120XP under rated

[bsaint]

I don't know about you guys but that 120xp is slicker than dog poop. I love my one single 120xp ratchet. Who else is a fan?

Is there other ratchet brands that do the same thing? Double pawl that offset like that? Seems like most just have a **** ton of teeth.

 

[Ton ton]

Who makes it? Gear wrench?

 

[Ton ton]

What is the retail price on this baby?

 

[demarpaint]

They're GearWrench. I have them in all three sizes, they're a nice tool for the money. My 1/4" with the extra long handle gets a lot of use. It cost about $25 I think.

 

[Ton ton]

Much appreciated, demar paint.

 

[demarpaint]

^ You're welcome! ^

 

[toolaholic]

I just picked up a 120xp electronic 10-100 lb ft torque wrench . Sometimes the 36 tooth clicker 5-75lb ft doesn’t cut it. I have 120xp ratchets standard length in 1/4,3/8,1/2 drive. I only use them if it’s in a really tight spot . I prefer my 60 and 88 tooth Armstrongs.

 

[Handyandy23]

I agree, I only have a 1/4" flex head 120XP, but it's one of my favorites. Very smooth. I'd read complaints online about excessive back drag, but I don't feel it with mine.

I've been meaning to get more, just been waiting to find the right deal. Also have quite a few ratchets already that I like (Tekton for one), so hard to justify buying more.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the 120xp 3/8 torque wrench with angle. Other than that, I prefer the 84.

IMO the 120 is a step down in backdrag from the 84, and the head is thicker. All my 120xp stuff came home aside from the digital torque wrench, I kept the 84s at work. YMMV.

 

[Mr_B]

I have the 120xp 3/8 torque wrench with angle. Other than that, I prefer the 84.

IMO the 120 is a step down in backdrag from the 84, and the head is thicker. All my 120xp stuff came home aside from the digital torque wrench, I kept the 84s at work. YMMV.

+1
slightly slimmer head dimensions beats the tooth count and due to 120 lash the swing arc not that great plus long term they more problematic.
The 84T can also be rebuilt with the Matco 88T repair kits which another plus.
84T in 2pc and 3pc sets come up silly cheap on amazon etc making them a good low cost buy as you getting a pretty durable and good design tool.
I used 84T as second set of ratchets professionally for few years and can't fault them for the price you can get them at, Matco 88T repair kits pretty cheap too and nice way put a busted or well worn 84T back in service .

 

[M6erfan]

IMO the 120 is a step down in backdrag from the 84, and the head is thicker. All my 120xp stuff came home aside from the digital torque wrench, I kept the 84s at work. YMMV.

Agreed. High backdrag and the head on the 120XP's are big. The 1/2" is cartoonishly big.

I've handled them in the store and left without them.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I like the 1/4 and 3/8 120xp versions. I do agree that the 1/2 is very bulky. They're not my go to ratchets but they're great when I have to work on something covered in old oil or grease. My main complaint is the detents for the flex heads. I much prefer ratchets without detent positions.

 

[Handyandy23]

For you 84T guys, have you used the locking flex head versions? I'd be interested in getting a set of those of the locking feature is robust.

 

[71goldss]

I bought into the 120XP hype when they first came out and collected three different sets (9 ratchets in all). Nice ratchets, but I rarely use them. I realized quickly that I much prefer quick release over any benefit that the 120XP's have to offer.

 

[ItsNemo]

I'm on the 84T set as well, have regular, long, and flex heads in all the sizes with comfort handles, plus a 3/8" stubby chrome. They're my go-to ratchets, my 3/8" flex head has gotten a work out and never skipped a beat.

 

[toolaholic]

I used my 3/8 120 to tighten a oxygen sensor on my daughters Yaris . No room to swing normal ratchet . Due to my 85086 gearwrench torque wrenches 36 teeth I had to use a crowfoot to torque sensor . Crowfoot moved wrench back so it could swing. Looking forward to playing with / working with my new 85195 120 torque wrench

 

[Mr_B]

For you 84T guys, have you used the locking flex head versions? I'd be interested in getting a set of those of the locking feature is robust.

I have the locking flex 84T,the 2pc 1/4 3/8 set off amazon was silly cheap.
Don't use them in the shop but they in the truck tools for mobile and home use.
Used them in the shop for a while to test them out a bit and they okay, the lock while same basic design as the matco is not equal in robustness .
I not broke mine or had an issue but you probably skip the lock pretty quick if don't respect them a bit .
Quite a few people complained on this issue .

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think the 120xp ratchets are underrated. I think the 120XP ratchet design falls into the category of people either really like them or can't stand them
I'm in the later group that doesn't like them. In fact, because Gearwrench slapped that head on their new digital torque wrenches with angle is preventing me from buying them.
I bought a few but, after using them awhile, I just didn't care for the thicker head or ratcheting action feel. I'm sure their ok but, I just prefer the other 60/84/88/90 tooth ratchets I have.

 

[toolaholic]

I don't think the 120xp ratchets are underrated. I think the 120XP ratchet design falls into the category of people either really like them or can't stand them
I'm in the later group that doesn't like them. In fact, because Gearwrench slapped that head on their new digital torque wrenches with angle is preventing me from buying them.
I bought a few but, after using them awhile, I just didn't care for the thicker head or ratcheting action feel. I'm sure their ok but, I just prefer the other 60/84/88/90 tooth ratchets I have.

I just got a 85195 for only $127.77. I wanted the fine teeth. Annoyed with the 36 and 45 toothers I have . I see gearwrench has some electronic 72s. Hopefully I like it.

 

[seber]

I keep hearing that the 120 tooth has high backlash. Has anyone compared the actual difference in movement to engage the next tooth? If the backlash difference is more than 1 1/2 degrees, there is no advantage.

 

[sk farmer]

I don't think the 120xp ratchets are underrated. I think the 120XP ratchet design falls into the category of people either really like them or can't stand them
I'm in the later group that doesn't like them. In fact, because Gearwrench slapped that head on their new digital torque wrenches with angle is preventing me from buying them.
I bought a few but, after using them awhile, I just didn't care for the thicker head or ratcheting action feel. I'm sure their ok but, I just prefer the other 60/84/88/90 tooth ratchets I have.

i am with fed. i have the 3 pc 120 set.

the 1/4 has a piles of backdrag for a 1/4 drive and the 1/2 is like a heavy club. it almost seems crude. the 3/8 is ok but i sure don't like it better than 60/84/88 click versions that are out there.

 

[Kev442]

I am another 84t fan. Never touch my 1/4 120, backdrag is horrible and it won't break in to get better. Been using a 1/4 kobalt that is very broke in instead.
I also like the quick release ratchets for 60-70% of the jobs I do.

 

[Tallpilot]

I don't think the 120xp ratchets are underrated. I think the 120XP ratchet design falls into the category of people either really like them or can't stand them
I'm in the later group that doesn't like them. In fact, because Gearwrench slapped that head on their new digital torque wrenches with angle is preventing me from buying them.
I bought a few but, after using them awhile, I just didn't care for the thicker head or ratcheting action feel. I'm sure their ok but, I just prefer the other 60/84/88/90 tooth ratchets I have.

That's one of the reasons I bought the absurdly expensive TechAngles. Every other electronic torque wrench has a ratcheting head I hate for one reason or another, low tooth count being the primary irritation.

Why torque wrench ratcheting mechanisms are over a decade behind current designs is beyond me.

 

[Cgw1984]

All my 120xps have been complete garbage. I do quite like the 88 tooth models though

 

[VolvoRyan]

Wow. Surprised folks are saying high backlash. Mine are surprisingly easy to spin. On a good socket, they're incredibly tight, and you'll notice the fine adjustment.

I have Snap-On and SK ratchets for other stuff. I can't really neg the long handle, flex head 120XP's.

 

[javyLSU]

I got two 120xp ratchets with some socket sets I bought last year, and sold them pretty soon after. I like my 84 tooth models much better, less back drag, thinner head, like everyone else has already mentioned. I was willing to put up with the head when I bought the new GW digital flex head torque wrench, but I went through two torque wrenches and couldn't get one that was within 7% accuracy, so I had to return them both. Shame too, I really like the functionality of a fine tooth torque wrench, but can't use them if they're not accurate.

 

[Lprock]

I have the 24" 1/2 120xp and have no complaints. It's very good in some tight spots. Waiting for the 1/2 120xp torque to show up, then I can comment on it.

 

[bsaint]

I checked mine out last night at the shop. I bought mine 2016. And it has almost no backlash. Not sure what everyone is talking about. Maybe you have crappy sockets?


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[Handyandy23]

I checked mine out last night at the shop. I bought mine 2016. And it has almost no backlash. Not sure what everyone is talking about. Maybe you have crappy sockets?


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Maybe we're talking about the same thing, but it's back-drag most people are complaining about. Basically the amount of resistance in the mechanism when it's "ratcheting". With higher back-drag, as a fastener gets loose, the ratchet will no longer ratchet and just turn the fastener back and forth.

Not sure what the sockets would have to do with that, but maybe I'm missing something.

I only have one 120XP, a 1/4" flex head, and I don't find it to have excessive back drag at all. And generally smaller sizes like 1/4" it shows up worse because you have a smaller pawl with the same high number of teeth, causing more resistance.

This makes me think maybe GW quality control isn't great, possibly? And some people are experiencing much higher back-drag than others. Either that or others have much more delicate feel for ratchets than I do.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Maybe we're talking about the same thing, but it's back-drag most people are complaining about. Basically the amount of resistance in the mechanism when it's "ratcheting". With higher back-drag, as a fastener gets loose, the ratchet will no longer ratchet and just turn the fastener back and forth.

Not sure what the sockets would have to do with that, but maybe I'm missing something.

I only have one 120XP, a 1/4" flex head, and I don't find it to have excessive back drag at all. And generally smaller sizes like 1/4" it shows up worse because you have a smaller pawl with the same high number of teeth, causing more resistance.

This makes me think maybe GW quality control isn't great, possibly? And some people are experiencing much higher back-drag than others. Either that or others have much more delicate feel for ratchets than I do.

I think we're on the same page. My 120XP's came last fall, if build date might be a factor in contrasting opinions. Sometimes you need to add/change the lube inside new ratchets. I've had mixed results with SK LP90's. Sometimes they need a dab more grease than the factory fill.

Indeed, in my head, back drag is as you describe.... and can be frustrating for the same reasons. I think the 120XP's do well here because they're basically a 60-tooth ratchet with alternating pawls.

Socket "health" comes into play if there's more slop in the socket's fit on the fastener, than there is between teeth in the ratchet. I replaced a bunch of worn out 3/8" sockets with new Snap-On and SK this winter. A good, tight socket really lets you take advantage of the finer ratcheting mechanism. I was impressed when I should have grabbed an extension to get into a tight spot, but it was just quicker to run with my mistake of a ratchet and socket. The 120XP worked really well between two obstructions around the handle.

So far, I'm pleased with these ratchets. I can't find fault with them. Maybe time will tell. I do have other ratchets for getting into tight spaces.

-Ryan

 

[bsaint]

Ah ok. Back drag. Just change out the springs. Mcmaster blaster would have them


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[M635_Guy]

Ah ok. Back drag. Just change out the springs. Mcmaster blaster would have them

So... buy and fix a product out of the box when there are better alternatives?

 

[bsaint]

Dont people do this all the time with cars and motorcycles? And houses? Which cost thousands or millions of dollars? Its not that far fetched.


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[visionguru]

I don't know about you guys but that 120xp is slicker than dog poop. I love my one single 120xp ratchet. Who else is a fan?

Is there other ratchet brands that do the same thing? Double pawl that offset like that? Seems like most just have a **** ton of teeth.

Count me in as a "fan". I have Snap On short/long/extra long flex in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drives, also 6 120GXPs and 1 84T, and torque wrenches (120xp) from Gearwrench. In terms of smoothness and pleasure to use, Gearwrench really gives Snap On a good run for the money.

I'm not sure the "backdrag issue" often mentioned in this forum is legit. I feel it's similar to Snap On. The 84T is clunky, absolutely no match for the butter smooth 120XP.

 

[M635_Guy]

Dont people do this all the time with cars and motorcycles? And houses? Which cost thousands or millions of dollars? Its not that far fetched.

I don't think that analogy works very well, but the disparity of opinions here (and elsewhere) lead me to skip GW for ratchets. Too many options I don't have to fix/mod out there, and the likelihood that 1.5 degrees of swing arc is going to be a problem for the vast majority of us is...slim.

The teardowns don't inspire me with a lot of confidence - it's an awfully tiny pair of pawls, though I doubt I'm the likely candidate to break one.

I'm sure they're fine, but Tekton and Icon are both making a pretty killer ratchets for fair money.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm sure they're fine, but Tekton and Icon are both making a pretty killer ratchets for fair money.

Except Icon can't make a working 3/8 drive flex head ratchet and Harbor Freight recalled them

 

[M635_Guy]

Except Icon can't make a working 3/8 drive flex head ratchet and Harbor Freight recalled them

IDGAF about flex heads at all. Both of my Icon swivels has been flawless, and so far the 3/8 has been great too. I was running my Icon and new SO 1/4" swivels the other day, and the SO wasn't displacing the Icon. Both are great. Haven't spent enough time with the Tekton pear head to form a full opinion, but the early experience has been really good.

The 120XP seems like a gimmick to hit a number with minimal value that impacts the thickness of the mechanism/pawls and makes it kinda meh. From my ratchet thread I found out there are people who value the snap-ring design for easy of cleaning/lubrication, but that design forces compromises in other areas (thickness, reduces robustness of mechanism and pawls, very open design, etc). I don't lubricate my ratchets often enough to make any of that worth it. It also seems made to accumulate **** in the cavity, and definitely isn't easier to clean in that way vs. the screw-faced ratchets.

What GearWrench wants for their 84T makes it uncompelling for me. Much beefier mechanism/pawls and I've heard good things here and elsewhere about the feel/etc., but still the open/snap-ring design and more than either Icon or Tekton. No thanks.

 

[bsaint]

I don't think that analogy works very well, but the disparity of opinions here (and elsewhere) lead me to skip GW for ratchets. Too many options I don't have to fix/mod out there, and the likelihood that 1.5 degrees of swing arc is going to be a problem for the vast majority of us is...slim.

The teardowns don't inspire me with a lot of confidence - it's an awfully tiny pair of pawls, though I doubt I'm the likely candidate to break one.

I'm sure they're fine, but Tekton and Icon are both making a pretty killer ratchets for fair money.

Nah it just doesnt work well with you because Im right lol.


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[Handyandy23]

I've never done so, but can't you just trim the spring a little to reduce back drag?

I'm not sure I'd agree the 120XP is a "gimmick" any more than a Snap On dual pawl is a gimmick. I haven't seen or heard any extensive complaints about them not being robust.

There are a ton of solid ratchets on the market, and it comes down to personal preference a lot of the time, similar to screwdrivers. The small swing arc is going to be useful in certain situations, but the trade off is the larger head. Pick your poison.

 

[M635_Guy]

Nah it just doesnt work well with you because Im right lol.

Brother, what works for you is great. Tools aren't that much different than instruments - what's a lumpy club in one hand is a virtuoso in another.

My read on the thread (and when I was looking for what I would put in my box) is that opinions on the 120XP are pretty divided. Some love it, but seems like somehwat more are not so much or not all. And then I look at Amazon and a couple hundred reviews are really good. (4.6 or something like that). I've been on a bit of a ratchet-binge lately, so I'm not really $35-curious. Otherwise, I'd probably grab one just to see what I think.

You're right for you, but I don't think there's much here to say it's under-rated.