Best Ratchet Set Reviews 2018

There are a lot of factors that can affect the cost of a ratchet set. Among these are the items in the set, the number of items, the quality of the set and of course the brand. To make this easy for you, we’ve narrowed down our range to cut off cheap ratchet sets that offer no value, leaving only sets that can at least offer the value they promise.

For between $15 and $210 you can get a good ratchet set. Needless to say, the features of the set you get will be greatly determined by what you pay for it. A $20 ratchet set isn’t likely to offer you the same as a $200 set. Determine the features you need and get ready to pay for what you want.

There are a couple of features that can affect how effective a ratchet set will be. It therefore makes sense that these features should influence the decision of which set to choose. Some of these features include:

• Socket type
• Ratchet tooth count
• Release mechanism
• Drive size
• Material
• Number of pieces
• Reverse mechanism
• Case type
• Finishing

One important feature of a ratchet to consider is the socket type. The socket type could either be 6-point or 12-point. This simply refers to the number of sides or angles the socket has. A lot of sockets available today are 6-point, meaning they are hexagonally-shaped. A lot of users prefer the 6-point socket because there’s the assertion that it allows more torque to be applied without rounding off shoulder corners.

The 12-point sockets on the other hand are great for working in tight spaces, namely because you have more starting positions and only need to turn it by 30 degrees to get it to slip unto the fastener. With the 6-point socket, on the other hand, you’ll need to turn it by 60 degrees. To settle the debate as to which is better, getting a set with both the 6-point and 12-point sockets will be the best bet.

Another important thing to consider is the tooth count. Most of the ratchet sets reviewed here are 72-tooth. Tooth count on 3/8-inch-drive ratchets will vary from 36 to 72. The more the tooth count, the better. Let’s try to explain this. Inside the ratchet head, there’s a gear system that controls the entire operation of the ratchet. With more tooth count, you need a shorter back swing to get the next bite. You’ll especially find this very helpful when working in tight spaces.

Additionally, due to the fact that internal resistance from fine toothed ratchets is less, it’s very unlikely that on a return stroke, a bolt or nut would come unscrewed. With a fine-toothed ratchet, you only need a 5 degree movement to work the ratchet as against the 10 degree movement that’ll be required for coarser tooth ratchets.

There’s an erroneous view that fine-tooth ratchets are not as strong and coarse tooth ratchets. This is totally not true. Every 3/8 inch ratchet is required by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to be able to withstand a minimum torque of 1,800 inch-lbs. and this is regardless of the size of the tooth.

You don’t have to worry so much about the drive size if you’re getting a set. At least everything in the set will work well together. The drive size only becomes an issue when you want to use other sockets with the new set. If this is the case, check to ensure the drive size is right before purchasing.

A ratchet set will have varying number of pieces in the set. Much more than the number of the pieces, ensure that the included pieces are essential and not just pieces you may never need. It helps to have an idea of what you’ll be using the ratchet set for most of the time.

Most if not all ratchets are made of steel of varying compositions. You of course need to have a very tough material that can handle the demands that’ll be placed on the ratchet, a primary kind being chrome vanadium steel.

When considering ease of use, one important thing to look out for is the release mechanism. The release mechanism is what allows the socket to pop out of the ratchet. Many ratchets have a quick release mechanism which makes the process easy. Others that don’t have a quick release mechanism will require that you pull the socket off, which could be difficult with oily hands.

Another thing to consider is the reverse mechanism. A ratchet could have a lever or a dial design. Depending on the conditions under which you’re working, one may be preferred to the other. If you’re working in an open space, any of the two will do fine. However, when you’re working in a tight space, you’ll find that the lever design is more convenient.

Does the finishing on your ratchet set matter? Well, if you want to clean them conveniently then it certainly does matter. Smooth finishes allow for easier cleaning as against textured finishes. You decide which you prefer.

Finally, we’ll consider the case, which is also an important factor seeing as the case will help keep you ratchets and sockets organized and safe. Generally speaking, cases that hold up to heavy use are those with hinges and snaps with pin and draw-bolt latches. You should also give more consideration to cases that provide secure storage so your tools won’t be falling around inside of it.

Take your time to find exactly what’s right for you.