1/2" Ratchet Recommendations

[iwaters]

Can someone recommend a decent 1/2 Ratchet? I have a Halfords Professional set and whilst the sockets are OK the ratchet is pretty useless. I don't mind getting a second hand one off ebay. I looked at the Snap-On ones on there but they are still quite expensive second hand. Anyone recommend something in the middle?

 

[Stivino]

What do you mean by "useless"? I have a few 1/2 drive ratchets (it saves swapping sockets) I think I have a Halfords one too and it's not a bad ratchet. What do you want it to do that the Halfords one won't?

 

[iwaters]

The ratchet mechanism doesn't work when the nut is loose. Once it is a bit tight and there is some tension it does. I have to use both hands to apply some tension to the nut to get the ratchet to catch. Otherwise it just losens the nut again.

 

[Stivino]

Some ratchets are like that but it might help if you were to spray it with WD40 (other brands are available) and worked it until it freed up a bit. Sometimes they get dirty inside and you might be amazed at the amount of crud that comes out of it.

 

[iwaters]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give that a go.

 

[Stivino]

1/2 drive ratchets

• Stivino
• 23 Sep 2009
• 1

The nearest on is a Halfords, is it the same as your one?

 

[iwaters]

No mine is more plastic than that. It came as a set. I said originally that it was a halfords pro, but it is the basic range. Like this:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_164226_langId_-1_categoryId_165572

 

[Stivino]

I've got that one in 1/4 drive, the nearest one.

3/8 drive ratchets

• Stivino
• 23 Sep 2009
• 1

I've had to give it a spray once or twice.

 

[Bodgeit and scarper ltd]

http://www.tooled-up.com/ManMicroCategory.asp?MID=BRI1&CID=29&SCID=315&MCID=1343#prodlist
try this, as good as snapon

 

[ToffeeNick]

This is the best ratchet i've ever owned. The small amount of movement necessary for it to operate has been really useful in tight spaces.

 

[Stivino]

I've also got that style of ratchet, it's the last one I go for as it's a pain in the neck when you want to change direction.

 

[neds]

I have a 1/4" Teng set, they are excellent pieces of kit. Also am I being a bit daft here but if there is little friction on the nut there obviously the ratchet will not catch? I always have to hold the socket or bolt when initially tightening, surely that's what everyone does?

 

[RF Lighting]

Teng gets my vote too.

 

[Hitachimad]

Keep the ratchet, but buy a knurled spinner... sits between ratchet and socket, allowing you to easily turn the socket between thumb and finger.

 

[Stivino]

Keep the ratchet, but buy a knurled spinner... sits between ratchet and socket, allowing you to easily turn the socket between thumb and finger.

It also stops you from getting the socket fully onto the drive.