What makes a good ratchet

My only real complaints are the smooth handle and the price. I like a bit of texture on my ratchets to aid my grip and a little crosshatching or knurling would be nice. Kobalt is the Lowe's line of tools and they are of surprisingly high quality while keeping prices affordable. If you're looking for a versatile, general duty set with very smooth action that won't break the bank then this is the one.

On top of the quality tools there is a bonus in the form of great customer service; if you ever have a problem Lowe's makes up for it and then some. This is a ratchet set with absolutely no extraneous parts. You get only the tools you want and the quality you'd expect from Blue-Point. The action of the ratchet is plenty smooth for my tastes while it's heavy and comfortable in the hand.

I prefer 6 point sockets but the 12 point sockets are of good quality and design for years of service. The carrying case is compact, durable and efficiently designed to fit a lot into a small space.

Additionally, this kit easily slips under a car seat for on the road work. I've only recently found out about Bahco tools and I'm sad that I haven't known them for longer. The quality seems to be on par with some of the most expensive brands on the market while the price isn't quite as high. Let's not pull punches here, this is still an expensive ratchet set but the ratchet itself is amazingly well built with smooth action, a sealed head design for longer life and a comfortable grip.

The sockets are heavy, well designed and prominently marked for easy choosing the right one on the fly. The few extras included in this kit are actually useful and sturdy. Honestly, I think this kit is well worth the price. This is a solid tool from Ingersoll Rand with good battery life, plentiful power and great durability. Where lesser electric ratchets will sometimes use cheap plastics to reduce the cost and weight, Ingersoll Rand doesn't skimp.

The handle is constructed with high strength, composite plastics and metal to increase strength and guard against the inevitable drops and sudden impacts that come with moving frozen fasteners. One thing I really love about this tool is the placement of the battery. Most electric tools have a bulky battery stuck on the end like the head of the mace but the battery for this electric ratchet is oriented inline with the handle.

It keeps the shape slim, balanced and easy to manage even if it looks a bit odd at first glance. All factors considered, this is one of the most well rounded electric ratchets I've found.

It has countless fans and for good reason. This Milwaukee electric ratchet delivers a decent amount of torque at 35 ft-lbs of torque and is built very well with a reinforced steel housing, but I think it could be a little more powerful for the price. The shape fits the hand nicely and this tool is smaller than I thought it was going to be, which makes this a great ratchet for cramped spaces. This tool is an absolute beast with 70 ft-lbs of torque and will deliver enough power for any job I've had come through my shop.

The tool is well balanced and comfortable in the hand, which really matters when handling so much power. An internal, electronic clutch works great to keep the torque in the socket rather than in your wrist.

This is a top notch tool and you'll be paying for it but te only problem I have with this ratchet is the prohibitively expensive price tag. If you don't know Blue Point, this line of tools is the cousin to Snap-On, manufactured in China, using good quality steel, and more reasonably priced. While the function is top notch. I'm not joking when I say that this ratchet is huge and I would pass on this one if you're working in tight spaces.

The quality of this electric ratchet is obvious from first contact. It feels light and comfortable in the hand without any hints of flimsiness. This is what I would consider a light duty electric ratchet at 30 ft-lbs of torque, which is still plenty for the vast majority of jobs but it's not going to be able to do everything. If you value smoothness of operation over power then this may be the right choice for you. A ratchet is arguably the most critical item to have while working on an automobile.

There may perhaps be no tool with as many variations and styles as the little ratchet. This article will teach you all you need to know about ratchets, including their parts and how to use them. You will need a double pawl, or at the very least one with a high contact rate. If the bit does not go, this is generally what snaps. There are several designs to choose from. The arc at which you can operate a ratchet is determined by the number of teeth on the gear.

Over the last several years, we have witnessed a competition to see who can have the most teeth. One concern is that some of these higher-count ratchets have a higher risk of slipping.

More teeth might lead to a reduction in strength. Ratchet thickness varies significantly and is an essential factor to consider when selecting a ratchet. This vital element will determine whether you enjoy using your ratchet or not. All rights reserved. Menu Skip to content.

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Accept Reject. This one is totally up to you. This three-pack of quick-release ratchets from Tekton is a good place to start for budget-minded Do-It-Yourselfers who want to try a quick-release ratchet. Ratchets generally come in three different lengths: stubby, standard and long.

Tight places are where stubby ratchets thrive. As for half-inch? This bent-handle Tekton ratchet is inches long and sports a bent handle. This is long, but its far from the longest on the market. Comfort grip or chrome handle? That's not entirely fair because not all comfort grips are created equal. They range from hard plastic to soft, rubbery grips. They all serve a similar purpose and keep you from grabbing the cold steel with your bare hand.

These also tend to be more ergonomic than chrome-handled ratchets. The downsides? They tend to age poorly and are harder to clean. Chrome handles age like a chunk of chromed steel. Sure, they might scratch and rust, but other than that, it takes work to make one look bad.

I have both in my toolbox and like both for different reasons. Some manufacturers cover the comfort grip under warranty—others may not, if that concerns you. While not as comfortable as a truck-brand tool, these GearWrench comfort handles are more comfortable than hard steel. Don't like the handles? No problem. GearWrench has a hard-handled version of that set, too. Craftsman also offers a softer grip handle, which might be news to those who don't often look Craftsman's way.

You might not have known that the world of ratchets was as vast as you did before diving into this. Do you prefer an all steel or comfort grip? All steel is most durable but can be slippery in some applications. Do you need a quick release button?

A quick release button is the easiest way to remove sockets and attachments especially when hands are slippery or greasy. The downside is quick release design ratchets will allow more damaging dirt and debris to enter ratcheting mechanism compared to a full closed back model. Thanks for your useful article, as a manufacturer for ratchets, less pay attention to how to maintain ratchets, now i can use your methods to my next ratchets, cheers! Tightening is with a ratchet, followed by a torque wrench instead of the flex handle.

Great article. The online catalogue should outright say if the tool is made in Canada. This is a must. Thanks again for your time. Product successfully added to your Shopping Cart. Choosing Your Next Ratchet: 3 Things to Consider Ratchets are available in different sizes and shapes such as slim head, flex head, go-through head, just to name a few. Ratchet Maintenance Tips Proper maintenance and serviceability are key to getting the most out of your new ratchet.

A quality hand tool brand will have spare parts and be willing to service a ratchet years, even decades after initial purchase. Additionally, quality brands will back their ratchets will a lifetime warranty. The ratchet is likely the most neglected tool in any toolbox. It is put to the test daily, but seldom taken apart to be cleaned and lubricated.