Why are Harbor Freight ratchets so good?

[Indy_500]

I have the 3 basic ratchets that came with my 65 pc. socket set. nothing special but they are decent. I now have the 3/8" drive roto ratchet and the 3/8" drive composite ratchet along with the 1/4" drive thumbwheel ratchet. They all ratchet so smooth i just don't get it! i went to HF today and they had a bunch of ratchets on clearance. I will for sure be going and picking some up randomly thruout the summer as long as they're on sale!

 

[Teken]

How do you find that 180 swivel ratchet in terms of performance and flex?

 

[Indy_500]

How do you find that 180 swivel ratchet in terms of performance and flex?

i really love it. Since i'm not a pro mechanic, i'm not the best ratcheter out there so if you start to put a lot of torque on it, it strips nut and bolts if you don't keep the socket on the nut or bolt square, but for lawn mowers it works awesome. and i love it, when i need to get a long bolt out, i swivel it to make it like a screwdriver. That has to be my favorite part.

Oh, and i haven't had any "flexing" at all. THe ratcheting is sooo smooth though and the chrome is great. The handle can be a little slippery when you get lots of grease on your hands. I'm not the best person to ask about performance on tools as i dont' work on cars much yet and i don't put a lot of force on things. no more than typically 55 ft. lbs.

 

[Teken]

Is the side of the drive pinned, or is it screwed in with a hex / torx bit?

 

[Indy_500]

Is the side of the drive pinned, or is it screwed in with a hex / torx bit?

i'll go check be right back

ok, the side of the drive is pinned. But, there's a "split" down the middle of the ratchet and there's a torx screw holding it to keep it from spreading.

 

[Scout Driver]

The Harbor Freight that I drop in on occasion stocks a bent-handle, flex-head 3/8" ratchet with a ribbed rubber handle. It does not say Pittsburgh anywhere on the tool or package. Basically a no-name tool. Not even listed on the website. Anyhow, they are $5.99 regular price. I bought one this spring and actually like it. Saved me a lot of aggravation changing sparkplugs on my Hurst/Olds. I don't have a pic. handy, but if anyone wishes, I'd take a picture of it tommorow.

Scott

 

[Teken]

Are all of these ratchets 72 teeth, including that composite one? Also, when they say its composite are we talking about plastic, or something else?

 

[Teken]

The Harbor Freight that I drop in on occasion stocks a bent-handle, flex-head 3/8" ratchet with a ribbed rubber handle. It does not say Pittsburgh anywhere on the tool or package. Basically a no-name tool. Not even listed on the website. Anyhow, they are $5.99 regular price. I bought one this spring and actually like it. Saved me a lot of aggravation changing sparkplugs on my Hurst/Olds. I don't have a pic. handy, but if anyone wishes, I'd take a picture of it tommorow.

Scott

Scott,

Would love to see a few detail pictures of this $5.99 ratchet. What is the overall length of said ratchet?

 

[bchee]

I bet you can't figure out how to open that roto-head.

I don't think anybody has figured out how to do it.

 

[Indy_500]

there it is teken

 

[Indy_500]

Are all of these ratchets 72 teeth, including that composite one? Also, when they say its composite are we talking about plastic, or something else?

we're basically talking plastic. But, it ratchets so smooth it's amazing. The roto ratchet i think is 60 teeth and the composite i believe is 72? i'm not positive on those numbers though. THe thumbwheel ratchet is 72 for sure though. THe other 3 ratchets i got i think are 45 teeth.

 

[iandh]

The roto ratchets are easily the equal of the danaher made kobalt/gearwrench models.

Some people claim the gearwrench rotos are "smoother", which I actually consider to be "loose". These HF's click clean, tight, and accurate.

 

[Teken]

I bet you can't figure out how to open that roto-head.

I don't think anybody has figured out how to do it.

Doesn't it just spin off from the top? Speaking of which has this been discussed before in here and I missed it?

 

[Teken]

there it is teken

OK, so the actual head is still pinned, but the split beam is also held together with a torx bit . . .

 

[bchee]

Once you remove the torx screw, the head comes out easily. Notice the split travels pretty far down the shaft, so it's easy to spread.

 

[tonydanzah]

when they say open they mean some of those HF ratchets are riveted together. There is no snap ring or clip to get acess to the teeth.

 

[Teken]

I would think that the center silver round dot comes off, and under neath is a some sort of screw / clip what have you to break this top portion of the dial open.

I haven't come across a ratchet that wasn't serviceable, or riveted for that matter. Anyone have some pictures of such a beast in the making from any of the main line tool makers, or even a older company like plomb, herbrand, etc?

 

[scott37300]

Indy, what ratchets sales did they have? I might have to take a trip out there tomorrow and take a peek at some new ratchets.

 

[bchee]

I would think that the center silver round dot comes off, and under neath is a some sort of screw / clip what have you to break this top portion of the dial open.

I think I tried prying that off and it didn't work.

 

[Scout Driver]

Some pics. for everyone. I counted 42 "clicks" when turning it. The selector is metal, not plastic. Flex joint is an allen-head bolt. This ratchet has a nice "heft" to it and the chrome finish is shockingly nice for such an inexpensive tool. The lettering on it says "Chrome Vanadium Taiwan".

I have used it a few times since I picked it up this spring and am happy with it. Helluva tool for the money.

Scott

 

[Indy_500]

Some pics. for everyone. I counted 42 "clicks" when turning it. The selector is metal, not plastic. Flex joint is an allen-head bolt. This ratchet has a nice "heft" to it and the chrome finish is shockingly nice for such an inexpensive tool. The lettering on it says "Chrome Vanadium Taiwan".

I have used it a few times since I picked it up this spring and am happy with it. Helluva tool for the money.

Scott

taht ratchet is on clearance for $6 at my local HF

 

[Teken]

I think I tried prying that off and it didn't work.

As in you couldn't get it off . . . Or once you got that little silver dot off there was nothing there to service?

Some pics. for everyone. I counted 42 "clicks" when turning it. The selector is metal, not plastic. Flex joint is an allen-head bolt. This ratchet has a nice "heft" to it and the chrome finish is shockingly nice for such an inexpensive tool. The lettering on it says "Chrome Vanadium Taiwan".

I have used it a few times since I picked it up this spring and am happy with it. Helluva tool for the money.

Scott

For $6.** can you really go wrong?

 

[Indy_500]

Indy, what ratchets sales did they have? I might have to take a trip out there tomorrow and take a peek at some new ratchets.

all the thumbwheel ratchets are on clearance for half of what the clearance price used to be, a lot of the stubby and flex ratchets are on clearance, and if the ratchets aren't on clearance, they're on sale. If you're going to the Appleton HF, the "clearance" stuff isn't in a clearance section it's just along with the normal sockets and ratchets, But i hate how the Appleton one has all the ratchets and stuff locked up. Don't forget your 20% off coupon

 

[Indy_500]

As in you couldn't get it off . . . Or once you got that little silver dot off there was nothing there to service?




For $6.** can you really go wrong?

nope you can't go wrong, and then all you do is return it when it takes a poopy

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I just purchased a few of the extending ratchets, and I already had the composites. I love em, they work great. The only gripe I have is the on/off lever is backwards compared to most every other ratchet made.

 

[Teken]

I just purchased a few of the extending ratchets, and I already had the composites. I love em, they work great. The only gripe I have is the on/off lever is backwards compared to most every other ratchet made.

I know Indy touched upon the plastic part before. But, this ratchet isn't entirely made of plastic is it? Rather its covered in some sort of plastic coating?

Insight . . .

 

[Indy_500]

I just purchased a few of the extending ratchets, and I already had the composites. I love em, they work great. The only gripe I have is the on/off lever is backwards compared to most every other ratchet made.

i noticed the backwards part too! I started to test it out tonight and i kept screwing up! Even though none of my other ratchets have that lever, i'm still used to my dads C-man after wrenching with him for so many years on sleds. Man do i miss the dead of winter, waking up early on week days to wrench on sleds in 10 degree weather with me papa can't wait till this next winter well maybe i won't have to wrench on it all the time lol

 

[Indy_500]

I know Indy touched upon the plastic part before. But, this ratchet isn't entirely made of plastic is it? Rather its covered in some sort of plastic coating?

Insight . . .

the "head" of the ratchet isn't all plastic. The plastic i guess i can't tell you what's underneath, but it's pretty strong. I wouldn't be afraid to torque up to 35-40 ft. lbs. with it

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I know Indy touched upon the plastic part before. But, this ratchet isn't entirely made of plastic is it? Rather its covered in some sort of plastic coating?

Insight . . .

It's got to be a thick coat, you tell there is a steel shank in there based on weight alone. They are really comfortable to use.

 

[Indy_500]

It's got to be a thick coat, you tell there is a steel shank in there based on weight alone. They are really comfortable to use.

yes they are. I already LOVE em. The curve in em is awesome. I think i'll go out and get the rest of the set in the composite ones before the swivel head.

 

[TireTracks]

I've got a Powerbuilt stubby swivel head like that. Nice tool. I've used it alot, i like how i can speed nuts and bolts on like a nutdriver with it.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

It's got to be a thick coat, you tell there is a steel shank in there based on weight alone. They are really comfortable to use.

I just looked at them, I think I have to take back what I said. I think the handle is all plastic, and just the guts of the head are steel.

 

[TireTracks]

I just looked at them, I think I have to take back what I said. I think the handle is all plastic, and just the guts of the head are steel.

I wonder how much torque they will take before breaking, that must be some tough plastic

 

[Danglerb]

Internally it sounds like its steel, here is the HF description (same for all three sizes).


1/4" Heavy Duty Composite Ratchet

Item # 66312

* Lightweight, rugged composite handle
* Chrome vanadium steel construction
* Designed for high torque
* 72 tooth ratchet with thumb reverse
* Push button socket release
* Rubber comfort grip

 

[mojo_13]

I just picked up the roto ratchet yesterday and it worked great. Used it to change some spark plugs and like Indy I like the fact that you can use it like a screwdriver on long bolts. Only got the 3/8 but will probably pick them all up and maybe the stubby version also.

Those Composites look nice I'm gonna have to check them out and maybe add them to the growing collection. What's the part number/numbers for those all metal ratchets you have in picture? Not much talk about them yet.

 

[caper]

I would think that the center silver round dot comes off, and under neath is a some sort of screw / clip what have you to break this top portion of the dial open.

I haven't come across a ratchet that wasn't serviceable, or riveted for that matter. Anyone have some pictures of such a beast in the making from any of the main line tool makers, or even a older company like plomb, herbrand, etc?

Many of the old Duro/Indestro ratchets were pressed flange design which made them unserviceable.I have a few examples,Many makers will rivet ratchets together for FOD requirements,I have a Britool ratchet like that.

 

[Wingnut65]

Thanks Scott for the pix. I see how that can be useful. The HF website has a couple similar on sale. One is a 3/8" composite for $7.99. ($6.99 for 1/4" and $9.99 for 1/2") I'll have to see what they have on the shelf when I make my weekly HF field trip.

As for the composite/plastic question, the composites that are used now-a-days are much better than the imports of 10 years a go. They have some hi-tech carbon fiber blends to make them light and strong. Not like old screwdriver handles that decompose and fall apart while sitting in a toolbox.

Has anybody tried the 3/8" HF Flex Handle Ratchet? It looks like it would be handy to have in the toolbox.

 

[woody 73]

Many of the old Duro/Indestro ratchets were pressed flange design which made them unserviceable.I have a few examples,Many makers will rivet ratchets together for FOD requirements,I have a Britool ratchet like that.

After looking at one I was stumped as to how it comes apart,still you might have a valid point. I wonder do you immerse them in an oil bath in order to lubricate them ?

 

[mrholeshot]

My son who is a pro technician uses a set of the HF roto style ratchets. He loves them and the 3/8 really gets a workout. I looked the the composite ratchets the other day while in HF and really really liked the way they feel. They looked well built but I have so many ratchets I passed on them. i'm still thinking about them

 

[Davefr]

I have the 1/4" and 3/8" HF plastic ratchets however I didn't trust the strength of the 1/2". (for 1/2" I want steel vs. plastic)

I must admit they are comfortable, lightweight and could easily be a "go to" ratchet for normal tasks.

Has anyone dropped the plastic ratchets on a concrete floor? How do they hold up?