( 2 reviews )
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Posted: Mar 23 2009
I've owned an SK fractional socket set for over 30 years now (purchased when SK was still part of Dresser). I've taken care of that set, and it continues to give solid, reliable service. My usage pattern is closer to monthly than daily, so I don't represent an acid test, but the sockets and ratchet still look almost new. The set included the 45170 ratchet. I also own a used - very well used - 45170 ratchet. This has been ridden hard and put away wet - the chrome is worn off around the head and a couple of other high-wear areas. When I got it, the ratchet mechanism wasn't engaging, and it just spun in both directions. Five minutes cleaning the ratchet mechanism -- if you haven't taken these apart before, it's not that hard as long as you don't lose the parts -- and things were clicking like they should. SK also sent me a free rebuild kit -- now that it's working, though, I guess I'll save that for another 30 years to see if I really need it. SK, by the way, was owned by Facom, a French tool company, but is now an independent US company again. They will get my business whenever possible. The only flaw in the SK ratchet design is an occasional need to hold the socket when switching directions. At least one Amazon reviewer has complained about this. However, I also have a well-used Craftsman ratchet, and one must sometimes do the same for it as the internal parts wear. So...highly recommended. I'm looking forward to another 30 years use of this pair of ratchets. Then I'll pass them to my grandchildren...
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Posted: Aug 19 2008
If you're looking for a NICE 3/8 ratchet, you probably can't do much better than this model. Like the other SK ratchets I've recently bought, this thing has good heft to it and is smooth as glass. The knurled end of the handle is very well done and gives you very positive grip on the ratchet. I imagine this would work well for anyone that got it dirty or oily, although it's much to beautiful for me to be that careless with it. The ratcheting mechanism is quite fine and exceptionally smooth. I absolutely LOVE the sound of an SK round head ratchet click and if you buy one of these I think you'll agree. It's smooth, very quiet, very positively engaging and very comfortable in hand. Well balanced, -extremely- well polished and best of all it's still made in the USA (unlike most). This ratchet is easily one of my new favorite 3/8 ratchets (and I have a number of them!) and I'd gladly buy another or recommend it to anyone else looking for a good 3/8 ratchet (take a hint!). Buy one for yourself and see why people love SK ratchets so much, and why this particular design has been around for several decades. Put one in your hand you'll be sold on it, without a doubt.
