Askme42
Well-known member
Think I'm ready to take the leap and get some. Probably not willing to spend snap on money.
Recommendations?
Recommendations?
Roto ratchets
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montanafordman
Well-known member
SK. The original. 
I found a NOS fine tooth model (the TUFF 1/Facom design) at an industrial supplier a while back and like it quite a bit. They can be found on EBay but sadly they are not currently being made.
(both the Facom fine tooth and standard are discontinued)
With that said, the HF ones click very loudly, some love them and some hate them, but if you don't mind having some green handled Pittsburg ratchets in your box its probably a good way to go, try them out and see if you like using a roto ratchet and then upgrade to something better if you like. Sounds like Carlyle (Napa) makes a nice one too.
I found a NOS fine tooth model (the TUFF 1/Facom design) at an industrial supplier a while back and like it quite a bit. They can be found on EBay but sadly they are not currently being made.
(both the Facom fine tooth and standard are discontinued)With that said, the HF ones click very loudly, some love them and some hate them, but if you don't mind having some green handled Pittsburg ratchets in your box its probably a good way to go, try them out and see if you like using a roto ratchet and then upgrade to something better if you like. Sounds like Carlyle (Napa) makes a nice one too.
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bwringer
Well-known member
Pittsburgh Pro at Harbor Freight.
Made in Taiwan. They're delightful and inexpensive.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96783.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96781.html
Made in Taiwan. They're delightful and inexpensive.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96783.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96781.html
panknuckshovel
Well-known member
If you only think you are ready, test out the idea with the HF for $12 after coupon. If you like the idea return it before the 90 days and put the $12 into a good one.
SK. The original.
I found a NOS fine tooth model (the TUFF 1/Facom design) at an industrial supplier a while back and like it quite a bit. They can be found on EBay but sadly they are not currently being made.
With that said, the HF ones click very loudly, some love them and some hate them, but if you don't mind having some green handled Pittsburg ratchets in your box its probably a good way to go, try them out and see if you like using a roto ratchet and then upgrade to something better if you like. Sounds like Carlyle (Napa) makes a nice one too.
I read a lot of bad things about the tough one. Something with the screw either being too tight or loose all the time.
montanafordman
Well-known member
There's always going to be someone to complain...
Yes the tension on the screw must be set properly and you need to use Loctite, but when they're set up right they are REALLY nice. I absolutely love mine and grab my 3/8 tuff one over my Snap-On dual 80s. It just feels right and smooth. I put loads of torque on it and it never slips or reverses either.Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
What is your realistic budget?
When I was shopping for Roto's I first looked for a SK in good used condition, but they were priced like gold on ebay. I then read up on the Gearwrench and they had a lot of negative reviews. The Carlyle seem to get decent reviews, but I've never had my hands on one. The HF felt like **** and I wouldn't consider it. I ended up buying an FHNF100 on ebay (brand new) for $65 shipped and my THNF72 (also brand new) for $66 shipped. So far, I don't regret spending the money for the Snap On's!
When I was shopping for Roto's I first looked for a SK in good used condition, but they were priced like gold on ebay. I then read up on the Gearwrench and they had a lot of negative reviews. The Carlyle seem to get decent reviews, but I've never had my hands on one. The HF felt like **** and I wouldn't consider it. I ended up buying an FHNF100 on ebay (brand new) for $65 shipped and my THNF72 (also brand new) for $66 shipped. So far, I don't regret spending the money for the Snap On's!
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I will say, I don't know how I got that good of a deal on the FHNF100, but the THNF72 can be had at that price pretty regularly. The drawback to the FHNF100 is the length. Great for leverage, but really long when using as a nutdriver. I would probably prefer it to be an inch or two shorter.
Loscaldazar
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There's always going to be someone to complain...
The 3/8 SK Tuff 1 ratchets are divine! Probably the best ratchet I've ever used in 3/8. Keep your eyes out for them!
lightning02
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I have the HF ones and s&k.
The HF are well built but have (well mine do) alot of backdrag.
The s&k are like butter. Never used a better one and never had a problem with mine.
If you never used one get a HF one and try it out. If you like them then step it up to a better brand but if your happy with your HF one and its not to much backdrag just keep that one.
The HF are well built but have (well mine do) alot of backdrag.
The s&k are like butter. Never used a better one and never had a problem with mine.
If you never used one get a HF one and try it out. If you like them then step it up to a better brand but if your happy with your HF one and its not to much backdrag just keep that one.
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warweapon762
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I have the Husky models, they work REALLY well. They might not be as well built as SK/Gearwrench but they get the job done! They also don't have the back drag that the Harbor Freight models have which is a plus. The only problem is I don't think the stores carry them anymore.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
The Home Depot by me still has them. As said, the backdrag is definitely better than the Harbor Freight, and they don't have the goofy *** handle.
FiendFX
Well-known member
gearwrench.
maxwage
Well-known member
That's not only sketchy, but very dishonest. I have the HF roto's in 2 sizes and they are fine performers. I make a decent honest living, not quite as much as I would like, but comfortable.
To purchase such an inexpensive tool, use it and return it (without being defective) up to 90 days(!!)
is scandalous and bad, bad tool karma.Buying a tool to "test drive it" with the motive to return it is shady practice. And for such a miniscule price, keep it and buy a superior tool if you like the concept. Just my humble opinion.
lightning02
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that too. i hate that handle lol what is the part number for the Husky ones?
I bought the snap on roto because it was the only made in usa version I could find that was still in production. Also the adjustable tension was a major selling point for me.
Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.
Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
Cheapest are harbor freight and craftsman mach. The mach is goofy as hell though. Don't know how good that one is.
Never had the need for one of these personally.
Never had the need for one of these personally.
shockwave
Well-known member
My favorite ratchet has to be the snap on rotohead 3/8 in 1/4 body my go to for spark plugs
And this is one area that snap on shines as the selector is very short compared to gear wrench or Taiwan made ones like Cornwell/Matco offer
And this is one area that snap on shines as the selector is very short compared to gear wrench or Taiwan made ones like Cornwell/Matco offer
The ability to oil and inspect the internals of the ratchet for one. Also the ability to adjust the tension yeah the price is a stretch but it does fill a void in offerings because no one else has a usa made version.
Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.
I have the Snap-On 100 tooth roto, and it is my favorite ratchet I have tried so far. I love it. It is the first one I go for. As posted before it is a little long, but that gives you leverage. I have not had a problem breaking fasteners free with it. It is super smooth. For speed I use it like a nut driver, and when I can for more speed I use two hands like making a fire. I find this faster than reaching for a cordless impact. I plan on somehow getting a shorter 3/8 even if I have to make it, these things are great.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Not sure why you would buy a HF when for 10x the money you could buy a Snap On? A lot of us can't stand low end ratchets.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Taiwan.
1950mercury
Well-known member
In my mind it would be hf or snap on on ebay for half price. Yes the hf have alot of back drag but they are dirt cheap and strong. Most roto heads are to bulky to use all day. I have some hf and dont use them much ive thought about up grading but i have other thing i want more. Ive used the napa and so and so wins and you can find new on ebay for what you are going to spend on a napa
bareass172
Well-known member
I made this jump a few months ago and I can't believe I hadn't done it sooner. I like them so much I have convinced a couple friends to try the HF version and I'm giving one to my dad as a Christmas gift. When I decided to make the move I checked sold listings on Ebay, sorted by price to see the lowest prices sold, and that was my mark. If it sold that low once, it'd sell that low again. Because I had patience I was able to score the Snap-On FHNF100 in good shape for $47. I was then lucky enough to score the THNF72 from another member here for a good price bundled with some other stuff I wanted. WELL worth the money IMO, they are the first ratchets I grab for unless I absolutely need something else. I wish I had done it sooner!
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I have the.snap on 1/4 and 3/8 in the shop box. I have Gearwrench in my road on site service tool set. There is a difference in the quality and "feel " . But the Gearwrench work just fine. The 100t snap on is in a league of its own imho.
stonesfan68
Well-known member
I have a Gearwrench roto-ratchet that is my go-to 1/4" drive. I find the 3/8" version not to be as useful. I'm just a DIYer, not a pro.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
According to this http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851
Mac, Cornwell and Carlyle should be the same
Mac MR100SPA 1/4" Drive Roto Ratchet - Carlyle CHTR14S100, Cornwell CTGTSHHR (100 tooth)
Mac XR100SPA 3/8" Drive Roto Ratchet - Carlyle CHTR38S100, Cornwell CTGJSHHR (100 tooth)
Mac VR100SPA 1/2" Drive Roto Ratchet - Carlyle CHTR12S100, Cornwell CTGSSHHR (100 tooth)
thesilverone
Well-known member
SK here
ihateminimumwage
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Same Taiwan made 100 tooth as Cornwell and Carlyle.
I just recently became a Roto convert, decided to give it a shot with a Taiwan made Kobalt for $16 from Cripe Distributing. It's a really nice ratchet, but has become my home ratchet after I used my boss' SK roto and liked it so much, I have a hard handle SK Roto in the mail from a member here. Just need to get a 1/4" now.
panknuckshovel
Well-known member
If Wera is an option, the 3/8 is $65 at Sears and coupons can be stacked to get $20 back in points.
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
Some of the guys on here aren't careful with their stuff. I'm sure angle will affect breakage on the cheap ones...like with cheap joints. I don't know off hand though. Taiwan does flex good so I have no reason to believe they can't make a roto or any other gimmicky ratchet.