HF Pittsburg Pro Ratchet- new design?

[hoffmand]

I decided to pick up a HF 3/8" ratchet due mostly to mrholeshot's shoot-out. When i got it home I realized that while it's the same part number (40591), it's different design than his photos or the HF website. Any thoughts on the new design?

 

[SMKS]

Yeah, they've been getting a lot of new items branded as "Pittsburgh Pro." All the ones I looked at were made in Taiwan, instead of China.

In fact, I did a quick review of a set. Here's a link

 

[hoffmand]

Yup, this one is from Taiwan. The troubling part is how few teeth the pawl engages. That doesn't seem very good. At least they took the time to lube up the gear.....

-edit: looks like the pawl is a copy of the SO F330. Maybe it's not as bad as I thought

 

[NOTABLAZER]

I just picked up one like that in 1/4" drive,didn't look to bad,gotta be better than the ones I have now...

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

I picked up a 1/2" drive last week which I believe is the older style (clamshell packaging and the back cover is held on with a snap ring). Made in Taiwan. Right out of the box it was a bit smoother than my Craftsman raised panel 1/2" drive ratchet. Opened it up and there wasn't much lube inside, so I sprayed it out with brake cleaner and added some lithium grease. The viscous action of the grease made it 100% smoother. Hopefully it will last me a while. Already planning on going back on payday and getting 1/4" and 3/8" drives.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i picked up one recently for my uncle. cleaned and lube it for him and it ratcheted a lot smoother than before. didn't feel all that bad really.

 

[dankicksass]

Looks like Stanley from here.

 

[Boost Creep]

i picked up a pro 1/4 composite ratchet a couple days ago. i'll probably get a 3/8 one once they have the pro version of those in stock too

 

[hoffmand]

The ratchet is smooth and so far I like it. My only concern was it had different internals than the ones people had used and tested in the past. If the different pawl with fewer teeth isn't a cause for concern then I'll hang onto it.

 

[lipadj46]

The ratchet is smooth and so far I like it. My only concern was it had different internals than the ones people had used and tested in the past. If the different pawl with fewer teeth isn't a cause for concern then I'll hang onto it.

I would not be concerned, just use it until it breaks or starts to skip or reverse and toss it and buy something better. I've already worn out my year old HF 1/2" torque wrench (to be fair I was using it as a breaker bar). I tossed it as I had already bought a USA made 1/2 torque wrench. It served it's purpose, something to use until I can buy something good.