DuraLast Ratchet Review & Comparison

[@elioselectric468]

Specific Duralast tools are some of the best tool ever made. I still have my original Duralast 3/8 and 1/4" socket sets from 15 or more years ago. I use both sets professionally all the time. Underrated tools is an understatement.

[@mikebaker3662]

OEM is the manufacturer of the 36 tooth ratchets. OEM even offers rebuild kits under the OEM brand. They are somehow affiliated with Great Neck. They were not made by Armstrong.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you for that affiliation it is been difficult to really identify who really made these Rockets because they are pretty nice especially their first run units when they just came out on the shelves

[@mikebaker3662]

OEM still offers the repair kits and ratchets.

[@gtolex86]

Those early Duralast ratchets are almost identical to Snap-on's 936 ratchet series. Both have identical inside gearing mechanisms...I've heard that it's possible to switch out the Duralast gears for a 936 snap on ratchet rebuild kit...I can't confirm this cuz I no longer own either ratchet :(

[@stevehenrichs5091]

YOUR RESEARCH IS SPOT ON AND ACCURATE.

[@stevehenrichs5091]

@@mikebaker3662 YEP! AMAZON

[@gimmesomesugar]

Great review! Duralast tools are top shelf. The old ones are built off a Snap on patent the newer ones are supposedly built by Gear Wrench!

[@kylescott1148]

Awesome! Been looking at duralast ratchets for awhile now. Think I'm sold on them!

[@CatusMaximus]

Not everyone has had a perfect experience but they've worked out great for me and for my friends that I've given a few to you

[@kylescott1148]

@@CatusMaximus do you have a part number for the skinnier 3/8 one by chance?

[@Txdartaholic]

I just recently found those compact head ratchets are offered by a number of other suppliers. One of those being Powerbuilt and they have them in a few different flex head versions. I have a stubby locking flex head Carlyle one as well that has become my favorite for things like under dash work.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

The dual 80 series snap on ratchets do have a rubber o ring on the inside of the plate.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

6:00 That is a phenomenal test you quoted for testing old ratchets. Newer ratchets are always weaker. As you work a tool, if it survives to becoming old, it's actually a lot stronger than the same ratchet new.

[@WHATDATTOOLDO]

I wish I could buy all the old 36 tooth ones you have there and the compacts

[@xephael3485]

Thanks for teasing us with awesome ratchets we can't buy anymore!

[@CatusMaximus]

They still have some of the 36 tooth the Shelf

[@PRSQUAD88]

These roaches are awesome I'm actually switching over to Duralast tools now and they're so convenient to exchange them if you break one

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes I do like the fact that it's easy to replace these with the warranty

[@quintonbrown8374]

Autozone has a 4 piece 36 tooth ratchet set that contains a 3/8 standard, 3/8 flex, 1/4 standard, and a 1/4 flex for 39.99. Part number 700057. I think it's only in stores.

[@KWatson1984]

I have about 20 Duralast ratchets covering 13 out of your 16 shown, plus more you don't have... the only ones I am missing, of those that you show, is the stubby 3/8, custom 3/8, and flex head 1/2. I worked there for years and never had reason to complain about the tools I used so I bought them for myself. I ended up filling an most of a 36x18x48 tool chest with Duralast tools.

[@WHATDATTOOLDO]

OEM tools sells what looks exactly like the older duralast 36 tooth screws go into the plate rubber seals same exact wrench as far as I can tell autozone sells them too

[@DR440]

These look like nice ratchets and I have heard good things about them. It seems that they have switched out the Taiwan line to all Chinese stuff. The early models look like a direct copy of the Snap On 936 (36 tooth) ratchets. A GF936 (Industrial black finish) is my go to ratchet . The Snap On 936's can be bought dirt cheap on Ebay these days because they were phased out for the next generation of ratchets with a much higher tooth count. I think the lower tooth ratchets are actually stronger.

[@ald1888]

I don't now if they are going change up the tools, but most of those tools are on clearance now might wanna stock up

[@tomkielian5291]

Duralast tools are very good for the price. Had a ujoint on 9600JD combine broke multiple 3\8 wrenches trying to remove bolts 150ft lbs. Duralast wrench didn't even flex removed and reinstalled no sweat. Have socket set haven't broke any sockets in over 5 years daily use. Very good for price. I don't know how good their warranty is because I haven't had to use it!!

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

The new, new heads, for the flex, are held in my allen screws so you can use a lot more torque in case you got it to really loosen up. You couldn't fix that with the torx screws if you let them get too loose. It wasn't strong enough.

[@Jessysingh43]

Wow those ratchets looks so clean like they’ve never been used, nice

[@WHATDATTOOLDO]

I've seen alot of his videos he has more ratchets than he could ever use probably alot them them don't how do you pick 1 out of 1000 lol

[@robfranklin1032]

I finally have some time to clean my set of the 36 tooth Duralast ratchets.. would you have any interest in making a video of the breakdown and cleaning? I was planning on using superlube on these

[@trankt54155]

Can you make a video comparing cost and quality of American designed Chinese made tools to those of the Japanese (ie Nepros, Kenkho, etc.)?

[@gtolex86]

Those early Duralast ratchets are almost identical to Snap-on's 936 ratchet series. Both have identical inside gearing mechanisms...I've heard that it's possible to switch out the Duralast gears for a 936 snap on ratchet rebuild kit...I can't confirm this cuz I no longer own either ratchet :(

[@CatusMaximus]

:(

[@snoopytheace4487]

Is it just me or does the second generation duralast ratchets look exactly like the icon ones from harbor freight. At least the heads do.

[@Lasurge1982]

I love these ratchets. I own the 3/8 and 1/2 flex head and it really feels like a professional grade ratchet. I have been trying to do some research to try and figure out who makes Duralast tools but haven’t had any luck. If you have any info on this please let me know.

[@kevinragsdale6256]

I have one of the old ones, and its like a 36t, I used the shit out of it. Now its in the truck tool box.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

When I need one odd size socket I have been going to Autozone in the way I used to Sears years ago.

[@CatusMaximus]

I always kind of like how Duralast has the red and blue paint on the sockets I thought that was a good idea

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Catus Maximus I mainly like that they always have what I need for a reasonable price right now when I need it! Like Sears used to be. The quality is great. The colors, for me are good since I usually buy them for a specific purpose and my existing sockets don't have that, easy recognition for the riding mower blades as an example.

[@dyer2cycle]

...Yes...the way Sears used to be...their(Sears') current lack of/ limited selection of open-stock tools is just as much a factor in why I no longer buy/look for tools there, as their moving of Craftsman production to China.....they also discontinued a lot of their premium tools, and less common/specialty tools, in favor of just having sets of cheaper made common stuff an "Innovative" gimmick tools.....

[@joelmccoin9727]

I have had pretty good luck with DuraLast, But never had any ratchets, but they look pretty good, I am gonna give them a try. Thanks for this review,

[@CatusMaximus]

You're welcome

[@betmon5986]

Yea duralast sockets and ratchets are beasts, first generation anyways

[@CatusMaximus]

I agree

[@gtcam723]

Man that small 3/8 would be awesome but they must have disco’d it.

[@lucifchristo]

I got two small sets 1 metric one SAE otherwise they were the same exact set with the same exact blow mold case but the metric had the new cheaper ratchet while the SAE had the plated sealed ratchet so I can definitely see the difference as well as feel and honestly I'll take 36 over 72 teeth any day

[@dshiznit12a]

Always liked the duralast ratchet I got 4 of the 36t myself

[@debolt4796]

Catus they just changed they look like GrearWrench head held on with c clip

[@icemonk12]

Nice bent handle mod👍🔧 I will pick up one & do same thanks

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Ohhh!!! For everyone with short attention spans! At about 8:00 he made a tool! Combination of an OEM and a Duralast, to do what? Be patient and watch!

[@MotorheadRedo]

I can't find most of these Duralast ratchets. I recently bought the 3/8 and 1/4 flex head ratchets, but can't find a Duralast 1/2 flex head. Can't find any of the small form factor ratchets. I like the Duralast ratchets, but if your looking for a complete set within the same brand and room to grow, then your better off going with another brand like Carlyle.

[@KWatson1984]

What is the part number on the super compact 3/8 ratchet?

[@chalioluna2549]

Toda esa publicidad se ve mucho en México sería bueno que pusieran algo en español y también x favor los precios de las herramientas de ante mano muchas gracias

[@rnfabricacion9606]

metete online ala pagina de autozone es marca de ellos es el unico lugar donde la venden y tienen garantia de por vida claro en USA autozoneusa hay encuentras todo de la marca duralast

[@congaronbo]

I don't even have 15 total ratchets from three different manufacturers....pretty envious here.

[@CatusMaximus]

:)

[@SkullanGuns]

There's two seals in every one of my snap-ons.

[@johnremsenjr.1999]

Hey buddy nice reviews I actually just picked up the bent handle flex head 13" TEKTON makes a really nice one so u don't need 2 fabricate it!!##??

[@CatusMaximus]

I'll have to check out that new tekton Ratchet

[@humansvd3269]

John Remsen Jr. They are literally harbor freight ratchet but a bent long handle. They come from the same factory.

[@forgedsteelwrench9249]

Does the part number change on the 3/8 flex head from the first gen. To the second gen of the ratchet???

[@CatusMaximus]

The part number is the same it just changed from the 36 tooth to the 72 tooth

[@johnb1121]

Do they go the same direction as snap on rachets?

[@CatusMaximus]

I believe so

[@johnb1121]

They do i checked thanks

[@michaelmangino9819]

Wow the 1/4 flex head is identical to my powerbuilt. It's obvious there the same. Cool to no

[@doohantallywhack8267]

Have you used the 90 tooth 1/2 with finger groove handle?

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes I have and I think it's terrible the square handle really pinches your hand

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Check out Tone and koken also KTC they have really nice small compact 1/2in ratchets also those are Japanese companys so their great quality for a little less then american made & sometimes more

[@CatusMaximus]

I've heard of those Brands someday I'll buy a couple of their tools

[@williamsmilton6316]

I work at autozone and I always wonder were wrenches any good

[@CatusMaximus]

Those AutoZone Duralast ratchets really are competitive it is surprising

[@deykno87]

What grease did you use for your ratchets, I normally go super lube..

[@CatusMaximus]

I use a grease I find it Napa that is graphite Teflon and molybdenum in a synthetic base from sta-lube

[@stever5887]

deykno87--I use Super Lube, too; it's pretty good stuff. The trick is to use one light enough that it won't gum up the works, and to apply it sparingly. The tendency is to load up the head with it, thinking that if a little is good, some is better and too much is just right. No, it's not. Too much is...too much. It will find a way to squirt out every potential opening and end up on your hands, your clothes, whatever. For anyone doing this for the first time, follow those two bits of advice and you'll be fine.

[@danh2134]

a carlyle ratchet comparison anytime soon ?

[@CatusMaximus]

Unfortunately I don't believe I own any Carlyle tools

[@jasonfoster8871]

I want that long flex 1/2" what's the part number. I have the stubby, 1/4 standard and 3/8 flex in 100 tooth quite nice. Also have old school 3/8

[@CatusMaximus]

71-133

[@EscapeVelo]

How are the 100 tooth versions?

[@crisworkizer]

As always a very nice review.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thanks

[@doohantallywhack8267]

Have you tried the new comfort grip handle that you can only order online? The clerk at my store says they don't stock them because they break too much.

[@CatusMaximus]

I have not, judging by your comment I probably won't try it...

[@doohantallywhack8267]

Thank you for all your reviews on Duralast. I think I am going to try the sealed head 3/8. Keep up the great reviews.

[@danohstoolbox]

they look amazing I am in Canada so I dont see them

[@robfranklin1032]

Is it ok to open the older sealed 36 tooth Duralast to oil it? Do they come pre oiled?

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes of course get inside there give it a little bit of cleaning and give it a good oiling don't lose the little rubber seals that are under the ratchet Anvil and under the switch

[@robfranklin1032]

Catus Maximus Do your recommend 3 in one oil or superlube to use on the 36 tooth Duralast ratchets?

[@fortis619]

I’m thinking Armstrong made the early Duralast ratchets I have an early duralast and an Armstrong and both look identical including the bottom plate

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you I had a suspicion that may have been Armstrong. It might explain why they've changed recently because Armstrong was shut down. Apex tools close down the Armstrong and Allen factories and has discontinued their product lines which is really a shame. In their press release they say that they had too many Brands and gearwrench was their most popular so they closed out and laid off a bunch of people.

[@jasonfoster8871]

No part numbers. Their website sucks to find specific ratchets

[@Alma6est]

i could only find the 3/8" flex #73-870 and 1/4 Flex #71-417 with 36 tooth, the others have upgraded number and Alternate Part Number as the old number. OEMTOOLS has similar built ratchets if anybody has any experience with them.

[@CatusMaximus]

It is entirely likely that the OEM is made by the same company but I am not sure

[@TylerSnyder305]

Just curious why strength would be much concern in 1/4" drive ?

[@CatusMaximus]

Quarter inch Drive strength is quite a concern. One reason is quarter inch Drive ratchets have the smallest teeth and so having a quality ratchet with a strong mechanism is important. I've had more quarter inch drive ratchets slip than any other size regardless of quality. Quarter inch Drive is small and is used in many hard-to-reach areas often times the fasteners are not easy to remove and so you have to put lots of force, often that amount of force is close to the failure rating of quarter-inch so a quality ratchet would work in a tough situation where a cheap would either slip or Shear the square off.

[@ald1888]

Agreed

[@kevinbeck6419]

At least they're not Advance Auto Parts with their DieHard ratchets sets kind of junk

[@SalvageBoyz]

Are those really trash they look just like the OEM tools that everyone talks about

[@mrfrankcastle083]

I thumb-up all your videos amd appreciate that you have all these tools to review and explain. But man, you have too many tools. All mine are from HF, cheap yard sales, Goodwill or were straight-up free...and I know I have too much. You...have too mamy tools for a single man's life. Geezuz. In any event, thanks again for the videos.

[@CatusMaximus]

You're welcome and thank you for the comment I've been collecting for a very long time and the same as you just various places usually one tool at a time

[@robertcraciun9587]

Ill tell everyone now DO NOT BUY DURALAST RATCHETS THEYRE JUNK. I have the new flex head and the previous 3 generations they don’t last 10 min. The newest flex head locked up taking off a 13mm bolt. Total junk the 72t ratchets are complete shit. Buy USA Williams if you can’t get snap on. It is snap ins older design 36t ratchets and they’re super affordable. Snap on does indeed make the best ratchet nothing compares to it. Wright proto and sk are also good as well. I would say buy any of those I mentioned yes they cost more but you can actually do work with them longer than ten minutes.