Kobalt Roto Ratchets

[kythri]

Who's building the ratchets for Kobalt/Lowe's these days?

I'm kinda interested in their "roto" ratchets in all three drive sizes. For the most part, I've liked my GW 1/4" and 3/8", but there's not a 1/2" and I really don't care for the comfort grip.

The Kobalt ones seem to fit the bill, unless anyone else knows of a similar ratchet (i.e. roto/swivel head, full polish chrome, no comfort grip). Just curious who the manufacturer is.

 

[ninjamunky85]

All the roto ratchets out now look the same. I'm pretty sure they're all coming out of Taiwan, my guess is that's where the Kobalt ones are made.

Save yourself a few $$$ and just get the HF ones.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html

 

[kythri]

save yourself a few $$$ and just get the hf ones.

I really don't care for the comfort grip.

REALLY don't like.

 

[ninjamunky85]

Opps, I didn't notice that when I read it the first time.

It's possible though that it's just a normal handle under the rubber one. Maybe someone else will know. I have two of the HF ones, but I don't want to cut the handle off to see.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Try again

 

[dowmace]

New for 2015, Beta Tools of Italy just introduced a similar line of 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive rotating-handle ratchets. See the attached picture.
They are due here in the US sometime in late May.

Not even close to what he's asking for, way to push a product into an irrelevant conversation.

 

[AmishFury]

you could always transplant a screwdriver handle onto it... but it would be less effort to just get the kobalt...

unless you can find a complete steal on an SK roto

 

[Scimmia]

All the roto ratchets out now look the same. I'm pretty sure they're all coming out of Taiwan, my guess is that's where the Kobalt ones are made.

Save yourself a few $$$ and just get the HF ones.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html

Nope, the Kobalt and the HF are completely different with different mechanisms.

 

[kythri]

Did SK build them in all three drive sizes? Quick Googling looks like there was a 3/8 model only, but I haven't dug super deep.

Looks like Kobalt is it, I guess..

That doesn't particularly bother me, I'd just like to know who makes them

 

[bob from indiana]

I have a Kobalt 1/4" roto that I picked up at a yard sale. it is a fine ratchet some super lube made it a joy to use.

I have a Pittsburg 1/4" roto in my car kit and it works but it is rough. I soaked it in Marvel Mystery Oil and it improved but the back drag is still there.

 

[Brownsfan]

Same people who make the standard ratchets. I believe its called Rotar in Taiwan. I could be wrong.

 

[kythri]

Oh, alright. Cool. My understanding is that Rotar makes good stuff.

Thanks!

 

[Fedwrench]

Did SK build them in all three drive sizes? Quick Googling looks like there was a 3/8 model only, but I haven't dug super deep.

Looks like Kobalt is it, I guess..

That doesn't particularly bother me, I'd just like to know who makes them

SK only made a 3/8 drive roto ratchet. They did have two different styles though, professional, and TUFF 1.

Don't overlook TITAN, you could get an extra long one if you wanted.

http://www.toolsource.com/micro-swivel-head-extra-long-ratchet-p-154303.html

but don't buy it from toolsource as they're $10 more than others.

 

[kythri]

Does Titan make a 1/2" drive one? Found the 1/4" and 3/8" on Amazon, but can't find a part number for the 1/2" (if it even exists)...

 

[cheechi]

I wish I could justify the SK cost.

I have Kobalt, GW, HF, and I think a few Husky. Kobalt is by far the best quality of them just in terms of the ratchet mechanism. It's also the most comfortable (subjective I know) the only bad thing about it is the cost. I wouldn't mind the $20 or so I paid for it if not for the fact nearly all the rest of them cost a combined $20-30.

 

[CarsonConcepts]

I have a set of the Kobalt ones (all 3 drives). Picked them up over the past year or so with various sales, coupons and one was clearance (package change). Mine are all Taiwan made.

I SuperLube'd mine as soon as I got them, and so far they have been working with out issue. The Roto style is not my first go-to ratchet, but they come in really handy in a lot of situations. One other note, the 3/8" one is nearly as long as the 1/2"

Length to Drive Center:
1/4" : 5-5/16"
3/8" : 9-3/4"
1/2" : 10-3/16"

 

[kythri]

Snagged a set this past week, using a couple of different coupon deals.

Does your 1/4" drive unit seem "sharp" at the beam separation? Not like, slice you open sharp, but, just, "not right" sharp?

 

[CarsonConcepts]

Mine isn't too bad. The newer one that I warrantied for my girlfriend's father is sharper than the one I have. Handle design is slightly different as well. Could probably take a bit of emery paper to roll the edge over just slightly.

~ Carson

 

[MagnumForce]

I have the Kobalt 3/8. It is my go to rat, use it every day and love it.

 

[toolaholic]

I have the 1/4 inch kobalt rotohead and just picked up the 1/2 at lowes today on clearance for $20. Super lubed it. Kobalt 1/2-in Drive Ratchet
http://www.lowes.com/pd_337329-22328-85878_?productId=3381194

 

[Air21]

I have that Titan 1/4 extra long and it took a lot more grunt than I expected it to without skipping of flexing. I have not seen a 1/2 though.

 

[mrvm]

just picked up the 1/2 at lowes today on clearance for $20. Super lubed it. Kobalt 1/2-in Drive Ratchet
http://www.lowes.com/pd_337329-22328-85878_?productId=3381194

Kobalt 1/2-in Drive Ratchet
Item #: 337329 | Model #: 85878

FYI:
$13.99
Was: $34.97
Save 60% thru 10/30/2015

 

[CarsonConcepts]

Which store is showing the $13.99 price? Checked a few in the area and lowest I'm seeing online is ~$20. FIL drive quite a bit for work and I'm sure he would be interested in picking one up.

~ Carson

 

[morgaj1]

This is what I have:

http://www.cripedistributing.com/crescent-crw17-2-pc-1-4-3-8-roto-ratchet-set.html

Crescent brand, made in Taiwan and identical to the Gearwrench brand.