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Roto head ratchets

Elvie84

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Apr 25, 2018
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BrisVegas/Australia
Looking at buying a roto ratchet 1/2 drive are they any good and I have been looking at the crescent or gearwrench brands.

Would love some feedback thank you.
 
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ItsNemo

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Mar 5, 2016
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Canada
I don't think Gearwrench has a 1/2" drive roto ratchet...only 1/4" and 3/8", which I have and like quite a bit. Their biggest (and kinda only) advantage is that you can use them screwdriver style once you break loose the fastener.
 
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Elvie84

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Joined
Apr 25, 2018
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BrisVegas/Australia
I don't think Gearwrench has a 1/2" drive roto ratchet...only 1/4" and 3/8", which I have and like quite a bit. Their biggest (and kinda only) advantage is that you can use them screwdriver style once you break loose the fastener.



Thanks for that I have been looking around so I’ll see what I can get for what price
 

WWheeler

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Jun 23, 2015
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Middleofnowhere USA
Gearwrench and Crescent are both Apex brands. Pretty safe bet their roto ratchets are the same except for branding. Don't know that I've seen either with a 1/2" drive version though.

I've only seen a few brands carry a 1/2" roto ratchet, like Genius, T&E Tools, Horror Fright, etc.

Only ones I'm familiar with are Snap-on, but they don't have a 1/2" dr swivel head (roto) ratchet. They are usually my go-to ratchets when I'm not working on large &/or rust seized stuff like suspension work. When there's room to swing them out and spin them like a driver they save loads of time over any other ratchet I've used save for a pneumatic or cordless.
 
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thecody59

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Nov 4, 2014
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Twin cities, MN
The Carlyle ones are really nice. I have all 3 and like them a lot. The 1/2 i believe is $100 new but I got it on sale for $50.
 
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jd_1138

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May 8, 2013
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NE Ohio
I don't think Gearwrench has a 1/2" drive roto ratchet...only 1/4" and 3/8", which I have and like quite a bit. Their biggest (and kinda only) advantage is that you can use them screwdriver style once you break loose the fastener.

They also give you more angles in tight spots.
 

rustbucket5

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Apr 22, 2015
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252
tekon is what i have for roto heads. served me good so far, but the back drag is noticeably higher so if that bothers you try some other brand. personally it doesnt bother me
 

Citation

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Jan 20, 2016
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Indy
Search on eBay for either Crescent or Napa. You can typically get a set (1/4 & 3/8) for under $30.
I've been happy with mine. Got a set for my father. He doesn't like the low profile reverse selector. Then again he likes his pear head Snap on ratchets for a reason. For me they have become my go to because I like the quick change to screw driver mode as well as the way the flex head makes it easy to clear obstacles. I prefer the 1/4 to my Snapon 1/4 flex head.
 

Mr_B

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Nov 21, 2016
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Reading
Carlyle well worth looking at if serious on a roto .
cresent and GW same product .
 
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