Swivel or Flex head ratchet

[Mopar-Scooby-Doo]

So just wanted to find out something's? These are more or less the same right? Or is there real a big difference? I know they look different, but they both are for the most part a flex ratchet right? Also what are some of your guys opinions and preferences? Do you like a flex head or swivel head more? Thanks for the input.

 

[Bull]

A swivel, usually called a roto, is bulkier in the head, which can be a bad thing if your access is limited. However, its range of motion is superior to a flex head.

Some flex heads have ball detents and swivel pins that wear out and make for a loose, floppy head. I've always wanted to try the new Armstrong flexes, but they are pricey by my standards.

 

[CJinPA]

I like the swivel for the fact that you can use it like a nut driver once you break the nut loose. My swivel ratchets are my go to ratchets.

 

[CWP1616L]

I prefer flex heads. I don't see myself ever buying a swivel head ratchet.

 

[ken w.]

I never really liked the Roto Heads much until lately. I think it took a little getting used to it. It's handy to have a ratchet that you can use as a driver handle as well. I still like my flex heads too. I just happen to acquire a SO swivel head 3/8 and 1/4 drives and made myself use them.

 

[Brownsfan]

I like the swivel for the fact that you can use it like a nut driver once you break the nut loose. My swivel ratchets are my go to ratchets.

I use mine the most for this reason. Mostly 1/4dr. I do mostly interior electrical work. My snap on 72t and my older version that's 36t I believe. Coupled with my snap on magnetic 7,8,10mm. Most used tools Doing what I do. My old snap on tm737 still going strong after 13 years. Just bought the thn72
And now like it better

 

[Mopar-Scooby-Doo]

Well guess my next question is. They have the Carlyle swivel heads on sale at NAPA tell the end of the month. I was going to get the 3/8 for $59.99. $30 off. So do you guys think that is a good deal worth taking? I like Made in the USA but if it's good it's good.

 

[devoncoolman]

The new napa ratchets are nice they tried to copy snapon as close as they could with out risking getting sued. They are nice. Ill stick with snapon for the ease of replacement and what not. But if i was starting over again there would probably be a couple of their ratchets in my box.

 

[CWP1616L]

I was going to get the 3/8 for $59.99. $30 off.

That's about 1/2 the price of a truck brand. Depending on how you look at it, it's only 1/2 the price of a truck brand, but it's also 1/2 the amount towards what you'd need to buy a truck brand.

 

[Bull]

My roto is an old SK Wayne. It is really a top-quality piece. I found it at a flea market for $13.

 

[Askme42]

A swivel, usually called a roto, is bulkier in the head, which can be a bad thing if your access is limited. However, its range of motion is superior to a flex head.

Some flex heads have ball detents and swivel pins that wear out and make for a loose, floppy head. I've always wanted to try the new Armstrong flexes, but they are pricey by my standards.

I have 1/4",3/8", and 1/2" armstrong. Love them. After using a buddy's matco flex heads is had to have some. Matco was way too much. Found the armstrong on amazon and got all 3 for less than the matco 1/2" would of been.

 

[balane]

I love round head swivel ratchets and typically grab them first. The two big benefits for me on a standard, pear-head flex ratchet are the smaller heads and also they're quicker to change direction on. Honestly, both are great and it's personal preference.

 

[Fedwrench]

Both!!

Both styles have their uses. In 1/4 drive, I like the roto ratchet because, once you break the fastener loose you can rotate the handle upwards and spin it off like a but driver (space permitting). You can do it with the 3/8 drive too, I just do it with 1/4 drive more often.

I also like the gearwrench flexhead ratchet in 1/4 drive because it offers extra length at 7.75 inches long.

The Carlyle is a nice ratchet and a good value on sale. NAPA will warranty it if there are any issues. I don't have a Carlyle rotohead but, I do own a couple of their 90 tooth ratchets and they have served me well so far.

 

[nicksnothereman]

So just wanted to find out something's? These are more or less the same right? Or is there real a big difference? I know they look different, but they both are for the most part a flex ratchet right? Also what are some of your guys opinions and preferences? Do you like a flex head or swivel head more? Thanks for the input.

They're similar but not really the same because of where the angle changes (flex changes after the head, swivel or roto changes at the head).

My preference would probably be roto if I owned one (currently I don't, I'll just use extensions or a breaker bar if clearance is an issue; I also have offset ratchets which can help with "sunk" bolts). I just figure that if you want to avoid using an extension then roto is the way to go because you still might need to use one (or a deep(er) socket) with a flex head ratchet because where the angle changes.

Or maybe get a ratcheting breaker bar and use an extension...that'll show the tool gods!

 

[bob from indiana]

I picked up a Kobalt 1/4" roto ratchet at a yard sale this summer. I use it a lot but still prefer my Snap On flex 1/4" ratchet.

 

[BFHtime]

I love the roto-ratchets. Mine are the smoothest ratchets I have. I like to use them like a nut driver once resistance is reduced enough. I use both hands if I can, kind of like trying to make a fire with a stick and a board. They work fast that way. I just have to be mindful not to lose the nut. This would be similar to using a breaker bar but I ratchets too. I find this to work very fast.

 

[Rickster]

I have both the swivel head and flex head ratchets. I almost always grab the roto-head ratchet first. I started with a 3/8 SK roto head and now have added a Snap-on one. For 1/4dr the Snap-on roto head is the only ratchet I like to use.