Roto Head Ratchet

[FiendFX]

Which one should I get? Should I get an expensive one or cheap? Is it worth it?

 

[FiendFX]

The HF one is made in Taiwan and pretty good. The GearWrench one is a little nicer, but it's more expensive. If you haven't owned one before, try the HF version. If you like the style you can always step up to a more expensive model.

Well, I was like HF and I tried to turn the roto ratchet and it's stiff as hell lol. Looking for a finer mechanism.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I have one from SK, they seem rather abundant in the secondary market but aren't that expensive new. No complaints with it at all at this point.

 

[young_buck]

I have used the mac roto head, it is a little pricey but they come in handy and its worth every penny if you use them a lot, the comfort handle is nice too The gearwrench ones work well and also have soft grip, haven't used it much but from what I have seen I am impressed.

 

[balane]

young_buck, I have a couple of MAC regular style ratchets and I find those handles to be very comfortable.

However, many times with with round head swivel ratchets I use them in a nut-driver-like, straight up vertical position. I find the round handles on the majority of brands to be good at spinning them along their center axis. Did you find the oval shape of the MAC handle to be inconvenient in any way regarding this? Thanks.

 

[kapster]

I was in your shoes asking the same question awhile ago when i just had to get one, i bought the gearwrench in 1/4 and 3/8. My dad has a 3/8 sk but im pretty sure they quit making it? They're both nice ratchets, except i seem to pinch my hand where the roto head is on the gearwrench. Dont remember ever doing it on the sk but they re the same design really.

I dont like using them as much as i thought i would when i bought them, use them occasionally for something different, but 9 times out of 10 i reach for a flex head ratchet. Specially a snap on dual 80. They dont bite.

I agree with the above, if your new to them get the hf and see if you use it.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The Mac head looks a LOT like the Great Neck ones.

I have SK, Great Neck & SO versions in 1/4 through 1/2.

The SO 1/4" is on it's first rebuilt kit. But it's the smoothest and has a nice longer length. I just don't like the selector knob not staying quite in place; it's easy to bump away from where you want it. The GN aren't as smooth in comparison but the 1/4" works well. The 1/2" probably needs lubed; haven't had it long. The SK is going to be about the same as any that uses the same professional model mechanism; solid, classic but not the utmost in smoothness; it's not a high-tooth count. SK had a higher tooth count version but I think both are disco. at this point.

 

[young_buck]

young_buck, I have a couple of MAC regular style ratchets and I find those handles to be very comfortable.

However, many times with with round head swivel ratchets I use them in a nut-driver-like, straight up vertical position. I find the round handles on the majority of brands to be good at spinning them along their center axis. Did you find the oval shape of the MAC handle to be inconvenient in any way regarding this? Thanks.

I never actually used them as a nut driver, but I would imagine it wouldn't be all that different from a standard round handle as it actually is rounder than it looks in this picture (I would take a picture of the one I used but it was a loaner from a buddy of mine), i like the oval as it fits MY hand better, that's not to say it will fit everyones hands the same, i like the comfort handle as it is -40 degrees celsius just about all winter here and it makes it easier to hold for a longer time plus you get a better grip

 

[mossyboy6]

I dont like using them as much as i thought i would when i bought them, use them occasionally for something different, but 9 times out of 10 i reach for a flex head ratchet. Specially a snap on dual 80. They dont bite.

I agree with the above, if your new to them get the hf and see if you use it.

.

This is exactly my experience. I am going to try a snap on one to see if I like it any better, but I think I will probably just use the flex head.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you have a Cornwell dealer take a look at theirs. But whatever you do... Do not buy them regular price. The set of 3 retails for 299. They go on sale for like 180 or 190. They look exactly like the Mac cut with the Cornwell square handles. I use the 1/4 a lot the other 2 look great in my tool box

 

[kythri]

The GearWrench 1/4" + 3/8" set retails for $59.99.

On-sale with free shipping from Amazon for $42.99, Sears typically runs a deal on them at least 2-3 times a year, last time I saw that deal they were $30.

I'm not a fan of the chubby handle that the HF/Mac/Cornwell have (in fact, I'm not really a fan of hard or soft handles on ratchets, period), but I can deal with the handles on the GW.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

+1 on the Mac 100tooth roto's... I love mine; 1/2, 3/8, & 1/4 all 3 for $175.00

 

[kapster]

I dont know about the mac but the cornwell is made in taiwan, same as the gearwrench. If i was going to pay that much id get snap on. The gearwrench is an exact copy of the snap on

 

[pfctblu]

I dont know about the mac but the cornwell is made in taiwan, same as the gearwrench. If i was going to pay that much id get snap on. The gearwrench is an exact copy of the snap on

Ditto, used the Gearwrench extensively and happy with it.

 

[Roland-5.0]

What's the part number for the gear wrench 1/4 and 3/8 set.

 

[pfctblu]

What's the part number for the gear wrench 1/4 and 3/8 set.

81223 Sears has two different skus. Dont pay more than $50.

Amazon has them for $43 free shipping

 

[mvptrukin]

The Sears and Amazon deals just ended around 12/22/12--thanx to the Hot Deals thread I bought the GW. I've been using them briefly the last week and am really satisfied. Sears seems to be acting like Amazon--increase in orders results in increase in price! Here's the thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179255

 

[the1nonlyjl]

Mine is not "stiff as hell lol."

I've actually been quite happy with it, especially considering the price.

Just got two roto wrenches 1/4 and 3/8 from HF with 25 % coupon. Yup you got that right if price is right and the feel of them are met...I will go after them. Gw and Pitts Pro very similar. I usually get to use mostly out of these wrenches in a pain in the a$$ spots that are impossible to get the work done like the jet ski engine inside the bay...these two Pitts pro roto put my mind at ease

 

[Danglerb]

HF stubby roto is a very handy ratchet for $10.

 

[Cjreyes0101]

I like the gearwrench set. Got the 3/8 and 1/4 set at sears for $30 last month.