For anyone who works on cars, especially as a profession, the tools you choose are incredibly personal. What works perfectly for one mechanic might be completely wrong for another. When it comes to ratchets, I have some very specific preferences, shaped by years of working on vehicles, particularly older and more delicate models. Unlike many modern shops, I rarely reach for air or electric tools unless I absolutely have to wrestle with a stubborn bolt. My priority is preserving parts, especially on classic or specialty cars where replacements can be hard to find. This approach means my hand tools, and especially my ratchets, get a lot more use than they might in a flat-rate environment.
Because of this hands-on approach, I’ve become quite particular about my ratchets. I’m not someone who abuses my tools; if a fastener is putting up a serious fight, I’ll immediately grab a half-inch breaker bar. Similarly, for tightening, I’m not using a 3/8” ratchet for lug nuts. This means I generally prefer ratchets with shorter handles, around 8 inches or less. While I might not be putting excessive force on them, I use my ratchets constantly, making design and comfort crucial.
Interestingly, I’m not obsessed with high tooth counts, nor do I need fancy handle shapes. I adapt to most handles without much fuss. However, there are a few non-negotiable features for me. I strongly dislike flexible or swivel heads, and I need to be able to reverse the ratchet direction with one hand. This almost always leads me to pear-head ratchets. Quick-release is a nice-to-have, but not essential if the ratchet has a strong ball detent. Something like the Snap-on FR80, with its pear head and quick release, is generally in line with my preferences, though the 80-tooth mechanism feels a bit excessive. I still frequently use my old 20-tooth Snap-on F720, proving that simpler can often be better.
For years, when I needed a reliable, no-frills ratchet, an 8-inch Craftsman with a raised panel and 24 or 36 teeth did the job perfectly. I still have a few in rotation. However, with the changes in ownership, distribution, and manufacturing of Craftsman tools over the years, getting rebuild kits has become a real problem. The last kit I managed to find cost me a surprising fifty dollars! Facing warranty uncertainties and the increasing difficulty of maintenance, I decided to look beyond Craftsman for my go-to ratchets.
I’ve experimented with a few Milwaukee 3/8” ratchets, with mixed feelings (though I’m a big fan of their wrenches, perhaps a topic for another time). My Armstrong ratchets were decent, and I have a SATA ratchet in my toolbox as well. Recently, I decided to try an ICON standard 3/8” ratchet from Harbor Freight. My thinking was that it would either be a surprisingly good value or at least a serviceable option while I continued my search for the ideal ratchet. In the world of automotive tools and parts, especially when considering aftermarket options, reviews like a “Dorman Car Parts Review”, while not directly about ratchets, highlight the importance of understanding the quality and value different brands offer. Just as mechanics research car parts from brands like Dorman, researching tool brands and reading tool reviews is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring we have reliable equipment in our bays.
