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Are you in the market for the best ratchet wrenches? Are you still undecided on which ratchet wrench to purchase? In this guide, we have researched and shortlisted the best ratchet wrenches on the market today. It is our hope that this guide will help you choose the best ratchet wrench for your project.

 

1. KIMO Ratchet Wrench

The KIMO ratchet wrench features a max torque of 40 ft-lbs at 400 RPM to complete any task. It also features variable speed from 0 to 400 rpm thereby providing control as you use it. Its lock-off switch prevents unintended triggering. It has a non-slip ergonomic handle and ultra-slim head design that allows it to get too tight and hard-to-reach areas easily.

The KIMO ratchet wrench features a built-in LED light that lightens the dark areas that you work in. Its forward/reverse switch provides easy transitions. It has an all-copper motor that is lighter, cooler, and more efficient than aluminum motors while it provides stable operations.

 

 

 

 

 

          What We Like:

  • Max Torque of 40 ft-lbs at 400 RPM
  • Variable Speed (0 to 400 RPM)
  • Non-Slip Ergonomic Handle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Milwaukee 2457-20 Ratchet Wrench

The Milwaukee 2457-20 ratchet wrench features a powerful 12-volt motor that produces up to 35 ft-lbs of torque and 250 RPM to get the job done. With a 3/4 inch low-profile head design, this ratchet wrench can work in tight areas and engine bays. ou have maximum control and durability with its variable-speed metal trigger and reinforced steel housing.

The Milwaukee 2457-20 ratchet wrench prevents overheating by communicating with the M12 battery using a smart chip. You can work in dimly lit areas thanks to its LED lighting.

 

 

 

 

 

          What We Like:

  • 35 ft-lbs of Torque
  • 250 RPM
  • 12-volt Motor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. AOBEN Ratchet Wrench Set

The AOBEN Ratchet Wrench set features a 12-volt motor that delivers up to 40ft-lbs of torque to complete your projects. It also has a fastening speed of 280 rpm using its variable speed trigger. Accidental actuation is prevented with a backward switch on the back of the AOBEN ratchet wrench.

The AOBEN ratchet wrench has a heat-sinking feature that prevents overload by maintaining the working temperature of the batteries. With its LED, you can comfortably work in dark areas.

 

 

 

 

 

          What We Like:

  • 40ft-lbs of Torque
  • Speed of 280 RPM
  • Variable Speed
  • Prevents Overload

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. ACDelco ARW1209P Ratchet Wrench

The ACDelco ARW1209P ratchet wrench delivers 45 ft-lbs. of torque. It also delivers 170 rpm to accomplish any task. With a 3/8 inch alloy steelhead and built-in LED, this ratchet wrench allows you to work in any tight and dark space. Its slim body design allows the ratchet wrench to fit and balance hand torques up to 100 ft-lbs. This ratchet wrench also has an ergonomic soft-grip design that provides comfort and control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

           What We Like:

  • 45 ft-lbs. of Torque
  • Speed of 170 RPM
  • Ergonomic Soft Grip Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. S-LONG Ratchet Wrench Set

The S-LONG ratchet wrench has a 12-volt motor that delivers the power to get the job done. It provides variable speed from 0 to 400 rpm for more control. Accidental actuation is prevented with the forward/reverse and lock switches. Its built-in LEDs allow you to work in dark areas and its small head design with strong power allows you to work one-handed in tight and broad areas.

 

 

 

 

 

         What We Like:

  • 12-volt Motor
  • Variable Speed (0 to 400 RPM)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Avid Ratchet Wrench

The Avid ratchet wrench delivers a max torque of 37 Ft-lbs at 400 RPM with a 12-volt motor. It is compact and lightweight with a weight of 1.88 pounds. You can work in any tight area thanks to its 3/8 inch head compact size and ergonomic handgrip design.

This ratchet wrench provides variable speed with its variable speed trigger. The built-in LED allows you to work in dark areas and its compact size and slim head design allow you to work in any tight area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

          What We Like:

  • Max Torque of 37 Ft-lbs
  • Variable Speed Up To 400 RPM
  • Compact & Lightweight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Enertwist Ratchet Wrench

The Enertwist ratchet wrench features a 12-volt motor that delivers up to 35 ft. lbs of torque to complete your tasks. It also has variable speeds from 0 to 400 rpm for fast bolt removal and fastening. The Enertwist ratchet wrench also has an electronic brake function to perform the quick stop from “ON” to “OFF”.

This ratchet wrench has a slim and compact design that allows it to be used in tight spaces. It is easy and comfortable to use with its anti-slip soft grip. You can work in dark areas thanks to its built-in LED lighting. You are kept aware of the battery status with its 3 power indicator lights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

           What We Like:

  • Torque of 35 ft. lbs
  • Variable Speed Up To 400 RPM
  • Slim & Compact Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. RYOBI P344 Ratchet

The RYOBI P344 ratchet delivers up to 30 ft-lbs of torque and speeds up to 230 rpm to complete most of your tasks. This RYOBI P344 ratchet also features a compact and rotating head that allows you to work in corners and tight spaces. You also benefit from its 4 position and 90 degrees rotation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            What We Like:

  • 30 ft. lbs of Torque
  • Variable Speed Up To 230 RPM
  • Compact & Lightweight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Makita XRW01Z Ratchet

The Makita XRW01Z delivers 35 ft. lbs of max torque. With a variable speed of up to 800 rpm, you have the speed and control to get your tasks completed. It also features interchangeable 3/8 inch and 1/4 inch anvils that provide more versatility. With its electric brake, you increase your productivity as you control the work and get more done.

With its lightweight and ergonomic design, user fatigue is minimized. Additionally, its low-profile design allows you to use it in tight spaces. You can also work in dark areas thanks to its built-in LED light.

 

 

 

 

 

           What We Like:

  • 35 ft-lbs of Torque
  • Variable Speed Up To 800 RPM
  • Lightweight & Compact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. CRAFTSMAN CMCF930B Ratchet

The CRAFTSMAN CMCF930B ratchet delivers up to 35 ft. lbs of torque to complete your tasks. It also features a variable speed of up to 300 rpm. Its lightweight and ergonomic design allow it to work in tight spaces. Its LED light provides more visibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            What We Like:

  • 35 ft. lbs of Torque
  • Variable Speed Up To 300 RPM
  • Lightweight & Ergonomic
  • LED Light

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Ratchet Wrench?

1. Drive Size

One of the important factors to consider when choosing a ratchet wrench is its drive size. The drive size is the size of the socket that fits on the ratchet’s drive square. The socket size refers to the size of the nut or bolt that a socket is for. There are three main sizes of drive – the 1/4 inch, the 3/8 inch, and the 1/2 inch. The smaller the drive size, the lighter the work the ratchet wrench is designed to undertake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Socket Release

Sockets tend to get stuck on the drive and well-designed ratchet wrenches feature a button when pressed, push off the socket when you are ready to release it. This is another feature to consider when choosing a ratchet wrench.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Tooth Count

Tooth count is another important factor when choosing a ratchet wrench. The tooth count refers to the number of notches in the ratcheting gear inside the ratchet’s head. A high tooth count means less handle movement is required to get the job done, while a lower tooth count needs more room to work the ratchet to make progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Length

The length of the ratchet handle is important. The length determines how easy it will be to apply torque to a fastener. The longer the handle the more leverage you will have to loosen or tighten a bolt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Weight

In terms of weight, heavier ratchets will obviously fatigue the user faster. Keep in mind that when working above your head, such as driving lag screws through a deck’s ledger board, even a lightweight ratchet can feel heavy and cumbersome. So it’s generally wise to purchase a high-quality, lightweight model that can get the job done without tiring you out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Ratchet Head Style

There are two types of ratchet head styles. The head style is another factor that should be considered when choosing a ratchet wrench. The two types of head styles are the round-head and the pear-head. How the ratches wrench switches direction depends on the type of head style.

Pear-head ratchets have a small selector switch near the base of the head while the round-head ratchets switch has a knob in the back. There are also swivel or roto-head ratchets. The swivel ratchet is a round-head ratchet with a 270-degree rotation of the drive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of Ratchet Wrenches

1. Adjustable Wrench

The adjustable wrench is used for loosening and tightening bolts. This type of ratchet wrench works well with metric and standard fasteners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Combination Wrench

The combination wrench has one open and one closed end to work with. It can also be used to loosen or tighten bolts and nuts.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Torque Wrench

The torque wrench only uses 12 inch and 3/8 sockets. They feature one open and one close-end. Torque wrenches are used to tighten bolts that are about a foot-pound away from you.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Open-end Wrench

The open-end wrench actually opens from both ends and is available in standard and metric sizes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratchet Wrench Accessories

1. Ratcheting Wrench Set

The ratcheting wrench set becomes very useful in many situations for the DIYer or contractor.

 

 

 

 

2. Screwdriver Set

The screwdriver set has many uses and is a tool that every DIYer needs in his toolset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Universal Socket

The universal socket is indispensable as it can self-adjust to any size from standard 1/4″ to 3/4″ and metric 7mm to 19mm.

 

 

 

Are ratchets better than wrenches?
A ratchet has no torque control. With a ratchet,  you can exert rotational force in one direction and rotate it back. A torque wrench allows you to apply precise force.
How many teeth should a good ratchet have?
Most regular ratchets have 36 teeth which give you a 10-degree swing arc. Fine tooth ratchets have teeth from 72 to 160.
How much torque can ratchet wrenches handle?
Most ratchet wrenches require 20 to 250 inch-pounds of torque. For heavy-duty manufacturing, 150 to 750 foot-pounds of torque are required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

Ratchet wrenches are very useful tools for the DIYer and the professional contractor. In this guide, we review some of the best ratchet wrenches on the market to help you choose the best wrench for your jobs. Our recommendation for a ratchet wrench is the Milwaukee 2457-20 Ratchet Wrench although any of the ratchet wrenches we reviewed are very good options.

 

 

 

 

 

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