Composite Ratchets

[Conductor562]

Is anyone using composite ratchets? How do they hold up? I can't imagine a plastic ratchet holding up very well, but I had the same reservations about Glock pistols and now that's all I buy. If you're using them, what are your likes and dislikes?

 

[Dieselbutterfly]

x10 on the g21,carried them for many years in all the generations,still like the 3rd gen best.but i too am unsure of a composite ratchet,but open minded

 

[Outlander]

My wife put a couple under the tree for me at Christmas. I have not had enough of a chance to use them yet to have any longevity opinions. However, I do suspect they will be easily nicked if just tossed into a pile of tools so I made a safe spot in a drawer.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Glock here as well! I ended up buying the 3/8 HF composite rat, loved it, and then went down and got the 1/4 and 1/2 as well. NO REGRETS! They have become my go to rats. They are lighter and feel good.

They are metal frame inside...so they are not pure plastic. And the ratcheting part, ASAIK, is the same as the other rats....so, theoretically, it should be just as strong on that part, but I still have some reservations for HEAVY use, although I don't know if I should

I'd say go get the 3/8, and if you like it, pick up the others. Or get all 3 at once. For less than 30 bucks, it's hard to go wrong.

 

[Danglerb]

During the winter the composites don't feel cold, and the rest of the time they are lighter with nice working texture. Several threads on the HF with no complaints.

 

[candikid]

I haven't seen them myself, but as carbon fiber, kevlar and many other superstrong materials are composites, I would, after some research on the material, have few to none suspicions about bying it.

They use a lot of composites in aircrafts, so why shouldn't we trust a ratchet

 

[snapmom]

 

[nit2wn]

Have a Harbor Freight 1/4 and I use it more than my regular Craftsman and the higher end Craftsman. I wouldn't put it in a straining situation but in regular loosening and tightening it's fine. Used it to change the battery out in our little Corolla.

 

[Cryptic1911]

we have a drawer full of older usa made SK and Craftsman, and I always reach for my 3/8" harbor freight composite handle ratchet first. It's got a nice smooth action, comfy handle, and it doesn't ding paint if you aren't paying attention

 

[Brownsfan]

I had one I bought to beat on. After some good use it locks like a dog was using it as a chew toy. And it slipped a few times under some heavy use. I just threw it away and have stuck to conventional ratchets since. Mainly my Cornwell jr72. That thing is built like a tank.

 

[Davefr]

I really like them for everyday tasks and they seem to hold up quite well. However I didn't get the 1/2" nor would I use any of these things for the tough jobs.

I think MrHoleshot did a test of ratchets a while back and these things were OK but came up short in the ultimate torque test - as to be expected.

You can't beat the price.

 

[wellpoison]

I have the 3/8 hf composite and I use it a ton here at work. It's great for colder environments. I always grab it when something needs fixed in the freezer or cooler. Trying to work with gloves on is a pain and I always end up taking them off in frustration. As soon as you touch something metal in -20 degrees your hands get pretty cold. But the with the composite it's not as bad.

 

[bigbearcraig]

I have the HF composites in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. I really like them, but as other have said I wouldn't abuse them. I use mine a lot in moist or wet conditions and they don't rust like a metal ratchet would, for me they are more comfortable than other ratchets I own. I have not had one fail yet, and for the price they're worth a try. I think they are made in Taiwan and not China, which is alsoa plus in my opinion.

 

[pendragon1998]

I think the folks using them for heavy duty applications are sort of missing the point of them. They seem (to me) to be intended for moderate duty applications, particularly cold weather (more comfortable to hold), where metal tools might spark or scratch paint, or where you would want a lighter weight tool for some reason. I don't look at these and think, "oh, I can use that to remove an engine and break free rusted fasteners", just like I wouldn't use my 1/2" breaker to take off my battery cables.

I am curious, do these get brittle in freezing conditions?

 

[Conductor562]

I didn't even know Snap-On made composites, thanks for sharing Snapmom. I know HF and Tekton make them, but who else is making composite ratchets?

 

[383 240z]

I have the HF ones in the tool box on my tractor, they are awesome in the cold working on the plow. I bought another set for my truck box, if I lose them i'm not out much, as sad as it is I keep reaching for them, I reached over a Cornwall, a SO and a Matco just the other day in the barn and grabbed the HF plastic. Keith

 

[tweedlestan]

I didn't even know Snap-On made composites, thanks for sharing Snapmom. I know HF and Tekton make them, but who else is making composite ratchets?

Hazet used to make them IIRC, and Gedore still does.

 

[wellpoison]

I think the folks using them for heavy duty applications are sort of missing the point of them. They seem (to me) to be intended for moderate duty applications, particularly cold weather (more comfortable to hold), where metal tools might spark or scratch paint, or where you would want a lighter weight tool for some reason. I don't look at these and think, "oh, I can use that to remove an engine and break free rusted fasteners", just like I wouldn't use my 1/2" breaker to take off my battery cables.

I am curious, do these get brittle in freezing conditions?

I've used this ratchet in a -20 degree freezer. It's gets a harder feel to it but I wouldn't say it's any more brittle. It's taken some 20 foot drops in that freezer and is still going strong.

 

[Dave.R]

The TEKTON ones have a Chrome Vanadium Core, you're not going to have any longevity issues with them as long as your not using cheater pipes or anything like that. I like them mainly because I live in Michigan, so I'm not hanging onto a frigid piece of steel, and they don't ding up my finished engine bay.

<a href="http://imgur.com/moLAk4W"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/moLAk4Wl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

 

[Chris_PT]

I use my HF Composite 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets more than any of my other ones and they take a hell of a beating. I still clean them after every job just like I do my Snappy's too. I'd recommend them to anyone based on my experience alone.

 

[John316]

The TEKTON ones have a Chrome Vanadium Core, you're not going to have any longevity issues with them as long as your not using cheater pipes or anything like that. I like them mainly because I live in Michigan, so I'm not hanging onto a frigid piece of steel, and they don't ding up my finished engine bay.

<a href="http://imgur.com/moLAk4W"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/moLAk4Wl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

I believe the HF is the same

 

[Rico.]

So they're not really true composite ratchets then... They're just metal ratchets with a hat on.

 

[cburnscrx]

I figured as much. I might have to spend $10 to dremel one open so we know for sure.

 

[Greatbear]

In cold weather I dig out my HF composite ratchets. I've had them for several years and they have never failed me. I also use them if I will be working near batteries, starters, etc.

I also tend to pick them if I will be working around glass or painted surfaces.

No need cutting one apart to make sure, a magnet will tell you if it has a metal core.

 

[Jason280]

Anyone have a HF ratchet close enough to stick a magnet to it and see?

 

[Conductor562]

So other than comfort in extreme cold weather (which any cushioned handle would take care of) and a tiny piece of mind when working with finished surfaces such as chrome or painted, what's the real point of the plastic coating?

 

[cburnscrx]

In cold weather I dig out my HF composite ratchets. I've had them for several years and they have never failed me. I also use them if I will be working near batteries, starters, etc.

I also tend to pick them if I will be working around glass or painted surfaces.

No need cutting one apart to make sure, a magnet will tell you if it has a metal core.

Oh, I am 99% certain it has some version of a metal core, otherwise they'd fail too easily. My interest is how much of a metal core. I am one of those guys who likes to take things apart and see how they work...next time I am at HF, I'm hacking one up.

 

[Rico.]

Oh, I am 99% certain it has some version of a metal core, otherwise they'd fail too easily. My interest is how much of a metal core. I am one of those guys who likes to take things apart and see how they work...next time I am at HF, I'm hacking one up.

Try and do it quietly, some shopkeeper types really seem to get
a pin in their wedding vegetables when you start chopping up their stock.

Don't know why they're so uptight.

 

[CobraBronco]

I was able to stick a magnet to the handle of my 1/2" composite.

 

[Rico.]

Maybe they would be better off just callling them "Insulated Ratchets" like the screwdrivers
are. It would seem a more honest description. They could still advertise them as being perfect
for use with electrical equipment, cold environments and delicate areas that metal ratchets
might scuff.

Even composite coated would be fine. In fact I'd wager they would have sold
more if everybody knew they had a metal core. I'm sure lots of potential punters
have been put off by the thought of using a "Plastic" ratchet.

 

[Conductor562]

I wouldn't advertise them as insulated. Some dumb *** would go and get himself fried

Now this is an insulated ratchet:

 

[SlowAl]

Tried a magnet and it works on all three drive sizes.

 

[Rico.]

I wouldn't advertise them as insulated. Some dumb *** would go and get himself fried

That is a stirling point... I would still go with composite coated then.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Gosh!
Thought I was on to something - tools that'd clear security when ya forget to empty your pockets!!



Oh well....

 

[Dave.R]

Maybe they would be better off just callling them "Insulated Ratchets" like the screwdrivers
are. It would seem a more honest description. They could still advertise them as being perfect
for use with electrical equipment, cold environments and delicate areas that metal ratchets
might scuff.

Even composite coated would be fine. In fact I'd wager they would have sold
more if everybody knew they had a metal core. I'm sure lots of potential punters
have been put off by the thought of using a "Plastic" ratchet.

Oh, I am 99% certain it has some version of a metal core, otherwise they'd fail too easily. My interest is how much of a metal core. I am one of those guys who likes to take things apart and see how they work...next time I am at HF, I'm hacking one up.

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>

 

[wxm]

During the winter the composites don't feel cold, and the rest of the time they are lighter with nice working texture. Several threads on the HF with no complaints.

+1. I got an old Master Mechanic. It has become my favorite. You really see the benefit in a unheated garage.

 

[Davefr]

So other than comfort in extreme cold weather (which any cushioned handle would take care of) and a tiny piece of mind when working with finished surfaces such as chrome or painted, what's the real point of the plastic coating?

For me it's none of the above^^.

It's hard to explain but these things are just very ergonomic and nice to use for everyday tasks. Put one in your ratchet drawer and you'll end up picking it up more then you think.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

So other than comfort in extreme cold weather (which any cushioned handle would take care of) and a tiny piece of mind when working with finished surfaces such as chrome or painted, what's the real point of the plastic coating?

I grade my tools on a few parameters, and comfortable to use is a major plus...Another major plus for the HF composite is it's cost...Geez, there is not much on an SO truck that you can get for $10....

 

[chrenan]

I use a Gedore 1993U-10K as my 1/2 drive stubby ratchet. I'm fairly certain it is a true composite with no metal core. I like it, seems well suited to a stubby application as the torque applied will be lower. Its very comfortable and extremely light.

 

[bassbone52]

The HF composite ratchet mechanism is exactly the same as what you'll find in an EZ Red ratchet. I have both.