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Consensus on bahco

weerez935

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Jul 16, 2014
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118
I would like to hear from bahco owners what they think about their products. I'm considering their dual 80 clones, a set of files and an adjustable wrench.

I've searched through several threads but most of the info has been contradictory about the quality particularly when compared to SO.


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onarant

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Jun 19, 2014
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105
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Mississippi
I have the 1/2" drive ratchet and have been very happy with it. Very sturdy and smooth.
I also have the 8" adjustable comfort grip wrench, I like it but have not used it much. The Bahco 1/2" ratchet is my goto ratchet though.
 
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weerez935

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Jul 16, 2014
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118
I have the 1/2" drive ratchet and have been very happy with it. Very sturdy and smooth.
I also have the 8" adjustable comfort grip wrench, I like it but have not used it much. The Bahco 1/2" ratchet is my goto ratchet though.


Thanks that was exactly what I was looking for.


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bbrins

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Dec 25, 2012
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Location
MD
I have the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 of their Dual 80 ratchets. I really like the 3/8 and 1/2, but the mechanism on the two 1/4 ratchets that I have leave a bit to be desired, the drive end has way to much play in it, really sloppy, which sometimes causes it to hang up when ratcheting. The drive end of my 1/4 snap-on is nice and tight, if I swap the guts between the two, I still get the same thing, so the problem is in the internal milling in the 1/4 Bahco head. I may try shimming behind the main gear to see if I can get some of the slop out.
 
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weerez935

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Jul 16, 2014
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I have the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 of their Dual 80 ratchets. I really like the 3/8 and 1/2, but the mechanism on the two 1/4 ratchets that I have leave a bit to be desired, the drive end has way to much play in it, really sloppy, which sometimes causes it to hang up when ratcheting. The drive end of my 1/4 snap-on is nice and tight, if I swap the guts between the two, I still get the same thing, so the problem is in the internal milling in the 1/4 Bahco head. I may try shimming behind the main gear to see if I can get some of the slop out.


That's weird that it's only in the 1/4"


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Matt Irvine

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Nov 4, 2013
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Aussieland!
Everybody at work thinks the Bahco adjustable are among the best, I only have an older 10", but that's probably my favourite. I can't speak on any of thier other products though.
 

JDon99

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Aug 8, 2013
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1,039
Location
Desoto, MO
The dual 80 ratchets are a great set for the money! I really wouldn't call them a clone when Snap On owns Bahco. I don't have the adj wrenches but I would like to try one out.
 

Dave455

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Mar 19, 2013
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Sussex, England
The problem is, that the Bahco stuff all seems to be a bit variable!

I've seen pics of ratchets on this site that are claimed to be 'Dual 80' clones, and could well be! Owners certainly seem satisfied! On the other hand... I've seen Bahco stuff at a local dealer and I would say the quality was on a par with the poorer Taiwanese. I have no doubt that these tools have different part numbers, but if you ask for a 'Bahco Ratchet' it's anybody's guess what you will get!

Bahco adjustable wrenches seem to be the same as any other Spanish made adjustable, i.e. a bit more durable than a Taiwanese, but if you have used a Swedish made one, or a U.S. made Crescent wrench, you will think they are a bit second rate!

My advice - if you want a Dual 80 then buy one! I'm fortunate to have a couple and they are very nice to use!

If you just want a decent ratchet, don't bother with a Dual 80 clone, just buy something decent but cheaper. Here in the U.K. that would probably be a Ko Ken, in the U.S. I know you can get decent U.S. made tools from other manufacturers such as Wright, SK and Armstrong that are probably far better value than the Bahco!

For an adjustable, get a Nepros! If you buy no other Nepros tools, buy one of these!
 

rusjack

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Joined
Oct 11, 2013
Messages
57
Location
Ontario, Canada
Supplied at my last place of employment - 90% Bahco and a few Snap-On items.

Top Drawer - Most used items were the ratcheting screwdrivers and Phillips drivers. Ratcheting drivers feel as good as the Snap-On I've used, but the selector for the ratchet mechanism works in the opposite direction as you turn. So if you're tightening a screw and your hand covers the selector, as you torque, you can actually turn the selector into the opposite direction. Major flaw for myself and the other guys who used them - but the feel of the drivers mechanism and everything else was awesome. Used it daily for 1.5 years and never got sloppy.

Second Drawer - Wrenches. Loved the combination wrenches - all Bahco. The 3 double box end ratcheting were my go-to wrenches. I've been trying to find a set the same for here (Canada) with no luck. Gear Wrench sets start at 5/16, but with the work I do I come across a lot of 12point 1/4 fasteners, and having the Bahco sets smallest wrench at 1/4x5/16 was perfect for me. They feel equivalent to the GW I own now. The combo wrenches were very standard - thick beam, no flank drive, basic. When compared to the Snap On sets we had in shop they seemed bulky, but they are nice wrenches. Angle wrenches I didn't use often enough to comment on - same with the double box ends.

Third Drawer - All Bahco sockets, crows foot set, and universals. I had a 3/8 Snap-On universal in the mix and it was WAY nicer than the Bahco option. Miles above. As you see, the sets come standard (From Bahco, I think?) with the F80 and T72 ratchets (and flex head, whatever the part number is). I think this was because Bahco at the time didn't have the Dual 80 ratchets - but I'm glad they didn't. Tight spaces and bulky handles don't work well together - but if the ratcheting mechanism is the same, I'd go for it. Crowsfeet were just as nice as the Snap-On sets we had in stores.

Fourth Drawer - Pliers. The four pliers closest to the front of the drawer were my daily use ones. The grips slid on the side cutters, which I hated. I liked everything else about that set - tight, right size, and strong. I liked the grips on these more than the Snap-On sets I've been using back here. Not bulky, but more than just some vinyl covering. If the dual 80 Bahco ratchets have the same feeling grips as these do (which I'm sure they would) I think people would like it. Gets dirty and the orange is tough to clean, but it wont be rough of your hands like some soft grip stuff. Adjustable wrenches - I tried not to use them, but did on some large fittings and service equipment. They felt solid - and tight, unlike most adjustable wrenches I've used in my times. I've never used a Snap On set so I can't compare, but I have a 10" Cresent in my box now and I find it to be nicer, if that helps. Cannon plug pliers were terrible compared to the Blue Point ones. The tongue and groove pliers were nice, but I had never used some with a push button adjustment before. I wish I still had them vs. my Irwin set now.

Last Drawer - a child's toy hacksaw. Looks like something I would give to a kid with a fisher price toy set. I cut 2 or 3 bolts shorter with it and it took a long time. Files were pretty basic, I can't give you too much feedback other than 'they worked'. That, and when your coworker tries to use one as a pry bar it will snap. Who knew?



I hope some of this helps. It was a nice tool set to have. Quality tools, even if they aren't known as well as others.
 

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bbrins

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Dec 25, 2012
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MD
The 1/4 drive is a 72T where the 3/8 and 1/2 are 80T. Probably has something to do with that.

When compared to my 1/4 Snap-On Dual 80(72T), the difference is like night and day, and then if I swap the internal parts, the Bahco ratchet is still sloppy with the Snap-On guts in it. I don't think it has anything to do with tooth count.
 

Loscaldazar

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Feb 23, 2013
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Bahco adjustable wrenches seem to be the same as any other Spanish made adjustable, i.e. a bit more durable than a Taiwanese, but if you have used a Swedish made one, or a U.S. made Crescent wrench, you will think they are a bit second rate!

I strongly disagree with your statement there. Even though the Western Forge (only US made adjustable now I believe) made US adjustable wrenches are very nice, they still aren't as good as the Bahco or Irega Spanish made adjustable wrenches. I can pick up a WF (craftsman, Martin, SK, and a few other brands) adjustable, shake it, and hear the jaws rattle. On the Bahco or Irega, there is no rattle because everything is machined so precisely and fits together so well.

As a huge SK fan (whose adjustable wrenches are made by WF), Irega or Bahco are vastly superior to them.

When compared to my 1/4 Snap-On Dual 80(72T), the difference is like night and day, and then if I swap the internal parts, the Bahco ratchet is still sloppy with the Snap-On guts in it. I don't think it has anything to do with tooth count.

It seems though that routinely the 80T (3/8 and 1/2) from Bahco are high quality and work well while there have been many complaints about the 72T 1/4 drive from Bahco. Fewer, but still some, complaints about the Snap On 72T have been posted on here too. Probably something to do with the tolerances or design specific to the 72T 1/4 drive model. Just speculation on my part based on complaints from this forum.
 

Veto

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Apr 3, 2013
Messages
81
Location
Denmark
The Dual80 technology 8150 (1/2") and 7750 (3/8") are solid. The 6950 (1/4") does not feel at all like the SO T72. It's a weird feeling, feels more like their 60 tooth ratchets which by no means are bad.

The files are top notch, I've been using their files for some years now and I love them. I'm sure you can find better (and more expensive) files. I've been using mine mainly for cleaning up edges on stainless steel, aluminium and some times slightly hardened steel.

The adjustable wrenches are made by Irega in Spain who also makes the adjustable wrenches for Snap On. The wide mouth comfort grip Bahco are almost equivalent to the Snap On adjustables. The only differende is the Flank Drive jaws.

Some people consider Irega to be the current leading manufacturer in adjustable wrenches. I am one of them.

One thing to keep in mind with the adjustables is that the jaws are NOT parallel through out the jaws. The jaws are somewhat facing inward making them meet at the tip of the jaws and have a very slight gap at the base.


I've been using Bahco for many years, my father too. They've proven to be very good, especially for the price. The newer ratcheting wrenches use Dual80 Technology, these and the newer combination wrenches are absolutely beautiful! I wouldn't worry about the buying Bahco.
 

Veto

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Denmark
I strongly disagree with your statement there. Even though the Western Forge (only US made adjustable now I believe) made US adjustable wrenches are very nice, they still aren't as good as the Bahco or Irega Spanish made adjustable wrenches. I can pick up a WF (craftsman, Martin, SK, and a few other brands) adjustable, shake it, and hear the jaws rattle. On the Bahco or Irega, there is no rattle because everything is machined so precisely and fits together so well.

As a huge SK fan (whose adjustable wrenches are made by WF), Irega or Bahco are vastly superior to them.



It seems though that routinely the 80T (3/8 and 1/2) from Bahco are high quality and work well while there have been many complaints about the 72T 1/4 drive from Bahco. Fewer, but still some, complaints about the Snap On 72T have been posted on here too. Probably something to do with the tolerances or design specific to the 72T 1/4 drive model. Just speculation on my part based on complaints from this forum.

I agree, the Irega adjustable wrenches are absolutely incredible! I love mine, especially the wide mouth comfort grip 8". It's so wide that it feels like a 12" and it's very comfortable to use. The grip is really easy to keep clean too :)

It seems that the 72 tooth Dual80 Technology ratchets all are worse than the 80 tooth Dual80 ratchets. Both the 6950 and T72 have gotten complaints compared to the equivalent 3/8" and 1/2" models :confused:
 

ADSR

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Jan 12, 2013
Messages
10,713
I have the 3/8's and 1/2. I'd never be without them. Best rats you can buy for the money.

Spain is correct.







 
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walrus

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Nov 12, 2008
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11,674
Location
Maine
I love the Bahco 80 ratchets, took Snap On out of my service truck and kept the Bahcos, no one knows what they are so they aren't tempted to steal them. Love the handles when its cold
 

Loscaldazar

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Feb 23, 2013
Messages
2,385
Has Bahco updated their 1/2 drive ratchets to reflect the change that Snap On made in their 1/2 drive ratchets? They changed the screws from going through the faceplate and into the head to through the head and into the face plate (ex. SL80 v SL80A). There were problems with the screws breaking.... I haven't seen any Bahcos that have this change to them yet....

Just wondering because I just broke my Snap On SL80 for the third time because of the dang screws. Time to see if I can exchange it for an upgraded SL80A.
 

ADSR

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Jan 12, 2013
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10,713
Has Bahco updated their 1/2 drive ratchets to reflect the change that Snap On made in their 1/2 drive ratchets? They changed the screws from going through the faceplate and into the head to through the head and into the face plate (ex. SL80 v SL80A). There were problems with the screws breaking.... I haven't seen any Bahcos that have this change to them yet....

Just wondering because I just broke my Snap On SL80 for the third time because of the dang screws. Time to see if I can exchange it for an upgraded SL80A.

My 1/2 has the plate screwed on from the drive side.
 

quattroJoe

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Jan 9, 2014
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FL
Keep in mind that some of the Bahco stuff is made in Europe and some is made in Asia. I've got the aforementioned 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets, all made in Spain. Nice ratchets, hard to beat for the price. They were my go-to's until I picked up a couple Armstrong aerospace rats on Epstein's Day (though I may just still be in the honeymoon phase with those.) I also have the Bahco ratcheting screwdriver which is supposedly the same mech as the Snap On equivalent. This one was made in Taiwan, but very good feel to it, very precise. A while back someone posted a hot deal for a Bahco socket set that was made in China, and there was some debate on whether it was legit. I think the outcome was that some of their cheaper stuff is made in China now. Can't speak to the quality there.
 

yowzer

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Jan 20, 2014
Messages
53
I have some Bahco ergo screwdrivers. While I quite like the handle design, overall fit and finish isn't very impressive, and they feel light and flimsy compared to my Wiha drivers, though I don't think they actually are when it comes to using them. I like em, I just think they could be better.
 

willhollin

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May 30, 2012
Messages
612
Location
Worcestershire, England
I have the 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets and whilst I haven't used them too much they do have a quality feel to them.

The files I do have lot of, they are made in Portugal and are very good quality.

The adjustables are good, but as others have said, the quality of the Spanish mades ones is not on a par with the Swedish ones unfortunately.

I also have pliers which are very good quality as well as hacksaws etc. Oh and a tool cabinet......

attachment.php
 

Monte

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Dec 23, 2008
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Germany
For the Bahco fans :)

Bahco manufacturing:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PRZlDmtxqGY?list=UUMVCW_dudmz3G3tRCg7k6vA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bahco manufacturing: Adjustable wrench:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/X1yPO1TVG1Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bahco manufacturing: screwdriver:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NLzQ_XyO0KU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bahco manufacturing: pliers
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I6Ue7u5DtCk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 

Blöckw@rt

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Jan 11, 2013
Messages
662
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Germany
Adjustable wrenches from Bahco are absolutely top class, I like my one very well.

Also the reversible combination ratcheting wrenches are very good, the mechanism is very smooth. :rocker:


 

Dave455

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Mar 19, 2013
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Sussex, England
I strongly disagree with your statement there. Even though the Western Forge (only US made adjustable now I believe) made US adjustable wrenches are very nice, they still aren't as good as the Bahco or Irega Spanish made adjustable wrenches. I can pick up a WF (craftsman, Martin, SK, and a few other brands) adjustable, shake it, and hear the jaws rattle. On the Bahco or Irega, there is no rattle because everything is machined so precisely and fits together so

Well, if you read my statement again, you will see that I wasn't comparing Bahco adjustables to Western Forge (a brand I have no experience of) but specifically to the older (US made as opposed to outsourced) Crescent wrenches, an example of which I do own, and which seem to be an accepted benchmark for adjustables!

The Bahco are not as good! They are lighter constructed and there is more play in the adjustable jaw! Same applies if you compare a current Spanish made Bahco to one of the original Swedish made ones! I appreciate however that the Swedish made wrenches may not have made it to the U.S. so many contributors may not know how good they were!

None of this is to imply that the Bahco is a bad tool, it isn't, and as I said, more durable than a Taiwanese, but they are not as good as some examples from the past!

Hopefully this explains what level of quality you can expect, which I think is what the OP wanted to know!
 
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Dave455

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Mar 19, 2013
Messages
5,797
Location
Sussex, England
I strongly disagree with your statement there. Even though the Western Forge (only US made adjustable now I believe) made US adjustable wrenches are very nice, they still aren't as good as the Bahco or Irega Spanish made adjustable wrenches. I can pick up a WF (craftsman, Martin, SK, and a few other brands) adjustable, shake it, and hear the jaws rattle. On the Bahco or Irega, there is no rattle because everything is machined so precisely and fits together so

Well, if you read my statement again, you will see that I wasn't comparing Bahco adjustables to Western Forge (a brand I have no experience of) but specifically to the older (US made as opposed to outsourced) Crescent wrenches, an example of which I do own, and which seem to be an accepted benchmark for adjustables!

The Bahco are not as good! They are lighter constructed and there is more play in the adjustable jaw! Same applies if you compare a current Spanish made Bahco to one of the original Swedish made ones!

None of this is to imply that the Bahco is a bad tool, it isn't, and as I said, more durable than a Taiwanese, but they are not as good as some examples from the past! Hopefully this explains what level of quality you can expect, which I think is what the OP wanted to know!
 

65k10

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Jul 25, 2016
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somewhere
Has Bahco updated their 1/2 drive ratchets to reflect the change that Snap On made in their 1/2 drive ratchets? They changed the screws from going through the faceplate and into the head to through the head and into the face plate (ex. SL80 v SL80A). There were problems with the screws breaking.... I haven't seen any Bahcos that have this change to them yet....

Just wondering because I just broke my Snap On SL80 for the third time because of the dang screws. Time to see if I can exchange it for an upgraded SL80A.

Bringing this thread back since Snap-On Industrial Brands must have got in some more Bahco 8150-1/2 ratchets. They are in stock at Toolsdelivered.

I bought two a couple weeks ago out of curiosity and they are still the old design as you can see in the picture. I also noticed that they are not as tight as my S80A ratchets. I can grab the anvil on one and it has a noticeable amount of wiggle. The pictured one is better, but I'd say my Snap-On ratchets on average are tighter.
 

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Fretters

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South Yorkshire, England
Everybody at work thinks the Bahco adjustable are among the best, I only have an older 10", but that's probably my favourite. I can't speak on any of thier other products though.

I honestly rate Bahco adjustables as the best I've ever used. I have their older type, so not sure if the new stuff is the same, but there's no slop as you tend to find in most adjustables.
 
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