9 replies to this topic

[Gasman]

Looking to buy a new 3/8" ratchet which should I buy.
A fixed head, flex head, or swivel head, extending etc.etc.etc
Anybody got any good advice.
Thanks

[jono49]

By the time you pay for an individual ratchet you might as well have the benefit of some sharp new sockets as well and as for recommendations, for the money I rate Halfords ratchets! I have one 3/8 drive 27 years old and still in use, but only part time now, but for 23 years full time! the direction lever copped it in the early years, and was replaced with a square nut from a spout bolt with a groove filed in it and still working well today But for the bike I find 1/4 drive used more, and my favourite is a Bahco set!

http://www.halfords....-socket-set-3-8

 

http://www.amazon.co...tchet set bahco

 

Hang on until the Crimbo Hols and new year and Halfords have some cracking deals in the sales!!!!

[Gasman]

By the time you pay for an individual ratchet you might as well have the benefit of some sharp new sockets as well and as for recommendations, for the money I rate Halfords ratchets! I have one 3/8 drive 27 years old and still in use, but only part time now, but for 23 years full time! the direction lever copped it in the early years, and was replaced with a square nut from a spout bolt with a groove filed in it and still working well today But for the bike I find 1/4 drive used more, and my favourite is a Bahco set!
http://www.halfords....-socket-set-3-8
 
http://www.amazon.co...tchet set bahco
 
Hang on until the Crimbo Hols and new year and Halfords have some cracking deals in the sales!!!!

p

Thanks for that. I have recently bought a new set of sockets from Halfords and my deep sockets aren't that old, but may consider a 1/4 set in the sales.

[leehenty]

http://www.sealey.co...productid=13523

 

The best ratchet handle you will get. Does both jobs as regular ratchet or speed wrench. Around £35 if you shop around.

 

Edited by leehenty, 24 November 2015 - 11:39 pm.

[richierex]

+1 on the Halfords professional ratchet. 3/8 is most use with 1/4 for smaller jobs. Get a 1/2 set with a long bar for breaking tight bolts loose. Oh and a set of 1/2 to 3/8 and 3/8 to 1/4 adapters are useful

[ChrisG]

The Halfords stuff is pretty good, mainly because of the lifetime warranty.  The ratchet failed on my 1/4" and I just took it in the to the shop and they swapped it straight away. 

 

http://www.sealey.co...productid=13523

 

The best ratchet handle you will get. Does both jobs as regular ratchet or speed wrench. Around £35 if you shop around.

 

 

 

Is it wrong to have ratchet envy?

Edited by ChrisG, 26 November 2015 - 07:58 am.

[TinTin]

Facom. Very expensive but you will only buy one once.

[Gasman]

Just ordered a Facom J360PB the same as the Sealy but with quick release and direction change £23 new off eBay.
Thanks to everyone for your input.

[dapleb]

There was one rat sheet that converted very small up and doon movements into lefty/righty.  Never been able to find linky dink again.  Was abooot $93 but for reaching the front bank of a V6 in a mid enjuned car .....or plug 'oles on modern thilly boikes it was temptin.

[RolfieB]

The Halfords stuff is pretty good, mainly because of the lifetime warranty.  The ratchet failed on my 1/4" and I just took it in the to the shop and they swapped it straight away. 

 

 

 

Is it wrong to have ratchet envy?

 

Your lucky, when my3/8 failed I was told the moving parts i.e. ratchets aren't covered by the lifetime warranty. I also had them query a broken torx head socket that broke when I was stripping out a cyl head on a Citroen Xantia.

I was basically accused of using it on an air gun.

Perhaps I just have a crap Halfrauds near me.

Edited by RolfieB, 26 November 2015 - 06:53 pm.