Author Topic: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and  (Read 6304 times)

Offline jim m

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 36
Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« on: September 29, 2021, 08:34:18 PM »
Ok just did the starter on 1999 GMC Sonoma. Found my Tool short comings. In need of 3/8 Drive Metric Swivels and a long Handle 1/4 drive Ratchet.
Looking for suggestions

Offline hickory n Steel

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3286
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2021, 08:56:43 PM »
You're gonna need to give a budget and preferences.
Always lookin' to learn

Offline slip knot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2587
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2021, 09:50:27 PM »
I've been rocking a set of gear wrench swivels for a year or so and love them. Not too hateful pricing

Offline muddy

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3467
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2021, 11:12:47 AM »
I've been rocking a set of gear wrench swivels for a year or so and love them. Not too hateful pricing
That was going to be my suggestion for both. Their ratchets are good quality and they fit most everyone's budget.

Sent from the twisted mind of the mudman


Offline bonneyman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3953
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2021, 11:25:49 AM »
Or you could do a combo of both. Get a long DBE ratcheting gear wrench and slap a socket adapter onto it. (Gear Wrench makes those, too!) Then you can wrench both ways. I did several in 3/8" drive and the fine ratcheting action of the GW and thin profile is hard to beat in a ratchet.

Offline DeadNutz

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2985
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2021, 01:20:15 PM »
 I have not found many metric flex sockets of any size at yard sales or pawn shops. I think I have one 10mm mid length MAC 1/4 dr that came from somewhere.
I agree with the Gear Wrench. If you are not in a hurry wait until Black Friday and you may find a really good deal on the GW. I bought my GW flex ratchet combos on a BF sale and got about 40% off.

Offline Elroy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 394
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2021, 08:30:01 PM »
Ok just did the starter on 1999 GMC Sonoma.................a long Handle 1/4 drive Ratchet.

In the limited category, of long handle 1/4" drive ratchets. Please allow Elroy to recommend an SK 40971.
On a retail basis these are fairly expensive drives. Elroy was pleased when he selected an example off the over-stock shelf @ Southern for $20

Offline jim m

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 36
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #7 on: October 02, 2021, 03:32:14 PM »
You're gonna need to give a budget and preferences.
not looking for Truck Pricing. but the best quaity for the money

Offline jim m

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 36
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #8 on: October 02, 2021, 03:34:38 PM »
I've been rocking a set of gear wrench swivels for a year or so and love them. Not too hateful pricing
Im leaming towards Gear Wrench on both the swivles and Rachet. good quality and bang for the buck.

Offline jabberwoki

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2633
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #9 on: October 02, 2021, 03:52:50 PM »
Just so you know i did contact gearwrench and they said that they're made in china.
So if your ok with sending $ to that country .

Did you try that place that bought up SK`s stock?
May be able to get a good US made product?
Did you look at ebay at good us brands?
« Last Edit: October 02, 2021, 03:57:06 PM by jabberwoki »
Is the need enough? Or does the want suffice?

Offline jim m

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 36
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #10 on: October 02, 2021, 04:06:49 PM »
Just so you know i did contact gearwrench and they said that they're made in china.
So if your ok with sending $ to that country .

Did you try that place that bought up SK`s stock?
May be able to get a good US made product?
Did you look at ebay at good us brands?
who bought sk stock

Offline bonneyman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3953
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #11 on: October 02, 2021, 07:01:54 PM »
Just so you know i did contact gearwrench and they said that they're made in china.
So if your ok with sending $ to that country .

Did you try that place that bought up SK`s stock?
May be able to get a good US made product?
Did you look at ebay at good us brands?
who bought sk stock

Harry J. Epsteins bought up alot of stuff. The S-K stuff is all the things that the company decided to discontinue - I think they said 1000 different pieces. 100 of one, 6 of another, etc. I'm checking their website daily hoping to catch when the shipment comes in - if it comes in - and snag anything that I need to complete sets.

Offline jim m

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 36
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #12 on: October 04, 2021, 12:41:38 AM »
So new Question should I buy chrome or impact swivels

Offline jabberwoki

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2633
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #13 on: October 04, 2021, 01:41:46 PM »
Mmm depends in usage. Sometimes 1/4 drive stuff is used in tight quarters so the thicker wall won`t fit.
If it were me i go chrome.
Is the need enough? Or does the want suffice?

Offline highland512

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1020
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #14 on: October 04, 2021, 02:43:48 PM »
I would get the chrome

Offline muddy

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3467
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #15 on: October 04, 2021, 04:47:46 PM »
So new Question should I buy chrome or impact swivels
Depends. If your not going to use them on impacts, chrome is the way to go. The small body will get in to tighter places.

Being 1/4 I'd definitely be going chrome if it were me. I don't have a 1/4 impact never saw the need for one. Usually the sizes you need an impact for can be had in 3/8 drive.


Sent from the twisted mind of the mudman
« Last Edit: October 04, 2021, 04:49:34 PM by muddy »

Offline slip knot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2587
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #16 on: October 04, 2021, 07:36:15 PM »
I run the chrome on my small impact driver with no real issues.


Offline bonneyman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3953
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #18 on: October 04, 2021, 10:08:55 PM »
Yeah, I don't use chrome sockets with impacts since my first auto mech job ruined several of them.

Offline muddy

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3467
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #19 on: October 05, 2021, 02:27:21 PM »
I run the chrome on my small impact driver with no real issues.
They don't hit near as hard as an actual impact wrench. You can get away with those. They will so wear though.

Sent from the twisted mind of the mudman


Offline ssdave

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #20 on: January 13, 2022, 11:53:33 PM »
Flex sockets I like to have the best I can get.  They work better, wear better, and are warrantied.  I have full sets of 1/4" drive flex in Proto.  Like them, as well as the 1/4" Snap-on I have as well.  Pretty much the rest of them I have Snap-on.  Some Proto, but they aren't quite as good for angle.  I've owned New Britain, Proto, SK, Mac, Craftsman, Williams, Duro/Indestro, Snap-on, Gear Wrench and cheap ones.  The Snap-on, though expensive, are worth it for the better utility and warranty, and have slowly taken over my box by attrition of the others.  I've had to warranty a few.  The SK were good, but clumsy in some sizes.  They've varied over the years in design.  The Craftsman wore loose soon, and the later chinese craftsman I had a full metric set of were very poor, sold them back off fast and just stepped up and bought new Proto and Snap-on to replace them.  The Proto have worn the best, and stayed tight over the years.  The Snap-on wore loose faster, but work through a greater angle.  Snap-on replaces them when they get floppy under warranty.  The gearwrench and cheap ones didn't work well and were noticeably deficient in quality.  I gave up on them fast. 

To me, flex sockets are a problem solver.  I need the best, because they're used in less than optimum conditions.  If you are just using them for more everyday use, gearwrench, chinese made, or others will do and will be handy.  But, they won't work in that 1% situation where the extra angle, tight construction and good broaching make the Proto and Snap-on shine.  But, you pay a stiff price for that small increment of extra usability.  Chrome all the way for me.  I've got next to no use out of impact ones; although I have Proto and Duro/Indestro for use with 1/2" impact.

I've come down to pretty much only Snap-on in 1/4" ratchets.  Like the T72 in several variants and even my old 1942 Midget.  Other drives, I also like Cornwell, Proto, SK and particularly the fine tooth Indestro.  But, 1/4" no others work as well as S.O.  I use 1/4" drive a lot, so really appreciate the higher strength and better quality of the S.O.  I do have quite a few ratchets, have about 25 or so in my main box that I use regularly, scattered over 3 drive sizes.  Different configurations, bent, straight, flex, short, long, extra long, stubby.  I like the long handle T72 flex best in 1/4" long handle. 
« Last Edit: January 14, 2022, 12:04:33 AM by ssdave »

Offline stokester

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 595
  • Air-cooled!
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #21 on: January 14, 2022, 10:04:47 AM »
Sadly this S-K set is probably no longer available but I used it almost daily with my 1/4" impact and ratchets when I worked at the Chevy store.
Nick
Yorktown, VA

Offline DeadNutz

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2985
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #22 on: January 14, 2022, 02:02:23 PM »
Stokester, that looks like a great Metric set to have. Do you have the same in SAE or was there no need?

I agree pretty much with what ssdave said about the flex sockets. Since I generally don't use them daily, weekly or even monthly there is no need for top of the line flex sockets. Most of mine are sets put together as I bought boxes or loose sockets and they have done fine for me. I do have some MAC impact flex sockets that were in an MBC taco box that I bought. The retail price of the 3 sockets was more than I paid for the box full of tools.
I have pretty much eliminated the floppy sockets from use as I acquired more. The floppys are mostly old long gone brands that must have seen plenty of use in those days. I am always on the lookout for more and especially MM as those are harder to come by.

Offline skfarmer

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #23 on: January 14, 2022, 03:34:54 PM »
Sadly this S-K set is probably no longer available but I used it almost daily with my 1/4" impact and ratchets when I worked at the Chevy store.

that set makes me green with envy.....
from the ashes shall rise a phoenix

i was here when the hangout turned into mexican food site!

Offline stokester

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 595
  • Air-cooled!
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #24 on: January 15, 2022, 05:32:08 AM »
Stokester, that looks like a great Metric set to have. Do you have the same in SAE or was there no need?

No need for an SAE set.  I do have SAE sockets and wrenches but they mainly sit unused.
Nick
Yorktown, VA

Offline Uncle Buck

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #25 on: January 05, 2023, 09:06:36 PM »
Mmm depends in usage. Sometimes 1/4 drive stuff is used in tight quarters so the thicker wall won`t fit.
If it were me i go chrome.

That would be my 1st choice as well, follow with impacts if/when you can afford or need.
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline oldnslo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 712
Re: Looking for long handle 1/4 Ratchet and
« Reply #26 on: January 06, 2023, 11:04:30 AM »
Chrome!

It took me for-eVAH to get my "best of the best" metric set in SK chrome. I went through a quite a few sets of flipping them to arrive at my keeper set.

1/4" drive in flex? Those are a mongrel set of US brand names for me (SAE and metric) picked up by the each along the way. I've never needed impact on that drive size in my travels.