Ann Timson intervened in the robbery at the Northampton jewellers The men, all from north London, appeared at Northampton Crown court in connection with the raid in which £100,000 worth of watches was taken.
Jailing the men for a total of 26 years the judge called Mrs Timson a hero.
Judge Charles Wide QC said: "The only reason why they did not get away with even more was the extraordinary intervention by 71-year-old Mrs Timson.
"She took on those young men who were armed with sledgehammers. No praise is too high.
"If it had not been for her actions more would have been stolen and fewer of those involved would have got away."
TV footage The judge said he was recommending Mrs Timson for an award from the High Sherrif of Northants.
Patrick O'Brien, 18, of Arlington Square, Islington; Terry Ingles, 22, of Arran Walk, Canonbury; Edward Smith, 28, of Staveley Close, Holloway; Jason Hartles, 25, of Peabody Square, Islington; and Michael Sharpe, 39, from Rowstock Gardens, Holloway, all admitted conspiracy to burgle.
The footage broadcast by ITV's Anglia Tonight showed the windows of the jewellers being smashed during the incident.
Film showed Mrs Timson, a retired market trader, running up Gold Street past other shoppers after spotting the raid in progress.
Swinging her handbag, she was seen to hit one of three men sitting on scooters before turning her attention to the three other men who were smashing the shop window.
As the gang escaped, O'Brien jumped on the back of Inglis' scooter.
It fell over and O'Brien, who was hit again by Mrs Timson, was held by members of the public until the police arrived. Inglis was seen running off down the street.
Footage of Mrs Timson's actions was posted on YouTube, turning her into a celebrity and earning her the nickname "Supergran".
In a statement issued at the time Mrs Timson said she would do the same thing again.
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