Composite Ratchets — Good or Gimmick? #diy #mechanic #tools

[thebackwoodsmechanic]

They work. Take apart a battery terminal with it to avoid arcing. That alone is worth $10

[NDC]

That's manufactured by Gearwrench/Apex. Uses GRs 90t internals. There's a steel shank in them, just as strong as other imports

[mrcokez]

they're great during the winter season. holding a piece of metal on freezing temps can be painful

[eloy]

My father told me "Any tool that makes you money and keeps you safe is a good tool."

[kalui]

I thought it was going to be a hate-fest but was pleasantly surprised to see useful comments giving examples of good use cases

[kiwidiesel]

My composite ratchet os in daily use and has lasted 17 years so far. Love it and it doesn't scratch paint etc when you slip with it.

[ConstructionspecialistTexas]

Composite coated steel. Same tooth gearing as most competition. Pretty strong tools and hold up decently. 10 bucks is a steal.

[eugeneperkins]

Outdoor equipment tech here
Had a cheap harbor freight composite ratchet and for many years it was what I used when working on electric lawnmowers. (The frames are supposed to be completely non grounded but you never know what kind of rodent stripped what wire where and you learn the hard way)
Anyway, the point is, after that harbor freight composite ratchet broke and they didn't have a replacement, I found this one from duralast and I love it. It has served me very well. Feels good in the hand. The mechanism is smooth, and the head is not exactly low profile compared to my matco ratchets, it's plenty thin for everything I've thrown at it

[mikehannigan]

I highly recommend composite tools for cold temperature work. most metal tools will suck the heat out of your hand in below freezing conditions, even if you have work gloves on. The composites don't.

[dablikevonn]

I got the 3/8 one strictly for battery terminals. I work on semis and sometimes them batteries can be in the most tight locations with metal all around it . Works great

[jimgehn]

I was a mechanic in Iowa for 30 years and move to Florida 10 years ago semi retired. A lot of my tools that had soft grip handles or composite pieces have totally disintegrated down here. I don’t know if it’s the salt in the air and the humidity and heat, but they are all just falling apart. My dead blow hammers and everything have become junk.

[miketayse]

I've had the Harbor Freight version for quite a while. Some sort of special black plastic. Nice handle, does not feel cold in cold weather.

[Snake-dz]

They're awesome. A lot of their stuff is made by Gearwrench now. The thing I don't like is the price of Duralast tools.

[travisclarkin]

Good when working around live electrical components..won’t arc out..

[richardflores]

Had a 3/8 drive composition from harbor frieght , it was light and didn't get hot in the sun, ( go to u pull it alot) and I guess I wasn't the only one who liked it cause two months later someone stole it.

[EngineerMikeF]

I leave a 3/8 composite (H.F. brand) in the battery compartment of my motorhome for battery cable maintenance, no more accidental welding in close proximity to batteries, I highly recommend composites

[ryanturner]

That’s a great idea especially for new mechanics and the diy people that don’t know what to do if you hit a live wire or stud.

[littlelouievs]

There good there for batteries mostly cause they don't have any exposed metal, not for everything but definitely nice for electrical so you don't make sparks

[hidros]

Duralast tools are surprisingly good! They actually still sell the 1/2 ratchet made in USA online only but its a great deal

[Tojen-ptum]

Its giving "don't use these on high voltage EVs wink wink" vibes.