Craftsman’s new premium ratchets feel great in-hand and perform exceptionally well. Their heads are as slim as Craftsman’s popular low-profile ratchets, with the 1/2″ being ever so slightly thinner.
The handles on these ratchets, reminiscent of Craftsman’s CrossForce wrenches, are different than the round and flat styles that I’m used to. I was skeptical at first, but grew to love the new handle geometry. I am usually more a fan of textured/knurled and cushion-grip ratchets, but these handles changed all that.
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As for the ratchet mechanism itself – buttery smooth. The ratchet head is completely sealed, and contains an 84-tooth mechanism for a 4.5° swing arc. Its ball detent is stiff, but not excessively so; sockets attach quickly and securely.
The only downside to these ratchets are their scarce in-store availability. You can order them online, but many stores (at least those near me) still aren’t carrying them. These ratchets also carry a premium price, atypical of Craftsman ratchets, but not outlandishly so.
These ratchets are highly recommended, although more casual wrenchers will find the price of Craftsman’s thin-profile ratchets easier on their wallets.
Craftsman Premium Grade Ratchets via Sears:
1/4″ Drive | 3/8″ Drive | 1/2″ Drive
And yes, they’re made in the USA!
Following is a brief photo gallery. Additional photos are on the way as soon as I can put together a lighting solution that works.
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Thank you to Danaher for providing these samples without condition.
george
probably just me but i don’t see the real need. i just never had issues with the older designs. does a 1/4 rathet really need it ? was a mech/tech for 40 years. but if it helps ya, go for it
Stuart
I happen to agree with you there – with a limited budget the 1/4″ would not be my first choice either. But, I like handle enough that I would probably want to complete the set. A 10%-off sale and $5 coupon would make the price a bit more manageable.
The product packaging mentions that these ratchets have 25% fewer components than the Snap-on Dual 80 ratchet, so Craftsman is definitely targeting pro tool users with this design.
These ratchets are also noticeable longer than most of my same-size ratchets, so their mechanisms are probably beefed up as well to handle the extra torque.
Mac
Yeah, to each his own I guess… Price piont way too high for moi, but they do sound nice.
Andrew
Stuart,
When is the next 10% off sale? I might pick up a set at that time.
Stuart
Right now theres’s nothing on the schedule. If I had to guess, I’d say 2-3 weeks since there was one last weekend.
Techniker
I work as an automotive technician and I have been getting by with the regular Craftsman ratchets without a problem. I’ve been considering buying a new set from Snap-On, but now these are out, I think I will get them instead. I can think of a job right now they can be used on- the rear differential fill plug on a first generation Ford Explorer. Those can be hard to get at if you have a limited freedom of rotation. I really like Craftsman’s products.
I wonder if a flex neck version will be coming out? Any idea, anyone?
-Techniker
Beaver
Good review!
I hope to pick up a set!
Billy
This is the path that craftsman should be on. I bought a 1/2 and I love it, it’s basically an exact copy of a Matco but a fraction of the price. It’s the kind of tool that makes you want to start disassembling something when its in your hand
Brandon
I really want these ratchets but at my Sears the 1/4″ selector switch goes to far left and right and locks the ratchet up. Is there any news on this I asked Craftsman on their Facebook but they didn’t reply. The 3/8″ had a sticky spot in it but never locked up still is a lot of money for the wrench to not function properly but the 1/2″ felt great really want to get my hands on it. I am looking forward to a reply thank you.
Steve
I took my 1/2″ ratchet apart and took some pictures. You can have a look at what is inside on my blog here…
http://garagebulletin.com/2014/03/10/craftsman-premium-ratchet/
logan
so, these are by now gone.
I’ve never had a ratchet freeze up on me like these have. Nearly every project, my 3/8 or 1/2″ ratchets lock up, and it takes putting the square drive into a vise to break them loose.
wonder if I’m the only one, or if anyone will look at this nearly 4 year old post!
Sebastian Bogusz
yes same here. Best ratchet ever but the internals were insanely weak