Dropped my 1/2" drive ratchet from the roof - still works! What's your 'tool abuse' survival story?

Hey guys, had a crazy moment yesterday on a framing job. Was up on a second-story roof installing blocking, and my 1/2" drive ratchet (brand: ProTorque) slipped out of my tool belt. Fell about 20 feet onto concrete below. Heart sank, thought it was toast. Picked it up, expecting it to be locked up or the head cracked... but nope! Still ratchets smooth, no play in the head. Just a few scratches. Anyone else have a tool take a beating and keep going? Makes me wonder about build quality these days - some stuff is surprisingly tough!

LOL MeterMatt, you're lucky! I've seen guys drop a wrench and it bends like a pretzel. My story: last winter, I left my adjustable wrench (a cheapo store brand) outside overnight in the rain and freezing temps. Next morning, it was frozen solid in a puddle. Thawed it out with a heat gun, sprayed some WD-40, and it still works fine. No rust either, somehow. But honestly, I wouldn't trust it on a critical pipe fitting now. For roofing, I stick to Knipex pliers - those things are indestructible. Dropped 'em off a 3-story more than once.

ProTorque makes decent mid-grade stuff. Their ratchets have a good warranty too - check if it's lifetime, might get a free rebuild if it ever fails. I've been in the trades 25 years, seen it all. Worst abuse: a laborer used my Snap-on combination wrench as a hammer to beat on a stuck bolt. Put a huge dent in the open end, but it still fit the fastener. Sent it back to Snap-on, they replaced it no questions asked. Moral: buy quality, it pays off. Cheap tools fail when you need 'em most. Also, always use a tool belt with secure loops - prevents drops.

Thanks ToolTimeTim! Yeah, I'll look into that warranty. PipePaul, that's wild about the frozen wrench - sounds like it got a second life! I've heard Knipex is top-notch, might upgrade soon. Any other brands you guys swear by for wrenches? I'm still building my kit as an apprentice.

For wrenches, I like GearWrench for the price - good balance of toughness and cost. But if you're doing heavy-duty stuff, go with Snap-on or Matco, like Tim said. Just don't leave 'em on a roof like I did with my tape measure last week... flew off in the wind, never saw it again. RIP. Anyway, glad your ratchet survived, Matt! Tools taking a lickin' and keepin' on tickin' is always a good feeling.