Your Thoughts about Composite Ratchets?

[Tul]

I just learned about composite ratchets. Where I live, it doesn't get really cold, so the insulation isn't important in that sense. What are your thoughts, particularly about the Harbor Freight, which looks exactly like the Tekton, except for outer color:

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-composite-quick-release-ratchet-62290.html

Strangely, Lowe's and Home Depot no longer stock it.

Thank you in advance!

 

[dnschmidt]

I like them. Other than the heads being too thick they're great.

 

[Tul]

I like them. Other than the heads being too thick they're great.

Please tell me more about what you like about them and what advantages they offer over the traditional style?

Also, which brande and size do you have?

 

[rijndael]

I like them when working on battery terminals.

 

[bonneyman]

I used to avoid HF like the plague, except for things like nitrile gloves and shop rags. Finally gave in and grabbed a pair of their composite ratchets.

They are really nice. Lighter to hold, handle contour is naturally shaped, and if I'm working around painted surfaces I don't have to worry about the handle end chipping the finish. Was using the 3/8"er on a job, and got into things. Was using the rat like I do my typical SK roundhead, and it felt so natural and comfortable I forgot it was the HF one! I'm sold.

The fact that Tekton offers the exact same one except for color proves they believe in it, and I like Tekton

 

[DFB]

Yup one of the better items HF carries, I don't really buy much of their stuff for myself (though I buy lots for flips) but I do own 3 of the composite ratchets. 2 of the grey offset handles, a 1/4" and 3/8" and the black straight handle in 1/2"

I favor the little 1/4" for battery terminal work and big 1/2" is in my tool bag for socket work down at the greenhouse's orchard farm.

Been considering get the 3/8" in the black pro version but I don't really need it

 

[unslow1]

They are also great for working on something when a scratch or chipped paint is unacceptable. I have both the HF and Tekton sets. They look the same to me.

 

[BTL-A4]

I agree with those that use them in situations where you don't want to chip paint, and around batteries.
I have the 3/8" drive ones (gray) and they are fine. I use them occasionally, so can't speak to their durability. They feel good in my hand and I agree that the head is a tad big.

 

[Wamsutta]

You don't really want my thoughts do you?

 

[bwringer]

Yep, they're great for not chipping paint or shorting on terminals.

I have three or four of the HF versions, and they've been great.

They're cheap and a fantastic value; buy one or two and try 'em out. Last time I looked, they were made in Taiwan, not China.

You also get a much better grip than you can on a chrome ratchet. I can't stand the super-shiny slippery stuff, and I don't really like rubber handles either.

 

[ChrisLS8]

You don't really want my thoughts do you?

They are, cheap, comfortable, tough, won't chip paint so I'll guess you don't like em for some unexplainable issue with the detent, the color or the fact that it's not Snap On

 

[paulsomlo]

You don't really want my thoughts do you?

If only the Powerball numbers were as easily predicted...

 

[sberry]

Ya, it's terrible when things are good and cheap too,,, that really *****.

 

[sberry]

Costa half as much and is twice as good as it was 20 years ago.

 

[DFB]

I remember reading on another tool discussion page where some one was spouting off these weren't any good and that his old Craftsman teardrop was better because it was steel" and these were "plastic"

 

[X1 Mike]

I have both styles of the HF composites and I love them. I first started using them to keep from damaging motorcycle paintwork etc. now I just like using them.

 

[bwringer]

I remember reading on another tool discussion page where some one was spouting off these weren't any good and that his old Craftsman teardrop was better because it was steel" and these were "plastic"

Yah, there's always someone who mentally misses the entire concept and thinks the whole ratchet is plastic.

They're not plastic, they're plastic-covered.

They're cheap and good. Go get you some and see what you think!

 

[99LeCouch]

Nice for not damaging things. And, the handles make gripping them easy.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I never liked the feel of the handle, or the chunky head size. When I short out something on a battery, it's with a wrench, not a ratchet. I'm not opposed to them; I just haven't explicitly had a need.

 

[L5wolvesf]

I got a couple of the HF composites maybe 10 years ago. They've become my go to over a metal Craftsman I still have. The composites seem just as hardy as any metal ratchet but a bit more comfortable to work with.

 

[foghorn1966]

I have the Princess Auto Pro-Point Version of the black/grey one pictured. It is my fav. 1/4" ratchet. Light, easy on hands. And all of above for battery work, chipping paint, comfortable in a cold shop etc.

 

[Farmall450]

Handles are too thick, however decent for the money and good in the cold.

 

[ARFLY]

I have all the composit ratchets HF sells. I like them. They work well and don't rattle around in the toolbox.

 

[mrvm]

Composite handle ratchet wrench is my first choice when working near the windshield for obvious reasons.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm not a fan of the first generation models but, the second generation models from Harbor freight are pretty nice.
https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-drive-composite-ratchet-62619.html

They're also longer than a standard length ratchet which comes in handy.

teng tools also makes a composite ratchet but, i have no experience with it..

https://tengtoolsusa.com/products/teng-tools-3800frp-3-8-inch-drive-fibre-reinforced-ratchet

 

[Tul]

I have both styles of the HF composites and I love them. I first started using them to keep from damaging motorcycle paintwork etc. now I just like using them.

What are the two styles?

 

[joey1320]

What are the two styles?

 

[joey1320]

I have had the 3/8 black/red one for over 10 years. Use it daily with no issues. For the price, can't complain one bit.

 

[737mechanic]

I stayed away from them for years until I needed another 1/4 ratchet for my portable box, I was in HF and started playing around with one and thought I have a $5.00 off coupon "Which I will post for you guys" which brought the price down to $2.99 so I figured even if it was junk I wasn't out much not to mention if I lost it out on the road. Anyway within a week I had the 3/8 and 1/2 versions and now they are my favorite ratchets because of how good they feel. Like others have said the head is a little bigger than other ratchets but for 98 percent of work these will get the job done. They are 72 tooth and are butter smooth in operation.

I did a quick youtube review on them a few days ago and I put the $5.00 off coupon at the end of the video, just hit print screen and print it off.

Pittsburgh pro Composite Ratchet from Harbor Freight

 

[DerekV]

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I think they're a little overhyped. The reverse lever is backwards and they're obnoxiously chunky - something about these two qualities just keep me away from them. I've never once had an issue with regular ol' ratchets chipping paint, scratching things, or dictating how cold my hands are...there are ways to mitigate all of those "issues"

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have one HF composite ratchet. It's ok. The head is too think for my liking and I hate the backward selector switch. I can't remember the last time I even used it.

A tip though, those ratchets come dry. A little oil makes them really smooth. For a spare ratchet, they make a decent buy.

 

[Tul]

I stayed away from them for years until I needed another 1/4 ratchet for my portable box, I was in HF and started playing around with one and thought I have a $5.00 off coupon "Which I will post for you guys" which brought the price down to $2.99 so I figured even if it was junk I wasn't out much not to mention if I lost it out on the road. Anyway within a week I had the 3/8 and 1/2 versions and now they are my favorite ratchets because of how good they feel. Like others have said the head is a little bigger than other ratchets but for 98 percent of work these will get the job done. They are 72 tooth and are butter smooth in operation.

I did a quick youtube review on them a few days ago and I put the $5.00 off coupon at the end of the video, just hit print screen and print it off.

Pittsburgh pro Composite Ratchet from Harbor Freight

In case Harbor Freight questions the validity of the coupon (there are fake coupons out there), where did you get the coupon?

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have had the 3/8 black/red one for over 10 years. Use it daily with no issues. For the price, can't complain one bit.

They were released a few years ago lol

Edit- end of 2014 according to thread

 

[Gurp]

Have a grey 3/8 from HF. Personally I love it. I work outside on cars all year round as needed. They are great in the cold. Much better during messy jobs as you get much less hand slipping off the handle.
They are pretty tough too. I have had 2. The 1st for 4 years till i lost it. Had marring all over it from hammers and cheater bar.
Have had the one I have now for about a year.
Definitely going to pick up a few more for extras.

 

[737mechanic]

In case Harbor Freight questions the validity of the coupon (there are fake coupons out there), where did you get the coupon?

The harbor freight app for android. I highly recommend the app as it has coupons you will probably never see in your area but they will be accepted at any HF. You can also simply add coupons you like to the cart and when you checkout simply scroll through them and they can scan it right off your phone.

-------------->Coupons for Harbor Freight Tools<-------------

 

[M6erfan]

I don't like the handle on the curved offset model, but the black and red model is pretty good. The head is large though. The length and handle comfort are great. Well worth the $10 I paid over a year ago.

 

[Handyandy23]

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I think they're a little overhyped. The reverse lever is backwards and they're obnoxiously chunky - something about these two qualities just keep me away from them. I've never once had an issue with regular ol' ratchets chipping paint, scratching things, or dictating how cold my hands are...there are ways to mitigate all of those "issues"

I have to agree with this. I've handled them almost every time I'm in Princess Auto thinking I'm missing something since they get so much love, but every time I'm left scratching my head.

To me they just feel huge and clunky. They look like they should be light but they're not really. My garage is heated so I personally don't have much need for something that feels warmer in the cold.

Overall nothing I've seen that makes me want to buy one over the other options out there.

 

[jasonphelps]

You don't really want my thoughts do you?

Not really, but tell us anyway...

 

[Legion Prime]

This thread prompted me to stop by Harbor freight and grab the 1/4 composite for my motorcycle kit last week. Using one for batteries is another fantastic idea. First impression is that I like it, the handle is kinda Playskool my first wrench chunky but it's not too bad. The 3/8 and 1/2 ones were somewhat overly bulky but the 1/4 one feels good. The offset is unusual and the head is a bit on the thick side but the action isn't bad. If they are lighter than a chromed ratchet I don't think it's by much. I will use it and see what happens. Either way, for $8? Yeah, I can afford to burn $8 if it turns out I can't stand it.

 

[dnschmidt]

If you have big hands, which I do, the original models are great as the handles are huge. If you have smaller hands, which my friend Max does who's a master mechanic at Lexus, they are uncomfortable, particularly the 1/2". Actually, I hate Max's little hands and tiny fingers as that ******* can get those into places mine wouldn't even think of going. Having big hands never held me back in the semiconductor industry but I'd have never made it as an auto mechanic.