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Swivel head ratchet, who owns the patent?

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silver2000

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Aug 20, 2012
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Falmouth, Massachusetts
I have been in the market for a 3/8 swivel and noticed that every one I see appears to have exactly the same head and design. Cornwell, Kobalt, Snapon, Gearwrench. I don't mind buying nice tools but I feel like the only difference is the handle? Does anyone have the inside story there appears to be something more to this.
 
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mech-tech

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Apr 13, 2012
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I too been looking at them. I notices the handle and pivot are the main differences. I bought one with a torx screw at the pivot instead of a pin and always have to tighten it. Oh, have you checked out napa's price? They must be proud of the carlyle cuz its knocking on tool truck price:eyecrazy:
 
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Rico.

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May 28, 2009
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I believe that Snap On made or make a 100 tooth version. I could be wrong as I don't
own any Snap On, like you I am a Facom kind of Chap... :thumbup:
 
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Fedwrench

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I think the patent expired years ago. i know the old SK Wayne roto ratchets had a patent number on them.

There are other differences aside from the nadle shape such as tooth count (Snap on (in 3/8), and Carlyle (1/4,3/8,1/2) offer 100 tooth models), head thickness, whether it's serviceable or not, and the prescence of a quick release.

I believe the current Kobalt, Toptul, Titan, Genius, and Cornwell swivel heads all come from the same factory in Taiwan. The Gearwrench model comes from a different Taiwan factory because of its narrower head, thinner direction lever, and servicability. Find one that you like.
 
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shockwave

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Marietta,ga
Do you mean the flex head or round head flex as both are considered flex head ratchets but some call the flex handle ratchets
 
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Steinmetz

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Washington State
silver2000 said:
I have been in the market for a 3/8 swivel and noticed that every one I see appears to have exactly the same head and design. Cornwell, Kobalt, Snapon, Gearwrench. I don't mind buying nice tools but I feel like the only difference is the handle? Does anyone have the inside story there appears to be something more to this.
Click to expand...

The patent term in the old days was 17 years from the date of issue. Now it is 20 years from the date of filing. Consequently, the patent on the swivel head expired years ago. It is now dedicated to the public.
 
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Skin

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Boston
As stated it was originally an SK design. Long expired so everyone copied it.
 
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Outlawmws

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Aug 9, 2011
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The Badlands
CWP1616L said:
That's all fine and dandy, but if you can't stand to hold it in your hand, what good is it?
Click to expand...

If the head falls apart or strips the gears or pawls, or head swivel fails, what good is it? :dunno:

I've handled more than my share of different ratchets in my time, and most of the handle designs work just fine; only a very few could I even think about saying "I cant stand to have it in my hand" and the fact of the matter is for me is that some of the less expensive and certainly less sought after rats, had a "more comfortable" grip to be pulling on hard than some of the "name brands". The ones that piss me off are the ones that strip, break teeth, or otherwise malfunction.

For handles I'm far more picky about screwdriver grips than ratchet handles...
 
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