Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you! Olsa Tools: amzn.to/44SK205 Craftsman: amzn.to/43EoEtN GearWrench 90: amzn.to/3KbrKyO GearWrench 120XP: amzn.to/43DEZPl Duratech: amzn.to/3YkWZxf DeWalt: amzn.to/3Y3rdEw Crescent: amzn.to/3OpFaJW Tekton: amzn.to/3O8TLYU Wera: amzn.to/44ENZFt Stahlwille: amzn.to/3Y78urQ Nepros: amzn.to/3OnGtsJ Proto: amzn.to/3rIypdr Kobalt Model #81747: Available at Lowes MacTools: Available online at the MacTools store Snap On: Available online at the Snap On store ICON: Available at Harbor Freight
Yeah so glad! I trust these reviews more than anything else, it's so good knowing he buys everything himself too. Even if they say they are impartial I really struggle when a review starts with "Thanks to X company for sending this thing to me"
They would be fools if they didn't with a subscriber base of of over 3 million and episode views exceeding that. If I was a tool maker I'd be reaching out.
This is one of the few channels that holds manufacturers accountable for their products. That's why they reach out and it's good to hear you're one of the few people in this world actually making a difference for everyone on a large scale. Thanks for everything you do.
The fact that tool makers contact you and reference your channel is a huge compliment. With people working together, we can seriously make so many things better for everyone.
Oh, they reach out all right. But it's to offer marketing opportunities (we'll pay you to feature our product and parrot these talking points) and non-committal statements (ie: I've passed your results onto our engineering team so they can use it to further improve our products. We always stand behind our tools 100%!). I doubt any make any product improvements unless it results in a lower manufacturing cost. The only time I'd see a manufacturer actually changing their product would be the occasional independent companies that make it into the videos. Certainly not Snap On, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Stanley, Harbor Freight, and so on with the soulless corporations. Thankfully he ignores the marketing offers.
@@hondaboi8195 what do you think searching for other people's reviews is..... or do you expect him to go buy every ratchet he can & do the tests himself? absolute goober
@@hypnotiq no but dont get your whole opinion from one guy, do your reserach go talk on forums to get other people povs not relying on one guy, he isnt goona review everything in the world, youre not goona wait for him to review a particular thing to get it, what if he never does a review on it are you never goona buy it just cause he didnt review it? no you do your own research and find out if its worth buying it or not.
Something to note, even though it may be more difficult to change directions with a greasy finger... If you're pushed tight against something else, a harder directional switch is better. If the back of the ratchet is against a plastic panel, having it suddenly change from loosen to tighten can be an issue. So the force needed to change that being higher isn't necessarily a bad thing
It's not just the fact that carrying out these tests makes this channel amazing but simply having the creativity and mechanical aptitude to even think of these tests. Really a great channel!
Dude. How cool is that? You have manufacturers reaching out to you in order to see how they can improve. Todd, you are invaluable Sir. Thank you for the videos. This channel is legit my go to 🙏🏼
Exciting to hear the manufacturers take these types of review testing seriously. Customers are surely benefitting from your work. VERY IMPRESSIVE! Thanks again for another great one!
The only Dream tools I see anymore are Snap On, SK and to some degree Olsa. Mac has long since fell off the boat and is more on par with what Matco peddles. Not shocked Snap-On wasn't the winning tool. I love their hand tools but they are out paced and at this point I purchase to support Pat the seller and nothing more. My final purchase will be an over priced ToolBox as a thank you for everything Pat has done for me.
Agreed! Point of failure is also very nice to know, the ratchets failing at the 3/8 drive at a reasonably high torque value seems ideal. A 3/8 steel square of that cross section can only handle so much torque just based on geometry, you can maybe boost it a little with the alloy/heat treat but realistically they should all fail around the same spot torque wise. If I am trying to put 250-300 lbf-ft through my 3/8 ratchet then I’m already being a yahoo, hahahaha.
@@ProjectFarmnew ratchets have grease stuck in the teeth so you can't check backdrag until you rotate it both directions slowly , and then reverse direction to lock the pawl into the teeth grooves. To displaced the new ratchet grease.
I own two of those Kobalt ratchets. A 3/8" and that 1/2". I have already warranted the 1/2 with the original receipt and Lowes took all my drivers license info and were rude about it. I bought both ratchets last fall. Lowes convinced me to buy my tools anywhere else and Kobalt taught me to be any other tools. Icon here I come.
@@rcannon409 You can change the gears. It's easy. They get worn down a bit. Especially when you use the ratchet to break bolts free. Get the snap on truck to warranty it. He will probably do it for you on his truck.
Great content as always. I picked up a 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 set of Gearwrench 90T last year and they are absolutely fantastic. Just as described and tested by you.
Great video as always. I specially enjoy your handtool reviews. When it comes to ratchets, there is just one rating system, which I do not fully agree with personally. When it comes to the force needed to change direction, lighter is not always better in my eyes. I remember several situations, where on hard to reach places, my ratchet changed direction due to a too light direction switch. So when I change direction, I prefer that it stays like it is and not accidently changes on its own even if that means more force need to be applied with my finger. Keep up the good work!
Very good point. I think the back drag test is the other I don't fully agree with. Not because I don't think it's important, I just think it's something that changes considerably as a ratchet gets used and breaks in. Some of the quality ratchets didn't do well with this test but likely because they are more precise fit and will loosen up when used a while.
Great test. One thing I differ opinion on is the directional switch. I don't want it impossible to switch but I do want some good resistance. I can't stand when it switches direction too easily.
I agree 100%. The only downside to a stiff switch is that they can occasionally tear a nitrile glove, but I can live with that over the frustration of accidentally switching direction in use. Can you say "knuckle buster"?
You and your team continue to be an improving force on the world of tools and appliances besides giving consumers great advice or direction. It is very much appreciated! Have a great week
Thank you for including tekton. For someone who lives in Alaska, their warranty process (only requiring photos for replacement) is great at saving money on shipping.
@@qigongkylar944 where do you live currently? It can be a big change, or it can be doable / absolutely fun if you don't mind the cold and love the outdoors
@@marconiandcheese7258 I live in Utah. In salt lake county. There is no land available that's not millions on the wastach front. I would be down to move to rural Utah, which has cheap land. Any state for that matter. I don't know what to do. I can still get a pell grant for college or a trade. Thinking of A&P, which is fixing aircraft. But then I have to work for mega corporations and the fed could take my liscense, or mega Corp will fire me if another COVID happens or something... I need something. I am lost. No skill. No strong father figure growing up really. Thinking electrician.. but I don't know. Any help appreciated. Just God, land, good wife, friends, family, good vibes.
@@marconiandcheese7258 I almost froze to death one time lol I can handle the cold well. Id be worried about Ruskies invading Alaska honestly the most, and being stuck there
I've got a couple test ideas. 1. Pipe cutters. Either the ratcheting cutters for PVC, or the clamp style with the cutting wheel. 2. This might be too expensive to be practical, but I would absolutely love a video on rotary cutters. I bought a 5' County Line from tractor supply around 2 years ago, and a lot of the time I feel like I should've spent extra for a Woods or Bush hog, but I've never actually run either of them. Love your videos!
I have the Snap On version that I purchased about 40 years ago. It broke after a few years and it was repaired upgrading the single pawl with a dual pawl. Never failed again. I don't use it much anymore, maybe every few months if that, but it sure is valuable when needed.
As an owner of snap on ratchets, I will say they are definitely strong, i was able to lift myself up with a drain plug and my ratchet didn't even care. As far as being oily, I've never struggled to flip the reverse switch on mine. A great video, I can't wait for the next round!
I'm pretty much sold on all ICON tools at this point. I've been using Pittsburgh Pro ratchets for 15ish years now and I still have a 1/2" flex head that's seen some shit. I've put 300ftlbs of torque on that bad boy dozens of times now and it's still kicking. I've started buying the icon equivalents and they are definitely just as tough if not more. Can't beat them in terms of bang for buck and these videos just keep proving it.
That back drag test was my favorite part of the video. I would have never come up with a way to test that, but you did. That is crucial because in a tight situation, you can't get your hands in to hold the socket. Great job!
Great video... We need you to test different 1500 w heaters and find out once and for all if some actually produce more heating capabilities or if 1500w is 1500w no matter what!!
From actual real world experience I found wrenches similar the Wera gimbal type style are more practical and safer to use because they are much less likely to tip off the bolt or nut head.
There’s no need to test that. Physics guarantees that :) (To clarify- If it takes 1500W from the wall, it comes out as heat. It may not use 1500W, but that’s a diff story). Efficiency is a completely moot point as they are essentially 100% INefficient.
I use my 3/8" and 1/4" ratchets to earn a living. I've been weaning myself off of the tool trucks the last few years. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the durability of the Icon ratchets I own. I've been an auto tech for 30+ years and I still have original American made Craftsman stuff that I use. As always, GREAT video!!!! Keep them coming!
I have the Wera, and while it may not be perfect, I love it. It's very versatile and I use it in lots of odd circumstances. Being able to use it like a ratcheting screwdriver is great too
I don't think the Wera belonged in this test. The design is radically different than the others and fits a different purpose. BTW, I have three variants of the Wera.
Super true. It’s called a roto head ratchet. They’re my favorite. All of the companies on this list make that style as well. They just don’t have the locking mechanism. It’s not super important though since the torque passes through the center of the head rather than through an off centered joint.
Yes, that is another reason I much prefer roto-heads to flex heads..I have some flex heads, but I rarely use them...they usually wind up frustrating me more than anything...clearance issues, flopping around, wobbling off the fastener...I usually wind up tossing them away in frustration and getting out my roto-heads...I don't care for flex-head ratcheting wrenches for the same reasons...
Would love to see ball peen dead blow hammers. I think 36oz is pretty standard. There's plenty of cheap Chinese brands, Tekton, Estwing, Eastwood, Harbor Freight, Trusty Cook, Snap On, etc. Rebound, head durability, handle durability, and any other metric you can think of. Keep up the great work!!
@@drscopeify yeah I've been pretty satisfied with the Trusty Cook hammers, but they're the only ones I've ever owned. All the tool junkies swear that nothing is better than Snap On and all the DIYers swear by Tekton so I'd love to see how they stack up.
I’m not sure anyone realizes or appreciates just how incredible you are and just how detailed and organized you must be to produce these amazing videos!!! Very impressive!!
This comment is sort of annoying. Apologies for my call out. But like, yeah totally nobody among his millions of viewers realizes or appreciates Todd's testing... Come on man grow up and quit riding his nuts. Todd's amazing. No need for superfluously hyperbolic comments. all they do is cheapen everything he works towards
@@Mike-sy6oyThis is one of those “better to not say anything” momenta your parents should have taught you about growing up. Let me compliment the guy. Jeez. ✌🏼
@Mike-sy6oy Looks like somebody didn't get their "atta boy" pat on the back today, and felt like simultaneously lashing out and talking about nuts at the same time. Odd choice. Go touch grass.
I have the Wera ratchet and I've been really pleased with it. I don't have to deal with super tight confines, but I often need the angle adjustment. I really like the low back drag! Probably not the best choice for someone wrenching on cars though, that handle is definitely very large. EDIT: I use mine in a machine shop, where you sometimes need to get a bit creative with fixturing.
I have 8 different ratchets from different companies, lengths, sizes, it's always good to have long handles too so you can reach deep inside the car, behind dashboard makes life soooo easy. I get them on eBay mostly.
I am not surprised that the MAC ratchet failed under load so soon. I had one a few years ago and got tired ofnit keep breaking on me everytime i try to break a stubborn bolt. I switch to an walmart brand and to my surprise it held up pretty good for over three years until i broke it by putting an impact on it. Now I used the Snap-On ratchet and so far its holding up wonderfully. And this test proved it. Thank you PF ❤ for this demonstration
Yep I just had this conversation at work. Every mechanic brought out a 3/8 Mac ratchet they love, but all were broken. Teeth stripped out. Ive beat hard on my Mac 3/4" with no issues. ratchets are like pussy, they all good, but there is one you always crawl back to.
@@reikasdad as a matter of fact I am! Torque about 15-20 car’s wheels per day. It’s a solid torque wrench. Again couldnt be happier with the price and quality
@@tundras4ever552 thanks for the response! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a 20% off coupon for blk friday (I'm canadian, so I need the coupon to offset the currency). Like you, it will see pretty much the same amount of usage per day. Thanks again
This is my introduction to Olsa. And I'm impressed with the performance! It always hurts when tools meet the early end of life. But that is critical data! We want strength in our tools. It can save a knuckle from time to time.
Thing is you will never need a ratchet to be able to withstand anything over 200 ft pounds and most of the time 100 ft pounds is plenty..Breaker bars are for extra tight fasteners,not ratchets.
It would be helpful to test the durability of the finishes as well. I have a couple of icon ratchets along with a handful of other cheap brands, and the 1/2” icon has started rusting with almost no use. It’s the only one in my collection to do that.
Your work on tools and equipment is second to none, in evaluation and description. I have watched many of your videos and they are most excellent, thank you..👍
Great feedback on the Olsa Tools and very good purchase decision. They've built the ratchet to beat and I'm hoping that the other manufacturers work to improve the design of their ratchets. Competition is great for consumers!!
The Olsa is identical to the SK SP90s. I had a 1/4 and 3/8s flex-heads, and didn't get the 1/2 before SK overhauled itself for the worse. The Olsa has completed the set and its the same in every way (aside from logo) @@ProjectFarm
The gearwrench and tekton rachets have very stable detents on the angle head which is quite useful when trying to get into tight areas with an extension and socket where the Icon head is floppy with weight on it.
My Gearwrench flex head flops around like an overcooked piece of spaghetti and it has always been that way. Okay I'm exaggerating, but I hate to use it because of how sloppy it is.
Wow, ICON really stepped up their game in the market. Good to see the flagship of harbor freight hanging in there with the expensive stuff at a 1/4 of the price
Icon tools are actually pretty awesome. Due to some theft, my personal box and it's contents were stolen and I needed to rebuild and went with an icon line up of tools (not all, but most) and I have nothing but positive things to say. I broke a set of pliers and took it back to HF for an exchange and got a new one, no questions asked.
Im a big fan of the channel and your unbiased real world test. I have used your results several times when making purchases. Thank you for taking the time to test all these products
I find the resistance to switch between lock/unlock is better if it is tough to move. As the item wears it will become easier and often can switch direction while ratcheting.
It strikes me that with the back drag test, the back drag will probably be high since the ratchets are new. An interesting test would be to break in the ratchet (perhaps spinning it against the back drag on a drill for a few minutes) and see if they loosen up a little bit. A tool that starts out "too tight" might end up just right after a bit of use, while one that starts out "just right" might end up too loose after break in. Thanks for the great reviews!
A lot of tools don't even come lubed right from the factory. I've found that putting decent grease into a ratchet turns even crappy ones into premium feeling tools. If it has really tinny clicks it needs to be lubed.
I do most of the work around the house and cars myself, and since I found this channel years ago I have been using it as a reference to what tools and products to buy before heading to the store or ordering online. Thank you, sir.
Love this shootout! I would've liked to see Matco tools in here as well. I also think the direction switch should be interpreted differently; I prefer the heavier switches so they don't switch automatically. My Snapon ratchets never switch directions on their own, but my Matco and Husky ratchets sometimes have a mind of their own, especially when the backing plate gets a little oily
I own the Gearwrench and the Wera. I keep the Gearwrench in my truck and the Wera in the house. I know how to use my tools, so the drawbacks on the Wera isn't really a problem.
Also have to agree about the Craftsman hopefully that might be a comeback to good quality tools ??? For the Duratech or Duracrap just walk away from that tool brand
In the back drag category, Craftsman was nearly last. That's important in tight spaces where you can't get your hand in there to hold it. A deal breaker for me.
Something I might have added is the ease to replace broken tools. An example is the Icon. You don't even need a receipt. Just take the broken tool into any Harbor Freight and you leave with a new tool, no questions asked. Great video other wise.
YES! I agree completely..he needs to do a whole segment on ease of replacement on tools with lifetime warranty...and do it under cover, because they are likely to go above and beyond if they find out it is Project Farm claiming the warranty, as opposed to how they would deal with your average Joe...
My local Harbor Freight won't replace any tool under warranty without a receipt unless you provide a phone number, which I won't do for privacy reasons. My Snap-On dealer doesn't even know my name, but has repaired and replaced tools for me, no questions asked. Even tools that he knows shouldn't be fixed/replaced under warranty.
I am always amazed by the amount of information you generate per show. Wow. A great big thanks for doing it. I hope you had a little fun along the way.
I appreciate all the criteria you test. It allows end users to purchase based on their particular needs. I’ve been subscribed for years and I will always search your videos before buying something new. The double stick tape test has been the most useful to me. I use the winner frequently. Thanks again Todd.
Thank for the great testing! Only thing I’d like to see is a final rankings chart with percentage difference off the leader. Or a formula like seen on the Torque Test Channel. The range on the arc swing test for the first 16 competitors is 2 arc swings, the range for the past 8 is over 20 arc swings! By ranking them straight 1 to 16 it linearizes non linear data Either way, thank you for helping me make informed decisions about my tool purchases! And thank you for not accepting sponsorships, I love that you’re as unbiased as possible. We need that more than ever in the age of sponsorships and influencers not being transparent with their affiliations. Keeping making awesome content!
This is great! I own one of these, and it performed well. You gave us a lot to think about before making a choice on the next flex-head ratchet. Thank you.
I use my Proto 3/8" ratchet probably more than any other tool I own and I really like it. I had never heard of Olsa tools before and by the looks of their product line up I'm glad I have now. Great video as always.
Another great review. Thank you for the effort and care you put into these. I have an old harbor freight low profile flex head ratchet that is one of my favorite ratchets. It's the thinnest one I've ever seen, long handle, and has held up to a good amount of force over the years. A number of times it has barley fit in a place letting me get something unbolted without having to take apart something in the way. So there are arguably better ratchets out there for day to day use, but I'm really glad I have this cheap one in my tool box because sometimes it's the only one that can do the job. Not disagreeing with anything you said, just sharing that is always good to have a couple of tools with special qualities like being the thinnest adjustable head, in this case. Doesn't matter if another ratchet is better in every other way if it doesn't fit. :)
@@1pcfred True, but the Craftsman tools are made to their specifications and quality standards. That is true of many of the products you buy and use every day.
@@teamdada2194 Craftsman hand tools are better than most of what is available in retail outlets. Now if you want to spend 3x the price and buy from a tool truck have at it.
Gotta say ICON at 44$ beating alot of the other ratchets some being over $100 is amazing. Personally I use a Big Red extension flex head ratchet. Love it have used it uncountable amount of times and only complaint was the flex head lock broke after second use but turns out it works better without a locking mechanism. Great videos as usual. A really neat video would be comparing different brands of sewing machines. Which ones have less bobbin snag, better thread tension, and needle depths and strength. Not to mention sewing speed controls.
Something to add to the testing process is the manufacturer’s customer service if they’re willing to replace the broken ratchets or not, rate them based on how difficult it is for them to honor the warranty be it no questions asked or if they give you the runaround or out right reject the warranty replacement
Well noted, I agree 100%!!! If the mfg. will not offer a warranty or replacement of any kind they may not have a lot of confidence in their own product. - But of course that also opens the door to abuse and dishonesty! S. Carolina
Used properly tools don't tend to break. If you break stuff or wear it out then you should repair or replace it. Otherwise you're just a burden on society. Unless it is a legitimate manufacturing defect. But in my experience that happening is rare.
@@1pcfred I've had the same Mac 1/4" drive ratchet strip out 3 times and been forced to finish the job with an ICON 1/4" drive ratchet. When used in a professional environment, tools break.... And for the record, the torque on the bolt that stripped out the Mac ratchet, was less than 5ft/lbs.
@@aaronthomas6155 you'd think the tool could handle that. Perhaps MAC doesn't make the best 1/4" ratchet drives? If I had a tool fail multiple times on me I'd be looking for some other tool. It could just be a maintenance issue though? You'll see Oil Daily stamped on every Snap-On ratchet drive.
I think the thing that sets the Wera apart and makes it hands down the best for some people is that it's the only one that can truly go vertical. So it needs the smallest space 360° around the bolt. The others need upwards of 2"+ in at least 180° around a bolt
Love those Wera ratchets so much that i got the 3 most popular sizes. Do like the colour coded sockets too. Otherwise high quality stuff you buy once, unless it gets stolen heh.
When you need to go vertical you use extensions. They are available in many lengths. You can also get universal joints to help you get into tight spaces.
Wera ratchets are my daily drivers. Having the pivot right at the axis of rotation makes a difference in how much torque you can get into the fastener. And, as mentioned, being able to pivot in line with the fastener can be a handy feature (acting as a sort of ratcheting screwdriver.)
I just picked up an Icon 3/8 with a flex head like the Wera with a 90 tooth ratchet. So far so good, really like the split handle that allows the swivel to be adjusted.
I daily the icon/pitt pro flex heads in my shop. If you have a HF close by, they're very hard to beat for the hassle free and quick warranty process. That said, the only failure I ever have is the hinge bolt backing out or breaking when using the ratchet as a breaker bar. Loctite it when you buy it and you'll probably never have an issue. Otherwise, I'd use the GW for everything if I could get one local and warranty it easy.
I really like seeing when cheaper tools can compete in the big leagues. I was surprised you didn't have your normal recommended tools at the ends. I'd personally go with the Dewalt for all my home jobs :)
Craftsman makes a second swivel head ratchet (CMMT99422) that functions similarly to the Wera with the gimbal head design. I love it because it can instantly be turned vertical and used screwdriver style with the handle in line with the socket.
I got the Wera ratchet convinced it would be a gimmick, but curious about the shiny colors. I now find myself constantly reaching for it over my OG USA Craftsman ratchets.
OG USA Craftsman ratchets never really were anything to write home about..generally quite strong and good metal, but usually sloppy tolerances in the mechanisms and the ergonomics on most were quite bad...
Hello and thank you for another informative video! I have a few future video suggestions for your consideration: A frame, multi-position and extension ladders, 1/2in ratchet and flex head ratchets ranging from 1/4in to 3/4in as well as ratcheting flex head combination wrenches and finally electric dry wall sanders. I look forward to next week's video!
Having a quick release socket option is so important to me. Sometimes the ratchet won't let go of the socket very easily. Would've liked to have seen that test.
Yea. I've been using my managers snap on locking flex until I move my box into the shop next week. The socket is super hard to remove from the S-O. On my MAC flex it comes off easy in all conditions, even greasy hands. The S-O I have to use a flat head to pry them off sometimes, especially with grease.
I feel like there should be a warranty checkbox or grade of some kind. It’s nice to know that snapon will always take care of my tools whereas Mac or matco will be more difficult. I mean even harbor freight’s deal should be worth mentioning. It is fantastic to be able to get a new/fixed tool and can justify extra upfront cost.
Some Snap-On dealers can be difficult themselves. If you're a regular then you can expect good treatment. If not it's a crap shoot what they're going to do for you then. The dice are loaded against you too.
Another fantastic job. Thank you so much for saving us all so much money. More importantly, having good tools that last decades is a simple pleasure all its own. I don’t buy any hand tool without checking with you first!
Thanks for the info you give and the test you do not just price, but durability and also the what they proclaim to advertise. Makes shopping more easier. Keep up the good work man
Socket removal force weeks be a nice additional category. I like having a socket release button. It's annoying when sockets get stuck inside a tight storage, out are too hard to pull off the ratchet.
Based off of these metrics and which ones matter to me, the craftsman is far away my favorite. I don't care about MM of thickness on the head, and I actually prefer my direction switch to be a little stiffer. The stats that matter the most to me are arc swing, and strength. Craftsman was first on both. Great video as always!
Back drag is most important. Otherwise, you'll just be turning the bolt back n forth. Arc swing is also important. Strength doesn't really matter bc they all break around the same and are covered under warranty anyhow.
I'm sure when that ratchet gets use it will break in and be much smoother. People were moaning about the new Snap On 100 tooth that it had to much back drag. Complaining about a Snap On ratchet??? Talk about 1st world problems... crap 😡
@@ihavethedocuments2580I personally use the 3/8 long handle V series ratchet every day and it took a few months but it’s broken in very nicely. It can really take a beating. I’m going to leave it in ATF overnight to see what happens. Currently on the fence between the 1/2 drive V series and the Hazet long handle.
Love my Gearwrench ratchets...bang for the buck, they do really well. Only issue was that early batch of 84t 1/2" drive that would lock up, which got warrantied out no problem.
One thing I would do is add the failure mode to the load chart. Maybe in the vertical bar. This is super important as I'd rather not have parts cannonball in my face, regardless of the ultimate failure point. This is also a mark of a good design as attention to detail is required to make it fail in the head. Another note, is the larger head designs could be that way to compensate for using cheaper materials. Maybe do a Rockwell C test next time. A lab could do it if you don't want to buy a machine. Keep up the good work sir!
Absolutely top notch testing ! Always amazed at the thoughtful presentations you have in your videos. Glad manufactures do see the Value in your testing !! All the best to you and your.
I'm glad you kept the back drag test for these ratchets. Excessive back drag can make you think a nut or bolt is looser than it really is and waste your time trying to get it off by hand. It's not really an issue with most 1/4" ratchets but can be a real problem with 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets (which I hope you'll test next) Tighter direction switches are kind of a double edged sword, so to speak. A directional switch that moves too easily can cause the ratchet to change directions during use and a switch that's too tight can be a pain to use as well. Not really sure what the best tightness would be as far as measured force. I'm still surprised by the Mac ratchet. I really expected it to strip the gear teeth like every Mac ratchet I've purchased has done.
Nice review, very informative. I've been using my Snap On tools since the late 70's and they are still working perfectly to this day. Ten years of that time was as a professional mechanic, so they saw full time daily use. However, my very first tool set was from Sears that I bought while in high school, and I still have those as well, they just never got used once I got into debt with Snap On lol...
Smiling here, about the debt thing 😉 ! I too was in debt to Mac, Snap on, and 2 other companies.......thought I would never get it paid off.! In general, their tools are very good.
A little late, I know, but I've found a major consideration on the efficacy of flex head ratchets is the distance between the drive center and the flex joint. The shorter the better, otherwise your torque tends to twist the socket off the fastener. The Wera style flex heads are the best in this regard.
I own tons of Snap-On, GearWrench, Cornwell, Mac tools, Matco, and other misc manufacturers like Vim tools but my point is I started out with all GearWrench tools and they lasted roughly 10 years before I started to warranty alot. It was mainly rachets, deep sockets, and extentions. Great job on the reviews your really helping people make good choices.
As usual, this is a great video and gives us a great review on what to look for in a ratchet. Makes it easy so I don’t have to purchase bad ones by mistake
I've got Wera, maybe it didn't outperform other ratchets, however it's still a pleasure to use it. It's bigger handle maybe is not great for the tight spaces, but for other jobs it makes the tool sit in the hand very nicely. Max force test is also something which I would never like to have to test in the real life. Also the low backdrag is really making this tool awesome
The Wera appears to focus on quality and user experience. Looking at the test results, it only lost out due to its size. Just know that it's not the tool for tight spaces or super high torque.
I think the Wera is a different category than a flexhead. The Wera can be used as a driver, and I would call the head style gimballed (like a gyroscope, or a ship’s compass).
that is reassuring in a strange way. I own the Wera (it is part of a set; for a dumb reason I bought the SAE set). I can hardly believe how much money I paid for the whole set. So at least I have the smugness of knowing I have "the best" something. Cheers to all who follow Project Farm Todd!
For price point and easiness of your local harbor freight you really can't go wrong with ICON and their lifetime warranty. Just make sure you keep all your receipts or even better buy them on your harbor freight credit card. I always come here to see how they hold up against others. Always Mid to upper pack. Thanks for doing these test for us! Keep tool manufactures on their toes.
From what I've heard Harbor Freight doesn't care about receipts with their own brands - just bring them a broken tool and get a new one no questions asked.
Never disappointed with any of your videos, well done. Thorough testing and testing the important factors of any tools. If you ever want to do more ratchet testing in the future, I’d be interested in seeing KoKen tested, it’s another brand from Japan like Nepros.
You didn't miss a test! Snap-on & Mac Tools are so overpriced. You showed a few good lower cost alternatives that performed very well. Thanks for another excellent video!
What is the point of a torture test on a flex head ratchet? Testing to failure isn't a good torture test anyway. A much better test would be to buy 2 of them, test the failure load on one and then use the other one for 80% of the failure point 1000 times and then check wear. Admittedly, this would be more difficult to do, but it would actually be a worthwhile test. Not one of these ratchets will ever be used to over 200 foot pounds. They are the wrong tool for high torque fasteners. Most people couldn't generate that kind of torque with the short handles anyway.
@@electronicsNmore it's useless, like he said most people will never reach that torque. if you have to put a cheater pipe on for anything it is definitely the wrong tool and you should expect it to brake first instead of the fastener.
@@andrestnt Sometimes you have no choice but to use a cheater bar. I've done it many times over my lifetime working on countless boats and cars. It's a lot cheaper to do that, then go out and spend a fortune on a much larger tool that you're only going to use once or twice
Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!
Olsa Tools: amzn.to/44SK205
Craftsman: amzn.to/43EoEtN
GearWrench 90: amzn.to/3KbrKyO
GearWrench 120XP: amzn.to/43DEZPl
Duratech: amzn.to/3YkWZxf
DeWalt: amzn.to/3Y3rdEw
Crescent: amzn.to/3OpFaJW
Tekton: amzn.to/3O8TLYU
Wera: amzn.to/44ENZFt
Stahlwille: amzn.to/3Y78urQ
Nepros: amzn.to/3OnGtsJ
Proto: amzn.to/3rIypdr
Kobalt Model #81747: Available at Lowes
MacTools: Available online at the MacTools store
Snap On: Available online at the Snap On store
ICON: Available at Harbor Freight
I am so happy to hear that manufactures are reaching out to make improvements. never stop doing these!
Thanks!
Yeah so glad! I trust these reviews more than anything else, it's so good knowing he buys everything himself too. Even if they say they are impartial I really struggle when a review starts with "Thanks to X company for sending this thing to me"
They would be fools if they didn't with a subscriber base of of over 3 million and episode views exceeding that. If I was a tool maker I'd be reaching out.
I've been waiting for the day that they started to
Ik zou de vergelijkende testresultaten van de fabrikanten zelf wel eens willen zien, en of ze hierdoor ook hun productieproces gaan verbeteren.
This is one of the few channels that holds manufacturers accountable for their products. That's why they reach out and it's good to hear you're one of the few people in this world actually making a difference for everyone on a large scale. Thanks for everything you do.
No problem!
This! He deserves to hear this every time.
Canned spray foam?
Adhesion
Dry time
Insulation effectiveness
@@ProjectFarm
@Matco & @CornWell
How about testing koken-japan tools?
The fact that tool makers contact you and reference your channel is a huge compliment. With people working together, we can seriously make so many things better for everyone.
Good Point!
They don’t have a choice. Channels like this have a big impact on what people buy.
@@xaphan8581They absolutely have a choice. Case in point - Lockpicking Lawyer & Master Lock.
Oh, they reach out all right. But it's to offer marketing opportunities (we'll pay you to feature our product and parrot these talking points) and non-committal statements (ie: I've passed your results onto our engineering team so they can use it to further improve our products. We always stand behind our tools 100%!). I doubt any make any product improvements unless it results in a lower manufacturing cost. The only time I'd see a manufacturer actually changing their product would be the occasional independent companies that make it into the videos. Certainly not Snap On, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Stanley, Harbor Freight, and so on with the soulless corporations.
Thankfully he ignores the marketing offers.
Sometimes it changes the market! A price can go way up or way down is what usually happens.
Don't ever buy anything without checking PF 1st.
I don't....
No
or do your own research...
@@hondaboi8195 what do you think searching for other people's reviews is.....
or do you expect him to go buy every ratchet he can & do the tests himself?
absolute goober
@@hypnotiq no but dont get your whole opinion from one guy, do your reserach go talk on forums to get other people povs not relying on one guy, he isnt goona review everything in the world, youre not goona wait for him to review a particular thing to get it, what if he never does a review on it are you never goona buy it just cause he didnt review it? no you do your own research and find out if its worth buying it or not.
I love how you keep your videos "mean and clean". Straightforward without fluff. And I appreciate how you refrain from editorializing all the time.
Thanks!
So true, but I like the quips; 'happy to snappy' here, I think.
Something to note, even though it may be more difficult to change directions with a greasy finger... If you're pushed tight against something else, a harder directional switch is better. If the back of the ratchet is against a plastic panel, having it suddenly change from loosen to tighten can be an issue. So the force needed to change that being higher isn't necessarily a bad thing
Thanks for the feedback.
I agree with that. I went straight to the comments to write something similar to what you already said haha.
I have a couple 1/2 drive craftsman ratchets and if a gust of wind blows that ratchet will change direction
That was my comment also, but using my hand to hold it on the bolt or nut when upside down.
That's exactly what I was thinking, I've accidentally changed the direction lever on my socket wrench quite a few times.
It's not just the fact that carrying out these tests makes this channel amazing but simply having the creativity and mechanical aptitude to even think of these tests. Really a great channel!
Thanks!
Yes, just thinking up a test and then coming up with a measurable means to do it ....VERY IMPRESSIVE!
And the amount of money spent!!...🫡
Dude. How cool is that? You have manufacturers reaching out to you in order to see how they can improve. Todd, you are invaluable Sir. Thank you for the videos. This channel is legit my go to 🙏🏼
Thanks!
Exciting to hear the manufacturers take these types of review testing seriously. Customers are surely benefitting from your work. VERY IMPRESSIVE! Thanks again for another great one!
You are welcome!
Love your “VERY IMPRESSIVE” comment. I watch all of these videos even though I only use a fraction of the equipment that is tested.
Always impressed to see you breaking some high quality "Dream" tools to see their real limits.
I break them at work😂
Thanks!
Right? Nothing I love more than seeing a Mac crack. 😂
The only Dream tools I see anymore are Snap On, SK and to some degree Olsa.
Mac has long since fell off the boat and is more on par with what Matco peddles.
Not shocked Snap-On wasn't the winning tool. I love their hand tools but they are out paced and at this point I purchase to support Pat the seller and nothing more. My final purchase will be an over priced ToolBox as a thank you for everything Pat has done for me.
Agreed! Point of failure is also very nice to know, the ratchets failing at the 3/8 drive at a reasonably high torque value seems ideal. A 3/8 steel square of that cross section can only handle so much torque just based on geometry, you can maybe boost it a little with the alloy/heat treat but realistically they should all fail around the same spot torque wise. If I am trying to put 250-300 lbf-ft through my 3/8 ratchet then I’m already being a yahoo, hahahaha.
I love the ratchet episodes.
Thank you and hope you enjoy the video!
@@ProjectFarmnew ratchets have grease stuck in the teeth so you can't check backdrag until you rotate it both directions slowly , and then reverse direction to lock the pawl into the teeth grooves. To displaced the new ratchet grease.
I know just wish they had Koken in the test
I own two of those Kobalt ratchets. A 3/8" and that 1/2". I have already warranted the 1/2 with the original receipt and Lowes took all my drivers license info and were rude about it. I bought both ratchets last fall. Lowes convinced me to buy my tools anywhere else and Kobalt taught me to be any other tools. Icon here I come.
Thanks for sharing.
I had the exact same experience. I started going to HF and buying icon
the slim design of the kobalt is really useful though lol
When you have tool companies using you channels for research and development you know your doing it right keep up the great work love the videos
Thanks, will do!
Having used flex head ratchets in tight clearance areas, I think the direction switch tightness is a good thing. It can minimize unwanted switching.
Thanks for the feedback.
Exactly that the issue I've had with kobalt ratchets.
Uh it’s 12:07 pm and no new video. I demand a refund.
I agree with you. I have an older snap on ratchet and it's way too easy to switch directions with.
@@rcannon409
You can change the gears. It's easy. They get worn down a bit. Especially when you use the ratchet to break bolts free. Get the snap on truck to warranty it. He will probably do it for you on his truck.
Great content as always. I picked up a 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 set of Gearwrench 90T last year and they are absolutely fantastic. Just as described and tested by you.
Thanks!
Also picked that set up its great, got it for $130. Specifically the one with the rubber grips
'Snap On snapped off' never gets old.
Thanks for the feedback.
never stops happening either...
Snap On loosing the girlie calanders, the looser CEOs, and licensing to costco had nothing to do with it ..
Great video as always. I specially enjoy your handtool reviews. When it comes to ratchets, there is just one rating system, which I do not fully agree with personally. When it comes to the force needed to change direction, lighter is not always better in my eyes. I remember several situations, where on hard to reach places, my ratchet changed direction due to a too light direction switch. So when I change direction, I prefer that it stays like it is and not accidently changes on its own even if that means more force need to be applied with my finger. Keep up the good work!
Very good point. I think the back drag test is the other I don't fully agree with. Not because I don't think it's important, I just think it's something that changes considerably as a ratchet gets used and breaks in. Some of the quality ratchets didn't do well with this test but likely because they are more precise fit and will loosen up when used a while.
Thanks, will do!
Great test. One thing I differ opinion on is the directional switch. I don't want it impossible to switch but I do want some good resistance. I can't stand when it switches direction too easily.
I agree 100%. The only downside to a stiff switch is that they can occasionally tear a nitrile glove, but I can live with that over the frustration of accidentally switching direction in use. Can you say "knuckle buster"?
Thanks!
You and your team continue to be an improving force on the world of tools and appliances besides giving consumers great advice or direction. It is very much appreciated!
Have a great week
Thanks!
Thank you for including tekton. For someone who lives in Alaska, their warranty process (only requiring photos for replacement) is great at saving money on shipping.
You are welcome!
I'm considering studying aircraft mechanics at UAA Recommend living there?
@@qigongkylar944 where do you live currently? It can be a big change, or it can be doable / absolutely fun if you don't mind the cold and love the outdoors
@@marconiandcheese7258 I live in Utah. In salt lake county. There is no land available that's not millions on the wastach front. I would be down to move to rural Utah, which has cheap land. Any state for that matter. I don't know what to do. I can still get a pell grant for college or a trade. Thinking of A&P, which is fixing aircraft. But then I have to work for mega corporations and the fed could take my liscense, or mega Corp will fire me if another COVID happens or something... I need something. I am lost. No skill. No strong father figure growing up really. Thinking electrician.. but I don't know. Any help appreciated. Just God, land, good wife, friends, family, good vibes.
@@marconiandcheese7258 I almost froze to death one time lol I can handle the cold well. Id be worried about Ruskies invading Alaska honestly the most, and being stuck there
I've got a couple test ideas.
1. Pipe cutters. Either the ratcheting cutters for PVC, or the clamp style with the cutting wheel.
2. This might be too expensive to be practical, but I would absolutely love a video on rotary cutters. I bought a 5' County Line from tractor supply around 2 years ago, and a lot of the time I feel like I should've spent extra for a Woods or Bush hog, but I've never actually run either of them.
Love your videos!
I used to build the County Line brush cutters. There's nothing really wrong with them but they could use more bracing.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I have the Snap On version that I purchased about 40 years ago. It broke after a few years and it was repaired upgrading the single pawl with a dual pawl. Never failed again. I don't use it much anymore, maybe every few months if that, but it sure is valuable when needed.
Thank you for sharing!
As an owner of snap on ratchets, I will say they are definitely strong, i was able to lift myself up with a drain plug and my ratchet didn't even care. As far as being oily, I've never struggled to flip the reverse switch on mine. A great video, I can't wait for the next round!
I second this.
Thanks!
@@rogerstlaurent8704 Or buy GearWrench and don't cry at all? The only "Pro" thing about Snap-on or Mac is the price tag.
I'm impressed that you, as a cat, use tools and have excellent communication skills.
I'm pretty much sold on all ICON tools at this point. I've been using Pittsburgh Pro ratchets for 15ish years now and I still have a 1/2" flex head that's seen some shit. I've put 300ftlbs of torque on that bad boy dozens of times now and it's still kicking. I've started buying the icon equivalents and they are definitely just as tough if not more. Can't beat them in terms of bang for buck and these videos just keep proving it.
Thanks for the feedback.
That back drag test was my favorite part of the video. I would have never come up with a way to test that, but you did. That is crucial because in a tight situation, you can't get your hands in to hold the socket. Great job!
This is always my least favorite part of using a ratchet!
I've found myself with EVERY ratchet (fine AND coarse) having to compensate for this!!!
Thanks!
Yep. I hate frikin backdragg
Great video... We need you to test different 1500 w heaters and find out once and for all if some actually produce more heating capabilities or if 1500w is 1500w no matter what!!
Thank you for the video idea!
yeah for real. i buy them all the time for work and they either don't get very hot or they quickly stop working from steel shop dust exposure.
From actual real world experience I found wrenches similar the Wera gimbal type style are more practical and safer to use because they are much less likely to tip off the bolt or nut head.
There’s no need to test that. Physics guarantees that :)
(To clarify- If it takes 1500W from the wall, it comes out as heat. It may not use 1500W, but that’s a diff story). Efficiency is a completely moot point as they are essentially 100% INefficient.
@@ProjectFarm Yes winter time and heater videos are very helpful.
I use my 3/8" and 1/4" ratchets to earn a living. I've been weaning myself off of the tool trucks the last few years. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the durability of the Icon ratchets I own. I've been an auto tech for 30+ years and I still have original American made Craftsman stuff that I use. As always, GREAT video!!!! Keep them coming!
Thanks, will do!
I have the Wera, and while it may not be perfect, I love it. It's very versatile and I use it in lots of odd circumstances. Being able to use it like a ratcheting screwdriver is great too
Thanks for the feedback.
I don't think the Wera belonged in this test. The design is radically different than the others and fits a different purpose. BTW, I have three variants of the Wera.
Super true. It’s called a roto head ratchet. They’re my favorite. All of the companies on this list make that style as well. They just don’t have the locking mechanism. It’s not super important though since the torque passes through the center of the head rather than through an off centered joint.
Yes, that is another reason I much prefer roto-heads to flex heads..I have some flex heads, but I rarely use them...they usually wind up frustrating me more than anything...clearance issues, flopping around, wobbling off the fastener...I usually wind up tossing them away in frustration and getting out my roto-heads...I don't care for flex-head ratcheting wrenches for the same reasons...
I like wera 1/4" tools for my motorcycle. Low torque on most fittings and the compact, short size has advantages, too.
Would love to see ball peen dead blow hammers. I think 36oz is pretty standard. There's plenty of cheap Chinese brands, Tekton, Estwing, Eastwood, Harbor Freight, Trusty Cook, Snap On, etc. Rebound, head durability, handle durability, and any other metric you can think of.
Keep up the great work!!
Thanks, will do! Thanks for the suggestion.
That is a SOLID idea I have some that the head gets smushed or mushrooms, would be a cool test.
@@drscopeify yeah I've been pretty satisfied with the Trusty Cook hammers, but they're the only ones I've ever owned. All the tool junkies swear that nothing is better than Snap On and all the DIYers swear by Tekton so I'd love to see how they stack up.
I’m not sure anyone realizes or appreciates just how incredible you are and just how detailed and organized you must be to produce these amazing videos!!! Very impressive!!
Thanks!
I’m with this guy! I would love to see a video about how you make your videos. A kind of behind the scenes of everything.
This comment is sort of annoying. Apologies for my call out. But like, yeah totally nobody among his millions of viewers realizes or appreciates Todd's testing... Come on man grow up and quit riding his nuts.
Todd's amazing. No need for superfluously hyperbolic comments. all they do is cheapen everything he works towards
@@Mike-sy6oyThis is one of those “better to not say anything” momenta your parents should have taught you about growing up. Let me compliment the guy. Jeez. ✌🏼
@Mike-sy6oy
Looks like somebody didn't get their "atta boy" pat on the back today, and felt like simultaneously lashing out and talking about nuts at the same time.
Odd choice.
Go touch grass.
I have the Wera ratchet and I've been really pleased with it. I don't have to deal with super tight confines, but I often need the angle adjustment. I really like the low back drag! Probably not the best choice for someone wrenching on cars though, that handle is definitely very large.
EDIT: I use mine in a machine shop, where you sometimes need to get a bit creative with fixturing.
I do HVAC and i that ratchet with the shallow sockets. It’s pretty handy but i rarely use it after i got the klein flip socket that go in my impact
I'm a bike and small engine mechanic, and it is my most used socket tool.
Thank you for sharing!
I have 8 different ratchets from different companies, lengths, sizes, it's always good to have long handles too so you can reach deep inside the car, behind dashboard makes life soooo easy. I get them on eBay mostly.
I am not surprised that the MAC ratchet failed under load so soon. I had one a few years ago and got tired ofnit keep breaking on me everytime i try to break a stubborn bolt.
I switch to an walmart brand and to my surprise it held up pretty good for over three years until i broke it by putting an impact on it.
Now I used the Snap-On ratchet and so far its holding up wonderfully. And this test proved it.
Thank you PF ❤ for this demonstration
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
Yep I just had this conversation at work. Every mechanic brought out a 3/8 Mac ratchet they love, but all were broken. Teeth stripped out. Ive beat hard on my Mac 3/4" with no issues. ratchets are like pussy, they all good, but there is one you always crawl back to.
Been using my icon non stop for about 4 months now and its been absolutely fantastic! For the price plus the warranty you cant beat it.
Thanks for the feedback.
@@ProjectFarmFlare wrench comparison?
are you using any of the ICON torque wrenches? Thinking of picking up the ICON split beam 1/2"
@@reikasdad as a matter of fact I am! Torque about 15-20 car’s wheels per day. It’s a solid torque wrench. Again couldnt be happier with the price and quality
@@tundras4ever552 thanks for the response! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a 20% off coupon for blk friday (I'm canadian, so I need the coupon to offset the currency). Like you, it will see pretty much the same amount of usage per day. Thanks again
This is my introduction to Olsa. And I'm impressed with the performance! It always hurts when tools meet the early end of life. But that is critical data! We want strength in our tools. It can save a knuckle from time to time.
Thing is you will never need a ratchet to be able to withstand anything over 200 ft pounds and most of the time 100 ft pounds is plenty..Breaker bars are for extra tight fasteners,not ratchets.
It would be helpful to test the durability of the finishes as well. I have a couple of icon ratchets along with a handful of other cheap brands, and the 1/2” icon has started rusting with almost no use. It’s the only one in my collection to do that.
Warranty that sucker cause the plating shouldn’t be that bad, even for Hf
That would be a good test to include
@@lumpofnicoal8381 does HF even pay their OEMs for that kind of quality control? 😏
Just snap it and take it back for a new one.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Your work on tools and equipment is second to none, in evaluation and description. I have watched many of your videos and they are most excellent, thank you..👍
Thanks so much!
I've got an Olsa swivel head ratchet. It's amazing! I was worried it wouldn't hold up well to torque, but this thing is a beast.
Great feedback on the Olsa Tools and very good purchase decision. They've built the ratchet to beat and I'm hoping that the other manufacturers work to improve the design of their ratchets. Competition is great for consumers!!
The Olsa is identical to the SK SP90s. I had a 1/4 and 3/8s flex-heads, and didn't get the 1/2 before SK overhauled itself for the worse. The Olsa has completed the set and its the same in every way (aside from logo) @@ProjectFarm
@@ProjectFarm I'm always happy to support American made. When I need to replace the rest of my ratchets, Olsa will be my choice.
The gearwrench and tekton rachets have very stable detents on the angle head which is quite useful when trying to get into tight areas with an extension and socket where the Icon head is floppy with weight on it.
Thanks for the feedback.
My Gearwrench flex head flops around like an overcooked piece of spaghetti and it has always been that way. Okay I'm exaggerating, but I hate to use it because of how sloppy it is.
Arent there screws you can tighten?
Such a fantastic test. Clean and mean. No apologies for speaking the truth. Your dedication to honest and fair reviews is UNSURPASSED!
Wow, ICON really stepped up their game in the market. Good to see the flagship of harbor freight hanging in there with the expensive stuff at a 1/4 of the price
Thanks for the feedback.
Icon tools are actually pretty awesome. Due to some theft, my personal box and it's contents were stolen and I needed to rebuild and went with an icon line up of tools (not all, but most) and I have nothing but positive things to say. I broke a set of pliers and took it back to HF for an exchange and got a new one, no questions asked.
@@c.shoefishI’m a weekend warrior so I can’t justify the cost of Snap On. That being said, I love the ICON line of tools! They have been great to me!
Thanks to project farm I’ll never have to suffer from buying inadequate tools or products. A million thanks!!!
You are welcome! Positive feedback like yours is highly motivating to keep on reviewing products!
My favourite part of these videos, “we’re going to test that”
Product developers world wide shudder and don’t know why!
Thank you very much!
Mine too!
Oh no, they know why they're shuddering..... Because he's going to find their lies.
Im a big fan of the channel and your unbiased real world test. I have used your results several times when making purchases. Thank you for taking the time to test all these products
Thanks and you are welcome!
Project Farm is the absolute consumer guide! My first stop the instant I’ve decided I need to make a purchase! Thank You Project Farm!
You are welcome!
Thanks for all you test for us!
My pleasure!
I find the resistance to switch between lock/unlock is better if it is tough to move. As the item wears it will become easier and often can switch direction while ratcheting.
yes a ratchet that reverses direction unknowingly is very annoying .
Thank you for sharing!
It strikes me that with the back drag test, the back drag will probably be high since the ratchets are new. An interesting test would be to break in the ratchet (perhaps spinning it against the back drag on a drill for a few minutes) and see if they loosen up a little bit. A tool that starts out "too tight" might end up just right after a bit of use, while one that starts out "just right" might end up too loose after break in. Thanks for the great reviews!
A lot of tools don't even come lubed right from the factory. I've found that putting decent grease into a ratchet turns even crappy ones into premium feeling tools. If it has really tinny clicks it needs to be lubed.
I do most of the work around the house and cars myself, and since I found this channel years ago I have been using it as a reference to what tools and products to buy before heading to the store or ordering online.
Thank you, sir.
You are welcome!
I am also happy to hear that manufacturers are reaching out and listening to help improve their products.
Thanks for the feedback.
Love this shootout! I would've liked to see Matco tools in here as well. I also think the direction switch should be interpreted differently; I prefer the heavier switches so they don't switch automatically. My Snapon ratchets never switch directions on their own, but my Matco and Husky ratchets sometimes have a mind of their own, especially when the backing plate gets a little oily
Thank you for sharing!
Yes. A stiff reversing lever is preferable because it is less apt to reverse accidentally. As long as you can move it when needed.
Yup, i was always fighting with my Craftsman ratchet esp as it got older
Matco uses gearwrench ratchets so technically he did use matco
Don't buy into the tool truck hype. Don't pay for the tool trucks mortgage. Matco, snap-on etc don't actually make anything. They rebrand other tools
Despite some drawbacks, the Craftsman and the Wera impressed me. They outcompeted in many areas that I felt were pertinent.
Agreed. The Craftsman one impressed me. Wasn't expecting it to perform as well as it did.
Thanks for the feedback.
I own the Gearwrench and the Wera. I keep the Gearwrench in my truck and the Wera in the house. I know how to use my tools, so the drawbacks on the Wera isn't really a problem.
Also have to agree about the Craftsman hopefully that might be a comeback to good quality tools ??? For the Duratech or Duracrap just walk away from that tool brand
In the back drag category, Craftsman was nearly last. That's important in tight spaces where you can't get your hand in there to hold it. A deal breaker for me.
Something I might have added is the ease to replace broken tools. An example is the Icon. You don't even need a receipt. Just take the broken tool into any Harbor Freight and you leave with a new tool, no questions asked. Great video other wise.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
YES! I agree completely..he needs to do a whole segment on ease of replacement on tools with lifetime warranty...and do it under cover, because they are likely to go above and beyond if they find out it is Project Farm claiming the warranty, as opposed to how they would deal with your average Joe...
My local Harbor Freight won't replace any tool under warranty without a receipt unless you provide a phone number, which I won't do for privacy reasons. My Snap-On dealer doesn't even know my name, but has repaired and replaced tools for me, no questions asked. Even tools that he knows shouldn't be fixed/replaced under warranty.
I am always amazed by the amount of information you generate per show. Wow. A great big thanks for doing it. I hope you had a little fun along the way.
Thank you!
I appreciate all the criteria you test. It allows end users to purchase based on their particular needs. I’ve been subscribed for years and I will always search your videos before buying something new. The double stick tape test has been the most useful to me. I use the winner frequently. Thanks again Todd.
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
I really like my Icon Flex head, it’s affordable and tough. It’s served all my needs perfectly.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank for the great testing!
Only thing I’d like to see is a final rankings chart with percentage difference off the leader. Or a formula like seen on the Torque Test Channel.
The range on the arc swing test for the first 16 competitors is 2 arc swings, the range for the past 8 is over 20 arc swings! By ranking them straight 1 to 16 it linearizes non linear data
Either way, thank you for helping me make informed decisions about my tool purchases! And thank you for not accepting sponsorships, I love that you’re as unbiased as possible. We need that more than ever in the age of sponsorships and influencers not being transparent with their affiliations. Keeping making awesome content!
Thanks! Thanks for supporting the channel! I really appreciate it.
I just started building up my tools collection, so I'm quite grateful for your videos. Thank you so very much for all the work you put into them.
You are welcome!
This is great! I own one of these, and it performed well. You gave us a lot to think about before making a choice on the next flex-head ratchet. Thank you.
You are welcome!
Saved my Sunday, always love a PJ upload. I've got a Mastercraft (Canadian brand) flex head and it's fantastic. Such a useful tool in tight spots.
Thank you very much!
Always amazingly in depth reviews with LOADS of data to use when considering a purchase. Keep it up!
Thanks, will do!
I use my Proto 3/8" ratchet probably more than any other tool I own and I really like it. I had never heard of Olsa tools before and by the looks of their product line up I'm glad I have now. Great video as always.
Thanks!
Another great review. Thank you for the effort and care you put into these.
I have an old harbor freight low profile flex head ratchet that is one of my favorite ratchets. It's the thinnest one I've ever seen, long handle, and has held up to a good amount of force over the years. A number of times it has barley fit in a place letting me get something unbolted without having to take apart something in the way.
So there are arguably better ratchets out there for day to day use, but I'm really glad I have this cheap one in my tool box because sometimes it's the only one that can do the job.
Not disagreeing with anything you said, just sharing that is always good to have a couple of tools with special qualities like being the thinnest adjustable head, in this case. Doesn't matter if another ratchet is better in every other way if it doesn't fit.
:)
Glad to see craftsman still making good tools even after their change of ownership.
Craftsman is a brand they don't really make anything. They put their branding on tools others make.
Thank you for sharing!
@@1pcfred True, but the Craftsman tools are made to their specifications and quality standards. That is true of many of the products you buy and use every day.
You’re watching a tool video so I assume you know Craftsman is junk right?
@@teamdada2194 Craftsman hand tools are better than most of what is available in retail outlets. Now if you want to spend 3x the price and buy from a tool truck have at it.
Top 10 channel of all time. A true goat! Best comparisons on earth. And its always stuff we wanna see! Glad you're killing it on here. Cheers 🙌
Gotta say ICON at 44$ beating alot of the other ratchets some being over $100 is amazing. Personally I use a Big Red extension flex head ratchet. Love it have used it uncountable amount of times and only complaint was the flex head lock broke after second use but turns out it works better without a locking mechanism. Great videos as usual.
A really neat video would be comparing different brands of sewing machines. Which ones have less bobbin snag, better thread tension, and needle depths and strength. Not to mention sewing speed controls.
HF has also been putting out Icon coupons more often. Most of my Icon stuff was obtained 20% off.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Something to add to the testing process is the manufacturer’s customer service if they’re willing to replace the broken ratchets or not, rate them based on how difficult it is for them to honor the warranty be it no questions asked or if they give you the runaround or out right reject the warranty replacement
Well noted, I agree 100%!!! If the mfg. will not offer a warranty or replacement of any kind they may not have a lot of confidence in their own product. - But of course that also opens the door to abuse and dishonesty! S. Carolina
Thank you for sharing!
Used properly tools don't tend to break. If you break stuff or wear it out then you should repair or replace it. Otherwise you're just a burden on society. Unless it is a legitimate manufacturing defect. But in my experience that happening is rare.
@@1pcfred I've had the same Mac 1/4" drive ratchet strip out 3 times and been forced to finish the job with an ICON 1/4" drive ratchet. When used in a professional environment, tools break.... And for the record, the torque on the bolt that stripped out the Mac ratchet, was less than 5ft/lbs.
@@aaronthomas6155 you'd think the tool could handle that. Perhaps MAC doesn't make the best 1/4" ratchet drives? If I had a tool fail multiple times on me I'd be looking for some other tool. It could just be a maintenance issue though? You'll see Oil Daily stamped on every Snap-On ratchet drive.
Right on time. I was going to suggest this. THANK YOU!
Perfect timing! Thank you!
I think the thing that sets the Wera apart and makes it hands down the best for some people is that it's the only one that can truly go vertical. So it needs the smallest space 360° around the bolt. The others need upwards of 2"+ in at least 180° around a bolt
Agree, vertical drive, great grip and good quality for not so much money!
Thank you for sharing!
Love those Wera ratchets so much that i got the 3 most popular sizes. Do like the colour coded sockets too. Otherwise high quality stuff you buy once, unless it gets stolen heh.
When you need to go vertical you use extensions. They are available in many lengths. You can also get universal joints to help you get into tight spaces.
Wera ratchets are my daily drivers. Having the pivot right at the axis of rotation makes a difference in how much torque you can get into the fastener. And, as mentioned, being able to pivot in line with the fastener can be a handy feature (acting as a sort of ratcheting screwdriver.)
I just picked up an Icon 3/8 with a flex head like the Wera with a 90 tooth ratchet. So far so good, really like the split handle that allows the swivel to be adjusted.
Thanks for sharing!
I daily the icon/pitt pro flex heads in my shop. If you have a HF close by, they're very hard to beat for the hassle free and quick warranty process. That said, the only failure I ever have is the hinge bolt backing out or breaking when using the ratchet as a breaker bar. Loctite it when you buy it and you'll probably never have an issue. Otherwise, I'd use the GW for everything if I could get one local and warranty it easy.
I really like seeing when cheaper tools can compete in the big leagues. I was surprised you didn't have your normal recommended tools at the ends. I'd personally go with the Dewalt for all my home jobs :)
Never can go wrong with DeWalt. Never let me down.
Not only that, you can see where the extra money doesn't add anything to the overall tool it's performance, or durability.
The dewalt is likely a facom or usag rebrand so its a quality ratchet design
Stanley black n decker mac dewalt 😅
Craftsman makes a second swivel head ratchet (CMMT99422) that functions similarly to the Wera with the gimbal head design. I love it because it can instantly be turned vertical and used screwdriver style with the handle in line with the socket.
Thank you for sharing!
Gimbal head is my favorite, I have an SK that is always the first thing I grab 👍
I got the Wera ratchet convinced it would be a gimmick, but curious about the shiny colors. I now find myself constantly reaching for it over my OG USA Craftsman ratchets.
Thanks for sharing.
OG USA Craftsman ratchets never really were anything to write home about..generally quite strong and good metal, but usually sloppy tolerances in the mechanisms and the ergonomics on most were quite bad...
Hello and thank you for another informative video! I have a few future video suggestions for your consideration:
A frame, multi-position and extension ladders, 1/2in ratchet and flex head ratchets ranging from 1/4in to 3/4in as well as ratcheting flex head combination wrenches and finally electric dry wall sanders. I look forward to next week's video!
Thanks!
Having a quick release socket option is so important to me. Sometimes the ratchet won't let go of the socket very easily. Would've liked to have seen that test.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Yea. I've been using my managers snap on locking flex until I move my box into the shop next week. The socket is super hard to remove from the S-O. On my MAC flex it comes off easy in all conditions, even greasy hands. The S-O I have to use a flat head to pry them off sometimes, especially with grease.
I dream of a day when your channel is so successful that you can test equipment. "Today, we're going to find out which backhoe is best!"
That would be awesome!
Case Construction King is the best. Just don't get the AC option. It always leaks. Although maybe they've fixed that now?
I feel like there should be a warranty checkbox or grade of some kind. It’s nice to know that snapon will always take care of my tools whereas Mac or matco will be more difficult. I mean even harbor freight’s deal should be worth mentioning. It is fantastic to be able to get a new/fixed tool and can justify extra upfront cost.
Thanks for the feedback.
Some Snap-On dealers can be difficult themselves. If you're a regular then you can expect good treatment. If not it's a crap shoot what they're going to do for you then. The dice are loaded against you too.
Another fantastic job. Thank you so much for saving us all so much money. More importantly, having good tools that last decades is a simple pleasure all its own. I don’t buy any hand tool without checking with you first!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Thanks for the info you give and the test you do not just price, but durability and also the what they proclaim to advertise. Makes shopping more easier. Keep up the good work man
Thank you!
Socket removal force weeks be a nice additional category. I like having a socket release button. It's annoying when sockets get stuck inside a tight storage, out are too hard to pull off the ratchet.
Definitely this!!!
Based off of these metrics and which ones matter to me, the craftsman is far away my favorite. I don't care about MM of thickness on the head, and I actually prefer my direction switch to be a little stiffer. The stats that matter the most to me are arc swing, and strength. Craftsman was first on both. Great video as always!
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
This result surprised me, and is one of the best answers.
Back drag is most important. Otherwise, you'll just be turning the bolt back n forth. Arc swing is also important. Strength doesn't really matter bc they all break around the same and are covered under warranty anyhow.
I'm sure when that ratchet gets use it will break in and be much smoother. People were moaning about the new Snap On 100 tooth that it had to much back drag.
Complaining about a Snap On ratchet???
Talk about 1st world problems... crap 😡
@@ihavethedocuments2580I personally use the 3/8 long handle V series ratchet every day and it took a few months but it’s broken in very nicely. It can really take a beating. I’m going to leave it in ATF overnight to see what happens. Currently on the fence between the 1/2 drive V series and the Hazet long handle.
Love my Gearwrench ratchets...bang for the buck, they do really well. Only issue was that early batch of 84t 1/2" drive that would lock up, which got warrantied out no problem.
I sure wish GearWrench would adapt the head used on the solid ratchet to the flex head. It would be fantastic in tight spaces!
@@ProjectFarm might be the locking flex...my 84t non-locking flex have the same size head as the solid.
I watch this guy before I buy ANY tool. Thank you for all the testing and graphs you make. Really helps me decide what I wanna buy
Thanks and you are welcome! Glad to hear!
Same, makes it easy for DIY to Pro to get the best product balancing needs and cost.
One thing I would do is add the failure mode to the load chart. Maybe in the vertical bar. This is super important as I'd rather not have parts cannonball in my face, regardless of the ultimate failure point. This is also a mark of a good design as attention to detail is required to make it fail in the head.
Another note, is the larger head designs could be that way to compensate for using cheaper materials. Maybe do a Rockwell C test next time. A lab could do it if you don't want to buy a machine.
Keep up the good work sir!
Absolutely top notch testing ! Always amazed at the thoughtful presentations you have in your videos. Glad manufactures do see the Value in your testing !! All the best to you and your.
Thanks!
Would love to see a IR thermometer comparison
Thank you for the video idea!
Yes please, I have 2 different ones and they are 7 degrees different.
I'm glad you kept the back drag test for these ratchets. Excessive back drag can make you think a nut or bolt is looser than it really is and waste your time trying to get it off by hand. It's not really an issue with most 1/4" ratchets but can be a real problem with 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets (which I hope you'll test next)
Tighter direction switches are kind of a double edged sword, so to speak. A directional switch that moves too easily can cause the ratchet to change directions during use and a switch that's too tight can be a pain to use as well. Not really sure what the best tightness would be as far as measured force.
I'm still surprised by the Mac ratchet. I really expected it to strip the gear teeth like every Mac ratchet I've purchased has done.
Thanks for sharing.
Nice review, very informative. I've been using my Snap On tools since the late 70's and they are still working perfectly to this day. Ten years of that time was as a professional mechanic, so they saw full time daily use. However, my very first tool set was from Sears that I bought while in high school, and I still have those as well, they just never got used once I got into debt with Snap On lol...
Thank you for sharing!
Smiling here, about the debt thing 😉 ! I too was in debt to Mac, Snap on, and 2 other companies.......thought I would never get it paid off.! In general, their tools are very good.
@darkstar8827 Yup, I had a monthly tool bill until I left the trade!
I paid off my $700,000 tool bill. Made a fortune and am now debt free. Know what you are doing. Buy the best. Buy once, cry once is a true statement
A little late, I know, but I've found a major consideration on the efficacy of flex head ratchets is the distance between the drive center and the flex joint. The shorter the better, otherwise your torque tends to twist the socket off the fastener. The Wera style flex heads are the best in this regard.
Thanks for sharing.
"and the snap on snapped off" this killed me
lol
Love it. I’m shocked the 75 dollar craftsman Rachet beat the snap on. Thanks for the good information so I know what to buy!
Thanks!
I own tons of Snap-On, GearWrench, Cornwell, Mac tools, Matco, and other misc manufacturers like Vim tools but my point is I started out with all GearWrench tools and they lasted roughly 10 years before I started to warranty alot. It was mainly rachets, deep sockets, and extentions. Great job on the reviews your really helping people make good choices.
Hey that's nice to hear as I was going to choose GearWrench, or Icon.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
As usual, this is a great video and gives us a great review on what to look for in a ratchet. Makes it easy so I don’t have to purchase bad ones by mistake
Thanks!
I've got Wera, maybe it didn't outperform other ratchets, however it's still a pleasure to use it. It's bigger handle maybe is not great for the tight spaces, but for other jobs it makes the tool sit in the hand very nicely. Max force test is also something which I would never like to have to test in the real life. Also the low backdrag is really making this tool awesome
Thank you for sharing!
The Wera appears to focus on quality and user experience. Looking at the test results, it only lost out due to its size. Just know that it's not the tool for tight spaces or super high torque.
I think the Wera is a different category than a flexhead. The Wera can be used as a driver, and I would call the head style gimballed (like a gyroscope, or a ship’s compass).
If you actually do a basic statistical analysis on this data set the Were is the best followed by the gear wrench (both) and the Olsa.
that is reassuring in a strange way. I own the Wera (it is part of a set; for a dumb reason I bought the SAE set). I can hardly believe how much money I paid for the whole set. So at least I have the smugness of knowing I have "the best" something.
Cheers to all who follow Project Farm Todd!
For price point and easiness of your local harbor freight you really can't go wrong with ICON and their lifetime warranty. Just make sure you keep all your receipts or even better buy them on your harbor freight credit card. I always come here to see how they hold up against others. Always Mid to upper pack. Thanks for doing these test for us! Keep tool manufactures on their toes.
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
From what I've heard Harbor Freight doesn't care about receipts with their own brands - just bring them a broken tool and get a new one no questions asked.
Never disappointed with any of your videos, well done. Thorough testing and testing the important factors of any tools. If you ever want to do more ratchet testing in the future, I’d be interested in seeing KoKen tested, it’s another brand from Japan like Nepros.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
I was just looking at getting one! You are reading my mind man!
Perfect timing!
What kind of an engineer was allowed to design a "tight space" style wrench with a fat handle? I died laughing.
You didn't miss a test! Snap-on & Mac Tools are so overpriced. You showed a few good lower cost alternatives that performed very well. Thanks for another excellent video!
What is the point of a torture test on a flex head ratchet?
Testing to failure isn't a good torture test anyway. A much better test would be to buy 2 of them, test the failure load on one and then use the other one for 80% of the failure point 1000 times and then check wear. Admittedly, this would be more difficult to do, but it would actually be a worthwhile test.
Not one of these ratchets will ever be used to over 200 foot pounds. They are the wrong tool for high torque fasteners. Most people couldn't generate that kind of torque with the short handles anyway.
@@tarstarkusz I like those tests. It just shows how much abuse the tool can take before it breaks. People like to see that
@@electronicsNmore it's useless, like he said most people will never reach that torque. if you have to put a cheater pipe on for anything it is definitely the wrong tool and you should expect it to brake first instead of the fastener.
You are welcome!
@@andrestnt Sometimes you have no choice but to use a cheater bar. I've done it many times over my lifetime working on countless boats and cars. It's a lot cheaper to do that, then go out and spend a fortune on a much larger tool that you're only going to use once or twice