1/4" Drive Ratchet Review & Comparison

This is a longer pseudo rambling review and comparison of a variety of different quarter inch ratchets . .

[@congaronbo]

Hoping to show this to my wife. That makes YOU the crazy guy with all those ratchets, and ME the guy who NEEDS more ratchets.

[@CatusMaximus]

:)

[@joshdane5657]

Lol right I thought I had alot at 15+ or so ratchets but now I won't feel as bad about buying another I want really bad its just hard to decide which one I want to use sumtimes so I just use a different ratchet for each size socket lmao

[@eliezerramosjr1017]

With you there brother. Can use more ratchets ( 90+ ratchets counting

[@AtimatikArmy]

I loved this review! You truly are the 1/4" Master!

[@pophamlarry]

Thank you for posting this video...its good to see im not the only person who has a ratchet buying problem...i have bunches of ratchets also. If i see one that looks good im buying it to test it out..... great video!

[@Jaspel]

So much info here, I must have watched at least half a dozen times now.

[@tomycodd]

Ratchetus Maximus! wow! you have a lot of them.

[@CatusMaximus]

Good name I got a laughing that thank you

[@paintball130]

i've always really liked the 1/4" roto head ratchets. I guess because for most of the applications where i'm grabbing a 1/4" ratchet instead of a larger one, that screw drive function comes in really handy

[@bigc7t]

Catus, I would love to see an update video with all your ratchets, in all the sizes. Please, and thank you for the videos

[@gmp3699]

Very nice review. Thank you for taking the time to post. I've always used the Craftsman made in USA 1/4" ratchets, but last year l bought the HF 1/4" composite ratchet and to my surprise its held up very well. Its now my go to ratchet.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you and those ratchets are pretty nice. I still recommend the Duralast 36 tooth ratchets they're just really nice especially with the rubber seals

[@mrfrankcastle083]

I have 1/4" Craftsman ratchet and I always use it, love it!

[@AtimatikArmy]

Somebody stole my Snap-on quarter inch get me out of any Jam metric shallow socket swivel head ratchet set... I think I've come to a place where Maybe you guys might feel my pain looks like I'll be going this route now...

[@TylerSnyder305]

Those horrible bottom of the barrel roundhead ratchets from $10 sets have completely spoiled the design for me. I prefer a teardrop or pearhead ratchet because of this. Maybe I need to get an old S-K roundhead I might change my mind.

[@CatusMaximus]

Oh yes, a quality round head ratchet is really nice.

[@shopdoc]

SK ratchets are super nice. I still use them despite having many modern ratchets.

[@georgecroney6168]

I just assumed they were all horrible, I'll try one out, can't have too many

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@georgecroney6168 I have completely changed my mind since making that comment. My favorites are the WRIGHT contour grip 1/4" ratchets, but I've also got PROTO, new Britain, indestro, WRIGHT 3/8, S-K, Blackhawk, Craftsman, Allen/Alex, and Thorsen roundhead ratchets among others. I like a good teardrop or pearhead ratchet too, but really do love roundheads a lot these days.

[@georgecroney6168]

@@TylerSnyder305 to be honest I don't use my ratchets very much anymore, just final checking of torque. Since getting an impact I really only use my ratchets where there's chance of snapping a fastner. Most of what I do is service, brakes, oil. I'd like a tiny 3/8 ratchet for when I'm in a small space and don't want to crank the weight and length of a long handle over and over, I may just cut down one that's sat around.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

All I can say is a 30+ ratchet comparison is pretty amazing!

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you so much for the comment

[@thequake180]

you collect ratchets like my wife collects shoes lol

[@johnwesleyhardin5867]

my dad left me some old snap-on and craftsman ratchets. the snap-ons are so elegant and gorgeous. I'm pretty sure his craftsmans were his beaters lol

[@CatusMaximus]

That's pretty sweet I know you have to be careful with the old Snap-on ratchets I had a friend take a broken one to the tool truck and they did replace it but he got a new one and he was hoping just to get parts for the old one

[@martinschaffmeir7729]

Hello sir great post. Yep you do have a few ratchets. I'm an old S-K guy, my shop has an sk that I think is about 50 years old at least 40, having said that im trying new tools and I'm fond of the new Craftsman and a long snap-on both 1/4 inch

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes Snap-on came out with that super long handle quarter inch I have seen people with those. They look nice but just a bit too expensive for me

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Classic USA-made Craftsman also had a line of round-head ratchets with a spinner top. They came in the lesser quality line of blow-molded socket sets. They worked, albeit stiff ratcheting, and the sockets were thicker and metric sockets weren't knurled to show they were metric. I had a S-K 1/4" ratchet and the quality and action was night and day.

[@miguelmendez4718]

Great Ratchet comparison, I like my gearwrench 120xp flex head 1/4 ratchet with comfort handle, never had any problems.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you for the comment

[@madisonturfntimber4538]

I have liked mine as well. I have cranked on it pretty good with no issues yet.

[@dalejr4113]

I also have the blue and red Pittsburgh's and those are awesome for tight spots

[@danohstoolbox]

Nice collection of tools

[@justinschweigert2707]

Im starting building maintance school in a few days and I wanna get a quarter inch ratchet to keep in my bag. It's not going to be put into heavy use but it'll probably be semi daily use. Any recommendation on what to get as an "entry level" ratchet

[@BladeAddict8]

Love my Gearwrench 120xp ratchets. But then again I use my tools properly and I own a breaker bar lol. No problem

[@stephenpenland278]

I bought the 4 pack of the 120xp's flex head I love them. The 1/4 is my go too i used it to replace the 1/4 that came in my 62pc. Bluepoint 1/4 set them together are a perfect fit in my eyes.

[@mandapalque]

Exactly, i never push my ratchets to the limit. I always use 1/2" ratchets/brajer bars for high torque. I own a gearwrench long handle just like the one is on this vodeo, works fine. If i am using a 1/4" drive ratchet and i happen to have to apply torque i will switch to my 3/8", and they work all the time.

[@philbled]

30 1/4" ratchets. You sir have a problem and I think it's great. Love the video, learned a lot.

[@user-nh8tc9po2l]

the ratchet on left between power torque and green grip ratchet, from which manufactor is that?

[@kirkkw]

About 50 years ago a Cummings diesel mechanic told me he dips his ratchets in automatic transmission fluid to lube them. Tonight I have 4 ratchets soaking to give it a try.

[@sirfrancisbacon4344]

Did it work?

[@kirkkw]

@@sirfrancisbacon4344 I also soaked all my ratcheting wrenches. They are lubed and its easy to wipe off the outside. So yes I think it worked.

[@sirfrancisbacon4344]

@@kirkkw huh what do ya know learn something new every day. Bout to go over to the shop and give it a whack thanks for the response

[@jefferydowler4655]

I work in small engines because I have a lawn service now since 1994. I use S-k, Snap-on, craftsman, Matco, Bonney, Challenger, Industrial, New Britain, Plomb, Thorsen, Some of these tools go back to the 70's with me. Only had a 3/8 Snap-on swivel head ratchet crack on me. You will never catch me dead or alive in a Harbor Fraught store buying these knuckle busters. My advice, support your local pawn shops or American on E-bay instead of our adversaries like China, or the one ones that move there.

[@ranger178]

you never try any of the home store models like cobalt or home depot?

[@cclub1]

Can I have the part number for first generation Duralast ratchet?

[@HardKnocksForge]

I'm flattered AND a bit jealous...

[@CatusMaximus]

:)

[@METALGEARZETTO]

The 120xp are of a 60 tooth dual pawl design I own the 3/8 and 1/4 and they have been through hell and back. My Snap-On and Gearwrench 120xp is what I use professionally. I’m going to give those Duralast ones a go. I keep seeing them at Autozone when I pick stuff up. Maybe I’ll use to points to get one for free lol.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you for your comment about the gearwrench I've been wondering whether or not it's strong enough. The 36 tooth Duralast ratchets are quite strong

[@noscopeKFP]

I’ve owned snap on 3/8 ratchet and my 120xp gearwrench set are by far my favourite, great ratchets for the cost

[@JJSW-gy1ki]

I just got a set of 120xp ratchets, they are a little tight on the backswing. Will they loosen up with use?

[@CatusMaximus]

All ratchets will loosen up some as they wear and break in the gear wrenches with dual Pawls have stronger Springs in them. Also gear wrench includes a o-ring to reduce dirt from getting in the ratchet which adds a little bit of friction in the worst-case you could remove that O-ring from under the anvil.

[@danohstoolbox]

I love my round head sk ratchets

[@firesurfer]

I had a strange 3/8 ratchet with a cast body. I had to take off a wheel bearing nut and I put on a cheater bar. The whole head exploded. That was the end of that wrench. It had a handle on the end that allowed you to spin the socket without moving the wrench. edit; it was called sidewinder speedwrench

[@VRCM_Skywarn_XUSA]

I have the same problem, with ratchets. The little ones, are so addictive. - Ace Professional is Gearwrench. Duralast 1st gen. are hard to beat. And they look good, too.

[@DD-gd3fr]

Accurate! Great info thank you

[@BarbaryStudio]

Wich one is the best for the money and wich one is the best for future changing the mechanisms

[@CatusMaximus]

The large professional Brands like Snap-on have been around the longest on are going to be the most guaranteed to be able to find parts however even companies like that only make parts for a few decades and then they just end up replacing the ratchet under warranty with a newer model my best recommendation is just to getting reasonable equality ratchet for a decent price but not spend a lot of money and just plan on using it till it wears out and then just replace it

[@JoeJosephKaniparampil]

What is the maximum socket in millimetre that can go with 0.25 inch square ratchet drive?

[@CatusMaximus]

15mm, some companies made larger than that but they're very rare and special order

[@drengskap]

That Ace Professional ratchet at 8:23 is a dead ringer for the UK brand Halfords Advanced, I bet they're made by the same factory.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

another good one, I like ratchet show off videos

[@CatusMaximus]

Thanks

[@dalejr4113]

Hell yea!!! I have the roto head Pittsburgh and I love it, I broke my snap on tl72 and I've been using it a tons its almost better haha

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes the Pittsburgh Roto had is better than expected

[@passion830217]

Man, I had a count on how many ratchets you have for all the three sizes. You have about eighty of them. I think I am crazy since I have about 30, but you are much crazier.

[@joujimiichi1]

I just got a KTC Nepros NBR290L and I can’t put it down. They are expensive, professional Japanese-made tools that have extremely low back drag and a beautiful chrome finish. I would recommend it to anyone

[@dummkompf]

I didn't even know that clutch type existed, I need one of those! The less backdrag, the better! Do you know where I can buy a new one like that, now? Not for tool truck prices, though

[@badbiker666]

I had one years ago and it was amazing! Because there are no teeth you hardly need any arc to move the fastener. I lost or gave mine away, I can't remember and I regret it terribly. I gave been trying to find another one for about three years with no luck. If you locate one, reply to this message and tell me where you got it. I'll probably see your reply.

[@dummkompf]

@@badbiker666 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IQ2BE I've been debating whether or not to spend the money when I already have more ratchets than I need

[@georgecroney6168]

I have SO ratchets but sometimes grab others, I don't get the same level of enjoyment from less than brands, I guess once you've used a great tool, good tools are just average. I also feel no shame in abusing a SO because of the warranty.

[@trankt54155]

God, how many?

[@betmon5986]

It teally dont matter wat brand of rat u buy in a 1/4 inch , u dont need much to break a fastener in that drive size, ive never had an issue wit any of my 1/4 rats , and ive had mine for over 30 yrs bro

[@_P0tat07_]

I like quick release ratchets in 1/4” drive. Just because with short sockets and small bit sockets, I find it really hard to get them off the anvil. Plus with 1/4” drive you’re not going to be putting a whole lot of torque on the fastener anyway.

[@truthmatters8770]

can we start calling it AUTO-SHACK again yet?

[@mcw089]

The tool truck dealers suck up to the people that owe them money.

[@nephron1896]

Diagnosis: "just plain nuts".

[@EscapeVelo]

Any 1/4" ratchet will do.

[@CatusMaximus]

How true.

[@jotu173]

Sad to say, I am VERY envious of your "unhealthy amount of ratchets".

[@rodolfodelunasantana7768]

I have only 15 ratchets ..some day am gonna have 100 like you buddy

[@drodriguez3185]

"Unhealthy amount of ratchets" you say. Mmmh I think that I have a problem then :/

[@williamwolff4965]

I 20 ratchets. Compared to you I’m a rookie. 😂

[@mediaguy4037]

stubby!!

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes!

[@mandapalque]

Tools trucks warranty is a burden, some of them are nice and fair but most of them is it a NO.

[@jeffsnyder5456]

Detent not dentent

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you so much, you are not the first to remind me of that and I'm sure to be reminded again many more times in the future... :)

[@jeffsnyder5456]

Catus Maximus sorry if I sounded like a dick. Nobody's perfect, just saying get it right damn it. LOL