Pittsburgh 1/2 Drive Pro Stress Test

[organ]

You're all missing the point.

Expensive tools aren't necessarily all about putting up the biggest number- if someone does this with a snap-on ratchet, and it fails earlier, I'm not going to stop buying them. Making a ratchet that can hold up to a heavy load is not difficult. I suspect I could do it quite easily in a day or two in a machine shop. Snap-On, Matco, Proto, whoever- those ratchets are expensive because they are engineered well and have tight quality controls in place, so that you know what you're getting when you put your money on the barrel. Reference the member who broke the 1/4" version of this ratchet under normal use... Would you rather buy a 1/2" ratchet that is going to handle 250 ft-lb every single time, regardless of which batch your ratchet is from, or would you want one that might handle 400 ft-lb but also might only handle 100?

I know who's gonna get my money.

I have the capability to do a realistic test of a ratchet failure... with a torque transducer that has resolution in hundredths of Nm. Some day I need to take up a collection, buy a boatload of ratchets, and do a REAL test.

When I said "someone do this with a Snapon..." it was in jest... nobody will and I don't blame them... $22 in the trash versus nearly eight times that.

 

[JDon99]

Very impressive OP! I may have to get these for the junkyard box...

 

[BirdMobile]

When I said "someone do this with a Snapon..." it was in jest... nobody will and I don't blame them... $22 in the trash versus nearly eight times that.

But... that's what warranty abuse is ALL about!

 

[SantaAna12]

This thread led me to find these articles. Good reads on 1/2" and 3/8" ratchets.

http://www.hotrod.com/feature_stories/1310_ratchet_handles_torture_test/

http://www.truckinweb.com/editorial/1210tr_truckin_tough_3_8_inch_ratchet_test/

Huh. I am going to have to dig up that duralast I have and reevaluate.

To the OP: Thanks. If you are going to do some more.....good....perhaps you could use the socket mentioned, and come up with an equal testing method.
Cool thread.

 

[dgxlh]

Warranty swap went flawless. Walked in, got replacement, went to cashier said I need to exchange this and walked out. Hassle free for real not just a gimmick

 

[Hako86]

Warranty swap went flawless. Walked in, got replacement, went to cashier said I need to exchange this and walked out. Hassle free for real not just a gimmick

Nice! But hey, it wasn't your fault it broke, they should have made the ratchet a little bit stronger

 

[bcradio]

Warranty swap went flawless. Walked in, got replacement, went to cashier said I need to exchange this and walked out. Hassle free for real not just a gimmick

ha ha nice, was the clerk shocked at what happened to the ratchet?

 

[ATC]

OP, thank you for testing this ratchet for all of us! As soon as they come out with a non-flex-head, I'm getting one. I have a SK flex head 1/2"....I don't care for flex heads anyways.

conjecture.....an opinion formed on the basis of incomplete information.

hmm. seems to fit pretty well here.

it doesn't matter how many would satisfy me but it is quite apparent that one is more than enough to satisfy most people.

and why should i send him ten ratchets? i didn't ask for the test. is the criteria that you can't make a comment unless you buy one for the test? if so then lots of other people should not comment either.

the op said he didn't have enough money to buy a snap-on. he apparently has enough money to buy the hf and test it to the point of ruin. does he have the money to buy a second one now or do we just turn it in under warranty?

Then why even post in this thread? OP can buy 8 of these ratchets for what a SO costs...I'm sure one or two won't break his piggy bank.

So, without a Snap-On test to show, I think we can safely say that this HF ratchet is stronger than a SO!

 

[Terracar]

No one would put that much torque on a 1/2 inch drive in real life situations... one would switch to a 3/4 inch drive..

Not to say you are wrong, but I have. I had loaned my 3/4 drive to my brother and needed to break a suspension bolt free. Used my 1/2 solid head craftsman with a 4 ft cheater bar. Got the bolt loose and took a good bit of grunting to break free. Was surprised the bolt didn't snap.

-Terracar

 

[ratchet_gear]

So, without a Snap-On test to show, I think we can safely say that this HF ratchet is stronger than a SO!

Oh dear.............please help us all!!!! Lol

 

[dgxlh]

ha ha nice, was the clerk shocked at what happened to the ratchet?

Actually no lol. She did even care lol

 

[dgxlh]

Oh dear.............please help us all!!!! Lol

I have a shorty 1/2 and I'm sure it could take the abuse lol I want an equivalent to test though

 

[erty67]

ha ha nice, was the clerk shocked at what happened to the ratchet?

the clerk making minimum wage? he/she could probably care less. Might not even know what it was he exchanged.

 

[Hiball]

Its funny watching the same group of members piss and moan about Snap on and it literally has nothing to do with what the OP was trying to accomplish, Your life has to literally ****... I feel kind of Sorry for you.


@OP Kudos for Literally "Hanging in there" No Pun intended LOL and Testing the Ratchet, I wish I could have seen how the Gear and Paws where affected by the extreme amount of torque you where applying. Obviously the Ratchet Anvil took a extreme amount of Abuse before it gave way. Im Sorry if I missed it as I was watching the Video on my Phone, But how did the Hinge hold up? I seen you remove it from the Anvil a couple times and it looked like the Head was extremely loose after the first couple cycles. Could you have tightened it back up? We have had a few Ratchet tests since ive been here at GJ, And without a doubt the Breaking point is a viable test and I believe Cornwell has done a similar test that is floating around on Youtube. As a consumer, Regardless of Brand im more interested in the Durability of a tool over Hundreds of torque cycles versus 1 complete failure test. I know its Hard to Say Now, but since you where the only one who actually had hands on with the Ratchet, Do you think the Paw/Gear Damage would have had adverse affects down the Road during Normal Operation? If Yes, it would have been Nice to know at what torque that damage occurred, And By All Means don't take my Questions as a Challenge to create more Carnage.. LOL.. Just Curious.

Thanks for the Video.

 

[ratchet_gear]

I have a shorty 1/2 and I'm sure it could take the abuse lol I want an equivalent to test though

I got the whole set now and can't wait to put them to use. Just incase my last post can across the wrong way, what I was trying to say is that now all the Snap On die hards were going to come out and attack ATC for jokingly saying that a Harbor Freight ratchet was stronger than a Snap On ratchet. Lol

 

[dgxlh]

Its funny watching the same group of members piss and moan about Snap on and it literally has nothing to do with what the OP was trying to accomplish, Your life has to literally ****... I feel kind of Sorry for you.


@OP Kudos for Literally "Hanging in there" No Pun intended LOL and Testing the Ratchet, I wish I could have seen how the Gear and Paws where affected by the extreme amount of torque you where applying. Obviously the Ratchet Anvil took a extreme amount of Abuse before it gave way. Im Sorry if I missed it as I was watching the Video on my Phone, But how did the Hinge hold up? I seen you remove it from the Anvil a couple times and it looked like the Head was extremely loose after the first couple cycles. Could you have tightened it back up? We have had a few Ratchet tests since ive been here at GJ, And without a doubt the Breaking point is a viable test and I believe Cornwell has done a similar test that is floating around on Youtube. As a consumer, Regardless of Brand im more interested in the Durability of a tool over Hundreds of torque cycles versus 1 complete failure test. I know its Hard to Say Now, but since you where the only one who actually had hands on with the Ratchet, Do you think the Paw/Gear Damage would have had adverse affects down the Road during Normal Operation? If Yes, it would have been Nice to know at what torque that damage occurred, And By All Means don't take my Questions as a Challenge to create more Carnage.. LOL.. Just Curious.

Thanks for the Video.

If you get the chance watch the video on a computer. I actually open the whole thing up and show everything. But to answer your questions no I think you could put a new anvil in there and be on your way with no effects. The head did get loose and I did tighten it off camera and it went back to being stiffer. And lastly as for how much force i can't you an exact number but with that long pipe and the force I was exerting I would have to say in the 1000lb range. Wish I could've measured it some how but there is always future tests

 

[dgxlh]

I got the whole set now and can't wait to put them to use. Just incase my last post can across the wrong way, what I was trying to say is that now all the Snap On die hards were going to come out and attack ATC for jokingly saying that a Harbor Freight ratchet was stronger than a Snap On ratchet. Lol

your fine lol I didn't take it wrong
To be honest I love Snap on, and don't like HF to much I'm VERY picky there, and I will put the long handle 1/2 Snap On to the same test before i put a hard handle on it. Its just not super high on my priority list lol

 

[Bull]

I think some people are taking things a tad too seriously.

 

[ratchet_gear]

your fine lol I didn't take it wrong
To be honest I love Snap on, and don't like HF to much I'm VERY picky there, and I will put the long handle 1/2 Snap On to the same test before i put a hard handle on it. Its just not super high on my priority list lol

If you decide to do it with the SO I hope you have a good SO driver because that might turn into a very expensive test. Lol

 

[bpjr]

dgxlh...thanks for doing the test! I'm major impressed it didn't skip, shed internal parts or lock up. Did you happen to cut the rubber grip off to see what the handle looks like? It's not a deal killer but a regular handle sans the rubber grip is my preference.

Thanks again.

bp

 

[Hiball]

If you get the chance watch the video on a computer. I actually open the whole thing up and show everything. But to answer your questions no I think you could put a new anvil in there and be on your way with no effects. The head did get loose and I did tighten it off camera and it went back to being stiffer. And lastly as for how much force i can't you an exact number but with that long pipe and the force I was exerting I would have to say in the 1000lb range. Wish I could've measured it some how but there is always future tests

Thanks, I just watched on the Big Screen, It was still hard to see the Gear Damage and Never seen the Paw but based off your Description and the sounds it was making after Carnage it didn't sound too Healthy.. LOL. Of course with all that Said, There is No doubt in my Mind that it done its Job under the Torque created by the Cheater Pipe, Then again.. Im amazed the Hinge didn't snap, It was flexing like a bish.

Thanks for the Video..

 

[Toyota mechanic]

I think some people are taking things a tad too seriously.

This was supposed to be serious? lol... I see it this way, a 'lowly HF tool' unzipped! and................... a big sausage fell out, not a cocktail wiener. Folks are shocked!

Now the other brands have to show us theirs before they can criticize the HF ratchets for not measuring up.

I think it is amusing cracking up! I am not pro or no for them, but damn did that thing make a showing

Bet it gets alot of views on YouTube. Nice effort to the OP!

 

[Danglerb]

am i the only one who thinks this was a stupid thing to do. i am glad you broke a ratchet in a vise with a pipe. it proves you can break anything with a pipe. oops, i may get another timeout for not being a sheep.

ps. i am neutral on most things. not a snap-on nut job or harbor freight-ite. i think they are fine ratchets but this kind of thing just rubs me wrong.

Better for one person to do it and post the results, than to have dozens doing the same thing without knowing it had already been done.

 

[Ign]

I think some people are taking things a tad too seriously.

This is GJ. Despite the attempt at Kumbaya this is THE most argumentative forum I'm on.

 

[Cato]

What's with the reflective vest?

 

[KinzeMech]

am i the only one who thinks this was a stupid thing to do. i am glad you broke a ratchet in a vise with a pipe. it proves you can break anything with a pipe. oops, i may get another timeout for not being a sheep.

ps. i am neutral on most things. not a snap-on nut job or harbor freight-ite. i think they are fine ratchets but this kind of thing just rubs me wrong.

It's testing to the point of failure. It's not a terribly scientific test, as there was no measurement of torque applied, nor were there multiple test subjects, but it's still interesting to see. It does give a rough idea of what it takes to break one.

The test could be improved by welding a piece of flat steel to a socket, such that the vise could get a better grip. That vise has substantial slop in it's jaws to flex that much. Also this would give a socket-ratchet interface that is more representative of actual usage conditions than a vise squeezing the hell out of the drive square.

My only gripe with this is claiming warranty. Sure, you can do it, and get away with it, but this is not a tool that failed, this is a tool that was intentionally destroyed.

 

[dgxlh]

dgxlh...thanks for doing the test! I'm major impressed it didn't skip, shed internal parts or lock up. Did you happen to cut the rubber grip off to see what the handle looks like? It's not a deal killer but a regular handle sans the rubber grip is my preference.

Thanks again.

bp

I would assume its just a slightly smaller diameter plain shaft under the grip. Probably not the best for grip

 

[dgxlh]

Thanks, I just watched on the Big Screen, It was still hard to see the Gear Damage and Never seen the Paw but based off your Description and the sounds it was making after Carnage it didn't sound too Healthy.. LOL. Of course with all that Said, There is No doubt in my Mind that it done its Job under the Torque created by the Cheater Pipe, Then again.. Im amazed the Hinge didn't snap, It was flexing like a bish.

Thanks for the Video..

Yeah I'm still getting use to the whole filming thing lol I was so into examining it I forgot to show it lol
But it wasn't bad at all it had a couple dings but nothing crazy I'd say 2/10 for damage on the gears and paws.
And thinking about it now it had no grease in it. I took it apart maybe 3 times for the grease video and never greased it back up. Lol

 

[dgxlh]

What's with the reflective vest?

I was at work. I'm required to wear it on the airfield I just never took it off lol

 

[dgxlh]

It's testing to the point of failure. It's not a terribly scientific test, as there was no measurement of torque applied, nor were there multiple test subjects, but it's still interesting to see. It does give a rough idea of what it takes to break one.

The test could be improved by welding a piece of flat steel to a socket, such that the vise could get a better grip. That vise has substantial slop in it's jaws to flex that much. Also this would give a socket-ratchet interface that is more representative of actual usage conditions than a vise squeezing the hell out of the drive square.

My only gripe with this is claiming warranty. Sure, you can do it, and get away with it, but this is not a tool that failed, this is a tool that was intentionally destroyed.

Yeah it seems a little messed up but I figure they sold at least one from this so its like a trade lol

 

[Trainman]

Good video. One question on the cheater bar. I noticed you placed the pipe over just the grip, not over the entire shaft of the ratchet. I guess I always thought the proper way to use a cheater (if there is such a thing) was to cover the shaft too. It seems like just by placing the pipe over the handle, you're losing leverage from the flexing of the shaft, even though you're gaining length.

 

[oldtools]

If you are going to perform the same test on a SO ratchet, it must be in the same condition meaning the square drive is clamped on a vise with the same moment arm. The HF square drive was loaded with compressive stress (vise clamp load) and torsional stress (twisting from extension), so to be fair, the SO must be loaded the same. I think it is best to perform both with socket on a bolt as other have suggested.

 

[capturedlive]

Great video! It reminded me of a video HF put on their Facebook:

After reading all the posts last week, I got excited and bought all 6 of them. Then came home and tried them all out. Granted, I didn't do any tests like this LOL! But I'm a happy camper.

 

[dgxlh]

Great video! It reminded me of a video HF put on their Facebook:

After reading all the posts last week, I got excited and bought all 6 of them, then came home and tried them all out. Granted, I didn't do any tests like this LOL! But I'm a very happy camper.

Hey that's pretty cool. I bet they don't do everything they sell though

 

[RogueFab]

Thanks for posting. I'm glad to see China taking a run at the higher level tools through mainstream distribution. Someone has to motivate SK and Snap On aND the others to raise the bar.

That must have been 500 ft lb. Man...

 

[cowboy73]

Very impressive! I think I need a few more ratchets.....

 

[bcradio]

I'm glad to see China taking a run at the higher level tools through mainstream distribution.

More like Taiwan not China

That must have been 500 ft lb. Man...

Others were thinking it was closer to double that

 

[montanafordman]

These sort of tests are interesting, but I agree that its bad form to test something to destruction and then warranty it. Especially since you were way outside of what a normal ratchet like this would be expected to accomplish. I'm sure you helped Harbor Freight sell more of them, however that should be negotiated by the store and/or company ahead of time if they're going to replace your ratchet after the "test."

 

[kctyphoon]

Where's the guy on this message board that told me " you just don't get it " , when I had mentioned in my own thread how I'd love to see a stress test comparison between these ratchets and a snap on equivalent. Please remind me how a $20 ratchet that stood up to that abuse isn't worth spending any money on... I believe his point was how the SO was "smoother", and therefore a quality tool better worth the investment, and testing it to its breaking point served no purpose.. It's like listening to a heroin addict trying to justify his habit.. Next they'll be saying "okay, but let's see if the action lasts 20 years too"

 

[kctyphoon]

Thanks for posting. I'm glad to see China taking a run at the higher level tools through mainstream distribution. Someone has to motivate SK and Snap On aND the others to raise the bar.

That must have been 500 ft lb. Man...

Snap On will just raise their prices, and the addicts will be convinced it's "EVEN BETTER NOW!"