8004 B Metal Ratchet 3/8 Full Metal Ratchet Switch Lever

The pictures don't convey how small the head really is on this thing. It's almost exactly the same size as the old standard Craftsman raised panel 1/4" ratchet head! It's considerably longer than most typical 3/8" ratchets, but not quite as long as a long length ratchet. It weighs within +/-5 grams of all of my other standard 3/8" ratchets, even with the extra length and fat handle. The balance point is almost exactly in the center of the handle, it's not head heavy like most. The relatively long and heavy handle can be a detractor if you like to choke up on it and swing it really fast, that would be my only complaint. The satin finish and odd handle shape make it easy to hang on to with greasy or oily hands. The ratchet mechanism feels very precise and has moderate drag. The quick release button is flush at it's edges and slightly domed, I can't imagine a better design. The direction switch is recessed and small enough to not get bumped accidentally, yet still easy to operate. The anvil is very well machined and fits all of my sockets perfectly so far. It is quite different than anything I've used before (except the 1/2" version which I've had for a while), my first impressions are that I like it a lot and it's currently the one I reach for first.

Really like this. Haven't found a socket it doesn't fit, I have a lot of whole paycheck truck sockets and older made in the usa craftsmen sets. Good feel, good arc. I have the whole set I liked this so much, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

I assign value to how often/how much I use things - so things that I use regularly I typically take more thought and carefully select what I believe is the best for me. Sometimes, this requires buying things sight unseen, and being disappointed with them.While working on cars is not my profession, it is a hobby that I give a large percentage of my time. I've come to realize that a 3/8" ratchet is by a long shot, the most used tool in my chest. Obviously, having the right tool for the job is always #1, and I have many ratchets in many sizes - but I was on the lookout for "the one" that I could reach for first, that would allow me to use it in more instances than the ones I have. I have always had craftsman ratchets as I've always bought craftsman tool sets - and quickly learned their ratchets under normal use are very poorly made and break often. I have harbor freight, Tekton, Kobalt, Dewalt, Wright Tool and even a Snap-On ratchet in 3/8 - none of which met my needs: a small head to fit in many places, a round comfortable handle, and solid socket retention mechanism, a short throw, and a slightly longer than normal handle for better torque.This ratchet has met every single one of my requirements, and absolutely blew me away with the quality but more importantly - the utility. I can use this ratchet for more tasks than any other ratchet I own - which means less time finding the right tool, and more time doing what I enjoy. I'd recommend this ratchet to anyone with even a basic set of sockets - it will make your experience that much better.

Been using for a couple years in all conditions and still works great.

I have something like ten 3/8" ratchets and this is my current favorite. I really like the comfort of it. The handle is an inch or so longer than most standard 3/8 ratchets, and the flare at the bottom with the Wera imprint is very comfortable for me to hold. The head is tiny compared to a lot of my 3/8's. It's 6mm more narrow and 5mm shallower than my SK 45170. That's a big difference when working in tight quarters. The price is also a positive. Though it's not got as many positions as some other ratchets on the market, it still is a premium product that is a good value at under $40.On the down side... Others have mentioned the quick release does not positively engage all sockets. I can say this is true for me too. I have a compact Snap On universal I frequently use. The quick release does not engage that. It also does not engage some of my SK sockets, though most are fine. When it doesn't positively engage, it does still hold the socket as if it were non quick release, but that defeats the point of having QR in the first place. As I said, I have quite a few other ratchets (all but one are QR,) and none of the other have this issue, so I'm going to say it's a problem with the ratchet, not my sockets. Although the finish is very nice to look at, it doesn't stay as pretty for long after use and banging around with other tools. The non serviceable mechanism worries me some. I have no reason to think it won't last a lifetime, but that does mean you have to send the tool in for service if there's a problem rather than just having a new mechanism sent to you.Even with the negatives I mentioned, it's so comfortable for me to use that it's the one I look for when I open my ratchet drawer.

By far, the best ratchet that I’ve ever used and it was a steal at the current price. I like it way more than my Gearwrench XP ratchet. In particularly, the handle fits like a glove in my hand and love how the pin automatically locks in the socket (when properly aligned of course). A neat little feature is the push button socket release, which protrudes a pin to dislodge a stuck bolt within the socket. Also, the quality of the ratchets manufacturing is excellent, but I expected no less from WERA.In response to one Reviewer, which had noted some of his sockets didn’t fit into the ratchet easily, I’ve not experienced this issue whatsoever, all while using Snap-On, Craftsman, Makita, and Kobalt sockets (I’ve been a Mechanic for awhile)

Just what I needed

If you want a tool of average quality that causes you feel like an idiot just taking off the plastic packaging, this is the tool for you.Feedback: 1. At least provide instructions to not ruin the tool if you’re going to over-engineer your packaging. 2. How about focusing on the quality of the product?Net-net: buy a Williams: less expensive and they put time into the product vs packaging.