new professional grade harbor freight ratchets

[ATC]

I don't understand the fascination with the composite ratchets. I looked at them but I would have a hard time putting a lot of faith in them.

The only one I have is the 1/4" version. I bought it for small jobs...motorcycle/ATV work, small engine repair, etc. It works great and is very light and nimble.

I have problems with my right hand/wrist at times. Carpal tunnel, arthritis, or tendonitis (I haven't seen a Dr.) and lighter weight tools are a big help when it acts up

 

[SASORacing]

If you are buying a flex ratchet the locking feature is a must have in my opinion for sizes 3/8 and 1/2. I am impressed at harbor freights innovation though!

 

[nicksnothereman]

Here's the new composite ratchet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-teardrop-composite-ratchet-62318.html

That's real nice.

Price though ouch.

 

[Twiggss]

Nope for me.

HF is getting greedy.

Only beauty of it is, is that it will chase folks back to Sears and C'man.

until they shut their doors.

 

[stock z/28]

I picked up the long 3/8 flex this evening, but I have not used either of the ratchets yet.

They are certainly a nice "looking" product. Hope they work as well.

I have the 3 piece Snap On flex set that I use on occasion and they some of my favorites, but I would hate to guess what they cost now?

I would feel a bit safer outside or at the races with the HF, if they will perform OK.

I also have some of the yoke style gear wrench ratchets and they seem fine as well.

 

[erty67]

I didn't know they had the metal skeleton. Hell I might have to pick a couple up. I've wasted money on dumber stuff.

drink the coolaid...it's good. I love my 1/4" HF composite. I ended up buying the 3/8 and 1/2, but the 1/4 is the one that gets constant use.

 

[KAOTIK Motorsports]

Oh f*ck ya..... I'm definitely getting everyone of these......I got all 3 of the composite ratchets and I might say "for the cheap cheap price, they are freaking amazing and work GREAT." So I'm for sure gonna get everyone of these things to add to my collection

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

I don't know why the negativity about Harbor Freight and its products being made in China and Taiwan. Today almost all mid class tools being imported such as,Blue Point,Williams,Proto,Blackhawk,Gearwrench,Craftsman,Kobalt and many more. I own all truck brand tools and Harbor Freight tools. They have served me well. These ratchets might be made by the same factory that made the above mentioned tools. Just my opinion.




I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[espyking83]

I can buy half the store for $50!!!

 

[kythri]

Only offered with comfort grips?

 

[BirdMobile]

I can buy half the store for $50!!!

$40 with your 20% off coupon... but I'd wait until the store goes on sale!

I think you can buy the dirt they sweep out of the Snap On truck for about twice that much...

 

[CJM8515]

Dont like comfort grips and only flex head and non locking? Nope..

 

[Ruger_556]

I don't know why the negativity about Harbor Freight and its products being made in China and Taiwan. Today almost all mid class tools being imported such as,Blue Point,Williams,Proto,Blackhawk,Gearwrench,Craftsman,Kobalt and many more. I own all truck brand tools and Harbor Freight tools. They have served me well. These ratchets might be made by the same factory that made the above mentioned tools. Just my opinion.




I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

Ummm... Proto is not imported I guess it's good that HF is trying to up their quality though

 

[Exceller8]

I bought the composite ratchet tonight and even though it wasn't on sale I was happy at the $20 purchase price after 25% off coupon. Funny thing is, if this rathcet didn't say "Pittsburgh" on it I'm sure a bunch of you guys would really love it. Get over the name!

 

[BirdMobile]

I bought the composite ratchet tonight and even though it wasn't on sale I was happy at the $20 purchase price after 25% off coupon. Funny thing is, if this rathcet didn't say "Pittsburgh" on it I'm sure a bunch of you guys would really love it. Get over the name!

Tell us more, please.

I don't care what name is on a tool, as long as it functions properly and doesn't break halfway through the job.

 

[SASORacing]

I bought the composite ratchet tonight and even though it wasn't on sale I was happy at the $20 purchase price after 25% off coupon. Funny thing is, if this rathcet didn't say "Pittsburgh" on it I'm sure a bunch of you guys would really love it. Get over the name!

Actually I was talking to a store employee (a pretty woman who was very knowledgeable I might add) who said anything with the Pittsburgh name written on it somewhere is eligible for the lifetime warranty, no receipt just bring it in. So I don't think k I would mind that name on it now coworkers making fun of you for it is another story...

 

[monomach]

Actually I was talking to a store employee (a pretty woman who was very knowledgeable I might add) who said anything with the Pittsburgh name written on it somewhere is eligible for the lifetime warranty, no receipt just bring it in. So I don't think k I would mind that name on it now coworkers making fun of you for it is another story...

I see guys say this on GJ a lot. It's not like that in a real shop.

I run a shop. Before that, I was a tech in a shop. No one makes fun of Harbor Freight stuff unless you bought one of the real lemons. Everyone has some HF in their box (which might be from HF, too...along with their service cart).

My old dealership was 30 miles from the nearest HF. The one guy who lived out that way had to go there every weekend with a list of stuff to buy for everyone else.

 

[SASORacing]

I see guys say this on GJ a lot. It's not like that in a real shop.

I run a shop. Before that, I was a tech in a shop. No one makes fun of Harbor Freight stuff unless you bought one of the real lemons. Everyone has some HF in their box (which might be from HF, too...along with their service cart).

My old dealership was 30 miles from the nearest HF. The one guy who lived out that way had to go there every weekend with a list of stuff to buy for everyone else.

It's actually interesting you took my statement seriously, I am quite the opposite and respect people who can throw vanity and materialistic ego out the window. I workes with a tech named Denny years ago who was a very down to earth mechanic at Nissan, he operated out of a craftsman stack 26" I believe. He had mostly Cman tools and talked about how much money he had saved by not getting buried and caught up in expensive luxury tools. In the bay next to him was a 60 year old master tech with a massive snap on setup that was vintage and old, very nice but he was still making payments very week. Anyways Denny was right, he could do more important things with his earnings like supporting his several children and wife. He had no intention of ever upgrading from Craftsman.

There is another guy I know that got back into the car business with a complete set of Harbor Freight tools to get started with the mechanic career change. It wouldn't be possible buying mac, snapon, matco etc... This person is on this forum I am sure some of you have seen he's YouTube vids. Now that time has gone by he has been getting more expensive tools where needed and that is great!

 

[92integra]

damn ill say it. i love my harborfrieght tools, ive taken advise from gj on many of my purchases, 1/2 breaker bar = perfect, 1/2" impact socket sets SAE and metric = perfect. tool carts = perfect. i'm definatly going to the store tomorrow to check these out and defiantly buy one. now the only real question is who's going to be there first one to thow a SO hard handle or comfort grip on one of these things!

 

[Mohawk Dave]

SNIP...now the only real question is who's going to be there first one to thow a SO hard handle or comfort grip on one of these things!

Well, who else but CAMAROTOOLMAN!!!!!!!!

 

[jim1987]

Oh lordy, I'm going to harbor freight next pay...

 

[Tronyadorable]

The only one I have is the 1/4" version. I bought it for small jobs...motorcycle/ATV work, small engine repair, etc. It works great and is very light and nimble.

I have problems with my right hand/wrist at times. Carpal tunnel, arthritis, or tendonitis (I haven't seen a Dr.) and lighter weight tools are a big help when it acts up

Go to the drug store and buy a cheapo wrist brace. Wear it when you're not at work.Even while sleeping. Learn to use the mouse "wrong handed" In a week you'll be good as new.

 

[stage20]

Sent the pic to a friend of mine and he said the circle logo on the head mimiced the snap on. Doh. Kinda does from a far.

 

[Revere Cycles]

My local Sears store had the USA made Craftsman 84T premium ratchets marked down to less than HF is asking for these. If these came without a flex head and comfort grip, I am curious to know how they would be priced.

FWIW, I do have the 3/8" Pittsburgh quick release swivel head ratchet, and it has performed flawlessly. If I didn't already own a Williams B-52EHFA flex head ratchet (made in USA), I would be wiling to give this one a try.

 

[monomach]

I'm strictly guessing but I bet those ratchets will use the 72 tooth mechanism similar to the EZ Red 72 tooth version, here is a picture of the QR Ezred.

That's the same 72t mechanism HF and Kobalt have already been using. I think pretty much all Taiwanese 72t ratchets use the same thing.

It's a good mechanism, so I don't imagine there'll be any change.

When these things go on sale and we use 25% coupons, they'll be cheap, just like the stuff they already have. Not sure why people still make non-locking flex heads marketed as "professional," though. If I want the ability to easily adjust the angle as I'm working, I use my roto rather than my Matco with the head unlocked.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I know the Duralast ratchets are 1/2 the tooth count of these (and no flex head), but they have been proven tough and priced cheaper. If I needed a beater, I think I would stick with those.

 

[Youngguns]

I don't know if the price issue has been resolved yet or not, but I have an ad right in front of me that says:

Composite Teardrop Ratchet: $13.99, reg. $27.99
1/4" Flex-Head Ratchet: $18.99, reg. $37.99
3/8" " ": $19.99, reg. $39.99
1/2" " ": $21.99, reg. $43.99
3/8" Long Handle Flex-Head Ratchet: $24.99, reg. $49.99
1/2" " ": $29.99, reg. $59.99

Not too greedy in my opinion.

 

[d4dawg]

Looks interesting. I will definitely check them out.

 

[unslow1]

Go to the drug store and buy a cheapo wrist brace. Wear it when you're not at work.Even while sleeping. Learn to use the mouse "wrong handed" In a week you'll be good as new.

I've had that problem for years. I would agree on both counts. You would be surprised on how much difference using a mouse with your off hand makes.

 

[monomach]

I don't know if the price issue has been resolved yet or not, but I have an ad right in front of me that says:

Composite Teardrop Ratchet: $13.99, reg. $27.99
1/4" Flex-Head Ratchet: $18.99, reg. $37.99
3/8" " ": $19.99, reg. $39.99
1/2" " ": $21.99, reg. $43.99
3/8" Long Handle Flex-Head Ratchet: $24.99, reg. $49.99
1/2" " ": $29.99, reg. $59.99

Not too greedy in my opinion.

What does the ad say for the start date of those prices?

 

[wrenchr]

Not sure why the negativity on these, it is not like you do not have a choice and this is the only ratchet they offer. I applaud HF for giving us more choices. Sure they will not replace my snap on or mac even but I would not mind trying one out.

 

[Youngguns]

What does the ad say for the start date of those prices?

No start date. I'd take a picture, but my phone is currently updating. I'll get one when it's done.

 

[stage20]

No start date. I'd take a picture, but my phone is currently updating. I'll get one when it's done.

I've. Never seen one of their flyers w/o exp date or a sale date
I'm going to buy them all before they are out of stock on them. I can see it happening

 

[Youngguns]

I've. Never seen one of their flyers w/o exp date or a sale date
I'm going to buy them all before they are out of stock on them. I can see it happening

For whatever reason, I was looking at their specific ad for a date.
Front cover: "Sale starts today"
Paper received: 9/27/14

 

[monomach]

For whatever reason, I was looking at their specific ad for a date.
Front cover: "Sale starts today"
Paper received: 9/27/14

I'm thinking you got the October monthly ad a few days early with the prices starting on the 1st.

 

[Fedwrench]

I can't believe they opted for red/black handles. They should have kept the black/neon green version.
How thick are the ratchet heads? they look pretty thick in the photo.

 

[panknuckshovel]

The red and black handles are a subliminal/subconscious thing. I know before I did a double take I saw gearwrench and snap-on.

 

[jml93]

I rock a 1/4" composite, older version. Takes a lot of beating and perfect for cold weather, as mentioned by others. Price seems pretty steep for a HF ratchet, also noted by others. May try out a 1/4" one, being the most common I use at work, but not all that into the flex. Now if the flex would lock, I'd be on my way to the store to get one probably.

 

[Farmall450]

Well, who else but CAMAROTOOLMAN!!!!!!!!

Beat me too it!

 

[cagullett1]

Is this the end of the roto ratchet? Are the composite ratchets still on shelves?