Carlyle 48t Speed Rolling ratchet?

[kdeboy]

In spite of what they call it, it looks like an indexable head ratchet. Does anyone have one of these, and if so, what is your impression? I have the Carlyle 3/8 flex head ratchet (60t) and I like it a lot, but no experience with any of their other ratchets.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR38SP?impressionRank=9

I've also looked at the Snap On F80MP ( a little out of my price range), the Gearwrench 11-996G (seems to be no longer available), and the Matco BIR10 (looks the same as the Gearwrench but twice the price, availabilty unknown). I also know Pittsburg Pro has one, but based on my experience with other PP ratcheting tools I'll never buy another one. So... is the Carlyle gtg? If not, what would you recommend for a good indexable head 3/8 ratchet? Thanks.

 

[jsmeece]

I have 3 indexable ratchets, two Armstrong 1/4 (10-996) and 3/8 (11-996) drive (both are 72 teeth) and a Harbor Freight in 1/2 drive (62315) (48 teeth I think). The HF ratchet is pretty good for it price but I would not expect it to survive in a professional setting if used day in and day out, for home use I would recommend. The older Matco versions are the same as the Armstrong versions, since they were both made in the same Armstong factory, now closed. The GW versions are older Mato/Armstong design but are made oversees, likely Taiwan. They are great but not at the price they go for on-line. Keep a lookout on ebay for new and used Matco/Armstong, they pop up every now and then.

I can't comment on the Carlyle versions, but for the price NAPA wants for the Carlyle, I would buy used Matco/Armstong off ebay first. I have several Carlyle ratchets, so I am not knocking them, I am knocking their current price structure.

Now the newer Matco ones, I have no experience with them. The heads look identical to the older Matco/Armstrong versions, but have no idea who makes them for Matco.

If I really wanted one to use in a professional setting, I would just buy the newer Matco one, that way you have a warranty, if needed in the future.

 

[vjquan]

Get the HF version. Far cheaper and appears to be from the same manufacturer.

3/8 in. Drive Indexable Head Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Indexable Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[dnschmidt]

THIS ^^^^

 

[demarpaint]

The design is for odd angles, difficult to access areas, etc. I'd pass on a 48 tooth version. IMO something with a higher tooth count, like 72-90 would be a better idea. I'd look for a deal on a used Snap On on Ebay.

 

[vjquan]

Novelty item. Never saw a need where this would have saved the day.

 

[milky2k]

Way back when, one of these (the HF version) totally saved the day trying to change out the brake booster on a Saab 9-3. I was struggling with the tools I had at the time to change out the booster. I went to HF later that evening and saw the indexable head ratchet on the shelf and the gears started spinning in my head. I had never bought a hand tool from HF before and it turned out to be well made and a great time saver allowing me to quickly remove and replace bolts my tools couldn't reach. It helped me understand why mechanics buy all those odd looking tools, its to save time and frustration. I have the older HF version with a black and grey handle in 3/8. I went back recently to check out the 1/2 version and found the indexing head a bit sloppier than I remembered on my 3/8. Might just be my imagination but I passed on it for now. The Carlyle version looks very much like the HF version but finished a bit nicer, the switch area looks nicer and I like the black quick release over the chrome one and full polish handles are easier to clean. There aren't many other mid-priced alternatives so Carlyle gets the sale. FYI- Zoro shows the Gearwrench 11-996G available to order. I added it to my cart and it said it ships in 3 days.

 

[kdeboy]

Way back when, one of these (the HF version) totally saved the day trying to change out the brake booster on a Saab 9-3. I was struggling with the tools I had at the time to change out the booster. I went to HF later that evening and saw the indexable head ratchet on the shelf and the gears started spinning in my head. I had never bought a hand tool from HF before and it turned out to be well made and a great time saver allowing me to quickly remove and replace bolts my tools couldn't reach. It helped me understand why mechanics buy all those odd looking tools, its to save time and frustration. I have the older HF version with a black and grey handle in 3/8. I went back recently to check out the 1/2 version and found the indexing head a bit sloppier than I remembered on my 3/8. Might just be my imagination but I passed on it for now. The Carlyle version looks very much like the HF version but finished a bit nicer, the switch area looks nicer and I like the black quick release over the chrome one and full polish handles are easier to clean. There aren't many other mid-priced alternatives so Carlyle gets the sale. FYI- Zoro shows the Gearwrench 11-996G available to order. I added it to my cart and it said it ships in 3 days.

Thanks, just did the same. Hopefully they actually have it in stock and it's not a "ships from supplier" deals and the supplier is o.o.s. Keeping my fingers crossed. It looks like a made in USA Gearwrench.