HF Composite Ratchet, vs. Snap-on, Matco, Craftsman...

[dodge610]

I love my 3/8 HF composite just waiting to get my 1/4 inch one everytime I go they are out of the 1/4 inch one.

 

[jensputzier]

Are these available in the UK anywhere?

IIRC, I've seen them in big multi-drive sets. Hazet has a budget brand (not sold as 'Hazet' - I can't remeber the name), which may have featured these ratchets.

It is called VIGOR.

 

[czgunner]

Picked up a 1/4 drive from hobo freight today. Pleasantly surprised.

 

[Twisted Sid]

I have had these for a few years and i keep all 3 sizes in my truck for emergency desert repairs. after reading the 3/8 kobalt thread, i pulled all my ratchets apart to check out the insides and lube them.
i found that my HFs are riveted together so i couldnt get a good look inside but what i could see was that they were bone dry inside. i used a needle attachment for my grease gun and pumped in a squeeze of grease in each one. before, they were smoother then my craftsmans and now after the grease, they are the only things i want to use. im actually going to go buy a second set to keep in my baja bug once its up and going.

 

[-Z-]

It is called VIGOR.

Thanks. Yeah, I remebered it was Vigor shortly after I posted, and found this: http://www.vigor-equipment.de/index.php?id=103&hk=210&uk=210120&produkt=V2461 ..look like the same ratchets.

 

[shoggoth80]

I had one of these. I broke the plastic casing around the quick release button in a drop. The quick release still worked; cosmetic damage. I wore the printing off the handle. It's a nicer ratchet than the price tag would lead you to believe. I actually miss mine. I didn't break it, I lost it. Left it in the back of a car I was working on.

 

[erty67]

this thread convinced me to go buy one of these ratchets. Impressed immediately. Now time to see how well it holds up.

 

[arms1970]

Please, everyone box your snap on ratchets up and send them to me....thanks

 

[TJx]

Tekton sells the exact same ratchet except in red and black for those looking to color coordinate.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Check out the dual drive 1/4-3/8 stubby. Performance Tool by Wilmar.

I've seen that one at parts stores but not on their site after all this time.

Tekton sells the exact same ratchet except in red and black for those looking to color coordinate.

Same one as Perf. Tool / Wilmar w38337 probably.

 

[wmartin]

So what does a HF ratchet smell like?

 

[General Geoff]

Victory.

 

[wmartin]

Victory.

Does victory smell like burning rubber and bug spray? I'll have to ask Colonel Kilgore.

 

[cburnscrx]

I've seen that one at parts stores but not on their site after all this time.



Same one as Perf. Tool / Wilmar w38337 probably.

Probably not the same at the Titan...if there is a screw on the bottom, it's not like the Titan ratchets I have... Titan is different than Kobalt, HF, and others. This is true of then non composites anyway...

 

[General Geoff]

Does victory smell like burning rubber and bug spray? I'll have to ask Colonel Kilgore.

It does if you're at a summer NHRA event.

 

[Beowulf]

Here is a cool pic of the construction on the Tekton version.

 

[AndrewH]

Just wanted to say I have all 3 of these ratchets (sitting right next to my SO AND Armstrong's) and they are great! And although for serious torque work I grab my 1/2" SO Dual 80 but only because I'm afraid to break my hand! I've never had one of the composites from HF slip or do anything abnormal, if I didn't have my SO ratchet(s) I'd be using them for everything. They've certainly earned my trust.


EDIT: Just realized this was my first post, I've been lurking around for a long time but just really wanted to add my .02 about these great ratchets!

 

[Beowulf]

No problem AndrewH. Glad to have your commnets.

I think these are going to work out nicely. I have been slowing building out a kit for permanent placement in the Jeep. Since I take very long unsupported trips as far away from pavement and civilization as I can I need to be prepared for a multitude of issues. What I try to keep in mind is: What would I need if I was driving across Africa.

Sadly, space and weight are always a major concern. So trying to minimize "stuff" while trying to stay prepared is a challenge. Plus, doubling the expense of my home set is not an option.

These inexpensive and most likely lighter rachets will do nicely for staying in the vehicle kit.

 

[-Z-]

Are there any quality differences between the composite versions and the all metal versions, of these ratchets? I’ll be buying a new socket set, and it’s between this £120 Vigor V2461 set with composite ratchets...

...and this cheaper £86 BGS set, with the all metal ratchets...

The BGS set gets very high customer ratings on Amazon.de

 

[cheechi]

check the tooth count on both ratchets. One may be newer/more teeth. That is a big price difference even if that's the only difference though.

 

[ecotec]

Tekton sells the exact same ratchet except in red and black for those looking to color coordinate.

Are the Tekton dead blow hammers the same as the HF ones? A few of the Tekton tools seem to look the same as HF for twice the price.

 

[johndeereman]

now having all 3 sizes of the hf composites for about 8 months with no problems i want to grab a second set for the service truck.

 

[monomach]

I have had these for a few years and i keep all 3 sizes in my truck for emergency desert repairs. after reading the 3/8 kobalt thread, i pulled all my ratchets apart to check out the insides and lube them.
i found that my HFs are riveted together so i couldnt get a good look inside but what i could see was that they were bone dry inside. i used a needle attachment for my grease gun and pumped in a squeeze of grease in each one. before, they were smoother then my craftsmans and now after the grease, they are the only things i want to use. im actually going to go buy a second set to keep in my baja bug once its up and going.

That's odd. Mine aren't. Mine are held together by three torx screws: two on the back of the head and one on the front. Came apart easily for lubing.

 

[87FoRunner]

I like using the composite on big truck screw top batteries.

 

[1950mercury]

A couple youtube videos on it

His second video

 

[Dave.R]

Are the Tekton dead blow hammers the same as the HF ones? A few of the Tekton tools seem to look the same as HF for twice the price.

Our dead blows are manufactured for us, to our specs.

This includes being California Prop 65 compliant in being made with lead-free and 3P phthalate-free materials. Also are made in our TEKTON High-Vis Red over the traditional Orange.

They are also covered by our Always (lifetime) guarantee. If you have any trouble with it, contact the customer support team or contact me.



Dave
[email protected]

 

[sberry]

It sounds like they are good. This thing I bought off the counter when I was desperate is the best ratchet I have ever owned. Never lubed, my fault the handle was lost.