Tool Review : BETA 920/55 Ratchet

[woodstockva]

Hey everybody

I just made a review for the BETA 920/55 Ratchet.

This is by far one of the most comfortable tools I have ever used. The handle is remarkable & fits my hand like a glove....even after extended use, I have no pain or fatigue like I do with a standard ratchet.

In this video I will go over the major differences between the Beta ratchet & a stardard (Craftsman) ratchet, and you will be able to see for yourself why I like these so much.

They are made in Italy, and BETA is basically the "Snap-on" on Europe. They are top quality & put a lot of effort into producing the best tools in your garage.

Check out the review & I think you will be impressed with the quality and features of the Beta 920/55 ratchet!

Here is more info on them --- http://www.beta-tools.com/catalog/a...ang_en/__catlang_en/__catalog_beta/__filters_

Here is the review ---

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[jim1987]

I'm sure they make great tools, the name just through me off..

 

[JDon99]

Nice review! Is the selector switch made of plastic or metal? $62 from Trident seems like a pretty decent price too.

 

[woodstockva]

I'm sure they make great tools, the name just through me off..

Yeah, BETA isnt quite as well known as Snap-on in the US (yet)....but the quality is right up there

Nice review! Is the selector switch made of plastic or metal? $62 from Trident seems like a pretty decent price too.

Thanks! The selector switch (black) is plastic, but keep in mind these do have a lifetime warranty & unless you are using it as a hammer, that shouldnt be a problem with breaking.

 

[JDon99]

Thanks! The selector switch (black) is plastic, but keep in mind these do have a lifetime warranty & unless you are using it as a hammer, that shouldnt be a problem with breaking.

Do you know how their warranty policy works?

 

[woodstockva]

Do you know how their warranty policy works?

I know that Peerless Hardware in PA is the US importer, so claims would go through them I would think....possibly from whoever you bought it from (i.e. - Trident-Supply), but I will check on this & get back to you with the definite answer.

 

[ADSR]

Great, another ratchet to buy.

Looks awesome.

 

[JDon99]

How are these handles when they get greasy and filthy? Do they wipe clean, or is best to use something like simple green on them?

 

[woodstockva]

Great, another ratchet to buy.

Looks awesome.

Haha...it never ends right?

Thanks!

How are these handles when they get greasy and filthy? Do they wipe clean, or is best to use something like simple green on them?

They wipe off easily, at least for me anyway....the orange part is smooth and hard, so nothing sticks to it & the black part is rubber-like and also cleans easily. I am very big on keeping my tools clean....so thats always a concern of mine also.

The only tools I can never get clean are yellow/blue grips on Irwin visegrips and pliers.

 

[jim1987]

That wasn't what I meant..I mean the name "beta" usually desribes a demo/test item with not all of the full features of the real things.

 

[ADSR]

There's a member on here who's a Beta junkie. He has that ratchet tattooed on him. It's a big tattoo!

 

[north]

Thanks for the review. Man, you were like a kid on Christmas, trying to contain his enthusiasm somewhat.

I take it that is is the springs we see in the pawl? Never seen that solution before.

Looking forward to see the follow up on the whole set and the ratchet in action.

 

[Dave.R]

How are these handles when they get greasy and filthy? Do they wipe clean, or is best to use something like simple green on them?

You know what works amazing on comfort grip ratchets? Any of the orange hand cleaner with a little grit. It seems the perfect balance to clean them to new without eating them alive.

 

[woodstockva]

That wasn't what I meant..I mean the name "beta" usually desribes a demo/test item with not all of the full features of the real things.

Oh, gotcha!

There's a member on here who's a Beta junkie. He has that ratchet tattooed on him. It's a big tattoo!

I have seen that picture before....now thats a superfan!

Thanks for the review. Man, you were like a kid on Christmas, trying to contain his enthusiasm somewhat.

I take it that is is the springs we see in the pawl? Never seen that solution before.

Looking forward to see the follow up on the whole set and the ratchet in action.

Thanks! Yeah, I was pretty excited about it....I realllllly like the BETA ratchets, they are so comfortable to use. I figured a 2 part video (ratchet alone & then the set) would be the best way to go on this one.

I do believe those are springs, pretty cool design. I didnt want to further disassemble it & break something though.

You know what works amazing on comfort grip ratchets? Any of the orange hand cleaner with a little grit. It seems the perfect balance to clean them to new without eating them alive.

Great tip Dave! I will have to try that out on my trusty composite ratchets!

 

[SASORacing]

Good review, is this how you talk in real life? lol no offense though.

 

[woodstockva]

Good review, is this how you talk in real life? lol no offense though.

It depends how much caffeine I have.....after a X-Large dunkin donuts coffee....unfortunately yes.

 

[Dave455]

They're ok tools!

Can't really agree that they are the 'Snap On of Europe' though. I've got a few Beta items and they are fine, good 'workshop grade', but some of their stuff is a bit industrial, and nowhere near the quality of Snap On. Their top end ratchets and handles (the all metal ones) are Ko Ken items anyway!

The 'Snap On' of Europe is probably Stahlwille!

 

[Freeborn John]

Beware of the cheap Beta 'Easy' range, made in China they fall far below the real Beta stuff, the 1/2 drive ratchet I foolishly bought (lured by the Beta name) was awful.

 

[rice rocket]

Their top end ratchets and handles (the all metal ones) are Ko Ken items anyway!

Huh, I didn't know this. Might have to put another ratchet on my list...

I have the 1/4" and 3/8" version of the reviewed ratchet, they are the first I reach for. The Snap-Ons and Armstrong/Matcos are fine to use, the Betas are just more of a treat to use.


The high tooth engagement too means they're pretty damn beefy too, the 1/2" is tested to 370 ft-lbs of torque. The 3/8" is tested to 250 ft-lbs.

 

[JDon99]

How is the back drag on these? I'm trying to convince myself to pick one of these up...

 

[Bigplum]

Quote from the video
" if you're working in sub zero temperature , your tool will be below freezing too " , ........
I find swimming in cool water makes it shrink as well !

 

[shockwave]

Very nice review I think I might pick one of these up and the grip reminds me of a gedore ratchet grip