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Powerbuilt Pro Tech Ratchets

Rinspeed

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Apr 26, 2020
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Thinking of picking up this set of ratchets and wondered who has experience with them. Thought I remember reading that Powerbuilt are made in the same factory as Carlyle and I've been very happy with the Carlyle ratchet I have. Reviews of Powerbuilt are very positive on Amazon.




https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-240238
 
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lardy1

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Mar 17, 2019
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I have that head in Carlyle and Blackhawk. It's a very small head if that suits you. I find them to have a bit of backdrag but not obnoxious. I use the long handled locking flex in 1/4" quite a bit. It's not my smoothest 1/4" but it feels good to use. Others have called those Powerbuilt versions a good value and based on my own experience with that mechanism, I would tend to believe them.
 

Fedwrench

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I have a few of the Powerbuilt Pro series ratchets in the set you linked. I got them when they were a bargain on Ebay. Prices went through the roof during Covid. They're great ratchets. I'm not sure how easy it would be to warranty one if you broke it but, with normal use, I think they're fine. The ratchet head is the same design found on current carlyle quick release ratchets. It's fairly thin and compact offering great access. I find the shape of the powerbuilt handle a joy to use. The only con I can think of off the top of my head, is that Powerbuilt uses a pin to secure the flex head portion to the handle instead of some type of screw that can be tightened if needed. I haven't really leaned on mine. I think the uber long 3/8 drive flex head in your set runs $59.95 alone on Ebay these days. I also think these ratchets might be discontinued as only a couple of them are listed on the Powerbuilt website and supply might be drying up.:beer:
 
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ching0n

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Jul 21, 2016
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Thinking of picking up this set of ratchets and wondered who has experience with them. Thought I remember reading that Powerbuilt are made in the same factory as Carlyle and I've been very happy with the Carlyle ratchet I have. Reviews of Powerbuilt are very positive on Amazon.




https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-240238
I have them and like them but I'm guessing you saw my post about them? ;) I don't use them as breaker bars but reckon they're as strong as half a dozen other brands w/the same ratchet head (first found about them on some Japanese brand).

I can't remember if that kit was available when I got mine or if it was cheaper to piece it together but they also sell regular length if you follow the link:

 
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Andres26tnt

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May 11, 2018
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994
Excellent strength, size and handle design. High back drag is the only real con. Same ratchet head for multiple brands, so it's definitely proven quality.
 

KnurledNut

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Jan 28, 2011
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I have a few of the Powerbuilt Pro series ratchets in the set you linked. I got them when they were a bargain on Ebay. Prices went through the roof during Covid. They're great ratchets. I'm not sure how easy it would be to warranty one if you broke it but, with normal use, I think they're fine. The ratchet head is the same design found on current carlyle quick release ratchets. It's fairly thin and compact offering great access. I find the shape of the powerbuilt handle a joy to use. I haven't really leaned on mine. I think the uber long 3/8 drive flex head in your set runs $59.95 alone on Ebay these days. I also think these ratchets might be discontinued as only a couple of them are listed on the Powerbuilt website and supply might be drying up.:beer:
Looks like the website isnt displaying all of them under the proper heading. The other models can be found in stock if a search is done for Pro Tech.

@Rinspeed
The flex head has multiple position detents, but no free swivel. It works well, but some may not like that.
The backdrag is a little heavy at first, but gets better with wear. The handles will flex but I havent broken one.
The heads on these are quite compact.
That kit would be more enticing to me if they had included the 25" 1/2 flex, but not a deal breaker.
The 9" 1/4 flex is a sweet ratchet too, but it made sense to include the 7" in that kit instead.

Like Fedwrench hinted at, the price increase on these has someone stifled the value. The original pricing years ago was a great deal.
 
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