harbor freight roto ratchet problem

[wakethedead]

I could use some input from those of you who have owned swivel head ratchets. My ratchet is slipping when changing direction, as in when I go to change from loosening to tightening or vice versa ,the drive end spins with the switcher on the back unless I hold the drive end. Is this normal? Hope you understand ,its difficult to put into words.

 

[Danglerb]

Soak the head in some ATF, that might reduce the drag, but its not unusual in that type of ratchet. HF lifetime warranty if it doesn't suit you.

 

[Loscaldazar]

That happens with pretty much very round head ratchet, no? You have to hold the drive end when switching directions.

 

[wakethedead]

Thank you gentlemen for the input. I myself was wondering if it was normal for it to do that. I will soak it in atf and see if that helps.

 

[SMKS]

That happens with pretty much very round head ratchet, no? You have to hold the drive end when switching directions.

This.

Many round head ratchets require you to hold the drive when switching directions.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I could use some input from those of you who have owned swivel head ratchets. My ratchet is slipping when changing direction, as in when I go to change from loosening to tightening or vice versa ,the drive end spins with the switcher on the back unless I hold the drive end. Is this normal? Hope you understand ,its difficult to put into words.

Usually they have this problem when the selector ball bearing is too small. Not your problem in full so maybe return it. You can fix it if you have ball bearings and can (moderately) service the internals.

This is my opinion. This is what happens with craftsman bar ratchets so I assume it's a universal ratchet problem but haven't looked at the taiwanese fine tooth internals.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

This is a throw away tool. Take it back to HF and get a new one.

 

[Ign]

What are people's experiences without receipt? Allegedly HF was supposed to be requiring a receipt even on hand tool warranty claims.

 

[BirdMobile]

This is a throw away tool. Take it back to HF and get a new one.

Despite being probably the worst of the available mainstream roto ratchets, the HF ones are actually quite decent. It doesn't sound like there is anything wrong with his ratchet - like every other roto, he needs to grip the socket when changing direction using the selector.

The mechanism in these is pretty bullet proof - you'd be surprised at the torque they can handle.

 

[unslow1]

I actually like my HF ones better than my GearWrench.

 

[Rickster]

My SK and Snap-on roto-head head ratchets do not require you to hold the drive to switch direction so I would take it back to HF and get a new one.

 

[platypus20]

I have no reason to doubt Rickster on his SKs (possible different manufacturing eras or lube usage), but all of my SKs and all of the round head ratchet I have, require you to hold the socket to change direction.

 

[BirdMobile]

I have no reason to doubt Rickster on his SKs (possible different manufacturing eras or lube usage), but all of my SKs and all of the round head ratchet I have, require you to hold the socket to change direction.

Don't know about SK, but the Snap On roto I handled on the truck required that you hold the spindle to change directions.

 

[Lhead]

What are people's experiences without receipt? Allegedly HF was supposed to be requiring a receipt even on hand tool warranty claims.

My local HF has never given me any trouble when returning a defective hand tool. I had a 1/2" extendable handle ratchet that lost its ability to extend. No receipt, no problem. Got a new one and was on my way.

HF's ratchets, in my opinion are well made and durable. Definitely wouldn't classify them as "throwaway".

 

[SMKS]

My SK and Snap-on roto-head head ratchets do not require you to hold the drive to switch direction so I would take it back to HF and get a new one.

I remember holding the drive on SK ratchets to change direction. And the roto SK ratchets use the same mechanism as the regular SK ratchets.

I specifically remember it because I gave a set of SK ratchets to a friend for his birthday. He tried to switch direction on one of them and couldn't figure it to out because he wasn't holding the drive. I had to show him to hold the drive while changing direction.

I still don't think there's anything wrong with the OP's ratchets, as far as changing direction. On some round head ratchets you have to hold the drive to change direction.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

HF's ratchets, in my opinion are well made and durable. Definitely wouldn't classify them as "throwaway".

Let me clarify, they are "throwaway" because they don't offer any parts to rebuild them.....hence, when they are no longer working as intended they get thrown away. Take it back to HF for a new one, or throw it away.

 

[Dust Devil]

They are throwaway because they are garbage.

 

[monomach]

I actually like my HF ones better than my GearWrench.

Me, too. Couldn't stand the Gearwrench rotos.

FWIW, my HF rotos do not require me to hols the drive anvil to change directions. I'd warranty them out (my store doesn't require receipts for hand tools).

I keep mine lubed with ATF, though. You might want to give that a shot first. Just pour a little into a glass and let the ratchet head sit in it overnight.

 

[Rickster]

My SK and Snap-on roto-head head ratchets do not require you to hold the drive to switch direction so I would take it back to HF and get a new one.

I have no reason to doubt Rickster on his SKs (possible different manufacturing eras or lube usage), but all of my SKs and all of the round head ratchet I have, require you to hold the socket to change direction.

OK I take it back! I went out and checked them all. My one Snap-on will change direction without holding the drive it has a bit stiffer head but the other one I need to grip the drive to switch direction. Both SK's need to grip the drive but one sometimes will switch direction without holding the drive. So I believe it's fair to say its normal to hold the drive to switch direction on a roto-head!

 

[Hootbro]

What are people's experiences without receipt? Allegedly HF was supposed to be requiring a receipt even on hand tool warranty claims.

HF's written policy is requiring a receipt for warranty exchange. The real world reality is that many of the stores will do it without a receipt, you just have to ask and find out what your particular HF does.

 

[wakethedead]

Thank you gentlemen for the advice and an extra thank you to the guys who went out to their boxes and checked. It sounds like its at least plausible that this is a common thing. I understand its a cheaper ratchet but it suits my needs more than adequately and see no need to throw it away for such a small annoyance.