Best Ratchet? ICON vs Snap On, GearWrench, SK Tools, Mac Tools, Wera, Zero Degree, Milwaukee, Kobalt

17 Brands: Mac Tools, Snap On, SK Tools, Wera, Icon Pro, JH Williams, Tekton, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Zero Degree, Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt, SATA, ARES, Harbor Freight Pittsburgh, Performance Tool. Ratchets compared for working arc swing, ratchet back drag, size, weight, directional lever performance, and failure load. I purchased all the ratchets and supplies used to test the ratchets. So, thank you for supporting the channel.
➡ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships:
/ @projectfarm
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➡ An easy way to find past videos along with products tested: bit.ly/2FCrBpk A big thanks to Jim for putting this together.
➡ Merch: project-farm.com
➡ Click here if you'd like to subscribe: / @projectfarm
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
GearWrench: amzn.to/3AS10xN
SATA: amzn.to/3wVM0O4
SK Tools: amzn.to/3TLVV2v
Wera: amzn.to/3L4TSTv
Williams: amzn.to/3Bc5gZd
Tekton: amzn.to/3cNDx90
DeWalt: amzn.to/3Di7DfJ
Husky: amzn.to/3Qobbj8
ARES: amzn.to/3cMG6YX
Craftsman: amzn.to/3TO0Wrc
Performance Tool: amzn.to/3AQXHa6
Zero Degree: Available at Home Depot
Harbor Freght Icon: Available at Harbor Freight
Snap On: Available at the Snap On Website
Mac Tools: Available at the Mac Tools Website
Kobalt: Available at Lowes
Milwaukee: Available at Home Depot
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/3Ca0ZVN
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[@ProjectFarm]

Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you! GearWrench: amzn.to/3AS10xN SATA: amzn.to/3wVM0O4 SK Tools: amzn.to/3TLVV2v Wera: amzn.to/3L4TSTv Williams: amzn.to/3Bc5gZd Tekton: amzn.to/3cNDx90 DeWalt: amzn.to/3Di7DfJ Husky: amzn.to/3Qobbj8 ARES: amzn.to/3cMG6YX Craftsman: amzn.to/3TO0Wrc Performance Tool: amzn.to/3AQXHa6 Zero Degree: Available at Home Depot Harbor Freght Icon: Available at Harbor Freight Snap On: Available at the Snap On Website Mac Tools: Available at the Mac Tools Website Kobalt: Available at Lowes Milwaukee: Available at Home Depot

[@ProjectFarm]

Please let me know if there's interest in a round 2 video to include more ratchets that I missed in this episode. So far, I've added Gearwrench XP120, Snap On's zero tooth, Stanley, Ko-Ken. Looking forward to your suggestions!

[@shelby.daytona6890]

Matco...

[@DylanJamesOfficial]

Would you think it worthy doing specifically stubby style ratchets?

[@howardosborne8647]

Facom brand would be interesting to add as they are pitched in the same pro use arena as Snap-On

[@Keifsanderson]

Hazet, Gedore, Stahwille

[@kittytrail]

thanks, the Ko-ken ones, classic, Z-eal 36t and Z-eal 72t would be great as would the germans high tooth count ones from the usual suspects, Gedore, Hazet, Stahlwille. Matador Z90 would be great too along with some of the latest Facom/UDAG ones. 😉 and Wright tools of course! 😽

[@UpdogGolf]

I can't get over how good these videos are, no bullshit, no sales, no filler. Just straight to the action and showing us what we want to know. Please keep this format forever.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@jtoker9758]

Dude has one of the best channels on youtube. And what I love the most about it is, he hasn't (not on videos that I've seen) not once asked for people to like or subscribe to his channel. It gets very annoying when youtubers keep saying that shit in their videos, like we don't know to fuckin do that.

[@BushMaster-y3o]

.

[@austinmccutcheon3270]

@@ProjectFarm have you ever thought about comparing tool boxes? Though it would be expensive video to produce, I feel it would be substantially popular among your audience. I am talking comparisons between: Snap-On, Mac, Cornwell, Matco, Icon, US General, Proto, Extreme Tools. Specifically, Mechanics tool boxes. See who really is the best when the dust clears. Really put them to the test: Weight in the drawers, weight on the tops, diagonal pressure (to see how square the box stays), caster tests over rough floors, paint mil thicknesses, internal construction, drawer slide construction, etc, etc, etc. This would be such a great video to see on KZbin and would really spell out what manufacture really is the best. Potentially pushing the brands to address their weak areas. Something I have been thinking about and wanted to pitch to you. Thank you for the great videos!

[@anarchyamp]

Agreed

[@mcmillinjustin]

What you're doing for the consumer is so underrated. So much good comes from your videos. Please never stop

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@Noname-vg2tr]

@Project Farm you guys are the go to for me in terms of honest content on tools.

[@ihatejustin500]

@@ProjectFarm ever thought about doing a spray lube comparison video using different types? petroleum based, silicone based, teflon basted etc? i searched your videos, but didnt see one.

[@OrianIglesias]

Seriously! He's the best hands down!

[@urielseptim5195]

@@ProjectFarm hey project farm! I recently bought 2 duralast, ratcheting, multi size box wrenches. They lasted about 2 weeks and the 7/16, and 1/2 in side started free spinning. I'd live to see a video on which brand is the best, because duralast sure isn't! Also I love your videos and they are my go to when I want a quality tool. Keep up the great work!!

[@arnoldmunez5057]

I love how he doesn’t talk about the history of ratchet wrenches to fill time in the video, he just says here are the tests, then does the tests, great video!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@HeavyMetalConcepts]

The ability of this channel to consistently be a such a quality diamond in the rough on KZbin is nothing short of remarkable. Among a sea of videos full of fluff and filler on KZbin, these videos on Project Farm are the most authentic actual real world review of products I have ever seen. Every time. Kudos to all the work you put in, and to all the attention to detail. It doesnt go unnoticed.

[@Bhpfire]

Yep by for the best, I wish he would test everything lol

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Comments like yours mean so much to me and keep me motivated!!!! So, thank you.

[@HeavyMetalConcepts]

@@ProjectFarm Any time. Glad to hear it

[@matthewadkins9810]

I've based so many tool and product purchases off these videos, it's almost ridiculous! Happy with my purchase every time though!

[@orijimi]

The idiom you're looking for is hidden gem.

[@terrysherman8646]

As someone who works in the automotive industry and maintains my own cars, your channel has been invaluable. I have choosen products and tools based on at least 2 dozen of your videos. Thank you for everything you do.

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome! Thanks!

[@klwarhouse]

Same here, so much time saved not buying junk.

[@Ta2dwitetrash]

Never stop making these videos. There will never be a time I wouldn't need them. Thanks for what you do bud!

[@ProjectFarm]

Comments like yours mean so much to me and keep me motivated!!! So, thank you!!

[@supabiscuit]

Agreed 💯..... This is my go-to channel for reference whenever buying anything. Just today I had to reference his black trim restore video to decide what product would work best. 5* channel

[@bixby9797]

These video's of tools guys and gals actually use from screwdrivers to oil are invaluable. I have a toolbox full of stuff that came from these. When buying a new tool like a wrench, screwdriver or ratchet this is the first place I go to get the down and dirty test.

[@DoubleJThe]

Once you're dead you won't need them, maybe he can do one on caskets when we all start getting old!

[@rj6260]

My research starts and stops with this channel!

[@Enlowra]

I just started working as a tech in a motor sports shop. The Pittsburgh pro composite ratchet is the go-to for battery terminal bolts at the shop, so you don't risk frying something in a brand new side by side

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@sharpiemarkeramanda]

I looked for this comment- I don’t think it needs to be technically very good, it just needs to work good enough for this single task. I use my 1/4 drive Pittsburg pro composite multiple times a week for this job as an aircraft mechanic!!! It’s perfectly fine, doesn’t feel really bad, and works!!

[@Farmfield]

The complete lack of BS in these videos is impressive. Just straight to the point. Amazing, as usual. 😁👌

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!!

[@shanew7361]

To bad politics isn't this honest

[@EdwardDowllar]

2nd!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

You could say its "very impressive!"

[@Kilo5910420]

Absolutely hit the nail on the head with that one. Nobody wants a 5min intro

[@astang1072]

My dad was a snap-on dealer in the 80’s, before I was born, and he built up a shop’s worth of snap-on ratchets and wrenches and sockets, etc. He then spent another 15 years as a pro mechanic. Over 30 years later we’re still using them at the home shop.

[@ProjectFarm]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

[@GaryAppledale]

Here in the UK if you took your car to a garage for repairs and it wasn't Snap On everywhere you'd be alarmed.

[@ACoustaDC]

@@GaryAppledale I would be scared of the bill I would get :)

[@mmholling87]

@@ACoustaDC it's pretty simple...then work on your own car

[@EmeryJude]

My uncle opened a mechanic shop in the 80's. Growing up I never heard so many F-Words as I did on the days the Snap On truck rolled up! Every week, same dance.

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

30 year mechanic and blown away by the thought you put into testing. Great job!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@sandradoppler]

it hurts to see tools being destroyed but these tests are needed great video

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@IDIturboDiesel]

Rebuild kits are available for some of them.

[@jdmforever5583]

Most of these have a lifetime warranty😉

[@ILIK3HATERZ]

It’s made in China it’s gonna break at some point!

[@B_COOPER]

It’s just like a car crash test, but for tools!

[@MakersArs]

Many of my tools were picked out by going through your videos and looking for the characteristics I valued most. Most recently I switch my work jeans to wrangler because of the abrasion resistance and price! Videos are a working man's treasure!

[@adamjames1375]

They have a line called Riggs, which are canvas/duck of different weights & styles that are also very good.

[@yoyoma2026]

I wear wranglers because they were the only brand that fit me (I have huge legs).

[@Steven-gv1ke]

I purchased the Tractor Supply brand jeans because we are in Texas and I could never find jeans that would breath and it's miserable wearing jeans that don't breathe in Texas. The Tractor supply brand was the most breathable and did fairly well in his other tests too.

[@privacyvalued4134]

Yup. I've been a huge Wrangler jeans fan for years. I buy 7-8 pairs of their relaxed fit denim jeans through their website since stores don't carry my size, wear them out after several years, and then buy some more. They hold up under abuse and are quite comfortable.

[@chriswise1232]

Wrangler owns like half of the denim industry

[@5714sqd]

In 1968 I purchased three socket sets from Husky, 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2. I used them daily for thirty years without a single failure. I still use all three sets after fifty plus years. A testament to US made tools. Thanks for producing this channel.

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@joeglenn1480]

Tools made back then, new ones are not the same.

[@danburrykerman6826]

@@joeglenn1480 A new smart fridge will die in about 5 years. A fridge from the 80s will outlast your great grandson in the 2130s.

[@jasonh8043]

@@danburrykerman6826 LOL ! How right you are !! I think that "rule" applies to mostly anything. My mother has a Cuisinart food processor she bought in the 70's. She uses it very often and it still works perfectly. They don't make 'em like they used to.

[@randyott2413]

And their backdrag is nill. I love the feel of their gears, very sharp and clean crisp feel.

[@todaywithtom]

I put my drink down and opened my laptop to comment how well this video was executed and produced. It was fast, to the point and each review contained the essential information for that ratchet. No nonsense and no wasting my time. Very well done sir.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@bengraham5699]

"I put my drink down and opened my laptop" wait ... you watched this video with a CLOSED laptop?? 🤨

[@computernerdinside]

@@bengraham5699 I'd assume it's similar to how my situation used to be: watching on a console, and opening my phone if I wanted to comment. I got an old Mac Mini as a HTPC and forgot that mess lol

[@AndrewSteitz]

@@bengraham5699 LOL, I did not even catch that! Maybe he was watching on his phone or smart TV and did not feel like using the clunky keyboard.

[@computernerdinside]

@Marty's 4x4 Because if watching on something like a console or smart tv or whatever, some of those have no way of commenting at all, meaning if you want to comment on the video at all, and your phone is right next to you...

[@wanglee21]

Honestly I can't thank you enough for the quick fact and example of live testings! So many other channels they can take 10-15 minutes just testing two items for one test.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@chkrbrdvans]

I’m a helicopter mechanic by trade and I have to admit my gearwrench tools work just as well as my Snap-on, SK and Proto tools. My small 1/4” gear wrench ratchet is the most used tool I have and it’s great for small spaces and the low back drag is a life saver in many areas of a helicopter.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@PartTimeYooper]

Nice hearing from a pro, who uses these types of tools daily.

[@PartTimeYooper]

@@bbaker7467 yeah old fossil....maybe if you had an old school Craftsman rachet it was decent, but I've replaced my dad's rachets at least 3 times in 15 years from moderate use.

[@belsteed6050]

I agree gearwrench ratchet are pretty fun to use for the price.. not as much as a snap on or high end bahco in my opinion... I replaced my gearwrench 3/8 ratchet for the third time this year and as of now never break a snap on proto tools or any USA tool, Armstrong. I'm not a fanboy, I don't care about brands, I just need good liable tools and gearwrench is not that if you a pro in my experience.

[@laa0fa502]

@@PartTimeYooper how old is your pops? My dad bought his back in the 80s and after 40 years on a farm and shop not one ratchet has gone "bad". I just finally laid them to rest and bought milwaukee replacements

[@red95gts]

Several years ago, I picked up a 4-pc GearWrench flex-head ratchet set on Amazon for under $100. It’s been one of the best tool purchases I’ve ever made. One thing to add is that the GearWrench is easily rebuildable in the event the gear/pawl begins to slip.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jhitt79]

I have a set of the gearwrench 120 xp flex head ratchets. Love them except sometimes find the handles too long.

[@rburns562]

I have the same set. I absolutely love them to death. They are my go to ratchet for everything. I just used them today on an exhaust system.

[@rigohuerta1844]

Yup, I have a 120xp flex head ratchet that I bought because it was on sale as a set or something. I pass over the SO and Carlyle ratchets to reach the Gear wrench because it's just more pleasant to work with; something I didn't expect.

[@bobothewood9628]

Same here and I love it:)

[@lukesworkshop5371]

The back drag is something i have never thought about and at the same time brings so much frustration when you have your arm snaked through an engine bay trying to get a bolt to tighten down or loosen and it keep spinning with the ratchet both ways. Again just a very well done review with the information at the front for the consumers. Thank You,

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@brandonlink6568]

I guess I've never really paid any mind to backdrag, my ratchets are the older Husky ones with a knurled ring on top you can hold to stop it from turning backwards. I usually just spin it with my fingers instead of turning the ratchet when something is loose enough anyways.

[@byloyuripka9624]

koken l160 ratchet would destroy any others in this respect! and their old style (not the zeal) extensions are a great pairing with the heavy knurling at the base, they also make nutgrip sockets if you are interested in retaining a fastener reaching into somewhere

[@danervin2530]

@@byloyuripka9624 Those Kokens are insane. Coming from a normal ratchet you’d think the thing wasn’t even engaged.

[@davereeves1967]

That and the arc swing have me considering adding a Zero Degree to the arsenal. The other two tests were great just to generate data, but I'm not putting 200+ ft-lb on a ratchet so that doesn't much matter to me.

[@bigdog440sp]

I stopped losing tools when i started buying gearwrench stuff, watching my now favorite rachet be a consistent goat makes me feel validated. The Mighty 90T for the win, never missed a podium.

[@TapeDeSpencer]

My mom bought me a set of gear wrenches ratcheting wrenches years ago still have every original one. I’m considering buying a bunch of their tools before they go up in price seeing how well they perform in the tests lol.

[@srwurgler]

I’m a huge milwaukee guy but gearwrench is definitely a goat in the hand tool category. Would much rather spend my money with them than any of the big 4 (snap on, matco, mac, cornwell)

[@bigdog440sp]

@@srwurgler I will say my Milwaukee 1/2 gun is one of the best investments I've ever made

[@benjaminmayfield6954]

@@bigdog440sp agreed but hand tool wise it’s very hard to beat Gearwrench. Huge bang for your buck whereas power tools Milwaukee reigns king

[@kevinhendley8524]

Yep. I’m almost all Huskey and gear wrench. Love how it hangs with tools 2x more expensive. Power tools are Milwaukee for sure

[@craigr6186]

I love that you always come up with real world situation tests. The back drag test is something manufacturers should pay attention to.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@Logan-dk8of]

having lots of back drag is also very annoying after wrenching for a few hours, starts to give you carpal tunnel, especially if the center of gravity for the wrench is further down the handle since when the bolt is already loose you're usually putting your hand on the head of the ratchet so you can loosen it faster. I have a ratchet that came with a tool set that has different drive sizes on each end so when using the 3/8" drive the end is very heavy since it has the 1/2" drive on the end of the handle, so I never really use it at home I just keep it in my car so if I need it on the road I only have to bring 1 ratchet with

[@aafreas2000]

I own the gearwrench and have been professionally using for around 5 months. It us a fantastic ratchet but the recess on the drive when using larger sockets make it easy for a socket to pop off, especially when the drive end of the socket is recessed. Overall, it has been one of my favorite ratchets to use and i always find myself reaching for itn

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mattcrook4978]

I truly can't thank you enough for all your videos. You've saved millions of people hundreds of dollars. You're an absolute asset to every diy'er and tradesman that watches. We love what you do!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@RedfishCarolina]

My man, you are not the hero we want, but you are the hero we need. Actually, no, you're exactly the hero we want. Please never stop. You are my #1 favorite human on KZbin and you definitely deserve it.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@jdaniel11405822]

As a heavy equipment mechanic I have bought a lot of ratchets over the years and I do have to agree that gear wrench has been my best purchase so far that have lasted me the longest. Their sockets are pretty good as well.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@benthemusicalchemist]

I'm looking at finally buying a real socket set. The video has me thinking that I should go with gearwrench, but now I'm sold.

[@joejoe5418]

I used to only buy snap on but I stopped and recently started getting into gear wrench definitely not disappointed

[@FrederickLeonard-h1i]

Really appreciate hearing from the man who earns his paycheck by using the product and vouching for it. Very well represented, and speaks for the brand by itself. Thank you.

[@Scrubworks]

The ease of direction change for me is actually a disadvantage. One thing you don't want when your ratchet is deep in an engine bay is the lever brushing against something and changing direction. Splendid testing as always. I wish I had the money to dump a load of European market ratchets on you to test.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.

[@92Pony]

I had that same thought. For that one feature, I think something middle-of-the-pack might be a best bet.

[@debtminer4976]

Had the same thought, but then again, that's why I have multiple ratchets. Sometimes the modern clicky finesse is handy, sometimes you go for the solid war horse that takes a gamers thumb to switch on/off.

[@fisqual]

I agree with your logic but for instance, the change lever on the gearwrench is more recessed when compared to many of the others which really helps. I very rarely find my gearwrench ratchets switching direction when I don't want them to but my mobile set for instance is Kobalt and those little buggers are constantly switching when they shouldn't!

[@immikeurnot]

Yep. Force needed to change direction needs to be balance with the profile of the lever. All said and done, I've always got something nearby like my keys or a pocket screwdriver that I can use to change direction if my hands are too greasy to manage.

[@mrtominboulder]

Although I rarely comment on KZbin videos, your videos are super valuable and I really appreciate the effort that you and your team put into these things. Congratulations on a great business that you’ve created. Thank you - Tom

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@Lray4x4]

I figured Gear Wrench would do well, I have 7-8 of their ratchets that I have used for years without a single failure.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@cripplecreeksawmill]

Just a suggestion for a different fixture for future ratchet videos. Most mechanics are less worried about how many pulls it takes to make a full 360 versus the space needed to make the ratchet pawl "click" once on the ratchet wheel in order to reset. That radius (or arc segment distance )is very important to determine how small a space It takes for the ratchet to reset to even be useful/usable. Your current setup incporates the thickness of the handle, and that is perfect for the "reset-space-needed" fixture. Keep up the good work! -Andy

[@pomprocks]

A wrench that clicks sooner will beat other wrenches in the 360 degree test assuming their handles aren't badly limiting their movement.

[@cripplecreeksawmill]

@@pomprocks not necessarily. it's predicated on the amount of unused distance between the last/previous click and the "second/final" wall of the fixture. The sum of all that unused distance adds "additional pulls" to the 360 degree total, but doesn't fully-indicate which ratchet-wheel has the finest "pawl-tooth-pitch". The tooth pitch combined with the width of the wrench handle itself determines the "arc-reset segment distance", and the current fixture doesn't show that particular value. I only know this stuff because it's been my job for the last 20-plus years as a machinist who specializes in custom-machine builds. And it's small pieces like this that make or break the efficiency of a given build. -Andy

[@howardosborne8647]

4 degrees per 'click' equates to 90 teeth on the drive wheel and 5 degrees =72 'clicks' . I have owned a set of Irimo ratchets in 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" since 1987 and they have stood up exceptionally well for many years of hard use. The Irimo ratchets I have are a licensed copy of a Facom 5 degree ratchet design.

[@cripplecreeksawmill]

@@pomprocks to extrapolate and make it easier to understand: if a super coarse ratchet only had 12 teeth, and perfectly reset when it hit the second wall of the fixture, it would need 12 pulls to make a circle. If a ratchet wheel that has 28 teeth (much finer) would only reset twice (every12.8 degrees) and leave approximately 5 degrees of unused space for each pull. And take more pulls than the coarser 12 tooth ratchet.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@IamBlueDragon_]

Wow, I don’t normally comment on videos but your videos are exceptional, I’m gobsmacked by the amount of time and efforts you put in to make your videos. Thank you for your public service.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@chiparooo]

I own several GearWrench ratchets and really like them. Cool to see these tests. Thanks for sharing!

[@BlackDynamite901]

Yeah this has me interested in there brand. Great results

[@timf2279]

Where do you purchase them?

[@christopher01221]

@@timf2279 Home Depot has it online

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@timf2279]

@@christopher01221 Thank you I have not bought this brand before.

[@peteschiavoni]

Great test. I’ve always used Mac and Snap On professionally. Some are still going after 30 plus years. Now for home I use Milwaukee and keep the others in garage for car work. Love these tests!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for sharing.

[@lurkalisk]

I've gotta say, I like a directional switch that takes more pressure. For me, it's far more common for cheap, easy switches to flip by accident in tight spaces than it is for me to get frustrated by a switch needing a little extra pressure.

[@peshealy]

I have a couple ratchets that are easy to switch and let the ratchet freewheel if you aren't careful. That's dangerous esp. if you don't check.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for sharing!

[@802Garage]

Much same. I absolutely hate it when I work my hand and ratchet into a tight space and the lever has barely been touched and flipped back to reverse. A slightly stiff action with a good detent is much better. Also wish more companies would make small indents for the lever to sit in so it was mostly flush.

[@MrSGL21]

agreed.

[@johanea]

Fully agree, and even worse if the switch is exposed / protruding more then necessary.

[@Mr.Wednesday.]

I can’t believe I just discovered this absolute legend, my mind is actually blown at the ZERO waste of my time quality of this video!!! This can’t be KZbin, I feel like I should be paying for this content because it’s worth it all day long

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@gigglemeowreviewsandtechti425]

I recommend subscribing. He puts out a lot of good videos. Always shows his methodology too which I really appreciate.

[@Mr.Wednesday.]

@@gigglemeowreviewsandtechti425 oh, my guy… I’m subscribed, I’m putting this channel and top 10 tier overall quality, there’s probably only a few dozen channels occupying the top 10 space on YT, out of 38 million active channels. Anybody that wants to live a functional frugal life needs to sub to this absolute ninja of a man.

[@topbuilder3790]

I'm pretty sure he never sleeps.

[@zinithmora67]

Any tools that have warranties, an additional category that would be helpful is to see how hard it is to get them replaced. I realize this might add a considerable amount of time to tests and reviews, however i have found that many "lifetime" warranties only last until i leave the store. Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do!

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Or until that company gets bought out … usually by Stanley. Who now owns Sidchrome. Who asked me for a receipt. For a tool I bought in 1987 🙄 Some brands ABW they don’t even acknowledge. If your tool shop takes pity on you & just swaps one off the shelf the replacement you get is just chinesium junk.

[@austinhowze6280]

Email tekton attached pictures of tool and failure points and they send new or parts to repair

[@johnmaynard4725]

I’ve used my MAC ratchet for roughly 30yrs. One of the screws fell out of the head and was lost. They sent me a complete rebuild kit at no cost and the only question they ask is “ where do we ship it”. Money well spent!

[@coytus94]

@@austinhowze6280 I've heard that they're really good about doing that, however I still think that Harbor Freight's warranty is gonna be hard to beat. They'll just give you a new one right on the spot as long as they can verify the tool is a lifetime warranty brand of theirs. Quick easy swap out that can all be done same day if you need the tool in a hurry.

[@Nova-1977]

Thank you for a great comparison .I’ve been a mechanic for 55 years and still at it . always had snap on tools until Icon came out I feel they are very close to snap on and for the money they can’t be beat . The Pittsburg tools are great for out of the shop on site if something gets lost oh well .

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.

[@Formerlywarmer]

You are an invaluable resource to all us DIY guys. Keep up the great work you do presenting unbiased test results of non-sponsored tools and products. 😎

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do! That means a lot to me!

[@The_real_dylan]

I switched over to all gearwrench ratchets years ago. So smooth, small and durable. Thanks for validating the decision!

[@nonicknamenn2834]

I used their ratcheting flex head wrenches and definitely abused them. Still going strong in the shop years later

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@natemoothart6967]

I have many of their ratcheting end wrenches and they're fantastic, this makes me want to grab up some of their ratchet handles now too!

[@Chippy569]

mine are 120XP, hopefully that series can get a test in the future.

[@wilstarling317]

I'd love to see you test the Gearwrench 120XP line. That is my daily driver in all size ranges as a full time mechanic. It's such a great ratchet. I was definitely surprised how standout even the 90 was to all the others!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

120XP ratchets are probably the best and most advanced design currently. Genius to use a tougher 60 tooth anvil and use double pawls with offset engagement to get 120 teeth engagement. Thus larger teeth for a much stronger longer-lasting ratchet.

[@anchorsaweigh9893]

@@wngimageanddesign9546 Gearwrench is very underrated tool company. They have become more expensive over these last 10-12 years but otherwise solid.

[@adamd1590]

Also Armstrong, now owned by gearwrench

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

My $12 Popular Mechanics 3/8ths swivel-head ratchet w/12in handle, that I bought at Walmart 25yrs ago and have used quite a bit at work, has been trouble free for 25yrs. It's design is like the MAC. It probably could use a rebuild kit to tighten up the backlash but it's not jumping any teeth yet and the swivel-head detent and wrist-pin are still Gudentite.

[@Tifford1]

Bought gearwrench 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch rachets based on this video. Thank You for your time, your directness and most importantly, your honesty.

[@ProjectFarm]

Nice! You are welcome!

[@treyhart6861]

And for part 2, we test their "lifetime warranty" claims process! 🤣 Have you tested their socket sets? Very nice tests, and very telling of the durability of the premium brands.

[@timf2279]

That's a great idea take them back for a refund and see how the process works.

[@Fulleman]

All in, perfect suggestion

[@tylerschoulte7513]

Please do a warranty video! Maybe not for these angle-grinder opened wrenches, but for just simply broken ones, see how easy and fast it is to get a replacement!

[@swisswildpicsswp3095]

What a great idea!

[@shanew7361]

I use the GearWrench sockets no issues thus far.

[@antoniok52]

Surprised that we didn’t see matco and ko-ken thrown in the mix, as well as craftsman USA and 120 tooth gearwrench. Nonetheless, awesome video. I use a snap on and the feeling on it is just so smooth, I still don’t think it was worth $140.

[@ProjectFarm]

Added those to my list for round 2. Thank you

[@charliesullivan4304]

@@ProjectFarm also a modern full size craftsman. But the gear wrench won this so clearly at a modest price that I doubt much will change in round 2. I like the letter grade summary, very helpful.

[@boltthrower3215]

Even the ko-ken 36 tooth z-series is smoother than everything else on the planet…they also beat snap-on in regard of strength. Stahlwille is another high-end candidate

[@SomeGuysGarage]

The Matco's are the same as the Gearwrench, both Apex tools, you can swap the guts between them.

[@rob2257]

Yeah they're expensive, but my Snap On has never tried to assassinate my knuckles. . . Older I get the more I'm willing to pay for tools that do less damage to my body.

[@BroMark1611]

Outstanding video. Spent 52 years holding many different brands. Was a Snap-On guy, but was always surprisingly impressed with less expensive brands that outperformed in some of the categories shown. The technicians today are blessed by these videos because tool purchases were always an argument with the wife when I needed budget money to pay the weekly Snap-On tool man visit. Of course many of these ratchets didn't exist in my earlier career. I felt like a traitor when I started acquiring Gearwrench as add on tools that became favorites. I don't even feel right saying that. Just years of loyalty to Snap-On seeping through.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for sharing.

[@whatsit2ya247]

I spent 30+ years buying off tool trucks also, now retired I have on big drawer dedicated to broken tool truck junk because the truck doesn't come to my house. Question, what do you do with all your broken tools that came from trucks?

[@j3en534]

Love my snap on tools but no denying the tektons don’t do an awesome job too

[@rupe53]

@@whatsit2ya247 ... 3 years retired and the last decade of working was a small fleet WITHOUT a regular tool truck. I always left my broken stuff with a friend in another shop where the trucks still came in. (Mac and Snap-On) I have tools that are 40+ years old and I usually have to wait for parts because they are not in stock.

[@rupe53]

I bought mostly Snap-On back in the 70s then started learning some of the others were of similar quality but half the price.... or less. I have to say, the SK kit I bought at 15 years old has never had a broken part, while my Snap-On rachet (same era) has been rebuilt every dozen years or so. OTOH, I probably use it a bit more.

[@balicrimechannel8143]

I just went looking for a ratchet on Amazon and after getting bewildered by so many choices, I saw lots of reviews next to a Gear Wrench one that said "I bought this because of the Project Farm KZbin video". That's how much of a gold standard these tests have become. Thanks so much for doing these videos; we'd be clueless without you!

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@user-pn5zo4km3l]

Good to see I picked correctly! My dad really wanted a complete socket/ratchet set instead of a random assortment of sockets rolling around in a drawer. So after some research I ordered the GearWrench and a Tekton set and ended up keeping the GearWrench set to give to him after some hands on time. Pretty affordable considering the quality!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@realityhurts8090]

Gearwrench should pay this gentleman for best advertising video on their tool I can only imagine how many sales they got and will be getting

[@Liquid9360]

The backdrag pressure test was phenomenal. Never thought about it and assumed it was standard across all ratchets. Your videos are amazing and in a league no one on youtube are able to meet. Well done👊🏾👊🏾

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@juicedcoupe]

As a side note. Ratchets with release buttons are helpful in situations like that. You can apply pressure to the release button to hold the drive in place as the handle is moved. If that doesn't work, there is always twist ratchets. While not something you'll use often, they'll definitely get you out of a bind.

[@Bmr4life]

Agreed

[@johna.a.9829]

THIS was worth watching. Informative without a lot of background fluff. I'm amazed as to how well the Gearwrench performed, blowing past the SK, Snap-on, etc. Performance AND value. Thank you for taking the time to give us mechanics information that is actually useful.

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@brians7604]

gearwrench is crap bro

[@absolutez3r019]

@@brians7604 obviously not though. It performed just as good as the wildly overpriced Snap-on

[@TheHappyKamper]

I just bought a Gearwrench ratchet set on sale at 50% off. Glad to know it's a decent brand at a reasonable price. Thanks for all your work!

[@martinschuessler1936]

Another great test as always - thanks! I bought the SATA earlier this year after watching some other wrench reviews. The failure load is not something that I would consider the top priority, because you're not going to generate that sort of torque by hand. When a nut/bolt/whatever is stuck so hard that you need to use a pipe extension, then the difference between failure at 250 and 300 lb-ft is pretty minimal. This test mirrors the others that I've seen but I was not previously aware of the importance of backdrag - thanks for including that test!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jdamage5002]

HUH? All my rachets come with braker bars.. LOL

[@mrcryptozoic817]

Indeed..if i need that much torque,I use a breaker bar. That's what they're for. Otherwise The test is terrific and very helpful. Suggestion: include 1950s tools (if your not testing to destruction.)

[@raoulrr]

I second this. I've never bent/broken a ratchet handle in my life. I guess I COULD use a 1/4 drive with adapters to take off truck lugnuts.. LOL

[@martinschuessler1936]

As good as the Gear wrench is otherwise: the handle bending is an actual concern. None of the others did that.

[@sagould775]

As an occasional user, I have always been dissatisfied by my choice of ratchets, but it was not worth it to buy something else, as really can't tell by what I eventually dislike by just looking at them. This way I could prioritize by function, so much for the breakdown by function. It helped immensely.

[@ruralidiot5533]

I remember when Gear Wrench came on the market. I decided one day to buy their ratchet wrenches and try them out. I haven’t had any problems with them to this day. My hand tool collection vary from brand to brand. I’ve got Craftsman, Gear Wrench, Williams, SK, Stanley, Snap On, and some others.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@dieseldabz7104]

They aren't what they were when they first hit the industry now unfortunately and some are just rebranded junk and terrible warranty as well. I won't EVER buy another set of their ratcheting wrenches as every set had stripped out in no time at all. Absolutely trash imo..

[@stanley3803]

@@dieseldabz7104 I think you had a knock off brother. I mean did you watch the video? My GW 3/8s issue free over the years. It's a solid brand. Imo . Just as long as it's not a knock off. It's not the best, but it's far from trash.

[@NONO-hz4vo]

@@dieseldabz7104 They are definitely not the same. Personally I don't feel like the new ones are as think and durable as the older models. Would be nice to see someone like PF test them. Would have to get a new set of old ones (NOS New Old Stock) to be fair. Can't really compare one out of the box to one that has 10 yrs of use.

[@carson2000_]

I have that Milwaukee ratchet that I got with a 3/8ths drive socket set and I love it, it's strong and easy to use, and it fits in a lot of places. I highly recommend it, it's served me well.

[@georgedavall9449]

Yeah buddy !!!!!!

[@tessierrr]

Really impressed with the zero degree one, was expecting it to be alot weaker 👍

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@rekaksky]

Again, and again... Project Farm never fails to amaze me on how he does a methodological approach on evaluating his reviews! Thank you, Sir! Keep up the good job!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do!

[@Plexico41522]

I think if you had tested 1/2 inch drive we’d seen more gear failures before the drives, it would have interesting to see too how many of them still operated smoothly after being put under a big load seems like for these 3/8 drives 250 ft/lbs would be a good load to take the ratchet too and see if it still operates smooth after.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@thomasmogensen1]

Yes 1/2 inch would be nice 2 see in these conditions 👍🏻👍🏻

[@bravobrk]

I actually like the test of the 3/8. The test shows the limits of the smaller size ratchet. If i'm using the 1/2 with a cheater bar i'm assuming the worst and that the ratchet will not survive.

[@jesterr7133]

I have Icon Pro, Craftsman, and Husky ratchets. The Icon Pro is my go to. I knew it wouldn't perform very well on the backdrag test, but I'm pretty happy with it overall. It does what I need it to do.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@richardpowers7231]

I've been waiting a long time for this test, thank you so much for all of your time, money, patience and research to make this happen!

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@danfay4860]

I’ve been using Snap on ratchets for almost 30 years and have been happy with them. I’m very impressed with the gear wrench 🤔I may have to pick some up and put them to the test

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mikedrake5738]

Thanks for another great video Todd. I use the Gearwrench 3/8 ratchet nearly 80% of the time and it has not let me down. Your channel has grown so much and I hope you continue to expand. Thanks for everything you do!

[@ProjectFarm]

My pleasure!

[@jarrettb.7302]

I have personal experience with the gear wrench. I put an impact on the end of it one time and stripped the teeth out. The impact was 250+ foot pounds of torque. It’s a good ratchet. Plus that life-time warranty is great. Matco man warrantied it for me.

[@AndrewSmith-km6zb]

Gear wrench has been stepping up their game lately! Quality American tools have some stiff competition. I love snap on and have a lot of them, but I'd have a hard time shelling out 6x the price for something that is now outdone by chinesium. Snap on needs to get with the program, and somehow drop their crazy prices. It has sadly become a status symbol rather than the best you can buy. I'd be running scared if i were them. Great video!!!

[@ChasePhilport]

I'm in the same boat. Gear wrench is excellent quality and has an excellent warranty. I have a good amount of snap on tools but from now on buy gear wrench. They are made in taiwan, not china. I think the difference there is notable. China sucks. Taiwan doesn't.

[@veloh]

@@ChasePhilportthat statement has no merit, to say that China's junk and Taiwan's isn't is just blatant, I have M14 clone made by Norinco that is far superior to the USA M14/M1A, it all just depends, have to agree that Taiwan makes good tools

[@edifyguy]

@@veloh He's not saying the tools China makes are all terrible, but the country itself is terrible. Taiwan is a wonderful little country. I can say that with confidence because I've been there.

[@longrider188]

@@veloh, it's not a question of the quality of the tool, it's a question of if you want to give your money to a communist country that is set on global domination or not.

[@flipflat4814]

@@ChasePhilport Glad you realize the difference between Chinese quality and Taiwanese quality. For instance folding pocket knives made in Taiwan are almost always better than folding pocket knives made in China. Not just in the tolerances and fit and finish, but also they pay more attention to the heat treatment process. In general the quality control is a higher standard overall.

[@74stang2togo]

I own several of the ratchets in this test, and the Gearwrench really is that much better for your money in real-world use.

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Yeah especially when you ‘need’ something a bit fancy just to make things easier. Like a 120 tooth flex head.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@alb12345672]

@@TheLexiconDevils I won't start a car repair without my gear wrench passthrough ratchets.

[@wtmayhew]

Thanks for testing back drag. It is so frustrating to be wrenching in a tight space and watching the nut or bolt head just rock back and forth!

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@gwong940]

Thank you so much for this video, Todd! I was long overdue for new ratchets, my Craftsmans are over 25 years old, and they weren't the nice ones to begin with. I got the Gearwrench set with all 3 sizes, and they are soooo nice! This will definitely make my work easier, and I can't believe I didn't do this earlier!

[@jwhiteker1]

I've recently realized how bad and sloppy my craftsman ratchets are. Except possibly my really old VV 1/2" dr. Time to upgrade to at least 90t ratchets.

[@jameswiebe3619]

I would love to see a 1/4" ratchet test. They are usually used in tight spots and a poor ratchet is infuriating

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@huzayfah]

In particular the Chapman ratchet is one I'd love to see tested

[@MrZenapher]

Titan 1/4 swiveling head they sell them at Autozone, amazing ratchet

[@jakethetool698]

I use my flex head quarter drive, more than any other tool, and there’s much to be said about long term durability

[@cletustollery6914]

Don't be brand loyal. My long handle 1/4" is snap-on fine tooth, my stubby is an old school sk and my every grab is proto that I've wrenched with for decades!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

I've got a set of GearWrench ratcheting box-end wrenches. Super fine tooth action, and I've loaded them up to where I was expecting them to break, and NONE have broken yet! Been using them professionally for 4 years now. Can't go wrong! Sure beats Snap-On at $500 for a similar set! I paid $90 on sale when Sears was closing!

[@bignickmetro]

i love the ratcheting wrenches, i use these more than almost any other tool

[@METALfanUSMC]

I'm a mechanic in the oilfield. The ICON line has been impressing me, although most guys run MAC or Snap-On the ICON tools work really nice! Awesome review and test!

[@tolow16]

I agree been using Icon ratchets and sockets for couple years now and they work wonderful. Did break a 3/8 ratchet but was using a cheater pipe on it but I took it in at HF and swap it out in 2 mins. Walk in lifetime warranty really sold me on them.

[@METALfanUSMC]

@@tolow16 Yes. That warranty as well has really been nice, too. 👍

[@gynn4622]

All my ICONs are very similar to my snap on and gearwrench. What makes the ICON better for me is the warranty compared to the others.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@colchronic]

Ive been using a gearwrench 120xp long handle 1/2 as a ratcheting breaker bar for years and its been PHENOMENAL. I actually prefer the 120xp over the 90 tooth but the 90 tooth is supposed to be stronger

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@michaelwright1602]

I own around a dozen of the 120XP ratchets, all sizes, never an issue with any of them. And love the 120 tooth count. I have given more than a few as gifts.

[@Tosh.O]

i've broken the drive off my snap on 1/2 ratchet too many times to count lol

[@michaelwright1602]

@@Tosh.O I did not think that was possible? LOL!

[@colchronic]

@@michaelwright1602 It actually doesn't have 120 teeth It has 60 teeth but it has alternating pawls

[@geoffstrickler]

IIRC, SAE spec for 3/8” drive is right around 200 ft-lb. I might not remember correctly, but that would be consistent with all of these (except Performance Tool) failing in the 200-300 ft-lb range. Again, off the top of my head, 1/4” drive is ~95 ft-lb, and 1/2” is around 400 ft-lb

[@WildDisaster]

Nice test, however the easiness to switch from On and Off is actually a detriment, in my experience. Using ratchets in tight quarters, dropping ratchets or having them slip and needing to reseat them becomes frustrating if the switch is easier to move. This becomes moreso an issue when you have to use the ratchet blindly and have to rely on feel alone. Every ratchet that I've owned which has a firmer switch never experiences these issue. Just my 2 cents.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.

[@murrayspiffy2815]

That was my thought too - I hate when the direction switches with a brush of an outside influence. Make it harder are the ones I like.

[@klubstompers]

Yea, sloppy switch drives me crazy!! Took me an hour to remove the lower bolts on my header, due to the tight quarters hitting the switch every single turn. I threw that cheap sloppy POS in the trash, and got a 49 piece SK set, with a different ratchet than the video, the thumb wheel ratchet that comes with it is amazing, such a time saver, the sockets grip like no other, and i am supporting US workers.

[@emerkamp1]

I mostly agree, but something too hard to switch ( Like that Crapsman ) can be just as nasty in some situations.

[@zebedeesummers4413]

Moments like these the charts he shows us can be incredibly useful. I appreciate being able to use the data and chose what I do/don't want and how big of a deal each thing is.

[@WorkingViews]

So many to test. Ko-ken would be cool to see in the future. Great as usual. Thank you!

[@ProjectFarm]

Great recommendation! Thank you

[@removefromme]

I second the Ko-Ken recommendation. Been buying some tools from them and I'm loving them.

[@9Blu]

@@ProjectFarm If you are going shopping on Amazon Japan I'd add KTC and Nepros (KTC's high end brand) as they are both made in Japan vs Taiwan.

[@BlueXonar]

I have the Wera and am really impressed with it. I'm not surprised it didn't hold up too well in the strength test though, it is quite compact in size.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

I'm glad to see the JH Williams do very well. Priced right and Made in USA. I thought for sure that the S-K would be a stand-out. Our old, old 1/2" S-K's and Proto's were always my faves. Our newer Husky tools always seem very, very good.

[@austinwebb8986]

The new SK stuff is nothing like the old Wayne SK stuff.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@kennyboyswag]

Williams and Snap On are made on the same line in most cases

[@joeblowe7545]

Yep. JH Williams has a special place in my heart. They once had a second factory located in my hometown of Buffalo, NY. I have a ratchet given to me buy my late Dad.

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

Can we just take a second to appreciate just how well that plastic handle on the pittsburg fared in the torque test? The handle didn't break, the head didn't shear out of the plastic housing, it was the one piece of carbon steel it actually had that broke. I think that's what impressed me the most lol

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@irsever]

the pittsburgh pro teardrop is much nicer and has a longer and less bulbous handle than the one in the video. I work outside in the winter and steel tools sap your heat even through leather gloves. Plastic and wood handles are vastly preferable.

[@chewy98ta28]

I have that same ratchet. I've always like it but didn't know it was that strong. A great ratchet to have handy and you can put a lot of force on it with just the bare hand. It's main downside is you can't put the round end of a combination wrench on the handle for something that's really hard to break like you can with a round handle ratchet.

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

For sure, I bought a set when they first came out after working in an unheated hangar in winter. Any steel ratchet would suck whatever heat you had left in your hands and you'd eventually have a claw instead of a hand, so I figured that maybe plastic wouldn't be quite so bad. It felt like it had heated grips by comparison. But like Chewy says, you can't stick a big box end wrench on the end for some extra leverage, and most of the cheater pipes I had didn't fit the handles either. I was actually too afraid to try that approach anyway since I figured the plastic would snap in two long before I got any good torque out of it, but thanks to this video I certainly know better now.

[@wilkesjournal]

I never understood the shiny round chrome handle ratchets. I know that's how most of them are, but not only do they wick away body heat in the winter time, they're super slippery with just the slightest bit of grease or oil on them. Knurled handles or rubber grip handles are the only ratchets worth owning imho.

[@thisisfun887]

I’m sure someone already said this but the Mac tools was a swivel ratchet so the torque test might not have been fair for it.

[@ClericChris]

That should have never failed there. It broke in a way repairing it isn't possible. Certainly don't buy Mac breaker bars or possibly any breaker overs. It took me longer than many but eventually I accepted the days of Mac and Snap-On are over. They are only a name now. The conglomerates have killed them.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@irieman442]

I agree.. putting a pipe on a swivel head is just asking for the joint to break.

[@1pcfred]

Idiots reef on swivel drives too.

[@ClericChris]

@@bigboreracing356 Gearwrench is an American company that sources steel from Australia that's meet spec standards. Then American engineers design build and test prototypes. Then an American manufacturing engineer travels to China sets to the equipment, processes, and standards. Get materials from the same source and set up a QA/QC. Then a few Americans will stay and supervise the team of $1/day Chinese farmer that showed how to attach A to B. Test the product for quality and ship it to the US to sell. That's Made in China and they can and do consistently beat tool truck tools that have a robot attach A to B. That's the only difference between companies like Gearwrench. Tool trucks are still in business because people think Chinese clones are the same as American designs made in China where a farmer is cheaper to move a sheet of metal from 1 machine to another cheaper than a robot. Both Icon and Gearwrench are designed in the US and assembled in China. There aren't teams of engineers methodically blueprinting vibranium components in every stage at Mac as it goes through assembly.

[@MatthewPainter]

The quality of this channel is off the chart. My only complaint is that I’m not getting enough sleep because I’m watching test videos!! 🤪 What about testing digital calipers? I have a cheap one that seems to work great but every time I use it I wonder if it’s as accurate as an expensive one.

[@ProjectFarm]

lol Thanks for the suggestion.

[@timberwrightsvs480]

I purchased some pretty good gage blocks to test our digital calipers and the end result: you get what you pay for. The Mitutoyos, even the one with a 12-inch opening, proved to be the very accurate and, just as importantly, very repeatable.

[@kentgrewe4608]

As suggested you most likely will never tell. And buy a test block if your that worried. I can make a set of scales out of rope and wood that are accurate so long as I have know true weight calibration set. You guys look for reasons to blow money. If you want to fine.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Such a great channel. I also appreciate and respect the way you design your tests. It takes creativity and cleverness to come up with relevant, valid, repeatable tests to measure the appropriate variable and control for others.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@TylerHankss]

FINALLY. IVE BEEN WAITING 3 YEARS FOR THIS. THANK YOU TODD!!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@RayTheViking]

would love to see this expanded on with some more entries, for me I'd throw in Koken, Stahlwille, Tone, Proto, and KTC/Nepros.

[@legallyfree2955]

+ another vote for Nepros, would have loved to see how it compared, and I have heard of Stahlwille too so I guess a vote for that.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the video idea!

[@addicted2tools]

Dont forget matco

[@vanillaice5443]

Koken 3753SM

[@hankmcdavid722]

I wonder how many of the ratchets out of Taiwan are made in the same factory to different specs.?

[@CraigOlson]

before i buy any tool, i reference your videos. your public service to the world is important, and appreciated. much success!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@afellowinnewengland6142]

Great stuff! Definitely would like to see a round 2 with some of the best from around the world: -Nepros 90 tooth (they claim to be the world's finest hand tools) -Stahlwille 80 fine tooth -Koken Z Series 72 tooth -Hazet HiPer Fine Tooth -Cornwell 120 tooth -Proto Precision 90 tooth -King Dick 72 tooth

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@glenno1331]

@@ProjectFarm + 1 for Nepros

[@saiiiiiii1]

Koken wins backdrag, but will break early. Nepros will be in between on both tests. Hazet will be top rated for failure load, but lots of backdrag. My guesses based on the ratchets I own from them 😁

[@logmeindog]

Personally I would drop the Proto. I have a at least 8 broken Proto ratchets, about the same in no-name, and only one Snap-on. SK are still doing fine, as are Craftsman.

[@MrSupernova111]

Nepros and Koken are just on another level! Nepros ratchets looks like jewelry and are priced as such! lol

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Well, Commander, that's another TOTAL test! Looks like everything was covered that could be covered and lots more than so-called labs would do. I very seldom use 3/8ths stuff with my go-to being 1/2 or 1/4 but you know how I am. Happy early fall with leaves starting to turn and fall. I ended up getting a 925 DeWalt battery trimmer and giving the 2-cycle stuff to the son-in-law. Just too geezerish to fight with it. Happy Farming and God Bless!

[@ProjectFarm]

Hi Lewie, Thank you VERY much!! I greatly appreciate the positive feedback on the reviews. Great choice on the DeWalt battery trimmer! It's fantastic isn't it? Starts every time without a hassle and so much less noise! Always great reading your comment and wishing yall many BLESSINGS!!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Hey, Lewie! Ya know, sometimes I wonder why I have a 3/8 set.

[@kaeto]

Interesting test. It's odd how inconsistent GearWrench tools seem to be. Some of them are absolutely fantastic designs, others are... questionable. Helps to know what's what.

[@802Garage]

Multiple factories, multiple price points, multiple engineering teams, designs from different time frames, tons of factors.

[@halogod0298]

You know I basically Main gearwrench and I’ve never had an issue

[@adaycj]

Agree. Their namesake, the ratcheting combination wrench performed very poorly for me with never ending warranty claims on the switchable ratchet mechanism. Finally I was offered a zero offset, non-switching replacement set. I still haven't broken one 10 years later. It's almost like they spent all of their budget on marketing on the first design, and all of it on warranty prevention on the second.

[@dvanomaly420]

@@802Garage Seems to be the way of most tool brands these days. Tekton has become one of the most beloved brands as of late, and they have their duds as well.

[@masato3981]

Because they're made in Asia (excluding Japan)

[@carsogen]

I don't usually support harbour freight, but that Pittsburg ratchet is the one I use the most because I don't have to feel bad about breaking it, also it works pretty damn good and I quite like the larger handle, it allows me to get a good solid grip on it when I really need to give it that unga bunga.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@raphialhebert]

Just started using a lot of the ICON brand tools, been impressed with their quality and out doing a lot of other top dollar brands... glad to see it held up pretty well in your tests! Your videos are always a pleasure and incredibly valuable, fair, and informative. Never stop!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I’ve bought my second icon. I agree, they are very good for the money.

[@freedomliberty7611]

Great job Todd. Love watching these videos. It seems I have been saying this alot lately about the Snapon. But at that price point and all the hype over the last 50 years of my life, its disappointing how they perform. In my opinion they should be at or near the top of all tests. And the rachet at Snapon is their golden tool. Major bummer.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@dbk24601]

Agreed, I feel like I got scammed in to getting some of their tool

[@RSellers28]

Even so, my Snap On ratchets are what I reach for. I have the majority of the brands that were tested in my box, and I’m reaching for the Snap On all the time. Same with the combination wrenches. Maybe there is another aspect that wasn’t tested? Feel in the hands? Who knows. Great videos though!

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

@@RSellers28 Same here. Snap on ratchets are the most comfortable for my hand.

[@AmazingChinaToday]

@@hilltopmachineworks2131 Looks like most other brands tested here have copied the SnapOn handle shape.

[@johnpassero6088]

When I was a mechanic the most common failure I had with ratchets was the teeth slipping when running in/out a tight fastener. If the teeth were engaged the ratchets would hold up fine but sometimes they wouldn't engage and they would start slipping. Kobalt 90 tooth ratchets were the worst offender in my experience.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@saiiiiiii1]

Yes that's why I don't trust low backdrag ratchets

[@fisqual]

@@saiiiiiii1 I've had my gearwrench ratchets for years, abused the piss out of them and never had one slip and never had a single problem with any them actually. But every last one of my ratchets that rated as having higher backdrag have been replaced at some point... Even my snapon. You also gotta know when to move up in size or just use a breaker bar.

[@applehugger]

I watch all of your videos, and this one really stuck out to me because it's rare for one brand to totally dominate the competition, rare for one of the cheapest products to score so highly, and *extremely* rare for both to happen in one video. I'm an amateur car mechanic who performs all of my own maintenance on my three European cars, and I really wanted to upgrade my ratchets to something nicer than the cheap Harbor Freight specials I had been using for years. I have a set of GearWrench ratcheting wrenches, and absolutely love them. After watching this video, I went out and bought the entire 90-tooth GearWrench set - 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Let me tell you, these are amazing. They're super compact, the ratcheting action is smooth, and they can make a lot of progress in really small spaces. They also feel better than the Snap On stuff my mechanic friends use imho. I am forever grateful for this channel for helping me make informed buying decisions while staying within a reasonable budget. All three GearWrench ratchets cost just over $100 shipped, and not only is that worth every penny, but it's about a quarter of what I would pay for a "professional" brand like Snap On.

[@awesomeaxel1]

Gearwrench is a "professional" tool brand...

[@jweeks1995]

Thanks for another informative video! Looks like Gearwrench deserves a place in the toolbox. I do have to say it's mildly annoying to see the composite ratchet, the stubby, and the flex handle thrown in skewing the results, but I'm sure you have your reasons. Been watching for years and your tests continue to become more watchable and informative each time. Thanks!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@aptpupil]

Appreciate your integrity and hard work. One thing I'd do for all your videos is have a part 2 that incorporates viewer suggestions because people often have good ideas for additional tests. That would mean saving the destructive tests for part 2 so the original round of products could undergo the new tests.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@deyyoung42]

Great idea! Personally I find the destructive tests entertaining but not informative.

[@espokane]

Another GREAT video with useful information. Thank you! Have to admit that it was a bit painful to watch all those wrenches break. The sacrifice (including your cost to buy them) is appreciated.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@estewar03]

I have a couple of the Gear Wrench brand ratchets & I really like them. Never had a problem & for the price they are worthwhile.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@danacoleman4007]

It looks like home Depot is a place to buy them. Is that where you got yours?

[@estewar03]

@@danacoleman4007 I actually got mine from a former employer.

[@timberwrightsvs480]

Some words of caution here. The first Gear Wrench (GW) tools we ever invested in were the reversible ratcheting combination sets (both metric and SAE). Unfortunately, we've broken a few of their ratcheting mechanisms, which, naturally, has given us pause when it comes to their other tool types. I'm glad to see that GW is performing well in the Project Farm comparisons, but, once you break a tool, it's hard to shake the experience.

[@estewar03]

@@timberwrightsvs480 I understand that, but perhaps Project Farm will be able to do a comparison between brands for ratcheting wrenches because all of the uploads I've seen from him using this brand have all been on the higher end of recommendation. Or could come down to misuse, lack of maintenance or just dump luck as well. Not every tool will test the same as the others from the same brand.

[@coopercovelo]

As a bonus category, you should send them in for that "Lifetime" warranty repair and/or replacement. Also, back drag can almost be more important to me than swing radius, so that was a great thing to check.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@jhitt79]

I’ve had or have about every kind of 3/8” drive ratchet. I really like the composite Pittsburgh ones (not Pittsburgh pro) from Harbor Freight I beat on them professionally and work in corrosive environments where they do great. One thing that most new guys don’t think about is not just cost, but how long it takes before a tool is making you money. These Pittsburgh ratchets cost about $15! That means a new guy starting out is making money with that tool after an hour. If he goes and buys a $150 tool truck ratchet, he’s working all day before he breaks even and is makes any money. Now factor in ALL the overpriced tools in his box. He’s working for a year before his tools are making him money. I’m 43 and been working in a trade or on heavy equipment for 24 years now. I want to work towards my own retirement instead of the tool truck driver’s. Also, when I retire, my $15 ratchet is about worthless so I throw it away. The guy that bought a Snap-on ratchet retires (many years after me.) he’s able to sell his ratchet for half what he paid for it. Who took the bigger financial hit???

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@tjkj-om9oi]

Your worthless $15 ratchet will not survive any length of time in a constant use professional setting. Half your $$$ back after 10-30+ years of use is actually very good. Not including the last 2 years you could not name many heavily used (and often abused) items to bring at least half their original paid price after 10-30+ years.

[@littlejackalo5326]

When you retire, you'll have bought 10 of those garbage ratchets. So you'll have spent $150 and have nothing to show for it. The $150 wrench (and most of the $40-60 ones in this video) can be swapped out for a brand new one and be sold for full price. And I call bs on your use of them. I highly doubt you "beat on them professionally."

[@TheFragnatic]

@@littlejackalo5326 I guess you fail to realize that Pittsburgh also have lifetime warranty and easy in store replacement.

[@ivermec-tin666]

My impression is that the Icon line of mechanics tools are targeted to compete functionally with MAC and Snap On. It seems that their 3/8ths inch ratchet does so very well, at 1/3rd the cost. I own very few Snap On tools, but one of them is a 3/8ths inch drive. I do not regret the purchase, as a used tool, but would have opted for the Icon ratchet today.

[@dvanomaly420]

One thing to note... Quick release anvils are weaker, since they are hollowed out for the pin. Some of these brands offer both a quick release and non-quick release version. If you do another head-to-head with the Tekton, maybe grab the non-quick release? Would be nice to see some of the other tool truck brands represented. Obviously that can get a little pricey though.. LOL

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@dvanomaly420]

@@ProjectFarm Thanks for what you do! MAC probably deserves a shot at redemption with a fixed head. The other main Took Truck brands are Matco and Cornwell. We do see some Sunex ratchets on the independent trucks. Though, they tend to lean more GearWrench these days. Perhaps for a round 3 or 4 you could do a deeper dive on flex heads. Those pivot points tend to be the weakness, as you saw. The non locking versions loosen up over time, and the pins will crack if the steel is too hard. You could test the durability of the locking / semi-locking mechanisms as well.

[@whatsit2ya247]

As a professional auto mechanic I've used a lot of ratchets, first off I rarely use one that isn't either pneumatic or electric, even at home, why?? Second cheap or expensive ratchet quality almost seems more to do with the day of the week it was made. As far as testing that Mac ratchet with the flex head, definitely unfair, however I do currently own a fixed head and it's sitting busted in my toolbox, anvil snapped just under light use, junk.

[@davejohnson3474]

​@@whatsit2ya247 you don't use a 3/8 ratchet on sump plugs or spark plugs?

[@whatsit2ya247]

@@davejohnson3474 I suppose it would be hard to break one if I didn't use one. Point is I use my 3/8 air ratchet waaay more.

[@alphamontoto2047]

The more I see of your channel the more I appreciate you checking out all these products. You have been so much help in my purchases. Keep up the great work.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do!

[@spot50]

I really appreciate your videos Todd. What I'm observing on the majority of your tool tests, and that also agrees with my experience, is that the cheapest tools, such as HF and similar are fine for light to medium duty, occasional use. I have a number of them and have not experienced a failure yet. Now for heavy duty daily work, I would not expect them to perform well. On the other hand, if I do go into heavier duty work, I don't need to put big money into name brand tools. They're selling their name. Obviously, Snap-on and the other high end brands aren't putting 4 to 5 times as much money into better material or design as some of the substantially cheaper ones that perform well in these exhaustive tests.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@ContraVsGigi]

This test does not show how they perform in time. What if after 100 bolts some become loose, change direction themselves without wanting that, etc? At that point only the market proven ones can perform without worrying (or much less worrying). If you use it once every few weeks or so, might not matter, but when you don't want to buy one every 6 months, it might make a huge difference. Also for the peace of mind.

[@sandyk6657]

Good to know that Gearwrench performed well - I have several of those (120XP) and would like to see the second round. They are very smooth. I also several SnapOn and thought they were the best ratchets out there, but looks like Gearwrench is very close, if not better, for a fraction of the cost. I also have some Dewalt and really like those - feel good in the hand and are heavy.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the suggestion. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheLexiconDevils]

While all my Snap On stuff has held up fine since the 80s/90s it’s very “basic” stuff & if I find I need something ‘specialty’ like a slim head flex zig zag whatever my first look for the last few years has been Gearwrench.

[@bluej511]

Love my snap on, had it over 10 years now the handle rubber hasn't even chipped off or worn. Only thing I'd buy from snap on, torque wrench, sockets and ratchets.

[@ProjectFarm]

Impressive!