Honestly the Pittsburgh pro long handle soft grip flex head 3/8’s ratchet has been great for me. For $26 it’s a steal. I’ve had it maybe 6 months and I have no complaints as far as daily use. The only thing people really complain about is the switch is backwards from most other ratchets but it never bothered me.
Forged Steel Wrench I own several duralast ratchets and I’ve never seen a soft grip. Is that something they sell online only ? Ive been keeping an eye out for one because I’ve heard a couple people say they have one but so far the store that is in my area doesn’t have one.
Jeffcuevas I agree bro I still use and prefer them over my dual80’s snapons and also still use my old Mac low tooth rats as well they and my craftsman are beasts I’ll put them up against any of todays rats
GREAT VIDEO I HAVE WATCHED THIS PARTICULAR ONE MORE THAN ONCE on the ratchets good to hear it coming from you a true professional one who uses them everyday for years . I saw a open end electric ratchet on a mega factory episode one time think it was a Porsche factory . It may not be in the hands of consumers as of yet but I must believe someone somewhere is working on it . In the life of a mechanic without the enjoyment of using are tools there is only the bills to pay . Thanks again for the professional look at these tools and please keep the the videos coming .
I have the same ratchet as you... I love that friggen thing... just like you.. when that comes out .. something’s gunna move or get snapped off ... don’t think I’ve come across a bolt/nut I couldn’t budge with that thing..
Great topic, I fell in love with Snap-on 23 + years ago never look back. Love my old plastic handles hate new comfort grip even though I own a couple. Could not agree more you said.
Thanks for the review. At 8:34 you displayed the 1/2" drive Craftsman ratchet briefly. The one feature I do like about it is the knurled thumb wheel. Because the head is relatively large, it can sometimes be difficult to use the thumb wheel, especially if you are forced to hold the ratchet in an awkward position. But, I find the 3/8" ratchet is much easier to use the thumb wheel with because the head is smaller. I also have some Tekton ratchets with a thumb wheel, and the wheel is located above the head instead of below it, which for me is generally more convenient. I like this feature because it allows me to turn the nut by fingertip, which can be convenient if the nut is spinning too freely to generate enough friction to resist against the ratcheting mechanism. Otherwise, there's no ratcheting action until there's sufficient resistance to turn the nut.
I'm a big fan of ratchet diversification. For years I used 4 or 5 but as I'm in the trade longer I've found that instead of struggling it's much easier to have a broad range of options. I know I'll catch some flack for that but its better efficiency. I think obviously knowledge is key to success but if you don't have the tools to do the job, knowledge is kinda an afterthought.
Hey Flat Rate Master, you can "swap" a modern comfort soft grip (round profile) on your 3/8" Flex-head ratchet with the red acetate handle. In other words you can interchange the hard handle for the comfort grip: part no. [FH936-12].
Good video, I personally use only Dual 80's and have 80% of the entire range, plus all the comfort grip round heads. Making flatrates and speed, the last thing you want to fight is your ratchet causing back drag, or a ratchet that won't hold the torque, or a ratchet that isn't long enough. As a technician, you make paycheck by using your hands. A weekly Snap-On repayment beats busting your hands and quitting the career, what sort of job you can do without your hands. There comes a time when your up or below the engine bay and need to view specific things when your turning the crank and you do not have time to raise or lower the hoist nor a second person. These small things such as ratchet selection, there is a difference.
I hope you’re right because I just ordered the long reach dual 80 flex head 1/2”inch flexible head ratchet it cost me with tax and shipping $214.50 I got it from a seller on eBay brand new coming from Florida
@@william38022 Its a steep investment, but point is there, you pay for the service with your local truckie. He will go out of his way to repair it (if your truckie has the parts and can get it quick enough). It beats hitting toolstore in your spare time when you could have to spent it with your family. Buying from online is a mixed bag, its basically undercutting your truckie. Its not fair to ask someone that hasn't made money from you to repair something that he never sold you. The best thing you can do in this case is to keep it maintained once awhile (clean, gut everything and re-lube with Superlube). Make sure the cover plate is fully seated and I recommend a bit of medium strength loctite on the cover plate screws (I had a F80 cover plate movement). Know the limits of each tool, if there is visible rust etc, douse it with penetrant for a bit before you try. As always, work smarter and minimise injuries. FYI: Where I'm at (OZ), I paid much more than that for these ratchets.
I use that exact ratchet myself. I love it. The locking swivel is the best part. And just like yours I abuse the hell out of it. Never had a problem with it.
I love my old plastic handle Mac 1/2 in drive. I have the old style 3/8 drive and 1/4 in drive Snap On love them to. I haven't had a chance to get my hands on the comfort grip. I probably won't retired old school and still use them. Great video my friend keep up the great work see you in the next video
I do some small engine repair out of my garage on the side and I use the Pittsburgh flex 1/4 and 3/8 most of the time now. But I am looking at taking it to the next level in the spring so I have been looking at the Matco website allot and I am impressed at what I see. Glad to know they are your go to and they have treated you well!
Nice collection of ratchets, I feel when it comes to the 1/2 in. drive it is money well spent on Matco or Snap on for the long ratchets just for the safety of not having them break when applying a lot of torque. One of my favorites is an Astro 1/4 in. gearless stubby for running in small fasteners. As usual Great video!
I prefer the Matco 3/8 locking flex head myself. The exact ratchet you were holding. That’s by far my favorite and most used ratchet. I also have the 1/4 and 1/2 and love them as well.
I have the Matco locking 3/8 flex head too and love it.My go to ratchet most of the time now.I broke it once so far and glad I bought a second one later.Broke off the drive part off using it on a fill plug in a rear end.Did get it warrantied,a ratchet repair kit was put in it and been good to me even more now.
Now waiting on Matco changing the route for the new dealer to come in.Had it set so she came in on Wendsdays and there was a problem with that.My dad and I are gone on Wendsdays and told their district rep this
Aside from the many Matco tools you have... This was a good and well put video that I felt was unbiased. I've learned early on, it's not about the brand.. It's what holds up in the type of job that it calls for. I have many brands and all have different handles for the type of job I come across. Like you said. Personal Preference.
I have a variety of ratchets. I often reach for my older Made in USA 3/8 Craftsman ratchet. I like the way it fits in my hand, plus plenty of rebuild kits. I also have one of the old V series 3/8 and 1/2 Craftsman flex head ratchets I don't often use.
I've got the comfort grip matco locking flex head 1/2 inch that's the size of that snapon. I love that damn thing. Great or doing eccentric bolts on alignments when they are really stuck
And there is nothing wrong with it, especially in the 1/2" drive. Not that many teeth in it but it is very strong. And if you need more torque, use a breaker bar as you should be doing in the first place.
Ratchets have come a long way and you definitely get what you pay for. I have 30 ratchets and seem to like the newer Snap On. Overall I find the SK round head to be an excellent tool to use.
I have also heard gear wrench ratchet’s for the money or actually very good,,,,I’m going to check out their 120 xp for3/8 inch ratchet and a quarter inch ratchet The gear wrench 120 XP half inch flex head Ratchet has a five star rating for well over 1200 people on Amazon for $44.97 I thought it was very impressive,,,if I had seen that before I purchased my snap on dual 80 half inch long reach flex head ratchet I may not have purchased it and I may have just bought a full set of the gear wrenches 120 XP ratchets instead,,, however I already purchased the half-inch flex head snap on dual 80 long reach on eBay for $214.50 it will be here by the end of this week or sometime early next week it’s brand new I purchased it from eBay,,, I may buy the gear wrench 120 xp 3/8”inch and 1/4” ratchet’s also
tyler henry It’s a vastly underrated USA made ratchet. SK as a whole is a vastly underrated USA company. I really wish that they could figure out how to cater to the professional technicians by providing a truck and a dealer yet still being more competitive that Snapon in price. I really want to see them survive and thrive amid the hordes of offshore stuff invading our industry. I don’t want to see another USA company bite the dust. We’ve lost too many already.
Some how I missed this video even though I subscribed to the channel... Anyway, I agree with you that you need to see how it feels in your hand and that it's a good idea to have different lengths of ratchets. One thing that I would mention for use in certain tight spaces once you're loosened the nut/bolt up, is the palm ratchet. I've had my SK 1/4" drive for years and though I don't use it hardly ever, that occasional time I need it it has saved my bacon.
Brandon Gordon Snapon doesn’t have a ratchet that compares to Matco’s offerings . That’s just a fact. I don’t like everything Matco makes but their USA made ratchets are the finest quality that money can buy. I started buying their USA made ratchets in 2000 and have only needed to replace the head in one. My 1/4” drive extra long handle ratchet finally broke. If you could see the work I put it through before it busted you’d be amazed. Matco all the way on ratchets.
I didn't see the point in a bent handle either until I bought a cheap used SK off the Mac truck and fell in love with it. When I broke it I bought a fine tooth Mac. Makes a big difference when doing spark plugs on LS in GM trucks. Worth the money.
This is totally a personal preference. For me, my go to ratchets, when I need one are a 1971 craftsman 1/4 drive, and for 3/8 I reach for my SK flex head with curved handle or my craftsman flex head with cushion handle. I have 11 ratchets in my box all of which I have had for years. The one I use least is my snap-on 3/8 straight shank. Very hard to get the socket off that one with oil on your hands. Whenever possible I reach for the cordless impacts first. That's just the way I roll & I've been wrenching a long time.
I’d put my 24” gearwrench 1/2” locking flex head ratchet up to a snap on or matco ratchet all day everyday day. That thing can handle some serious torque
I used to think bent handle ratchets were pointless too until I bought one. I've owned snap on, sk and gearwrench versions. It clicks as you start using it everyday how much it could have helped you in past jobs... Can use as a speeder handle, helps keep ya straight when using deep sockets and keeps your hand away from things in alot of tight situations. I find they pair best with a set of semi deeps 👍
I have to say, looking at it again (and I'm building a home/charity box in the near future, my choices will be slightly different...When it comes to big boy 1/2" ratchets, I have a 27" Cornwell flex head that I LOVE. I got it on sale half off, it's not fine tooth but it handles the abuse. I find their square comfort grip slightly awkward compared to a round grip, but it's actually big enough to fit my hand. At the same time, I build my second box, I'm going with a Matco 30" locking flex head, just for the locking feature. My Cornwell is not very often used, but I've walked it in a circle to bring out bolts that my very high torque 1/2" air impact would NOT turn. But, that's in shop conditions on a lift. Some of the situations I've found myself in at home, side work, charity work, I'm not able to anywhere near walk or sit under a vehicle, and that locking head as opposed to a ball detent is a big plus for me. I'm mostly a Snap-On guy as far as ratchets, but their big flex head with no locking feature is alright in 3/8" (and I've used it everywhere from ultra tight diesel oil and fuel filters to alignments in tight spots where a wrench is too short to keep ahold of) but I've seen guys smack themselves in the face with it when it flexed when they did not want it to. Great ratchet, great design, but if I have a flex head that big I want SOMETHING to keep it from flexing instead of turning under torque. That said, I own a fistful of Snap-On ratchets, but I started out with Gearwrench in my box. I finally brought my 120XP 3/8" home when I upgraded about a month ago. The Matco action is very similar in feel, slightly less positive on the click, but so is the Snap-On. I still have a Gearwrench standard length 1/2" drive and use it regularly. I can't knock any of the aforementioned lines as a whole. I love the feel and simplicity of the Gearwrench, but the Snap-On feels SO much better overall. I've even compared the swing angle, and the Gearwrench won out over the 3/8" Snap-On brand new off the truck, BUT, the comfort grip and the feel are superb in comparison. I'm not even devoted to comfort grip. I enjoy feeling the click (and the "It's 'bout to shear off!" through the handle and the comfort grips dampen that) but all my bigger ratchets are comfort grip for a reason. All that said, even the coarse tooth Cornwell isn't bad. Yeah, I got burned when I was in training by the swing angle, would've preferred anything fine tooth (and they make them) but they're still quality. If I can put my 300 pound body weight on it and break the bolt loose instead of blowing the gears out, it's tough. It's not the best feel, it's not the most elegant, but by golly it's good. For situations where swing angle isn't an issue I'd run a Cornwell coarse tooth any day, but those situations are seldom. On sale, for a general use ratchet, great deal for the money! I have a soft spot for them though, their factory is an hour drive for me. Ohioan pride, man. A ratchet is one of the most personal choices a technician can make. One size may never fit all. Just respect your fellows, help them if they're struggling, and stand as a brotherhood. We're all in this together, and we're all different.
I can attest to the long handle Cornwell 1/2 being strong. I’ve thrown the cheater bar on it many times and gone to town on some big fasteners. I’ve had the handle flexed out some much it looked like it was going to break. It’s the older course tooth design, but man is it strong. I typically use it on big stuff that I can access with 3/4” stuff. My only complaint is the course tooth design, but then again that’s probably where the strength in the drive comes from Would love to get some more Snap On stuff. But that would require us to have a truck in our area again.
bosborn1 that older course tooth (30 I think) style is one of the smoothest ratchets I I’ve ever used. I have a regular length 1/2 Cornwell I got off Garage Journal that I don’t use much but won’t part with. Those handles are made to fit perfectly in cheater pipes lol.
3/8 flex head long handle and a 1/2 flex head 22inch ratcheting breaker... the sad part KOBALT... but they work as far as oil changes, batteries, breaking Wheel locks and general service stuff.... the rest of my tools are all MaC tools... not USA. But they get the job done... when its flat rate.. I won't have no choice but to get MATCO,Snap-On, and even a little bluepoint... But damn I love the sound of a Snap on ratchet... Ooooh... so smooth... Thanks brother keep it up
I Had Some Great Snap on Ratchets. They Had Big Handles, When they Broke Thinner handles. Now I Use The Locking Matco Long Locking Flex Head 1/4 & 3/8. 3/8 Matco Stubby Flex Head & a Snap on Big Handle Regular length Ratchet
I’m with you on this FRM, I am always using a 3/8” ratchet, especially the flex heads. And the longer you do this, the longer the ratchet you reach for.
You should mention 1/4" drive handles with the 3/8" drives in them. I have the SK 45173 and the flex head snapon fcf72. They both come in handy a LOT to get into tight spots when you need a 3/8 drive socket
DIY Misfit "Mechanic" unless he only showed us a few of his ratchets and still has some he doesn’t even have that many. Some guys at my work have like 20+ ratchets. It’s ridiculous
We don’t have any other tool guys besides snap on, so that’s all I have. I love the hard screwdriver style handle on my 3/8. That is the only “grip” handle ratchet I have though. I found they get in the way sometimes. I love LOVE the snap on extra long 3/8 flex head. It just makes life so much easier. I don’t know how I worked before fine toothed ratchets honestly 😏
Just looked at that ez red 1/4 ratchet! Seems like a handy tool! I love ratchets ahah! 😂 too many too choose but i found extendable locking, flex head, with quick release with comfort grip!
John Long I'm with you. It's annoying to deal with a ratchet that won't ratchet back. 8 appreciate my vintage ratchets because they're work in just enough to have very low drag on the gear.
Tried pretty much all of them over the years, when it comes to ratchets for me an old school SK round head in 1/2 or 3/8 is what’s in my hand 95% of the time. For 1/4 I go with a 60’s era wright.
I love my gear wrench flex head 1/4 and 3/8 my go to ratchets or my old 32 tooth snap on Although i did get a snap on long handle 3/8 fl80 and a matco i do like, I also enjoy my little fine tooth Stanley and husky 1/4 ratchets
Thumbwheel ratchets...when you can't spin the fastener with just your fingers or the socket...you know those ones that are too loose for a ratchet but too tight for fingers...lol
I like Tekton ratchets the 3/8 comfort grip I got is backwards righty tighty lefty loosey and I like that setup and it's pretty smooth for a lower cost good quality ratchet
You're 100% right about personal preference being key. Can't comment about an auto repairman's needs, but for marine diesel engines I prefer Gray Tools. Tooth count is relatively low but strength and dependability are high (warranty service is unavailable at sea!). Check out their 14.5" 1/2" drive flex-head (part # 8799F).
Snap on makes 2 different “bent” handle 3/8. A long one bent away from the drive side, and a shorter one bent toward it. They’re AWESOME. I got my rep to put quick-release heads on them.
almost exclusively i use my matco electric ratchet. Other than that i have a non comfort grip matco 88 3/8. For bigger things i have a Mastercraft 1/2" ratcheting breaker bar that ive been unable to break, while ive broken 30 of their regular breaker bars. I can almost do it on demand, haha.
I have a duralast 19” 1/2 drive flex head ratchet. There one of the few brands outside the tool truck that I like. Not as good as snap on long handle ratchet on but for those on a budget I think it would work fine until you were able to switch over to the good ol’ happy- snappy
I’ve got a lot of money tied up in my snap on ratchets. 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch. I’ve spent years wrenching and trying different ratchets. The advantage to having a good relationship with the techs you work with is being able to try something they have to see if you want to buy that particular tool or not. For me snap on fits my hands the best. Yeah I’ve got a couple of cheap craftsman and kobalt ratchets I use for some stuff like changing bits on the brake lathe.
The old snap-on 36 tooth ratchets have possibly the most durable design ever in a ratchet. And Snap-On still sells them under their Willaims and Blue-Point brands. Williams for standard and Blue-Point for quick release versions. The action is coarse so it doesn't feel as smooth as a dual 80 or other high tooth count ratchet, but it's beefy internals make it the king of brutes, especially in 1/2" drive.
STILL have one of those Craftsman 1/2" drive ratchets, bought in 1969. Used it for YEARS. I did always like the handle. When Craftsman went to China AND no more stores; Switched to Gear Wrench and Milwaukee.
I'd like to add a few comments about the Craftsman standard round head fine tooth (RHFT) ratchet that you held up a few times. My standard 1/2" RHFT is approximately 10.25" long. They also sold a non-locking flex head RHFT that was approximately 16-3/8" long, and it would at least be somewhat closer in length to those that you currently prefer--and definitely longer than the standard RHFT that you displayed. My 3/8" RHFT flex head is approximately 11-1/4" (also longer than the standard 1/2" RHFT). My standard 3/8" RHFT is approximately 6-3/4", while my standard 1/4" RHFT is approximately 5-1/4". The flex head design offers only 3 useful detent positions, whereas most flex ratchets today offer more. The RHFT swing arc is crude compared to most current designs, but they can still get the job done in many situations. When I got my first set of tools, Craftsman was the highest brand that I aspired to at the time. Over the years, I've learned that some of what they sell is good quality, while other things not so much. I've tried out a lot of Craftsman ratchets over the years, and the RHFT is the only one that I've kept in my collection. I do like the fact that they are all metal, and I also find the knurled thumb wheel to be helpful under certain circumstances. Certainly, there are better ratchets out there these days from an overall standpoint. I've tried out a lot of other brands, and I've currently settled on Carlyle comfort grip as being my preferred make these days, but I still find occasional uses for my Craftsman RHFT collection. Thanks for the video, as it was helpful to me.
I've done electrical work for 27 years, we don't use ratchets as often other trade, but we do use them from time to time in switch gear, bolting down equipment, running cable tray, ect..ect.. ...My point being that ratchets are a tool that I do use (just not everyday). I have always used a Craftsman I-Beam flex head ratchets for almost my entire career. Until just a few years ago, after years of always wanting one, I finally broke down purchased a Snap-On locking flex head ratchet (but I'm still using all of those old Craftsman sockets though - but I'm okay with that)
Locking flex head matco ratchet all the way I bought fixed ratchets when I first started and I think I use them for a month and then never ever got used again
Mike is right everyone, their is a difference in the Tool Truck Ratchets compared to the Hardware store Versions. Some of my favorite Ratchets are Snap On and SK. But now that I have looked at the 88 Tooth Locking Flex by Matco I think I will pick one up. Plus I borrowed a real long 1/2 flex Mac Axis Ratchet awhile back to break loose a support bar bolt to the bumper of a Bus while replacing a A.C. Compressor and it worked great, going to get one of those too. Man tools are addicting,lol.
busjockey1 I own two Mac axis ratchets now and they’re absolutely awesome. Own a 1/4” matco flex that’s great as well. But.. for the money I’ll stick with Mac considering their same style (features) ratchet (1/2” 26” long) is much cheaper. I’d still like a snap on hard handle but I’ll wait to find one on eBay when I get the extra cash
My go to is the kinchrome 3/8 telescopic over my snap on fx80a locking flex head as I love the ability to quickly apply more leverage. I find it saves me so much time, instead of having to reach for my 1/2 inch
Must be an Aussie, we dont see that branding hereabouts but I hear they make a quality tool, kinda like my warren and brown torque wrenches. I'll take them over a snap-on anyday of the week!
the only thing i use my standard length 1/2" ratchet for is putting a 1/2 inch socket on to loosen up chrysler jeep dodge drain plugs. it really doesn't have a purpose anymore. i have a 3/8 1/2 socket but i just use the half for w/e reason.
Im a gearwrench guy myself. As a lube tech/ first year I have a Mac 3/8 flex fine tooth comfort and really enjoy it as pretty much my go to, however my 84t gearwrench is there for the oil filter and if it gets covered in oil, it actually has made it as quiet/smooth as the the mac 😂. Cant step up to a snap on yet....it just too much $ for now but ill get there...
I have a 3/8 Matco locking head ratchet, i stripped the locking mechanism twice now. I do like the ratchet but ended up buying the Snap on. luckily my Matco dealer is prompt every Friday so no issue there.
I bought a 1/2 long flex head duralast ratchet just like that snap on you had and absolutely love it. Dont know if you've tried duralast but they make some good Ratchets
Personally, all my 3/8ths stuff is snap on swivel heads (roto) with the comfort grip. I have the set screws pretty tight so they won’t swivel when I don’t want them to. They’re great, handles very comfortable, mechanism is very well made. All my 1/2 inch is Cornwell because I believe Cornwell makes the strongest ratcheting mechanisms. I’ve got one of their 27 inch extra long handle 30 tooth flex head ratchets and, with one exception, it’s either taken off or broken everything I’ve asked it to. The exception was a castor adjustment bolt on a rusted dodge 2500. I did something I shouldn’t have and stuck a Jack handle on the end of the ratchet (turns out the ratchet was strong enough for me to hang off the Jack handle…but not strong enough for me to bounce on it), and wound up sheering a few teeth…and bruising my tailbone. Took it for warranty, Cornwell guy rebuilt the mechanism for me, good as new. Amazing long handle ratchet, couldn’t recommend it enough. The snappys are very nice as well, I just personally don’t trust the mechanism as much as a Cornwell one.
Matco truck is coming to my school tomorrow to give a presentation on there tools and since I'm a student the instructor said we get a 50% discount on tools so I'm thinking about picking up a Matco 3/8's flex head ratchet with green soft handle 👍
MAC ratcheting flexhead is hands down the best, the flex lock is built into the ratchet with an indentation preventing the mechanism from unlocking by being tapped from ratcheting and allows full function to the tech.
