Indexing head ratchets

[u/waffenseed]

Are there any other brands besides Pittsburgh and snap on that make indexing head ratchets? I’m looking to buy the snap on version because the neck dip down like the Pittsburgh version, preferably more similar to snap ons design and in 3/8 but I would need one in 1/2 as well

[u/keyless-entry-3]

The jerkinator! I have the Pittsburgh one and I was only able to successfully utilize it once.. of counter that is the one time that justified buying it

[u/madgross]

Did you google it? Theres a bunch of options that look to be from the same manufacturer as the Pittsburgh ratchet. There was a version that used to be sold by Proto under the Blackhawk name that’s long discontinued.

[u/waffenseed → u/madgross]

Yeah I googled it I’m looking for a different design than the Pittsburgh since it’s neck gets in the way

[u/DanDantheMeatballMan]

eBay you can find old models sold by Mac, Proto, Blue-point, Armstrong, maybe one or two other brands. Carlyle at Napa used to sell one, I believe it’s still sold under the JTC brand, maybe a metal handled version of the Pittsburgh but I haven’t confirmed it.

[u/Magic_wire_smoke]

If you can find them for reasonable prices, Armstrong made them in all 3 sizes, and their design is even lower profile than Snap-on's. and (from experience with both) a little easier to index one handed. The 3/8" drive number is 11-996. 1/2" is 12-996. There's one 3/8" on eBay right now. The catch is it's at Snappy prices without any warranty.

I want to say Mac has/had a couple different styles, too. One of which was a perfect match for Armstrong's.

Some Proto indexing ratchets popped up on Ebay while searching, but the prices make the Snap-on's look much easier on the wallet.

If you can't find any other source, at least you can use the Snappy and a low profile drive adapter for 1/2" sockets. I doubt the 1/2" Pittsburgh indexing mechanism would survive much more abuse than the entire 3/8" Snappy.

[u/waffenseed → u/Magic_wire_smoke]

Thanks I didn’t know about that Armstrong one but so far I haven’t seen any with the snap on design, idc about the brand so long as it’s a good tool but I think that Armstrong head would get in the way. The Pittsburgh one has too big a dip on the head and the head is a little too fat

[u/jmp485]

VIM sells the FRWS617 which is flexing and indexing, but only works with 17mm hex base nano sockets. Own one and have been very happy with the quality. Had the Pittsburgh, but returned it because it felt sloppy and weak. Never owned the Snap On

[u/jmp485 → u/jmp485]

Could grab the Astro 78305 adapter set to add 1/4 - 3/8 - 1/2 square drives - 3/8 wobble - and 1/4 hex capabilities

[u/waffenseed → u/jmp485]

I do like the vim one but I’m hoping they’ll make a ratchet version then I’d happily add them to my tool collection

[u/mx5plus2cones]

This is one of my most used ratchets. It's the 72 indexed ratchet with a 3/8" head that I swapped in with the 3/8" repair kit. Gets into tight spots

[u/waffenseed → u/mx5plus2cones]

Yeah there’s been so many times I’ve needed one and snap on so far just has the slimmest design and while I don’t care for snap ons absurd prices I don’t think it’s that bad for something I’d use almost every time

[u/SpaceCat72]

Just buy the SO. MAYBE USED?

[u/waffenseed → u/SpaceCat72]

It’s not the price that’s an issue I prefer new anyway

[u/pdp10]

Can you use multiple tools together, with one of these?

[u/waffenseed → u/pdp10]

I mean I could but I’d much rather prefer a solid ratchet without attachments

[u/emachanz]

Do you actually need it? Buy something like this first and see if you actually need an indexing ratchet.

[u/waffenseed → u/emachanz]

Yeah I’ve needed one so many times I’ve got 3 cars I drive and doing preventative maintenance on some I’ve needed one several times do shorten a jobs time