Favorite 1/4” drive swivel head ratchet?

[nichocha33]

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.

How are the Vessels?


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[Bigblue&Goldie]

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.

Which SnapOn did you have? I'm surprised as my Carlyle's definitely have more drag (still perfectly acceptable) than the SnapOn's in both 1/4" and 3/8".

Do you have a pic showing the selector side of each ratchet? Reason being I know some of the brands have changed their design (probably supplier even) in recent years.

 

[ForrestT]

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.

Thanks for the awesome assessment. Really appreciate it. From what I’ve read, Carlyle and Cornwell are the same except the handle and made in the same plant.

 

[1foxracing]

How are the Vessels?


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The Vessels are nice but don't perform any better then any of the others (except the Masterforce) in use. The Woody handles are nice but I wish the 3/8's was larger then the 1/4" model and more in line with other manufactures 3/8's models.

Which SnapOn did you have? I'm surprised as my Carlyle's definitely have more drag (still perfectly acceptable) than the SnapOn's in both 1/4" and 3/8".

Do you have a pic showing the selector side of each ratchet? Reason being I know some of the brands have changed their design (probably supplier even) in recent years.

Snapon models I owned were both the THNF72 & FHNF100 models, both were high back drag.
Requested photo's

I think I read that the grip on the Vessel woody ratchet (swivel or fixed quick release) is made in Japan but the ratchet is made in Taiwan (even though the COO isn't listed).

This is true, I emailed Vessel to ask and they confirmed the ratchet is made in Taiwan and the Woody handle is made in Japan.
Sorry for the late reply,I'm working 12 hour shifts this week.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

My Carlyle appears to be the same as your Gearwrench; your Carlyle is the latest version.

 

[MagnusM4]

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

I’m used to swivel head ratchets that don’t lock. How do you like the Wera that locks at certain angles? The Pittsburg Pro swivel heads have served me well and the 1/4 is my go to, but I’m always open to higher quality options.

 

[mrborohachi]

Locking swivel 1/4 ratchet by VIM

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VIM-1-4-RO...460163?hash=item1ef7907c03:g:1U8AAOSwjCVcmUeE

 

[d.mcfarland]

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.

You know it's owned by a Chinese company right?

 

[lardy1]

All I know is I stopped buying them when the dealer informed me that the drill I was looking at was foreign made. Back then there were choices, in that regard.

The Milwaukee power tools that I do own are made in the U.S. of A. Just like ya like 'em.

 

[visionguru]

I had my hands on all of above, except Icon. Gearwrench seems to have the highest backdrag. The new Craftsman is my favorite, smooth and not high back drag.

The Wera mentioned in this thread is typical German junk, maybe a toy for a tool polisher. The bulkiness, the useless complications, and more importantly, how do you clean that thing?

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I fingerblasted the Craftsman the other day and thought it was pretty nice. I think it was $40, which I thought was priced a little high.

 

[M6erfan]

I looked at the C'man in Lowes. Seems nice but the squared off handle makes it seem clunky for spinning. Too expensive too.

 

[javyLSU]

Ever since I bought my Carlyle swivel head, it takes a lot for me to reach for another ratchet... I liked this one so much that I also picked up the 3/8” version.

This 1/4” is my most-used ratchet. I’ve owned it for a little under a year. I’ve avoided comfort grips in the past because of how dirty they get, but a little WD40 and she looks like new.

 

[ForrestT]

Ever since I bought my Carlyle swivel head, it takes a lot for me to reach for another ratchet... I liked this one so much that I also picked up the 3/8” version.

This 1/4” is my most-used ratchet. I’ve owned it for a little under a year. I’ve avoided comfort grips in the past because of how dirty they get, but a little WD40 and she looks like new.

That Carlyle is a good looking ratchet. I kind of wished I got that one over the Cornwell version.


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[Shark Pilot]

Just bought Carlyle with the blue button to match my 3/8" and 1/2" big brothers which I like a lot. Of the 3, it was probably the most expensive. The guy at the counter was surprised at the cost - and it was on sale. Oh well, I guess it averages out OK. These plus the long handle locking Carlyle flex head in 1//4, 3/8 & 1/2" and I am pretty much set. My son who works summers in a professional race shop and uses SO is always impressed with how good these Carlyle ratchets are in comparison.

 

[measuredtwice]

I also had sticker shock when I asked the price of the Carlyle. I think it was on sale for $60 down from $75.

I've looked at several of the ones posted but haven't bought one yet. The back drag was a little high on the Carlyle. But maybe it just needed oil. I was surprised by the low back drag on the Craftsman. I didn't really like the Craftsman handle though. And I thought $30 was a bit high.

I don't mind spending money if I think something is worth it. But I think there's a high mark up on them.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Back drag is essentially irrelevant for this kind of ratchet. When the fastener is loose enough for it to matter you flip it straight and turn it like a screwdriver.

 

[JBH]

Back drag is essentially irrelevant for this kind of ratchet. When the fastener is loose enough for it to matter you flip it straight and turn it like a screwdriver.

Do you think backdrag is irrelevant on a ratcheting screwdriver?

 

[M6erfan]

Do you think backdrag is irrelevant on a ratcheting screwdriver?

It is irrelevant if the screwdriver is in the neutral/locked position...

 

[zmotorsports]

I love my Snap-on swivel head but it's not my "go-to" 1/4" ratchet, my rigid one is. That being said, I bought my son a Carlyle flex head 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets for his birthday a couple of years ago and they are nearly as nice in fit & finish as well as feel to my Snap-on ones.

 

[chrismenke]

Well, this thread cost me $165...damn you GJ!

 

[Rabid Badger]

Do you think backdrag is irrelevant on a ratcheting screwdriver?

Within reason, yes. I only use the ratcheting mechanism when the fastener isn't loose enough that I can spin the driver with my fingertips. If a ratcheting mechanism has so much back drag that it can't get to that point, you have other problems.

 

[measuredtwice]

Well, this thread cost me $165...damn you GJ!

What'd ya get?!

When there's a sale, I might pick up the Craftsman because of the low back drag. I might try adding a grip to it.

 

[mr.lemons]

I really think Wera tried too hard to innovate with the Zyklop and made a less useful roto ratchet as a result. The rotating sleeve prevents the ability to spin the ratchet by the shank with your finger tips (when being used like a screwdriver) making it slower to work with. The lock limits the flexibility of the handle to get around obstacles and removes the best thing about roto heads which is how you can easily flip the handle and use it like a screwdriver and back again. Also the relatively high back drag cannot be adjusted like it can on other roto ratchets because the head is sealed.

Pretty much think Wera's business model is to take good simple designs and add unnecessary faff that looks cool but reduces function.

Sorry about the rant. I get a bit frustrated with Wera because I think they are an exciting brand that tries to be different but their ideas so far seem to fall a bit flat when it comes to usability for me.

 

[M6erfan]

Not 1/4" but, Koken 3776N

 

[JBH]

I really think Wera tried too hard to innovate with the Zyklop and made a less useful roto ratchet as a result. The rotating sleeve prevents the ability to spin the ratchet by the shank with your finger tips (when being used like a screwdriver) making it slower to work with. The lock limits the flexibility of the handle to get around obstacles and removes the best thing about roto heads which is how you can easily flip the handle and use it like a screwdriver and back again. Also the relatively high back drag cannot be adjusted like it can on other roto ratchets because the head is sealed.

Hmm. I wonder if there are severe production variances. I would rank my Wera as solidly in tier #2 on backdrag among all my 1/4" drive ratchets. Backdrag tiers (all 1/4" drive ratchets):

Tier 1: Koken, Koken Zeal, Wiha x Koken
Tier 2: Wera Zyklop Speed, Gedore, Proto (non FUP)
Tier 3: Nepros 90T, Stahlwille 80T
Worse than the above: Facom rotator (backdrag actually is a non-issue on that...), Felo, FUP, GearWrench XP120, Snapon/Bahco Dual80-really-72, Toptul, Wiha (unknown maker - not Koken), Würth, probably others

As for the handle features, I like the floating ring to steady the tool. The lock is also fine IMO. My only complaint is the handle yoke: there should be clearance between the directional ring and the yoke at all angles, not just the detents.

Not 1/4" but, Koken 3776N

I wish there was a 1/4" drive version of that.

 

[M6erfan]

I wish there was a 1/4" drive version of that.

You and me both

 

[tomsatx]

I've owned few compared to others but my favorite is a orange handled spinflex head Proto made in the USA sourced here on GJ a few years ago. I never owned a hard handled ratchet before, didn't like the way rubber ones get grungy and while I do like polished chrome and a nice knurled handled ratchet, the hard handled gets used the most for me. Has a slight texture on the handle similar to a fingerprint for oily or wet situations, wont scratch or knick paint. If lost would buy again and am looking for similar 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets. Will upload pics later.

My heart also has a special place for Plomb (and pretty much any vintage american ratchet lol). I lost a nice little 4749 round handled unit and have been hunting for another round handled ratchet and a pebble handled unit. The round is particularly handy in tight spaces. Never spent more than 20 even for a snap on at flea markets or estate sales.

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[jimmyin3D]

I really think Wera tried too hard to innovate with the Zyklop and made a less useful roto ratchet as a result. The rotating sleeve prevents the ability to spin the ratchet by the shank with your finger tips (when being used like a screwdriver) making it slower to work with. The lock limits the flexibility of the handle to get around obstacles and removes the best thing about roto heads which is how you can easily flip the handle and use it like a screwdriver and back again. Also the relatively high back drag cannot be adjusted like it can on other roto ratchets because the head is sealed.

Pretty much think Wera's business model is to take good simple designs and add unnecessary faff that looks cool but reduces function.

Sorry about the rant. I get a bit frustrated with Wera because I think they are an exciting brand that tries to be different but their ideas so far seem to fall a bit flat when it comes to usability for me.

I think you’re spot on with that, they have an interesting stand out design. But I usually end up going for other brands like Wiha or Facom.

It’s tools like the zyklops/rotos like you mentioned that missed its mark. They are starting to lean into more gimmicky style tooling. I know they can make better tools I just wish they would.





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Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

 

[M635_Guy]

Y'all are really dangerous

 

[M635_Guy]

These Carlyles feel really beefy and a little notchy - wondering if a tiny bit of SuperLube Multi-Purpose oil would make things a bit smoother or just break 'em in?

 

[M6erfan]

These Carlyles feel really beefy and a little notchy - wondering if a tiny bit of SuperLube Multi-Purpose oil would make things a bit smoother or just break 'em in?

I handled those Carlyle's in my local Napa. The notchiness or coarseness kind of turned me off, so I passed on them.

 

[M635_Guy]

I handled those Carlyle's in my local Napa. The notchiness or coarseness kind of turned me off, so I passed on them.

Yeah - it has kept me from clipping the plastic off

 

[javyLSU]

Y'all are really dangerous

Good choice [emoji106] The 1/4” can for sure be lubed. The 3/8” version you got is the “new” one without the blue QR and torx screw on the back. I have no idea how to open the new heads...

 

[tomsatx]

Here is the proto along with some of my other current favorites as promised...the proto spinflex model 4750 with a snap on FV71M 3/8 and...a pittsburgh pro glock model. Its a great ratchet, super comfortable but can tell its getting stained in the rubber handle. Hasnt started getting torn up in the handle for several years now. A pittsburgh pro 1/4 composite would be good one too, just kinda hard to beat the proto overall.

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[pioneer1]

Have had the Tekton 1/4 & 3/8 on my list for a while. Will probably go that route.

 

[measuredtwice]

These Carlyles feel really beefy and a little notchy - wondering if a tiny bit of SuperLube Multi-Purpose oil would make things a bit smoother or just break 'em in?

Did you return them or keep them and oil them? I was also wondering if they would improve with oil so I'll be interested in the outcome.

 

[lardy1]

Have had the Tekton 1/4 & 3/8 on my list for a while. Will probably go that route.

I found Tekton at 40% off a few weeks ago so I grabbed the 1/4" drive. My first roto ratchet. I do like it but have nothing to compare it to.

 

[chrismenke]

What'd ya get?!

When there's a sale, I might pick up the Craftsman because of the low back drag. I might try adding a grip to it.

I picked up the Zyklops in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

 

[ForrestT]

Waiting on a used Cornwell from eBay. Was able to work out a good deal on it. Coming from Colorado. It made it to Michigan. It’s headed to Columbus, Ohio. For some reason, it went from Michigan and is now in Indianapolis? Shipping must follow the same crazy airline routes-get you close and then fly you further away to then get you to final destination.