Which ratchet wrenches are the best?

What are ratchet wrenches?

Ratchet wrenches are adjustable wrenches that allow you to turn a fastener in one direction without having to completely remove and reposition the wrench. They have a gear mechanism inside that allows the handle to freely move in one direction, while engaging the head in the other direction so you can continue turning the fastener. This makes them ideal for working in tight spaces where a conventional wrench would have to be repeatedly removed and repositioned.

Advantages of ratchet wrenches

Ratchet wrenches provide some key advantages over conventional open-end or box wrenches:

• Allow continuous turning motion – Don’t have to remove and reposition the wrench to tighten or loosen a fastener.
• Reach fasteners in tight spaces – Compact head design and short throw of the ratchet mechanism allows you to turn fasteners where a conventional wrench won’t fit.
• Variable handle lengths – Many ratchet wrench sets include multiple handle extensions so you can access hard to reach fasteners.
• Rotate fasteners in small increments – The ratchet mechanism moves a few degrees with each stroke allowing for fine control.
• Prevent rounding of fastener heads – The enclosed head design grips the fastener without slipping and rounding off the corners.

Types of ratchet wrenches

There are a few basic types of ratchet wrenches:

• Hand ratchet wrenches – The basic ratchet wrench design with a head attached to a handle that you turn by hand.
• Pistol grip ratchet wrenches – Designed with a pistol-style grip to allow applying extra leverage/torque.
• Air ratchet wrenches – Powered by compressed air and allow high speed tightening/loosening.
• Cordless ratchet wrenches – Powered by a rechargeable lithium battery for convenience without a cord.

This article will focus specifically on manual hand ratchet wrenches used for general maintenance and repair applications.

Key factors in choosing a ratchet wrench

Here are some of the most important criteria to consider when choosing a ratchet wrench:

Tooth count

The tooth count determines how many degrees the wrench head will turn with each stroke of the handle. Standard ratchet wrenches typically have between 36 and 60 teeth. The lower the tooth count, the greater degree of rotation you get with each stroke. However, fewer teeth also means less precision control.

Switching direction

A good ratchet wrench should allow you to easily switch the direction of the ratchet head to turn fasteners clockwise and counter-clockwise. Look for a direction switch that can be accessed without adjusting your grip on the handle.

Ratchet mechanism

The precision of the pawl and gear mechanism inside the ratchet head determines how smoothly it turns and whether it will stick or slip under load. Look for ratchet wrenches using hardened steel components to maintain precision under force.

Fit and finish

A quality ratchet wrench should have a polished chrome or other finished look. The join between the head and handle should be smoothly machined. Poor fit and finish indicates lower manufacturing quality.

Weight and balance

Look for a ratchet wrench with most of the weight in the head to improve leverage when applying torque. The weight should feel balanced in your hand.

Materials

Chrome vanadium steel alloy is the standard material used to manufacture quality ratchet wrench heads and handles. Durable materials prevent bending, breaking or stripping under load.

Warranty

Look for a strong warranty from the manufacturer, at least 1 year for hand tools but 5 years or more is preferred for professional use. This indicates they stand behind their quality.

Reviews of the top ratchet wrench brands

Now let’s take a look at some of the top brands and models of ratchet wrenches on the market today:

Gearwrench

Gearwrench is a premium hand tool brand from Apex Tool Group known for quality and innovation. Some of their best ratchet wrenches include:

• Gearwrench 1/2″ Drive Ratchet Wrench – Made from chrome vanadium steel with a polished finish. Has a 72 tooth gear mechanism and 5 degree arc swing.
• Gearwrench 1/4″ Drive Stubby Ratchet Wrench – A compact stubby design with a flush direction switch and 144 position ratchet head.
• Gearwrench Long Handle Ratchet Wrench Set – Includes 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ ratchets with extended handles up to 32″ long.

Gearwrench ratchet wrenches feature precise machining, smooth ratcheting, and are among the best for accessing tight areas. They offer a lifetime warranty.

Crescent

Crescent is another reputable American hand tool maker that’s been around for over 100 years. Their ratchet wrenches include:

• Crescent 72 Tooth Ratchet Wrench Set – Includes 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive ratchets made in the USA.
• Crescent Angle Head Ratchet Wrench – Head pivots up to 180 degrees to fit into tight spaces.
• Crescent Stubby Ratchet Wrench Set – Short compact ratchet handles with different drive sizes.

Crescent ratchet wrenches feature reversible mechanisms and come in different handle configurations. Limited lifetime warranty.

Tekton

Tekton offers a broad range of quality ratchet wrench sets at lower price points:

• Tekton 1/2″ Drive Click Torque Ratchet Wrench – Reversible 72 tooth head with torque measurement scale.
• Tekton 1/4″ Drive Long Length Ratchet Wrench Set – 7 piece set with extra long handles.
• Tekton 3/8″ Drive Stubby Ratchet Wrench Set – Short compact reversible ratchet wrenches.

Tekton ratchet wrenches provide smooth operation and have a lifetime warranty. Great for those on a budget.

Milwaukee

Known for power tools, Milwaukee also makes high end hand tools including these ratchet wrenches:

• Milwaukee 3/8″ Ratchet Wrench – Reversible ratchet with 72 tooth design and a thumb wheel dial for adjusting head flex.
• Milwaukee 3 Piece Flex Head Ratchet Set – 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ ratchets with up to 15 degree flex heads.
• Milwaukee Stubby Ratchet Wrench Set – Low profile compact ratchet handles.

Milwaukee ratchet wrenches feature all metal components and smooth ratcheting mechanisms. Limited lifetime warranty.

Craftsman

The Craftsman brand is synonymous with tools and makes several quality ratchet wrenches:

• Craftsman 1/2″ Drive Ratchet Wrench – Classic Craftsman ratchet with 72 tooth gear drive.
• Craftsman 4 Piece Ratchet Wrench Set – Contains 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ ratchets with flex heads.
• Craftsman Stubby Ratchet Wrench Set – Low profile ratchet handles for tight spaces.

Craftsman ratchet wrenches are competitively priced. Come with a lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

When choosing a ratchet wrench, key factors to consider are tooth count, switch direction, ratchet mechanism, materials, and warranty. Leading brands like Gearwrench, Crescent, Tekton, Milwaukee, and Craftsman all make high quality ratchet wrenches in different styles, sizes, and price points. Consider what features are most important for your needs. For most home mechanics, a set from a reputable brand with standard 72 tooth ratchets in SAE and metric sizes will provide reliable performance for general automotive repair and maintenance tasks.