new professional grade harbor freight ratchets

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

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

Toyota mechanic · Sep 27, 2014

I wouldn't pay 50 bucks for a HF ratchet. I would save the 50 bucks and buy a Proto, or Snap-on ratchet for more. Or a vintage Craftsman ratchet...... IMO

OutsideMachinist · Sep 27, 2014

Yeah it may be decent quality but for 60 bucks Id rather pay a few more dollars for a high end one.

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

They are taiwan. Factor in a 20% off coupon and they are leftime warranty may appeal to some.

SMKS · Sep 27, 2014

If these ratchets are anything like most other HF items, they'll be on sale much of the time and then coupons will make them even cheaper.

When these go on sale, combined with a 20% or 25% off coupon, I'll possibly pick one up.

I'm very interested to see them in person and see what mechanism they use. The head doesn't seem to be the same as any other ratchets I'm familiar with.

Here are the listings for several of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-flex-head-ratchet-62321.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-flex-head-ratchet-62320.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-long-handle-flexible-ratchet-62333.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-long-handle-flexible-ratchet-62332.html

mmack66 · Sep 27, 2014

Looks just like the Taiwan Gearwrench flex ratchets I bought back when Sears was blowing them out.

They were pretty nice, and HF can make all the comparisons they want, but those prices are pretty high.

Were the old Taiwan Gearwrench ratchets the ones that were compatible with Matco ratchet guts?

Farmall450 · Sep 27, 2014

I agree mmack66, those prices are steep for HF products...I'd spend the extra few bucks and get US made Snap-on or even Craftsman Premiums.

SMKS · Sep 27, 2014

Here's the new composite ratchet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-teardrop-composite-ratchet-62318.html

theluke · Sep 27, 2014

Website shows 1/2 in drive ratchet for $43.99

jjjrmx5 · Sep 27, 2014

Nope for me.

HF is getting greedy.

Only beauty of it is, is that it will chase folks back to Sears and C'man.

BirdMobile · Sep 27, 2014

Hmmm...
The ratchets at Harbor Fright have been one of the few items there that have impressed me enough to actually buy them.
I might pick up one of the 3/8 long handled with a coupon to throw in a car kit... already have most of the shop ratchet needs covered.
The new composite is tempting though...

stock z/28 · Sep 27, 2014

They are on sale now. I bought a 1/4" for $18.99 less the 20%.
I haven't tried it yet, but it feels smooth?

I will try and get the 2 3/8" later tonight if I have time.

Jeff

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

theluke said:
Website shows 1/2 in drive ratchet for $43.99

Short handle. Long handle was 59.99 in store

Parrothead · Sep 27, 2014

Before we get too excited...currently they take about 50% off the list price when they're on sale and then use either the 25% off coupon (or 20% if you can't find the other), and you're looking at about $10.49 for the 3/8 composite listed.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Composite+ratchet

Not out of line all told.

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

stock z/28 said:
They are on sale now. I bought a 1/4" for $18.99 less the 20%.
I haven't tried it yet, but it feels smooth?

I will try and get the 2 3/8" later tonight if I have time.

Jeff

The 1/4 inch was 37.99 in the store. I don't think they would dro a new item that much?

stock z/28 · Sep 27, 2014

the 3/8s are 19.99 and 24.99 composite is 13.99

1/2" are 24.99 and 29.99

They are listed in the last flyer they sent me.

wyo george · Sep 27, 2014

Not a chance, especially when you can get an Armstrong or SK for about the same price or slightly more.

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

stock z/28 said:
the 3/8s are 19.99 and 24.99 composite is 13.99

1/2" are 24.99 and 29.99

They are listed in the last flyer they sent me.

Id consider them at that price but store and website prices do not match your prices.

Hiball · Sep 27, 2014

I'm strictly guessing but I bet those ratchets will use the 72 tooth mechanism similar to the EZ Red 72 tooth version, here is a picture of the QR Ezred.

quattroJoe · Sep 27, 2014

I think that's the first time I've seen "professional grade" and "Harbor Freight" in the same sentence! [emoji1]

creativecars · Sep 27, 2014

I fondled them today. meh
I picked up the roto-sets as they were clearing them out for these new flex head ratchets. I wish they would have made the flex part locking, but no??? If I do go that way it will probably be Armstrong or Stanley.

jcfields · Sep 27, 2014

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

rocket1420 said:
Wait, I thought we were talking about the flex-head ratchets with comfort handle. Why are we talking about the cheap composite ones?

There is also a new professional long handle composite. I dig it

Askme42 · Sep 27, 2014

These are something that if the price is right I might put in a car kit. Although I'd much prefer an SK or such ratchet from the flea market for that.

lightning02 · Sep 27, 2014

flex head? no want. might pick up the new composite if the price is right....

Jason280 · Sep 27, 2014

Hmmm, I'd be interested in checking them out in person....may be worth it if you can get them in the $25-35 range.

Myth · Sep 27, 2014

I saw them yesterday, they just put them on the hooks, and didn't have price tags yet. Today I went there again, all of them are on sale. I like the 3/8 long handle most, it is $25 now, with a 25% off it will be $18.75, not too bad! But I just bought a roto head a few days ago, maybe I should return the roto head and buy this new long handle flex head?

Notorious BRT · Sep 27, 2014

I don't understand the fascination with the composite ratchets. I looked at them but I would have a hard time putting a lot of faith in them.

Hiball · Sep 27, 2014

So.. Who is going to buy one and take some pictures of the guts?

JimDon · Sep 27, 2014

"I don't understand the fascination with the composite ratchets. I looked at them but I would have a hard time putting a lot of faith in them."
Must not live where it's cold enough.
Great ratchets, especially to use in ice-cold weather when it's -20 and the wind is howling. Much warmer in the hand than cold steel. Used all three sizes for the last 4-plus years. Never ever skipped a tooth. Highly recommend, especially for the price of the originals with a coupon. I think I have less than $30 invested in all three sizes.
Cheers,
JimDon

SMKS · Sep 27, 2014

Notorious BRT said:
I don't understand the fascination with the composite ratchets. I looked at them but I would have a hard time putting a lot of faith in them.

In what way would you not put "faith" in them?

I believe they have a metal skeleton inside the plastic. It's not all plastic. At least, that's the case with the previous versions.

EDIT -
Here's a pic of the Tekton version showing the metal skeleton.

mires · Sep 27, 2014

Are the new composites only available in 3/8"? It's all I've seen on the site.

BirdMobile · Sep 27, 2014

rocket1420 said:
Wait, I thought we were talking about the flex-head ratchets with comfort handle. Why are we talking about the cheap composite ones?

Notorious BRT said:
I don't understand the fascination with the composite ratchets. I looked at them but I would have a hard time putting a lot of faith in them.

The older HF Composite ratchets ROCK!!! Feel great in the hands, especially when it's cold or the sun is baking the work zone. You can work on things like battery terminals and not worry about shorting out to the chassis. The ratchet heads are silky smooth, and I haven't been able to break one yet. Plus, they're cheap enough to abuse and not worry about dings, scratches, or tossing them out from under the car if you're in a hurry.

Really nice machines for the money, one of the better returns on tool investment I've ever made. In my opinion, they belong in every mechanic's tool selection... professional or not.

Don't know about the new one yet... but if it's anything like the old models, I want one.

mires · Sep 27, 2014

BirdMobile said:
The Composite ratchets ROCK!!! Feel great in the hands, especially when it's cold or the sun is baking the work zone. You can work on things like battery terminals and not worry about shorting out to the chassis. The ratchet heads are silky smooth, and I haven't been able to break one yet. Plus, they're cheap enough to abuse and not worry about dings, scratches, or tossing them out from under the car if you're in a hurry.

Really nice machines for the money, one of the better returns on tool investment I've ever made.

I definitely agree. Aside from the 5 drawer cart, it's the best thing they sell.

Notorious BRT · Sep 27, 2014

I didn't know they had the metal skeleton. Hell I might have to pick a couple up. I've wasted money on dumber stuff.

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

ive got the old and newer style composite ratchets and i prefer the tapered handle of the old vs the new bulky handle.

and now the long handle 3/8 has a slim handle. id like to pick one up on sale.

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

Myth said:
I saw them yesterday, they just put them on the hooks, and didn't have price tags yet. Today I went there again, all of them are on sale. I like the 3/8 long handle most, it is $25 now, with a 25% off it will be $18.75, not too bad! But I just bought a roto head a few days ago, maybe I should return the roto head and buy this new long handle flex head?

website and store show them regular price for me. i need some sales. id be down for a flex 1/4 and a long 3/8

jonti48310 · Sep 27, 2014

Wish they had this design (cushion grip) in the non flex. Would be in for some.

stage20 · Sep 27, 2014

Notorious BRT said:
I didn't know they had the metal skeleton. Hell I might have to pick a couple up. I've wasted money on dumber stuff.

upside down under a car, the 1/2 inch is a blessing.
i use mine more than my snap on

General Geoff · Sep 27, 2014

This is HF responding to perceived customer demand. They're getting an increasing share of the professional mechanic market, and they're expanding to meet that demographic's wants and needs.

Kudos to them, I'll probably pick one up at some point (I don't have a 1/2" flex head yet).

new professional grade harbor freight ratchets

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member