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Author
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Topic: Hot Rod magazine tests 3/8" ratchets
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 24286
From: Saco, Maine Toys: '70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150
Registered: May 99
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posted 04-03-2002 11:39 AM
   
I just started a Hot Rod subscription so I got three issues at once, and the first one {March?} has a comparo on 3/8" ratchets. As bad as I sometimes knock Craftsman, they do make some decent tools for the price. Especially when you compare a $12 Craftsman ratchet to a $58 Snap-On or Matco one!  My 3/8" Craftsman ratchet is over 30 years old. I'm going to get another rebuild kit for it this Saturday. {probably my tenth or so} ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773
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rellik74
Gearhead Posts: 115
From: Trinidad , Colorado, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 04-03-2002 08:00 PM
I have a Sears 1/2 ratchet it is also 20+ years old and has never been re-built. I have a newer ratchet from sears and it already needs re-built. I think for the price it is a good tool maker.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 4608
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 04-03-2002 09:20 PM
So how did it go. What rated first, last, etc. 0-60 timees, etc. LOL!
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 24286
From: Saco, Maine Toys: '70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150
Registered: May 99
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posted 04-04-2002 06:42 PM
The only one that failed was the Harbor Freight ratchet. 150 lbs/ft made it come apart. The rest all seemed equal, except for the fact that you can buy 5 Craftsmans for each Snap-On.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773
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Hemikiller
Gearhead Posts: 136
From: Clinton, CT
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 04-04-2002 11:41 PM
"The rest all seemed equal, except for the fact that you can buy 5 Craftsmans for each Snap-On."Steve, I've go some nice scars courtesy of Craftsman ratchets. Never had a Snap-on or Mac (of which I have a total of 13, all sizes) fail when in use. I've worn them right out, but never had a catasrophic failure like Craftsman are known for. The newer Craftsman tools are definitely a cut BELOW. As far as I'm concerned, 150 ft/lbs is not a real test of the ratchet. Throw a torque meter (or a 3 foot pipe) on that rathet and see where she gives..... The way I look at it, tools are an investment. Why would I want to invest in low grade tools? If you ever buy any Snap-on, Mac or Matco tools ever, just get one of their ratchets. Start there, and you'll never buy a ratchet from any other company ever again.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 4608
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 04-05-2002 12:18 AM
The flip on the crapsman rachet is sloppy and "kicks out of gear" once in a while. Locked in on Craps as I have them and can take them back. I have an SK rachet that is much better.
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mach72
Gearhead Posts: 113
From: Bixby, Ok. USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 04-05-2002 12:24 AM
My favorite ratchet was a craftsman that was real thin and made of stainless with a inset rubber grip and a fine tooth gear on the ratchet head. Sears sold these about 12 years ago. Problem is I never could get a rebuild kit for it through sears. They claimed they quit making them years ago. The newer craftsman ratchets don't even compare. Thanks, Tom
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 24286
From: Saco, Maine Toys: '70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150
Registered: May 99
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posted 04-05-2002 08:05 AM
Can't say my ratchet ever slipped or failed. It just gets more endplay as the kits age. Putting 150 lbs/ft on a 3/8" ratchet is quite a trick.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 24286
From: Saco, Maine Toys: '70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150
Registered: May 99
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posted 04-07-2002 07:58 PM
I found out last night Sears doesn't give out rebuild kits anymore, they just give you a new ratchet.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773
IP: Logged |
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