HF composite 3/8" ratchet

[Jason280]

I was in Harbor Freight the other day to pick up a 3500lb trailer jack for my 16' equipment trailer, and decided I would look around. Ended up picking up a few other things, and saw their composite 3/8 ratchet. I remembered reading on one of the HF threads that these things are actually fairly decent, so I figured for $10 it was worth trying. So far, I've used it to disassemble the brakes on an 8.8, and I've been impressed thus far. Mechanism is smooth, and switches direction easily. Of course, I am not expecting much for $10, but it does have a lifetime warranty (just save your receipt!).

By the way, the 3500lb trailer jack is a steal at $32. It comes with hardware for a pivoting mount, or can be welded. Plus, with the 20% off coupon, you can get them fro around $26.

 

[cheechi]

It couldn't possibly be any good, it came from HF. You should spend 10 times that and buy a Snap On.

Those composite ratchets are the best ones that HF sells now, they're the same as the promotional ones that Viper was giving away with the 'pink' tool kits a while back.

 

[dodge610]

You will be surprised I was I have put mine thru the paces and it is holding up very well.

 

[Super Scout]

Not to be arguementative but what is the point of a composite ratchet ? Is it supposed to be stronger ? Lighter ? Just something different ? I saw them at harbor freight but was not sure why ? Is there something I am missing ?

 

[Davefr]

Not to be arguementative but what is the point of a composite ratchet ? Is it supposed to be stronger ? Lighter ? Just something different ? I saw them at harbor freight but was not sure why ? Is there something I am missing ?

Lighter and pretty darn ergonomic. Won't scratch if you drop it on something. They're also cheap.

As much as I hate HF, these plastic ratchets could easily become "go to" ratchets for everyday normal use. (vs. the most demanding tasks)

I think they are one of the very few HF "home runs".

When you have normal task and open the ratchet drawer it sure is easy to pick up the plastic ratchet first.

I like the 1/4" and 3/8" but probably wouldn't get the 1/2".

It's kind of hard to explain until you use one.

 

[woody 73]

Darn I am not able to concentrate on the post at hand ; Jason 280 your avatar is not helping!!!

 

[woody 73]

PS; I hope you got her phone number.

 

[Brownsfan]

I had one and got tired of it slipping under semi-heavy tourque. Maybe I got a bad one because they seem to have good reviews from everyone here for the most part. I have ratchets from Snap On to Kobalt. So I am not a fan boy of any particular brand. The one I had sucked and I just threw it away. I should have took it back and got a store credit to get some more zip ties

 

[bigbearcraig]

I have two of them and they are no lighter than a comparable all metal ratchet. I think it is cheaper to make the composite because there is no machining or chroming to do on the body of the ratchet. They are smooth and comfortable to use, and I like them. How long they will last is the big question, but so far they are pretty good. I bought them to keep in my car tool kit.

 

[duckhunter]

I'm going to try one of these plastic ratchets in the tool bag in the boat.

 

[bluechevy94]

I have 1/4 & 1/2 composite ratchets and really like them.The 1/4 has been my most used ratchet so far.I want to get the 3/8 but everytime I am in HF they are sold out of them.The handle on these ratchets is very ergonomic and easy to grip.They are also lighter thus reducing fatigue when working in cramp spaces or overhead.In my opinion they are one of the nest buys from HF.

 

[Jason280]

Jason 280 your avatar is not helping!!!

Haha, it may be time to change the picture!

For $10, I really don't see how you can go wrong with the ratchet. I haven't read of any failures so far, and they are fairly comfortable to use. Plus, how can you go wrong with a lifetime warranty?

 

[shoturtle]

I have them, got them for free. The selector switch is a weak point that is prone to failure if it is dropped the wrong why. I had the 1/4 and 3/8 selector switch fail on the free ones I was given. And they were brand new. I do not think I would spend the money on them if I did not get them for free.

 

[Jason280]

I had the 1/4 and 3/8 selector switch fail on the free ones I was given.

Any more details?

 

[shoturtle]

Yes, if you drop them and it lands on the selector, it is so thin. that the screw just snaps off on the 3/8. And on the 1/4 the cheesy spot well on the selector just crack and spins around and not switch. They fell of my work bench and onto the floor, not allot of abuse.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Not to be arguementative but what is the point of a composite ratchet ? Is it supposed to be stronger ? Lighter ? Just something different ? I saw them at harbor freight but was not sure why ? Is there something I am missing ?

I think it's composite over a steel core, so you still have the strength of a steel ratchet, but in a plastic body. Could see it being good to use in the winter if someone didn't like a cold ratchet, possibly as an insulated VDE tool (although they make rated VDE equipment for a reason - I'd never personally use this particular ratchet on any circuit I thought was live, nor would I tell anyone it's a good idea).

I think I spend more time looking at the avatar than I do reading the posts in these threads.

 

[ht85]

it is my tool cart go to ratchet and is holding up great...

 

[cheechi]

Haha, it may be time to change the picture

No, it is definitely not time for that. It is time to keep that picture and PM me a larger version.

 

[chris142]

I wish they made them longer. they are a little short for my taste. the are impossible to keep clean. I use mine every day though.

 

[Rico.]

Darn I am not able to concentrate on the post at hand ; Jason 280 your avatar is not helping!!!

Ahhh... Now I finally understand your screen name....

 

[Greatbear]

I have one, it's handy for working near batteries, painted surfaces and in cold weather.

 

[7.62]

I don't own one, and don't really want to, but I would have to say its best feature is being non-conductive

Pretty much this.
Some of our trucks at work have really stupidly small battery boxes, and the composite ratchet makes it easier to change the batteries without zapping yourself. It's basically the only thing I use it for, but it works well enough to remove battery terminal nuts.