Disassembled Harbor Freight 1/2" drive extending socket (pics)

[AmateurMechanic]

Did the disassembly a while back, but I figured I'd post the pics on GarageJournal since some of you may be interested in the construction of this ratchet.

I was pleasantly surprised at the build quality of this ratchet. I had pretty low expectations going in, but this ratchet is pretty well-made. The quality of this ratchet is easily comparable to most of the made in Taiwan ratchets from Home Depot, Lowes, or other big-box stores.

It weighs 2 lbs and adjusts in 6 positions from 12" to 17". You could probably use it as a breaker bar when fully extended. It's advertised as being capable of handling up to 400 ft-lbs and has a lifetime warranty.

MSRP is $15, and I think it's a steal at that price. It's made in Taiwan, not China, and the construction is very similar to my Kobalt ratchets which were also made in Taiwan. The HF one is 72-tooth, just like my Kobalt ratchets. I have a sneaking suspicion that they may be made by a similar OEM.

Mine didn't come lubricated on the inside, so I gave it a light coating of lubricant. But even with that slight oversight, I have to say this is one of the gems at HF.

 

[ishiboo]

The HF ratchets are my favorite. They're cheap, well made, and you don't feel bad knocking them, dropping them, etc. I have some "nicer" GW ratchets but I never use them.

I especially like the new red/black composites.

 

[BK13]

Have you beat on it at all? I don't have any concerns about the ratchet mechanism, but the length adjuster puzzles me. Does it seize when you lay the smack down on a frozen fastener?


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[ishiboo]

Have you beat on it at all? I don't have any concerns about the ratchet mechanism, but the length adjuster puzzles me. Does it seize when you lay the smack down on a frozen fastener?


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I used mine about 2 weeks ago fully extended to back out a 8"x1/2" Spax power lag out of a 10x10 oak beam. TON of torque required and it worked great. Bought the big Milwaukee impact so I never have to do that again though

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Have you beat on it at all? I don't have any concerns about the ratchet mechanism, but the length adjuster puzzles me. Does it seize when you lay the smack down on a frozen fastener?

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Haven't really "beat on it", but have used it for a bunch of different bolts, including lug nuts and a very tight transmission drain bolt. No issues so far.

The length adjuster is a spring-loaded ball mechanism. The inside section that extends has detents at each position, and when you lock it in place, the spring-loaded ball fits into the detent to keep it secure at that position. It's similar to the locking mechanism on a pneumatic hose.

 

[BK13]

I used mine about 2 weeks ago fully extended to back out a 8"x1/2" Spax power lag out of a 10x10 oak beam. TON of torque required and it worked great. Bought the big Milwaukee impact so I never have to do that again though

Cool, thanks, man.


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[BK13]

Haven't really "beat on it", but have used it for a bunch of different bolts, including lug nuts and a very tight transmission drain bolt. No issues so far.

Good to hear. I already have a 24" Kobalt rat, so I don't really NEED it, but you guys know how that goes...


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[AmateurMechanic]

Good to hear. I already have a 24" Kobalt rat, so I don't really NEED it, but you guys know how that goes...

The most useful part about this HF ratchet is that it can extend and retract very quickly. So if you were working under the car, for instance, you could very quickly shorten it to get into a tight space or extend it for a tight bolt. Very versatile.

 

[hancock1701]

I have both of those HF ratchets and have been quite happy with them. Use them on every thing when I don't use my flex heads or low profiles. Another thing I like about them is that after you undo the bolt, you can shorten them to ratchet more quickly.

 

[Docman]

Used this for the first time today replacing a half-shaft, ball joints, and a couple motor mounts. I was very pleased, and the ability to pull it out to full length in an instant for some extra torque was very handy indeed. Got me out of a few spots where I'd normally turn to a breaker bar.

I did play with throwing it to full length, ie pulling the adjustment ring and giving it a flick. Don't do that. I had to smack it to get it to retract again. No damage done that I could tell, though.

 

[Burgerkong]

Used this for the first time today replacing a half-shaft, ball joints, and a couple motor mounts. I was very pleased, and the ability to pull it out to full length in an instant for some extra torque was very handy indeed. Got me out of a few spots where I'd normally turn to a breaker bar.

I did play with throwing it to full length, ie pulling the adjustment ring and giving it a flick. Don't do that. I had to smack it to get it to retract again. No damage done that I could tell, though.

Like a baton? I love flicking it out haha.

 

[subarub4]

The HF ratchets are my favorite. They're cheap, well made, and you don't feel bad knocking them, dropping them, etc. I have some "nicer" GW ratchets but I never use them.

I especially like the new red/black composites.

I need to get a new composite.. I have the older all black and I used it so much that the rubber on the handle is starting to expand because of a cut

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Harbor Freight ratchets are very well made for the price.. My friends use the professionally and they love them and haven't broken one yet..
-------------------------------------------------------
I am a ToolAholic, Sometimes I regret it, Especially when the Toolman won't give me no credit

 

[notlob]

So where are the pics of the extending socket?

 

[BK13]

Dang, didn't even notice! Doh!


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[thebeekeeper1]

I love mine. It's only half the size of the pics in the OP though. Wow!

 

[lightning02]

I never really had a need for this ratchet so I never got gone. Good to hear there holding up well.... if HF or whoever makes these ratchets can come up with a way to get rid of the screw thay holds the selector it be be a perfect ratchet. That's there only down fall as for as the mechanism goes.