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Flex head v. Roto (swivel) ratchets

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ajchien

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
2,649
Location
Los Angeles, stuck on the 60 freeway.
I'd like to get myself a longer handled finer tooth ratchet with a flex or roto head.

First question is: are there any advantages to a flex head vs. Roto head? Or are they the same?

Secondly, do you guys have recommendations? I'm always on a budget, so I'd tend to stay away from the truck brands (although if you recommend it, I'll see if i can find one at a swap meet)
 
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Danglerb

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 6, 2007
Messages
9,736
Location
SoCal
I use them for different stuff, the roto a lot of light fasteners where I switch from speeder to torquer, flex head is more an access thing where I need to reach in, but lack clearance for a non flex handle.
 
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mrholeshot

MEMBER EMERITUS
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
8,043
I prefer the Roto head. Allows you to push the socket onto the bolt one handed. While a locking flex allows the same it doesn't allow the handle to move once on the bolt. Yje only downfall is it's a little wide in the hips. Very rarely an issue but enough to keep a flex head as well. If I could only have one it would be the roto head
 
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littlekillertoad

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 30, 2010
Messages
283
Location
Orlando, Florida
If it were just one or the other, I'd go for the roto ratchet.
I bought the gearwrench roto ratchet a couple years back and it's been good. I've not had any problems with skipping teeth or reversing and I haven't been nice to it at all. If you're just a shade mechanic, I'd go for one of those. I'd also recommend the SK roto ratchet. It's run you a little more than the gearwrench but it's a nice piece of equipment and it's made in the US.
 
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