Swivel Head Ratchet Question

[atlinwi202]

I was in Harbor Freight today and looked at their swivel head ratchets again. If any thing in that building looks like it was well made, it is those. I couldn't bring myself to but them because I hate cheap tools. After that I headed to sears and looked at the gearwrench swivel head ratchets and they look and feel about the same, also one is made in China and one in Taiwan, so neither really win there. Can anyone help me on which way i should go, or if I should choose a different brand entirely?

harbor freight version:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=96782

 

[Joe H]

Both will get the job done, however I myself prefer to go with gearwrench if I am going with imported tools. Otherwise I will get snap-on, matco or craftsman pro. That is just my personal preference though.

 

[Merkava_4]

or if I should choose a different brand entirely?

Yes.

.........

 

[Joe H]

Also btw the cushion grips on the Gearwrench is very nice. Very close to the comfort grips on the snap on ratchets.

 

[Joe H]

Yes.

.........

A suggestion would be nice to go along with that.

 

[FNFS2000]

, or if I should choose a different brand entirely?

WERA Zyklop sure is nice, I love mine

 

[Joe H]

WERA Zyklop sure is nice, I love mine

Well since were going to skyrocket the budget my vote is for the Snap-On FHNF100.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...id=228&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

 

[Stick Figure]

I got the 1/4 and 3/8 gearwrench ratchets free in a wrench purchase, and actually like them. I've got them at home so they haven't seen a TON of use, but they feel pretty good, and don't have any problems yet. I probably would have purchased the snap on versions for work by now if my snap on guy wasn't so far behind that he actually had them on the truck.

 

[atlinwi202]

Id love to buy snap on or wera, but id have to look for them used. I'm also trying to save for a house. Ill keep my eyes peeled for some deals on the good brands. Thanks guys.

 

[chris_morrison_]

Well since were going to skyrocket the budget my vote is for the Snap-On FHNF100.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...id=228&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

I have owned that ratchet for about one month use it every day i would say one of the best ratchets i have ever used.

 

[atlinwi202]

So I got on the truck to check out the Snap-on swivel heads and dis not like the feel of them. Are there different models with different numbers of gear teeth or am i missing something here because honestly i liked the feel of the gearwrench better. I did pick up a flf-80 for my first quality flex head and that thing is sweet, my only regret is not getting the locking version.

 

[GT89mustang]

I bought the 1/4 and 3/8 swivel head ratchets from harbor freight, I like them so far, no complaints. I actually like them better then the gearwrench, the harbor freight have a quick release button, and I like the handles better.

 

[atlinwi202]

Thanks GT89, I have picked up the hf versions about 5 times and don't mind the feel at all, and the price is low. I'm just in the school of thought that if i waste 12$ on a ratchet i don't like then i paid $12 more for the one i do like when i get it. But i think in this case im going to give HF a shot with one and if it works well ill try another. Thanks for the input.

 

[Joe H]

So I got on the truck to check out the Snap-on swivel heads and dis not like the feel of them. Are there different models with different numbers of gear teeth or am i missing something here because honestly i liked the feel of the gearwrench better. I did pick up a flf-80 for my first quality flex head and that thing is sweet, my only regret is not getting the locking version.

The one I linked to is the new 100 tooth snap-on. If I remember correctly the older round head ratchets only had 39 teeth compared to the 72 teeth of the Gearwrench models.

 

[CamarosRus]

Could someone list/explain the different generations of Snap On rotating head 3/8" rachet models Please.

Oldest to newest........and must I own the 100 tooth version or is the next older version (???) still very nice?

Thanks

 

[Rickster]

I have the SK Roto-Head and the Snap-on version. I really like my SK, it's my Go-To ratchet of choice.

 

[fordbroncodave]

gear wrench brand ratchets. can't go wrong

 

[BigK600]

Go with Gearwrench. I have the HF one it annoys the **** out of me because the force required to swing the ratchet back to make the teeth lock into the gear is to great. In other words, say your unscrewing a bolt, and you get to a point where the bolt is almost removed. since the the HF ratchets teeth are to strong and you start screwing the bolt back in. I hope that makes sense. Propably could be expanded better or maybe theres a word for that. Gearwrench back ratcheting is much easier and smoother.