new professional grade harbor freight ratchets

[wild cowboy]

Where do you live that techs still lie on their backs pulling bolts? India? Louisiana in 1932?

 

[wild cowboy]

It can't be that difficult to grasp that China has a wider range of capability than anyone else in the world. They have excellent factories with happy workers and good steel and they have prison work camps with workers that commit suicide and use pot metal. Both make tools. They're not the same quality and one charges much, much more for the product than the other.

Taiwan also has excellent factories. It does not have prison work camps. It no longer uses pot metal. Therefore, it cannot make the shittier level of tools that China is capable of making.

So, yes. Geography absolutely matters. Taiwan is no longer capable of making a crappy stamped-out wrench that you can turn a profit on when selling a whole set for two bucks at Wal-Mart. China can match Taiwan, but then you lose the price advantage that you went to China for in the first place.

This is why people prefer Taiwan to China. Yes, you can get good things from China. Unfortunately, the odds are against it because there's little incentive for companies to make it there because they have to pay just as much as they'd pay from Taiwan. On the other hand, you just can't be burned with a Taiwan tool the way you can with the stuff that companies usually do get from China. The worst they make these days is of acceptable quality. Taiwan is safe. China is a gamble.

very insightful! - haven't heard this concept explained as lucid as you did, good job!

(I may repost some of your points on some intellectual forums I visit)

 

[KaHuNaZ]

Cool. Just picked up the new longer composite 3/8" ratchet and it feels pretty good in the hand. also picked up another set of the older composite ratchets as my old set grew legs and ended up in my dads toolbox.

 

[340wedge]

I just bought the 1/4" composite, to complete the set of older handle composites and picked up the new 3/8 composite from HF. It is so nice, 72 teeth for 13 bucks, and feels great!

 

[RedneckWelder]

I had some time to kill tonight so I moseyed around HF for about 20 minutes and I checked out the new ratchets.

Very, very nice. Probably the nicest ratchets in their price class. They aren't Snap On Dual 80s but damn for a cheap ratchet they are great, I actually felt that they were a bit smoother than my Kobalts, which are damn nice in their own right.

 

[ratchet_gear]

I have to get some of these composite ratchets that you guys are talking about. It seems like I will not be disappointed. Also, I was able to see the new ratchets in person even though they did not have them out yet. The employee I spoke to told me that they got new ratchets in and went to the back to grab them for me. I liked what I saw and hope to be adding all of them to my collection soon.

 

[ratchet_gear]

I wonder how long this picture was up without any of us noticing that these new ratchets were coming out. This is the 72'' box.

http://www.harborfreight.com/72-in-18-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-61656.html

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Went to Harbor Freight for some moving blankets, and a few face shields, and some red rags..... I bought the 3/8 composite ratchet. looked at the others. Not bad for the SALE PRICE.... About GearWrench quality, which is very good. IMO

 

[Toyota mechanic]

i used the 20 % off coupons and picked up all except the 1/4" drive

i also got the composite 3/8" and when i ran into my Mac guy I got the 3/8" drive in a 1/4" body

For the price of one very excelllent Snap-on ratchet, you can get 5 of these!!!!!!!!! good ratchets.... with a walk in warranty. Not bad...

 

[stage20]

used my 3/8 and 1/2 inch ratchets today along with my harbor freight impact sockets, earthquake impact and earthquake ratchet changing my brakes and hubs today. i did use a craftsman extension and screwdriver, though.

 

[BirdMobile]

used my 3/8 and 1/2 inch ratchets today along with my harbor freight impact sockets, earthquake impact and earthquake ratchet changing my brakes and hubs today. i did use a craftsman extension and screwdriver, though.

Don't keep us in suspense... how did it all function?

 

[scarecrow505]

Picked up a 1/2 drive today, I like it alot but I wish it didn't have a rubber comfort grip handle. Someone mod a snap on hard handle to fit and post how to do it!

 

[bubinga]

Umm, yeah they are. Taiwan is Chinese made. It's not American and it's not German.

I'm not asking you for sh!t. This isn't a professional forum it is a forum for hobbyists and enthusiasts. If I am asking questions it is because I am shooting the sh!t and getting opinions not because I don't know how to fix my own sh!t. I have been fixing my own cars for 30 years. Thankfully I have a job where I can make a great salary without having to lay on my back all day and pull bolts.


I haven't asked you for jack sh!t and you haven't provided jack sh!t. If you don't like my OPINION don't read it.

You sound like a real wise guy too.
I lurked on this group for a long time, and it seemed like a nice group of guys, Now, any more, there seems to be a lot of wise guys here.
If you don't like HF tools, don't buy them.
I was a professional mechanic Laying on my back pulling bolts all my life.
HF does have some decent tools.
And the tool does not make the mechanic/craftsman.

 

[bubinga]

Picked up a 1/2 drive today, I like it a lot but I wish it didn't have a rubber comfort grip handle. Someone mod a snap on hard handle to fit and post how to do it!

You mod it, and show us how..........................LOL

No, that would be a nice mod.
I never did make it to HF today,
Was gonna get the 1/2" long flex one, and the composite 3/8"
about a 40 mile ride one way for me, Do wish they had on more local.

 

[monomach]

You mod it, and show us how..........................LOL

No, that would be a nice mod.
I never did make it to HF today,
Was gonna get the 1/2" long flex one, and the composite 3/8"
about a 40 mile ride one way for me, Do wish they had on more local.

If you've got an 80 mile trip, call ahead and make sure they have them in stock. Mine sold out without even putting them on display and the entire shipment coming in next Thursday is already spoken for. I still haven't had the chance to touch these new ratchets.

 

[unslow1]

I went in to see the new ratchets. They did look pretty nice. If they had a position lock for the flex heads I probably would have bought the whole set. I have enough stuff that moves when I don't want it to. I think I would be afraid to put much stress on one for fear of it moving.

 

[oldtools]

Bought the 3/8 flex ratchet today ($16.23 out the door). That is a pretty darn nice ratchet for $16.23. Not quite SO quality but pretty close. I really like the new 3/8 composite. When it goes on sale for 50% off, I will get it.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I went in to see the new ratchets. They did look pretty nice. If they had a position lock for the flex heads I probably would have bought the whole set. I have enough stuff that moves when I don't want it to. I think I would be afraid to put much stress on one for fear of it moving.

All the import stuff is pretty much like that (not sure about the domestic non-locking though). You can at least tighten the flex somewhat if it's bolted. You put a socket on there and it'll get pretty floppy but once it's on the bolt it's easier to control. Not a fan of gimmicks but it's good to have for once in a blue moon stuff.

Actually, I probably wouldn't use a locking flex because you can reposition a non-locking's angle much easier without fidgeting with a lock; if you're reaching on a bolt with one arm that can be a major issue.

 

[monomach]

Bought the 3/8 flex ratchet today ($16.23 out the door). That is a pretty darn nice ratchet for $16.23. Not quite SO quality but pretty close. I really like the new 3/8 composite. When it goes on sale for 50% off, I will get it.

They're going to lynch you.

 

[KaHuNaZ]

Bought the 3/8 flex ratchet today ($16.23 out the door). That is a pretty darn nice ratchet for $16.23. Not quite SO quality but pretty close. I really like the new 3/8 composite. When it goes on sale for 50% off, I will get it.

it should be 50% off right now at $13.99 http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-composite-tear-drop-ratchet-62318.html

 

[stage20]

Don't keep us in suspense... how did it all function?

Excellent. Once I broke the bolts loose I folded the flex nd used it like a screwdriver to take them the rest of the way out. My dad liked the flex head so I sold him my kobalt at a deal.
A short or a stubby 3/8 is needed. Hf missed the bus on this one.

 

[stage20]

I wish they had fatter handles. I've got 2 yellow mac handles id like to jam on there. That wwould be different

 

[bubinga]

If you've got an 80 mile trip, call ahead and make sure they have them in stock. Mine sold out without even putting them on display and the entire shipment coming in next Thursday is already spoken for. I still haven't had the chance to touch these new ratchets.

Yeah, I need a few other things too, been wanting to check this new store out anyways, But a good idea though(to call).
Going to go OT here, but What I need is a 25 foot welding hose for my baby torch set.
Are the HF hose sets any good?
I did ask at the Pass/Fail thread, but no info there yet.
Maybe I'll have to "be the first to write a review"...............LOL

OMG, you mean to say the entire shipping is being held for people?
Popular tool.

 

[sk farmer]

Yeah, I need a few other things too, been wanting to check this new store out anyways, But a good idea though(to call).
Going to go OT here, but What I need is a 25 foot welding hose for my baby torch set.
Are the HF hose sets any good?
I did ask at the Pass/Fail thread, but no info there yet.
Maybe I'll have to "be the first to write a review"...............LOL

OMG, you mean to say the entire shipping is being held for people?
Popular tool.

a review? there are too many people already who "claim" to be reviewer's. with their videos and "special" sites. i did do a comparison with my thoughts over at the gazette. pictures showing it along side several different popular ratchets, even the beloved dual 80.

kind of odd that there is 20 plus pages of ******* in the wind here and little old sk farmer is the only one to actually buy a ratchet and snap a few pics to compare it to other ratchets. check it out, you may find it interesting.

 

[monomach]

Yeah, I need a few other things too, been wanting to check this new store out anyways, But a good idea though(to call).
Going to go OT here, but What I need is a 25 foot welding hose for my baby torch set.
Are the HF hose sets any good?
I did ask at the Pass/Fail thread, but no info there yet.
Maybe I'll have to "be the first to write a review"...............LOL

OMG, you mean to say the entire shipping is being held for people?
Popular tool.

I've never used the hose. You're probably gonna have to be the first.

But yeah, they only got four of each ratchet in the first shipment. They all sold on the day they got there to people coming in and specifically asking for them. The manager has a waiting list set up for each model. I'm fifth in line for the new 3/8 composite, but he says they're only getting in four more of each on Thursday.

 

[Brownsfan]

I stopped by my local HF. They look like a copy of Gearwrench more than anything. They felt pretty good and for the prices they are a good value. Even if they were a few $ more. Just look at what lowes charges for essentially the same ratchets

 

[BK13]

Yeah, but I think the Lowes 1/2" long flex is maybe another 6" more in the handle...

So far I have picked up the 1/2" long flex, 3/8" long flex, and long 3/8" composite.

Okay, stupid question: how do you get the peg hanger tab off? There has to be a better way than ripping the plastic off bit by bit...

 

[RedneckWelder]

All the import stuff is pretty much like that (not sure about the domestic non-locking though). You can at least tighten the flex somewhat if it's bolted. You put a socket on there and it'll get pretty floppy but once it's on the bolt it's easier to control. Not a fan of gimmicks but it's good to have for once in a blue moon stuff.

Actually, I probably wouldn't use a locking flex because you can reposition a non-locking's angle much easier without fidgeting with a lock; if you're reaching on a bolt with one arm that can be a major issue.

All the non-locking flexes I have dealt with can be aggravating to get on the bolt if you cannot guide it on with your hand but putting torque on it isn't an issue for the most part.

Locking flexes can be left unlocked on some makers- Matco/Armstrong, for example, you can leave it unlocked if you desire. I don't know about the Snap On versions.

 

[monomach]

Yeah, but I think the Lowes 1/2" long flex is maybe another 6" more in the handle...

So far I have picked up the 1/2" long flex, 3/8" long flex, and long 3/8" composite.

Okay, stupid question: how do you get the peg hanger tab off? There has to be a better way than ripping the plastic off bit by bit...

If it's the normal HF black plastic socket that the ratchet drive goes into, you can just He-Man it off. Then again, that may not work with a non-locking flex, since the head could just move with the tag. There are two little tabs on the square to cut. They have a picture of a pair of scissors next to them.

 

[BK13]

Dang, maybe I should have worn my glasses, or turned on a few lights!

Man, I'm a bonehead sometimes...

 

[KaHuNaZ]

Dang, maybe I should have worn my glasses, or turned on a few lights!

Man, I'm a bonehead sometimes...

I didnt see it either. I just pressed the socket release button really hard with both thumbs.

 

[stage20]

take a larger flat head and stick between the hanger and the backside of the ratchet. give it a twist clockwise or counter clockwise in a few spots and it will come right off.

might put a small scratch in the backing plate, so tool polishers might want to take it off a different way.

 

[CombatVet]

I don't know why the negativity about Harbor Freight and its products being made in China and Taiwan. Today almost all mid class tools being imported such as,Blue Point,Williams,Proto,Blackhawk,Gearwrench,Craftsman,Kobalt and many more. I own all truck brand tools and Harbor Freight tools. They have served me well. These ratchets might be made by the same factory that made the above mentioned tools. Just my opinion.




I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

I couldn't agree with you more.

 

[CombatVet]

I bought the composite ratchet tonight and even though it wasn't on sale I was happy at the $20 purchase price after 25% off coupon. Funny thing is, if this rathcet didn't say "Pittsburgh" on it I'm sure a bunch of you guys would really love it. Get over the name!

Amen to that!

 

[Wanna Ride]

Those green handled HF ratchets aren't bad. I'm actually impresses with them. I buy them for the guys at work, and they seem to last pretty good. Gotta' buy the cheap ones because the nature of the work, and how many people use the same tools sets, they just get lost more than anything else. But to date, I've never seen any of them that failed, and I only replace them annually.

I buy a pretty complete set of basic hand tools for each team annually, for a total of about $125-$150, depending on what all is on sale when I actually make the annual purchase. That includes a couple tape measures, a set of metric/SAE wrenches, a set of metric/SAE 3/8 ratchet & sockets, claw hammer, ball pein hammer, the orange/green screwdrivers, a set of the orange handled pliers, 3-pak cluster of allen/star metric and SAE wrenches, speed square, multi-meter, a couple utility knives, blades, and the rest of the standard stuff. Not bad for everything you get for the money.

 

[thesilverone]

kind of odd that there is 20 plus pages of ******* in the wind here and little old sk farmer is the only one to actually buy a ratchet and snap a few pics to compare it to other ratchets. check it out, you may find it interesting.

yeah but how was the hanger it was on?

 

[bobcatdan]

Was out and about this morning and thought to myself that I haven't smelled imported rubber lately so I wheeled into HF. Wanted to see the ratchets in person. They look and feel nice other then the locked up 1/4". I would use one over a RP craftsman. Now I didn't have anything to compare it to, but I thought the head on the 1/4" was huge.

 

[Jacks3am]

I got the 1/2 regular length, looks badass to me but time will tell! Very comfortable.

 

[BirdMobile]

I got the 1/2 regular length, looks badass to me but time will tell! Very comfortable.

{Image deleted to save space}

I bought the same one. Didn't need the long version, I have a Snap On flex head of that length. I haven't used the HF short 1/2 much yet, but so far it looks, feels, and works great!

 

[BirdMobile]

The hanger is not the design flaw................

An inconvenience maybe but not the flaw.

So how about enlightening us? What is this design flaw you speak of?