HF Stepped Up Their Game?

[shoggoth80]

So this was a cheap impulse pick up to go with a junkyard box...because I am not dragging Snap On to the junkyard, and I do not want to split my Cman set out of its convenient case.

Not sure when HF stepped their ratchets up a notch? I like their composite ratchet (grey and black) and their rotos are pretty good low-budget grabs (been using the 1/4" one for about 2 years day in and day out, no breakage).

This is their low-profile, with cushion/comfort grip. 72 tooth, surprisingly smooth.
I'm not a super fan of Asian tools, but good is good no matter where it comes from (got some Kobalt, Gearwrench and Pittsburgh kicking around, among other stuff). The last quick grab was the 1/4" roto that has been surprisingly tough for the money. This seems pretty good too from my initial impressions.

The chrome isn't perfectly even... but it's to protect the steel primarily, no? Now, it's not missing any, there are some areas that seem thicker than others. Doesn't change how it works. A little longer handled, which is nice.

Anyone use these extensively? Tempted by the long flex heads.

 

[lightning02]

I have them and use them all the time. Great ratchers. taiwan made. The chrome on mine are perfect. I wouldn't recommend the flex heads versions tho only bc they get floppy bc they don't lock or have a detent.

They also have the same ratchets in green where the red is but it's a quick release.

 

[shoggoth80]

Quick release doesn't matter so much to me. Green though... I like green. My 1/4" roto at work is a green handle. Not that it changes how the tool functions. My local store only had green handle (non-rotohead) rats in sets. I don't exactly need more standard sockets (unless it's an upgrade).

 

[lightning02]

I have both the red and green handle ones and never an issue. I wish the roto ratchers had these same handles. There alot more conformable.

 

[CutterFarms]

I have several sets that came with the green handle, caught the 3/8 sets on sale for around 18 bucks and just threw one in each tractor tool box. Thought they would help me limp out of the field and get me back to the shop. These set have not been babied although not used everyday in a professional setting, seem to be holding up so far.

 

[logical]

Are they made in Pittsburgh?

 

[ex-x-fire]

I wouldn't recommend the flex heads versions tho only bc they get floppy bc they don't lock or have a detent.

Easy fix for a floppy head, drill out the threads & press in a allen wrench. I did mine (3/8 long) awhile ago & it's still tight even though I've piped it a couple of times.

 

[Wamsutta]

They are suspiciously similar to Carlyle ratchets; especially the aluminum button quick release roto-heads.

 

[Fedwrench]

They are suspiciously similar to Carlyle ratchets; especially the aluminum button quick release roto-heads.

The Carlyle roto head version has 100 teeth. How many does the HF version have?

Compare the Carlyle roto head to MAC/Cornwell/Matco if you want similarities. I think the only thing different might be the name and shape of the handle and the color of the quick release button, aside from price.

As for the HF low profiles compared to the Carlyle 90 comfort grip ratchets, the internals are completely different. The HF model uses the popular twin pawl legs like old Proto ratchets only with a 72 tooth action, and Carlyle uses a floating pawl design.

 

[AmishFury]

they get floppy bc they don't lock or have a detent.

neither do the snap-on flex heads they were modeled after... if the flex is too floppy just tighten the screw

 

[dnschmidt]

Just tightening the screw will only result in a broken screw. Remove the screw, install a spring washer between the head and the fork and reinstall the screw.

 

[Sanny81]

I have the 1/4" drive one. It's pretty good but i don't like how the directional lever doesn't really stay in place. The screw can be tightened but then it's just harder to move, it doesn't make it stay in either forward or reverse any better.

 

[Hiball]

neither do the snap-on flex heads they were modeled after... if the flex is too floppy just tighten the screw

I own both... The adjustability of the flex joint between the 2 is night and day, especially In New Condition, All Friction joints eventually wear components, regardless if it's a wire spring, wavy washer etc.. I utilized a variety of wavy washers on the HF, even took pictures showing the HF joint workings, added threads to the HF screw and it still doesn't maintain enough rigidity to last past one or two flex movements till its limp.

Next Move is some Black Tape...

 

[lightning02]

I have the 1/4" drive one. It's pretty good but i don't like how the directional lever doesn't really stay in place. The screw can be tightened but then it's just harder to move, it doesn't make it stay in either forward or reverse any better.

Same thing happened the 1/4 flex I had. The non-flex version doesn't have this problem tho. I returned all the flex heads. I kept the long 1/2 drive flex tho just to have for those "in case I ever need"

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

For the money after the head comes loose dispose of it buy another one....
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I am a ToolAholic, Sometimesi regret it, especially when the Toolman won't give me no credit

 

[gooseadrian]

I have the 3/8 long handle flex head and the 1/4 flex head and surprisingly they are my go to ratchets. Mainly cause they are smooth and it wouldn't hurt if I lost them.

 

[slip knot]

I've got the 1/4 and 3/8 flex' they get a lot of usage. I dont have a problem with the loose heads yet.

 

[stage20]

I've got the 1/4 and 3/8 flex' they get a lot of usage. I dont have a problem with the loose heads yet.

same here, even though they arent stiff like a snappy, they arent floppy loose like a worn out ratchet either. i changed spark plugs in my dads van last weekend and with a snap on swivel plug socket and the HF flex head ratchet i was able to get pretty crazy angles and bust the plugs loose.

been a bear with a fixed head.

 

[Finky198]

I have to agree that for the price the HF pros make a decent ratchet especially in 1/4" and 3/8", but today I went down to HF to spend $100 and use my 20% off coupon and I'm Disappointed.

I was going to pick up the the long Flex heads in 3/8 and 1/2 they felt cheap and after handling them I just couldn't do it. The quality doesn't bother me in the 1/4" size, but if i am gonna be pulling hard on and 18" flex head I've got feel confident

sry HF it might look like a snappy but that where the similarities end

 

[1982fxr]

probly a really good deal if you get to re-engineer and rebuild them right out of the box. I'm sold!

 

[stanleyrleonard]

"I was going to pick up the the long Flex heads in 3/8 and 1/2 they felt cheap and after handling them I just couldn't do it. The quality doesn't bother me in the 1/4" size, but if i am gonna be pulling hard on and 18" flex head I've got feel confident"--from Finky198

Not bad for the money.