Compact 3/8" Ratchet Showdown -- Koken, Nepros, Proto, Wright, Gearwrench and More [Tool Tuesday]

I've been on the lookout for a compact 3/8" Drive Ratchet for awhile now -- watch as I get my hands on what it out there for me -- Nepros, Koken, Proto, Wright, Astro, Powerbuilt, Gearwrench as I pick the one that is right for me.
I heard good things about all these wrenches -- but, honestly, I think Ko-ken takes the cake for me -- but it might be awhile until they release their compact 3/8 version with the 72T mechanism -- but I'm going to buy it as soon as it comes out:
Koken 3/8 Non-Compact (72 Tooth): amzn.to/3sQqO9q
Koken 3/8 Compact (36 Tooth): tinyurl.com/38n...
If you had to buy today -- my top picks are:
Tone 3/8 Compact -- amzn.to/3LRgQx9
Powerbuilt 3/8 Compact: amzn.to/3sW3mHO
Nepros 3/8 Compact -- amzn.to/3sUJtAR
And the rest:
Proto 3/8 Compact: amzn.to/3p5ehhp
Wright 3/8 Compact (Flex-head): amzn.to/36x0724
Gearwrench 3/8 Compact Long -- amzn.to/3s4Kebs
Gearwrench 3/8 Compact Short -- amzn.to/33I4CWw
Astro Pneumatic 3/8 Compact: amzn.to/3s7ksDm

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Product Links: Koken 3/8 Non-Compact (72 Tooth): amzn.to/3sQqO9q Koken 3/8 Compact (36 Tooth): tinyurl.com/38n3bt9u If you had to buy today -- my top picks are: Tone 3/8 Compact -- amzn.to/3LRgQx9 Powerbuilt 3/8 Compact: amzn.to/3sW3mHO Nepros 3/8 Compact -- amzn.to/3sUJtAR And the rest: Proto 3/8 Compact: amzn.to/3p5ehhp Wright 3/8 Compact (Flex-head): amzn.to/36x0724 Gearwrench 3/8 Compact Long -- amzn.to/3s4Kebs Gearwrench 3/8 Compact Short -- amzn.to/33I4CWw Astro Pneumatic 3/8 Compact: amzn.to/3s7ksDm

[@andrewscott8892]

Check out the new kobalt flex long handle on ratchet at Lowes, it's pretty much a 3/8" in a 1/4" head and about 12 or 13" long. It seems like a good ratchet to have on hand

[@andrewscott8892]

@@stevensko9153 I'm sure it is, there is only a small number of oem manufacturers in Taiwan to source from

[@davehaggerty3405]

Good comparison. I have mostly Koken 72 and Gearwrench 120. In 3/8 drive ratchets. Gearwrench is much heavier. I didn’t want the compact head with the 3/8 drive in a 1/4 body. I’ll just drop to a 1/4 ratchet.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

I almost totally agree with you EXCEPT when it comes to bit sockets. I only have those in 3/8” - and sometimes I need em in tight spots!!

[@mrweisu]

Pretty good video. I have a Carlyle flex head ratchet. I measured the head. The width is only about 25-26 mm even though Carlyle does not call it compact head. It is actually narrower than Astro or Tekton compact head ratchets. I think it is probably the same as the Powerbuilt. I got it for only $25. That was a great deal. With the Carlyle in my toolbox, I think the only thing that makes sense to add is that Tone. Otherwise, the difference is really marginal. The Proto you have there has a pretty big head. It doesn't really belong to this group, IMHO.

[@jameshill4900]

I wish more ratchets had the round head design with the knurled turn ring. It's one feature I have always found extremely useful.

[@hogwashsentinel]

I bought the 1/4 proto as well as the 3/8, it's the exact same body. Only the anvil is different.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Nice that's great to know

[@andrestnt]

Covid and material shortages have delayed the release of the koken 72t z line. But luckily the 72t kits fit existing old z ratchets. Once released you can upgrade you old 36t z ratchet.

[@EVILDR235]

Plomb later Proto came out with that ratchet design 82 years ago. I have been using Proto ratchets since 1969. They will last a long time is used properly. Repair kits are easy to get and easy to replace. If you have a older Plomb ratchet like a model 5449 and you need a repair kit, just get a Proto repair kit for the Proto 5449 model ratchet. Only use oil in Plomb / Proto ratchets. Do not use grease.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Nice info! I have some plomb stuff in my old tools drawer. I love proto - but I’m a sucker for new ratchets :-)

[@ratchetwise440]

Lets kick it up. Tell the SoooperLube salesman what to do with it. Notice Wright says oil only too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6C8e32ga8R_r80&ab_channel=ProtoIndustrial

[@craigchiddo2794]

The powerbuilt is the same as the std tone- blackhawk 3/8 get a 1/4 gearwrench ratchet and put the 3/8 head in it

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Definitely a cool idea -- Koken finally released the 72T and I got a flex head compact 3/8 -- it's freakin' great!!

[@joujimiichi1]

The Nepros NBRC390S is the smallest and most compact ratchet I have ever held. I have that as well as the TONE RH3CHS and the Nepros is smaller and much smoother. I suppose that is the difference in a ratchet made in Japan versus a Japanese ratchet that has been outsourced to Taiwan.

[@benjaminabel8596]

It's funny that you say you don't need Snap-On quality, but some of those ratchets are better quality than Snap-On!

[@keysautorepair6038]

I have a old snap on FM70 bet you money it's the smallest 3/8 head you will ever find use it all the time.

[@joujimiichi1]

I know this video is a bit old but I would suggest you check out the “ Astro 3/8” drive nano ratchet (Astro Tools 93812). I also have the 72t Koken Zeal 3/8”, Nepros 3/8” and some Taiwanese 3/8” drives and I believe the Astro nano ratchet has the smallest profile on the business end.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Yeah that thing is amazing -- a friend has one. Love the nano stuff from Astro . Finally got my 72T compact Koken too -- I love it -- got the flex head and I'm very happy with it!

[@arjundhillon6728]

In mY opinion the astro with the handle choped at the second line is the best for strength and size and cost

[@BluTrollPro]

Would’ve loved to have seen the SnapOn FC72 included. Currently on the hunt for a compact 3/8 set for my portable kit & it’s high on my list. Out of curiosity, do you have a compact sockets recommendation?

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

My favorite compact sockets are the Nano sockets from Astro Pneumatic… Koken Z-Series is nice…

[@bcwrangler]

Very comprehensive video...my question to you. For the price of high-end ratchets like SO, Nepros, or Koken...is it worth paying the little extra to having a flex head for more versatility vs a standard straight ratchet and it's extra rigidity?

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

You know -- I've had this same thought myself... and I think a flexhead is a good idea if you're only gonna buy one... FWIW -- I typically shy away from non-locking flex head units -- but I got my hands on flex-heads from Koken and Nepros -- and they really are nice and don't flop around like the non-locking ones I've had in my hands previously (like gearwrench, carlyle, etc). Plus if you splurge in the beginning on the flexhead -- the inevitable subsequent purchase of the non-flex version will hurt less -- and at that point -- you'll know you want it -- since it's become clear (by bloody knuckles or otherwise) that there are sometimes where its worth having the rigidity. Muahahah.

[@bcwrangler]

@@IroncloudMetalworks I agree with you on just getting the flex initially, I have had a good supply of quality ratchets(non-flex) and a cheaper flex for spark plugs and needless to say the frustration was there with the limp head. 😅 I recently got a set of semi-locking Tekton and I'm going to give them a try

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

@@bcwrangler Yeah no one likes a limp ratchet!!

[@henslee]

enjoying your videos! keep it up man

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Thanks they’re real fun to make - can’t wait to get into some more of my favorite tools!!

[@WizzRacing]

There is no warranty to void... As you still have the old 36 tooth parts...So not sure what the big deal is...

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Technically Koken has a lifetime warranty - but it’s difficult in USA fo directly warranty with Koken Japan as they want you to go through the authorized retailer you bought it from - Palmac/Koken USA/DPRD - but if you buy from Amazon.co.jp - you’re kinda SOL! But I hear ya - rebuild kits aren’t exactly expensive - nor are extra anvils!! kokenusa.com/warranty/

[@nickshowsstuff435]

Are you comparing all of these just to keep one and return the rest like the plier video? If that’s the case that’s pretty messed up. A lot of Amazon returns end up in the dump cost the sellers money kinda not cool at all just to make a video.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

I avoid third party sellers as much as possible -- but yeah -- a lot gets returned. I keep a lot and give as presents too -- so I tend to do some of these type videos in the winter time :)

[@abe7907]

“mO behtuh”

[@Mr539forgotten]

"I am not a tool snob, most of my ratchets are gearwrench." - Literally one of the best brands on the face of the planet, second only to companies such as Knipex, Stalwhille, and Wera.

[@johndisalvo6283]

Can you HOLD STILL FOR 1/2 A SECOND SO WE CAN SEE THE TOOLS?????????

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Haha no - I can never ever sit still :-) 🎉🎉