Rotator Ratchets - which one to get?

[Sine Swept]

I am seeing the Stanley / Blackhawk / Proxxon / Facom models. Probably just go with 1/4 drive. They all appear to be made in similar fashion.

 

[SeisMec]

AKA Swivel or Roto head.

The thread in this forum titled Favorite 1/4” drive swivel head ratchet? would be worth a read.

 

[619DioFan]

I have the 3/8 and 1/4 pittsburghs from HF. very happy with them. 72 tooth and lifetime warranty.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I don't have a rotator ratchet, so I couldn't recommend one, OP.

I do have roto ratchets. SnapOn versions are nice except the price.

 

[JBH]

AKA Swivel or Roto head.

The thread in this forum titled Favorite 1/4” drive swivel head ratchet? would be worth a read.

No, actually quite different. On a rotator the head is fixed and the handle rotates to turn the fastener.

I have the 1/4” Facom as well as their rotator bit ratchet. I use the latter more than the former. I’ve not tried other brands.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have a husky, not sure if they still make em, looks the same as Stanley.

 

[SeisMec]

On a rotator the head is fixed and the handle rotates to turn the fastener.

My bad. That name makes sense.

 

[jgromada]

I was going to add my 2 cents but JBH said it perfectly. A swivel ratchet still works the same way as a conventional ratchet as you rotate entire ratchet body around a pivot point, you still need a certain amount of arc clearance to make the socket rotate.

In a very limited space with zero arc space you can move a socket.

I have a gimmicky one that can both rotate and there is a crank. The one i want is a Proxxon. It has a provision to actually rotate the handle using another ratchet extension (see the end in the pic)

I actually wouldn't mind a tool that simple translated the force of a ratchet 90 degrees.

 

[SeisMec]

It has a provision to actually rotate the handle using another ratchet extension (see the end in the pic)

D#*n you jgromada. I'm retired, but now I need one!

 

[619DioFan]

I thought the op meant rotohead/swivel head so I mentioned HF. these are of course different than rotator head which I have never used.

 

[xjfish]

I actually wouldn't mind a tool that simple translated the force of a ratchet 90 degrees.

x2. Also want a Proxxon now!

 

[Fedwrench]

None of the above.

I feel the Rotator ratchet is one of those tools that might sound like a good idea or look good on paper but, are poorly executed when it comes to reality.

Most people I know that have them, never use them. The heads are too thick and you don't create much torque turning the handle.

 

[SeisMec]

Most people I know that have them, never use them. The heads are too thick and you don't create much torque turning the handle.

That was my impression the only time I've examined one for about 20 seconds IRL. I'm thinking that the 1/4" drive socketed end is going to allow for much more torque than a simple grip handle?

I always find your posts quite informative and would appreciate any further comment you might have about the socketed end.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have the blackhawk version in 1/4 and 3/8 drive. They are not the ratchet you grab for everything but excellent when the situation is right. Most often I grab one when space doesn't permit a lot of handle swing room. You break the bolt/nut loose and then twist the handle back and forth and it quickly zips off the fastener.

If you can find one with square/hex drive at the end of the handle, get it. That's the feature I'm missing.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have the Stanley and the FACOM rotator ratchets both 3/8 and I use them quite often working on my cars, I find them quite handy especially in confined spaces which is all over the car.

 

[anndel]

I have Tektons, Carlyles and Snap-ons. I prefer the Tekton and Carlyle because of the quick-release but they all work great and does the same thing.

 

[Dave455]

I just thought I’d post this link.

This clip includes a nice demo of the Facom Rotator Ratchet (in this case the bit driver). I don’t think everyone realises exactly how these work. If you remember the old “sidewinder”, these are a generation on.

Actually, this guy seems to own just about every Nano, Pico, etc set that Facom make. (Well, perhaps not every set, give him time)! It’s an impressive collection though. He also seems to have filmed this in an aviary...

In fact, having removed two particularly fiddly seats today, I’ve just ordered the Facom set below. There are some good deals on these right now.

 

[rivahmon]

The Proxxon seems to be unique with its square drive in the handle. I can find the 1/2" with free shipping to the US from UK/Germany but not the 1/4" and 3/8". Around $50 shipping for a $50 ratchet is too steep for me.
Asta and BGS show up on the German sites and appear similar to the Proxxon but I'm not sure if they have the square drive in the handle.