new professional grade harbor freight ratchets

[bcradio]

I played with them in the store, I don't understand why they are so great. Pretty "meh" to me.

The flex ratchets are a great value, but they are just ratchets, so if you were expecting something earth-shattering, I can see why you might have been disappointed.

Only a dyed-in-the-wool Harbor Freight hater wouldn't appreciate the long handled composite, though.

He typically is... Just like his pliers wrench was supposed to do his job for him so he could stay home for the day.

 

[JDSV]

23 page thread and not one pic with the cover removed...wow

What's next? Pictures of them framed and mounted on walls?

If you are looking for pics of the internals, BirdMobile posted pics on pages 13 & 14 of the 3/8 composite and the 1/4 flex.

 

[Davefr]

Everyone (including me) whines about HF low quality. Now they've actually stepped it up a notch with some new and improved ratchets that aren't from China or India.

After 11 pages of this thread there's still a bunch of whining

 

[BK13]

The light masks the Pittsburgh logo on the head make the ratchets look like SO ratchets.

So there ARE advantages to poor photography skills and a bad camera... LOL

 

[BirdMobile]

Everyone (including me) whines about HF low quality. Now they've actually stepped it up a notch with some new and improved ratchets that aren't from China or India.

After 11 pages of this thread there's still a bunch of whining

Some people here would complain if they had solid gold selector levers, Snap On internals, and warranty exchange done by a hot naked sales woman.

Just because it's a Harbor Freight ratchet.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Only a dyed-in-the-wool Harbor Freight hater wouldn't appreciate the long handled composite, though.

I would have to agree...I just fondled the Composite long handle today in the store, really not a bad piece....truthfully, I probably would have bought one if it had a green handle on in instead of the red.

I've got one of the chrome long handled, new style 3/8" Drive rats which came in a small socket set which I threw in the trunk of the car.

 

[ecotec]

I've got one of the chrome long handled, new style 3/8" Drive rats which came in a small socket set which I threw in the trunk of the car.

I wish that they would sell those green ratchets without the socket sets.

 

[454cid]

I stopped by today, and still no new ratchets. The 3/8th's flex head that they did have is sold out. The store doesn't seem to have gotten any others in, yet.

I did get a free flashlight, Though.

How do you use the 20% off coupon on a sale item? The coupon I have says it can't be used with any other discount.

 

[TM98]

The percent off can be used with sale items.

It cannot be used with another coupon though.

 

[f575gtc]

So I am going to retract my previous statement about them flapping about.

I did not buy a 3/8th flex because I own a Kobalt one, but I did stop by today and picked up a 1/2 flex head (the regular not the long handle). I tightened some bolts using my 3/8th and 1/2 inch, the 3/8th has the notches and ball bearing to hold the head, well once force is applied the HF ratchet acts no different than the Kobalt one.

 

[Coach James]

The HF nearest here will not allow coupons on sale items.

Coach

 

[stage20]

So I am going to retract my previous statement about them flapping about.

I did not buy a 3/8th flex because I own a Kobalt one, but I did stop by today and picked up a 1/2 flex head (the regular not the long handle). I tightened some bolts using my 3/8th and 1/2 inch, the 3/8th has the notches and ball bearing to hold the head, well once force is applied the HF ratchet acts no different than the Kobalt one.

I prefer no detent. Once something is busted loose you've got free reign to position it anywhere you like. I find that Detent limits mobility. If I needed a Detent, id want a locking version as well.

 

[BFHtime]

I wonder how these compare to craftsman professional ratchets. I have not read through this thread, because I expect a lot of bickering.

 

[dwilley]

Sorry if someone has already posted something like this but when the whole China Vs. Taiwan Vs. USA and HF Vs. Snap-on came up I felt my IQ starting to drop so I skipped to the latest discussion. Before this year I had never even been inside a HF store. Where I'm from everyone always considered HF as disposable tools but I think that is changing. I think that they do make some good stuff if you do your homework and read the reviews. I do however stay away from HF power tools but my dad recently bought a sliding miter saw and it seems to be ok so maybe that has changed now too. I own mostly USA craftsman and love it. At work we use a lot of Craftsman, Gearwrench, Proto, Armstrong, Williams, and some Snap-On but not much. That being said I do respect that Snap-On tools are the best. You can feel the quality when you use a Snap-on tool. That being said I have never even seen a Snap-On ratchet but I know they make the best wrenches I have ever seen. I wish I could justify buying all Snap-On but I'm not a Pro mechanic. The only Snap-On tool I own is a Phillips screwdriver that my dad gave me that he bought in a box of tools for $1, but it is a nice screwdriver. Like my dad before me I was a die hard Craftsman tools fan, and lately I have been trying to buy as much USA Craftsman as I can find. However, when its gone I will no longer be shopping at Sears. There is something about a company that used to brag on being American made that ships production overseas but I guess they are not the first or the last. If I'm going to buy imported tools why would I buy Chinese Craftsman when I can get much better tools at HF for less money.

Anyway I now own quite a few HF tools and I have no complaints. Today I stopped by to see the new ratchets and I liked what I saw. I bought the 3/8 composite and got a free 6 inch parts holder for under $11. The first thing I did notice was that the ratchet felt a little dry so I took it apart. Maybe it was just mine but it had no lube in it at all. Put some Super Lube in it (a USA made HF product) and if you liked it before you will love it now. The ratchet does have a steel core so it is a little heavier than some other composite ratchets but it is great. I may be selling my Gearwrench flex ratchets and buying the HF ratchets.

 

[sac02]

I stopped in to my local HF with an older 1/2 plain ratchet that had lost its selector switch. Asked the manager if I could exchange the damaged 1/2 ratchet for the new 3/8 long handle composite, citing the fact they were priced nearly the same. He said sure without blinking. Pretty happy with HF warranty and the ratchet.

 

[MagnumForce]

He typically is... Just like his pliers wrench was supposed to do his job for him so he could stay home for the day.

I love my 5 drawer cart but every other HF tool I have ever bought has failed in one way or the other be it flat out not worked or worn out prematurely. I am sure there is plenty of good stuff there but I am not willing to wade through the **** to get to it anymore especially when it requires an hour long drive one way to get to one.

As for the composite I have a Tekton version of the fat handled ones again nice enough but meh. I rarely reach for it.

And finally I can't believe the flack I get for not drinking the plier wrench Kool aid. The thing is a hell of an expensive, well made, gimmick. It's nice enough but in no way shape or form as good as so many of you claim, if has some flaws or maybe trade offs is a better term. 50 dollars I shouldn't have spent.

 

[monomach]

The HF nearest here will not allow coupons on sale items.

Coach

Talk to someone at the corporate level via the website or facebook. They'll get an email to that store manager re-educating them. HF's official policy is that coupons on sale items are a-ok. You just can't use them on clearance items, on the things listed at the bottom of it, or in conjunction with another coupon.

 

[kctyphoon]

Sorry if someone has already posted something like this but when the whole China Vs. Taiwan Vs. USA and HF Vs. Snap-on came up I felt my IQ starting to drop so I skipped to the latest discussion. Before this year I had never even been inside a HF store. Where I'm from everyone always considered HF as disposable tools but I think that is changing. I think that they do make some good stuff if you do your homework and read the reviews. I do however stay away from HF power tools but my dad recently bought a sliding miter saw and it seems to be ok so maybe that has changed now too. I own mostly USA craftsman and love it. At work we use a lot of Craftsman, Gearwrench, Proto, Armstrong, Williams, and some Snap-On but not much. That being said I do respect that Snap-On tools are the best. You can feel the quality when you use a Snap-on tool. That being said I have never even seen a Snap-On ratchet but I know they make the best wrenches I have ever seen. I wish I could justify buying all Snap-On but I'm not a Pro mechanic. The only Snap-On tool I own is a Phillips screwdriver that my dad gave me that he bought in a box of tools for $1, but it is a nice screwdriver. Like my dad before me I was a die hard Craftsman tools fan, and lately I have been trying to buy as much USA Craftsman as I can find. However, when its gone I will no longer be shopping at Sears. There is something about a company that used to brag on being American made that ships production overseas but I guess they are not the first or the last. If I'm going to buy imported tools why would I buy Chinese Craftsman when I can get much better tools at HF for less money.

Anyway I now own quite a few HF tools and I have no complaints. Today I stopped by to see the new ratchets and I liked what I saw. I bought the 3/8 composite and got a free 6 inch parts holder for under $11. The first thing I did notice was that the ratchet felt a little dry so I took it apart. Maybe it was just mine but it had no lube in it at all. Put some Super Lube in it (a USA made HF product) and if you liked it before you will love it now. The ratchet does have a steel core so it is a little heavier than some other composite ratchets but it is great. I may be selling my Gearwrench flex ratchets and buying the HF ratchets.

ive been packing all my HF ratchets with gear lube.. if you give them a light coating it will smooth it out a bit, but if you give everything a heavy coat of lube, they get BUTTER smooth and almost silent.. my only wish is that the ratchets' were sealed, cause with a hefty dose of grease it will tend to work its way out by the selector switch or the release button on top. nothing bad, just a quick wipe once in a while - but that's the only little pet peeve I have with lubing them all up. they really DONT need it, but I just like the effect.

 

[fsdogwood]

The HF nearest here will not allow coupons on sale items.

Coach

Not sure where in NC you are, the two in RTP had no problem for coupon + sale price.

Just a FYI

Regards

Pinwu

 

[f575gtc]

Wow, definitely lube up the ratchets. I opened up my HF and Kobalt ratchets and they were bone dry. I added some grease to them and they roll extremely smooth now, with little to no noise.

 

[capturedlive]

Just got back from HF with all six of the new ratchets. Did I need them? I'll go to my grave telling my wife I did.

 

[454cid]

Just got back from HF with all six of the new ratchets. Did I need them? I'll go to my grave telling my wife I did.

Aren't there seven new ratchets? 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" in flex head and flex head long handle, and a 3/8" composite! Better go back!!!

I won't be buying them all. I'd like to get the 3/8" flex head, and the composite. I don't use 1/4" that much, and I don't use 1/2" as much as I used to.

 

[chipper]

Just got back from HF with all six of the new ratchets. Did I need them? I'll go to my grave telling my wife I did.

When I bought the new composite our conversation was this
Me: babe I'm going to HF two grab that new ratchet
Wife: why do you need another ratchet?
Me: cause they made one

 

[BK13]

Aren't there seven new ratchets? 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" in flex head and flex head long handle, and a 3/8" composite! Better go back!!!

I won't be buying them all. I'd like to get the 3/8" flex head, and the composite. I don't use 1/4" that much, and I don't use 1/2" as much as I used to.

I don't believe there is a 1/4" drive long flex (or I woulda bought one...).

 

[lightning02]

When I bought the new composite our conversation was this
Me: babe I'm going to HF two grab that new ratchet
Wife: why do you need another ratchet?
Me: cause they made one

that sounds about right

 

[monomach]

I got to harbor freight early enough today to look at every model (on hold under the counter per our waiting list). Good stuff. I went ahead and got my name on the list for the 1/4, so I get that and the composite when the next truck comes.

Just can't justify buying a 3/8 or 1/2 without a locking head.

 

[stage20]

1/4 3/8 and 1/2 are alll t8 screw heads. t9 was mentioned but i dont have one and couldnt find one. the screws are stupid loose anyway. i dont think youd want to torque them too hard. i just used the shaft on my nut driver and left it at that. i think with a handle you could strip something.

 

[Coach James]

Not sure where in NC you are, the two in RTP had no problem for coupon + sale price.

Just a FYI

Regards

Pinwu

Southern Pines area. I usually go to the store in Fayetteville or, if I am at the beach, Wilmington. I'll try the suggestion of an email or facebook post to corporate.

Coach

 

[454cid]

I don't believe there is a 1/4" drive long flex (or I woulda bought one...).

I just looked at the ad again, you're right!

 

[treblarefils]

Wow, definitely lube up the ratchets. I opened up my HF and Kobalt ratchets and they were bone dry. I added some grease to them and they roll extremely smooth now, with little to no noise.

I have a kobalt 3/8 that came in some set i got i lubed it up with superlube and that thing feels amazing. Too bad im not a big fan of that proto style of ratchet and the head is way too big. But its so smooth.

 

[Ign]

I just got my 3/8" composite in the new style (had to order it). For the $11 I paid (plus shipping) I'm perfectly happy with what I see but I don't think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. A few observations:

1. the color banding in the composite handle is not that crisp. This is purely cosmetic, but speaks to a cheaper product
2. I popped a deep on the ratchet and noticed I could lever the socket around a little, causing a corresponding movement at the QR button on the rear of the head. In all honesty, I didn't try this on other ratchets, and it does not necessarily speak to function but possibly to tolerances
3. most importantly, the head is pretty damn tall. Almost as tall as my SK thumb reverse (or whatever SK calls it).

That said even as shipped (which would appear to be bone dry) the mechanism does have a good feel and I like the handle. At sub $20 I'm thrilled; at $60 I'd be disappointed

 

[Boredmechanic]

I hate ratchets with qr

 

[Ign]

I hate ratchets with qr

I really like them, particularly the mid-level thin-head Craftsmans with a button that is nearly flush. I can see where taller buttons could be problematic.

 

[Boredmechanic]

Causes dirt in the gear.

 

[454cid]

I have a kobalt 3/8 that came in some set i got i lubed it up with superlube and that thing feels amazing. Too bad im not a big fan of that proto style of ratchet and the head is way too big. But its so smooth.

I was looking at my Kobalt 1/2" drive ratchet...... the original that was made by Williams/Snap-on. I favor it, over my raised panel Craftsman. I can't take it apart! It's got steel rods (rivets?) that are peened over! The 3/8" ratchet has screws, and the 1/4" drive ratchet made later (by Armstrong/Danaher?) with the big head uses a clip.

 

[sac02]

Wow, definitely lube up the ratchets. I opened up my HF and Kobalt ratchets and they were bone dry. I added some grease to them and they roll extremely smooth now, with little to no noise.

I have heard of this RLL that is popular here - where does one acquire it?

 

[thesilverone]

Permatex 81950 Ultra Slick Engine Assembly Lube should be at any auto parts store

 

[sac02]

Thanks.

 

[92integra]

some please pic's of the long handled 1/4"

 

[sbyrne92]

Don't be an idiot like me and take apart the ratchet head and put the backing plate on the wrong way. I over tightened the torx-8 screw and now the lever has dug into the composite material slightly.