the funny thing is i had WAY less problems with the quick release ones VS the non-quick release (pro model) even tho they share the same pawl and lever design. not really sure why that is. just odd to me.
I have a lot of respect for HF's ratchets and sockets; it's probably the best line of anything they sell. They have put a lot of effort into making them good and it has paid off. I would take HF sockets/ratchets over Craftsman any day. I would actually take HF ratchet's over US made Craftsman ratchets (I have always thought the craftsman teardrop ratchets were ****; only ratchet that consistently gave me trouble).
But one of the weaknesses with HF is their frequent shifting of manufacturers. For the most part they have kept the quality pretty good on their ratchets and sockets, but you do see inconsistencies from time to time. So I always tell people to closely inspect anything they buy from HF. And that goes triple for a ratchet because that's a tool that when it gives, it results in mangled knuckles...I for one, happen to like my knuckles just the way they are. (and truth be told, when things get tough, I reach for my old US made ratchets)
Generally speaking for the hobbiest, I think most of HF's tools are adequate; and that's about the best I can say for HF. I find them convenient for when I need a tool or tools for something I'm not likely to do often. For tools I'm going to use frequently, or on things that really matter, I tend to steer away from HF.
I have never broken a HF socket or ratchet. Now I do use their sockets fairly frequently, but not the steel ratchets (I have some older ones, the SK copies). Even under heavy use, I've never broken a ratchet or socket from HF. But like I said, of something is really tough, I reach for my Snap On/SK/Mac ratchets.
The composite ratchets are the first HF's that I have really liked. I don't have any of the Snap On knock offs but everyone I've spoken to who has them likes them a lot. And when I have looked them over, I was very impressed when you consider the price. Destructive testing I've seen on Youtube shows them to be the equal of ANY import ratchet at most any price where toughness is concerned. So they're a lot of value for your dollar.
Still, as nice as the all steel ones are, I just don't have any use for them. I have Snap On, Mac, and SK in all steel ratchets and I'm not even remotely unhappy with them.
