The more durable 14.4V brushless motor gives a longer runtime with a free speed of 275rpm and 60ft-lb of torque as well as a built in brake to stop the tool from throwing fasteners. Add that to the impressive 158ft-lb of manual torque and a super bright 18 lumen built in light, the opportunities to use this ratchet are impressive. Gold Plating Services, based out of Utah, provides a handy guide on what exactly goes into gold plating metals and, more importantly, how much it costs.

In less than four years, their ICON lineup of tools has enabled even the most cash strapped mechanic on a budget to deliver professional levels of work day in and day out without breaking the bank.This 3/8 inch gold-plated ratchet is part of Harbor Freight’s ICON professional series of tools meant to compete with top of the line brands like Mac, Matco, Makita, and Snap-on for a fraction of the price. It is not uncommon in service related industries, like being a service tech at a dealership or a mechanic at a service yard, to receive a gold tool of some sort as an award for achieving a milestone or hitting an anniversary. To enable you to have positive tool control this version of the ratchet has a cushion grip handle and a digital variable speed trigger allowing for slow start ups and maximum comfort for use every day. Made from chrome vanadium with a 90-tooth gear-to-gear ratcheting mechanism, a low profile head, and a 4-degree arc swing, it’s certainly not bottom basement spec but not exactly top of the line either.

Your time is precious, and with that in mind the new 14.4V brushless ratchet is designed to ensure you are as productive as possible.

Own a Snap-on Franchise

For more details of the new brushless ratchet or other tools in the 14.4V interchangeable Microlithium battery range, speak to your franchisee today. So I'll start by saying, nothing beats a snap-on ratchet. BUT! The Icon is damn close to an equivalent.

Harbor Freight launched their Premium ICON tools lineup in 2018. Since then, ICON’s gained a reputation for being a professional-level quality tool at a fraction of the price of more established brands. So why not start your journey today with Ultimator, and see what makes your tool storage, your office, the best and most secure option for you and your Snap-on tools. I needed something for the house, and instead of forking out 120 for the snappy, I thought I'd try the Icon for 35, if for no other reason than research purposes.Durable cordless ratcheting, taking performance to the next level. The all-new 14.4V 3/8" brushless ratchet kit from Snap-on allows for rapid removal of fasteners, saving you time on the job. With a store within driving distance of most mechanics and handymen and, with that lifetime warranty, choosing ICON is often a no-brainer. If the Gold Plating doesn’t actually add functionality, that only leaves two main reasons Harbor Freight makes a gold ratchet: for decorative purposes and because they can.