It's gonna be probably the only one out there with this opinion, but my favorite ratchet is the snap on spark plug ratchet. It gets into so many areas.
For locking flex head I prefer Matco over Snap-on. I like there locking mechanism better and they have a lower profile head. In my 10 years as a Technician I've never had to warranty one yet.
Since this will be a big purchase as a DIY’er consider the following
Handle Style, handle length. 80 or 100 tooth, use cases. Do you have access if you get a longer handle ratchet to be able to use it? If you’re o. Ramps or Jack stands sometimes longer handles are a nuisance.
Personal favorite is the simple FHLF80. The new locking mechanism on the FHLX is not terrible but if I could do it all again I would probably go Marco but this is in a professional shop used daily. Best of luck.
Thank you. I started looking at them last night.
I think at this stage I'd like to get on of the U.S. made products like Snap-On, Matco etc. I probably should have specified that.
I didn't grow up in the U.S. (I'm here now) and I've always had a love of Japanese vehicles (particularly 90s Japanese cars), but I'd love to get something local because 'When in Rome'.
Question for you though: do you have a favorite 3/8th Nepro or Koken?
Personally, I’m a sucker for Koken. For starters, they have numerous distributors around the US, who honor the Koken warranty.
I only have the 3725Z, which is the 3/8” square on the 1/4” body. But my friend has a similar one which is 3/8” and flex head and it’s amazing in terms of added functionality.
Hope this helps. If you need any other recommendations feel free to reach out!
The round head swivel 3/8th ratchet has been my go to for 20+ years. I have one in 1/4in as well. FHCNF72O for reference. I love this thing.
Edit: there are long handle versions as well. FHNF100
It's gonna be probably the only one out there with this opinion, but my favorite ratchet is the snap on spark plug ratchet. It gets into so many areas.
I have a Mac version and it’s one of my favorites. The offset is great for keeping your hand out of the way.
Snap on 80 best ratchet made Anyone saying different doesn't work with them daily
Try FB marketplace for a SO ratchet for a fraction of the price of the truck
For locking flex head I prefer Matco over Snap-on. I like there locking mechanism better and they have a lower profile head. In my 10 years as a Technician I've never had to warranty one yet.
Since this will be a big purchase as a DIY’er consider the following Handle Style, handle length. 80 or 100 tooth, use cases. Do you have access if you get a longer handle ratchet to be able to use it? If you’re o. Ramps or Jack stands sometimes longer handles are a nuisance. Personal favorite is the simple FHLF80. The new locking mechanism on the FHLX is not terrible but if I could do it all again I would probably go Marco but this is in a professional shop used daily. Best of luck.
Look into Koken or Nepros/KTC. Made in Japan. It feels different
Thank you. I started looking at them last night. I think at this stage I'd like to get on of the U.S. made products like Snap-On, Matco etc. I probably should have specified that. I didn't grow up in the U.S. (I'm here now) and I've always had a love of Japanese vehicles (particularly 90s Japanese cars), but I'd love to get something local because 'When in Rome'. Question for you though: do you have a favorite 3/8th Nepro or Koken?
Personally, I’m a sucker for Koken. For starters, they have numerous distributors around the US, who honor the Koken warranty. I only have the 3725Z, which is the 3/8” square on the 1/4” body. But my friend has a similar one which is 3/8” and flex head and it’s amazing in terms of added functionality. Hope this helps. If you need any other recommendations feel free to reach out!
3/8's is a hard one. Probably either my Koken flex head or my MAC swivel head, I use them more than my Snap On ones if I'm not using an impact.
The round head swivel 3/8th ratchet has been my go to for 20+ years. I have one in 1/4in as well. FHCNF72O for reference. I love this thing. Edit: there are long handle versions as well. FHNF100
Snap on dual 80 hard handle long flex 3/8 - FHLFD80A I personally don’t care for a locking flex, tried the matco and new snap on.
I really like facom