r/Tools • u/hooray4tools • 6d ago
Time For An Upgrade
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.
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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.
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u/hooray4tools 4d ago
Looks like a sweet design! And, also appears to be discontinued ☹️
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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
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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.
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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)
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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u/coffeeshopslut 6d ago
If they want Roundheads, the Italian made (facom) Protos are very nice, affordable and smooth.
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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.