new professional grade harbor freight ratchets

[monomach]

I told you where to look. Go find it.

If you're talking about the direction lever, that is not a design flaw. That is the way all ratchets should be. Move the thumb left to turn left, move the thumb right to turn right. It's a Proto/Plomb design older than anyone on this forum.

 

[sac02]

He's not wrong. You talk here about a design flaw without actually saying what it is here like he's at fault for not going to the inferior version of GJ he doesn't know about that you didn't even bother to link to.

C'mon!

Snarky responses like that are just trolling, do your best to ignore it. Trolls like that aren't interested in being helpful, they are interested in proving that they are somehow smarter or better than the rest of the anonymous Internet that they are "competing" against - without realizing they are the only ones who are participating in said competition.

 

[Loscaldazar]

If you're talking about the direction lever, that is not a design flaw. That is the way all ratchets should be. Move the thumb left to turn left, move the thumb right to turn right. It's a Proto/Plomb design older than anyone on this forum.

Exactly. I find the direction lever more intuitive on these 72T Taiwan made ratchets sold under many brands than I do in the design that gearwrench and Snap On use....

Slide the lever to the right to tighten (righty tighty) and slide the lever to the left to loosen (lefty loosey....).

Makes much more sense than slide the left to tighten the fastener to the right, and right to loosen the fastener left.

 

[Sparkyjack]

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...

There is a a pierce of plastic that limits the travel of the release button, either push the release button really hard as some one else suggested or use pair of fine tipped diagonal cutters to cut the plastic free.

I chewed up the head of my 3/8" ratchet in several places before I figured out what was holding the ratchet to the hanger.

I'd rather chew up a tool using it for it's intended purpose rather than while removing it from it's packaging.

 

[bubinga]

a review? there are too many people already who "claim" to be reviewer's. with their videos and "special" sites.

I was just jaging around .OK?

 

[fsdogwood]

The only people calling Taiwan China are the red Chinese. Taiwan makes some really great stuff and are a democracy and are a pretty significant purchaser of US made weapons systems and heavy equipment.

The "red Chinese", I think, would like to buy the us made weapons, but could not. Heavy equips, that would have been a, too, already

 

[454cid]

I've got one of the 3/8th composite ratchets that HF has had for awhile. I like it a lot. I took it apart and lubed the works with something when I got it....... maybe Silglyde? I don't recall for sure. I stopped by my local HF last week, and they only had the flex head 3/8th in stock. I want to take a look at them all before making a purchase.

I'm not a big fan of the rubber handles on the chrome steel. It's always looked cheap to me. What's underneath, unpolished steel? A rough spike? I'm tempted to cut the rubber off, but I don't want to screw up a new ratchet, even if it isn't expensive.

 

[oldtools]

If you're talking about the direction lever, that is not a design flaw. That is the way all ratchets should be. Move the thumb left to turn left, move the thumb right to turn right. It's a Proto/Plomb design older than anyone on this forum.

Everybody have their own preference. Just because HF doesn't follow SO convention does not make it flawed. If HF follow SO convention, then someone will wine that HF copy SO.

 

[stage20]

I've got one of the 3/8th composite ratchets that HF has had for awhile. I like it a lot. I took it apart and lubed the works with something when I got it....... maybe Silglyde? I don't recall for sure. I stopped by my local HF last week, and they only had the flex head 3/8th in stock. I want to take a look at them all before making a purchase.

I'm not a big fan of the rubber handles on the chrome steel. It's always looked cheap to me. What's underneath, unpolished steel? A rough spike? I'm tempted to cut the rubber off, but I don't want to screw up a new ratchet, even if it isn't expensive.

I've wondered myself

 

[ATC]

I'm not a big fan of the rubber handles on the chrome steel. It's always looked cheap to me. What's underneath, unpolished steel? A rough spike? I'm tempted to cut the rubber off, but I don't want to screw up a new ratchet, even if it isn't expensive.

I can't speak for HF ratchets, but I have watched how SO ratchets are made (and I believe ALL chrome ratchets are made the same), but the ratchets go through the entire chrome plating process. The last step in assembly is where a machine presses the handle on. Under the handle looks just like the rest of the exposed ratchet.

This is how SO ratchets are made:
Skip to 4:20 to see the handle installed

 

[LB-1911]

I've got one of the 3/8th composite ratchets that HF has had for awhile. I like it a lot. I took it apart and lubed the works with something when I got it....... maybe Silglyde? I don't recall for sure. I stopped by my local HF last week, and they only had the flex head 3/8th in stock. I want to take a look at them all before making a purchase.

I'm not a big fan of the rubber handles on the chrome steel. It's always looked cheap to me. What's underneath, unpolished steel? A rough spike? I'm tempted to cut the rubber off, but I don't want to screw up a new ratchet, even if it isn't expensive.

Previous thread
02-06-2013 Composite Ratchets

When I hacked up one, the core was about the same size as a standard QR ratchet, maybe a little thinner in the handle, but not much.

<a href="http://imgur.com/fZHaKeg"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/fZHaKeg.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://imgur.com/tUvUjGW"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/tUvUjGW.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

 

[Dave.R]

I've got one of the 3/8th composite ratchets that HF has had for awhile. I like it a lot. I took it apart and lubed the works with something when I got it....... maybe Silglyde? I don't recall for sure. I stopped by my local HF last week, and they only had the flex head 3/8th in stock. I want to take a look at them all before making a purchase.

I'm not a big fan of the rubber handles on the chrome steel. It's always looked cheap to me. What's underneath, unpolished steel? A rough spike? I'm tempted to cut the rubber off, but I don't want to screw up a new ratchet, even if it isn't expensive.

It is pretty much an un-chromed ratchet with some notches in the steel for the molding.

It's more than a comfortable handle, saves you from the cold, dinging paint and chrome, and isn't as spark happy.

 

[Boredmechanic]

Was at hf yesterday and saw these for the first time. Seem decent.

 

[454cid]

I can't speak for HF ratchets, but I have watched how SO ratchets are made (and I believe ALL chrome ratchets are made the same), but the ratchets go through the entire chrome plating process. The last step in assembly is where a machine presses the handle on. Under the handle looks just like the rest of the exposed ratchet.

This is how SO ratchets are made:
Skip to 4:20 to see the handle installed

Thanks, I'll watch that video a bit later. Maybe I'll try taking the rubber off after the "new" wears off

It is pretty much an un-chromed ratchet with some notches in the steel for the molding.

Sorry, I switched ratchets, without really being clear about it. In regards to removing the the rubber, I mean the flex head that only has rubber at the end, not the composite ratchet. Thanks for the picture, Though. I didn't know the composite ratchets had that much metal in them. If I put a lot of force on my 3/8" composite, I can feel it flex, unless maybe it's just the rubber compressing and creating an illusion.

 

[454cid]

I see in that video that the handle under the rubber is uncontoured. My hope would be that the ratchets use the same body, but one ends up with a rubber handle over it. Looks like with Snap On, that's not the case. Maaaybe the HF ratchets don't use handles/bodies specific to the rubber handle model, but I don't think I'll hold my breath.

The rubber handles have always looked cheap to me. Like the manufacturer is just trying to dress up a cheap tool with a "feature" that no one really wants. I've noticed rubber handles on a lot of tools/things...... even spatulas. Oh well, maybe I'll end up being ok with the rubber handle after I use it a while. Maybe I'll go to HF tonight..... they told me that there truck comes in today, so maybe the got all the new ratchets in.

 

[BirdMobile]

I see in that video that the handle under the rubber is uncontoured. My hope would be that the ratchets use the same body, but one ends up with a rubber handle over it. Looks like with Snap On, that's not the case. Maaaybe the HF ratchets don't use handles/bodies specific to the rubber handle model, but I don't think I'll hold my breath.

The rubber handles have always looked cheap to me. Like the manufacturer is just trying to dress up a cheap tool with a "feature" that no one really wants. I've noticed rubber handles on a lot of tools/things...... even spatulas. Oh well, maybe I'll end up being ok with the rubber handle after I use it a while. Maybe I'll go to HF tonight..... they told me that there truck comes in today, so maybe the got all the new ratchets in.

Consider this as an option.
I bought a Snap On FHLF80 at a yard sale for $30. The guy's dog had chewed the hell out of the comfort grip, it was a tangled frayed mess of stringy rubber bits.

I took it home, and removed the rest of the grip material. I then took an old Snap On screwdriver with a hard green plastic handle, and removed the broken-tipped screwdriver shaft from the handle using a propane torch. I let it cool, then drilled out the hole in the handle so it was a little smaller than the diameter of the ratchet handle. I then heated the ratchet handle up with the propane torch, and pushed the ratchet handle into the screwdriver handle. Whole new tool, hard plastic handle, LOVE it so far.

 

[bobbycos]

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...

ok, so here is my unprofessional actual use review

i used them all for different things (brakes,tuneup,alternator,battery) and so far so good

nothing broke and they felt basically the same as my Snaps

the Mac mini came in very helpful when pulling the radio out of my Honda for the bolts that held the rear bracket in place

still want to get the 1/4" drive one

 

[BirdMobile]

Consider this as an option.
I bought a Snap On FHLF80 at a yard sale for $30. The guy's dog had chewed the hell out of the comfort grip, it was a tangled frayed mess of stringy rubber bits.

I took it home, and removed the rest of the grip material. I then took an old Snap On screwdriver with a hard green plastic handle, and removed the broken-tipped screwdriver shaft from the handle using a propane torch. I let it cool, then drilled out the hole in the handle so it was a little smaller than the diameter of the ratchet handle. I then heated the ratchet handle up with the propane torch, and pushed the ratchet handle into the screwdriver handle. Whole new tool, hard plastic handle, LOVE it so far.

Here's a photo of the final result:

 

[BirdMobile]

ok, so here is my unprofessional actual use review

i used them all for different things (brakes,tuneup,alternator,battery) and so far so good

nothing broke and they felt basically the same as my Snaps

the Mac mini came in very helpful when pulling the radio out of my Honda for the bolts that held the rear bracket in place

still want to get the 1/4" drive one

The 1/4 drive is sweet. You'll like it!

 

[bobbycos]

The 1/4 drive is sweet. You'll like it!

i hope so, can't believe HF came out with these ratchets

i have a few other of their ratchets in my j/y tool set

 

[1foxracing]

Today I picked up the 3/8 Composite & 1/4 Flex, I've never owned Taiwan tools in the past so this will be my first test.

My Wright Tool Ratchets didn't seem to mind sharing space.

I'm doing a motorcycle valve adjustment later this week and I'll put them to the test.

 

[stage20]

are the torx screws t8? i went to grease and dont have one. t6 and a t10. i must be slacking. thought i had a lot of tools

 

[BirdMobile]

are the torx screws t8? i went to grease and dont have one. t6 and a t10. i must be slacking. thought i had a lot of tools

T9 and T10, if I remember correctly.

 

[Vpick001]

I picked up the 3/8 long neck the other day, and will be using it as my daily driver for a while to see how it holds up. From my limited time with it so far I really like it. It's sturdy and smooth. I am considering their 1/4 flex head soon as well.

While at HF I also picked up one of their 25" breaker bars, and as soon and I pulled the tag off I noticed flakey chrome from underneath where the tag once was... I suppose it wouldn't be HF without at least something being a bust. I'm going to trade it in tomorrow for another.

 

[f575gtc]

There is one thing missing from these ratchets I don't like. The head doesn't have notches and a ball bearing to hold it in place, it swivels freely.

I have a 3/8th Kobalt that is notched like this

http://www.lowes.com/pd_337327-2232...&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=flex+ratchet&facetInfo=

Seems like the lack of those notches will cause the head to have no resistance and flap about in no time at all

 

[stage20]

There is one thing missing from these ratchets I don't like. The head doesn't have notches and a ball bearing to hold it in place, it swivels freely.

I have a 3/8th Kobalt that is notched like this

http://www.lowes.com/pd_337327-2232...&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=flex+ratchet&facetInfo=

Seems like the lack of those notches will cause the head to have no resistance and flap about in no time at all

Shim one side or return it. Lifetime warranty

 

[Myth]

T9 and T10, if I remember correctly.

I think they are T8 and T9. I stripped both of the T8 screws first time I opened my 3/8 long flex head! They still hold the plate fine, but I returned the ratchet anyway. It make me a little bit concern about the minor hardwares on HF ratchets

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

There is one thing missing from these ratchets I don't like. The head doesn't have notches and a ball bearing to hold it in place, it swivels freely.

I have a 3/8th Kobalt that is notched like this

http://www.lowes.com/pd_337327-2232...&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=flex+ratchet&facetInfo=

Seems like the lack of those notches will cause the head to have no resistance and flap about in no time at all

I have Mac USA flex ratchets that have the detent that you're talking about and they flap around more than any of my other flex head ratchets...

 

[BK13]

I mighta gone a little overboard...

Well, maybe not for this place...

 

[f575gtc]

Don't get me wrong, they might work fine, I haven't tried them out yet, but it just seems like they will flap around.

I did take an Allen to it and tightened it a bit seems a lot more stiff.

 

[SASORacing]

I am sure they are good, and very good for the money. I am impressed at HF releasing higher quality and more modern hardline.

But yeah from my experience when tightening, or loosening, with a flex at an angle without a lock the ratchet just wants to keep flexing in a direction you dont want it to. It can actually slip off the nut or bolt too, especially if you are using an extension or a deep socket and there is lateral pressure.

 

[chipper]

Don't get me wrong, they might work fine, I haven't tried them out yet, but it just seems like they will flap around.

I did take an Allen to it and tightened it a bit seems a lot more stiff.

So you have as much experience with it as you had in the store..then why did you buy it if you didn't like it?..I have not seen the new flex heads in person my store did not have them when I bought the long composite..but I have the 120xp flex set so im sure I will just do a looky loo with these

 

[f575gtc]

I didn't own a 1/4 flex head and wanted to give it a chance, I can always return it if it doesn't suit my needs.

 

[lightning02]

i bought the 3/8 composite and 1/4 flex (only bc i have nothing in 1/4in flex). if it wasnt for them having a flex head i would bought one of each. im not a fan of flex heads. i have 1 of each size in flex head and will never buy more.

 

[MRunabout]

I bought the 1/2" long flex, 3/8" long flex, new composite and the indexable 3/8" (actually had a use for it two weeks ago when I didn't have it). I haven't used them yet but they feel really nice to me and the flexing in the head is actually a bit stiffer than my SO FHLF80 and FHRLF80. I do wish they came with a quick release option, though. Taking sockets off my FHLF80 was such a PITA that I bought the quick release version (FHRLF80).

 

[aroslv]

I used my new 3/8 long flex ratchet today to remove the header bolts from my 77 Vette. Was able to flex the head in order to get to all of the header bolts but one that I had to use an angle wrench. Also used it to get the plugs.

Ratchet has plenty of leverage and the head did not flop around, very happy with it so far.

 

[oldtools]

I mighta gone a little overboard...

Well, maybe not for this place...

The light masks the Pittsburgh logo on the head make the ratchets look like SO ratchets.

 

[MagnumForce]

I played with them in the store, I don't understand why they are so great. Pretty "meh" to me.

 

[mmack66]

I played with them in the store, I don't understand why they are so great. Pretty "meh" to me.

The flex ratchets are a great value, but they are just ratchets, so if you were expecting something earth-shattering, I can see why you might have been disappointed.

Only a dyed-in-the-wool Harbor Freight hater wouldn't appreciate the long handled composite, though.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

The flex ratchets are a great value, but they are just ratchets, so if you were expecting something earth-shattering, I can see why you might have been disappointed.

Only a dyed-in-the-wool Harbor Freight hater wouldn't appreciate the long handled composite, though.

That is what I bought, just the composite. I am not a HF hater, just Harbor Freight resistant! lol.............