Craftsman 3/8-in. Drive 72 Tooth Pear Head Ratchet

Craftsman's 3/8-in. Drive 72 Tooth Pear Head Ratchet, model CMMT81748, presents itself as a tool designed for durability and ease of use, with a polished chrome finish and ergonomic handle. However, my experience with this ratchet has been quite mixed, revealing several critical points that potential buyers should consider.

One of the first things I noticed about this ratchet is its ergonomic design. The handle is comfortable to hold and provides a decent grip, which is a plus for prolonged use. The squareness of the handle initially felt strange, but it worked well in practice. When it comes to comfort, the Craftsman ratchet certainly delivers, making it less of a chore to use for extended periods.

The 72-tooth mechanism allows for a minimal arc swing, which theoretically should enable users to work in tighter spaces. This can be particularly beneficial in automotive or mechanical work where space is often limited. The head is fairly thin, which complements this feature well. However, despite these advantages, the ratcheting mechanism itself is not without its flaws. I found that it lacked a certain smoothness, often feeling choppy during operation. This choppiness doesn't necessarily affect its functionality but does detract from the overall user experience.

One of the most significant issues I encountered with this ratchet is its tendency to seize up. On multiple occasions, the selector switch became misaligned, causing the ratchet to stick in one position. This happened despite using the ratchet under light-duty conditions. The mechanism inside seems to have a design flaw that makes it prone to locking up, which is frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of a task. The need to frequently service the ratchet to keep it operational is not something I expect from a tool that touts a full lifetime warranty.

The full polish chrome finish is a nice touch, offering corrosion resistance and a sleek look. However, aesthetics can only go so far when the tool's performance is subpar. The weight of the ratchet is another point worth mentioning. While it feels substantial and well-balanced, the internal mechanism's quality doesn't seem to match the exterior's promise.

One of the more disappointing aspects is the quick-release button. While the idea is to make socket changes easier, I found the button awkward to use. It often pinches the thumb, making it uncomfortable, especially if you have smaller hands. Additionally, the anvil has a hole straight through it rather than being solid at the end, which further complicates its usability.

Durability is another concern. While Craftsman tools have a long-standing reputation for reliability, this particular ratchet falls short. The material quality inside the ratchet feels flimsy, and the selector switch lacks a positive feel. After just a few uses, the ratchet mechanism locked up, and the selector switch snapped off with minimal pressure. This is not the level of durability I expect from a brand like Craftsman.

In terms of value, the ratchet is priced in the middle range compared to similar tools on the market. It is more expensive than some off-brand options but cheaper than premium brands. However, given the performance and reliability issues, it feels overpriced. The frequent need for warranty replacements and repairs diminishes its value significantly.

Maintenance also seems to be a recurring theme with this ratchet. While it is serviceable, which is a good thing, the need to open it up and ensure proper lubrication to keep it from seizing is not ideal. In my experience, even with regular maintenance, the ratchet continued to experience problems, indicating that the issue is more about design flaws rather than maintenance neglect.

Another point of criticism is the selector lever. It protrudes above the surface, making it easy to accidentally switch while using the ratchet. A countersunk selector would have been a better design choice, reducing the likelihood of unintentional direction changes.

In summary, while the Craftsman 3/8-in. Drive 72 Tooth Pear Head Ratchet has some redeeming qualities, such as its comfortable handle and minimal arc swing, these are overshadowed by its significant flaws. The ratcheting mechanism's lack of smoothness, frequent seizing, and overall durability issues make it a less-than-ideal choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Given these considerations, I cannot recommend this ratchet. The persistent design flaws and reliability issues make it more of a hassle than a helpful tool. For those in need of a reliable ratchet, it would be wise to explore other options that offer better performance and durability. Craftsman has a strong legacy, but this particular model does not live up to the brand's reputation.