Harbor Freight Ratchets

[evanbaker08]

I know a lot of you will probably judge me for this and a lot of you will agree, but how many of you use Harbor Freight ratchets? That's pretty much all I have besides a set of USA Craftsman and a 160 tooth Steelman Pro set and I love them. They seem to be of equal or better quality than the top non truck tool brands and a fraction of the price. Watch the torture tests on youtube these things are high quality!

 

[BK13]

I probably have a half-dozen, store 'em right next to my Snappys and Armstrongs....

 

[evanbaker08]

I have both types of composite ratchets in all 3 sizes, the low profile in all 3 sizes, and the flex heads in all 3 sizes.

 

[General Geoff]

Have all three composite sizes, and the low profile dual flex head 1/4" and 3/8" long handle ratchet. Very nice for the low price of them all.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I have a 1/4 composite and like it quite a lot, I really want to get either one of the 3/8 composites. But considering how many ratchets (30 or so I lost count) I got already it is hard to justify. Safe to say that you would be hard pressed to find something better at triple the price besides used. It kills anything near its price. I have not used it recently since I have been playing with my 1/4 proto that I put a handle on, has next to no back drag and is smooth as hell.

 

[bonneyman]

I keep hearing great reviews of the composite rats. Might just have to try 'em.

 

[AmishFury]

the finish on my HF "wishes it was an FH80" ratchet is dulled and scuffed... my actual FH80 has held up to similar use while looking almost as nice as when i got it (if the handle was easier to clean you'd be unable to tell it was used)

the HF has less backdrag, the snap-on feels more... more in the hand

the HF was ~$15 after coupon, the Snap-On... i could have bought 4 of the HF and had some money left with what i paid (which was still less than truck price)

so basically what you get with buying the snap-on... more durable finish, a more solid feeling tool that might be able to take a bit more abuse, tool snobs won't point and laugh at your HF tools, 'murrica

what you get buying the HF... more money for hookers and blow

 

[evanbaker08]

I'll never bring myself to spend that much money on a tool just because the finish will last longer and it feels good in the hand. I use my tools a lot, but not enough to justify a purchase just because I like the way it feels. Maybe if I did it professionally, but at home I'll keep my HF wanna be ratchets.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I keep hearing great reviews of the composite rats. Might just have to try 'em.

They are very nice for the price. I believe that the same plant that makes the kobalt Taiwanese ratchets makes the composites with the offset head. I have a kobalt 1/4 rat and the head,cover plate and selector are identical.

 

[evanbaker08]

I did notice last time I went to HF all the 1/2 tear drop composite ratchets in stock had a broken quick release button.

 

[M6erfan]

I got the newest composite 1/4" recently. I like it, here's some of my thoughts...

-pretty large head for 1/4
-very light back-drag
-the selector lever doesn't feel very 'positive' in engagement, kind of sloppy
-selector lever is backwards from every other ratchet I've owned
-great length and it has the most comfotable handle of all my ratchets

IMO, for the price of about $10 with coupon, it's a good value with a lifetime guarantee

 

[DanInVA]

I have a few, have been pretty satisfied with them. The 3/8 roto head is pretty handy, but has quite a bit of backdrag. I also have a 3/8 composite, and it is pretty good. If I need a 3/8, it is the first one I grab (I only have the two). I also have a 1/2" extendable ratchet. Being able to extend it for more leverage definitely comes in handy. My only other 1/2 ratchet is a craftsman rp, and I go for the hf over it.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[1950mercury]

the finish on my HF "wishes it was an FH80" ratchet is dulled and scuffed... my actual FH80 has held up to similar use while looking almost as nice as when i got it (if the handle was easier to clean you'd be unable to tell it was used)

the HF has less backdrag, the snap-on feels more... more in the hand

the HF was ~$15 after coupon, the Snap-On... i could have bought 4 of the HF and had some money left with what i paid (which was still less than truck price)

so basically what you get with buying the snap-on... more durable finish, a more solid feeling tool that might be able to take a bit more abuse, tool snobs won't point and laugh at your HF tools, 'murrica

what you get buying the HF... more money for hookers and blow

Maybe the blow is affecting your judgment.... The hf ratchets are nice but not as nice as a duel 80 they have more backdrag and the reversing levers can be sketchy. Don't get me wrong I own a few they are probably the best bang for your buck but a broke in dual 80 is better

 

[BioNerd]

I have the 3 composite and a 3/8 flex head. I packed em all with grease so they feel real smooth.

I mostly use the flex head, I use the composite sometimes.

Generally, I don't care about brands.

 

[AmishFury]

Maybe the blow is affecting your judgment.... The hf ratchets are nice but not as nice as a duel 80 they have more backdrag and the reversing levers can be sketchy. Don't get me wrong I own a few they are probably the best bang for your buck but a broke in dual 80 is better

did i say they were better? and in what alternate dimension does a dual 80 have less backdrag than the HF 72t? every dual 80 i have used except one that i'm contemplating a rebuild on because of significant wear is noticably stiffer than my HF ratchets

maybe the kool-aid is affecting your judgement

 

[erty67]

I have a draw of 20-30 ratchets and a draw for all my sockets. My HF composites are the only ratchets that stay in the socket drawer.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

 

[Mechanical Noise]

I have a few of the Pittsburgh Pro dual pawl ratchets. I like them. They are about as smooth and solid as my SK ratchets, which is very good. On one of them the screw hole for the selector pivot is very slightly off center, With careful adjustment, it works OK, but it suggests QC isn't perfect. No big deal.

Can't yet say they are as durable as higher end ratchets. Ask me again in 20 years.

 

[Outlander]

They are very nice for the price. I believe that the same plant that makes the kobalt Taiwanese ratchets makes the composites with the offset head. I have a kobalt 1/4 rat and the head,cover plate and selector are identical.

Interesting. I have 3 sizes of the Princess Auto composite wrenches which are identical (I believe) to the HF versions. They are my go to ratchets, especially when working in the cold. Full disclosure - I don't have a Snap On ratchet for comparison so I won't make any judgement beyond that I like the PA / HF composites.

 

[winlinmac]

Tekton makes as a great alternative option too, especially if you don't have a Harbor Freight around. I believe most of these companies manufacture in the same facility but apply a different label to distinguish themselves from others.

 

[snail81]

Well I bought a matco extended handle flex head ratchet probably 15 years ago. 120.00 if I remember correctly. It finally died the other day and I was without. Went to harbor freight and saw what looked like the same except the flex head didn't lock like the matco. I bought it (25.00) and I can say its pretty nice. The flex head does get loose and I have to tighten the screw in the side every once and I while but other than that its a pretty good value.
And yeah I sent my matco back to be repaired or replaced.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I had a thread recently about getting a kit to rebuild the 3/8 72t flex head(I didn't want to trade it in), so I bought a short 3/8 to swap the guts over. They made a change in the lever, pawls (wider engagement) & the main gear. Seems like they made it stronger with less effort into machining it.
In the end I just used the new pawls (I narrowed them)but all other parts were the original to the ratchet, works just fine.

 

[Hiball]

Does anyone here ever ponder why there are so many threads about people's happiness about specific brands/tools? If it works for you, that's all that matters, we don't really need to know that you couldn't justify $$$ for truck brands or that you can't stand Imported tools. Everytime I see one of these threads, I feel like the OP is feeling bad about there purchase and is searching for justification for choosing Brand X or Y. Just use the tools in "your" toolbox and be happy.

 

[evanbaker08]

Tekton makes as a great alternative option too, especially if you don't have a Harbor Freight around. I believe most of these companies manufacture in the same facility but apply a different label to distinguish themselves from others.

Tekton makes some pretty good stuff. I have a few things from them and their impact sockets look really nice.

 

[dodge610]

Does anyone here ever ponder why there are so many threads about people's happiness about specific brands/tools? If it works for you, that's all that matters, we don't really need to know that you couldn't justify $$$ for truck brands or that you can't stand Imported tools. Everytime I see one of these threads, I feel like the OP is feeling bad about there purchase and is searching for justification for choosing Brand X or Y. Just use the tools in "your" toolbox and be happy.

Bingo could not of said it any better. You have hit the nail on the head.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'll never bring myself to spend that much money on a tool just because the finish will last longer and it feels good in the hand. I use my tools a lot, but not enough to justify a purchase just because I like the way it feels. Maybe if I did it professionally, but at home I'll keep my HF wanna be ratchets.

If you use them a lot, you'll want to spend money on how they feel. So we can only conclude that you don't use them a lot compared to those who do indeed use them a lot.

 

[1969]

Note to Hiball..... enough of this intelligent logic..... you have been warned!

 

[evanbaker08]

If you use them a lot, you'll want to spend money on how they feel. So we can only conclude that you don't use them a lot compared to those who do indeed use them a lot.

Or you could conclude that HF feels fine and I'm a broke college student that can't afford Snap-on.

 

[evanbaker08]

Does anyone here ever ponder why there are so many threads about people's happiness about specific brands/tools? If it works for you, that's all that matters, we don't really need to know that you couldn't justify $$$ for truck brands or that you can't stand Imported tools. Everytime I see one of these threads, I feel like the OP is feeling bad about there purchase and is searching for justification for choosing Brand X or Y. Just use the tools in "your" toolbox and be happy.

I just wanted to know how HF compares to the expensive stuff in the eyes of people who have both. This is a forum for discussing things of that nature is it not?

 

[Hiball]

I just wanted to know how HF compares to the expensive stuff in the eyes of people who have both. This is a forum for discussing things of that nature is it not?

It's your story..... but based off your initial post, you wherent really looking for a comparison discussion, but don't Fret. If you utilize the Search feature you can read till your heart is content. If you get tired of reading about HF ratchets, throw Duralast into the search bar.

 

[PJNJ]

I know a lot of you will probably judge me for this and a lot of you will agree, but how many of you use Harbor Freight ratchets? That's pretty much all I have besides a set of USA Craftsman and a 160 tooth Steelman Pro set and I love them. They seem to be of equal or better quality than the top non truck tool brands and a fraction of the price. Watch the torture tests on youtube these things are high quality!

Does anyone here ever ponder why there are so many threads about people's happiness about specific brands/tools? If it works for you, that's all that matters, we don't really need to know that you couldn't justify $$$ for truck brands or that you can't stand Imported tools. Everytime I see one of these threads, I feel like the OP is feeling bad about there purchase and is searching for justification for choosing Brand X or Y. Just use the tools in "your" toolbox and be happy.

I just wanted to know how HF compares to the expensive stuff in the eyes of people who have both. This is a forum for discussing things of that nature is it not?

Your initial post didn't posit any question about HF quality comparison vs. Snap On or other brands. You talked about your HF against your CM and Steelman. You made no comparison against any others. But you went on to say "they seem to be of equal or better quality than the top non truck tool brands and a fraction of the price." What "top non truck tool brands" did you compare them to? Before making such a statement try owning and using some Wright, SK, Armstrong, Gearwrench, Carlyle, etc.

Hiball made a perfectly valid point.

 

[four.cycle]

Hiball definitely raises a couple interesting points.

I have been a member of another "discussion thread" website for a long time, and some of the most heated arguments are about particular pieces of equipment or gear. (Nothing, by the way, having anything to do with tools, automobiles, construction, or repairs of mechanical devices.)

Each of us have our own beliefs and biases, so what works for me may or may not work for you.

But if it works for you, and it feels good in your hand, and it performs to your own satisfaction, what difference does it make what some other guy thinks?

A couple things you might want to take a look at:

Buyers remorse:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buyer's_remorse

and moreover, Post-purchase rationalization:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-purchase_rationalization

So.... do you think I really care what a guy carrying a $150 Fenwick graphite rod thinks about my $20 made-in-China cheapo?
More importantly, did it matter to the fish?

fish-story-082806 by ski_mohawk, on Flickr

 

[BK13]

I think fish get embarrassed if they get caught with cheap rods.

 

[Finky198]

I have a mix of Snappy, HF, and Craftsman all used in a professional environment and they all do what there supposed to do. They get the job done so Why complain.

I really do like the new pro composites from HF

I feel like the new line of HF pro ratchets is a great way to expand your selection of ratchet with a good balance of quality, selection, price, warranty. But at the same time I partake in the in the drinking of the Kool Aid and love my dual 80s

 

[evanbaker08]

I don't know why it is believed that I have buyers remorse or want confirmation. The majority of my tools are Gearwrench and Craftsman USA. My original post was stated in a way to draw debate and get discussion from both sides while mainly stating my personal opinion. You can continue to question my intent of this thread but I am perfectly content with my purchase.

 

[mykvr6]

I have a mix too. Facom, RP Craftsman, full polished craftsman, snap-on,vintage snap-on, Williams, Wright and I have all three of the offset handle composite HF ratchets. My go to 1/4 is my facom palm control, 3/8 is usually my long flex head comfort grip and 1/2 was my long comfort grip snap-on. Since getting my composites from HF though I tend to grab them in 1/2 and 3/8 styles when working on my car. Why? I like the feel of them, I don't mind tearing them up and I can bang on the handles with my hand if I'm trying to break a bolts loose. lol. Plus sometimes the offset handle works out great because it gives me some hand room in certain situations without busting my knuckles. Long story short, I use them a lot. I have $$$ ratchets and $ ratchets. They all have their place. But honestly my $$$ ratchets get cleaned up and babied while the HF's just get thrown back in the drawer. lol.

 

[Jason280]

I have MAC, Matco, Snap On, Cornwell, Williams, Armstrong, Craftsman, Gearwrench, Duralast, and just about every other brand you can imagine...and every HF ratchet I own has performed just as well (if not better) than them all.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Back when I was young and poor, I had little choice but to buy HF, 40 or more years later, i still have many of the HF tools, they all work as advertised.

Now that I am old (and still poor), I have a mix of HF, CM-USA, SO, Mac and SK. When used properly, they preform as expected.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I just wanted to know how HF compares to the expensive stuff in the eyes of people who have both. This is a forum for discussing things of that nature is it not?

I own some HF ratchets and some of the Kobalt ratchets along with some Snap On (both Dual 80 and the older 936 designs). I use them all in a very demanding professional environment

HF- ratchet mechanism is pretty decent and smooth, especially when you consider the price. The one major complaint I have are the flex heads are ****. Floppy as hell. The fixed head ones are pretty decent. I can recommend them.

Snap On- better, just plain better. The HF ones will work pretty decently but for pure variety and better specialty ratchets plus a bitching mechanism the Snap On ratchets are pretty good. Locking flex heads are a must, IMHO, and both Snap On and Matco have good ones. Made in the USA, and a ton of variety.

If you are in a home environment HF works just fine. For professional use you can get by with HF or another 72t Taiwan generic ratchets but the variety and quality of the Snap On or other tool truck brand is easily justified.

I will say that the HF ratchets are a lot better, IMHO, than the Craftsman ratchets I grew up using at home.

 

[bwringer]

I gotta confess, until I started using the composite ratchets from HF, I didn't realize how often I bang the ratchet against something accidentally.

I very rarely work on anything with a fine finish where it matters, but the whole composite concept is growing on me. There are times where a paint chip or a ding would just be plain unacceptable. It sort of takes one worry off your plate.

And put me in the "dang these things are niiiiiiiiice" camp, especially with a little lube added.

The roto heads are ridiculously useful as well, and they're cheap enough to just buy two or three and semi-permanently keep a common size socket on them

 

[shoggoth80]

I've got a mix of ratchets, between work and home. I have HF stuff (had a composite, the new 1/4" and a 1/4" roto). I lost the composite. I used it almost daily when first starting out. Left it in someone's trunk doing a light swap real fast. Was a comfy piece of kit, and performed better than its price point. Same can be said of the other two. Really, if you grab the "Pro" line stuff, you're getting a good deal for what it is. Really can't *****.

My other stuff is Snap On, Bahco, Cornwell, Craftsman, Titan, Gearwrench, and SK. It all gets the job done. Some of them are tougher than others/used on tougher jobs. But, you pick the right weapon for the fight, no? I like my Snappy and Cornwells, a LOT. That said, my Taiwanese made stuff takes a serious beating, and doesn't give a rip either. Taiwan can produce some nice stuff, no doubt in my mind.

Not everything in Harbor Freight is a bargain at the price point, their ratchets however are a pretty solid value.