3/8" Drive Ratchets, Review & Comparison

here's a review of 40 different 3/8 inch Drive ratchets as well as a comparison and discussion . .

[@kg66428]

I like this kind of comparison. Vs are flashy but never give a "how would this daily drive" impression. And its nice to see what people have and their thoughts on them.

[@robcrossan6274]

I have both Snap on and Pittsburgh pro ratchets at work. Though I meant to replace the Pittsburghs with the snap ons, I still use the Pittsburghs often. They've been good tools. Imo for the money, they're the best deal out there, they are fine teeth, come in all different configurations, have comfort grip handles, and so far, for me, they have been reliable. My 1/2 flex head Pittsburgh gets abused often, it is fine. Some slight chrome peel on the head, otherwise ok. To any new auto techs out there, invest in Pittsburgh ratchets and sockets. They do the job for automotive repair, upgrade as needed.

[@GH-oi2jf]

I have a vintage S-K 45170 which I bought used about 60 years ago. It’s definitely a lifetime tool. I never wanted another ratchet, but admittedly I was a casual shade tree mechanic. Recently I decided I needed 1/4” and I found what seemed to be a good deal on a Williams M-52A roundhead. The knurling is so poor it’s uncomfortable to use, so I bought a new S-K classic roundhead in 1/4”. Enough with bargains - S-K is a brand I trust, or was. It’s a shame what has happened to them. I’m buying up some USA-made S-K while I can. Edit: I just received my S-K 40971 1/4” ratchet today. Some people write that S-K quality hasn’t been what it used to be, but this ratchet is perfect. The knurling is flawless and comfortable. I suppose I’ll just donate the Williams somewhere.

[@168grhp]

I've had that same model Powerbuilt you showed the 26min mark for about 20 years. Given it some abuse with cheater bars and it's still going strong! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Isaiah-ft5nx]

I loved this video!! So genuine and honest.

[@stauguastine]

Not sure if you have seen the comparison of 3/8" ratchets done by ClientGraphics but the Tekton outdid all the other ones and stood toe to toe with the Snap-On. Granted this was the straight standard ratchet. Nevertheless, based on that video I ordered the set of three ratchets, the 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive. They are sweet ratchets and well-made. The Tekton warranty is awesome too. I had picked up the 1/4" drive socket set and had an issue with the 11mm. Took a picture of it and email it to their customer service email and they sent me a replacement fairly quickly. Tekton is top-notch, while I no longer do car repair full time I would have no issues using them if I were. The only setback is the wait time to get your replacement tool. Thanks for the videos man, they are a big help.

[@bigc7t]

Hey Catus , I took the head from the multi flex and put it on the ratchet breaker bar and got a nice 18 inch heavy duty flex head from harbor freight. Came out pretty nice and fit perfectly and it flexes or index's really nice.

[@pospc2]

I like to use the HF composite ratchets for batteries and anything that's close to electrical when working on cars. They are actually durable as well.

[@megaeverything101]

that roto head ratchet is awesome at adjusting clutches on semi trucks.makes the job super easy

[@CatusMaximus]

Sweet

[@danr1920]

Remember ratchets aren't breaker bars. Ignore the test to fail videos. All will loosen a normal tightness bolt. What counts is your budget, how comfortable the handle is, 72-90 tooth is the seat spot, and how easy they are to use, like the switch.

[@drjohnsample]

I have one of those hand twist speed ratchets. It has been a life saver in a few hard to get to areas.

[@themonolithian]

Hey man I just want you to know I love your videos. You and I share alot of common interest

[@hudsonforbes6727]

I liked this video as soon as i saw all 40 ratchets layed out

[@CatusMaximus]

Thanks

[@austingoleman9431]

Bought the micro tough to pull transmission out of a for 10 years ago still working pretty good ratchet wish they still made them in all the ratchet sizes be a good one in 1/4 as small as it is

[@jameshall4385]

Nice video. You really need to seek some professional help regarding your tool addiction. Lol

[@CatusMaximus]

:), I've been selling a bit of stuff that was part of why I started doing KZbin with this figured if I was selling it I should at least take advantage and review it

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Check out Mark Fox's channel and tool hauls. just type in wright tools ratchet if you cant find him by name in the search

[@JohnSmith-yl6dn]

@@CatusMaximus If you buy the Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 gray handle composite, you've just bought a Tekton 3/8 composite ratchet. I have both and they are identical.

[@johngibson3594]

Nice I have the same problem I like ratchets especially the one that look like they will function. I thoroughly about buying the t handle style ratchet but I noticed the handle spins when you use it like a regular ratchet. Great vid I did a vid on the unique ratchets I have as well. I do have a few newer ratchets that have been added. The sad part is I use an air ratchet or my batt power ratchets as much as I can so most just sit in the drawer. Great vid thanks for sharing

[@CatusMaximus]

You have some nice ratchets as well. I like Air and power tools but there's something nice about the sound of a ratchet instead of the wail of the air tool or the wine of an electric tool.

[@congaronbo]

I like the sound of any ratchet. Wish I had your tool budget! Lol... Thanks for the videos!

[@CatusMaximus]

I've been collecting for more than 20 years. I buy almost everything used. I spent less on my tool collection then a mid-grade professional tool box would cost. You just have to hunt around the flea markets and pawn shops and thrift stores and craigslist consistently and you'll find all the tools you want for great prices.

[@mandapalque]

Loved it. Great review.

[@iantheorem]

Great videos bro

[@JamesNickersonThePhotoShopGuru]

another awesome video, thank you for sharing …. 👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻

[@calum4243]

Excelente finisch! Fine ratchet from your collection.

[@danohstoolbox]

I have one of the older proto ratchets i love it

[@TheLexiconDevils]

I just found one in a box of cheap tools I picked up at a thrift store. In Australia. Never seen one here before.

[@WandomZhiEt]

Damn homie, you got all the 3/8th ratchets!

[@billlee1724]

Awesome video!!

[@scott2228]

For 3/8.... I like my USA made Craftsman.

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

Only usa made.

[@r.goetsch1006]

Another Great Video…Thanks

[@danohstoolbox]

That triple flex is pretty sweet I have to check if they have the same stile at princess auto hear in Canada

[@martinschaffmeir7729]

Hello sir. I'm mad at myself, I can't find my made in USA Craftsman 1/2, it's kinda big you wouldn't think it didn't go to far and would be easy to find but no, I counted 14 3/8 ratchets a couple more than I need , you have me beat. Some are good ones lol no hf tho. My long time favorite is the good old S-K. My biggest complaint with snap-on was the small handle, on their smaller ratchets, the comfort grip is a great improvement, I have a 1/4 and 3/8

[@RockandrollNegro]

The single best upgrade that you can make for these Pittsburgh and Duralast ratchets are to open them up and pack them with grease before you use them. I like the Valvoline Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Mazda Moly grease. It doesn't bleed out when it gets hot.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you and I do regrease the ratchets that I use the most and have grease most of the Duralast and Harbor Freight once I have I use a sta-lube grease that has molybdenum, Teflon and graphite in a synthetic base

[@andrewscott8892]

I'm very curious about the powerbuilt 1/2 impact socket set

[@timholsten]

S-K handles fit in black pipe just right. Gives that little extra when you need it.

[@bigc7t]

Nice stuff man.

[@wafi3187]

Only problem I had with HF ratchet is the flex head becomes loose after a while, now I switched to Kobalt because their flex head have ball bearing mechanisms.

[@miguelmendez4718]

Great video, looking forward to seeing more and very informative.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thanks

[@Tecalitlan1943]

Awesome video my friend.

[@johngibson3594]

Your vids are fine I just ordered a 3/8 drive wera ratchet

[@CatusMaximus]

I've heard those are pretty nice as well

[@Capo-.-]

Hey, Catus! Thanks for the video! I subscribed. What's your favorite ratchet in there? From watching your other videos it seems you speak pretty highly of those course tooth Duralast ratchets. They look really nice! I think you should pick up some Wright Tool double pawl ratchets, and SK's newer double pawl ratchets as well and do a comparison video. That would be pretty cool! I own 2 Wright 3/8 ratchets. One knurled handle, and one contour handle. They're both double pawl. I believe they're 41 tooth ratchets, but with the double pawls they alternate, giving the ratchet 82 positions. Hands down they're my favorite ratchets.

[@CatusMaximus]

I have a gearwrench 120 that's a dual Pawl, I like the idea of dual pawls but I just wonder about their ultimate strength because with to pawls each one is only half size rather than just having one large Heavy pawl especially after the ratchets get used and the pawls and anvil wear. Wright tools are nice I just hardly have ever seen them used so I know that they have not had the largest amount of sales. As far as my favorite ratchet is the Duralast because I like their solidity but I use a variety of my ratchets. It's nice just to have each sockets you need on a separate ratchet so you can just grab a ratchet with the correct socket without having the interchange them it makes things a little more convenient and faster. Unfortunately I am not in a position to purchase new tools for review and testing purposes. I would love to do strength and destructive tests to really see which ones hold up the best, it will be a priority if my KZbin channel gets to a point to support those types of endeavors.

[@Capo-.-]

Catus Maximus Right on. Keep up the awesome videos and I'm sure you'll get there!

[@bigc7t]

Catus, how about an update video on all your ratchets. Personally I love the longer videos. Thanks

[@bigc7t]

Can you do a new video with all your ratchets? I would love to see your collection. I love your channel and appreciate all that you do.

[@b3nnyfi3lds27]

I like the harbor freight ratchets. Not because they are quality, because they are lifetime warranty and the shops 15mins away. Very easy to warranty stuff at my shop and cheap prices!!

[@congaronbo]

The sidewinder was my go to spark Plug ratchet for years... On cars and trucks, until they started putting plugs in before the engine on the assembly line. For motircycle plugs... Sometimes the sidewinder is good too. BTW... 40 ratchets? Seriously... Lol...

[@Richard1977]

I am wondering if you still have the Stanley MicroThough. I used to have all the sizes and even a second 3/8". Ended up keeping just the second 3/8" as i started getting to much ratchets. I also had the 'standard' issues of sticking and such but a small break-in period with changing the lubricant to SuperLube after the break-in period resolved all issues. Still love it and still want to sell it but I just can't part with it.

[@dano727]

Phenomenal !

[@TylerSnyder305]

What's the COO on those earlier duralast ratchets ? BTW I've got the same PROTO 6257 flex head and it does not switch on me either, it's my go to 3/8. I like that Western auto wizard / Infested super. They weren't fancy or high end, but I've always liked Indestro tools. Good serviceable and affordable consumer grade tools.

[@CatusMaximus]

I think they are Taiwanese, yes industrial tools were always regular consumer-grade tools but they did manage to sell a lot of them I run into them pretty often

[@Bryan916]

Good Video!

[@CatusMaximus]

Good comment

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

YO Catus REMEMBER you said you would gather up some tools that have been arc'd by a battery?

[@kyhomegarage3430]

Thank you for this review sir it was very useful. Cheers

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you

[@saturnmedia1]

I envy your ratchet collection. Holy Hell. Wow

[@afara2000]

You reviewed a lot of different brand ratchets but missed one of the best in the market. Slim Carlyle 3/8" long flex head ratchet with quick release is awesome.

[@danaboatman954]

I was hoping you'd also include the gearwrench 120xp. Any thoughts on them?

[@michaelmangino9819]

There great prolly my fav.

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Ratchets ok. Not a fan of the sockets. Found the fit to be a bit sloppy. Their 3/8 is the same height as 1/4. To be honest I find a 72 tooth ratchet to be fine enough.

[@jdtalk3035]

It's called the sidewinder ratchet. The one with the handle that you twist.

[@mikebaker3662]

That Wizard ratchet was made by Duro/indestro of Chicago,IL. Pretty sure Wizard was sold at Western Auto.

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes indeed I read that they are a Western Auto brand and weren't the best but they had some nice little tools like this 3/8 ratchet. This model is H2775

[@jotu173]

What is your opinion of the STANLEY STMT72418? It is a 3/8 locking flex head extendable ratchet mainly available at W Mart. Also, I would greatly appreciate it if you would do a review of it.

[@AToolWithTools]

Not the person you're asking or the exact model but I have a 7-85-782 which is a Stanley 3/8 locking extending flex. The actual ratchet part itself is pretty typical of Stanley. Decent enough. I'll have to open it again sometime to see if they took measures to counter the potential additional torque. The flex head part is okay. Unlocked it has decent detents, locked (5 positions) it holds well doesn't jump out but isn't a rock-solid hold, has a little wiggle, not bad. The actual pivot point has a little side to side slop but I suppose that's to be expected. The extending part can be handy but the problem is the more you extend it the less confidence it inspires. This one extends from an overall length of about 10.25 to about 14.75 so it gives you a fair bit more leverage and has 5 locking positions with a simple pull ring to adjust. But the further you extend it, the more sloppy it gets. At max extension it kinda feels like it would break. They use a knurling on the handle rather than their typical round shape, which I'm not impressed with the knurling on mine but in theory if it was done right should help you really make use of the extended function. Overall, eh. It's not a high quality tool but they don't demand a high quality price for it so it works out.

[@VRCM_Skywarn_XUSA]

Moderate use... Some Harbor freight ain't that bad. But...losing wages and time trying to figure out which brand...which tool is better and hacks. I try to steer clear of. Stick with basics and horde none...carry only minimum amounts. They're like big lighters...you use em for a while...they served their purpose a few times...you recycle them. But you won't see me carrying thousands of lighters ...that do all kinds of goofy Crap. I have one basic, a spare...and a mini. In my emergency kit. Just like my ratchet...one that adapts up....to 1/2. And adapts down to 1/4. My breaker ratchet is a Pittsburgh. 1/2 in....its a freebie. I found roadside. I steer clear of tool hording. Itemize every week...keep the basics, and light recon/repair. That's it. Can't make a living with thousands of tools you'll never use cluttering the landscape. Unless your into tradeing them. I never buy tools... I trade...find or salvage. Hold em to the warranty. Craftsman is easiest...so far. On mechanics tools. Where I'm at... Got a new set of tools I've found roadside over the year. And returned them for warranty... Stanley I haven't tried this... Simply because the ratchets I use from them were immaculate when I found them roadside. I had found four. I gave away two of those. I don't keep more than a three ratchets ever... I got one I use for everything. A breaker... And the small driver 1/4... Then on me EDC ....i carry a fastback/w a driver with a mini ratchet.... My favorite most used tool.. is the All way... MULTI Tool Scraper with 1/4 inch Driver...and knife edge. A pair of Basic Construction scissors... Milwaukee 6" Vice grips w torque loop for attaching a caribeiner..and 6 inch linemans pliers and a regular knife...lighter and a piece of bike spoke I use to poke and clean things out of. I carry a wire toothbrush and a sponge sander. And a somewhat lengthy demo saws all blade for saw cuts and I might start carrying that mini kobalt bolt cutter I found and got warranty trade in on. I use those alot too. For First Rsponse & Salvage....Scrapping. That's about it.... And of course my Rechargeable Energizer Headlamp. I got as a gift. That's all I use on a daily basis to clean up and fix my area and render aide and first response. But ratchets. Stick with about two multi scenarios and a breaker. Maybe one finite....and yeah maybe a hinged adapter one. You don't need hundreds of tools.... For basic survival and modern economics.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Good video brother

[@CatusMaximus]

Thanks

[@mikebaker3662]

What is the model# on the Round head Proto that reverses?

[@CatusMaximus]

Quick release roundhead is 5252, the flex roundhead is 5257 - 4, the non quick-release round head is 1260 - 4, the weird pearhead is 5249

[@sam80b1]

Hello catus, what's your thoughts on carlyle flex head ratchets

[@maxwellhall9022]

I like this but if you have the money I suggest getting like a 6 in flexhead Snap-on one wait a week and do a review you won’t regret it

[@gambet0007]

I've habit of keeping cheap one, like from Harden for regular use and to share with others and top notch one in my secret tool compartment. lmao

[@badactor3323]

When you reach for a 3/8ths, which one do you reach for most?

[@MrJruta]

Yes.

[@kcuhc84]

I like the "triple articulator" ratchet you made.

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes it's handy for Subaru spark plugs

[@diemman70]

What no Snapon?

[@chriswebb3018]

How come no locking flex head style ratchets?

[@CatusMaximus]

They have never been my favorite at all most situations I use a flex head with and that has many Japanese vehicles I like the head to be able to dynamically Flex as on wrenching versus having it stuck in one position

[@JamesNickersonThePhotoShopGuru]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@CatusMaximus]

You’re welcome 😊

[@joseluisseveriano2014]

How do you feel about Milwaukee ratchets ?

[@CatusMaximus]

I made a review a few months ago about them and they are pretty good with actual o-ring seals.

[@67NewEngland]

1:30 Duralast has the same "Craftsman " type warranty as well as Tekton, Powertorque (Oriellys), Husky, Kobalt...etc. Gearwrench is getting a bad reputation for giving people the run around with swap out warranty. And now that Advance Auto is taking GW out of stores its nearly impossible.

[@TheLexiconDevils]

I bought a gearwrench socket set. Not impressed.

[@jakeherrell3539]

Home Depot Husky tools they ask you for a receipt or they won't warranty the tool

[@jeffreycaban5107]

No Cornwell ratchets?

[@LEGOCAMARO]

23:15 I call that my Monday hangover ratchet. Head pounding and don’t want to hear anything lol

[@CatusMaximus]

The clutch ratchets aren't the strongest but yes they are very quiet very smooth and have a extremely small sweep

[@TweakedSystems]

power torque?

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Oh WOW!! CANNOT! believe ive never seen that 4 flex joint ratchet before, I can see it being ever more useful with 2 more sections or atleast 1 more section so you can do a half squared shape. That stubby ratchet is also really cool, makes me wish I didnt get rid of the one I had lol.

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes the multiplex is actually come in handy a few times especially for hard-to-reach spark plugs and it is not as awkward to control as what someone might think

[@douglasarnoldakers]

I can't find that duralast 1/4 with a 3/8 anvil anywhere. Anyone know if they still make it?

[@CatusMaximus]

I think it's gone the way of a dodo bird you'll have to find it on eBay or maybe one will turn up on some other site

[@TheLexiconDevils]

I see a few “stubby” 3/8 drive ratchets that are basically 1/4” sized. Handles a bit longer than the one he’s got here you can get your whole palm on it. Soft grip too. They’re also a combination often of 1/4 & 3/8 or all 3. But often the 1/4” is in the middle of the 1/2”.

[@billlee1724]

I bought one back in the day and I love it, I recently cleaned it and put it once I realized they didn’t have them anymore lol. But northern tool sells a roto head that’s a 3/8 in a 1/4 roto body and it’s a super small head compared to any other 3/8 ratchet

[@Peppermint1]

13:00 I wonder if you can break that one?

[@CatusMaximus]

You would need some mighty strong hands to break that little ratchet head without a handle. If you mean the orange thumb spinner it's actually pretty nice it has all metal internals and Ratchet ring integrated into the plastic body,

[@Peppermint1]

Thanks, the question was indeed on the joking side :) While there, it would have been interesting to learn which ones would be your favorites to work with most of the time?

[@CatusMaximus]

I like using the Duralast because of their solid feel and construction but I use the others often as well. I do use the 36 tooth Duralast in the more dirty situations such as under vehicles Etc because of their nice seals.

[@Peppermint1]

Thanks!

[@andrewscott8892]

One ratchet that has even bigger switch level would be the stahlwille ratchet

[@megaeverything101]

sweet collection..why not any snap on?

[@donnybra1230]

Cause he had to buy 40 other damn ratchets

[@RazorHog56]

Cause he bought 40 for what it would cost for 1 snap on ratchet.

[@jessedaman070]

Didnt want to spend all his money in one place

[@ex8280]

someone should just send him one. LOL.

[@chaedeukkim]

I wish I don’t have to shop in HF. Hits and misses, unfortunately mostly misses for me😢

[@trekzilladmc]

Could you explain the real difference between a ratcheting breaker bar vs a long-handled course-tooth ratchet handle? I've noticed manufacturers sell 36-tooth long-handle ratchets for "high-torque application", but I would think that a ratcheting breaker bar would be like the same principle. I've considered getting one.

[@CatusMaximus]

The difference is just intrinsic a ratcheting breaker bar just has a ratchet head instead of just the standard Anvil but it makes them a little bit long sometimes they are easier to use because the pivot point is on the center line of the ratchet mechanism versus being offset on most Flex head ratchets so it's easier to get on and off of fasteners

[@fireguy8466]

Do not waste your time with a ratcheting breaker bar, they’re a gimmick. Someone bought one at the last place I worked, seemed like a good idea at first, but broke the second time we used it. I mean think about it you pull out a breaker bar when s**t’s about to go down. Are you really going to trust such a small ratcheting mechanism with that much torque? That’s just dangerous. The other down side is how far the socket stands off from the head of the bar making it like working with a 3” extension all the time. Just buy a regular tried and true breaker bar.

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Ratcheting breaker bar = pipe over your ratchet 👍

[@VRCM_Skywarn_XUSA]

Try to only have tools you'll basically need and only keep a back up. That's your challenge for the year.

[@LongIslandP8ntball]

Hold my beer lol

[@adriannyasia]

Lol, @ :55, he called them "racket!"

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

So excited

[@nonamefounder]

How do you choose which one to use? Good collection.

[@CatusMaximus]

I like to give all my ratchets an equal opportunity, :)

[@nonamefounder]

Catus Maximus hahaha. Decisions decisions.

[@josebarrientos7518]

Duralast really screwed up with the new stuff

[@scottcarlon6318]

Would be nice to know the tooth count on the ratchet mechanism.

[@CatusMaximus]

I'm sorry about that most ratchets if they are course will be somewhere between 30 and 40 teeth and if they're fine will be around 70 teeth

[@anandarochisha]

Nice ratchets..I have a few 3/8 Snap On ratchets..nice..My go to 3/8 ratchets are the older Mac. I can throw it against the wall in frustration and will not retrieve it as another loss..which can be a consolation when nothing is working right..

[@MUHAMMADAMIN-gy5mk]

Zero Degree Ratchet 1/2 No.1

[@BarbaryStudio]

Very good video by friend owns a motor shop and he says facom ratchet are pretty good and not to overpriced and the wera ratchets you cant repair them when they are damaged inside Please help me to decide which ratchet I must buy

[@donnybra1230]

Craftsman not American made anymore but life time warranty and always a great sales if you have a local sears

[@donnybra1230]

Actaully Lowe's and ace sells Chinese craftsman but alot of Hometown Sears actaully have old stock American made tools around

[@danielbeavers8701]

I thoght tecton were supposed to be pretty good

[@CatusMaximus]

Tekton is pretty good for a budget tool brand and they have a good warranty

[@the_boatswain]

I know this is an older videos, but (1st Gen New Duralast & Current Capri Tools Flex Head) look awful similar.

[@dougtilaran3496]

FTW936 Blue Point... Look it up ;-)

[@mikemichaels4500]

Quantity over quality.

[@scubbarookie]

Have you checked out Koken Tools? They have a new Zeal Series for the automotive mechanic. I really love the design of their 3/8 multi tool utility rachet. They've got some interesting concepts and philosophy. Take care!

[@user-lee360]

You must be a zillionaire! I still learn a good deal from you.

[@CatusMaximus]

I have a whole lot less money than you think I just piece stuff together of time.

[@nathalialavelle1603]

Can I have one of your ratchet?

[@danohstoolbox]

i admit i have a ratchet problem LoL it's realy not a problem but i do have a lot of them

[@danohstoolbox]

check out the videos u will find them

[@WorkHorseLT]

I have over 160 ratchets it's tooken me 2 years to collect them most of them are name brand not too many no name crap

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Lucky you 🙄

[@WorkHorseLT]

@@TheLexiconDevils stop being a asshole

[@jarenhudson9794]

?

[@DennisHicks78749]

Or... you can only attach the positive cable when the negative is disconnected like yer supposed to do!

[@stever5887]

Catus--If you need to break bolts or fasteners loose, especially those that are stuck or corroded, that's what a breaker bar is for. They don't have a ratcheting mechanism to mess up if you apply too much force, and they are generally longer (sometimes much longer) than most of the ratchets people have. Those two things ensure you don't damage your ratchet and also provide more leverage, so removal is easier. Ratchets were designed for rapid removal once the fastener is broken loose, and to quickly run down that same fastener during reinstallation. Final tightening should be done with either a breaker bar or a torque wrench, if required (engine rebuilding, for instance).

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you for your comment and that generally is good and proper advice however If you look deeper into my videos you'll see I'm quite familiar with breaker bars. The fact of the matter is is that you're paid to get a job done in a certain amount of time or as quickly as possible while doing it properly and you can't afford to constantly switch back and forth between breaker bars and ratchets especially on smaller Fasteners. A quality ratchet can remove and break Fasteners within its reasonable range it saves a lot of time and if the ratchet can't hold up then it's not very good. I have personally seen, but not done myself, people use cheater bars on the 36 tooth Duralast ratchet and they just take it. removing rusted exhaust manifold bolts and suspension bolts I would have personally use the breaker bar in those situations but was quite satisfied to see a 3/8 ratchet take an immense amount of force easily a couple hundred foot pounds repeatedly over and over again. Of course use breaker bars on larger fasteners or especially stubborn fasteners. Many tool manufacturers especially Snap-on have commercials on KZbin about how the square on their ratchets will fail before the ratchet mechanism itself does.

[@heavychevy383]

nice to hear someone (besides me) talk about the benefits of SK American Made Quality! ...good video man, but seriously, & this goes out to all the fellas doin videos like this... CUT UR DANG FINGERNAILS! (haha)

[@derschafer1012]

18:58 - That’s definitely a Proto ratchet. It’s a “big dawg” 3/8” ratchet, part number J5249P. I’m not a big fan of Proto in general, especially their older stuff. They’ve always been on the expensive side of tools and their older tools were not worth the price. Their newer stuff is much better, but their prices are still a bit too steep. SK Tools makes higher quality tools and are less expensive. Or for just a little more money, you can buy Snap-On tools which far outstrip Proto tools in fit, finish, durability and performance. Also, the recessed plate held in by the snap-ring makes less of a difference in strength than the metal quality does. My Matco BFR128LFT has a very slim head and it uses the same snap-ring design, but I’ve never damaged the teeth or pawls. My coworker snapped two anvils on his but never broke a tooth. Conversely, I had to rebuild my Mac XR11 three times before I threw it in the trash. All three times, the teeth were stripped. The one time, I stripped about 10 teeth in one shot, and this ratchet only had around 30-36 teeth. Not only were the teeth beefier because it was a coarse tooth ratchet, but it had a very large head and a similar design to Duralast’s where the plate is fastened with two screws. Mac just uses inferior metal.

[@w.d.m-1899]

I'll say it again, unless your a metallurgist, how do you know harbor freight ratchets wont hold up against another brand? Stop using ratchets as breaker bars.

[@Crustychevrolet]

Those Pittsburg professional ratchets are crap. I’ve broken quite a few of them and I’m not even a professional mechanic