A good ratchet is a must-have for nearly anyone. If you are a homeowner, a do-it-yourself person, or a professional mechanic, you need a good ratchet set. With that said, they are not all created equal, especially in quality.
Thus, we created this comprehensive Craftsman Ratchet Set review. Craftsman is a household name which has a longstanding reputation for producing quality, durable tools. We want to see if this particular set stands up to the company’s reputation.
Craftsman Ratchet Set Review
Craftsman has been in the business for over 90 years, producing everything ranging from lawn equipment to automotive tools. They are a well-known, reputable manufacturer of all things tools. They began to re-engineer many of its products, bringing the focus back to high performing, reliable tools.
The Craftsman Three-Piece Ratchet Set offers just about every feature you could need or want when it comes to ratchets. You’ll find that you can work both quickly and efficiently given the convenience features provided with this ratchet set.
Who Is This Ratchet For?
This toolset can really be used by anyone from the do-it-yourselfer to the professional auto mechanic. You do not have to be an avid handy person or craftsman to need a ratchet around the house.
Similarly, you do not need to be a pro to use this set. It is pretty straightforward to operate, even for a beginner.
What’s Included
Three pieces of tools are included in this set. You get a ¼” driver, 3/8” drive, and 1/2 “drive. Unfortunately, no other accessories are included with this set, namely a case to go along with the drives. Many alternative products do offer a case to keep your accessories protected, so the exclusion of one is a slight drawback.
Overview of Features
The features in this set make work just about as easy as possible. There is a quick-release function which makes it simple to remove your current attachment and move on the next one. It is also simple to use if you have greased up fingers.
You can still change out the attachments on your ratchet with very little effort, making it ideal for messy workplaces. This can cut down on time and is really one of the best features offered by this toolset. You’ll also likely enjoy the lip which sits under the reversing lever. It is there to help stop any potential reversals you might trigger by accident.
The look of this ratchet set is quite appealing, especially given the full polish while both being sleek without being flashy. While the appearance is attractive, it serves another purpose.
The overall design itself makes for easy cleaning. You can simply wipe away anything you get on the set, including grit and grease or other materials you might have around your shop. You don’t have to worry too much about ruining this set since it is designed to stand up to whatever materials or liquid might get on it.
This set is a bit heavy, which can be a drawback for some, especially if you plan on using it for long periods. That is because the set is made of metal and there are no plastic parts. Another key drawback is that it does not include a case, which many alternative sets provide.
Pros:
- Durable and built to last
- Easy cleanup, nice finish
- Straightforward to use
- Easy to change attachments
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- No case included
- Thick profile
How to Use Craftsman Ratchet Sets
This ratchet set is pretty straightforward to use, even if you are a beginner. If you want to get a better idea of Craftsman ratchet sets in general, along with their durability, you can watch this unboxing video below. This can be helpful if you are a professional but haven’t used many Craftsman tools in the past.
If you are a beginner who never used this kind of tool before, seeing it unboxed and used for the first time can be particularly helpful. This can be especially true if you have never used any brand of a ratchet set in the past.
Alternative
There are really few drawbacks to the Craftsman Three-Piece Ratchet Set, but they are not particularly impactful on the ease of operation.
With that said, the Craftsman Three-Piece Ratchet Set can feel a bit heavy due to its solid construction. It could also offer a thinner profile. Both of those features kind of go hand in hand since they can make for easier access in tight spaces.
Hence, if you are looking for a lighter tool, you could consider the ARES 42000 Three-Piece Ratchet Set. It has features that particularly speak to accessing tight work areas.
The ARES set does come with a case and it is a bit easier to handle than the Craftsman Set. It comes with the same size of drives and includes a foam storage tray which provides a safe place to store your tools. The profile is also a bit thinner, so you might find it easier to access tight spaces.
The ARES set is designed to fit into tight areas which other sets can’t access. If that is what you’re looking for, the ARES set might be a better fit. Additionally, this set, just like the Craftsman, is easy to clean and take care of and you should find that it stands up well in terms of durability. Further, the grip is one of its best features, given its knurling which means not only is it a bit lighter, but it also has a really comfortable hold.
Conclusion
The Craftsman Three-Piece Ratchet Set is one that can be used by just about anyone ranging from complete beginners to do-it-yourselfers and professionals. It is easy to handle with features that make operation simple.
The quick-release function offers a way to work quickly and accurately at the same time, while the finish provides a way to keep your tools clean and ready to go for their next use. Similar to other Craftsman products, this is a durable set which should stand up to everyday use.
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