Favorite 1/4” drive swivel head ratchet?
- Thread starter ForrestT
- Start date
I was at the local auto parts store yesterday, and they had a 1/4" swivel by Titan that looked nice. Light weight, too. Must have had some composite construction. I have a mini bit ratchet of theirs, and like it alot.
https://www.titan-us.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=11313&catlist=76&parent=65
https://www.titan-us.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=11313&catlist=76&parent=65
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I like the Wera Zyklop, about $80 but very versital:
If not that, then Tekton has a decent one for $26 on Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00A50NB2Y/ref=twister_B014FX1SXA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If not that, then Tekton has a decent one for $26 on Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00A50NB2Y/ref=twister_B014FX1SXA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
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I have the Pittsburgh ones from Harbor Freight in 1/4" and 3/8". I bought them because they were cheap and I wanted to try out swivel heads. Bottom line, they're fine for the money (with a coupon), but I find myself wanting something nicer, with a higher tooth count. I might pick up the Carlyle or the Icon swivel head if a deal rolls around on either one.
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
Ruling out snap on is foolish. I know, I used to do it, then I found one too cheap to pass up. Now I know if you like quality tools they are worth the price. If you actually do anything with them it doesn't take long to pay for them. Tools are an investment in yourself. Buying at harbor fright is like self mutilation, it doesn't make much sense but there are many here who do it every day.
I don’t disagree with you if you can buy it right used in good shape on eBay. Just didn’t want guys flipping brand new snap-on stuff at me. SK is my brand of choice, but they don’t make a 1/4” drive version.
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
Expensive tools aren't always good. There are loads of companies that spend more on marketing their products than making the actual product itself. If you are buying Snap off ratchets because of smoothness, that's one thing. However, Snap off ratchets break just like any other ratchet out there if you really beat on them. The Pittsburgh Pro swivel head ratchets are one of the few ratchets from HF that I haven't had any issues with after extensive use.
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JohnM45
Well-known member
Cruising Lowe's yesterday, I saw a nice looking Craftsman, which surprised me. I'm a shade-tree garage fiddler and am very partial to Snap-On. I don't have any swivel heads, but that Craftsman felt really nice and substantial. Seems they have a higher quality line, now.
It was a 72 tooth, 1/4" swivel for like $30. You could probably have an SK for $50 or $60 new. Still probably half the Snap-On price tag.
I'm very pro "USA" tools, if I have to go cheap, I still avoid Harbor Freight...nothing but chinese factories stealing USA company designs and selling them for **** prices because they could give 2 squats about labor practices and pollution. </rant> but, to each their own.
plinker
Well-known member
S-K needs to make one. I fail to understand why they never did make a 1/4 drive version.
I had acquired a Snap-on fairly inexpensively years ago now, while it's ok, I dont care for the reverse switch it has.
I had acquired a Snap-on fairly inexpensively years ago now, while it's ok, I dont care for the reverse switch it has.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I think in SK's heyday of the 1960s-70s, 1/4 drive wasn't used that much so, they stuck with a 3/8 drive roto head. However, with today's tighter engine bays, more plastic components, and smaller sized fasteners, there's no reason not to offer both versions today. If SK ever gets around to releasing roto head ratchet, they need to stick to a knurled handle.
Back to the topic, if you're ok with a comfort grip handle, Carlyle from NAPA or the Crescent/Gearwrench version is also nice and more affordable.
If you prefer all metal handles, Titan offers some durable, yet inexpensive versions.
jimmyin3D
Banned
I used to rule out SO as well but with some research they can be had for a pretty good price. I personally believe SO’s THNF72/TNF72 swivel head ratchets are the best out there. Super thin head, nice action, and great warranty(even online). I purchased mine off eBay a couple yrs ago for about $60-$70.
I just glanced eBay and there are a few in the $70-$80 range.
I think in SK's heyday of the 1960s-70s, 1/4 drive wasn't used that much so, they stuck with a 3/8 drive roto head. However, with today's tighter engine bays, more plastic components, and smaller sized fasteners, there's no reason not to offer both versions today. If SK ever gets around to releasing roto head ratchet, they need to stick to a knurled handle.
Back to the topic, if you're ok with a comfort grip handle, Carlyle from NAPA or the Crescent/Gearwrench version is also nice and more affordable.
If you prefer all metal handles, Titan offers some durable, yet inexpensive versions.
If you don’t want to pay for the SO the carlyle/Mac/matco/cornwell version is pretty nice too. Has higher tooth count but the head thickness is also about double the SO version. Can be had for about $50-$60(the carlyle a little bit cheaper when on sale ~$40)
I would pass on the Gearwrench/Crescent version, I had the 1/4-3/8 pair a while ago that skipped a lot. Super frustrating. Gearwrench warranty sucked as well trying to get a replacement, sears finally did but it also skipped.
FerrariPower
Banned
If you shop around you can get them even cheaper than that. I picked up 2 that were new for around $90 shipped from the same seller, and swapped the gear in one for a 3/8".
By far my two favorite little ratchets for most small applications.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
The older 36t TH737 has been great for me.
It's got less backdrag than most. The newer 72t version wouldn't gain me much.
Depth of the head is shallow. And a roto gets you in places a flex handle won't.
My other roto 1/4" is a great neck. Works great. Little more backdrag than the SO, shorter handle, and thicker head.
It's got less backdrag than most. The newer 72t version wouldn't gain me much.
Depth of the head is shallow. And a roto gets you in places a flex handle won't.
My other roto 1/4" is a great neck. Works great. Little more backdrag than the SO, shorter handle, and thicker head.
Madc
Well-known member
https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-05003...ed-ratchet-1-4-zyklop-ratchet-with-1-4-drive/
Chads toolbox has the Wera on sale for $50
great little ratchet.
Chads toolbox has the Wera on sale for $50
great little ratchet.
visionguru
Well-known member
Anyone should do, e.g. Harbor Freight, Tekton, Husky, Craftsman, Gearwrench, Titan, ......
all seem quite decent, based on the same design, all seem made in Taiwan.
Or go Snap On.
I'd skip euro junk.
speed bump
Well-known member
I like the Snap on because head is the thinnest out of all of them. Otherwise they all seem to be about the same buy one in a color you like
Parrothead
Well-known member
Pittsburgh 1/4 drive swivel head with quick release is 72t and has done everything I’ve asked of it. Not a maintenance guy anymore but it worked. I rehandled it with a Craftsman acetate handle and I’m happy. The thing is $7.99 after the never expiring $5 off Pittsburgh ratchets. $8 and it works...well!
Wally World dot com has a Powerbuilt 1/4" drive, flex handle right now for twelve bucks. I appears to be the old standard Asian 72 tooth. A couple months ago I found a quarter inch drive Cougar (by Wright) on eBay. Brand new, non flex delivered for under ten bucks. It's coarse tooth but works smoothly. You almost have to try to buy a ****** ratchet anymore. So many nice, affordable ratchets to choose from. I've even gone against my own rules and bought a couple Taiwan ratchets.
bwringer
Well-known member
I have at least five of the Taiwan-made HF 1/4" version (also sold under many other names and colors in many other places), and two or three of them pretty much permanently have a 8, 10, and 12mm deep mounted up.
The one with the 10mm is my most-used tool by far. No failures or issues, all work fantabulously.
Or, I could have spent over ten times the money on one Snap-On.
And yeah, the new Craftsman version without the soft handle is extremely intriguing.
I boiled one of my HF roto handles to soften it and pulled the plastic handle off. It's actually nice chrome under there and fits in my motorcycle tool roll a lot easier.
The one with the 10mm is my most-used tool by far. No failures or issues, all work fantabulously.
Or, I could have spent over ten times the money on one Snap-On.
And yeah, the new Craftsman version without the soft handle is extremely intriguing.
I boiled one of my HF roto handles to soften it and pulled the plastic handle off. It's actually nice chrome under there and fits in my motorcycle tool roll a lot easier.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I have a Napa/Carlyle that is the same as the Gearwrench and Crescent versions. It's not bad at all, but definitely not as nice as my SnapOn. I'm just a DIY guy, but I would spend the money again on the SnapOn. Both the Napa and SnapOn were bought new on Ebay.
Here is a link to the Crescent version. The newer Carlyle is different.
https://www.ebay.com/i/402031356779...MIk62j_4mR5wIVhK_sCh0uDQ5VEAQYAyABEgJ0ofD_BwE
Here is a link to the Crescent version. The newer Carlyle is different.
https://www.ebay.com/i/402031356779...MIk62j_4mR5wIVhK_sCh0uDQ5VEAQYAyABEgJ0ofD_BwE
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619DioFan
Well-known member
I have the pittsburgh swivel heads in 1/4 and 3/8 drive. they are really good IMO.
turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
I like the Wera Zyklop, about $80 but very versital:
If not that, then Tekton has a decent one for $20 on Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/TEKTON-4-Inch-Quick-Release-Ratchet-SRH31006/dp/B07J2Q8D5N/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1OL804AC4ZZS4&keywords=tekton+1%2F4+ratchet&qid=1579448844&sprefix=tekton+1%2F4%2Caps%2C309&sr=8-4
That's a nice ratchet. I don't own any swivel head, but might consider this one as my first.
It’s a great ratchet. I have the complete 1/4 and 3/8 wera sets in my work tool box. German tools are great quality and lighter than most American brand name stuff.
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Htscheg
Well-known member
Snap On is my favorite, Ive gotten rid of all my others!!!
AngryBeaver
Well-known member
I've tried many cheap ones... I go back to my snap on from the 90's every time. whenever they changed it from course to fine tooth.. its like a swiss watch.... I only use it on precision stuff like dash work. My go to is a flex head TL72 or whatever it is.
I have a wera 1/4".... I thought I'd love it.. its not that good of quality to be honest. its not even german made...its clunky. the lock on it sticks all the time. If you need a lock on a roto head, you probably don't need to be using one anyways.
I bought a Pittsburgh roto head for the service truck... after having a good one, I can't touch it.
I have a wera 1/4".... I thought I'd love it.. its not that good of quality to be honest. its not even german made...its clunky. the lock on it sticks all the time. If you need a lock on a roto head, you probably don't need to be using one anyways.
I bought a Pittsburgh roto head for the service truck... after having a good one, I can't touch it.
AngryBeaver
Well-known member
pfffft.
dont mean to be the bearer of bad news, but those aren't German made..... just like most of the tools wera sells....
Parrothead
Well-known member
That’s exactly what I found too. I figured there would be unfinished metal when I pulled the handle, but I found nice chrome too. Kinda surprised.
I’m aware, most of their stuff is made in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, they’re a German company. By the way, KC tools is a good stateside source for German tools for anyone who if interested.
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FerrariPower
Banned
That's like saying Milwaukee is a Wisconsin company. In reality they're owned by a Hong Kong company, make all their products in China in the same factory as their Ryobi sister company, and have nothing but offices in the US.
It doesn't make them "American."
When Milwaukee went Asian, I went elsewhere. Half a lifetime ago but I still basically feel the same way. Today's difference is there aren't any options. Back then there were still domestic power tools on the market.
the r&d is done in Germany. I don’t care where they’re made, in fact most snap on stuff is made in China now. Btw, my company sells the machines that Ferrari uses to make their engine blocks, which also happens to be a German company, is Ferrari German now? My point is that German engineered tools are well designed, with the Wera Zyklop being a good example.
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FerrariPower
Banned
Most Snap-on tools are made in the US with the exception of their electronics.
Your company sells the sand Ferrari uses to cast their engine blocks? I'm confused. I've watched the entire block creation process, and haven't seen any specific tools that would change any part of the process.
I used to own German line boring machines when I rebuilt engines, and they were the best ever made. Of course, they weren't made in Hong Kong.
I'm your wrong audience to convince that a Wera Zyklop ratchet will ever be better than the equivalent Snap-on. Chances are I paid less for my Snap-on than you paid for your Wera.
Hate to break it to you, but it’s a lot more than just the electronic tools being made in China. Again, I don’t care where they’re made, it’s a global economy, but I care where it was engineered. To clarify, we sell the mills they use to machine their engine blocks, those are made in the Bavarian Alps. We also sell the same machines to pretty much all the European automakers, as well as Glock. Anyways, for someone with a mobile tool kit needed for work, Wera/Hazet/Stahlwille are the way to go. My entire garage at home is Snap On hand tools, and while their stuff is very nice, for a flex head ratchet, I prefer my wera 1/4 and 3/8 over my snap on ones. Snap On still makes the best sockets and wrenches on the planet in my opinion bar none.
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FerrariPower
Banned
People have been saying that about Snap-on for years, and it's total nonsense : but I am referring to hand tools with this reference specifically.
If you've ever done any precise measuring with a Starrett micrometer or caliper, you notice in seconds the difference between the ones made in Massachusetts and their Global Series made ... wherever.
Where it's made does matter. What alloys it's made out of matters too. You're not going to find German cold rolled steel in China, or the same kind of precision work of German factories in China.
I don't recall seeing a KERN anywhere on the factory floor in Modena. That being said, a German made KERN is a quality product.
Personal preference comes into play with tools --- some people will prefer the soft grip ratchets over chrome, or the feel of a Wiha over a Snap-on. Use what you prefer, particularly if what you prefer is in line with your budget.
I only have two: Würth and Wera. Wera has a lot less backdrag and a great handle, but can only really be used in the detented positions. In between the back ring rubs against the handle. I don’t know Snapon’s roto but Wera feels much better than any Dual80-really-72.
Würth is more flexible: can use in any position and switch the handle to a T as well. (I think VIM sells the same tool, or a substantially similar one).
Overall, I like Wera. It’s a fairly new purchase so it’s been getting “new toy” amounts of use, and except for the limited head angles there’s nothing to dislike about it.
Würth is more flexible: can use in any position and switch the handle to a T as well. (I think VIM sells the same tool, or a substantially similar one).
Overall, I like Wera. It’s a fairly new purchase so it’s been getting “new toy” amounts of use, and except for the limited head angles there’s nothing to dislike about it.
Just picked up Pittsburgh pro at harbor freight. $10 and change with coupon. Very impressive for a harbor freight tool. I have a used Cornwell version I was able to negotiate on eBay. Looking forward to it arriving to compare. Thanks for all the input.
1foxracing
Well-known member
I own a few.
I slightly favor the Icon over the Carlyle just because the Icon doesn't have a quick release. In the past I also owned the Snapon and Wera models. My Snapon had much higher back drag then all the others and I found the Wera to clumsy with it's over sized handle plus I didn't like it's anti-theft color combination gimmick.
My least favorite of my current ones would be the MasterForce model from Menards. It's has a higher back drag then all the others but still less then the Snapon version I owned. The best bang for your buck is definitely the Pittsburgh Pro model I would easily choose it over the Snapon or Wera models.
I slightly favor the Icon over the Carlyle just because the Icon doesn't have a quick release. In the past I also owned the Snapon and Wera models. My Snapon had much higher back drag then all the others and I found the Wera to clumsy with it's over sized handle plus I didn't like it's anti-theft color combination gimmick.
My least favorite of my current ones would be the MasterForce model from Menards. It's has a higher back drag then all the others but still less then the Snapon version I owned. The best bang for your buck is definitely the Pittsburgh Pro model I would easily choose it over the Snapon or Wera models.