Ratchet Wrenches

[Garandman]

Need to buy a nice set - maybe not pro level but a nice metric set with fine ratcheting. They seem to vary in price from $30-40 at HF to over $200 for a six piece metric set!

What’s a good one in the $50-100 range? Have an HF set and they seem fine but finer ratchet would be better.

Are the flex heads worth it?

[number9]

I've always had good luck with Gearwrench. Flex heads are great if you're working on difficult stuff, like my old E36 BMW shitbox... otherwise, I prefer not to have them.

[loudbeard]

I picked up this set back in November and it's really nice. Has Metric 6mm - 18 mm and SAE 1/4 - 3/4". I have them in my every day tool kit, use them frequently, and have no complaints.

[nhbubba]

I have a full Gear Wrench kit. They are okay.
Mine are flex head. I would not seek those our or pay any extra for them. Not a very valuable feature.
I haven't used the HF kits, only fondled them in the store. They seem comparable. Their hand-tools seem to be improving more and more every day. I'd keep those and spend the money on something else were I you.

On this subject. I have a "fine tooth" Gear Wrench brand, flex-head ratchet. It is my go-to ratchet for every day use. The flex head on the ratchet is a terrible idea. I would rather have a nice fixed head with a cheap flexy for the 1-2 times per decade it is needed.

[Falko]

I have a set branded DeWalt. I don't know who makes them for them but they are pretty decent. I think they were like $40 for a set of 7-ish.

[OreoGaborio]

I got something like this set... Had em for years & they still look and work like new.

https://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches/...rench-set.html

Here's that set on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85.../dp/B001GMT6R4

[Jim]

i use my Craftsman ones all the time. i did get the reverse ratcheting ones to make things quicker.

[breakdirt916]

here is my single data point: the ratchet part of my gearwrench 10mm broke...it just spins freely

all the others seem to work fine, and I use the 8mm a lot

[ZX-12R]

Many years ago someone on this forum posted about a GEARWRENCH special where a number of their products were deeply discounted. I bought the combination wrenches with the swiveling box end and the double ended box wrenches in both metric and SAE. I use them quite often and they've been holding up well.

[Stoneman]

i use my Craftsman ones all the time. i did get the reverse ratcheting ones to make things quicker.

Yup, I've had a Craftsman set (go figure) for years. A buddy busted one up trying to use it to loosen a stuck bolt but it was replace under their lifetime warranty. Other than that, they've held up well.

[Garandman]

Does Craftsman still have lifetime warranty? The brand was sold off by Sears and is apparently replacing the Kobalt brand at Lowe’s.

Answer: yes. And Lowe’s has 10% veteran discount.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-7...Set/1000594135

[Stoneman]

Does Craftsman still have lifetime warranty? The brand was sold off by Sears and is apparently replacing the Kobalt brand at Lowe’s.

Answer: yes. And Lowe’s has 10% veteran discount.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-7...Set/1000594135

I was told by a higher up at Lowe's that they're more or less like an surplus place for Craftsman tools. They almost never know what they'll be getting in for stock or how much of a supply they're getting.

[Falko]

Ace hardware carries Craftsman now as well.

[loudbeard]

This would be a better thread if it were about “Ratchet Wenches”

Just saying...

[number9]

This would be a better thread if it were about “Ratchet Wenches”

Just saying...

[golden chicken]

72 teeth enough?

https://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-9602.aspx

I believe these are also 72 tooth, but this set only goes to 19mm

https://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-9620.aspx

[kmf]

On this subject. I have a "fine tooth" Gear Wrench brand, flex-head ratchet. It is my go-to ratchet for every day use. The flex head on the ratchet is a terrible idea. I would rather have a nice fixed head with a cheap flexy for the 1-2 times per decade it is needed.

Flex head ratchets work awesome if you know how to use them.

[caddydaddy]

Yup, I've had a Craftsman set (go figure) for years. A buddy busted one up trying to use it to loosen a stuck bolt but it was replace under their lifetime warranty. Other than that, they've held up well.

Same here. I bought a set in 1993, and I think I've had to swap out the 1/4" and 3/8" drive once in that time.

[Jim]

Same here. I bought a set in 1993, and I think I've had to swap out the 1/4" and 3/8" drive once in that time.

i've got one to adjust the OEM slipper. it's the only tool i've found to easily reach the nut with the little bit of space.

[Garandman]

Flex head ratchets work awesome if you know how to use them.

Shots fired! What do you have?

I’ve heard the “new” Craftsman are good, and complete trash. Have to take a look.

[Garandman]

Absolutely terrifying! right up there with the chick in Play Misty For Me.