Jeff95TA
Well-known member
....
Got to be careful making blanket statements, too.
....
It seems like this whole forum is guys calling our tools ****, accusing us of thievery, and then asking us to help them fix their vehicles.
No blanket statements?
new professional grade harbor freight ratchets
- Thread starter stage20
- Start date
No blanket statements?
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
The point we're making is why pay a premium price for a non-premium ratchet? Part of buying a premium tool is knowing it will be in service for a lifetime. All ratchets (regardless of price or brand) will wear out in time; you would be money ahead by buying a ratchet that will be supported in the future. For what HF is asking, you can get Gearwrench or Armstrong for a few more bucks or a used truck brand ratchet.
HF's pricing:
1/2" Flex $43.99
1/2" Long Flex $49.99
3/8" Flex $39.99
3/8" Long Flex $49.99
Exceller8
Well-known member
Again, those are full retail HF prices which nobody ever pays.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Exactly. People that buy seven $12 *********** ratchets instead of 1 nice ratchet kill me. Why spend the same amount of money on **** when you can apply that to quality? Used quality tools often go for 60% of the cost of new.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
Check the prices on the website again.....
Take the 1/2 drive Long flex for example- $29.99 on sale (which will be the perpetual prices as with all HF products). Then take 20% or 25% off of that...
Farmall450
Well-known member
I never pay full retail for Snap On.
+1 can't remember the last time I paid full retail.
chicane
Well-known member
Umm, yeah they are. Taiwan is Chinese made. It's not American and it's not German.
I'm not asking you for sh!t. This isn't a professional forum it is a forum for hobbyists and enthusiasts. If I am asking questions it is because I am shooting the sh!t and getting opinions not because I don't know how to fix my own sh!t. I have been fixing my own cars for 30 years. Thankfully I have a job where I can make a great salary without having to lay on my back all day and pull bolts.
It seems like this whole forum is guys calling our tools ****, accusing us of thievery, and then asking us to help them fix their vehicles.
I haven't asked you for jack sh!t and you haven't provided jack sh!t. If you don't like my OPINION don't read it.
Popped in my local HF this afternoon and the prices for the new ratchets are now "On Sale" for half off. The $27.99 long handle composite is now down to $13.99. Roll out your 20% coupon and your down to $11.19 making them nice for the price.
It is crazy to pay that much. Find a 25% off coupon, and it is $10.50.
nieuport17
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2014
- Messages
- 466
You guys are not posting enough pictures
Guess I will drop by this coming Sunday and see what the fuzz is about.
Guess I will drop by this coming Sunday and see what the fuzz is about.
BirdMobile
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2014
- Messages
- 588
Just left HF a few minutes ago.
When I got there, I was dissappointed to see no new ratchets on the rack. Asked the manager if they got any new ratchets in, he told me he didn't think so... but a SKU number would help him find out. I pulled out my phone, dialed up this thread, and gave him numbers. He told me the last shipment that was dropped off this morning had all the SKU's on it!
We went to the back of the store, found the right boxes, and opened them. Wow!
I was planning to buy just the composite long 3/8, but when I saw the others, I knew I had to buy the 1/4 flex head too! VERY nice ratchets, all of them. All made in Taiwan, they REEK of quality. I even liked how they felt in my hand, and this is coming from someone who HATES comfort grip handles!
They overcharged me, but I showed them the price on their website, and the manager adjusted the prices. Used a pair of 20% off coupons on 2 different sales tickets to get them even lower. Manager didn't care. Great shopping experience all around! Out the door a little over $25 later, with two ratchets I expect will last as long as I do.
I'm pleased... super happy with my purchase so far!
When I got there, I was dissappointed to see no new ratchets on the rack. Asked the manager if they got any new ratchets in, he told me he didn't think so... but a SKU number would help him find out. I pulled out my phone, dialed up this thread, and gave him numbers. He told me the last shipment that was dropped off this morning had all the SKU's on it!
We went to the back of the store, found the right boxes, and opened them. Wow!
I was planning to buy just the composite long 3/8, but when I saw the others, I knew I had to buy the 1/4 flex head too! VERY nice ratchets, all of them. All made in Taiwan, they REEK of quality. I even liked how they felt in my hand, and this is coming from someone who HATES comfort grip handles!
They overcharged me, but I showed them the price on their website, and the manager adjusted the prices. Used a pair of 20% off coupons on 2 different sales tickets to get them even lower. Manager didn't care. Great shopping experience all around! Out the door a little over $25 later, with two ratchets I expect will last as long as I do.
I'm pleased... super happy with my purchase so far!
Attachments
Last edited:
cagullett1
Well-known member
Is 3/8 the only size they made a stubby roto in?
MagnumForce
Well-known member
The only people calling Taiwan China are the red Chinese. Taiwan makes some really great stuff and are a democracy and are a pretty significant purchaser of US made weapons systems and heavy equipment.
Last edited:
Taiwan is closer to being an American state than it is to being a part of the People's Republic of China. They're democratic. Their workers live in actual houses rather than being forced to sleep on a cot in a factory compound. They use American guns and fighter jets.
So all of those posts in which you asked for help were hypothetical situations because you just wanted to talk. You were only pretending to not know for the sake of conversation. Gotcha.
Where do you live that techs still lie on their backs pulling bolts? India? Louisiana in 1932?
You're the genius trying to pass your uneducated opinion off as fact to pros. You can't know which tools are **** and which aren't without actually using them. We don't try to tell you which mop head to use to get the high school hallways nice and shiny because we don't know. See how that works?
You're just too good to work on things for a living and therefore, the tools that are found be acceptable by the guys who put them to test in a professional environment are just not good enough for you. Interesting.
Last edited:
MagnumForce
Well-known member
I am a pro albeit not in automotive and the Composites albeit the Tekton variety and my 5 drawer service cart are the only thing that I have ever had luck with at HF. I have basically quit purchasing anything there because it is such a **** shoot. That said if the new rats are the same mechanism as the Composites I may pick up one although I think that means they are the same as my Kobalt flex head but with a comfort grip. Does that sound right?
I can not,for the life of me,understand why we have these pointless arguments about who's buying what and my stuff is better than yours and you are nuts for spending that much and blah blah blah.
I don't care if you use a ratchet made of wood or one made of solid gold. To each his own.If I want Snap On tools and you think they're overpriced,DON'T BUY EM. Same with the guy that buys at the flea market for a quarter,it's his quarter.
Can't we just stop all the name calling and tool bashing and just be happy with what WE have?
Rant over..............
Mike
I don't care if you use a ratchet made of wood or one made of solid gold. To each his own.If I want Snap On tools and you think they're overpriced,DON'T BUY EM. Same with the guy that buys at the flea market for a quarter,it's his quarter.
Can't we just stop all the name calling and tool bashing and just be happy with what WE have?
Rant over..............
Mike
I guess I can now say with 100% accuracy that Snap-On is made in Mexico.
Anyone who can't tell good Taiwan from China is a...well...I value my membership here
Just curious, what German ratchets can you get for the prices (even retail prices) listed in this thread?
Parrothead
Well-known member
The NEW 3/8 composite ratchet is listed at $27.99 and is "on sale" for $13.99. The 25% off coupon applies and that brings it down to $10.49. Gonna be tough to get much of ANY 3/8 ratchet for $11, yet alone anything off the truck.
i have no measurements, but i would think the hf will be slimmer design (no quick release)
MagnumForce
Well-known member
I didn't notice the no quick release, deal breaker for me.
Parrothead
Well-known member
I agree, we just all need a license to chill (Jimmy Buffett)
But a selling point for most people around here. Seriously, if these things had locking heads, HF would really have something going. As-is, eh. I use a roto when I want flex without a lock.
On sale for $29.99. $22.49 after 25% off coupon.
Last edited:
General Geoff
Well-known member
If they sell well, locking heads might be next on the r&d list.
MagnumForce
Well-known member
When you are bent upside down with your head and shoulders inside a machine on a platform 15 feet up you want a quick release so you don't lose your socket.
there are a few jobs where id like to have had a locking head, but in most cases if you are trying to arch around different objects at different heights, ive found my hands will kind of float the ratchet handle out of the way where i can ratchet constantly. if i had it locked, i wouldnt be able to get near as big of a swing with it.
my 3/8 anvil in a 1/4 body SK is my favorite ratchet i own. next to a HF composite. got a few snap ons and blue points, they just sit in the drawer most of the time.
MagnumForce
Well-known member
My fave 1/2 and 3/8 rats are my craftsman low profiles. Don't laugh.
Toyota mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2014
- Messages
- 219
Exactly, while people are complaining Taiwan is becoming a label of pride and quality! Taiwan isn't China...
Toyota mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2014
- Messages
- 219
I like those! Smooth, and a pleasure to use. I like those better than the 84 tooth ones.....
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I really like mine too. They are nice. I use my 1/4 most.
GuyllFyre
Banned
I never liked the swivel ratchets. Dad has a Snap-On 3/8" drive, (1980ish) swivel head, no way to lock it in any position.
Looks great, works like poop.
I've got three Craftsman ratchets that I've hated since I got them, dreading going to get them replaced since I have no idea of what the replacement will be like.
I have recently purchased a variety of HF extensions, wobble extensions, and torx bit sets and have been greatly impressed.
Other tools haven't been so great.
It's a pick and choose game.
I own a mix of tools. Some cheaper, some more expensive.
All purchased as a cost/value ratio.
I love my Milwaukee stuff.
But I only need a $10 HF heat gun for warming paint, heating plastics, and doing shrink wrap tubing.
I've even used it for extended times to scrape paint.
Why pay a lot more for any other brand?
15 years ago, you couldn't touch a $220 Milwaukee or Makita 12V cordless for quality compared to anything else at the time (went through 3x$220 Milwaukee).
Nowadays, the 18V Ryobi is cheaper and nearly as durable. I've done just as much work with the Ryobi cordless drills and spent 1/3 the cost.
Such is the fun of technology.
The "better" companies make something new and drop the old.
The "cheaper" companies then pick up what was the "better" company's product and start manufacturing it to the same spec and all of a sudden you have good tools a hell of a lot cheaper.
This is how it works.
Only by standing upon the shoulders of giants can I see further.
Looks great, works like poop.
I've got three Craftsman ratchets that I've hated since I got them, dreading going to get them replaced since I have no idea of what the replacement will be like.
I have recently purchased a variety of HF extensions, wobble extensions, and torx bit sets and have been greatly impressed.
Other tools haven't been so great.
It's a pick and choose game.
I own a mix of tools. Some cheaper, some more expensive.
All purchased as a cost/value ratio.
I love my Milwaukee stuff.
But I only need a $10 HF heat gun for warming paint, heating plastics, and doing shrink wrap tubing.
I've even used it for extended times to scrape paint.
Why pay a lot more for any other brand?
15 years ago, you couldn't touch a $220 Milwaukee or Makita 12V cordless for quality compared to anything else at the time (went through 3x$220 Milwaukee).
Nowadays, the 18V Ryobi is cheaper and nearly as durable. I've done just as much work with the Ryobi cordless drills and spent 1/3 the cost.
Such is the fun of technology.
The "better" companies make something new and drop the old.
The "cheaper" companies then pick up what was the "better" company's product and start manufacturing it to the same spec and all of a sudden you have good tools a hell of a lot cheaper.
This is how it works.
Only by standing upon the shoulders of giants can I see further.
I've always been curious to why the forum sentiments toward "China versus USA" is always "Well if China wanted to build quality products they could, it's whatever the Retailer orders" followed by a engineer who has visited china factories claiming they are just as capable in the manufacturing sector. Yet.. Whenever China versus Taiwan comes into the discussion it's always "Taiwan is a acceptable COO versus China". What are you guys saying? China can't compete with Taiwan? Taiwan doesn't make junk? Regardless of what the supplier requests?
Toyota mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2014
- Messages
- 219
I've always been curious to why the forum sentiments toward "China versus USA" is always "Well if China wanted to build quality products they could, it's whatever the Retailer orders" followed by a engineer who has visited china factories claiming they are just as capable in the manufacturing sector. Yet.. Whenever China versus Taiwan comes into the discussion it's always "Taiwan is a acceptable COO versus China". What are you guys saying? China can't compete with Taiwan? Taiwan doesn't make junk? Regardless of what the supplier requests?
The tools I have had from Taiwan have been finished well, and held up. I consider it better, as the end user of their tools. I have been happy with Taiwan tools compared to China, that is that. China is where Japan was many years ago, watch out.... The future may change in a way that surprises many....
Taiwan has proved alot to me, as far as quality, China has not yet....... This is from my experiences.The tools I have had from Taiwan have been finished well, and held up. I consider it better, as the end user of their tools. I have been happy with Taiwan tools compared to China, that is that. China is where Japan was many years ago, watch out.... The future may change in a way that surprises many....
I'm guessing you missed my point based of your response..
Toyota mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2014
- Messages
- 219
Good products CAN be made in China, IF a company enforces it. GearWrench is proof of that, and Stanley tools.. The norm is not this, for China. Taiwan seems consistent in quality, and China is far off their mark except for rare exceptions. That is changing.
China will become what Japan is most likely, and India will take its place.................until???? Who knows.
I've always been curious to why the forum sentiments toward "China versus USA" is always "Well if China wanted to build quality products they could, it's whatever the Retailer orders" followed by a engineer who has visited china factories claiming they are just as capable in the manufacturing sector. Yet.. Whenever China versus Taiwan comes into the discussion it's always "Taiwan is a acceptable COO versus China". What are you guys saying? China can't compete with Taiwan? Taiwan doesn't make junk? Regardless of what the supplier requests?
It's simple. China has a wider range of manufacturers. They have some that are excellent and some that are essentially government-sanctioned con-men. China can probably make tools just as good as Taiwan, but Taiwan can't make tools as badly as China anymore. The Taiwan tool manufacturers have been around for decades. They've finally reached the point where they actually have reputations to uphold. Their workers make too much money for that, too. You have to have a special blend of unskilled workers, greedy government officials, a "don't give a **** attitude" in management, and crappy materials in a plant to make the worst examples of Chinese products.
They have the same ceiling for quality, but Taiwan has a higher floor. To get the quality, you have to pay China their price for better materials and better workers...which is the same thing you'd pay Taiwan, anyway...so very few companies do.
China floor: bad HF items, "Tool Shop," "Michigan Industrial," or "Durasteel" brands. Things that don't even have a brand name. One-use or zero-use tools.
Taiwan floor: basic lower-model Kobalt and HF ratchets. Strong-as-hell and fine tooth, but awfully thick heads.
US floor: Apex ratchets with that terrible 36t mechanism. Guh. The devil of ratchets.
China ceiling: Milwaukee stuff
Taiwan ceiling: Toptul and Genius ratchets/sockets
US ceiling: WrightGrip wrenches
Example of China's huge gap between their floor and ceiling: I have some #2 Phillips screwdrivers with very strong, grippy tips from China. They're every bit as good as my fine US-made Pratt-Reads. I also have poorly-fitting screwdrivers from China that get chewed up tips on the first use and are generally only good for use as light-duty punches. I bought the really good screwdrivers for $2 each. I got the crappy ones for free.
Last edited:
So... By your own admissions this entire Taiwan is OK but China is Bad except when they want to be has really nothing to do with whether it's produced in China or Taiwan. It boils down to what specifications the retailer requests? Correct?
Quality has nothing to do with the geographical area IMO, it's strictly whatever the retailer specs call for.