New Snap-On F100

[Steve_P]

There is diminishing returns for higher tooth counts and so the higher the count goes the harder it is to be excited about it.



I've grown to care less about teeth count now and appreciate a nice slim head design in this modern age where everything is tight.

The SO 100T head is thinner than their 80T; the 100T is basically the same as the Matco 88 and Gearwrench 90T, which are about the thinnest heads. Oh, Tekton 90T, and the Olsa/SK 90T are also about the same.

The reality is that a theoretical chart is mostly useless because backdrag, etc, can play a large role. If you look at the PF tests, the 90T Gearwrench does as well, or better, than the 120T in his arc-swing test; and the 90T head is thinner; and the anvil fails at about the same torque for both of the GW. So, in that case, the 120T seems to be just a marketing thing. The same may be true with the SO 100T, but at least it's thinner than the 80T

 

[mreisner]

Seeing as SO has kits for ratchets from the 40's I am pretty sure they will still have dual 80 kits into the next century.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

The SO 100T head is thinner than their 80T; the 100T is basically the same as the Matco 88 and Gearwrench 90T, which are about the thinnest heads. Oh, Tekton 90T, and the Olsa/SK 90T are also about the same.

The reality is that a theoretical chart is mostly useless because backdrag, etc, can play a large role. If you look at the PF tests, the 90T Gearwrench does as well, or better, than the 120T in his arc-swing test; and the 90T head is thinner; and the anvil fails at about the same torque for both of the GW. So, in that case, the 120T seems to be just a marketing thing. The same may be true with the SO 100T, but at least it's thinner than the 80T

That’s pretty much why I’ve bought the 100T ratchets from Snappy…thinner heads and longer handles. It’s a win-win.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

There is diminishing returns for higher tooth counts and so the higher the count goes the harder it is to be excited about it.



I've grown to care less about teeth count now and appreciate a nice slim head design in this modern age where everything is tight.

Diminishing returns also play with fastener interface. It's not uncommon to lose a few degrees in the lash between rotating the socket/fastener, socket/drive end, etc. I think that's where we notice the tooth count the most, after all of that lash is taken out since that's when the ratchet actually gets a chance to work. So that 45 tooth ratchet would work if we didn't lose 10+ degrees in taking out all the slop. From a rotation distance and degrees per tooth perspective it "should" work but the reality of the real world stop that.

I agree generally the function and performance of a high tooth ratchet trumps the number of teeth. There's a time and place it doesn't, but even mechanism backlash, socket fit, etc end up playing into that messy equation.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I can't imagine that SO will stop making the 80T rebuild kits anytime soon; if so, that will mean that when it comes time, they will give you a new ratchet instead of a kit that costs a tiny fraction of the price of that new ratchet.

I don't disagree. I'm more concerned with not needing them until the far flung future when they are either scarce and thereby stupid expensive (looking at you, RHFT Craftsman and also almost any Cornwell repair kits) or simply unobtainable (i.e., Proto Big Dawg ratchet kits).

Yes, I might be paranoid, but picking up 1 or 2 gut kits for your most frequently used ratchets is cheap insurance as far as I'm concerned. If I don't end up needing them, maybe I can sell them on eBay and retire early?

 

[gatewaysysop]

The reality is that a theoretical chart is mostly useless because backdrag, etc, can play a large role. If you look at the PF tests, the 90T Gearwrench does as well, or better, than the 120T in his arc-swing test; and the 90T head is thinner; and the anvil fails at about the same torque for both of the GW. So, in that case, the 120T seems to be just a marketing thing. The same may be true with the SO 100T, but at least it's thinner than the 80T

No argument that backdrag makes an appreciable difference and I think most folks would agree backdrag seems to become more prevalent as the tooth count increases.

That said, I think the chart is trying to convey is that even if all else (e.g., backdrag) were equal, the relative improvement in arc swing obtained by adding more teeth becomes negligible. To put it another way, to get the same relative arc improvement of adding 3 teeth to a 30-tooth ratchet, you'd have to add 9 teeth to a 90-tooth, 12 teeth to a 120-tooth ratchet, and so on.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I love the Matco 88 flex head locking mechanism, but the light Dual 80 backdrag makes for a better mechanism. If I was buying another ratchet and the new 100t had more backdrag than the 80t, I'd probably go with the 80t.

 

[noid]

The SO 100T head is thinner than their 80T; the 100T is basically the same as the Matco 88 and Gearwrench 90T, which are about the thinnest heads. Oh, Tekton 90T, and the Olsa/SK 90T are also about the same.

The reality is that a theoretical chart is mostly useless because backdrag, etc, can play a large role. If you look at the PF tests, the 90T Gearwrench does as well, or better, than the 120T in his arc-swing test; and the 90T head is thinner; and the anvil fails at about the same torque for both of the GW. So, in that case, the 120T seems to be just a marketing thing. The same may be true with the SO 100T, but at least it's thinner than the 80T

Its reasonable to compare like for like, eg, general purpose to general purpose 3/8 ratchet.

But I find myself just grabbing a 1/4 body ratchet (same overall length as a 3/8) with 3/8 anvil most of the time, because here's the thing, the 3/8 bodied ratchet is designed to a standard that at its limits requires a larger head, but in most practical applications, I'm no where near the limit of the ratchet. So I figure why the extra weight, bulk, more slop (bigger teeth = more slop), and frustration.

Diminishing returns also play with fastener interface. It's not uncommon to lose a few degrees in the lash between rotating the socket/fastener, socket/drive end, etc. I think that's where we notice the tooth count the most, after all of that lash is taken out since that's when the ratchet actually gets a chance to work. So that 45 tooth ratchet would work if we didn't lose 10+ degrees in taking out all the slop. From a rotation distance and degrees per tooth perspective it "should" work but the reality of the real world stop that.

I agree generally the function and performance of a high tooth ratchet trumps the number of teeth. There's a time and place it doesn't, but even mechanism backlash, socket fit, etc end up playing into that messy equation.

What's been fun to use is a rotating handle ratchets; break the fastener loose the traditional way and then once the fastener is loose, just twist the handle if the bolt wants to play games. It can also somewhat take up backlash.

Some gearless ratchets also seem to really have no backlash at all.

What really feels like playing 4D chess is using a "reechet" with an impact gun. Literally 0 movement needed, but all the beans in a small package (++ reechet is 2:1 ratio).

 

[f121]

I don't disagree. I'm more concerned with not needing them until the far flung future when they are either scarce and thereby stupid expensive (looking at you, RHFT Craftsman and also almost any Cornwell repair kits) or simply unobtainable (i.e., Proto Big Dawg ratchet kits).

Yes, I might be paranoid, but picking up 1 or 2 gut kits for your most frequently used ratchets is cheap insurance as far as I'm concerned. If I don't end up needing them, maybe I can sell them on eBay and retire early?

With Snap On’s post pandemic supply chain, this isn’t a crazy idea while these kits are theoretically available. I spent about 3 months waiting on a repair kit for my FHLLF80 and now keep a kit in stock, it wouldn’t hurt to keep the other kits in too.

 

[Samuel D]

I don't disagree. I'm more concerned with not needing them until the far flung future when they are either scarce and thereby stupid expensive (looking at you, RHFT Craftsman and also almost any Cornwell repair kits) or simply unobtainable (i.e., Proto Big Dawg ratchet kits).

Yes, I might be paranoid, but picking up 1 or 2 gut kits for your most frequently used ratchets is cheap insurance as far as I'm concerned. If I don't end up needing them, maybe I can sell them on eBay and retire early?

The more likely scenario is that you buy these kits, put them somewhere safe, and can’t find them in 10 or 20 years when you need them – and that goes for double if it’s your kids who end up needing them when you’re gone.

So you get another kit from Snap-on or eBay or wherever – for $9; don’t kid yourself – further diminishing the supply for others who need them.

Eventually someone in 2060 finds your original kits and has no idea what they are. Maybe parts from the mechanical-calculator hipster fad of 2032–2034? Besides, they’re rusted from the 2038 mega-flood and coated in ash from the 2047 mega-fire.

Meanwhile, your kids don’t care about ratchets, because connected AI cars – all EVs anyway – punish unauthorised access to their mechanical bits by revealing your eBay history to all your Facebook contacts. Don’t laugh: ever since it became the norm for people to share their complete *** life on TikTok, the only private thing left was our eBay history. Your eBay history is a big deal, because that’s the only place left to get medicine. Sure, your car shouldn’t know your eBay history, but VW (now owned by Geely) hasn’t pushed out a bug fix in 6 years.

Plus, if you hoard ratchet kits you probably hoard whole roomfuls of other stuff. So there is a mountain of unidentifiable junk for your kids to deal with. They have two weeks to clear the house before the new owners move in …

 

[demarpaint]

I'm still waiting patiently for them to resolve the freewheel issue with the 100 tooth ratchets. Last time I checked, [IIRC] late November there appears to be no resolution. If anyone has more current information please share. Thanks.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

While I really like what they did design wise, I’m actually not in a hurry to pick one (or more …) up. What I have covers what I need, so this would be a “just because” purchase to try & compare them - so I‘ll be waiting for an offer I can‘t refuse from my Snappy be it a promotional deal or whatever. …

But again, I really like what they did there - and saved the Flyer for future reference.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[mreisner]

While I really like what they did design wise, I’m actually not in a hurry to pick one (or more …) up. What I have covers what I need, so this would be a “just because” purchase to try & compare them - so I‘ll be waiting for an offer I can‘t refuse from my Snappy be it a promotional deal or whatever. …

But again, I really like what they did there - and saved the Flyer for future reference.

Kind regards,
Olli

They had a pretty good deal on them in the Christmas flyer. I put a kit in one of mine that was the first series and that seemed to take away the free wheel issue and reducing back drag.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I'm still waiting patiently for them to resolve the freewheel issue with the 100 tooth ratchets. Last time I checked, [IIRC] late November there appears to be no resolution. If anyone has more current information please share. Thanks.

Buy the FNHF100 that's been out 11+ years. Skip the F100 pearhead. It's not complicated.

 

[Shop-hound]

Its reasonable to compare like for like, eg, general purpose to general purpose 3/8 ratchet.

But I find myself just grabbing a 1/4 body ratchet (same overall length as a 3/8) with 3/8 anvil most of the time, because here's the thing, the 3/8 bodied ratchet is designed to a standard that at its limits requires a larger head, but in most practical applications, I'm no where near the limit of the ratchet. So I figure why the extra weight, bulk, more slop (bigger teeth = more slop), and frustration.




What's been fun to use is a rotating handle ratchets; break the fastener loose the traditional way and then once the fastener is loose, just twist the handle if the bolt wants to play games. It can also somewhat take up backlash.

Some gearless ratchets also seem to really have no backlash at all.

What really feels like playing 4D chess is using a "reetchet" with an impact gun. Literally 0 movement needed, but all the beans in a small package (++ reechet is 2:1 ratio).

Hey I like that gadget. I didn’t have much luck finding under the name “reetchet” does it go by another name?

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

I think it is called “Reechet”. You can find more information here: https://rtstools.com/offset-ratchets-and-extension-wrenches/

Readily available on eBay from what I found. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=reechet

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[noid]

Hey I like that gadget. I didn’t have much luck finding under the name “reetchet” does it go by another name?

I think it is called “Reechet”. You can find more information here: https://rtstools.com/offset-ratchets-and-extension-wrenches/

Readily available on eBay from what I found. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=reechet

Kind regards,
Olli

Yup, added a letter accidently. It was available under a couple different marks, AC and just reechet.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

And it’s your site I linked, how cool is that. I swear I googled it and didn’t see it in your signature prior to now. Very cool content by the way!

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I'm still waiting patiently for them to resolve the freewheel issue with the 100 tooth ratchets. Last time I checked, [IIRC] late November there appears to be no resolution. If anyone has more current information please share. Thanks.

Maybe I’m not ratcheting right, but I have to really lay into the ratchet’s directional lever to make it free wheel. I can’t see any real-world situation where I’d be putting that kind of force on the back of the ratchet except maybe the stubbies.

I’ve been using the Cynergy ratchets for a bit now and my biggest complaint is that the mechanism doesn’t seem to break in much. Not the end of the world but they certainly aren’t backdrag champions. They are built really well….they make my Matco ratchets feel like cheap garbage (still my favorites though). I have noticed some manufacturing issues though. Some ratchets have like a step where the shaft meets the head while others are one continuous blend. The FL100 has been a problem child, the anvil keeps getting loose even after multiple rebuilds and the grinding isn’t great so the backplate isn’t flush with the head. Overall I really like them, I love the smaller profile and the longer lengths. In hindsight and with some use and experience behind them, I don’t know if I’d buy them over the Dual80s or the Matco Eighty8s as my main ratchets but I think they are a nice compliment to what’s already in my drawer. It helps that my Snappy driver is a good dude that is willing to help fix issues unlike my Matco guy who is a total freaking flake and has forced me to go online for my Matco stuff.

 

[demarpaint]

Maybe I’m not ratcheting right, but I have to really lay into the ratchet’s directional lever to make it free wheel. I can’t see any real-world situation where I’d be putting that kind of force on the back of the ratchet except maybe the stubbies.

I’ve been using the Cynergy ratchets for a bit now and my biggest complaint is that the mechanism doesn’t seem to break in much. Not the end of the world but they certainly aren’t backdrag champions. They are built really well….they make my Matco ratchets feel like cheap garbage (still my favorites though). I have noticed some manufacturing issues though. Some ratchets have like a step where the shaft meets the head while others are one continuous blend. The FL100 has been a problem child, the anvil keeps getting loose even after multiple rebuilds and the grinding isn’t great so the backplate isn’t flush with the head. Overall I really like them, I love the smaller profile and the longer lengths. In hindsight and with some use and experience behind them, I don’t know if I’d buy them over the Dual80s or the Matco Eighty8s as my main ratchets but I think they are a nice compliment to what’s already in my drawer. It helps that my Snappy driver is a good dude that is willing to help fix issues unlike my Matco guy who is a total freaking flake and has forced me to go online for my Matco stuff.

I agree with your observations, however mine don't take much force to get them to freewheel. There are occasions where I have to put some force on the back of the ratchet, granted not too often. My biggest beef is they're a premium tool at a premium price, and the only ratchets I own that have that issue. The size, design etc, is spot on, I would have thought by now they'd have it worked out. If they do plan on phasing out the Dual 80's I would hope for their sake they get whatever the replacement is going to be dialed in. JMO

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I agree with your observations, however mine don't take much force to get them to freewheel. There are occasions where I have to put some force on the back of the ratchet, granted not too often. My biggest beef is they're a premium tool at a premium price, and the only ratchets I own that have that issue. The size, design etc, is spot on, I would have thought by now they'd have it worked out. If they do plan on phasing out the Dual 80's I would hope for their sake they get whatever the replacement is going to be dialed in. JMO

Seems there is a big variance on what can cause the ratchet to free wheel. I know my driver has had a few guys trade theirs in because of it. I agree that Snap-on should have done some more testing prior to releasing the Cynergy line.

 

[demarpaint]

Seems there is a big variance on what can cause the ratchet to free wheel. I know my driver has had a few guys trade theirs in because of it. I agree that Snap-on should have done some more testing prior to releasing the Cynergy line.

I hear ya! I'm sure they'll get it sorted out, sooner or later. As far as I can tell that hasn't happened yet.

 

[NateNi]

I recently bought a 3/8" Extra Long Chrome Handle 100T Ratchet.

I hadn’t purchased a Snap-On ratchet in over three years, so I wasn’t aware of any issues with the newer models. However, a coworker mentioned that the new 100T ratchets are excellent, which convinced me to get one.

Right away, I noticed some drag in the mechanism as I tested it my hand. To me, it felt like there was too much grease in the head. So, I took it apart, carefully removed some of the excess grease, and reassembled it.

That seemed to help. With an extra-long handle, I tend to make larger swings, and once a bolt is cracked loose, I usually switch to my fingers or a power tool to remove it completely. Therefore "back- drag" isn't really gonna be an issue with a longer ratchet.

As for the "free-wheeling" issue others have mentioned, I haven't experienced it. If Snap-On comes out with a 100T quick-release locking flex-head, I shouldn't need to buy another.



Overall I'm happy with the ratchet. It feels balanced, and sturdy. I looked at a comfort grip, and though better than the 80T comfort grips, I still didn't like it.

Snap-On makes the best chrome handle out there. I find the comfort grips cumbersome and you lose a lot of metal to that comfort grip. It makes a huge difference in the balance.

 

[Sbusmech]

I might have to get one of these. I do love my Snap On ratchets.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I finally remembered to play with a 100t ratchet on the truck.

I like the thinner head and more teeth, I did not like the back drag. Yes, it's a new ratchet, but so was the equivalent Dual 80 in my other hand and the difference was noticeable. I didn't dislike the new hard handle, but the classic hard handle is still my favorite for my giant paws.

I believe more options is always better, just wish the entire Dual 80 line stayed available alongside the newer 100t. Not that I *need* more ratchets anyway.

 

[mreisner]

I have found also the 100t feels like it has more backdrag when it is decieving due to more teeth. The first ones were terrible, but newer ones or ones with the new kit in it are much better. I did one with the new kit and I think it is equal to dual 80 in backdrag. I did trim the spring a bit and used engine assembly lube and was amazed at the change. The new suffix A kit is supposed to be similar to this fix with a revised again spring and different viscosity super lube in it.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I have found also the 100t feels like it has more backdrag when it is decieving due to more teeth. The first ones were terrible, but newer ones or ones with the new kit in it are much better. I did one with the new kit and I think it is equal to dual 80 in backdrag. I did trim the spring a bit and used engine assembly lube and was amazed at the change. The new suffix A kit is supposed to be similar to this fix with a revised again spring and different viscosity super lube in it.

One has to wonder how many revisions are necessary to get this thing sorted. It's a bit off putting that it takes a revision in the first place, let alone more than one. I get that nobody is perfect but as a Dual 80 fan, I don't feel any desire to go near the 100-tooth designs at all after this debacle.

Not picking on snappy, I said the same thing about SK LP-90 many times, but no way on Earth am I buying a steeply priced premium product if I have to open it up and fiddle with the springs and the lube to make it work right, especially after it's already been 'revised' by the manufacturer.

 

[joel63]

One has to wonder how many revisions are necessary to get this thing sorted. It's a bit off putting that it takes a revision in the first place, let alone more than one. I get that nobody is perfect but as a Dual 80 fan, I don't feel any desire to go near the 100-tooth designs at all after this debacle.

Not picking on snappy, I said the same thing about SK LP-90 many times, but no way on Earth am I buying a steeply priced premium product if I have to open it up and fiddle with the springs and the lube to make it work right, especially after it's already been 'revised' by the manufacturer.

The 100"s growing pains have made me hold off getting one.
I still would like to get one, but I think I'll wait a while.

 

[mreisner]

One has to wonder how many revisions are necessary to get this thing sorted. It's a bit off putting that it takes a revision in the first place, let alone more than one. I get that nobody is perfect but as a Dual 80 fan, I don't feel any desire to go near the 100-tooth designs at all after this debacle.

Not picking on snappy, I said the same thing about SK LP-90 many times, but no way on Earth am I buying a steeply priced premium product if I have to open it up and fiddle with the springs and the lube to make it work right, especially after it's already been 'revised' by the manufacturer.

They definitely dropped the ball on it for sure. I've got a couple of the truck and a couple used Barely Used that is, and I figured I would mess around with them to see what was going on. They have great potential, but they definitely need to get it right and make it right with everybody that has one. I don't think the Dual 80 is going anywhere for a long long time. The slimmer head is great, and in the long run I think it will turn out to be stronger. Time will tell.

 

[joel63]

They definitely dropped the ball on it for sure. I've got a couple of the truck and a couple used Barely Used that is, and I figured I would mess around with them to see what was going on. They have great potential, but they definitely need to get it right and make it right with everybody that has one. I don't think the Dual 80 is going anywhere for a long long time. The slimmer head is great, and in the long run I think it will turn out to be stronger. Time will tell.

If my memory serves me correctly, I don't remember any problems with the F80 series ratchets when they came out.

 

[M635_Guy]

Honestly, the Koken is hard to beat for low-profile and (seriously) low backdrag. It's 'only' 72 teeth, but it's a fantastic ratchet.

 

[mreisner]

I got a rebuild kit for 100 tooth ratchets today, but it is the rkr100a, which is the latest update. It's a bit miserable to install as it has a two-piece direction switch. That being said it did eliminate the freewheeling problem. It also ships with a lower viscosity Superlube packet. The combination of the two make it the ratchet it should have been in the first place. The Back Drag is nice it's about the same as my dual 80 ratchets. It feels a little different due to the higher tooth count. The new ratchets are shipping with this update also. All in all I'm very happy with it now. Your dealer may not be real happy with it is it is a bit of a hassle to install the Kit. You definitely need the little spring tool for the ball and you need to put it in a vise as you basically need three hands to do it. It took me about 10 minutes, next time shouldn't be quite as bad. And the attached photo the first revision of the repair kit is on the left and the newest version, the 100a is on the right. Basically the direction lever being two pieces and the Super Lube are the only revisions, the rest of it is the same as the previous kit.

 

[demarpaint]

I got a rebuild kit for 100 tooth ratchets today, but it is the rkr100a, which is the latest update. It's a bit miserable to install as it has a two-piece direction switch. That being said it did eliminate the freewheeling problem. It also ships with a lower viscosity Superlube packet. The combination of the two make it the ratchet it should have been in the first place. The Back Drag is nice it's about the same as my dual 80 ratchets. It feels a little different due to the higher tooth count. The new ratchets are shipping with this update also. All in all I'm very happy with it now. Your dealer may not be real happy with it is it is a bit of a hassle to install the Kit. You definitely need the little spring tool for the ball and you need to put it in a vise as you basically need three hands to do it. It took me about 10 minutes, next time shouldn't be quite as bad. And the attached photo the first revision of the repair kit is on the left and the newest version, the 100a is on the right. Basically the direction lever being two pieces and the Super Lube are the only revisions, the rest of it is the same as the previous kit.

Good to know. I'll hit my dealer up for the repair kit. The spring tool is a must have? That I know for a fact he doesn't have.

 

[Samuel D]

Two questions for those who have followed more closely:

1. Has an FLF100 made it to market yet?
2. Anyone know if these Cynergy ratchets, in the latest fixed iteration, are being sold in Europe yet?

 

[mreisner]

Good to know. I'll hit my dealer up for the repair kit. The spring tool is a must have? That I know for a fact he doesn't have.

After doing my second one it's not really a necessity but sure makes it a lot easier. You can make one out of a little piece of shim stock and just put a dimple in it and that should work also. Since getting the kit in all the ones I have except for one I'm really happy with them. He hasn't got any more kits but is expecting them any day now

 

[mreisner]

Two questions for those who have followed more closely:

1. Has an FLF100 made it to market yet?
2. Anyone know if these Cynergy ratchets, in the latest fixed iteration, are being sold in Europe yet?

As far as I know they haven't been released yet, I'm looking forward to one. While I have the one with the plastic handle and like it I'm especially fond of chrome handled ratchets. Everything that is shipping new should have a new kit in it, you can tell by trying to get it to do the Freewheel problem and if it doesn't it has been updated or was manufactured with the new kit.

 

[demarpaint]

After doing my second one it's not really a necessity but sure makes it a lot easier. You can make one out of a little piece of shim stock and just put a dimple in it and that should work also. Since getting the kit in all the ones I have except for one I'm really happy with them. He hasn't got any more kits but is expecting them any day now

Thanks for the info. I have two kits on the way, my SO dealer said he'd have them later this week. I'll put them in myself. Did you see any of the new ratchets with the updated parts? I'm curious if they changed the Logo or anything else?

 

[mreisner]

Thanks for the info. I have two kits on the way, my SO dealer said he'd have them later this week. I'll put them in myself. Did you see any of the new ratchets with the updated parts? I'm curious if they changed the Logo or anything else?

The newer ones don't have the old style script logo, most of the stuff in the truck now should have the new kit in it.

 

[Wamsutta]

Good to know. I'll hit my dealer up for the repair kit. The spring tool is a must have? That I know for a fact he doesn't have.

He better at least have one for himself if he's gonna be a Snap-on dealer installing ratchet kits. The part# is SPP744.

 

[demarpaint]

The newer ones don't have the old style script logo, most of the stuff in the truck now should have the new kit in it.

The funny thing is I've been going back and forth with Snap On Corporate up until February this year and was told there were no changes being made to the ratchet. Some people even claimed the freewheeling was by design. It appears they weren't sure themselves. Hopefully the kit works for me. The lesson for me is one I learned years ago but thought it wouldn't matter with ratchets. I'm usually not an early adopter.