new professional grade harbor freight ratchets

[BirdMobile]

Is this the end of the roto ratchet? Are the composite ratchets still on shelves?

Last time I was in Harbor Fright (1 week ago), they still had the old-style (2nd Gen - Fat Handled) composite ratchets on the shelves. The neon-green roto ratchets were all clearanced, with no stubbies left, one 1/4, and 3 or 4 of the 3/8 drive left. I think the roto ratchets at HF are pretty much history... unless they roll out a new model. They did still have the wierd T-handle+Flex roto ratchet "thing" with the 3/8 drive in the 1/4 drive head... might grab one next week before they start clearancing those too. I ended up with a pair of their stubby roto ratchets (1/4 and 3/8) before all of this went down... I like them but still wish there was a way to disassemble them. Great ratchets otherwise! Never had a desire to pick up the regular length handled rotos... I have my Huskys and Carlyles for that tool nitch.

 

[cagullett1]

Last time I was in Harbor Fright (1 week ago), they still had the old-style (2nd Gen - Fat Handled) composite ratchets on the shelves. The neon-green roto ratchets were all clearanced, with no stubbies left, one 1/4, and 3 or 4 of the 3/8 drive left. I think the roto ratchets at HF are pretty much history... unless they roll out a new model. They did still have the wierd T-handle+Flex roto ratchet "thing" with the 3/8 drive in the 1/4 drive head... might grab one next week before they start clearancing those too. I ended up with a pair of their stubby roto ratchets (1/4 and 3/8) before all of this went down... I like them but still wish there was a way to disassemble them. Great ratchets otherwise! Never had a desire to pick up the regular length handled rotos... I have my Huskys and Carlyles for that tool nitch.

I had been planning on picking up a set of the stubby rotos but kept putting it off, always assuming they weren't going anywhere. Guess I will stop by on my way in to work this week to see if there are any at stores around me.

 

[Youngguns]

I'm thinking you got the October monthly ad a few days early with the prices starting on the 1st.

Eh, who cares, at least we know Harbor Freight isn't getting greedy on us!

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

There is no way in hell I would pay full price for these ratchets, but at sale prices they should be a decent value. I still think the Armstrong Maxx series is the best value in ratchets for those on a budget. I'm partial to my Dual 80's (some bought for less than the HF prices) and I justify their cost by knowing I won't ever have to sink another dollar into repair kits or replacements for as long as I live. Just yesterday I had to use a cheap *** ratchet at a friend's house and it reminded me why I own quality ratchets.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

There is no way in hell I would pay full price for these ratchets, but at sale prices they should be a decent value. I still think the Armstrong Maxx series is the best value in ratchets for those on a budget. I'm partial to my Dual 80's (some bought for less than the HF prices) and I justify their cost by knowing I won't ever have to sink another dollar into repair kits or replacements for as long as I live. Just yesterday I had to use a cheap *** ratchet at a friend's house and it reminded me why I own quality ratchets.

If you use them regularly, I assure you, that you will need repair kits for your dual 80s. They break like everything else.



I'll need to see them in person. Hopefully my local store will have them in stock soon. The new composite looks great, but I'm undecided on the other ones. Based on the shape/size, I have a hard time believing they'll hold enough advantages over my gearwrench ratchets, to convince me to buy. I also dislike comfort handles, another strike.



Has anyone felt the mechanism? Do we think it's an off the shelf design (like the composite), or it's a new mech?

 

[GuyllFyre]

Since Sears/Craftsman has been going down in quality so much, others have been stepping up their game.
Lowes/Kobalt tools are pretty darned good for the price.
HF has really stepped up their game in the past year, with all the tools with lifetime warrantees now. The next step for them is to buy out Sears/Craftsman.
I've bought a few various tools recently at HF that really have impressed me as being a much better quality and value than many out there.
I am only a homeowner and hobbiest but they really have noticed a niche and they're filling it.

Sure, they still sell the cheap teaser **** but some of the stuff is pretty impressive.

The fun part of this that many don't realize is that patents are expiring and the Chinese are snappping up that opportunity and have been for YEARS.

In 1995, 1996, 1997 area, I was working maintenance for an apartment complex. The cheap faucets were ancient seat design, pooly cast, and of abysmal quality.

Somewhere around that time, a Delta patent expired and all of a sudden, there were $24 replacement faucets as good as the old Delta ones. Conincidence? I think not.

Bet that ratchet head is a 75 year old Snap-On design.

 

[FriendOfYours]

Stopped and checked them out. They are solid and the chrome is about as nice as Taiwan Gearwrench. But, I have no use for any more flex especially without a lock. I'm sure they will sell well once they are on sale.

I will however be buying the long composite. It is a sharp looking and feeling tool.

 

[Fedwrench]

swung by my harbor freight to redeem a coupon for a free magnetic tray. They didn't have any of the new ratchets.

 

[BK13]

Yeah, me too. I did see a 72" box, though....


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[Notorious BRT]

See what you enabling bastards caused?[emoji3]

For $25, what the hell, I'll try it, I needed some more ratchets for the house box anyway.

More on topic, they had one of the flex head ratchets. It did feel nice, I might pick one up when they go on sale.

 

[928'er]

To me, the name "Pittsburgh" on the label just screams quality.... Kinda like "Chicago Electrics."

 

[oldtools]

I see quite a bit of professional mechanics buying tools at HF. With their professional line performing quite well and at such a low price, they may be taking away some business from the truck brands.

 

[ibedayank]

Manufacturer Warranty Detail 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! If for ANY reason you are not satisfied with this item, you may return it within 90 days for a full refund or replacement.

screw that

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

If you use them regularly, I assure you, that you will need repair kits for your dual 80s. They break like everything else.

I have needed one, but it didn't cost me a penny; one call to Snap On gets it in the mail. Dual 80's aren't perfect, but they are the best I have used. Even if these HF ratchets turn out to be something impressive, will you be able to get a rebuild kit for them in 10 years? I doubt it. Your $39.99 ratchet will then be a $39.99 paper weight.

 

[AndrewV]

Seen them in store today, when i went in for some nitril gloves.
Felt just like my GW's. And COO was Taiwan.
Not as good as my Snappy's, but tempting back up, just incase.

 

[Need more space]

See what you enabling bastards caused?[emoji3]

For $25, what the hell, I'll try it, I needed some more ratchets for the house box anyway.

More on topic, they had one of the flex head ratchets. It did feel nice, I might pick one up when they go on sale.

I've had great luck with these, however my go to is still my dual 80! I also just picked up a matco 88 thinking it would take the place of my 80..... Nope not liking it, skips often

 

[monomach]

Manufacturer Warranty Detail 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! If for ANY reason you are not satisfied with this item, you may return it within 90 days for a full refund or replacement.

screw that

They're lifetime. You clicked on the first link; it has the incorrect warranty listed. Try the other links.

 

[Notorious BRT]

I've had great luck with these, however my go to is still my dual 80! I also just picked up a matco 88 thinking it would take the place of my 80..... Nope not liking it, skips often

I put them in my house toolbox. I have three sets of tools, one in the shop at home, one on the truck, and one in my cart at the farm shop. My Snap On stuff stays at the farm shop because that's where the heaviest work happens. Generally I'm just tinkering at home so I'll see if I like them there, plus all I have there are crappy ratchets so I needed some anyway.

 

[Exceller8]

swung by my harbor freight to redeem a coupon for a free magnetic tray. They didn't have any of the new ratchets.

Did you ask anyone to check stock? My store had them in the back. They only had 6 of the composites and that's why I bought my at full price less 25%. I really liked the other ratchets but I'll wait for them to go on sale.

 

[ecotec]

I may check out HF today. If they have the composite 3/8" with the Gearwrench style handle, I will buy it. $10.50 (with 25% off coupon) seems fair.

I wonder if they will make a 1/4" and 1/2" composite with the Gearwrench style handle at some point.

 

[Eric DC5]

I think I will check out HF this weekend for a 3/8 long comfort grip.

 

[cagullett1]

Anyone notice the new 60 gallon 2 stage compressor on the website? $200 cheaper than the previous compressor, with the same specs.

The new one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

The old one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

Also, new ratchets are on sale now online

 

[brkosk]

Bummer.. I was just there on Saturday and picked up the old style 3/8 ratchet. Didn't see any of the new ones out yet.

Now I just have to decide if I should buy the new style and keep the old, or exchange it.

 

[chipper]

I went by today and the only one had was the comppsite..the tag said $13.99 but it rang up $27 so the cashier adjusted the price for me...if you liked the old composites then you'll love this one

 

[Rogue1987]

Anyone notice the new 60 gallon 2 stage compressor on the website? $200 cheaper than the previous compressor, with the same specs.

The new one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

The old one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

Also, new ratchets are on sale now online

I love that the new one says 'Air Superiority' on it.

 

[ecotec]

I was about to get in the car to go get that ratchet, but I cannot find a 25% off coupon.




This has never happened!

 

[zcbauer89]

Anyone notice the new 60 gallon 2 stage compressor on the website? $200 cheaper than the previous compressor, with the same specs.

The new one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

The old one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

Also, new ratchets are on sale now online

Clicking the link for the "new" compressor, it says factory reconditioned at the bottom. Perhaps that's the reason why it's cheaper?

 

[cagullett1]

Clicking the link for the "new" compressor, it says factory reconditioned at the bottom. Perhaps that's the reason why it's cheaper?

Yeah, I didn't notice it until you pointed that out. Thanks!

 

[cowboy73]

Those are some good looking ratchets. I'm gonna have to check them out.

 

[flying eyeball]

dudes opting for their "dual 80's" over the $20 HF rats are funny.

really?



really?

 

[BirdMobile]

dudes opting for their "dual 80's" over the $20 HF rats are funny.

really?



really?

I own 4 Dual 80's at this point - TLL72, F80, FHLF80, SF80A.
I also, ironically, own 4 HF "cheap-o" ratchets - a pair of stubby rotos, a 3/8 composite, and the long-handled dual ratchet low-profile swivel head.

I use them all, love every one of them. My "go to" ratchet is still the F80, love that damn thing... but I've found myself instinctively reaching more and more for the HF composite as time goes on.

I can understand the love for Snap On dual-80 ratchets, they're great tools... I just don't understand all the hate for HF stuff. Hell... for what I paid for the F80, I could buy EIGHT of the composite 3/8 ratchets... and never have to worry about warrantying them - just dumpster them one after another in the HIGHLY unlikely event that I could figure out how to break them - and STILL be money ahead! That's got to be worth something, even ******** Snap On fanboys have to admit.

 

[chicane]

starting with the small 1/4 flex the prices are 37.99 and up to 59.99 for the 1/2 inch long flex.

they look similar to gearwrench, but harbor freight actually had a flyer on the wall showing the specs between them matco and snap on.

also had a new long handle version of the composite ratchets, but i didnt get a picture. 27.99

none of these were sale prices, im sure it will be like one of the few items that will never go on sale.

72 tooth, 5 deg swing, etc. they felt like decent quality for the money

No way, I can buy a quality German made ratchet for that money.

 

[monomach]

I stopped at my HF today. No new ratchets yet. All of the green handled rotos are being cleared out. I hope they're just replacing them with red and black handles like the flexes. It'd be a shame if they just got rid of them; they're actually quite a bit better than the Gearwrench rotos I used to have that cost a hell of a lot more.

No way, I can buy a quality German made ratchet for that money.

Nothing at Harbor Freight is full price. Why do you guys keep beating on the price? They're all going to be like $12-25 after sale price + 25% coupon.

 

[chicane]

I stopped at my HF today. No new ratchets yet. All of the green handled rotos are being cleared out. I hope they're just replacing them with red and black handles like the flexes. It'd be a shame if they just got rid of them; they're actually quite a bit better than the Gearwrench rotos I used to have that cost a hell of a lot more.



Nothing at Harbor Freight is full price. Why do you guys keep beating on the price? They're all going to be like $12-25 after sale price + 25% coupon.

I don't need a drawer full of $12 Chinese made ratchets I just need a few high quality German or USA made ratchets. Quality vs. Quantity, that concept seems to be lost on many within this forum who seem hell-bent on filling their drawers up with a bunch of junk.

 

[ecotec]

All the new ratchets are on the racks at my local HF. I bought the new composite 3/8" today. I paid $10.50+tax, although it took the girl about 10 minutes to cash me out. They do not have the right price in the system.

 

[BirdMobile]

I don't need a drawer full of $12 Chinese made ratchets I just need a few high quality German or USA made ratchets. Quality vs. Quantity, that concept seems to be lost on many within this forum who seem hell-bent on filling their drawers up with a bunch of junk.

I think that's a blanket statement that's not entirely correct.
Many of us like a lot of tool options, and extra ratchets so we're not always swapping sockets during a job.

Also, what "quality American or German" tool company makes stubby roto ratchets? Super low profile long handled ratchets? Composite rarchets?

That's what I thought.

 

[monomach]

I don't need a drawer full of $12 Chinese made ratchets I just need a few high quality German or USA made ratchets. Quality vs. Quantity, that concept seems to be lost on many within this forum who seem hell-bent on filling their drawers up with a bunch of junk.

Don't bring up the price and then turn around and claim the price isn't an issue. That's ridiculous.

Also, they're not made in China.

Got to be careful making blanket statements, too. Those make people say things you really don't want to hear, like this:

As for judging quality vs quantity, my Taiwan-made Harbor Freight composite ratchet keeps booking hours on ROs. Every single tech in my shop has at least one as well. Your post history is threads in Free Parking asking people how to fix your car. I'm going to go ahead and question your qualifications as the guy who gets to tell us that the tools we use to make money are junk. After all, we're the guys you're making threads asking advice from, right?

It seems like this whole forum is guys calling our tools ****, accusing us of thievery, and then asking us to help them fix their vehicles.

 

[Exceller8]

I don't need a drawer full of $12 Chinese made ratchets I just need a few high quality German or USA made ratchets. Quality vs. Quantity, that concept seems to be lost on many within this forum who seem hell-bent on filling their drawers up with a bunch of junk.

Have you actually used the ratchets? The composites are nice for the $$$ and I'm no HF fan boy.

 

[flying eyeball]

No way, I can buy a quality German made ratchet for that money.

Could you post links to German ratchets you can buy new with a lifetime warranty for the actual HF sale prices ($20-40) ?

 

[flying eyeball]

I picked up a stubby 3/8 roto on clearance the other day for 6.** and a regular roto 3/8 for 8.** recently.

They work great for me (hobbyist, diyer)