Socket Ratchet Reviews, Can't Find Any...

[mattius]

Surprised at this as its probably the most used tool in most peoples armory, but i can't seem to find any group reviews of ratchets? anyone know of any?

 

I swear by the halfords professional sets but after having a second ratchet strip its teeth on me (nice broken finger this time) (wasn't even that solid a bolt, usually i use a breaker bar when it gets too tough) and halfords lifetime warranty not covering moving parts i.e. the gears.

 

I feel its time to upgrade,

 

Guys at work use snapon everywhere but say they have to replace the gears every so often, and i don't particularly want to do that in a £80 ratchet.

 

Heard good things about draper expert but refuse to trust an £8 ratchet? maybe there is different levels of expert?

 

Teng also stand out but can't find any reviews?

 

Maybe im just too strong? lol

[2.5piman]

Hello Mattius,

 

generally I will not buy Draper unless it's a use once sort of tool. 

Rachet mechanism do wear with time but probbaly dependant on whether they get any lubtication affects their life?

Facom is anothermake to consider.

 

Alec

[esxefi]

I bought a couple or 'ratchetless' ones at a car show.

 

I don't know the torque rating or the manufacturer of them but they seem pretty substantial and the seller assured me they were of german origin.a plus point is you can make the tiniest movement on a nut if it is in a tight space.

 

I wouldn't trust any ratchet on a very tight nut or bolt as they aren't really designed for it and as you say use a breaker bar first to save your knuckles etc.

[motov8id]

I think the fact that SnapOn sells service parts for their tools speaks well to to their commitment to the longevity of their tools. They are very high quality but also high price. I have many in the 20 to 30 year old range so a strong endorsement if you can justify the cost.

[JohnD]

As said above, a breaker bar is the correct tool for a very tight nut. not a ratchet.

I'm not surprised that professionals buy SnapOn  and then maintain them by regular replacement of the ratchet mechanism.

That's what pros do, when us amateurs expect our tools to last forever, because they see so much less use.

 

Halfords too sell the ratchet mechanisms for replacement or maintenance in their tools.

JOhn

[thebrookster]

I have found that Bahco have some good stuff, though I have not used their ratchets.http://sideways-technologies.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic/6989-socket-ratchet-reviews-cant-find-any/?do=findComment&comment=92176

 

Incidentally, I believe Bahco are owned by Snap-On??

 

As you and John say though, a breaker bar is the correct tool for tough nuts/bolts, and in fact I rarely use a ratchet for removing nuts/bolts at all (and believe me, I have undone a LOT of rusted nuts and bolts, seawater ain't very kind!!). Breaker bar first, then spanner. I tend to only use a ratchet for quickly nipping things up, and even then only occasionally, but that has more to do with good ratchets constantly finding their way to the Philippines than anything else :P

 

Phil

[mattius]

Ahhh who woulda thought it, cheers john never even thought halfords would do replacement gears. Picked up a repair kit today and rebuilt my original for £5.

 

Seems as good as new.

 

I usually use a solid 3/8 or 1/2 wrench then the ratchet or in reverse if im tightening,

 

Looking at the old one, all teeth are fairly worn out so its not been just one bolt too tight. It just wore out after 10 years of abuse. I notice the new ones seem a slightly different design.

 

I'll still pick up a new one as a spare, just need to decide which one.