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$19 Ratchet Proves Premium Ratchets are a Waste of Money!

Todd's Picks

Best Performance

GearWrench

Average Finish: 1.7

Purchased for: $118

Made In: Taiwan

Search on Amazon

120 teeth, exceptional performance, compact size.

Best Value

Niko

Average Finish: 5.9

Purchased for: $20

Made In: China

Search on Amazon

100 teeth, excellent back drag performance, best value.

Runner-up

SKUSA

Average Finish: 4.7

Purchased for: $157

Made In: USA

Search on Amazon

90 teeth, robust build, better performance than SKChina.

Name	Price ($)	Made In	Average Finish	Link	Content
GearWrench	$118.00	Taiwan	1.7	Search on Amazon	120 teeth, exceptional performance, compact size.
SKUSA	$157.00	USA	4.7	Search on Amazon	90 teeth, robust build, better performance than SKChina.
Wera	$75.00	Czech Republic	5	Search on Amazon	Premium German-designed ratchet noted for low back drag and compact head.
Niko	$20.00	China	5.9	Search on Amazon	100 teeth, excellent back drag performance, best value.
KleinTools	$43.00	Taiwan	6	Search on Amazon	High-quality alloy steel, durable chrome finish.
DeWalt	$22.00	Taiwan	7	Search on Amazon	72 teeth, ergonomic handle, compact head.
Craftsman	$45.00	Taiwan	7	Search on Amazon	122 teeth, superior rust resistance, dual paw mechanism.
Ares	$25.00	Taiwan	8	Search on Amazon	122 teeth, ergonomic handle, good gear set.
Williams	$53.00	USA	8	Search on Amazon	72 teeth, heavy-duty, high failure load.
Durch	$18.00	China	9	Search on Amazon	90 teeth, good performance for the price, large head.
Icon	$53.00	Taiwan	9	Search on Amazon	92 teeth, low profile head, tight arc swing.
MacTools	$185.00	USA	9	Search on Amazon	92 teeth, heavy-duty, robust construction.
Workpro	$17.00	China	10	Search on Amazon	72 teeth, decent performance but high back drag.
StarWheel	$82.00	Germany	10	Search on Amazon	80 teeth, refined German engineering, compact design.
SnapOn	$246.00	USA	10	Search on Amazon	Dual paw technology, premium build, high torque resistance.
Pittsburgh	$15.00	China	11	Search on Amazon	72 teeth, sloppy gear mechanism, not designed for tight spaces.
SKChina	$36.00	China	11	Search on Amazon	90 teeth, budget-friendly, compact but high back drag.
Aada	$11.00	China	12	Search on Amazon	72 teeth, budget tool with sloppy gear set.

Comparison of prices across different ratchet brands.

Rating of each ratchet's finish quality based on overall performance.

Maximum failure load each ratchet can handle before breaking.

Measurement of back drag resistance in grams.

Force required to change directions in grams.

Number of right to left passes required for one full 360° rotation.

Converted foot-pounds of torque each ratchet can withstand before failure.