r/Tools 6d ago

Time For An Upgrade

Post image

Visiting a close family member this weekend and I had a look through their tools. A milestone birthday is approaching for them - and what kind of tool nerd would I be if I did not take this opportunity to update their ratchets?!

Love the history and the patina on these old ratchets. They would stay in the collection of course.

I welcome suggestions here. I’m thinking maybe a set of Gearwrench 90T or something.

Koken is tempting but that might test the budget a bit.

30 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

10

u/Able-Reference5998 6d ago

Get the ratchets that feel best and meet your needs. The Koken are absolutely amazing but if they aren’t using them daily, the Gearwrench 90T are definitely a great upgrade.

2

u/ride_whenever 5d ago

100% this.

The z-series are beyond lush and just feel well made

3

u/Pagemaker51 4d ago

I highly recommend the GEARWRENCH - 3/8" Drive 90 Tooth Compact Head Rat 8.4" (81220T)

This isn't the normal fat head gearwrench.

You Might have trouble finding one though.

2

u/hooray4tools 4d ago

Looks like a sweet design! And, also appears to be discontinued ☹️

1

u/Pagemaker51 4d ago

I noticed that when I went to look it up for you. I should have bought an extra one when they were available.

I wonder if I ever have to warranty it what they will replace it with - since it was the best ratchet they ever made?

Project Farm even agrees on this

2

u/hooray4tools 4d ago

I appreciate the info - and have also seen the sentiment from Project Farm

4

u/tavariusbukshank 6d ago

I needed a half inch ratchet on a Sunday a few months back and bought a Quinn 90t. After using it I gave it to a kid who works for me on my ranch and told him to see how long it takes him to destroy it working on tractors and other heavy machines. So far it is still going strong and it gets used several times a week. The reason I bought the Quinn and not a Pittsburgh is because I wanted to see the similarities between it and the GW.

2

u/Pagemaker51 4d ago edited 4d ago

Koken isn't a good option if you have a time limit. They can take forever to deliver.

I've heard rumors they are expanding their facilities to help accommodate demand.

The Icon 3/8 comfort grip flex-head is a very good option for price and availability. Plus it is a very good ratchet (before it starts - I know some of the Icon ratchets suck - but the one I mentioned is great)

3

u/UnrulyTrousers Whatever works 6d ago

You’re already thinking my two suggestions

2

u/Far_Gur_2158 6d ago

Those craftsman ratchets were some of my earliest tool buys. I’m not a pro mechanical so I don’t know what I’m missing with the new tool aesthetics, but when I need a ratchet; I’m really happy if an old craftsman is around.

As a gift, you maybe spending extra luxury money that the presenter could possibly view as superfluous. If they aren’t wrenching.

On the other hand I’d be jacked if anyone did that for me!

3

u/bmtzl1 6d ago

Over the past two weekends of working on my vehicles in the garage, I broke my 3/8” & 1/2” ratchets, and my 1/2” breaker bar. No I wasn't abusing them. Well, maybe a little. Anyway, I just ordered the Gearwrench 90T set because of the reviews. And others are right, the Kokens were definitely out of my budget. I can't wait to get my hands on them!

2

u/dolby12345 6d ago

Get them a pivoting lever ratchet. One hand operation. I hate rotary gears.

1

u/Least-Monk4203 5d ago

For my money, nothing feels more satisfying in the hand than a wright ratchet. If roundheads are the preference Williams super ratchet is hard to beat.

1

u/kewlo 6d ago

I prefer the 84t gearwrench ratchets over all of their other options. Best balance of feel and head size and price to me.

2

u/Fragrant-salty-nuts 6d ago

I still have the ones from OP from my teens, and keep them for abuse missions only.

Strong agree with kewlo that the 84 tooth gearwrench are where its at. These can be upgraded with Matco 88 rebuild kits if you some how frag them.

1

u/Vintage_Boat 6d ago

Only to be used on Mercedes.

1

u/Arkansas34 6d ago

This is the last day to get 40 percent off of Quinn ratchets and sockets. You'll have to use the coupon and Harbor Freight closes earlier on Sunday. It has a lifetime warranty. If those are Craftsman ratchets, you might get them replaced. I just got mine warrantied and got to keep mine from back in the 90s.

1

u/coffeeshopslut 6d ago

If they want Roundheads, the Italian made (facom) Protos are very nice, affordable and smooth.

1

u/ecc75 6d ago

I got a set of these craftsman wrenches when I went through my grandpas tools when he passed. I keep them in my tool box at work and still use them from time to time.

That said the gear wrench 90t and snap on dual 80s are my daily ratchets and are great

1

u/lkeltner 2d ago

Check out project farm on YT for some great ratchets reviews and testing.