Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Professional Flex Head Ratchet No Good
Vložit
- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Ratchet as well as a quick review on the Braun 390 lumen led worklight. I originally bought the two Harbor Freight Professional Series flex head ratchets to replace my 3/8 and 1/2 in Snap On ratchets for my junkyard runs but these harbor freight ratchets have one fatal flaw in my opinion. No locking head is a deal breaker for me. If only Harbor Freight would come out with a locking head then i wouldn't have a problem. Heck i would even be willing to pay a little more but as we stand these are a no go. Love the Braun worklight but only at the sale price of $19.99. Dont love it enough at its normal price of $39.99
I’ve used these Pittsburgh pro ratchets professionally for years. Not a single problem. Not 1 return.
I personally do not want my flex head to lock. Having it freely move is a huge advantage when you’re in tight spots.
And it’s a $20 ratchet.
I agreed.
Ive had mine for 4 years, use them daily on rusty locktighted bolts and they still work fine
If you wanted locking why the hell didnt you buy locking? Snapon makes the exact same nonlocking ratchet but you say the harbour freight one isnt professional brcause it doesnt lock...
Lets compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges...stupid pointless review.
I apologize. I'll take my opinion off of CZcams right away. Sorry for waisting your time. 👍
All of pitsburgh ratchets are garbage a ratchet is a ratchet and a flexhead non locking doesn't flop
Out of all this you wanted a locking wrench...why did you not buy a brand that locks...this video gave us nothing of use.
Jim Haney maybe I didn't make it clear enough. I bought the hf ratchets to see if they could replace the locking head ratchets I have. Guys on CZcams were giving good reviews on them so I gave them a try. Didn't like them and I gave my opinion on them just like everyone else here on CZcams. So yes now I will be looking for a budget locking flex head ratchet to replace the snap ons
@@ClassicRideSociety Your strength and dexterity must be far better than mine, because it is a rare scenario where I can reach out with a long wrench in one hand and back a bolt out without having to keep pressure on the head of the ratchet anyway to keep it from slipping off the bolt head.
@@jmc88480 well I am in not weak even though age is getting to me. But yea ive found myself having to do that on more than one occasion.
Jim Haney because he’s a moron.
They will all flop if abused. A tool is only as good as its user, period! I buy harbor freight because it does the job. I dont need to buy Louis Vuitton tools off the trucks as a status symbol. $$$
If you take the Harbor Freight wrench to some who is mechanically inclined, they can tighten up the head for you and you'll have a great ratchet for the money.
lol "mechanically inclined"
Best comment. A mechanically inclined person could totally fix that floppy head. 😂
Mechanically inclined yesssssss
Use the ratchet as a ratched not as a hammer or show ur self using it Common
You're comparing a $20 to $30 ratchet against snap-on's ratchets which are a couple of hundred dollars each. Not really a fair compare comparison... That's like comparing a pork chop to a T-bone steak lol
The thing is people like the machanic oc and a lot of other people on CZcams say buy lease they are just as good and better and swear buy them but no ratchet I have found compares to snap on ratchets. I like my gearwrench and great for the money but still my snap on is still better
T-bone or Ribeye?
Not so fast, those ratchet are pretty good
Harbor Freight ads have comparisons in them advertising their tools as better than Snap-On and Milwaukee. According to harbor freight cost isn’t a factor, their cheap ground beef tastes just like prime filet.
@@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987 anything will break with a cheater bar on it but the Pittsburgh will put out like any other ratchet
"Oh no my $20 wrench isn't as good as a $200 one!" For $20, it's a good wrench. Icon is Harbor Freight's professional mechanic line. Pittsburgh Pro is really the semiprofessional or newbie pro tool line if we're being honest.
After using these same Pittsburgh Pro for 6 months, these ratchets are actually very good.
I've been using this pittsburgh pro in a professional shop for the last 3 months and it's been as good as a snap on Ratchet
Not a single thing wrong with the Pittsburgh PRO I have used them for years up against my Snap On Matco and other ratchets and they do just the same and they're super easy to warranty if you ever need to. I think I'm gonna turn into a HARBOR FREIGHT whore.
If the locking feature is really that important to you then I guess you have to spend 10 times the price in order to get it.
the only reason the snap-on neck is wider, longer is because of the locking mechanism, their non locking flex heads look just like the HF ones,
I’ll keep an out for the snap on Ratchet at the junk yard, finders keeper.
Lol
Harbor freight ratchets ore okay to me
The only thing I don’t like is the rotation switch is backwards and if your in a tight and you need to change direction you gotta remember what wrench you have especially being use to the snap on
I love my Pittsburgh Pro ratchets. Especially the 1/2” extendable. That thing is a nice ratchet
Are the non locking flex head ratchets by snapon considered professional?
1: The Snap on shaft is thicker because it’s accommodating a locking mechanism.
2: Snap on has a none locking flex head to. Pretty sure they’re still considered professional.
3: You’re comparing a top dollar tool to a Chinese made budget tool. That’s like comparing a Huffy 10 spd to a Trek. It’s not even a fair comparison. 🤷🏽♂️
kraigy28 I see your point. Was just hoping to find a cheap alternative to using the Snap Ons in the junkyard. Guess there isnt.
Maybe I need to look at home depot or Lowe's. Maybe they might have an inexpensive locking flex head ratchet
If you want a locking flex head, get one. But don’t complain that a 30 dollar tool isn’t as good as a 150-200 dollar tool. The biggest complaint with HF ratchets, is the on/off lever is ass backwards. And that’s honestly the only legitimate gripe. Other than that, they’re great ratchets especially for their low price.
Truthfully, I’d take a HF ratchet over a Craftsman any day.
kraigy28 if I wanna complain or praise, it's my opinion and I'll do it just like everyone else here in CZcams. You don't agree, that's fine. I actually like some of HF tools. Sorry my video rubs you the wrong way
Buy the 84 tooth gearwrench locking flexhead. About $25-$30 each and I think they are as good or better than the snapon ones. I used to think SnapOn was the only tool out there that could remove a nut from a bolt more than once without breaking. Came to my senses and have since found some quality affordable tools.
I tried.I just don't like them. It's definitely the lack of a locking head though. If hb put one out I think I would like it. I actually have never bought any new snap on. Tools. Bought them used or in this case, these 2 ratchets were given to me. I own all sorts of brands from cheap Chinese to snap on. Have had my harbor freight 1/2 impact sockets for over a decade an complaints there
But I will try that gearwrench ratchet. That's not a bad price. Heck, it's about the same as these harbor freight non locking heads
@@ClassicRideSociety you fix cars for a living bro and you didn’t know whether you like or dislike non locking before you bought it? R u serious? And you charge people money to do work?
@@439530 when did I say I fix cars for people? Me thinks you're jumping to conclusions
@@439530I'm inclined to think he sells meth for a living.
That 3/8 flex is great for oil changes and brakes they'll hold up in a professional settings. But in tight areas the teeth count isn't great
If you want a locking head then get the husky’s from the depot. But even the snap on’s have a lot of slop in the head. But just tighten up the torx screw and that will kill some of the slop in the handle. Or disassemble it and put some crush washers in between the fork handle points. For 16% the value of the snap on you can’t beat the ratchet’s functionality.
Walmart has Stanley locking flex head w quick release and extendable handle 22 dollars
I have one and like it
It would not make sense for me to buy any SnapOn. The HF Pittsburg works great for me, as does my Kobalt.
My snap on ratchets were given to me. I've never purchased new snap on. All the snap on I have was either given to me, I found in the junkyards or I bought it used. I bought a brand new kobalt set a few years back. The kobalt ratchets are probably worse than harbor freight
I can't stand people that purposely buy a tool for a job, knowing full well that they're going to return it as soon as they're done! You had no idea how to use the Snap On... Lmao
😂 Well if it makes you feel better, I still have that peice of junk HF ratchet. If you havent already, please dont forget to hit that dislike button. Trying to 10k dislikes on this video. Appreciate it pimp 💪👍
Simple solution... Quit complaining buy a Snap On! Your comparing a Mercedes to Cruze then birch cause no wipers on headlights. Ridiculous
It didn't have a lock when you bought it. . . .
I will not argue, snap-on's locking head design is by far superior to any other manufacturers' and I have their 1/2" drive long handled flex head on my "to get list" because I can't find a cheaper equivalent. I like that it engages more than one tooth of the ratchet head's teeth. I've avoided any non-locking, non-detented swivel heads so far, because I predict before buying that they're going to suck. Even detents would be helpful, and for that, if you want a junk yarding ratchet, THIS is the one to get, of course vet the tool at the store, and get the best one that doesn't have a floppy joint but at least these are detented: one of my favorite ratchets, I went back and bought another one, and combined the two for a triple-jointed flex and about 12" of leverage:
www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-heavy-duty-flexible-ratchet-96369.html
I have the quantum 2aaa batteries its like 65 lumens it is my everyday carry i gave $9 i use it for a penlight for working on cars..
Im diyer and pitsburgh ratchets get the job done on my 2012 tundra and bike as well. No problems. Greakt tools for the monetary.
Those ratchets are great! You’re just using the wrong size & ratchet if they snap or brake 😆
Ok HF fanboy 😄 👍
@@ClassicRideSociety
Lmfao you big mad. You’re obviously using it wrong. I’ve used the Pittsburgh in tough jobs with really stuck on bolts and never broke them. Get a grip you big baby.
Yeah but the hf was like 19$ and the snap on was 198$
Clearly it's your own fault for buying a non locking flex head when you want a locking flex head.
i love these flexhead ratchets saved me so many times. especially changing spark plugs on airport equipment, your in a weird akward position. i would consider myself a professional mechanic, and im using a professional ratchet. mind you ive got the macs, snap on, cornwell. but these are my go toos......
👍
The floppy head is a deal breaker. I found one on the road and tried it out. Trying to slide the ratchet into a workspace and line it up on a bolt head is frustrating when its bobble heading around. All the negative comments and down votes came here for reassurance of their purchase and didn't hear what they wanted to hear. If I needed a cheap ratchet and I could only spend less than 30 bucks, I'd get the non flex head Pittsburg
I'm not sure that the comparison made is right but I understand why you were comparing the Pittsburgh to snap-on after all that is what harbor freight compares it to in their ads, however knowing that you're snap-on was a locking flex surely you knew there would be a difference between the two. I do own the Pittsburgh but the first thing I did is take the pin out add red threadlocker and then torque the pin down to make the head stiff it still moves but it hasn't gotten as floppy as many I see on here I'm not concerned about trying to remove the pin later if it breaks it's paid for and the red lock tight really seems to hold the pin better than the blue that is used in the manufacturing. Maybe try that if you still have your ratchet if you have replaced it with a budget locking flex what brand did you find and how's it holding up, I'm curious if there is a better junkyard ratchet for around the same price as the Pittsburgh.
It’s a Harbor Freight ratchet compared to a Snap On. That’s like comparing a Yugo to a Porsche. You get what you pay for and they are still good ratchets even if the head doesn’t lock and the directional switch is backwards
I’m pretty sure snap on sales nonlocking flex head Ratchets are they not professional
Snap-On sure sells a non-locking swivel head. The lock costs an additional $15.25 over the non-locking model.
Mine locks 🙊
Nice review. I'm just gonna get the 1/2" extension ratchet (no flex head-$15 with coupon). Like you, I can't stand tools that flop about when working.
The only one that I know of is a Stanley 3/8 Flex locking extendable ratchet it has a lifetime warranty usually run around 20-25 bucks..
The funny thing about this guy is that he claims you can't claim to be professional series... and yet snap on makes both locking and non locking flex heads... don't get me wrong, I share his frustration with the non locking flex head... but to claim that the lack of a lock makes it not a professional tool is fuckin laughable
I will say until I started turning wrenches Daily I thought my ICON/Tekton Ratchets would do the job just fine…. Technically yes they do the job but I agree the locking flex head really is the best way to go be it Snapon, Carlyle, Matco, who ever
I’d agree except Matco ratchets break all the time! For the money they aren’t worth it
My dude, most of Snap On flex head ratchets do not have locking flex heads. You trying to say they're not professional grade either? C'mon man.
Your obviously rough on your tools. Snap on promo coming up.
I wouldn't say im rough on my tools. But I don't baby them either. I've never bought a new snap on tool. All of them(I dont have many) were either given to me, i found in a junkyard or I bought used.
@@ClassicRideSociety You sound like a cheap guy who can't afford to buy Snap-On tool. Most of HF tools are great so stop complaining.
Love it when I find expensive tools in the junkyard keep on buying so I can find them
Thats why I triple check my bag before I leave a vehicle ive been pulling parts from. And yep I love finding expensive tools in the yards as well. 👍 ✌
All ratchets preform the same function whether it's icon or Pittsburghpro or duralast. As long as you don't use them as impact guns
Disagree. Good enough for the scrap yard I.m.o. You can tighten that head up you wanted to
after all this time I just started using that 1/2 HF ratchet for the junkyard. so I'll concede that 👍
You are entitled to an opinion, but did you not know that they were not locking head ratchets when you purchased them?
I like my ratchets but i don't like the way the head flops around. That head gets real loose after you use it awhile.
You found my most hated video 😄. I still have these ratchets. The 1/2 in drive is still new. Ive used the 3/8 ratchet a few times but I just can't get over it not locking. Bought them hoping I could live with it but just can't. If you haven't, you should read some of the comments 😂
Tighten the bolt to keep it from getting loose.
The Pitts pro market is not to get guys to turn in Snap On tools... Not at all.
Buy the Williams. You already know it's a Snap on Company(Industrial). Some if not most of the Snappy ratchet repair kits interchange with Williams. A lot cheaper price than Snappy and lot more than HF stuff but it is quality. I use them in the field. I would still prolly have a stroke if I lost Williams tool tho. HF will leave you hanging.
Bryan Lawless do you have a part # for a Williams 3/8 flex head ?
Ez red locking are cool
Will have to check that out
I'm going to grab a few of them small flashlights for my EDC kit and emergency bag
liltwin901 hit them up on their black Friday sale coming up. Should get the best deal then on them lights. Their veteran's day sale wasn't the best on prices
Oh look it's a strap-on purist lmao I'm a diesel tech work on tractor trailers use a harbor freight tool box and 90% of my tools are harbor freight hardly have to warranty them out
I actually only have a handful of snap on tools. Those ratchets were given to me. But yes those Pittsburgh are junk. Have yet to even use the 1/2" rachet. Maybe I'll give it away 😄👍
Those flex head ratchets don't lock. They are an exact copy of my Snap On flex head ratchet. I have an extra long one and I like it a lot. They get a little floppy after some use but they work fine. I use a lot of HF tools too. I get them when I need to beat on something and don't care of it breaks. You need two kind of tools in the rail yard. Good ones and ones you're gonna destroy.
This guy probably has his spouse next to him and he is just trying to justify the $$$ he spent on the Snap On...
😄 no wife no kids. can spend my 💰 as I please. And didnt pay a dime for those Snap Ons. They were gifts.
You didn't know it was non locking when you bought it? Idk if I'd be dragging the snap on tools to the junk yard either lol
I knew the HF ratchets were non locking. I guess I just had too high of hopes for them. Lesson learned that non locking just aren't worth the hassle for me no matter the brand. Bet I'd hate them even if they were snap on. But man oh man, has this video pissed guys off 😄
Classic Ride Society yeah people are abut passionate when it comes to cheap tools apparently. I just picked up one of these flex heads from HF today. Figure if I don't like it then it will sit in my jeeps "emergency" tool box to with any luck never be seen again
I don’t know what kind of guy that fixes cars for a living that doesn’t know whether he likes or dislikes locking flex before he buys them, if so I’m not taking my car to that guy.
Did you seriously just compare a Pittsburgh to a snap on ? 😂😂😂😂
Did I ? I cant remember. That video was years ago. I have since seen the light. I am now a devout HF decipal. All hail the great Harbor Freight
You’re afraid of wear and tear on your snap on ratchet?? What a joke lmao
You are comparing a cheap ratchet to a very expensive ratchet. Of course it won’t be perfect!!
I wasn't looking for perfection. Tried it, wasn't for me, gave my opinion like anyone else here on YT. 👍
@@ClassicRideSociety Your opinions are sucks!! No one is gonna listen to your stupid comparison.
I do like the lights, I have the 3/8 s.o. ratchet. It's my favorite. Great review.
HF lights have improved pretty good. But HF is outclassed by Snap On in the swivel head ratchet
Harbor freight sucks you can get a masterforce or Kolbolt one cheaper and it's a better made 🐧🇺🇸🏒😎
Those are flex head ratchets, swivel head is a different style of ratchet. Good review though.
Guess I need to change then description then. Thanks. I would have continued to call them swivel head
@@ClassicRideSociety Just took a look at my Craftsman #44815, that's USA made that I got off Ebay as your video was playing. The head stays in place when you put it in a given position. It's sitting next to a S-K 1/2" drive ratchet that I found in the street on the way to work over the summer. S-K sent me a rebuild kit for it and I repaired it in 10 minutes. Good to go.
If ur good at what u do those work Lol Im a plumber and i do master mechanic repairs w duralast tools Lol So if u skilled u good
I have some duralast tools as well. of course they were all found in the junkyards. I'm not that skilled though. maybe that's why I prefer the locking flex head ratchet
Good video but we all have our preferences right now I’m all about Harbor freight. I own snap on ratchet as well and I love them but using the harbor freight ratchets at the end of the day it’s still gets the job done for me.
No problem. I don't hate on HF in general. I like some of their stuff. And you're right, at the end of the day it can get the job done but I just prefer the the snap on when it comes to these ratchets. If HF comes out with a locking head then I'll give that one a try
"wear and tear" on a tool lmao there tools for a reason they are meant to get beat up
Budget Tech yea I just wanna baby those snap ons so much😂. Hate to see them even get a scratch. I think you may have misunderstood me. I have no problem using the heck out of them in the shop. I think there is a difference from wear and tear from the the junkyard as opposed to that of in my shop. But that's just my opinion.
People in 3rd world countrys would love that ratchet
I would agree. Snap On makes good ratchets 😄. But seriously, the good thing about harbor freight is that even those in 3rd world countries can probably afford them. But I bet they would prefer the snap on if given a choice.
Want to send me the ratchet you cant return?
If I can find it. Who knows where the he'll that thing is
@@ClassicRideSociety my bros came over and worked on their car bc I'm the only one with a full set of Jack's and stands. Then some of my tools went missing. It was definitely an accident, but my 3/8ths ratchet is gone😢
average snap on user
That wouldn't include me cause I own very little SnapOn stuff. All either bought used, given(both these ratchets) or found in the junkyards
I like it. You should do more of these reviews.
I'll be sure to do that whenever I pick up something new.
Lol so many dislikes versus likes
Safe to say it's my most disliked video by a country mile. 😄
This dude is comparing a 20 dollar rachet to a 70 dollar rachet lol
It would be nice if that snap on 3/8 ratchet was $70. Its actually more like $125. Bought the HF to see it could do the job in the yard and I didn't like it. Wont replace the snap on and i wanted my money back. Just my opinion.
A what ratchet? Try a $228 ratchet.
Weak ass reasons lol
Dont foget to give it a 👎. I'm on a quest for 10k 👎 's
pufff
Hahaha I came across this video, it pretty worthless honestly
Well at least the ad revenue from views have paid for one of those crappy ratchets 😄. You contributed, appreciate ya 👍
You always buy made in the USA!!!
I try. Even if it's used.
The problem is even Snap on has tools made in China...
@@Royce017 can't argue that.... I tell you though, I cant believe how triggered so many have been over my opinion on these HB ratchets. 😄
@@ClassicRideSociety lol I like harbor freight but I'm not 100% Harbor Freight. I have everything. Snap on HF Makita Stanley Milwaukee Craftsman Kobalt. Have to do your research on the actual tool.
I will say this though from experience and reviews Husky is straight trash in my opinion I don't think anyone would argue. Bought a 3/8 ratchet once broke it within an hour. Never bought anything Husky again
@@Royce017 I'm not totally against HF either. I love their aluminum 1.5 ton jack as well as a few other things. Dont have any husky hand tools but I have one of their air cutoff tools. Used it for 4 years and still works great. Now HF version didn't last a week
This video was pointless
Oh there was a point to it. I wanted to express my opinion. Just like everyone else who does it one CZcams. 😄 👍 ✌
. It’s not professional if it doesn’t have a locking head? Also, this is not a swivel head. This is a flex head. A swivel head is an entirely different ratchet.
I got the pittsburgh pro today. Darn it I want my 3 dollars back so I can save up for a snap off.
😄 luckily for me I got my snap on ratchets for free. I could never afford them.
LOL.... comparing a $30 ratchet to one costing 8-9x ?? but you don’t like it because it does not lock ?? ... don’t complain, go get your money back - many so called professional brands do not lock either. I bought a snap-on ratcheting screwdriver ($145) ... was utterly disappointing compared to 6 others costing $15-70 (Klein, Lenox, Megapro, Rolgear, Wera, Wessel, Anex) (Yes, I actually have all of these) and the PB Swiss is also much better ($120) ... I gave the Snap-On away to a friend that loves anything Snap-on and Matco ... end of story ... sometimes some things are not bad but are just not what we expect / want ...