brit road garage
Banned
I know I must sound like a noob but I don't really know how these are made and what are the benefits/draw backs of them are can anyone tell me?
what are composite ratchets?
- Thread starter brit road garage
- Start date
Cheap fine tooth ratchets with big handles that are covered in a rubber coating. They are popular at harbor freight, along with the tekton brand and other off brands from auto parts stores. They hold up well, especially for the price. I love my little 1/4" ones I got from amazon, but again, the handle is a bit large for a 1/4" ratchet.
Plastic around a metal core.
Benefits:
-Nice for working around things you don't want to bang a piece of metal against, like paint.
-Better grip.
-Comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
-No sparks if you're working in a cloud of flammable gas like a *****.
-Don't freeze your hand in winter.
-No rust.
-Lighter weight.
Drawbacks:
-They're suitable for some surprisingly heavy use, but I sure wouldn't go using a cheater bar on one because the metal core of the handle is a little thinner than a normal ratchet handle.
-Not available in a long handle for the obvious reason.
-Not available in a flex or roto head.
-Harder to keep clean. This is more a problem for the tool polishers out there,
Speaking about the Harbor Freight versions in particular, with how little they cost, there's no reason not to own them. They're pretty nice.
Benefits:
-Nice for working around things you don't want to bang a piece of metal against, like paint.
-Better grip.
-Comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
-No sparks if you're working in a cloud of flammable gas like a *****.
-Don't freeze your hand in winter.
-No rust.
-Lighter weight.
Drawbacks:
-They're suitable for some surprisingly heavy use, but I sure wouldn't go using a cheater bar on one because the metal core of the handle is a little thinner than a normal ratchet handle.
-Not available in a long handle for the obvious reason.
-Not available in a flex or roto head.
-Harder to keep clean. This is more a problem for the tool polishers out there,
Speaking about the Harbor Freight versions in particular, with how little they cost, there's no reason not to own them. They're pretty nice.
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OP
brit road garage
Banned
okay would you recommend one?
Absolutely. I generally stay away from HF but these ratchets are a real gem. Once you start to use one you may find that they become your go to ratchet for ordinary tasks.
These ratchets and their cheap mechanics gloves are a couple of the items actually worth buying.
I have yet to see any threads about how these ratchets have failed in normal use.
nuklbstr83
Well-known member
from my understanding they are used primarily to prevent arc flash.
mrjaw14
Well-known member
darn you guys...now I have to have one
+1. I like these HF ratchets better than anything else in my box, including SO.
I've actually used them on every tough or rusted bolt that I would use a steel ratchet, and they have held up well. They're ratchet mechanism is as smooth as any. And if I do break it, I can afford to buy another one.
'dale
MackMan
Well-known member
Never heard of or seen such a thing, but it sounds nice for winter work. Any USA toolmaker have one?
Living in Northern Wisconsin, I end up doing a lot of winter work. It is brutal when you are in -20 weather with a wind chill making it feel like -90. When I'm out like that, the only ratchet I want in my paw is that HF composite. Have all three sizes and they are much easier to hold onto when it is that cold. Lube them up with some Superlube or even a lightweight oil, and you will hardly hear the ratchet mechanism work.
Have yet to break one, but like others said, if I break one, get a replacement free or just buy another since they are very very inexpensive.
Cheers,
Jim Don
Have yet to break one, but like others said, if I break one, get a replacement free or just buy another since they are very very inexpensive.
Cheers,
Jim Don
yup, happened to me too. I bought the 1/4" and been wanting to go back for the 3/8" ever since. Drink the Koolaid! It's good! 
TJay
Well-known member
I needed a 1/2" ratchet one day and HF was the closest place to me, stopped and grabbed one figuring idc if it breaks lol.
I liked it so much I grabbed the 3/8th afterwards. Now I just need to get down there and get the 1/4" since they were out at that time.
Have been using the 3/8 quite a bit over the last couple months and they have held up great, love it for working around anything energized lol
I liked it so much I grabbed the 3/8th afterwards. Now I just need to get down there and get the 1/4" since they were out at that time.
Have been using the 3/8 quite a bit over the last couple months and they have held up great, love it for working around anything energized lol
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I actually had the 3/8 slip/skip. I was really leaning into removing a bolt and it just gave out. I will admit I was really pulling hard on a seat belt bolt. When it gave I thought my head was going to go through the roof. Man that hurt. It was very comfortable to use.
Deskmechanic
Well-known member
I use the 3/8 for working on motorcycles because if you slip it doesn't scratch. Also the offset handle gets your hand away from the surface without adding slop from an extension. Pretty much everything else I own is from the truck, but man I love those composite HF ratchets.
available in the UK from MachineMart
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro134-38in-pro-ratchet-polypropylen
they also turn up at autojumble tool outfits from time to time in different colours.
Halfords also do one, but without the offset. The whole 1/4" drive set is about £15 and usually on sale around now, comes in a grey plastic box with a indowed lid. I love them, I think I have 4 now, mostly for motorcycle work.
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro134-38in-pro-ratchet-polypropylen
they also turn up at autojumble tool outfits from time to time in different colours.
Halfords also do one, but without the offset. The whole 1/4" drive set is about £15 and usually on sale around now, comes in a grey plastic box with a indowed lid. I love them, I think I have 4 now, mostly for motorcycle work.
Or you could just go get another free one from HF they have a lifetime warranty..
neophyte
Well-known member
There's a lot more to "non-sparking" safety requirements than simply being "non-metal." In a pinch most composite ratchets may be fine or at least better. Most non-sparking tools have to be manufactured from very specific materials, or materials treated in specific ways. Most non-sparking tools aren't steel and don't have steel parts unless those steel parts are specially treated or unexposed. Non sparking requirements may also require non-static materials.
My understanding was composite ratchets were more about making the ratchets lightweight, and more ergonomic. JimDon's comment about cold weather conditions also makes sense.
My understanding was composite ratchets were more about making the ratchets lightweight, and more ergonomic. JimDon's comment about cold weather conditions also makes sense.
something being insulated and something not sparking are different things.
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Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I bought all 3. They are my go to. Love them.
Someone mentioned their gloves...I always wear Tillman deerskin/goatskin leather, but carry HF in all the vehicles. Also, I just started using their insulated winter gloves...PASS!!!! for 10 bucks.
Someone mentioned their gloves...I always wear Tillman deerskin/goatskin leather, but carry HF in all the vehicles. Also, I just started using their insulated winter gloves...PASS!!!! for 10 bucks.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/1060196/tools/P1000168-1.jpg
edit, not my picture, i took it from "tools from the old world"
edit, not my picture, i took it from "tools from the old world"
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TreePointer
Well-known member
I bought a couple HF composites to use when working on batteries to prevent arcing and sparks from accidental shorting. Now I use them all the time in cold weather.