What's a good reversible ratchet set to buy?

Question

Well, I broke my 5th cheap-o ratchet yesterday and I've went through so many discount sets, I have a ton of sockets and no ratchets. I was looking into getting a good set that'll last me.

The Duralast tools in auto-zone cought my eye with their lifetime unlimited warranty, but for $35 is it worth it? What do you guys think.

The only similar thing I see is the craftsman tools, but those are $75 a piece on average.

Also, does their warranty mean that the tool will last, or that they've marked it up so much that they can afford replacing it?

Thanks for the input.

Answer 1

If you wish to purchase long-lasting tools, do not depend on Auto-Zone. Your comment about markup is appropriate. The tools sold there are just as cheap inside as the rathole sets you buy at Discount Tool Sales Unlimited or Harbor Freight.
Buy the Craftsman set or, better yet, SnapOn or Mac or Matco. The price is high, but they won't break and even if they do, their tools are warrantied for life as well. I have a set of SnapOn tools I bought in 1983 and they are still functioning as if they were new.

Answer 2

Me and my budd's been using craftsmen for years and we like it very much. Little bit pricey but they can stand up to abuse. And the best part of it is that most their hand tools (and many other craftsmen branded tools) have LIFETIME warranty. Unlike other lifetime warranty, if I broke one of my wrench or socket during work, I can just take it to local sears and they'll replace it (sometime they will charge you small difference price then and now). But they won't even ask for receipt at all.

If I was pro may be I can borrow my co-workers tools till the replacement arrive in the mail (snap-on). But if I'm a backyard mechanic, and my car parts are all over the place they need replacing NOW!.

Oh by the way, I've only had one socket go back on me (using Craftsman). But lately I've been hearing some not so good reports about their other tools (like floor jacks, etc.).

Just know that if you were to buy one nice craftsman set, you will probably not have to spend that money again for a long time.

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My father used to buy cheap tools. And the chrome plating would peel off when the parts or torqued. Then the chrome plating being only about 1 mm thin would expose itself like razors - all during heavy greasy work.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Here's my stragedy.
I but a cheap tool set to keep in my trucks to get me out of a jam and if a thief steals it, he doesn't get much. For tools in my shop, I generally buy Craftsman but the selection is limited. If the tool is special or going to get a lot of abuse, I go with Snapon. Mac is just as good but not readily available here.
At flea markets and auto swap meets, there are a lot of vendors selling used quality tools and the lifetime warranty is still good, I mean, Craftsman, Snapon, Proto or Mac.
E-bay will sometimes have a good bargin but you must be in the right place at the right time to get a very good price. I once bought a new 2 inch pipe tap for $45 including shipping, and it regularly sells for $200 plus shipping. The bid started low and no one bid against me. That guy put up more 2 inch taps later but started the bid much higher.

Answer 4

Any sockets that have a brand name will be ok for the DIY'r. But the ratchet is something that i would invest in. craftsman are usually very awkward to work with and the cheap ones will break. I like snap-ons, they are expensive but worth every penny to prevent frustration. I also have napa ratchet that I like pretty well, but I think buying tools from auto parts stores is expensive and you never know what you are going to get. I would venture to guess that mac tools and cornwell tools offer a similar product to the snap-on.

Answer 5

I know your a female and I don't mean to sound rude but god no, and this is common sence if you think about it. Its not even about cars. Its basic 4th grade made USA has std. inch sizes. Other parts of the world uses the Metric system to measure. You don't measure your body for cloths in Millimeters (MM) do you? If you have measurement of well the classic 36-24-36, thats inchs not millimeters. In metric size that would be 914.4mm - 609.6mm - 914.4mm American cars up till the early 80's had all std size bolts, then in the 80's and early 90's had a mix of std SAE sizes and metric sizes, then by 2000 most all bolts was metric. Theres not a single bolt on the '48 or '64 thats metric. He needs a std. SAE size set std. SAE sizes is ones like 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8" Metric is sizes like 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, etc 1/2" = 12.7mm So as you see, they are NOT interchangle

Answer 6

these guys are right u get what u pay 4 snap on matco mac go to 3/4 big auto dealerships and ask there they can tell tool guys days that they stop in

Answer 7

to save your money and headache, use sear craftmans. we have try snap on or mac tools which are the most expensive tools and they don"t last longer than sear craftman. sear will guarantee for life. no question ask policy

Answer 8

You get what you pay for!

Buy Craftsman at Sears!

Answer 9

yeah you pretty much get what you pay for craftsman is a realiable brand

Answer 10

You usually get what you pay for. Professionals use Snap-on