One of the most common hand tools everyone has in their too chest is a ratchet, used to attach sockets in varying sizes. You probably have at least one that was handed down to you from another family member or a friend. They are durable, and seem to last forever, especially if it’s a Craftsman.

If I had a crystal ball and could peer into your tool chest, I would most likely find an old round or flat style ratchet with very little care for design or comfort. Am I right? I know I am, because for as long as I’ve been able to use a ratchet, that’s the kind that I’ve had. Some have been downright uncomfortable to use!

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with your old ratchet from 40 years ago, you should seriously consider upgrading to Craftsman’s latest ratchet design. They call it a “thin profile ratchet“, but don’t let the term “thin” throw you off, because it really is more about a new innovative design. Over time a lot of products you hold in your hand (such as a computer mouse) end up with improved ergonomic designs. The age old ratchet is one of those products that haven’t really seen much innovation… until now.

Just like any other ratchet you’ve ever owned, there’s a quick-release button to attach and release a socket. There’s also a lever to switch between forward and reverse. The ratchets also come in 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ drives. Since it’s a Craftsman hand tool, it also has a lifetime warranty… so if it ever breaks, just take it back to the store and they’ll give you a brand new one. So what’s the big deal with this newer design you ask?

Not only are they polished, look beautiful, and are easy to clean, but they have a new paintbrush-style handle design.  This new design makes the ratchet feel incredibly comfortable in my hands and are unlike any other ratchet I’ve ever used. They are also more well balanced, putting the fatter, heavier end of the handle in the grip of my hand and as a result gives me more leverage. When I hit an old rusty bolt that requires more hand torque than normal, the comfortably designed grip allows me to give it all my strength without destroying my hand in the process.

To back up my claims, let me share a little bit about what I do. I’m the host of a television show called Motorz, where we show viewers how to enhance and maintain their vehicles. We film out of a typical two car garage studio where we aim to use primarily hand tools to get the job done. Because of that, we are all too familiar with a lot of hand tools, especially sockets and ratchets. I have been using the new Craftsman thin profile ratchets for a while now and as our most frequently used hand tool, I can say that the new design makes a huge difference to me and my crew.

If you’re looking to replace or purchase new ratchets, I highly recommend you pick up a new set of these new innovative ratchets from Craftsman. They not only look great, but feel great to use. They also come in a really cool blue titanium finish or as a gold titanium finish collector’s edition!

Originally posted at MySears Community