Our Ratchet Handles Have Come into Question. What's Your Opinion? Tool Tuesday Ep. 66

‪@CPthetooladdict‬ shares an opinion on our ratchet handles. We explain the reasoning behind the large handle and ask our viewers to share their opinion as well. The part#'s associated with out heavy duty ratchet line are as follows:
HDR410
HDR614
HDR818
HDRF410
HDRF614
HDRF818
We have many other ratchets available and we have an exciting announcement about an upcoming line! For more info on our products, checkout our website www.vimtools.com
Follow us on Instagram! We are very active on social media and share different types of content on different platforms.

[@CPthetooladdict]

9:04 I really appreciate you addressing this and people should understand that not many companies are willing to take this feedback which is very commendable, and addressing my concerns are admirable, Yes I've held one and seen them in person but have not felt compelled to own one....However you will have my business for one and definitely a usa made ratchet 100% without a doubt!! Great video. I appreciate your reply!!

[@Anthony-wj6xb]

I just want to say I wish more companies had such an easy, open line of communication with their customers. I like the look of the handle but was waiting on the flexhead ratchets B4 purchasing. I usually agree with almost 90% of your reviews but I have to try these bcuz I NEED LARGE CHUNKY HANDLES BCUZ OF CARPAL TUNNEL. With small handles (Gearwrench comfort grip) my hands lock up n elbow and wrist get cramping. That's why I changed those out for Snappy hard handles. Have great day CP. LOVE YOUR CONTENT AND HONEST NO HOLDS BARRED OPINIONS. BTW, you have helped save me lots of money with explaining the manufacturer of certain tools. Rennsteig center punch, screw extractors etc... USAG.

[@CPthetooladdict]

​@@Anthony-wj6xbI've been preaching this they definitely are not very appreciative of the customers like vim has shown

[@WrenchAddiction]

I appreciate you guys responding respectfully to criticisms. With that said, I bought one of your ratchets because of them being built for Heavy Duty applications. I liked enough I turned around and now have all three. I personally like the handles and they provide the grip required to really torque on a fastener. So, I say that CP doesn’t speak for all or even a percentage of us out here in the field. Now if you want to make a mark, emboss your logo in the head so I can pass a VIM ratchet down to my Son and no matter what that ratchet has been through your name will always remain.

[@marcberm]

The best thing any Project Farm viewers who are fans of VIM Tools can do is post comments on his tool test videos that they'd like to see VIM tools in the mix.

[@timothyhartley7986]

You guys are a class act and keep it clean. Professional come back on somebody that judged your ratchet, without holding it in his hand

[@RenegadesGarage]

Exactly! Never understood why some channels do tool reviews just from looking at a tool flyer or a website.

[@thegaragehub]

USA ratchets! Let's go!! The handles are a bit bulky and you do get a really good grip. It took some getting used to compared to GW, Matco or ICON handles. It's going to be a tough decision if you do decide to change the handle shape.

[@Anthony-wj6xb]

I haven't bought any ratchets yet bcuz I was waiting for the flexhead ratchets. I watch CP generally appreciate n agree with his opinions but I think I'm going to disagree here. I don't think they are ugly and bcuz of carpal tunnel, I believe the grip will be helpful. That being said, my favorite grips are Snap On hard handle and have actually bought the handle n switched them onto both my Tektons and my Gearwrench 1/4" flex 120xp. I am wondering with everything u said, what is the torque rating on each of the flexhead ratchets? Great products and great show as usual. Love how you LISTEN TO OUR OPINIONS AND DON'T GET BUTT HURT... LMAO

[@djsi38t]

I absolutely love the handle...its large size is what i love so much..like you said its heavy duty and it fits the ratchet perfectly

[@hippyvt4203]

CP’s opinion doesn’t mean crap to anyone, wouldn’t sweat it. Respect for manufacturing in the US!

[@RenegadesGarage]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@kristianarnold3165]

Cp the food addict 😂😂nah your tools are ALL bad ass

[@RenegadesGarage]

Good one! 😂😂

[@skylerbrycesmith]

I love you guys and pretty much all Vim products. I love that you are mature and open to criticism and truly listen to customers and make changes. Having said that, I do agree with CP on the ratchet handle. I have looked into them several times, but passed because of the handle. I haven’t personally held the tool, but based off of looks, it’s not for me. If it had a handle similar to most other ratchets on the market, I think you guys would sell a ton of them. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for making great products and videos!

[@projectsandadventures]

I've recently came across your products, and I'm definitely interested in testing your clams. I'm a heavy equipment (yellow iron) technician and my lead is our head mechanic that works on both semi trucks and yellow iron. We will both be testing your ratchets soon and seeing if you can truly hold your own in the heavy equipment world.

[@hdrider2071]

CP doesn't speak for me . I have man size hands and I love the handles.

[@mikewarpula911]

Cp never gives a review that's positive unless it's snap on

[@Bob-kr6fg]

Then you don't work on modern cars. Backyard Joe's always like silly large handles

[@hdrider2071]

@@Bob-kr6fg dont take it out on me if you have dainty hands.

[@Bob-kr6fg]

@@hdrider2071 Large hands require even slimmer grips for use on modern vehicles. Since you're a clueless weekend wannabe your opinion is invalid, and you should really lose weight if your sausage fingers are that fat and clumsy.

[@strykerentllc]

Limousine doggo's back! WOO! 👍

[@jbn1237]

I LOVE the handles and that was NOT constructive criticism. They look great and feel great!

[@josephalexander3884]

I am so glad to see another knurled ratchet. Thank you. I prefer knurled handles but I will be considering 2 of the current heavy duty ratchets. I appreciate your taking the time to explain your design and thought process.

[@ViperMods_216]

I think the handles are great

[@57_International]

CP has no good opinions, don't worry about it.

[@freddytech4895]

Bring back knurling !! On extensions , ratchet handles and the edge of sockets

[@ben10mama]

I'm so hyped for the American made rachet line. I think it would be very fitting to use the vintage logo on those, it would look sexy in chrome with it laser etched in, also though I didn't realize just how many rachets y'all have

[@cliftontoolsupply89]

Very impressed with what I’ve been seeing lately. I was very interested in the line of flex head ratchets. But now you’ve really got me with the announcement of the U.S. line of ratchets coming. Also, something to be said for how you’re reacting to the criticism as well. Good to see. Needless to see I definitely am going to be adding more Vim to my own toolbox, as well as offering more Vim options for my customers. I’d really like to try some of these heavy duty ratchets.

[@A51Zombie]

Im not entirely sure why but I find the handle aesthetically unappealing. It could just be the green idk. But when you showed them my guy reaction was that I’d pass on buying one. However I’m not a tech and I can allow how something looks to affect my purchases. Now a US ratchet… I’d love another option there! I appreciate you addressing this in a respectful and non offended manner. Good for you guys!

[@agtech4580]

I’m not a fan of the handle myself I had the opportunity to use one of your 1/4 inch ratchets and didn’t like the handle the ratchet itself was a nice product but the handle is what made me go with a different brand but that is my opinion a quality product just not a fan of the handles

[@JohnMahany-xt2db]

i have the 1/2" and 3/8" heavy duty ratchets and really like the handles.

[@williamjones3603]

All criticism is good. I read this in one of my marketing books in college. I have a BS in marketing. If someone is expressing their opinion, it shows they care about your business. Would you rather have someone not buy your product? Obviously, products have to be produced using the bell curve on a large scale. The fringe customer will never be served by large scale production. His remarks are valid in my opinion. You produce great products and your products have served a niche market. Creative products fit your ethos.

[@warrenblanchard889]

USA rachets ! ❤

[@nabenmike]

Handles are a very personal item, you can never please everyone. I’ve never thought about a VIM ratchet, but when you guys come up with the USA line thin polished handle I’ll give one a go!

[@manuelbou2576]

5:49 that was me at Sema. I saw the stuff and said yadda yadda yadda. Thanks for listening! I'll be looking for the part number YYY. (Yaddayaddayadda) gotta be a cool Easter egg find. 😂

[@jeffery.campbell5763]

Comfort grip handles make it hard to add a pipe extension 😂

[@lbahr11]

That’s why you have more than one ratchet in your box.

[@louisg8389]

Damn I gained SOO MUCH RESPECT for you guys and the company. Impartial and respectful standing up and having a conversation with your customers about the products.

[@timothyfechter5977]

USA made metal handle I’m in

[@trentkammerer8639]

I’ll be your first customer on some U.S.A. ratchets.

[@TxToolGuy]

FWIW, i love the handle and i use it almost every single day in the shop. i have the straight and flex head, i even took a snap on ratchet and modified it to have an instinct screwdriver handle on it because i like the style. it fits the hand well, and the VIM ratchet has that same feel. it fits in your hand well and i have kinda small hands lol. super excited for the USA made ratchets 👀

[@Anthony-wj6xb]

I trust your opinion and haven't had the benefit of holding any of these ratchets. I was holding out for flexhead ratchets from VIM. I have really bad carpal tunnel and small handles or no handle ratchets begin to cause hand and muscle cramps from fingers to elbow. I've switched other grips to Snap On hard handles, do you think I would like these. Recently got a Koken Z series 3/8" flexhead long handle bcuz I heard the back drag is great. Haven't gotten to much time with it yet but it seems great just not sure how long I can hold a good grip. Changed out my Gearwrench 120xp 1/4" and my Tekton 3/8" & 1/2" flexhead to SO hard handles. Should I give the 1/4" a try? I'm thinking 1/4 bcuz nobody really has a large comfortable handle on most 1/4".

[@E82djc]

I’m sorry man but that dude is just a hater. Never seen him say anything good about any tools I use 🤷🏻

[@gregblau8082]

I'm not a fan of comfort grip ratchets, but I love the handle on my wrench extender

[@556actual]

I like the size and shape of the handles. I do have what I think is some productive feedback though. The only tool truck that comes by our shop kinda sucks at getting us Vim tools. I know I can buy directly from your website but your website frustrates me. In my opinion Tektons website is absolutely phenomenal and it's super easy to navigate which makes them easy to buy from. With all that being said and you guys putting your company out there more and more at the user level... have you given any consideration to reconstructing your website to be dummy proof for dummies like me? A majority of my tool purchases are made on my phone during lunch breaks and if I can't eat my sandwich and find what I'm looking for in that 30 minutes then I move on. Other than that you guys are killin it and I hope you continue to grow!

[@stevemarroquin7551]

I love the handles!! they fit great in my hand. I have normal size hands, size large gloves. Other brand comfort grips are too narrow, so when i crank down its mostly the inside of my thumb and index finger putting pressure. With my hand spread further apart i can put my whole palm into the motion more so itmakes a huge difference, i think these handles would be great on prybars also, snap on ones are too slippery and matco and mac handles are too squared.

[@scottaddison8071]

I Love the VIM heavy duty ratchet handle for that heavy ratchet and I’m glad to hear VIM will offer steel sleek handle design also. I like both

[@user-no8ur3sz2h]

I love the handles and colors of the vim ratchets I really wish I could get some of those on an extra large prybar

[@VorsprungDurchNik]

I will say this about "comfort grips" on large, heavy-duty ratchets: if the profile/shape of the soft grip is not uniform, they can quickly become uncomfortable or even painful (cause blisters, etc.). The combination of material and shape of my 33 inch Matco 1/2" ratchet disagrees with my hand in certain situations. From looking at the multi-facet "screwdriver" style grip of the Vim ratchets I can predict they would also be a pain to hold in certain positions. And let's all be honest here, techs and mechanics - there are absolutely times and situations where you are forced to grip a ratchet (or any other tool) a certain way with no way around it. That's really my only hesitation about buying one. That said, I am VERY interested in learning more about your upcoming USA-made slim-handle ratchet line!

[@vhrocks81]

The ratchet handle being a little too bulky for some spots is the only problem I could see with the handles. I totally get the desire for a comfy handle when you are pulling or pushing hard, too! In any case, looking forward to the USA line!

[@foodskewed9197]

Smooth chrome handle ratchets. I’ve never been a comfort grip fan

[@Fedwrench]

I like your ratchets but, I'm not fond of your comfort grip. I know you're sitting there saying the grip isn't that big but, it is. Have you considered an all metal handle? I'd like to see a knurled handle but that's just me. Keep releasing great tools!!!

[@rickhammar1636]

I am not a professional, I am a diy'er. I watched CP's review video. He said he was just being honest, he was being honest...about his opinion but with all do respect we all know what opinions are like. I have the 1/4" & 3/8" ratchets & plan to buy others. Personally I kind of like the handles but again that's my opinion & I'm just a diy'er but hey it's an honest opinion.....if there is such a thing as an honest opinion. If you like them or want try them buy one if you don't like the looks of them don't buy one.

[@leonpowers8762]

I have the 3/8” & 1/4” all in one ratchet & I like it. I will be buying the extension ratchet. That would be handy and nice to have the interchangeable heads

[@floydwilliams3321]

Nice work guys❤

[@calebhazelwood8716]

I personally love the handles, best on the market

[@GerardoVw1]

You asked for my opinion, I don’t love those handles but they probably do the job. The handles that I love are the blue snap on hard handles, they almost look like a blue metallic flake shine to it. I did want to mention, all my other ratchets are all metal. Easy to clean.

[@HPY-Prints]

As a larger size person my big size man hands appreciate large comfortable handles on my tools

[@raylynn6261]

I happen to love the handles on the ratchets

[@marcberm]

I mean, I pretty much knew it was a Tampa jersey vs. New England when I asked. And not to take away from an absolute coach-quarterback combo dynasty, but really, what's Belichick gonna be doing for the 2024 NFL season? Not coaching, apparently.

[@scrambler350]

I have the 1/4" ratchet @ 16:00 -- the comfort grip handle feels good in the hand and the ratchet is smooth asf 😎

[@pl5624]

I like the green vim color...it stands out and it screams VIM loudly.

[@RenegadesGarage]

VIM Tools.. Yeah I'm not a fan of the green either. Maybe you can offer different colors like red and orange. The green on the tools and in the foam would unfortunately keep me from buying them. The tools that don't have green on them but are in the foam with green. Well the foam would more than likely go in the trash. Also save us some room with the foam trays and put all the tools up and down (the same way) instead of placing one wrench flat to see the side of the wrench.

[@benfarms31]

I really like your tools, have a ton of mag rails in my road boxes along with your heavy duty hose picks with the same handle. That said, I don’t think I would like a ratchet with it. I don’t think I’d hate it, but wouldn’t be my first choice. Also, is there any chance to get the mag rail studs in aluminum in the future? I’ve had some of the plastic ones strip out. Not a big deal and easy fix, just a thought. Look forward to some US ratchets.

[@earthboundmartian612]

VIM! BBS1G I need that to hurry up and come out lmao! I need a chair. :)

[@ShawnC8030]

Man I can't wait to order that mini nano 3/8" ratchet!! I like the extendable too 😮

[@nednedly3962]

Check out the Tone RH3FCHS Ratchet

[@toddhickox4757]

So where do we pick up one of those cushioned dog caves ????? 😁🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾❤

[@wrenchfukr]

CP does great tool reviews and criticizes when needed. I've been a huge fan of VIM for yrs now and will continue to be. Also lets go bills and Josh Allen is going to be one of the greats eventually

[@CPthetooladdict]

Josh Allen is a stud love that guy thanks for the compliment also!!

[@blakee4074]

Love your big boy ratchets

[@Dan-wt7jx]

I don't really mind the "bulk" of the handles, but I can't stand the lime green. I know a lot of people think HiViz is hot right now, but that just ain't me. I'm still rolling black square SO hard handle screwdrivers. About as loud as I would want to get would be that sweet corn yellow on your vintage hat, in fact you should do a package deal for the whole HD ratchet set with a matching hat.

[@LEAT616]

I have been watching you guys and cp for a very long time. I love cp and respect his opinions. But i never really agree with his opinions on tools. He says alot of things are bad that i absolutely love and don't think need change. Your ratchet handles are great the way they are. Only thing i would like to see is color options. I know the green is big for vim, but personally I'm a sucker for blue handles, like the snap on power blue is my favorite.

[@CPthetooladdict]

Appreciate comments like this honesty is a quality that not Appreciated enough and not agreeing on things is how we make them better together so thank you!!

[@LEAT616]

@CPthetooladdict i do love your videos and reviews and opinions, so definitely keep it up. I do have different options/preferences on tools but that doesn't mean you or anyone is wrong for it. You are always honest aswell with how you feel about a tool or brand and I'm glad you show that.

[@brentsanders3807]

The handle seems fine, BUT just personally I also like the option to get a regular metal handle that's part of the ratchet itself. Not comparing it to your company in any way at all, but I am meaning like snap on. They have the ratchet in regular metal handle or with the "comfort grip".

[@pico67ss]

Are you guys are going with a variation the lp90 design or re you designing the guts

[@robertcasey3528]

If I'm using a heavy duty ratchet that size I'm definitely gonna want a comfortable handle to match.

[@CountryMileGarage]

A 8" long flex head bit ratchet with regular handle would be something great ... NOBODY makes one, they are none flex head or 12" long or short with flex head. Keep up the good work guys

[@DownHillgamer]

My nail clippers are from Japan ;) top shelf

[@mlieser1230]

I like the comfort grip handle but for one minor detail. The color. I absolutely, positively hate, that color of green with a passion. It would be great if you offered other color options.

[@wadecrowe3370]

Ratchet durability is more important than total torque. Let’s see one of your units that have been in the field, used every day for 5 years or more. I have customers that ratchets from the 90s, I put a new gear set in, and their good for a couple of years. And that’s why they continue to buy USA made units.

[@gofastdiefaster]

I have all these ratchets and love the handles. I also have the all metal handle ratchets from snap-on. These are way more comfortable... not sure wat people expect for a ratchet handle. There is not a lot of innovation to be had.

[@xaphan8581]

I can’t wait for the gripless ones tbh. I like the grip you guys have but I just never been into having handles on my ratches I just like the old school metal feeling I guess

[@paulmendenhall5226]

I love a cushion grip handle but i have never used one of yours i listen to a lot of cp videos and agree with him about 90 % of the time but i have been looking at your ratchets and considering buying a few i will probably start out with the 1/2

[@stevenstanselljr7115]

Not a fan of the handle but people like different stuff....I think a hard handle design to pair your soft grip could be good

[@EzTechJoe]

Yeah I for one i am not a huge fan of the handles, It's very screwdriver-ish to me. But that's just my preference

[@carlosgaray9212]

Dfxl 100 Tone makes one very similar no one is mentioning it? Congrats on the wedding. The original scraper I need to find one lol. Ratchets I love them looking for them. USA let’s goooo

[@jimhaines8370]

Having the old catalogs helps because of obsolete tools and part numbers which help when identifying and or giving you a way to search for an old tool that maybe listed by part number only because people will list a tool by numbers but have no idea what they are mostly on Ebay. I do contact people telling them what they have or it's only a part of a tool etc. as you can tell it is listed by a Ebay store or somebody selling off estates and have no clue what they are selling often. Project Farm found out what I have the longer ratchet probably need to be non quick release as they will twist off at the anvil because of the hole in the center.

[@KEEPTHOSEGEARSMOVING]

If the ratchets made in USA i’ll gladly purchase one. Even if it cost more to manufacture it here, it’s 100% worth it.

[@thatrealba]

I think the current ratchet handles look good, I just don't want that handle. I'm only in the market for locking flex head with metal handle ratchets. I'd definitely buy one from VIM to try out. I have a couple of comfort grip ratchets and I absolutely hate them.

[@tennisdude103]

So I know you guys announced on this episode that the new LEPK2 is now live on your website. I searched for that new knife for this year and I have had no luck seeing it. You sure it has been uploaded to your website so it can be available for order??

[@louisferrari6634]

i want them ! Cant do it rite now but it will happen.

[@masongillespie4360]

The handle is probably the only reason I haven’t bought one.

[@JoeyB7615]

I want bigger handles..the hd handle reminds me of SO hard handle in size only..space isn't the deal when your giving it the beans

[@kellycowett6254]

I want a green grey hat like the one your partner is got on

[@victorhoyt4352]

It goes to show how cheap it must be to manufacture ratchets in the USA. Matco, a company who sources 90% of their tools from overseas manufacturers, still has their ratchets made here in the US. Now vim, another company who has 99% of their tools sourced from overseas manufacturers is planning to have ratchets manufactured in the US as well.

[@Dcervantes243]

I wasnt able to find the new knife unfortunately. Any help? Also on the usa made ratchets is there a certain size you are going for? Similar to the big tool truck brand sizes IE 5” for 1/4 drive and 8-9” for 3/8 drive?

[@joealf4550]

Has vim thought of making 3/8 impact swivel sockets

[@P46345]

My nail clippers say U.S.A. on them, so much for guarantees.

[@beyer66]

Make some flex head external torx ratcheting wrenches !!!

[@user-rb1jc6bv2e]

Are you thinking about a roto swivel ratchet? 1/4 or 3/8

[@hancockautomotive1522]

Your ratchets are awesome quality and very smooth. Awesome back drag as well. I have 1 and it came free in a deal or something. I would buy them if the handle was different honestly. The grip, in my opinion needs to be more round. Also I only buy orange and USA made when it comes to hand tools whenever possible. I’m super excited to see this new line. I watch all CP’s videos. He’s very entertaining and I respect his honest, non biased opinions.

[@dustinhalat2484]

Are your ratcheting wrench adaptors compatible with deep well wrench’s like ddf100? Could you demonstrate next week if they are?

[@aarontyrrell2931]

Just asked my Matco tool truck guy if he could get VIM tools and he said he would get me a catalogue so I could order some tools from him

[@kewdo1137]

Haaahaaaaaa love the sausage

[@Callelle6251]

CP is such a hypocrite these days "don't be afraid to tell someoene how something is", if you tell him how something is, he just blocks / bans you. I Don't like your ratchet handles, but screw CP.

[@260Jake]

Great video! Gearwrench is an Amazon sellout now. Time to put the foot on the throat and develop the VIM "Street Team" and put the nail in their coffin!

[@victorhoyt4352]

I honestly don't like the handle at all. The green is nice, although other colors would be awesome too!! I just don't like the style or the design of it. It does look like a screwdriver handle, not a comfort grip for a ratchet. I am not a fan at all of the current style and would like to see it redesigned. I would also like to see a non comfort grip version too, as i prefer no comfort grip at all.

[@jaggermurlin6343]

Is the handle the same as the wrench extender? If so I don't mind the feeling. Not plushy soft but not hard plastic. Somewhere in the middle.

[@michealcannizzo100]

I have never tried one, but the handles are a turn off for me personally, if I use a ratchet with a handle 10/10 times it’s a snap on hard handle. Fits perfect in hand not to bulky, durable and easy to clean. Most of my other ratchets have no handles. But when you come out with U.S.A. made ones those sound like more of what I’m looking for.

[@robnhannon]

I think I need to try one to give a good opinion. If you want to send me a HDRF818 I would be happy to give it a decade or so of a trial run. :)

[@dylcar]

I say keep the handles. It’s something different. Might not be for everyone but then again you can’t make everyone happy.

[@johnbailey9682]

Are you going to make a 3/8 drive extendable like the 1/2 drive ?

[@12monkey57]

The handles are a little odd… I thought you would have went with a little slimmer handle