Which craftsman ratchet do you prefer??

snapper · Apr 19, 2003

I was wondering which of these two ratchets you prefer.. 1 or 2
1

2

And also i have seen flex head ratchets. Are they usefull?? Or just space taker upers.

Just looking for help from the wise so i can spend and buy wisely.. Thanks guys

GaryM · Apr 20, 2003

I like #2. I think it gives a better grip and I can flip the reverse with one hand. I've used but never owned a flex head.

I would however recommend a speed handle!

ScottAR · Apr 20, 2003

I prefer #2. If buying seperately, get the polished ones, makes cleaning up easier. The reverse on the "tear drop" rachets are much easier to use than the "twist the dial" ones.

I have a 3/8" drive flex head, I use it fairly often, Sometimes it's easier to use the flex than a Ujoint.

Conversely, I've only used a speed handle maybe 2-3 times ever. Just my experience, YMMV.

TresCrows · Apr 20, 2003

I have all of them and the one you labled as number 1 is the wrench that I called the "round head" ratchet. It is junk /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. One of them currently resides in the bottom /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifof the mud pit my neighbors call a pond. They wear out quickly, the ratchet has a false neutral which is great for knuckle smashing /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif and they are just crappy. The Snapon round head types work well /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. The wrench you labled as number 2 is a decent wrench but I prefer their Pro version which has a polished finish. Craftsman currently has a new anniversary Pro wrench in a gold finish with a thinner profile but alas it is only available in 3/8 drive, I think. Flex heads are often useful, I have several and occasionally use them. J

JohnMiller3 · Apr 20, 2003

Definitely Pro, smooth series... (above ~ $49. sale/set)

Bird · Apr 20, 2003

I like the smooth grip on #1, but that's about the only good thing I'd say for it. My 1/4" ratchet is a KAL round head. In 3/8" ratchets, I have the Proto version of #2 and I have #3 (the Craftsman). #3 was a gift, no complaints with it, but also rarely used. If I were buying now, I'd go for the smooth handled ones, like John Miller said, whether in Craftsman, Snap-on, MAC, Matco, KAL, or Proto.

ewoss3 · Apr 20, 2003

Actually I prefer #2 and # 3. I have traded the smooth and round handled ratchets for the the older boxy style because the slip out of my hands or rotate. The may be because I'm always wearing gloves or don't use the all day every day.

The #3 ratchets are great for working on trucks due to their flexibility. I highly recomend the 1/2" size since I have yet to break one and use it as a breaker bar quite often.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 20, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The #3 ratchets are great for working on trucks due to their flexibility. I highly recomend the 1/2" size since I have yet to break one and use it as a breaker bar quite often. )</font>

Agreed!

Just changed the shocks on my truck. Sure wished I had my #3 with me here, instead of it still being at my old place.

(Of course just after I got the job done, I discovered it was really here all the time----sigh)

SnowRidge