Anyone who regularly turns wrenches will agree that the ratchet is one of the greatest tool inventions of all time. It is one of the most versatile tools around and can be handy in some pretty tight situations. However, modern technological advances in automobiles, aircraft and heavy equipment etc have left us with less room to work much of the time. This is where the stubby handle ratchet comes in.
Stubby handle ratchets, like their bigger kin, are a mechanic’s best friend when it comes to removing threaded fasteners. Where standard ratchets can help us get into some tight places, stubby handle ratchets take it up a notch. The stubby handle allows us to access even narrower spots, all while being made of the same sturdy, high-quality materials of larger ratchets. And even with a shorter handle, we can still generate a large amount of torque on fasteners.
Stubby handle ratchets are typically found in ¼” and 3/8” drives and can be found in the flex-head style, as well. This style of ratchet allows us to perform the same duties as full-size models but in a more compact format.
All right, let’s check our chart of best smallest ratchets.
Thinking about buying ratchet?
Don’t forget to check out our Buyer’s guide. Best of them are waiting for you — Best 1/2 Inch Drive Ratchets — Buyer’s Guide.
6 inches (152.4 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 72
- Swing arc — 5°
- Weight — 11.4 ounces
- Double 1/4″ and 3/8″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Cushioned grip handle
- Flex head + Push button flex lock
- Quick release — No
5.5 inches (139.7 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 100
- Swing arc — 3.6°
- Weight — no data
- 3/8″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Industrial black finish
- Quick release — Yes
5.4 inches (136.5 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 72
- Swing arc — 5°
- Weight — 5.28 ounces
- 1/4″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — Yes
5 inches (127 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 120
- Swing arc — 3°
- Weight — 8.8 ounces
- 3/8″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — No
- 6-position adjustable flex head
4.75 inches (120.6 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — no data
- Swing arc — no data
- Weight — 3.68 ounces
- 3/8″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Spin disk
- Handle coating — Diamond knurled grip
- Quick release — No
4.75 inches (120.6 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 72
- Swing arc — 5°
- Weight — 5.12 ounces
- 1/4″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — Yes
4.5 inches (114.3 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 72
- Swing arc — 5°
- Weight — 3.68 ounces
- 3/8″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — Yes
4.25 inches (108 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 72
- Swing arc — 5°
- Weight — 5.12 ounces
- Dual 1/4″ and hex-bit drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Soft non-slip grip
- Quick release — No
4 inches (101.6 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — no data
- Swing arc — no data
- Weight — 3.2 ounces
- 1/4″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Spin disk
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — No
- 180 degree flexible head at each end
3.5 inches (88.9 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — no data
- Swing arc — no data
- Weight — 3.2 ounces
- 1/4″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — Yes
3.38 inches (85.7 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 72
- Swing arc — 5°
- Weight — 5.6 ounces
- 1/4″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Flip switch
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — Yes
- Chrome vanadium construction
3.13 inches (79.4 mm)
Specs:
- Number of teeth — 120
- Swing arc — 3°
- Weight — 4.4ounces
- 1/4″ drive
Features:
- Switcher type — Head push
- Handle coating — Polished chrome
- Quick release — No
Thinking about buying ratchet?
Don’t forget to check out our Buyer’s guide. Best of them are waiting for you — Best 1/2-inch Drive Ratchets — Buyer’s Guide
About the author
Eugene M. Carter is a hobbyist and DIY enthusiast.
He always chooses carefully tools for various DIY and automotive projects. Eugene started this website to share with you his experience and help pick the right tools that are worth your time and money.
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