New Ratchet Design and Review

[Old Hawaiian]

This is from Carlyle - NAPA to most of us.

It's the P90 series.  Really neat ratchet with 13 teeth engaged (2nd pic) when in use.  That's more than Snap On's Dual 80

The review is from TIA  Tools In Action
Link : http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/2014/12/carlyle-tools-power-90-series-ratchets/

Downside for me is that I've had mine on back order since mid December and I'm getting antsy waiting to test it for myself. 

The one i looked at in the store was a regular 3/8 ratchet (1st Pic). The one i bought was the long flex head (3rd pic). And the one i tested was so smooth. The ratchet action was like good music and the handle was great. It felt secure and tough while being easy on the hands.

[EVILDR235]

What country is it made in ?

EvilDr235

[Old Hawaiian]

It's made in Taiwan.

[Nolatoolguy]

Nice looking ratchet. I never liked the rubber or plastic grips but never count them out. How's the price?

Armstrong has a nice line called Maxx ratchets. I have a few of them an the best ratchets I've bought. I don't know the tooth count but they work very good for me. No problems what so ever. they are also made in the usa so that's very good.

[Chillylulu]

It's made in Taiwan.

I have nothing against foreign when the quality is good or better. I like Stahlwille as much as Snap-On, Lundstrom pliers can't be beat, British manufacturer always seemed good (and some of the brand names that come from those isles have me rofl) and I don't instantly discount or pass up a good looking Japanese tool.

I do avoid Taiwan, China, India, and others that I have found cheaply made. I rarely trust tools from thise countries, even when they look well made. Especially China, including Taiwan. They have shown time and again  their lack of committment to quality over price. I feel it is cultural and isnt likely to change.

The best example I can think of is putting urea or other nitrogen type additives (even if poison) in pet food. Protein content was measured indirectly by testing the amount of nitrogen in a product. More expensive testing has to be used to make sure the protein content is correct now.

Their societies disregard for protecting intellectual property rights is in my opinion another good reason to avoid their use.

My problem is that I cannot know the quality of their steel.  Maybe an honest, high quality, company will emerge from that region. But at that point would have to look long and hard at any reason I would have for wanting their product.

I feel the K-Mart / Sears merge has ruined their best brands, including Craftsman,  by sourcing tool manufacturer in those areas with lousy reputations. Craftsman lost me, I am glad for access through the internet for better tools.

Chilly

[1930]

It's made in Taiwan.

I have nothing against foreign when the quality is good or better. I like Stahlwille as much as Snap-On, Lundstrom pliers can't be beat, British manufacturer always seemed good (and some of the brand names that come from those isles have me rofl) and I don't instantly discount or pass up a good looking Japanese tool.

I do avoid Taiwan, China, India, and others that I have found cheaply made. I rarely trust tools from thise countries, even when they look well made. Especially China, including Taiwan. They have shown time and again  their lack of committment to quality over price. I feel it is cultural and isnt likely to change.

The best example I can think of is putting urea or other nitrogen type additives (even if poison) in pet food. Protein content was measured indirectly by testing the amount of nitrogen in a product. More expensive testing has to be used to make sure the protein content is correct now.

Their societies disregard for protecting intellectual property rights is in my opinion another good reason to avoid their use.

My problem is that I cannot know the quality of their steel.  Maybe an honest, high quality, company will emerge from that region. But at that point would have to look long and hard at any reason I would have for wanting their product.

I feel the K-Mart / Sears merge has ruined their best brands, including Craftsman,  by sourcing tool manufacturer in those areas with lousy reputations. Craftsman lost me, I am glad for access through the internet for better tools.

Chilly

With this in mind and just to take this topic off track what do you do with your Craftsman tools ( such as ratchets ) that have become un-usable, do you exchange them for a newer version ( possibly less quality ) or what?

[johnsironsanctuary]

Always remember that the Lugger at the scrap yard marked "Tool Steel", you know, the one where you throw broken wrenches, drill bits, stamping tool dies and saw blades.  The contents of that Lugger is the grade of tool steel in Asia. You don't get A2 or 4140, you get that Lugger melted down and poured into Horror Freight grade tool steel.

[Chillylulu]

"With this in mind and just to take this topic off track what do you do with your Craftsman tools ( such as ratchets ) that have become un-usable, do you exchange them for a newer version ( possibly less quality ) or what?"

I haven't run into that problem,  mainly because I haven't broken any tools lately. And since I have been losing use if my hands, I probably won't.  My users are S-K, I don't know their policy on vintage (pre-bankruptcy vintage in this case) tool replacement. Mostly I collect tools now (some say hoard.)

All my grandkids have toolboxes with lesser quality tools. I'll replace them with high quality tools when they are preteens, old enough to take care of them. I don't give them crappy tools, just cheap tools suitable for light duty. Current Craftsman tools are in that category, imho. Logan has been using his kit for a year or so, fixing toys, putting up shelves, etc. with his dad.  He just turned 4. The others range in age from 2 to 7. They get to start adding tools as they need them.

I have literally boxes, hundreds of pounds worth, of lesser quality stuff. When a box of tools arrives I sort it. Mechanics tools grade into good tools, medium grade (often japan, modern Husky/Stanley/Kobalt /Crescent/Napa etc.) and finally the Taiwan,  China,  Pittsburgh, Gedore,  India, etc. The good grades include Domestic Craftsman/Thorson etc. & better and they are sorted by brand/age. I have saved some sets of bad domestic stuff (Oxwall, Dunlap, etc.) But not as useable tools.

I have always felt that modern Craftsman tools were the lowest level of useable tools, and not for use professionally. Everything of less than their quality was a waste of money at any price. (But I haven't ever bought a lottery ticket, either. I always thought of those as a tax. A tax on people who are mathematically challenged or who are way too optimistic. )

I suppose I would give broken Craftsman tools to someone who could use them, and who doesn't care about quality of the replacements. I have a good friend who races, he has a track kit with disposable tools and loaners.

I have quite a few vintage sockets with split sides, and some other wrenches also. Some current brands like Craftsman, Snap-On, Mac, etc. & other brands out of business or owned by one of the big 6 or 8. I just sit on them, I tell Mrs. Chilly that they help anchor our house.

I never used to be to much into tool van tools, I could not afford them. I have bought professional grade from Grainger's, though, and a tool here and there from the vans (my favorite users, often.) Lately I have started down that Snap-On/Mac path. There goes my chance of buying a boat, I suppose.

Lately I have come to believe in the merits of buying domestic when I can. Not just tools, but anything. I think it is better on so many levels.

One man's opinions, and subject to change over time.  85% correct is the best I figure I can do with facts, my opinions are probably less accurately based.

Chilly