Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: Using these locking flex head and tight swing ratchets saves the user quite a bit of time over conventional ratchets without the same features. The flexibility of the flex head design, not having to turn the ratchet far before getting a new bite and the slim head are a perfect combination for a ratchet.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?
A: The features of this ratchet help improve the efficiency of a job, and increased efficiency drives profit.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: No setup was needed. Just remove the tool from the packaging and start using the tool.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: These ratchets came attached to a plastic card meant to be hung and displayed on a rack or pegboard display. Appropriate pressure is required to remove the ratchet from the plastic card, s it’s not so easy that they would come off in shipping or when displayed in retail stores, yet not so difficult to be an inconvenience.
Q: What features did you like?
A: Every one of these ratchets claims to have a 4-degree arc swing, and I believe it. You can barely turn the ratchet drive before hearing the click from the ratchet gears locking into place. I also like the locking flex head. It is very helpful because you are no longer forced to approach the fastener straight on, but these ratchets have the added benefit of being able to easily lock the head into one of 7-11 desired positions (depending on the ratchet). The switches for changing the direction of rotation and for locking and unlocking the flexible head are easy to use and in a good location. The ratchets just feel sleek and robust.
Q: Can you think of ways to improve or add to this tool?
A: I like the laser etching on the tool, but I’d prefer the “on and off” lettering and the lock and unlock symbols to be embossed instead. The handle does have Milwaukee embossed into it.
On a couple of the ratchets, the finish was not perfect. It would take a very picky person to notice or be concerned with the finish. I think they look and feel great, and I suspect that it would be rare that anyone would have a problem with the finish. Even though they feel like a work of art, at the end of the day, they are still tools.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: We used these ratchets for wheel alignments, brake repairs, wheel bearing, and drive axle replacement jobs.
Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? If so, what are some new features compared to the old version? How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?
A: I have used similar types of ratchets. When comparing these with brands with much higher price points, I’d say they did very well.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall?
A: I would give these ratchets a nine. Overall, I love them, and they have features that I look for in a hand ratchet. They feel like a good quality tool, and I believe they will be good enough to pass on through generations.
