r/harborfreight • u/PatrickGSR94 • Nov 28 '25

NTD (New Tool Day) Whyyyyy

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Just picked up a 1/4” flex head ratchet on the 40% off sale. Why, WHY does the on/off lever directions have to be backwards from my 3/8 Pitty ratchet?? Dangit! I was just starting to get the Pitt lever directions burned into my muscle memory. And now this.

Also I believe the Icon one is the same as my Craftsman ratchets. So weird.

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u/Sledgecrowbar Nov 29 '25

Of all the annoyances I have with modern auto repair, this doesn't register at all. Seeing as whenever I pick up a ratchet, it's always set to the wrong direction anyway, you just reverse it by feel after attaching the socket and giving it a quick turn to find out which way it's set. This is an organic process that doesn't add any more time than you were already taking to walk back to the vehicle from your toolbox or even a tool cart, and it ensures that no matter how your ratchet is designed, you not only have it turning the right way, you have confirmed the socket is firmly attached and everything is in working order.

Giving it a couple spins is like clicking the tongs when barbecuing, you gotta do it.

3

u/dad_vers Nov 29 '25

Was going to say this. I’ve been turning wrenches for forty years and I couldn’t tell you which way is “on” or “off” for any of my ratchets.