Kobalt 3/8 Flex head ratchet

[daparrothead]

I just bought 2 online for $12.58, I will pick them up tomorrow.

For future reference, Would everyone post the actual item # and not the link to Lowes. I searched this thread for 30 minutes trying to find the item # because every item link that is posted for Lowes goes to the main page instead of the actual item.

 

[rob1200]

For future reference, Would everyone post the actual item # and not the link to Lowes. I searched this thread for 30 minutes trying to find the item # because every item link that is posted for Lowes goes to the main page instead of the actual item.

The very first post of this thread has the item number (in the first sentence no less):

Item number 436178

 

[erty67]

The very first post of this thread has the item number (in the first sentence no less):

Item number 436178

wned:

 

[AndrewV]

Ive had my 3/8, and 1/2 for a couple years now. Love them. Suggest them highly.

While there not my So's, they feel better than my gearwrenches. Wierd but imo there good quality.

 

[daparrothead]

The very first post of this thread has the item number (in the first sentence no less):

Item number 436178

Well I went right to the last page where the latest updates would normally be, about page 30, going back numerous pages there are several links to the item and every time you try to open the link it goes directly to the Lowes main screen page instead of the item. Just like in the Lowes clearance thread, there are link after link to items that go directly to the Lowes main page instead of the item. So please excuse me for missing it oh mighty one.

 

[Basskiller]

The item number is located in the link.

 

[Bowtie Billy]

Just picked one up at Lowe's today for $12.58 + tax, they had like 17 more left...wish I would have had more money....good deal just for the ratchet...

 

[Brians VWss]

It happened. Broke the 3/8. Not the ratchets fault. Took back to exchange asked if I could up grade to the 1/2 flex head. Sure no problem just paid 3.00 differance.

 

[usmc_noma]

What happened?

 

[Wangstang]

It happened. Broke the 3/8. Not the ratchets fault. Took back to exchange asked if I could up grade to the 1/2 flex head. Sure no problem just paid 3.00 differance.

I too would like to hear this story.

Wee

 

[alpinewhite]

Probably used it as a pry bar.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[erty67]

It happened. Broke the 3/8. Not the ratchets fault. Took back to exchange asked if I could up grade to the 1/2 flex head. Sure no problem just paid 3.00 differance.

How many people are going to try breaking the $12 ratchet to go get a 1/2" now???

 

[usmc_noma]

I'm just wondering if it was the pivot point or the ratchet mechanism.

 

[Brians VWss]

I was at fault, there was no problems with the ratchet gears or the flex area. It has been a awesome ratchet. I broke the handle by bending it to much. I have in service 2 other ones that I have bent and no issus. I took both the ratchets up to return desk, was not expecting them to upgrade but she did no questions asked.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I was at fault, there was no problems with the ratchet gears or the flex area. It has been a awesome ratchet. I broke the handle by bending it to much. I have in service 2 other ones that I have bent and no issus. I took both the ratchets up to return desk, was not expecting them to upgrade but she did no questions asked.

The handle snapped before the pin on the head? Hilarious.

 

[fivespdcat]

The handle snapped before the pin on the head? Hilarious.

I think what he's saying is that he purposely bent them to have a bent handle flex ratchet. As in putting a torch or throwing it into a press. Otherwise known as he messed up modifying his ratchet, broke it, then warrantied it. You know because it was "defective".

 

[alpinewhite]

Has anyone tried heating up the handle prior to bending without damaging the chrome?

 

[nicksnothereman]

I think what he's saying is that he purposely bent them to have a bent handle flex ratchet. As in putting a torch or throwing it into a press. Otherwise known as he messed up modifying his ratchet, broke it, then warrantied it. You know because it was "defective".

Boo on that.

 

[alpinewhite]

$12.58 again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bill Ramsey]

HAHA! Just for you, Muffduster! Seriously, I posted this elsewhere, so thought I'd add it here to the "master thread".

I'm not the first to do this, but I had an extra one so I recently joined the bent-handle club , putting a 22 degree bend in it without using heat.

I removed the head (torx screw), and wrapped the handle in tape. Two arbor plates were arranged to support the ends of the handle. A scrap of brass round stock (1 1/2" dia.) was used between the press and the ratchet handle - this minimized marks on the handle and probably provided a rounded pressure point for the bending. (I did this at my cousin's machine shop so I realize not everyone has a piece of solid round brass lying around, but imagination always provides a solution). It will flex back a little when pressure is released, so you'll have to keep working it in slow stages until you get the bend you want. I added a little blue Locktite to the pivot screw when I put the head back on.

 

[nicksnothereman]

HAHA! Just for you, Muffduster! Seriously, I posted this elsewhere, so thought I'd add it here to the "master thread".

I'm not the first to do this, but I had an extra one so I recently joined the bent-handle club , putting a 22 degree bend in it without using heat.

I removed the head (torx screw), and wrapped the handle in tape. Two arbor plates were arranged to support the ends of the handle. A scrap of brass round stock (1 1/2" dia.) was used between the press and the ratchet handle - this minimized marks on the handle and probably provided a rounded pressure point for the bending. (I did this at my cousin's machine shop so I realize not everyone has a piece of solid round brass lying around, but imagination always provides a solution). It will flex back a little when pressure is released, so you'll have to keep working it in slow stages until you get the bend you want. I added a little blue Locktite to the pivot screw when I put the head back on.

That's a good bend. A real good bend.

 

[JDon99]

Hey Bill, how big was the press?

 

[Bill Ramsey]

Hey Bill, how big was the press?

20 ton.

 

[nine4gmc]

I will be stealing that idea Bill!!

 

[mrbreezeet1]

That's too bad. I never seem to have luck with the rubber inserts. They have come out of every socket I ever owned that had them. I've had much better experiences with the magnetic kind.

I'll bet the ratchet is pretty nice, though. I like my regular 72T Kobalt ratchets.

you could try to spray a little silicone spray in the socket before use, Might not stick to the spark plug so easy. (assuming that is when it comes out)

 

[nicksnothereman]

you could try to spray a little silicone spray in the socket before use, Might not stick to the spark plug so easy. (assuming that is when it comes out)

The spark plug socket was solely created to sell dielectric grease. Use some on the top of the plug and it'll slide off the rubber insert when you're removing it. Took me a while of using regular deep sockets to rethread to catch on.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Here's the link.

Dan

Thank You,
Looked all around my Lowes, did not see one. I didn't ask, half the time they don't know either.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

is this the same one they had on sale about a year ago?
I might already have it.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I tried to bend the handle of my ratchet, I used a 50 ton press with plates under each end and a piece of round brass for the curve. I guess I went too fast...Richie

 

[DanCo]

Whoopsi, time for a warranty exchange.

Dan

 

[Richard Cranium]

no it wasn't the ratchets fault, I abused it so I will not exchange it...Richie

 

[Richard Cranium]

You should of seen it shoot across the shop when it broke, I am glad it didn't hit me.lol...Richie

 

[DanCo]

You have a few options.
Clean up what's left of the ratchet and have a nice flex head stubby.
Get a breaker bar and swap the head.
Or mail it to Muffduster.

Dan

 

[usmc_noma]

I'm pretty sure the head will interchange with another flex head out there. Maybe the hf brand? I could've sworn I've seen someone post up on doing this and making a multi flex ratchet.

 

[cheechi]

you are exactly correct. its in this thread

 

[Harrison2]

been using this ratchet a lot recently and the smaller plug socket and have to say I'm very impressed that I've got the 1/4 to match

 

[Bill Ramsey]

I tried to bend the handle of my ratchet, I used a 50 ton press with plates under each end and a piece of round brass for the curve. I guess I went too fast...Richie

Richie, sorry to hear that. I feel bad that my (lucky?) experience may have made this look easy. Yes I did go slowly, in small increments. But perhaps I got lucky and stopped the instant before mine might have broken. Sorry to hear of your bad luck.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Heck I lost more money on cheap booze and women...lol...

 

[Richard Cranium]

Or maybe I should send my spare to you and let you see if you can break it....lol...Richie
Just kidding...I did get a second one, but I will just be happy with one that works..They are surprisingly nice ratchets...

 

[jfcasey]

I guess I'm late to the party. I was just popping in to say I have a few of these and recently bent one just like Bill Ramsey but I used heat and a box end wrench. Its blued up pretty good where I gave it heat but it works great on LOF duty.