HF Composite Ratchet

[sprint7]

Has anyone broken this ratchet, know anyone that has broken this ratchet, seen a picture of this ratchet broken? I'm curious.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66313

 

[kburns]

They're pretty cheap, so why don't you just buy one and break it yourself?

 

[sprint7]

They're pretty cheap, so why don't you just buy one and break it yourself?

I have a two of the 3/8" and really like them. My only complant is that the switch is backwards from every other ratchet that I have.

I have a really good friend that is a Matco hardhead and told me they would never last. I was just curious if anyone has ever broken one.

 

[Garmann]

I have that ratchet under the Tool Shop brand? in 1/4" and 3/8". Menards used to sell them. I have been using the 3/8" for a few years now with no complaints except the drive direction lever is backwards from my other ratchets.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I've got the 1/4" version, wasn't sure how the 3/8 would hold up,so I passed on it & got the 1/4 figure 1/4 drive is usually used on smaller fasteners not needing alot of torque. had it for a couple of months now & I like it

 

[alamerang]

I've got the 1/4 and 1/2 inch versions of this ratchet and I have had no problems with them. I love the fine tooth feature and they are really light weight. As long as you use it properly and not stick a cheater bar on them they should hold up nicely. Had mine for over a year now with no complaints.

 

[pfbz]

Nice and light, fine toothed, mine has held up great so far.

NOT the ratchet I'd reach for trying to break loose a big bolt though...

 

[shovel]

I have one that I use whenever I might hit paint. Used it a couple of times but I really cant tell you how tough it is. Pretty nice ratchet for cheap Chinese **** that costs less than $10.00!

 

[paramedic]

i have one that i use for anything with batteries, no replacing fuseable links, fuses or arcing anymore.

 

[egdede]

I bought one in 3/8 last year, love it. But...went back and now the selector levers are really cheesy plastic.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I have one of those from Performance Tool. I use it whenever there is a possibility of arcing or to keep from chipping paint. I seem to remember there being a cutaway view in the Performance Tool brochure when they first came out with those, but I am not sure.
Buy one, and burn all the plastic off. I too have always been curious about what lies beneath.

 

[kartracer55]

i have one that i use for anything with batteries, no replacing fuseable links, fuses or arcing anymore.

One definitely needs to be careful, because some "Composites" are pretty conductive. Namely carbon fiber. Now, I know we cant expect much in the way of carbon fiber from HF, but I wanted to throw that out there as a little safety disclaimer for people.

 

[Aberdale]

I've got the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive versions. I didn't know what to expect, but they were so cheap I thought I'd give 'em a try. I really like them. As said earlier, I don't use them for really tough rusted bolts, but for ordinary use, they rock. Light weight, fine tooth mechanism, and they aren't so cold in the wintertime, or hot when laying in the sun. I've been using them more and more, and leaving the C-man and SO ratchets in the toolbox.

Dale

 

[frog]

I cut the 3/8 drive model down to make a stubby. The plastic is about 3/16 inch thick, there is a steel core that runs the full length. I have been using it five days a week installing overhead doors and its held up fine.