1/4" ratchet preferences.

[hickory n Steel]

I'm genuinely curious about your preferences for 1/4" ratchet design and features goes.

Most of my ratchet use is with 1/4" so that's where I have the most preferences which aren't really a lot to begin with because I've just not been around long enough.
I notice when a mechanism is really coarse or sloppy, but I've yet to run into tight spaces where the highest tooth count or lowest profile head would matter so for me it boils down to hand feel.

It seems I often have most of a 1/4" ratchets body consumed in my hand, and I don't really like a round handle and neck as you'd see on a classic S-K round head design.
The Craftsman teardrop raised pannel feels okay but is a bit too narrow.
I most prefer a thumb lever though the switch of a round head isn't that hard to operate with my thumb.
Overall my current favorite is my indestro, not that I have many anyways.


I'm sure I'll find my perfect 1/4" ratchet eventually, something in a pearhead with a grip that's not round.

[Cruiser808]

Hi H&S, there is no simple answer to your question.  Preference will depend on factors such as type of use environment , amateur vs professional,  hand size, etc. The list goes on. In todays world, I'm finding more and more use for 1/4 drive tools.  I personality like ratchets with the smallest head and most teeth. Like in under dash and inner door work. But, sometimes torque in confined spots is needed. In my wife's car, I exclusively used my Proto - Challenger 1/4 metric set to remove and replace a radiator.  I was surprised to say the least.

This is a good thread and I trust you'll  get a lot of good information from this expert group.

[J.A.F.E.]

I hold a ratchet a little different most of the time than you do. I have never found the perfect ratchet or one that is best for all circumstances so I find a variety helpful. Cruiser hit it.

I usually prefer a flex head and I usually prefer an all steel handle but there are exceptions to both. I think in general a lot of the tooth count business is just contrived marketing but there are times when it does make a difference but again preference also plays in. If you are really in a situation where you only have enough swing for a high tooth count ratchet you have a hobby no matter what you are using.

[hickory n Steel]

You guys have brought up great points.
I can definitely understand having different purposes for particular ratchets, and I'm sure the time will come that I'll know first hand.
I've yet to do any kind of automotive related work, just on a 2 stroke bike kit and on my lawn mower so tight spaces haven't come up yet.

[bonneyman]

The one you're holding is my personal fav - an Indestro # 6072 pear head. Next would be an EASCO RHFT and then the HF composite.

[Uncle Buck]

I have a wide variety of brands of ratchets in the three popular drive sizes but I will admit a strong affinity for the RHFT Craftsman ratchets which were the what I started with and all I had for a number of years. All the other brands followed, but the RHFT would be my go to even today over every other brand I have.

[hickory n Steel]

The one you're holding is my personal fav - an Indestro # 6072 pear head. Next would be an EASCO RHFT and then the HF composite.

It certainly works with my hand, the EASCO RHFT definitely looks like something my hand would like.
Honestly I would not be surprised if the ratchet I eventually settle on is something I never thought about.
The roumd handle indestro works for me because the neck isn't round.

[slip knot]

Honestly the HF composite is my go to ratchet more and more. The smaller round handles are too hard to get a hold of.

[bonneyman]

The one you're holding is my personal fav - an Indestro # 6072 pear head. Next would be an EASCO RHFT and then the HF composite.

It certainly works with my hand, the EASCO RHFT definitely looks like something my hand would like.
Honestly I would not be surprised if the ratchet I eventually settle on is something I never thought about.
The roumd handle indestro works for me because the neck isn't round.

You see that's the main problem for me with 1/4"ers - the things are just too small to hold well. At least with the EASCO the round handle has nice deep knurls. And the HF composite is BIG for a 1/4".

Just grabbed a Blackhawk roundhead that looks like a Stanley clone - like the ones they made for Craftsman in the 80's? Very big for a 1/4"er. If you want it, just say the word and I'll send it. Got too many ratchets anyway.

I'll post a compare pic tomorrow and then you can decide.

[bonneyman]

Honestly the HF composite is my go to ratchet more and more. The smaller round handles are too hard to get a hold of.

Since picking up a 1/4" and 3/8" for $17 total I've been throwing jobs at them. They are surprisngly nice. Who would have thunk, eh?

[hickory n Steel]

The one you're holding is my personal fav - an Indestro # 6072 pear head. Next would be an EASCO RHFT and then the HF composite.

It certainly works with my hand, the EASCO RHFT definitely looks like something my hand would like.
Honestly I would not be surprised if the ratchet I eventually settle on is something I never thought about.
The roumd handle indestro works for me because the neck isn't round.

You see that's the main problem for me with 1/4"ers - the things are just too small to hold well. At least with the EASCO the round handle has nice deep knurls. And the HF composite is BIG for a 1/4".

Just grabbed a Blackhawk roundhead that looks like a Stanley clone - like the ones they made for Craftsman in the 80's? Very big for a 1/4"er. If you want it, just say the word and I'll send it. Got too many ratchets anyway.

I'll post a compare pic tomorrow and then you can decide.

I'd love to be able to try out another 1/4" ratchet that's not a Craftsman indestro or a bottom of the barrel round head import.
Chances are I'll like anything better than my late production Craftsman with the plastic parts.

[skfarmer]

like others have said. it is hard to pick one. can i pick 3 or 4?

all around handy? an sk round head is hard to beat

comfy? my proto big dawg with hard handle. i don't know i just like it.

rounding out the list are my armstrong aerospace with 88 clicks and the matching flex head with 60. small,  smooth, compact and lots of clicks with that great shaped handle.

[bonneyman]

You know, I'm not above sliding a piece of fuel hose over a handle to add thickness and grip. I tried it once as a stop-gate measure, and it worked so well I've repeated the process on others.
Here's a 3/8" Bonney I pulled the stunt on - it really helps it out.

[PowderKeg]

For all-around general use, the venerable MDF designed Craftsman RHFT with QR has been my go-to 1/4" for ages.  For more leverage or extra handle length, either a long handle Snappy or long flex Williams.   On the rare occasion the Craftsman head was too thick, a Proto/Armstrong/Herbrand/Bonney oval head has fit the bill nicely.

If QR on a RHFT is bothersome, look for a non-QR version branded for EASCO, Master Mechanic, or NAPA.

[hickory n Steel]

like others have said. it is hard to pick one. can i pick 3 or 4?

all around handy? an sk round head is hard to beat

comfy? my proto big dawg with hard handle. i don't know i just like it.

rounding out the list are my armstrong aerospace with 88 clicks and the matching flex head with 60. small,  smooth, compact and lots of clicks with that great shaped handle.

I was just interested in the features and designs you like, not one specific rstchet.

[Davethorik]

rounding out the list are my armstrong aerospace with 88 clicks and the matching flex head with 60. small,  smooth, compact and lots of clicks with that great shaped handle.

I have a 60t Armstrong 10-994 locking flex I bought new, the first (at that time) new ratchet I'd ever bought. I love that thing. I think it's around 6.5", perfect length IMO.

I have some other nice 1/4 rats, incl. SK, Wright, and a couple RHFT. I grab the Armstrong first, for just about everything except high torque, then I grab the Cornwells. I've found that since I got them, I don't reach for my 3/8 in 1/4 as much.

[hickory n Steel]

rounding out the list are my armstrong aerospace with 88 clicks and the matching flex head with 60. small,  smooth, compact and lots of clicks with that great shaped handle.

I have a 60t Armstrong 10-994 locking flex I bought new, the first (at that time) new ratchet I'd ever bought. I love that thing. I think it's around 6.5", perfect length IMO.

I have some other nice 1/4 rats, incl. SK, Wright, and a couple RHFT. I grab the Armstrong first, for just about everything except high torque, then I grab the Cornwells. I've found that since I got them, I don't reach for my 3/8 in 1/4 as much.

They sound nice, got any pictures ?

[bonneyman]

Well, my camera just freaked out and doesn't seem to want to work. So for the moment I can't get pics of the Blackhawk ratchet I was telling you about. Dang technology!

[bmwrd0]

I usually use nut drivers in that size range, but when I do open up the 1/4 set, it is a pear head. I have never been a big fan of round heads, though I do admire the SK in 1/4, very smooth.

[hickory n Steel]

Well, my camera just freaked out and doesn't seem to want to work. So for the moment I can't get pics of the Blackhawk ratchet I was telling you about. Dang technology!

Was it the ratchet from this post ?
http://garagegazette.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=450.0;attach=2241;image

[bonneyman]

Well, my camera just freaked out and doesn't seem to want to work. So for the moment I can't get pics of the Blackhawk ratchet I was telling you about. Dang technology!

Was it the ratchet from this post ?
http://garagegazette.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=450.0;attach=2241;image

Yeah, that's it.

[hickory n Steel]

Well, my camera just freaked out and doesn't seem to want to work. So for the moment I can't get pics of the Blackhawk ratchet I was telling you about. Dang technology!

Was it the ratchet from this post ?
http://garagegazette.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=450.0;attach=2241;image

Yeah, that's it.

I used to have a ratchet with the thumb wheel and that was a feature I quite liked, I'd love to try this ratchet out.
How long is it ?
It's no biggie if it wouldn't fit in one of my sets, but 6" or less would and that'd be a bonus.

[bonneyman]

Well, my camera just freaked out and doesn't seem to want to work. So for the moment I can't get pics of the Blackhawk ratchet I was telling you about. Dang technology!

Was it the ratchet from this post ?
http://garagegazette.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=450.0;attach=2241;image

Yeah, that's it.

I used to have a ratchet with the thumb wheel and that was a feature I quite liked, I'd love to try this ratchet out.
How long is it ?
It's no biggie if it wouldn't fit in one of my sets, but 6" or less would and that'd be a bonus.

5 3/4" end to end.
It's a bit tight turning, so, you'd have to lube it for sure. The chrome looks good though.

Send me a 5 spot to cover shipping and I'll get it heading your way.

[Uncle Buck]

like others have said. it is hard to pick one. can i pick 3 or 4?

all around handy? an sk round head is hard to beat

comfy? my proto big dawg with hard handle. i don't know i just like it.

rounding out the list are my armstrong aerospace with 88 clicks and the matching flex head with 60. small,  smooth, compact and lots of clicks with that great shaped handle.

I was just interested in the features and designs you like, not one specific rstchet.

Then you confused me too.........I thought you meant my go to 1/4" ratchet.

[highland512]

My all time favorite goto 1/4 ratchet is the Tuff1 sk, great tooth count, one hand selectable, and smooth as glass but it is very thick.

My experience there is no perfect ratchet no matter the drive size. Thats why you need a drawer full of ratchets!! I bet I have 10-15 1/4 ratchets and use them all regularly.

[goodfellow]

Three ratchets seem to make it into my hands every time I need one. Two long handle (a grearwrench flex head and a Williams flex head), and a Wright short flexhead. I use the tried and true SK round head every now and then, but the long handle flex heads are my favorites.

[Cruiser808]

I didn’t care much for flex ratchets, that is until engine hood compartments got crazy tight and crowded. Now they are a necessity and a must have in any tool box.

[hickory n Steel]

That Wright flex head looks like an awesome ratchet, that might have to be something I try out down the road. I need to try out a felx head 1/4 in general but the handle on that Wright in particular looks great.

The piece of air hose is a good idea, I may have to try a piece on my Craftsman and see if it fits my hand a little better.

[Crispycritter]

3 go-to ratchets for me snappy extra long 3/8 flex. Snap on long 1/2 flex or snap on 1/4 flex

[DeadNutz]

Since you wanted to see some different features on 1/4" ratchets here is some variety for you.
First up are from the top: Craftsman Tri-wing with no QR, SK no QR, Snap On no QR with a thin profile, TrueCraft Japan flex that has good detents in the flex w/no QR thumb wheel but a very short handle. Next up is a side view.
Third pic: Husky out of a set no QR but has a thumb wheel and no COO even though the sockets in the set are USA, Kobalt 90T QR that is my go to ratchet, Craftsman I recently got in a box I bought thin head QR and no COO but a thin profile, Allen USA QR with the thumb wheel on the face, No name Japan no QR that came in a box I bought that looks kind of like a Kraueter. Next up is the side view.
 

[hickory n Steel]

Thanks for the comparison.
Those modern Craftsman ratchets look nice, since the raised pannel is pretty much no more I hope they can produce these in the US at a similar price as the RP teardrops were.

[mikef2316]

We don't have Harbor Freight in Canada, but we do have Princess Auto which sells compsite ratchets that I believe are the same, except colour.  In both 3/8 and 1/4 they are my favourite ratchets these days.

[hickory n Steel]

I think I can appreciate the advantages of an S-K style round head in a 1/4 ratchet now that I'm able to experience a quality make.

[lauver]

H&S,

Here's a couple of more rat's worthy of your consideration and easy to find:

GearWrench 81224 6-3/4" OAL, 72-Tooth RHROTO; Nice comfortable feel, good length, good balance, and thin roto head.  And, can be used as a ratcheting spinner.

GearWrench 81009F 7-3/4" OAL, 84 Tooth FHTD; Nice comfortable feel, longer length, good balance, and flex tear drop head.

Both are fine tooth specialty ratchets or fine tooth every day ratchets...  What's not to like?

[four.cycle]

just get one of each and then figure out which one you like best!

[hickory n Steel]

just get one of each and then figure out which one you like best!

That would definitely work.

[J.A.F.E.]

just get one of each and then figure out which one you like best!

That would definitely work.

I find many times different situations bring out different preferences. So it's best to have an assortment. Although my goto is usually a non locking flex head.

[hickory n Steel]

just get one of each and then figure out which one you like best!

That would definitely work.

I find many times different situations bring out different preferences. So it's best to have an assortment. Although my goto is usually a non locking flex head.

I have not yet found that, but the time will come when I do have such needs I'm sure.

[J.A.F.E.]

Just give it time.

[four.cycle]

Just picked these up at the post office. Looks like they've gotten some pretty good reviews. Nice feel, well balanced. I suppose only time will tell if they live up to the hype. Couldn't pass them up for the price - $8.99 for the pair including shipping.

[hickory n Steel]

Just picked these up at the post office. Looks like they've gotten some pretty good reviews. Nice feel, well balanced. I suppose only time will tell if they live up to the hype. Couldn't pass them up for the price - $8.99 for the pair including shipping.

Those look awesome, I'd say you can't beat the price.

[bonneyman]

Shoot, $9 for two brand new ratchets is almost as cheap as pawnie tools! 

[four.cycle]

I'm guessing they're actually factory serviced warranty units. They do appear, however, to be brand new. This is the photo from the Ebay listing:

[GNAP]

the cheaper original version of the Harbor Freight 1/4” ratchet

[bonneyman]

the cheaper original version of the Harbor Freight 1/4” ratchet

I bought some HF composite ratchets based on your recommendation, Jack.

And I hate to admit it but I like them. hidex