Best Ratchets for the Money- Reviews 2019

Selecting the proper ratchet set can be a daunting, overwhelming task. Because there are so many brands and specifications out there, it can be difficult to make the right decision on a ratchet set. While this comes with the territory when it comes to using tools such as these, it is still possible to determine what ratchet sets are the most effective for the jobs you need to do.

We will look at the following ratchet sets from a mechanic’s point of view. The range of sizes in the set, durability, and effectiveness of the clamping materials in the set will be analyzed in detail to determine which one is best for which mechanics.

Editor’s Recommendation: Top 5 Best Ratchet Sets

	GearWrench 81230F 4 Piece Full Polish Flex Handle Ratchet Set		Check Price
	DEWALT DWMT72165 204 Piece Mechanics Tool Set		Check Price
	TEKTON 15010 3/8-Inch Drive x 18-Inch Extra Long Ratchet with 72-Tooth Oval Head		Check Price
	Titan Tools 12045 3/8-Inch Extra Long Quick-Release Offset Ratchet		Check Price
	Craftsman 3/8-Inch Drive Quick Release Teardrop Ratchet, 9-44808		Check Price

Top 5 Best Ratchet Sets Reviews

1. GearWrench 81230F 4 Piece Full Polish Flex Handle Ratchet Set

While it only comes in a set of four, GearWrench’s ratchet set still has a lot to offer. First, each piece has a socket release as well as a size selector, which allows users to adjust their sizes with each piece. Each piece also has six flexible head positions which allow for a lot more access than any other given ratchet or wrench.

It clamps using an 84 tooth gear system which makes these ratchets quite strong. At 15’’ long, GearWrench’s ratchets are a bit longer than most other ratchets, which gives the user much needed leverage when it comes to using it. But because of the 84 tooth system, the head of the ratchet keeps a low profile, which at the same time will provide easier access in areas that are tightly confined.

The GearWrench ratchet is strong and can do quite a bit when it comes to clamping, perhaps too strong. If you are too rough on bolts or any other kind of piece that needs to be tightened, it might break if tightened too much. Because they are longer than most other ratchets, it also means they are a bit heavier as well. While this is likely negligible, it can get some getting used to. The socket release button is also in a precarious position on this particular ratchet, and can accidentally get pushed.

Pros

•  Patented low-profile design
• Gives you added leverage
•  Improved strength
• Allows for tighter turns

Cons

• Bad customer service

Check Price on Amazon

2. DEWALT DWMT72165 204 Piece Mechanics Tool Set

DeWalt is one of the most popular brands when it comes to tools, ratchets and wrenches being no exception. This particular set has literally every ratchet and wrench in existence, numbering a whopping 204 pieces. While adjustable ratchets have their place, some people do not care for them, and would rather have different sizes on hand. DeWalt’s ratchet set accomplishes this, and does so decisively.

Each piece has a 72 tooth gear system which is slightly stronger than the industry standard of the 60 tooth gear system. DeWalt’s ratchet set also comes with a case where each and every part is fitted individually. This is very useful for organization, which is beyond necessary, seeing as 204 pieces are in this set.

While it is very nice to have access to so many sizes and types of ratchets and wrenches in this set, keep in mind that none of these are adjustable. Prepare to have this case of ratchets, sockets, and wrenches by your side whenever you want to work on something. It will get tedious. And the case itself is extremely heavy – at least 40 lbs. Carrying the DeWalt set will be a chore if you indeed decide to carry it around.

Finally, the DeWalt set is missing one crucial thing – 12 point sockets. These are absolutely necessary if you are working on certain cars, and it is very unfortunate that this particular set does not contain them.

Pros

• Slim head design
• Non-slip gripping surface
• Easy to access tight spaces
• Good quality control

Cons

• Have some big wrenches if you want to complete the set

Check Price on Amazon

3. TEKTON 15010 3/8-Inch Drive x 18-Inch Extra Long Ratchet with 72-Tooth Oval Head

The concept of the “one size fits all” ratchet is attempted with the Tekton ratchet. Measuring in at an astounding 18 inches, it is easily one of the longest ratchets on the market, this makes leveraging it very easy and also makes it extremely versatile. It uses a 72 tooth system for clamping, which combines with its length to make it even more versatile as it is long as well as powerful.

The Tekton ratchet will make working on cars very easy because of this very nice combination. It would be expected that for a ratchet this long, the handle would not be able to withstand the torque. But the majority of the Tekton ratchet’s users have said the opposite.

18 inches is very long for a ratchet, and the some users have complained that it is too long to fit into any common toolbox. The length of the Tekton ratchet also leaves its durability in question, especially if it is used frequently. It is a shame that this particular ratchet is limited in its adjustability, as the Tekton ratchet does not have any flex adjustability. It can only wrench in certain things and cannot be used for multiple purposes.

Pros

• Long handle for extra reach
• Easy to reach tighter spaces
• Gives you more leverage
• Strong, corrosion-resistant ratchet

Cons

• It will break if you apply too much pressure

Check Price on Amazon

4. Titan Tools 12045 3/8-Inch Extra Long Quick-Release Offset Ratchet

A common issue with ratchets is how they hold sockets. There exist quite a few ratchets that do not know how to hold and drop sockets properly. It has been an issue for a very long time, and Titan Tools has developed a ratchet that addresses this problem the best it can. The Titan Tools ratchet contains a quick release feature, which makes handling sockets much easier.

It simply holds in sockets when you want them to be clamped and lets them go. With most other ratchets, this is done manually, but the quick release feature allows this to be done with the push of a button. Most handles on ratchets are made of the same material as the ratchet itself, making it somewhat physically taxing to use. The Titan Tools ratchet has a rubber handle which makes things a little less physically taxing.

Most ratchets use a 60 tooth gear drive. This is an industry standard of sorts and allows most ratchets to withstand copious amounts of torque. The Titan Tools ratchet does not have this feature. It has a 36 tooth gear drive, which is not very reliable in terms of strength or durability. It also has no flex adjustability, meaning different sizes will need to be bought for different situations. 

Pros

• Cushioned grip handle
• It has a quick-release feature
• Ideal for high-torque applications
• Longer offset design

Cons

• Poor socket holding capacity

Check Price on Amazon

5. Craftsman 3/8-Inch Drive Quick Release Teardrop Ratchet, 9-44808

When it comes to ratchets, swing arc is a fairly common topic of discussion. Swing arc pertains to the area that the ratchet can move while tightening or removing bolts. The common swing arc for any given ratchet is roughly 6 degrees. The Craftsman ratchet has a swing arc of nearly double this.

This makes working in tight areas much more convenient. Another very useful component of the Craftsman ratchet is that it has a thumb activated quick release. This makes working with sockets much easier and faster.

The Craftsman ratchet is not versatile at all. ⅜’’ is the only available size that this particular wrench can work with, and it does not contain any form of flex adjustment. The handle is made of the same iron material as any other ratchet, which can make long work periods with it somewhat physically taxing. Although it yields an impressive swing arc, at 10 inches, the Craftsman ratchet is not long enough to establish any reliable leverage. There do exist similar ratchets that are much longer and that have similar qualities.

Pros

• Good for using in tighter areas
• Ideal for fast-moving work
• Teardrop shape to reduce friction
• Made for heavy-duty work

Cons

•  It’s made in China

Check Price on Amazon

Things to consider when buying a ratchet or ratchet set

The very first thing to consider is what you need the ratchet for. Most of the time, ratchets are used for mechanical work on automobiles, but sometimes they have other functions. The most common use for a ratchet would be to remove or tighten bolts and other kinds of fasteners. Determine what fastener you are particularly working with, then see what kind of ratchet or ratchet set you will need.

Another thing to consider is versatility and flexibility. The question that should be asked here is whether you need the ratchet for exactly one size of fastener or fasteners of different sizes. You could inconvenience yourself if you get only one size of ratchet but then realize you need a different size for different fasteners.

Another consideration is the length of the ratchet. Generally, the longer the ratchet, the faster it you will be able to work when it comes to removing or tightening things. If the ratchet is very long, there will be more leverage scaled against what you want to tighten or remove. However, if a ratchet is too long and there is a lot of torque involved in the fastener, the ratchet could bend or break.

The final thing to consider is swing arc. The swing arc of a ratchet is measured in degrees, and measures how long you can turn the ratchet before needing to wind it back. If you are using the ratchet to tighten or remove something in a tight spot, you will want a larger swing arc. This will save a lot of time when doing a job.

Safety When Using the Best Ratchet Tool

Whenever you are handling a hand tool such as a ratchet, you need to take safety as a primary concern. You would be surprised to know how many accidents occur because of overlooking basic safety protocols. To ensure nothing unfortunate happens to you, here are a few safety tips when using the best ratchet tool.

• Use a ratchet wrench of proper size as per the requirement of the job. If you use a tool that does not go with the task at hand, there is a chance of slippage or reduced grips.
•  Do not use a ratchet that is damaged in any way. Damages may range from spread jaws to broken points.
• Make sure that you are using the correct jaw size.
• Wear all the required safety clothing such as rubber gloves, face shields, and safety goggles.
• Make sure that you are balanced well so that if the ratchet slips or breaks, you will not fall off.
• If you have the option, always choose a straight handle instead of offset handles.
• Make sure that the jaw is making full contact with the bolt before you apply force.
• Ensure that the ratchet teeth are sharp and in top condition.
•  If you are using extensions, support the head of your ratchet wrench for balance.
•  Initially, apply little pressure to the tool to make sure that it has a good grip in the direction of your force.
•  Do not rush the process. Only apply slow and steady pressure. Jerky movements will only make your positioning unstable.
• If you are using an adjustable ratchet tool, make sure that it does not slide.
• When the job is finished, move aside while holding the tool over your head.
• Keep your tools away from the reaches of children. Your ratchet wrench should only be accessible to people who know what to do with it.

Care and Maintenance for the Strongest Ratchet Tool

A ratchet wrench is one of the most used tools in any toolbox. But rarely do we see someone take it apart and clean it properly. To make sure that your tool functions at its most optimal condition, you need to maintain it and care for it regularly.

Most ratchet wrenches that break down in a few years are due to poor and careless maintenance. The following section of the article will give you an idea of how to care and maintain your tool to ensure it does not break down anytime soon.

• If you do not hear a clean ratcheting sound, there is a problem with your unit. You should open it up as soon as you can.
•  First, take a look at the gear and pawl and check for any wearing. If there are shearing, you need to replace it. If not, proceed to the next step.
• You can use a dry brush to get rid of any excess dirt before greasing your tool. After oiling, the hair from the brush may make it difficult to get it clean properly.
• Take out the gear and use a degreasing product to clean it thoroughly. Switching back and forth on the reverse lever is a good way to get the degreaser inside the housing and remove the dirt.
• After removing dirt, you need to lubricate it before replacing it. A small amount of oil is sufficient for the job.
• Make sure not to use WD-40 or similar products as lubricants while putting the gear back. It attracts more dirt in the unit.
•  To make sure your device is in the best condition, perform routine maintenance at least once every year.

Conclusion

Ratchets give off the appearance that they are simple tools. And in many aspects they are; after all, they are a variation of a wrench. But if you can detect what kind of ratchet you want for what kinds of jobs that you need to do, you can save a lot of time and money when it comes to these tools. Taking a generalized approach to the ratchet set that you want, while it does simplify things, can cost you. If you need a ratchet set, take time to explore your options. There is plenty to choose from.