has 41 teeth which makes me want to get a higher tooth count Proto/Facom version but my 2012 Proto catalog doesn’t list one. The thumb wheel on it is also very convenient. It is my go to for assembly work before the torque wrench comes into play because it comfortably gives you about a solid 8 ft/lbs of pre torque.
I have kobalt, Husky, craftsmen that all get the job done, but don’t have a real high quality feel. I have 1 snap-on 1/2″ drive that I really like and bout used. I have a hard time justifying the cost of the snap-on new. I have herd good things about Proto, s&k, and tekton.
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I’ve owned a Stanley for around 15 years or more that extends. Nice to use when you need a little extra leverage and don’t want to stop to grab a breaker bar…
Proto and now wera,
Mods maybe can we combine this with show off your ratchet thread?
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JimboS1ice wrote:
17 minutes ago, JimboS1ice said:Proto and now wera,
Mods maybe can we combine this with show off your ratchet thread?
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Maybe just call it The Ratchet Thread.
Man, I’ve amassed a lot of ratchets since this thread was young.
I have a bunch of ratchets, but my starting rotation is:
Mac 90 Tooth Axis
These are my new favorites. They are phenomenal ratchets and IMO, might be the finest ratchet available. They are the first on the market I truly felt were superior to the Dual 80. They are expensive, but the new Proto version will make them a little easier to swallow for most.
Proto 45 Tooth XL Premium Pearhead
These rats are great in situations where the Axis rats are too sophisticated and the Classic 24 Tooth Pearheads are to archaic. The single pawl design is very tough and was actually the predecessor to the more refined mechanism found in the Axis ratchets.
Proto/Facom 72 Tooth “Palm Control”
This was a Facom design that was rebranded under both the Proto and Mac labels. It is actually a very stout design and prior to the Axis ratchets, probably had the most Tooth engagement of any ratchet available. It was a round head which I do not prefer, and also somewhat thick. These see muck less use in the Axis era, but it’s still my go to in 1/4″
Proto 24 Tooth Classic Pear Head
These ratchets are truly timeless. Variations of this design have been in use since before WWII and there’s a reason they are still in use. They are tough as nails, simple to repair, easy to find parts for, and fairly cheap to acquire. I still have the 5450 my dad gave me when I was 15 and it’s still my first reach for the big nasty jobs.
JimboS1ice wrote:
5 hours ago, JimboS1ice said:Proto and now wera,
Mods maybe can we combine this with show off your ratchet thread?
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Yea, you got a link?
Conductor562 wrote:
Man, I’ve amassed a lot of ratchets since this thread was young.
I have a bunch of ratchets, but my starting rotation is:
Mac 90 Tooth Axis
These are my new favorites. They are phenomenal ratchets and IMO, might be the finest ratchet available. They are the first on the market I truly felt were superior to the Dual 80. They are expensive, but the new Proto version will make them a little easier to swallow for most.
Proto 45 Tooth XL Premium Pearhead
These rats are great in situations where the Axis rats are too sophisticated and the Classic 24 Tooth Pearheads are to archaic. The single pawl design is very tough and was actually the predecessor to the more refined mechanism found in the Axis ratchets.
Proto/Facom 72 Tooth “Palm Control”
This was a Facom design that was rebranded under both the Proto and Mac labels. It is actually a very stout design and prior to the Axis ratchets, probably had the most Tooth engagement of any ratchet available. It was a round head which I do not prefer, and also somewhat thick. These see muck less use in the Axis era, but it’s still my go to in 1/4″
Proto 24 Tooth Classic Pear Head
These ratchets are truly timeless. Variations of this design have been in use since before WWII and there’s a reason they are still in use. They are tough as nails, simple to repair, easy to find parts for, and fairly cheap to acquire. I still have the 5450 my dad gave me when I was 15 and it’s still my first reach for the big nasty jobs.
I love the round head 72 tooth, they are unique but are sweet with the black oxide finish, once I purge my bank account on wera zyklops j got an eye out for the Macs
Jimbo
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Proto or Sk, not much else.
Conductor562 wrote:
Yea, you got a link?
http://www.professional-power-tool-guide.com/power-tool-forum/index.php?/topic/9990-Show-Off-Your-Ratchets
Show Off Your Ratchets
Jimbo
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rickster wrote:
On 10/19/2012 at 6:08 PM, rickster said:SK Rotohead, one of my favorites! Only in 3/8 dr though..
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http://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-3870-Professional-Ratchet/dp/B00061SNCU
Anybody know when these were discontinued and why?
Merge complete
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The thing that kills me is the Proto J5426HTC is the version of this with a knurled metal handle like I want but it’s not freaking available yet and it is killing me. I won’t wait for any preorder midnight release stuff for a movie or video game, but I would show up at any hour to get my hands on one of these.
Toolsource.com claims to have some 90 tooth variants in stock, but their images are just poorly photoshopped sections from the flyer proto released.
The latest ratchets are PowerTorque, that came in a couple of sets I bought…
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Stercorarius wrote:
11 hours ago, Stercorarius said:Toolsource.com claims to have some 90 tooth variants in stock, but their images are just poorly photoshopped sections from the flyer proto released.
Toolsource is a drop shipper, so if their supplier has some, other peoples should too.
Doesn’t look like there will be as much savings between the Mac and Proto versions as I’d hoped.
Kato wrote:
The latest ratchets are PowerTorque, that came in a couple of sets I bought…
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Did you do the kizan foam yourself? If so it looks good
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Kato wrote:
The latest ratchets are PowerTorque, that came in a couple of sets I bought…
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Did you do the kizan foam yourself? If so it looks good
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That set comes with the foam, I didn’t make it myself. PowerTorque has quite a few socket sets that have foam like that. It’s nice because it fits in the drawer and nothing rolls around
Kato wrote:
That set comes with the foam, I didn’t make it myself. PowerTorque has quite a few socket sets that have foam like that. It’s nice because it fits in the drawer and nothing rolls around
That is an awesome selling feature. A lot of people like the foam, but don’t want to hassle with it.
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Kato wrote:
That set comes with the foam, I didn’t make it myself. PowerTorque has quite a few socket sets that have foam like that. It’s nice because it fits in the drawer and nothing rolls around
That is an awesome selling feature. A lot of people like the foam, but don’t want to hassle with it.
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Conductor562 wrote:
2 hours ago, Conductor562 said:
Toolsource is a drop shipper, so if their supplier has some, other peoples should too.
Doesn’t look like there will be as much savings between the Mac and Proto versions as I’d hoped.
I’ll talk to a proto rep and see what I can get.
I talked to a proto rep today and they just started to stock them. I ordered the J5450HTCF for $160 through the local dealer. They will ship it with the next bulk order to the local dealer so I don’t have to pay like $50 shipping.
These are my 2 favorite ratchets. I, like you am thinking about investing in some new ratchets. It is hard to use the snap-on then drop to a craftsman. [External image (uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com), not copied]
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What do you guys think of these?
. Necessary no, cool YES!
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JimboS1ice wrote:
25 minutes ago, JimboS1ice said:[External image (uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com), not copied]
What do you guys think of these?
. Necessary no, cool YES!
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I seent em before. Very intriguing. I feel like they had a specific set of wrenches for those that held them in place.
Stercorarius wrote:
I seent em before. Very intriguing. I feel like they had a specific set of wrenches for those that held them in place.
Bummer I was thinking they worked with any ol wrench [emoji17]
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JimboS1ice wrote:
3 minutes ago, JimboS1ice said:
Bummer I was thinking they worked with any ol wrench emoji17.png
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They don’t require a special wrench. Any box end will do.
Conductor562 wrote:
Just now, Conductor562 said:
They don’t require a special wrench. Any box end will do.
ORDERED
heres a link if anyone else wants em
I’ve got a similar set. Not Proto, think they’re Gearwrench or EZ Red. Don’t use them all the time, but they work great.
Huh, I knew they’d work with any box end, I just thought they made a special one with some kind of detents to hold them in place.
Stercorarius wrote:
6 minutes ago, Stercorarius said:
thats disappointing, and a better price, CANCEL!!!!!
Stercorarius wrote:
1 hour ago, Stercorarius said:
Proto has a few items made overseas. Most of their ratcheting wrenches, with the exception of the USA spline drives, are made in Taiwan, you’ll find several rebranded items in their fleet service catalog made overseas, their air tools, the palm control rats are made in Italy, etc, etc, but the vast majority of their tools are made in America. On a percentage basis among what I call “full line manufacturers” Proto, SK, and Snap-On probably offer the highest percentage of American made tools. But with all of these companies you know you’re never getting Chinese and it’s always going to be high quality.
The Taiwanese have become very efficient manufacturers over the last decade or so and while I always prefer American made, I no longer bulk at an item made in Taiwan. I got to have a pretty in depth conversation with a fellow at Druofix a couple years ago who oversaw the conversion from a Taiwan manufacturing facility to a Chinese one. Don’t quote me on the exact numbers, but the defect rate went from something like .01% to almost 2%. It was so bad they actually lost money and moved production back to Taiwan.
The tool market goes in cycles. At one time Japan was the origin of all shitty bargain bin tools. Eventually they improved and became associated with high quality manufacturing. Then Taiwan was the new Japan, now China is the new Taiwan. Eventually India will be the new China. Who knows, maybe in 50 years Africa will be the new India.
As the quality level and standard of living increases, companies will always find a new place to manufacture shitty tools at the cheapest possible price.
I’ve thought about buying the Gearwrench version, it seems like it would make a great low-profile ratchet.
So I brought Big Ron in today and asked how much for a rebuild kit for the sake of having a mechanically new ratchet. They just swapped it out for free. Didn’t care that it wasn’t toast. Love proto. Tightened it up quite a bit. It’s not the chrome either.
They also told me not to lube it. Proto frowns on lubed ratchets.
Stercorarius wrote:
27 minutes ago, Stercorarius said:They also told me not to lube it. Proto frowns on lubed ratchets.
Why not because it will wear out faster u think it would be opposite
Stercorarius wrote:
They also told me not to lube it. Proto frowns on lubed ratchets.
Hmmm that’s interesting
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CATERPILLAR wrote:
34 minutes ago, CATERPILLAR said:Why not because it will wear out faster u think it would be opposite
JimboS1ice wrote:
17 minutes ago, JimboS1ice said:
Hmmm that’s interesting
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The reasoning they gave me is that Proto would rather rebuild x amounts of ratchets free than have one ratchet with their name on it slip. Without lube there’s about a 0% chance of slippage on them.
Stercorarius wrote:
The reasoning they gave me is that Proto would rather rebuild x amounts of ratchets free than have one ratchet with their name on it slip. Without lube there’s about a 0% chance of slippage on them.
That’s standing behind your reputation. The more I here about proto the more I want some.
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tcoscarelli wrote:
25 minutes ago, tcoscarelli said:
That’s standing behind your reputation. The more I here about proto the more I want some.
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Keep in mind that this wasn’t an official proto statement, but it was the guy at the store who deals with proto.
So I found this interesting as hell. So it looks like Proto has never changed the internals of their ratchets. Like the hole sizes and spacing has always been the same so a 24 tooth 3/8 ratchet rebuild kit will work no matter how old the ratchet is. Talk about a time tested design and a legitimate warranty you can depend on. One of these is brand new, the other two are old. Conductor might be able to tell you exact years. All the internals cross over directly.
Stercorarius wrote:
2 hours ago, Stercorarius said:So I found this interesting as hell. So it looks like Proto has never changed the internals of their ratchets. Like the hole sizes and spacing has always been the same so a 24 tooth 3/8 ratchet rebuild kit will work no matter how old the ratchet is. Talk about a time tested design and a legitimate warranty you can depend on. One of these is brand new, the other two are old. Conductor might be able to tell you exact years. All the internals cross over directly.
Nice aren’t the two to the right plombs ?
CATERPILLAR wrote:
31 minutes ago, CATERPILLAR said:Nice aren’t the two to the right plombs ?
That is correct. Good eye.
Yep, the current guts will match up all the way back to before WWII.
I am a little skeptical about this whole “Proto frowns on lube” thing though. Lube is pretty essential and I’ve gotten plenty of Proto ratchets lubed from the factory. You notice shit like this when you’re the kind of guy that the first thing you do with a new ratchet is tear it apart ?