Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Hand Tools). This thread is read-only.
Finally ordered a new set of Blackhawk ratchets the other day. I got the BP-1338QR (3/8 Drive) and the BP-1412QR (1/2″ Drive) both for around $40. 72 Tooth with quick release. Never used one, but the guys I’ve talked to that have seem to really like them. Now I’m just waiting on the UPS guy.
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awesome I cant wait to hear how it is!
Should be here tomorrow I would think. I hope anyway.
Well, after a week of using them I’m happy to report these ratchets work as good as they look. The 1/2″ was a little stiff out of the box, but after applying a little Red Lube of Love it improved. They’re 72 tooth, single pawl, and best I can tell they’re getting 10-12 tooth engagement. These are stout rats. I’ll definitely be ordering the 1/4″ model. I’ve really grown fond of Blackhawk here lately. They are excellent tools for the money.
How would you compare this to a Kobalt?
ChaseRogers wrote:
How would you compare this to a Kobalt?
The Kobalt is smoother.
The Blackhawk, while not as smooth as the Kobalt, has more teeth engaged at once which will undoubtedly make it a bit stouter. The Blackhawk has a smaller head as well, making it a bit easier to get into tight spots.
Kobalt will be easier to warranty as the Blackhawk would likely have to be warrantied at Grainger or through the mail.
Both have a good feel to them, but the Blackhawk looks cooler!
Thanks conductor, the only complaint I have on my kobalts is the high pitched ratcheting sound compared to a snap on or mac.
ChaseRogers wrote:
Thanks conductor, the only complaint I have on my kobalts is the high pitched ratcheting sound compared to a snap on or mac.
A very light coat of “Red Lube of Love” will quiet them down. I took mine apart, lubed the gear wheel and the pawls, and once I got it back together I noticed it was a little harder to turn than before. I took it back apart, wiped out the excess, and now it works like a dream. I try to service all my ratchets at least twice a year.
Ok Thanks!
If I walk in a supplier over here in the U.K and ask for “Red lube of love” I could get arrested. LOL 🙂
Wayne Burgess wrote:
If I walk in a supplier over here in the U.K and ask for “Red lube of love” I could get arrested. LOL 🙂
LOL, alright how about Permatex Ultra Slick engine assembly lube?
Now that would get me a slap in the chops LOL 🙂
Wayne Burgess wrote:
Now that would get me a slap in the chops LOL 🙂
Ok, ok, since I do care about your well being just tell the Permatex item# 81950 🙂
YAY hahahahahahahaha 🙂
Just for the hell of it I have bought some on e bay 🙂