Good Quality 3/4 in Ratchet Combo Wrench
- Thread starter TonyL
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CREID
Member
snapon, matco.
Rick_G
Member
If you want quality I would recommend snapon I still have the set I got when I got out of the military 40 years ago and all the sockets and ratchets are like new. They don't get the use they used to now but I have rebuilt a few car engines with them and they are like new. Don't know if they still have their lifetime warranty or not I've never needed to use it.
KenV
Member
I have some Klein -- basic wrench, some cost for the brand, but never a problem with the gear. Learned about the brand working with electricians.
Amazon is a handy source --
Amazon is a handy source --
csr67
Member
I'm thinking you mean 3/8" drive and not 3/4"? I've never seen a 3/4 ratchet.
I know it may raise some eyebrows, but check out the Pro level composite ratchets from Harbor Freight.
3/8 in. Drive Professional Composite Tear Drop Ratchet
I'm a member on another motorcycle restoration site, and it's full of pro level mechanics who rave about this composite ratchet. It has a fine 72 tooth ratchet mechanism and the composite handle does not get cold. It's on my list for the next HF run. For $13.99 it's a bargain.
I know it may raise some eyebrows, but check out the Pro level composite ratchets from Harbor Freight.
3/8 in. Drive Professional Composite Tear Drop Ratchet
I'm a member on another motorcycle restoration site, and it's full of pro level mechanics who rave about this composite ratchet. It has a fine 72 tooth ratchet mechanism and the composite handle does not get cold. It's on my list for the next HF run. For $13.99 it's a bargain.
wyone
Member
Craftsman tools used to have a lifetime warranty as well. I have had a few failures over the years and just walked in and they let me take a replacement off the shelf
CREID
Member
Of course you did, as soon as you started the greatest minds of the IAP channeled those names to you.
Curt
Williams are supposed to be good quality, and under the "Snap-on umbrella"...
On that same note, however, I find that Snap-on has recently been selling their name onto items like pressure washers and brad nailers....so I'm not sure how much I trust the Snap-on name anymore.
I tend to like German tools like Knipex, Wera, and Wix.
On that same note, however, I find that Snap-on has recently been selling their name onto items like pressure washers and brad nailers....so I'm not sure how much I trust the Snap-on name anymore.
I tend to like German tools like Knipex, Wera, and Wix.
jttheclockman
Member
Tony I am probable safe in saying this that you will not wear out your tools in your lifetime
In my 42 years as an electrician and using hand tools every single day I can say that I have never worn out a wrench. Now I do have a million ways to tighten nuts and bolts but always treated my tools with respect. I own Snap-On, Klein, Craftsman and others. All good quality and above average tools. Made for the mechanic in the field. Craftsman has changed over the years and has lost points but on some tools the return warrenty still works. You asked for better than average tool or in this case wrenches. For your needs I would look into Kobalt wrenches from Lowes. Full warrenty and work well.
Kragax
Member
I have a 3/4" drive ratchet. Heavy. Back from my diesel mechanic days.
wouldentu2?
Member
Snap-on? You did not say price was no object.
Thanks John. I like lifetime warranties...just used it on a Kobalt tool on Wednesday. What none of us like is the tool not performing properly - albeit, has much to do with the user. The lifetime warranty will not do me any good, if I strip a bolt, etc.
Yes, I definitely agree with some/most of the brands' erosion of quality. I owned Bosch, when it was really Bosch, Porter Cable, the same, even B&D professional line (my BIL is in the business) . Unfortunately, I may be too young to remember the Craftsman of "old".
My BIL used to advise me as to who-was-known-for-what before all starting making/selling the same types of tools.
I bought Greenlee. I never heard back from the SnapOn guy.
I like to stay around the Klein, GreenLee, Wisa, S&K, etc, if I know I am going to really put the tool to the test.
I also know that spending $50 for something that does the same thing for $15 is no guarantee of anything. It's all a big casino out there.
Yes, I definitely agree with some/most of the brands' erosion of quality. I owned Bosch, when it was really Bosch, Porter Cable, the same, even B&D professional line (my BIL is in the business) . Unfortunately, I may be too young to remember the Craftsman of "old".
My BIL used to advise me as to who-was-known-for-what before all starting making/selling the same types of tools.
I bought Greenlee. I never heard back from the SnapOn guy.
I like to stay around the Klein, GreenLee, Wisa, S&K, etc, if I know I am going to really put the tool to the test.
I also know that spending $50 for something that does the same thing for $15 is no guarantee of anything. It's all a big casino out there
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oneleggimp
Member
Just curious- was what you wanted a combination open end and box wrench - only with a rachet mechanism on the box wrench end?
jttheclockman
Member
Thanks John. I like lifetime warranties...just used it on a Kobalt tool on Wednesday. What none of us like is the tool not performing properly - albeit, has much to do with the user. The lifetime warranty will not do me any good, if I strip a bolt, etc.
Yes, I definitely agree with some/most of the brands' erosion of quality. I owned Bosch, when it was really Bosch, Porter Cable, the same, even B&D professional line (my BIL is in the business) . Unfortunately, I may be too young to remember the Craftsman of "old".
My BIL used to advise me as to who-was-known-for-what before all starting making/selling the same types of tools.
I bought Greenlee. I never heard back from the SnapOn guy.
I like to stay around the Klein, GreenLee, Wisa, S&K, etc, if I know I am going to really put the tool to the test.
I also know that spending $50 for something that does the same thing for $15 is no guarantee of anything. It's all a big casino out there
If you strip a bolt with any of the tools you mentioned you are at fault 9 out of ten. Can there be a flaw in the tool??? Yes that is with anything. Proper tool for the job gets it done. One can never have enough tools.
You are going to laugh. Since I stopped using wet sanding with CA finishes, I have become obsessed with make buffing wheel assemblies. I used the locking nuts with the nylon inserts and they are a pain to get up on the 1/2 inch All Thread.
I can I do use the red and or blue loctite, but sometimes I just like the locking nuts.
I can I do use the red and or blue loctite, but sometimes I just like the locking nuts.
TurtleTom
Member
Working on heavy equipment? I have a 3/4" ratchet and it weighs about 10 lbs.
You need to be well off to afford Snap On/ Jerk off, or at least a pro mechanic.
Most everyone else uses Craftsman since they go on sale in the fall every year and if you break it they'll give you a new one.
You need to be well off to afford Snap On/ Jerk off, or at least a pro mechanic.
Most everyone else uses Craftsman since they go on sale in the fall every year and if you break it they'll give you a new one.
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Penultimate
Member
I recommend SK ratcheting wrenches. Their new ratcheting combo wrench is very strong and has a finer ratcheting mech than any other. And, costs less than snap on. Check out skhandtool.com.
TurtleTom
Member
I agree with Penultimate, my SK tools have outlasted all others.
Kragax
Member
The last time I had a craftsman 3/8 ratchet give out they didn't give me a new one. The gave me a repair kit with a new pall and gear. Still a great warranty.