Recommendation on ratchet wrench brands

Believe it or not, the Kobalt ratchets I have now are about 5 years old, but I have used them literally less than a dozen times. My Craftsman set purchased in the 90's had same issue. The ratchet mechanism is just extremely loose and sloppy.

I will hand test any new ratchets before I buy the next time.

 

I've had some good results with Tekton hand tools. Just received this notice that they're closing out some ratcheting wrenches.

20% off

https://www.tekton.com/wrenches/ratcheting-wrenches?mc_cid=6b155f00c1&mc_eid=b94797a386

 

The thread seems to have taken a turn from what the initial question that was posted, but I will share that I have had good luck with 'Gear Wrench' brand ratchet wrenches. I had 1 warranty claim, which became a headache because even though I got the wrenches from ho depot, I had to contact the company and send them ( on my dime) the defective wrench and they would determine if it failed because of a manufacturing defect or if it was abused, then I'd have to pay the shipping if they were going to replace the tool.

 

Damn that sucks you had to pay shipping, ive had two failures from user abuse and I just had to send them pictures both times and they sent me a new one.

 

These are made by Kabo. Under many different brands.

Might as well buy the Icon version so you have a lifetime warranty.

 

I could see a lower quality gear set being easier to assemble by unskilled labor.

Perhaps the reason thinking the hobby user would consider that just normal never experiencing quality of a well built ratchet

The only time I experienced those issues with the ratchet about due for a rebuild .

Yes indeed it can be so very frustrating Then I pay for quality so indeed price does reflect the quality.

Then having had great dealers over the years also helped.

 

I like Wright tools, and own a couple of their ratchets.

 

Tekton has updated their website stating their new line will be 12pt. Such a bummer for us salt belt guys.

I dont see any reason for a ratcheting mechanism to be 12pt, other than sales hype / competition

 

Gearwrench and tekton are both solid options for the price

 

Are you talking Ratcheting wrenches or ratchets ? ratcheting wrenches were never made for high torque applications . Break things loose with a wrench after all it is a limited access hardware.

I don`t know enough about that brand I need to look into that in more detail.

I just love my Snap On ratchets.

 

Ratcheting wrenches yes. You do have a point about high torque applications. But still, I think its kinda dumb to weaken fastener grip and increase likely hood of damage for no reason at all.

12 pt = 30 degrees per point
72 tooth ratchet (seems to be most common) = 5 degrees

My 6 pt Tekton 17mm ratcheting worked like a charm to torque the 4x front hub assembly bolts to 59 ft lbs when I did those this spring

 

I agree 6 pt is all I use . But at times getting a 6pt wrench on the hardware can be a royal pain.

Besides Marketing decisions are often made on sales numbers by people that never use the products .

Much easier to tighten then break things loose .

 

Thats what the breaker bar is for.
But who really wants to take the time to switch the tools around.
Sometimes the right hammer for the job is a wrench.

-J

 

You missed the point were talking tight access impossible to even get a socket on the hardware .

In many cases if I can get a socket on I can use the impact

ratcheting wrenches.

 

Very true, unfortunately