How many teeth should a good ratchet have?

More teeth means a smaller swing arc, which helps in tight spaces. 72-tooth ratchets (5° arc) are the mainstream standard and tend to be more durable; 90-tooth and 120-tooth designs (4° and 3° arcs) give finer engagement but specialist communities note the pawls are smaller and can be more fragile under heavy torque. For general DIY and automotive work, 72- to 90-tooth is the sweet spot.