Cool ratchet from HF

[Tempest]

http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-14-38-double-flex-head-ratchet-wrench-67994.html

This is a tight space ratchet that has come in handy a couple of times now. Quality appears to be very good but the head is small so it's not something one would use a breaker bar.

It comes with both ratchets pointing the same way but I removed the 1/4" head and flipped it as it makes it much easier to hold onto. I, also tightened both joints so they would stay in place better.

I haven't used it a lot, but so far very happy with this tool.

 

[kasedian]

30 bucks? HF ratchet? No thanks

 

[gathermewool]

I just ordered this GearWrench (KD 893823) pass-through set for those pain-in-the-butt strut jobs:

Tools!

 

[Tempest]

Originally Posted By: kasedian
30 bucks? HF ratchet? No thanks

Helps to have a 25% off coupon.

And I'm using their composite ratchets more and more.

 

[sciphi]

Originally Posted By: gathermewool
I just ordered this GearWrench (KD 893823) pass-through set for those pain-in-the-butt strut jobs:

Tools!

I love the pass-through socket set I have. I don't need it that often, but when it's needed, it's needed.

 

[ajchien]

I've got that ratchet.

Upside is that it is really low profile - wiithout a socket on it, it's as thin as most wrenches. The 15" length is also helpful in long reach situations. Unfortunately, I have not yet found the situation that only this ratchet could do the job. II want to, but I haven't come across it yet. Lol. Truth is, a ratcheting wrench still has a lower profile, and can handle nut/long stud bolts better.

Downside - the head is not serviceable. Although there are 72 teeth, it's simply not as smooth as some other ratchets I have. The 'feel' just isnt right. My 40 tooth williams m52a, and 40 tooth SK 45170 both feel smoother than this ratchet. My 60 tooth SK 40170 and 72 tooth craftsman V series RHFT are decades older but light years ahead in smoothness and feel.

Bottom line, serviceable tool with some unique features. Who else makes a low profile 1/4 ratchet that has a flex head and 15" handle?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Originally Posted By: ajchien
..............Bottom line, serviceable tool with some unique features. Who else makes a low profile 1/4 ratchet that has a flex head and 15" handle?


Who NEEDS a 15" long 1/4" drive ratchet with a flex head? That might be the reason no one else makes one.......

That's similar to having an 8oz ball peen hammer with a 24" handle

 

[ajchien]

Originally Posted By: GeorgiaHybrid
Originally Posted By: ajchien
..............Bottom line, serviceable tool with some unique features. Who else makes a low profile 1/4 ratchet that has a flex head and 15" handle?


Who NEEDS a 15" long 1/4" drive ratchet with a flex head? That might be the reason no one else makes one.......

That's similar to having an 8oz ball peen hammer with a 24" handle


Lol. Yeah, well, that might also be a reason that I havent yet found a job that only this ratchet could do.

I'm a sucker for all sorts of different ratchets.

 

[user52165]

Originally Posted By: kasedian
30 bucks? HF ratchet? No thanks


I am curious. Do you think that is too expensive?

Or is it too cheap (using the "You get what you pay for" thinking)?

 

[ajchien]

Originally Posted By: ajchien
Originally Posted By: GeorgiaHybrid
Originally Posted By: ajchien
..............Bottom line, serviceable tool with some unique features. Who else makes a low profile 1/4 ratchet that has a flex head and 15" handle?


Who NEEDS a 15" long 1/4" drive ratchet with a flex head? That might be the reason no one else makes one.......

That's similar to having an 8oz ball peen hammer with a 24" handle


Lol. Yeah, well, that might also be a reason that I havent yet found a job that only this ratchet could do.

I'm a sucker for all sorts of different ratchets.


Ok, I was installing Honda element side steps today, and some of the needed bolts were located between the outer frame and a metal rod, couldn't get any of my ratchets in there, even my 1/4 drive ones ... And crud, I didnt have a ratcheting wrench in 18mm. I had to take off 2 bolts off that rod to shift it a few mm, and then the HF thin profile ratchet and craftsman socket barely fit in the space. So I did run into the case where this ratchet made a big difference. I couldn't imagine turning those bolts, in a confined space, with a traditional wrench. Would have taken a really long time.