Craftsman Ratchets Product Review and they REALLY Suck!
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- čas přidán 26. 09. 2022
- In this video I give a brutally honest review on some Craftsman Ratchets.
This is now the 8th thinks I have had to exchange the 3/8" and the 4th time on the 1/2" ratchet.
The problem is the gears inside binding up and not allowing the head to rotate or "ratchet" in either direction.
Stay away from these ratchets and buy literally anything else!
Part Numbers:
3/8" Ratchet, 72 Tooth: CMMT81748
1/2" Ratchet, 72 Tooth: CMMT81749
#craftsman - Auta a dopravní prostředky
The first thing i do with a new ratchet(no matter the brand ) is take it apart, clean the factory lube out, and replace it with Super Lube.
Definitely a good thing to practice!
even Snap On breakes and needs warranted from time to time... i would take it apart and fix it in 5 minutes before i spend a hour driveing 30 miles first though..
Agreed 100% I own the versastack tool kit that included those same ratchets in 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 and while the sockets have been great no complaints those ratchets are terrible, I have also had to warranty the 3/8 model at least 8 times, the 1/2 3 times and the 1/4 twice. I have since replaced all three in my kit with Tekton ratchets and the crapsman ratchets have been regulated to the bottom of my tool box as emergency spares that see little to no use.
The new V-series ratchets seem to be holding up better.
So far I'm really liking them.
I'm quite surprised by the number of replacements you've needed in such a short time. I've been wrenching on stuff for 25 years, with Craftsman tools, and I've broken probably 2-3 ratchets myself and have exchanged 3-4 other ratchets that I inherited well used that were worn or broken. Some of the 1/4" stuff I broke (In my younger years) that I should have been using 3/8" + for. For stubborn hardware always bump up in size or use a breaker bar. I never use cheater bars on ratchets. And I rarely do any maintenance on them. I was working in the rain the other day and had tools strewn about. I noticed the ratchet exposed to the rain was sticky and slightly rusted. I sprayed it down with some quick lube and worked into the mechanism and it was good as new again. For a weekend warrior like myself, working on Autos, ATVs, Snowmobiles, Jet Skis, power equipment, etc. Craftsman has been good for me. I'll admit I'm frugal, and I'll never buy premium tools, or premium anything else. Same for fishing, I buy rods and reels at Goodwill for $5-$10 each and have a blast. I'm fishing next to people that spent big money on their stuff and we're all catching the same fish.
These low profile ratchets were once very nice tools back when they were made in the USA. In fact, my 1/2" and 3/8" low profile USA Craftsman ratchets are my very favorite ratchet wrenches. The handles are the most comfortable ones I have ever tried. They don't dig into the flesh of your hand like the slab sided handles, and they don't cause cramping in extended use like some of the circular handles can do.
Those are slowly being replaced by new low profile versions. Craftsman knows about the issues, the really affected where the 1/4. Always open and lube a new ratchet, doesn't matter if it new. Being in the industry for a long time, i always get dry ratchets from time to time. Doesn't matter where it's made, I've gotten snap on, mac, proto, and other dry from the factory. I keep a bottle of my favorite lube(superlube) on hand 😅. As for Craftsman ratchets, the best ones are the slim head, round head swivels, 120t gunmetal chrome, and the v line. Sealed unserviceable ratchets dont bother me, i work in aviation, so im used to them. Not a single one is best, tho. They all have disadvantages. Anyways if you still got the old ones, break them again and exchange them for the slim models.
@andrestnt Thanks for the comment! I just picked up a set of V-Series ratchets and I'm anxious to try them out!
@@turtlescycle not a bad ratchet. It's sealed, some people don't like that. The head is a little thick, but won't really be detrimental. The worst part is the back drag, it's high. But don't confuse the feel with "back drag". The ratchet feels great, it just sticks towards the end where the friction of the gear is higher than the nut or bolt. They are incredibly strong, like one of the strongest in the market. It is what I would use on a cheater pipe for sure.
That's why I've stayed with the old ratchets
Those are great ratchets, for people that don't use them. Nice and shiny.
If you can not clean and lube a ratchet you have no business holding a tool !
A brand new ratchet should not need to be cleaned or lubricated. I own many ratchets, some dating back to the 70s. No problems out of them at all. Just these newer, junky ratchets from the current Craftsman line. Yes, I do know how to clean lube a ratchet. As I said, I have many others dating back to the late 70s. Still no problems.
most ratchets even say clean lube and inspect regularly stapmed on the ratchet
@@turtlescycle I found must use very light oil on fine tooth and light grease on course
@@michaeldeel7998 again, these are brand new ratchets that are giving out, locking up within a week or two of light use.
@@turtlescycle must be bad batch of metal
I moved closer to the Lou's
Who's Lou?
User error
lol You got jokes! Definitely NOT user error.
@@turtlescycle some had a defect might be that model?
Trash. Have a set. All 3 broke under pressure. Same thing
Craftsman crap is just that. CRAP ever since the V era(easco) They had a good run with the USA pro wrenches by Armstrong. Keywords arm strong. Heavy duty wrenches they were....were
Short and honest!
I grew up using their products from the 70s and 80s.
Hard to find a good tool these days without paying ridiculous amounts of money.
The new mini head 72 tooth are my favorite ratchets very tight tolerance less arc swing to engagement than other 72 tooth better than any of my older ratchets! am retiring my old ratchets ! I recommend everyone get the new mini head they must have very ligh oil no grease or the vacuum will lock the pawl