I have Harbor Freight equivalent composite ratchets in these 3 sizes, and they look almost identical to these except for the branding. I was surprised at how high quality they feel, and now they're the ones I grab first. Better feel in the hand, better ergonomics, excellent ratcheting mechanism, smooth, lightweight, and capable. Much easier on your hands if you work with ratchets all day. For tight spots they aren't the best choice because they're kind of beefy, but everywhere else they're great. The handles are non-conductive, so there are less worries when working around batteries.
I also have older American made Craftsman and Snap-on ratchets, and a few Crescents, including flex head and stubbies, and they all come in handy in one way or another so they're not going anywhere.
These are the HF ones I got a while back, but mine are gray instead of these bright colors.
I think I have a non-expiring HF $5 off coupon good on their composite ratchets, terms being that you can get $5 off one ratchet per trip to your local store. I sweet talked the girl into letting me buy all 3 sizes at one time for $15 off. At current prices that's $18 for all three. If anyone wants that coupon, ask and I'll try to find it and post the register barcode here.
Edit: So I dug in a little and discovered that these are exactly the same ratchets as the HF brand. Every detail except the brand is identical.
Surprised at all the tekton hate. All of the tools I've bought from them have been top notch.
Impact sockets
Torque wrench
Wrench set
Ratchets (not these)
Double box end ratcheting wrenches
Those are the ones I can think of, I'm sure there are others.
All have served me well for a variety of projects for years. They're typically priced somewhere between harbor freight and gearwrench. What makes them really stand out is their top notch customer service. They are extremely easy to reach and actually willing to help, which isn't always the case. It's not uncommon to see their reps in forums and other tool places checking in just because. They have a very active presence online.
I will admit I bought one of the clones from harbor freight. It was super cheap and I was in the store so I figured why not. This was years ago when these, or ones very similar, just came out. It has given me no trouble. It's not my favorite ratchet, that distinction goes to gearwrench xp 120, but those are far more expensive and don't have the plastic coating. These are a great first ratchet or if you still don't have a 72 tooth count, which is pretty standard. Lowes and home depot both make ratchets with 90 and 100 teeth- lower swing arc, meaning it will move in tighter spaces like the engine compartment of a car.
I'd have no problem recommending either the harbor freight or tekton version of these. I will say my local hf can be hit or miss on warranty claims, whereas I know tekton won't freak out if I don't have my receipt. Now that hf sends digital receipts and possibly keeps records of purchases, it will be a smoother experience than the few I've had.
I recently purchased this set of ratchets, they have a feel good when you are gripping them. The ratchet mechanism has next to no slop in it, especially when comparing them to a cheap ratchet.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Evilmeinperson
12-23-2023 at 01:00 PM.
I recently purchased this set of ratchets, they have a feel good when you are gripping them. The ratchet mechanism has next to no slop in it, especially when comparing them to a cheap ratchet.
I recently purchased this set of ratchets, they have a feel good when you are gripping them. The ratchet mechanism has next to no slop in it, especially when comparing them to a cheap ratchet.
These remind me of the 1/4 rachet in my black panther set...
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank BabyBubba
12-23-2023 at 03:00 PM.
Quote
from Evilmeinperson
:
I recently purchased this set of ratchets, they have a feel good when you are gripping them. The ratchet mechanism has next to no slop in it, especially when comparing them to a cheap ratchet.
I have Harbor Freight equivalent composite ratchets in these 3 sizes, and they look almost identical to these except for the branding. I was surprised at how high quality they feel, and now they're the ones I grab first. Better feel in the hand, better ergonomics, excellent ratcheting mechanism, smooth, lightweight, and capable. Much easier on your hands if you work with ratchets all day. For tight spots they aren't the best choice because they're kind of beefy, but everywhere else they're great. The handles are non-conductive, so there are less worries when working around batteries.
I also have older American made Craftsman and Snap-on ratchets, and a few Crescents, including flex head and stubbies, and they all come in handy in one way or another so they're not going anywhere.
These are the HF ones I got a while back, but mine are gray instead of these bright colors.
I think I have a non-expiring HF $5 off coupon good on their composite ratchets, terms being that you can get $5 off one ratchet per trip to your local store. I sweet talked the girl into letting me buy all 3 sizes at one time for $15 off. At current prices that's $18 for all three. If anyone wants that coupon, ask and I'll try to find it and post the register barcode here.
Edit: So I dug in a little and discovered that these are exactly the same ratchets as the HF brand. Every detail except the brand is identical.
I have Harbor Freight equivalent composite ratchets in these 3 sizes, and they look almost identical to these except for the branding. I was surprised at how high quality they feel, and now they're the ones I grab first. Better feel in the hand, better ergonomics, excellent ratcheting mechanism, smooth, lightweight, and capable. Much easier on your hands if you work with ratchets all day. For tight spots they aren't the best choice because they're kind of beefy, but everywhere else they're great. The handles are non-conductive, so there are less worries when working around batteries.
I also have older American made Craftsman and Snap-on ratchets, and a few Crescents, including flex head and stubbies, and they all come in handy in one way or another so they're not going anywhere.
These are the HF ones I got a while back, but mine are gray instead of these bright colors.
I think I have a non-expiring HF $5 off coupon good on their composite ratchets, terms being that you can get $5 off one ratchet per trip to your local store. I sweet talked the girl into letting me buy all 3 sizes at one time for $15 off. At current prices that's $18 for all three. If anyone wants that coupon, ask and I'll try to find it and post the register barcode here.
Edit: So I dug in a little and discovered that these are exactly the same ratchets as the HF brand. Every detail except the brand is identical.
I would love a copy of that coupon if you could find it. Thanks in advance.
What is the appeal of these? Not a lot of electrical work requires a ratchet.
If you want to know others' impressions of these, the virtually identical HF ones linked above have 50+ reviews. I find them to be excellent everyday tools, and much stronger than I thought a composite ratchet would be.
What is the appeal of these? Not a lot of electrical work requires a ratchet.
I've heard that people like them in the cold (and heat.) I'm not really a fan of handle grips and I know my ratchets will burn me in the sun ... so I try to make sure I set them down in the shade.
What is the appeal of these? Not a lot of electrical work requires a ratchet.
They aren't as slippery when they get oily, and they aren't ice cold in your hand if you are working outside in the winter. The more ratchets the better, I have over 40 of them and use a different one almost every time.
What is the appeal of these? Not a lot of electrical work requires a ratchet.
Disconnecting batteries since they are not conductive. Also if working around sensitive stuff. I use the 1/2" one to change oil filters since the ECM is nearby. Don't thwack that with a metal ratchet!
I wanted to be a fan, but Tekton has turned out to be a disappointment. They entered the tool marketplace with great fanfare and high promise and have unfortunately turned out to be mostly rebranded stuff like this from the same manufacturers as others use, but at higher prices.
That they're selling the same thing as Harbor Freight is just another nail in their coffin.
Marketing. Once Craftsman had their reputation firmly established, they sold out in the same way. 30 years ago they were one of the best values on the market. Thankfully I have a bunch of their good stuff from the old days, but if I need a warranty replacement I'm stuck with Chinesium. As a result I'm more careful with the good ones I have, after getting burned with low quality replacements a few times.
The tool world seems to always be in flux, with new brands being introduced all the time. For the most part I have everything I need, so I don't buy tools all that much anymore.
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I also have older American made Craftsman and Snap-on ratchets, and a few Crescents, including flex head and stubbies, and they all come in handy in one way or another so they're not going anywhere.
These are the HF ones I got a while back, but mine are gray instead of these bright colors.
https://www.harborfreig
I think I have a non-expiring HF $5 off coupon good on their composite ratchets, terms being that you can get $5 off one ratchet per trip to your local store. I sweet talked the girl into letting me buy all 3 sizes at one time for $15 off. At current prices that's $18 for all three. If anyone wants that coupon, ask and I'll try to find it and post the register barcode here.
Edit: So I dug in a little and discovered that these are exactly the same ratchets as the HF brand. Every detail except the brand is identical.
Impact sockets
Torque wrench
Wrench set
Ratchets (not these)
Double box end ratcheting wrenches
Those are the ones I can think of, I'm sure there are others.
All have served me well for a variety of projects for years. They're typically priced somewhere between harbor freight and gearwrench. What makes them really stand out is their top notch customer service. They are extremely easy to reach and actually willing to help, which isn't always the case. It's not uncommon to see their reps in forums and other tool places checking in just because. They have a very active presence online.
I will admit I bought one of the clones from harbor freight. It was super cheap and I was in the store so I figured why not. This was years ago when these, or ones very similar, just came out. It has given me no trouble. It's not my favorite ratchet, that distinction goes to gearwrench xp 120, but those are far more expensive and don't have the plastic coating. These are a great first ratchet or if you still don't have a 72 tooth count, which is pretty standard. Lowes and home depot both make ratchets with 90 and 100 teeth- lower swing arc, meaning it will move in tighter spaces like the engine compartment of a car.
I'd have no problem recommending either the harbor freight or tekton version of these. I will say my local hf can be hit or miss on warranty claims, whereas I know tekton won't freak out if I don't have my receipt. Now that hf sends digital receipts and possibly keeps records of purchases, it will be a smoother experience than the few I've had.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Evilmeinperson
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank BabyBubba
I also have older American made Craftsman and Snap-on ratchets, and a few Crescents, including flex head and stubbies, and they all come in handy in one way or another so they're not going anywhere.
These are the HF ones I got a while back, but mine are gray instead of these bright colors.
https://www.harborfreig
I think I have a non-expiring HF $5 off coupon good on their composite ratchets, terms being that you can get $5 off one ratchet per trip to your local store. I sweet talked the girl into letting me buy all 3 sizes at one time for $15 off. At current prices that's $18 for all three. If anyone wants that coupon, ask and I'll try to find it and post the register barcode here.
Edit: So I dug in a little and discovered that these are exactly the same ratchets as the HF brand. Every detail except the brand is identical.
I also have older American made Craftsman and Snap-on ratchets, and a few Crescents, including flex head and stubbies, and they all come in handy in one way or another so they're not going anywhere.
These are the HF ones I got a while back, but mine are gray instead of these bright colors.
https://www.harborfreig
I think I have a non-expiring HF $5 off coupon good on their composite ratchets, terms being that you can get $5 off one ratchet per trip to your local store. I sweet talked the girl into letting me buy all 3 sizes at one time for $15 off. At current prices that's $18 for all three. If anyone wants that coupon, ask and I'll try to find it and post the register barcode here.
Edit: So I dug in a little and discovered that these are exactly the same ratchets as the HF brand. Every detail except the brand is identical.
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That they're selling the same thing as Harbor Freight is just another nail in their coffin.
The tool world seems to always be in flux, with new brands being introduced all the time. For the most part I have everything I need, so I don't buy tools all that much anymore.
Black Panther is a great brand. I have the cordless screwdriver set that came with lots of bits