Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro Ratchets Review - Why Buy Anything Else?

[@sirkdopsah1081]

I've used these ratchets, 3/8 straight and flex, and 1/2 straight for nearly 7 years. I have other value/budget brands also. For the price and warranty you really can't beat them.

[@GeoBurdo]

Bought the HF 301 piece Pittsburgh set 3 years ago, paired with a Pittsburgh breaker bar, and I haven't run up on anything I couldn't handle yet. I will say I prefer the ratchets that have the manual detent ball button on the head of the ratchet so I can get my sockets off (also lets me do it one handed). I don't think I'll ever buy ratchets without it. They're especially good when working outside in the Maine winters and your fingers are functioning at 15% capacity. I do need to get a couple good flex head ratchets though...

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

That 301 piece set is supposed to be a pretty dang good one! I like it, but never bought it for whatever reason. Makes sense with the Maine winters haha. Thanks for watching as always!

[@GarthELibre]

I find the ratchet smooth, precise and dependable. I've had mine for about 10 years and I compare it to the quality of my friends' tool truck ratchets. I have Husky, and old Craftsman too. For some reason I use the Craftsman more but that's probably because they were my first and I have the swivel head version of the Pittsburgh Pro but the swivel hasn't loosened one bit on me anyway. I use ratchet tools every week but I have noticed that all of them require periodic taking apart, cleaning and regreasing.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Ya, they are pretty good ratchets for what they cost. Thanks for watching.

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Excellent, straight-forward review, Derek! I have several Pittsburgh Pro ratchets, and I do small engine work. There is definitely NO reason to buy Snap-On anything to do that kind of work. I have "stressed" out these ratchets to the point of thinking: "Oh boy, these are HF tools, they are going to fail.". But nope. But, even if they did, HF will give you a brand new one no questions asked.

[@rolandhiggins1517]

I have the 3/8 flex head and it’s really nice. It came in real handy when I had to change the brake booster on a 77 corvette. I also have 3/8 and 1/2 inch torque wrenches. After torquing the heads on a Small block Chevy we calibrated them and they were both right on the money so Pittsburgh Pro is definitely a DIY shade tree mechanic tool brand.Most of my tools ( 95%) is USA made craftsman but harbor freight has become my Sears. Good tools and good prices .

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Nice that you have made in USA Craftsman stuff. Looking forward to that stuff coming back. But Pittsburgh stuff can be pretty good!

[@cztech2631]

The 3/8 Pittsburgh Pro ratchet I have is great for spark plug replacements. And I use it to remove 10mm bolts all the time. Definitely one of my favorite ratchets for $15 when I got it on sale at Harbor Freight about 5-6 months ago. The ratchets are reasonably priced and perform well for my DIY automotive needs.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I agree! Thanks for watching.

[@MarzNet256]

Cool. I have like 10 pp ratchets. They have been very good. Just picked up the 1/2 in. drive flex head long handle. Also, the pp 25" breaker bar just saved my butt on strut replacement (one the the 22mm bolts was stupid tight). For the quality, cost and warranty it's a no brainer for me...subscribed.

[@Zombiereaper1]

I have the 3/8 and 1/4 flex heads, love them both. I love the smooth 72 tooth gear it's really nice, and I do like the simple "on/off" lever.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Something I realized in editing that I love about it and didn't mention i the 72 tooth gear that is really smooth. Thanks for watching as always!

[@landonlehman5497]

These are nice ratchets. They're my go to, and I haven't broken them yet. I do wish the switch was reversed, it seems backwards to me. Also the engagement of the switch could have a better detent. It will change directions unintentionally.

[@darrenporsch]

I have the 3/8-in flex head extra long comfort grip ratchet have no problems with it used it for what I used my other older american-made tools for and it does the job just fine. I prefer my ratchets flex head and extra long just so they can fit in extra places and also give you more leverage if needed especially with the engine compartments nowadays of cars. everything's on top of each other the flex head is usually necessary

[@mikefennema5561]

You didn't metion how wonderfully low the back drag is. Makes it a pleasure to use.

[@nickabel8279]

For the price. Pitts been doing well and haven't had to return any. Have the 1/2 all black. The extending 3/8 (very nice). The 1/4 (coupon got it for 5 bucks) and the 3/8 + 1/4 combo

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

They are nice. I don't have any of the composite ones. Seems too redundant for me personally but I could see why someone might want one.

[@robcrossan6274]

Nice. I've been using nothing but cheap stuff at work lately, and have had no issues. Pittsburgh 2 self steel cart, Pittsburgh ratchets, Pittsburgh wrenches 8-32mm, and the big 301 pc tool set, paired with other cheap tools. Kobalt impact, Tekton impact sockets...you really dont have to spend a fortune to wrench for a living. I could throw all of this into a Yukon box for 500 bucks from HF and have a pretty competent setup.

[@piemanisbad]

Got the extended 3/8 flex head and I use it to break caliper braket bolts loose does it every time and the 1/2 extended flex is even more of a beast literally a ratcheting breaker bar

[@zeroninejames9507]

To be honest, I have not used any of these ratchets. Would like to buy them. I been down on my luck paying bills and strapped for cash. Back to normal I guess. Lol. Good info. Thanks.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Sorry to hear that. They are pretty good, but probably not worth getting if you already have a good set you're content with.

[@zeroninejames9507]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects no I really don't have a good set yet.

[@thatdude8247]

@@zeroninejames9507 if you have a Lowe's near you they have a 301 piece set 1/4,3/8,1/2 pretty good starter set and it's only $99 way better deal than anything at harbor freight and I own plenty of tools and love a good deal with a lifetime warranty. Only down side you have to trade the whole set back in for warranty

[@Stevenfrijol]

Great Video.

[@Saladon89]

Trying to get my hands on the long flex heads, the 1/2 and 3/8. Hard to find

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Ya HF is short on tools.

[@gizzyguzzi]

I used to be kind of a tool snob. If Craftsman tools from 50 years ago were 'snobby'. But they were made in USA back then with lifetime warranty. These days everything is made in China. But the the HF wrenches and sockets have been good to me. Especially for buying duplicate sets of tools for various work locations. I have an older 3/8 Pittsburgh sae/metric socket set with handy holder, have used the heck out of it. Extra sets of wrenches too. No complaints. Didn't know they had a good warranty.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

All HF hand tools have a lifetime warranty. Ya, hard to beat US made craftsman wrenches, and I don't think it's "snobby" at all to prefer those as I think thats what just about everyone had in the garage of their home 30 years ago and before that from what I understand. Thanks for watching and commenting.