Roto-Head Ratchet now available at Princess Auto

[The Rusty Gear]

Went to PA during my lunch, and I saw on display all sizes of roto-head / swivel head ratchets. Made in Taiwan, and they look pretty much like the ones from Harbor Freight, except they are fully polished chrome rather than the comfort handle. I picked up the 3/8" and 1/2" for $14.99 and $17.99 respectively. I already had the 1/4" one from Harbor freight (picked it up during a business trip to Portland)

Finally, cheap roto-heads for us Canooks!

Can't find a pic of the PA ones, but as I said, the same as below, except with full chrome handle.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96782

[nmk_61802]

Sigh, I actually like those better than the HF versions. I am not a fan of the comfort handle. I did find Princess Autos website, but they do not ship internationally. Anyone want in Canada want to pick up a set for me?

[The Rusty Gear]

Update: the ratchets ARE on the PA website:

http://www.princessauto.com/_osn.cfm?CTRY=CAN&output=OSN&SRCH=1&SRCHAREA=OSN&T1=QUICK%20RELEASE%20SWIVEL%20HEAD%20RATCHETS

[PoorOwner]

Sigh, I actually like those better than the HF versions. I am not a fan of the comfort handle. I did find Princess Autos website, but they do not ship internationally. Anyone want in Canada want to pick up a set for me?

You MIGHT be able to cut open the handle and reveal a chrome handle inside..

[SpiderGearsMan]

:)Pprincess auto :) sounds not very hetero !

[nmk_61802]

You MIGHT be able to cut open the handle and reveal a chrome handle inside..

I looked at these last night and almost thought about taking your advice, but I don't think I want to chance ruining a perfectly good ratchet.

By the way, I was serious about seeing if anyone in Canada would mind picking up and shipping a set of these in 1/4 and 3/8 to me. According the website, these are actually slightly cheaper than the HF versions, and full polished.

[beardking]

What is the benefit of the rotating head? I was looking at these at HF the other day (yeah, I'm one of THOSE guys) and just couldn't see the need for that. Just seems like another weak point in a tool that gets used to often to have weak points.

[64merc]

What is the benefit of the rotating head? I was looking at these at HF the other day (yeah, I'm one of THOSE guys) and just couldn't see the need for that. Just seems like another weak point in a tool that gets used to often to have weak points.

You can use it like a normal ratchet, like a flex-head, and also like a nut driver.

[MarkH]

SK and Snap On have made the roto head for a number of years. The first times I used it, it seemed awkward. Over time it moved to be the second most used style of ratchets we have.

[wilbilt]

:)Pprincess auto :) sounds not very hetero !

:lol_hitti:lol_hitti:lol_hitti

[billymade]

So, tell us about princess auto to us yanks, are they like a cheap tool store like harbor freight or what?:confused:
From the looks of the Maple Leaf, they seem to be a Canada specific company; no USA sales online from what I can tell!:(

[dxdexter]

So, tell us about princess auto to us yanks, are they like a cheap tool store like harbor freight or what?:confused:
From the looks of the Maple Leaf, they seem to be a Canada specific company; no USA sales online from what I can tell!:(

Princess auto was originally an auto scrap yard on Princess Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba, hence the name. Princess Auto is somewhat similar to HF, but does not sell most of the large machinery that HF does. It sells tools, hardware, surplus items, hydraulic system parts and supplies,agricultural oriented supplies, welding supplies, and much more. The hand tools and electrical tools are mostly Asian, with some USA stuff thrown in for good measure.

They have a great selection of surplus items, bought from major suppliers.These would include such things as tractor seats, small engines, monster cables, cell phone accessories and many more items.

I don't think they ship to the USA.

[eschoendorff]

I have the Snap On versions in both 3/8 and 1/4. Probably the most useful/versatile ratchets that I own...

[dxdexter]

I went into PA and looked at these ratchets. They are extremely well built and I say this as a guy who would never buy a Taiwanese tool. The swivel is tight yet moves easily and the 72 tooth ratchet mechanism feels good. The fit and finish is excellent.

I was going to buy one and post some pictures, then return it, but just couldn't bring myself to buy an Asian ratchet. All in all I think for the price( 1/4" @ 9.99, 3/8" @ 14.99 and 1/2" @ 17.99) they would be a good value.

I certainly see how these could be a versatile addition to a toolbox. i may look for a USA made version.

[dxdexter]

I just picked up a 1/4" and a 3/8" version for another fellow and decided to post some pictures before handing them over. They appear very well built for an Asian ratchet. The price certainly is good. They are also quick release.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z102/dxdexter/Ratchets002.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z102/dxdexter/Ratchets001.jpg

[Uncle Buck]

What is the benefit of the rotating head? I was looking at these at HF the other day (yeah, I'm one of THOSE guys) and just couldn't see the need for that. Just seems like another weak point in a tool that gets used to often to have weak points.

I bought the HF version. Aside from the cheesy yellow label on the side of the soft grip handle that just screams cheap tool I think they are great.

So long as the quality is at least this good I am generally a sucker for an oddball ratchet since you never can predict the ignorant ways some of the auto manufacturers assemble their stuff. Sometimes one like this will save your bacon! :thumbup:

I sure wish the HF's looked like the ones in the post before mine!

[nmk_61802]

I sure wish the HF's looked like the ones in the post before mine!


Me too, hence the reason Dex, picked up this set to send to me. I'm having to import the imported tool, who would have thought.

[annoyingrob]

Interesting. I may have to pick a few of these up to try.

[MustHang]

Hum quite interesting.

[billymade]

"import an import"; thats funny stuff!!!:lol_hitti

[Senorpablo]

Cool, too bad they won't ship to the U.S....

[dps]

Any chance any of you Northern neighbors would ship me a set? They seem perfect for what I'm looking for. I called them and I could pre-pay for the ratchets themselves, they just won't/can't ship to the States.

TIA!

Dave

[dxdexter]

Any chance any of you Northern neighbors would ship me a set? They seem perfect for what I'm looking for. I called them and I could pre-pay for the ratchets themselves, they just won't/can't ship to the States.

TIA!

Dave

Check with nmk_61802 and see if he likes the two ratchets I sent him.

The total price for me to ship a 3/8" and a 1/4" ratchet to the USA is $43CAD. This includes the ratchet price (2), sales tax,and shipping via Canada Post and PayPal fees to receive money. This is the actual cost with no markup or handling fees.

[dps]

Hi Dex,

If you'd be up for it, I'll be happy to add something for your trouble as well. Also would be in no hurry so you could go the next time you were already planning to go, or in the neighborhood, etc. I'd also take one in 1/2" if they offer one. And no problem pre- PayPaling you!

[dxdexter]

Hi Dex,

If you'd be up for it, I'll be happy to add something for your trouble as well. Also would be in no hurry so you could go the next time you were already planning to go, or in the neighborhood, etc. I'd also take one in 1/2" if they offer one. And no problem pre- PayPaling you!

You have PM.

[Hip2u77]

Those sure look nicer than the HF or NAPA ones.

(NAPA has a stubby cushion grip one in a counter display, and while I really haven't put it to any real test it worked the one time that I grabbed it. It's MIT and seems to be a little higher quality than most of the china rachets I've checked out at HF.)

Sorry about the dead link.

Goto NAPA online (http://www.napaonline.com), click the "PartsPRO SE CATALOG" link on the left, and search for part number BK 8991540.

http://partimages2.genpt.com/largeimages/409934.jpg

[billymade]

The link doesn't work (says session has expired); can you tell us the model # of the NAPA ratchet, please? Thanks!

[48548]

I think griots garage has something similar to that... They are in the US so you can get them here, just a thought...

[dxdexter]

I think griots garage has something similar to that... They are in the US so you can get them here, just a thought...

Those ratchets look identical to those from PA, but $24.99 for the 1/4" can't beat the $9.99 sale price in Canada. I could not find a 3/8" or a 1/2" drive.

[dps]

...of course you've got to have a friend in Canada...thanks Dex!!!