Got a duralst 3/8 flex ratchet for $2.99 Have a question

[bluechevy94]

Was at Autozone getting some parts today and $20 on my rewards card I grabbed one of the flex head ratchets.With my rewards card I only paid 2.99 plus tax for it
I have read some of the older threads about these and from what I can gather they are pretty decent for the money. Only thing is the ratcheting mechanism feels kind of stiff.I took it apart and was surprised to see it was already lubed.Is there a way to make it smoother?Other than that it seems like a pretty good ratchet for the money.

 

[plinker]

It'll wear in with use, I have a Snap-on GS936 that was very stiff until it got "broke in".

 

[John316]

You need to clip the spring and you can make these ratchets very smooth.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87874&highlight=spring+clip

 

[Mastermind]

Super Lube!?! had to be the first smart @$$ to say it. i don't have a real answer. if that is the answer and has been proven by someone else, i appologize for being a smart @$$.

 

[metaleltr]

Some people (ok alot) have cut the springs to make them smoother.

 

[bluechevy94]

Ok thanks guys! How many coils should I clip off on it?Don't want to take too many off.

 

[Skin]

although i dont recommend doing it you can snip a coil off the spring

 

[metaleltr]

I'm not sure, look around for threads about spring clipping, I would start with 2 and go from there, you can always cut more off but you can't put more back on.

 

[John316]

I do about 2-3 coils. If it's too much you can just give the spring a stretch, but no worries... it's guaranteed for life ;-)

btw I have the same 3/8 flex that I clipped and it has great action for a 36 tooth ratchet. I have beat on this thing a lot and it's still 100%

 

[jzt]

Are the new ones China or Taiwan?

 

[John316]

Most single stock duralast ratchets are the same as they have always been...Taiwan. The ones in sets are china/great neck and there are a few new duralast branded ratchets that are china/great neck.

Excepting the ratchets in socket sets, the single stock ratchets with these part numbers are HQ Snap-on 936 copies, made in Taiwan:

(some are special order from the store)

1/4" Chrome #71-416
1/4" Chrome Flex #71-417
3/8" Chrome #73-870
3/8" Chrome Flex #73-871
3/8" Chrome Stubby #73-872
3/8" Comfort Grip #73-873
1/2" Chrome #72-126
1/2" Comfort Grip #72-127


Here is an older post I did on Duralast tools:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1806729#post1806729









.

 

[bluechevy94]

Well I cut 2 coils off the spring and it made a world of difference in the way it feels.I can see myself using this ratchet alot.I think I done good for $2.99.BTW the ratchets are still tiawane made.Even at the regular price of 22.99 I think its a good buy.I might have to get the 1/4 drive one as well.

 

[John316]

Actually I really like the stubby 73-872... not fine tooth, but for $15 this thing is handy as heck and very solidly built.

If I may repost ProPainter's pic posted a while back. He is definitely the best Duralast pornographer I know of and hopefully won't mind the repost.

PS.
It wasn't me who started another Duralast thread, but we're here now. Let's just enjoy the ride ;-)

 

[bluechevy94]

Actually I really like the stubby 73-872... not fine tooth, but for $15 this thing is handy as heck and very solidly built.

If I may link, as well to ProPainter's pic posted a while back. He is defiantly the best Duralast pornographer I know of:

PS.
It wasn't me who started another Duralast thread, but we're here now. Let's just enjoy the ride ;-)

I have been eyein that ratchet and almost bought one.After trying out this flex I may pick one up.

 

[tjmonsen5]

Wow, those are all copies of Snap-on ratchets. They look very nice, much better than any Craftsman ratchet. How many teeth do these have?

 

[bluechevy94]

Wow, those are all copies of Snap-on ratchets. They look very nice, much better than any Craftsman ratchet. How many teeth do these have?

The 3/8 have 36 teeth not sure about the 1/4.I like the flex ratchet I have better than any craftsman ratchet that I have ever owned.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

The Duralast ratchet have 36 teeth, good deal, when I was 17 years old I bought the 3 piece set, comes in handy for home work.....

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79231

 

[twincam00]

I used to have a full set of Duralast Ratchets, they're great for the money if you clip the spring a little (they 'break in' over time) and add superlube

They have slowly been given away over time as Ive upgraded to fine tooth ratchets

I think their stubby 3/8 is by far the best for the money, these ratchets are much nicer than Craftsman RP's IMHO

 

[Fast LT1]

Anyone know if they still carry those socket sets with the duralast socket trays? I love those.

 

[bluechevy94]

Anyone know if they still carry those socket sets with the duralast socket trays? I love those.

I havent seen them in my local store but they are on their website.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...ocket-set/_/N-26hi?itemIdentifier=482670_0_0_

 

[Fast LT1]

I havent seen them in my local store but they are on their website.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...ocket-set/_/N-26hi?itemIdentifier=482670_0_0_

Yea i saw those, but i need the metric set more.

 

[John316]

Anyone know if they still carry those socket sets with the duralast socket trays? I love those.

They are no longer available. I managed to pull together a full set of std/metric in 3/8" without the trays, but had to do a combination of special ordering and picking up singles between several stores.

The sockets they have now are not the same as what is shown in the pictures of my earlier post (actually my repost of ProPainter's pics). They went from chrome moly to chrome vanadium and lowered the finish quality significantly.

 

[Coach James]

Just take the entire spring out. It should be real smooth then.

Coach