Roto head ratchets???

[joedodge]

How do you guys like the roto head ratchets. I’m looking at the snap on 3/8. I’m a heavy diesel tech and it looks super useful to pair with my swivel head ratchets. Just worried the head is to large for a lot of jobs???

 

[Farmall 1066]

The older SK Tuff-1 roto ratchet has been my mainstay for 20 years.
I'd never be without one.
Will it fit everywhere? No, but it's so handy everywhere else that I don't mind at all.

 

[joedodge]

Thanks for the reply! I’m thinking I need one lol

 

[Bobcat753]

I have the 1/4" and the 3/8" Snap On roto heads. My favorite is the 1/4". I work on amusement rides and there is plenty of room but the 3/8" is just too clumsy and bulky for me.

 

[joedodge]

I also have the 1/4 and love it. But that’s exactly what I’m worried about with the 3/8

 

[busch308]

Go grab one from Harbor Freight and give it a shot. If you don't like it then you only spent a few bucks. I have a 1/4 HF and it works just the same as a Snap On. I did put a hard handle on it though.

 

[joedodge]

I’d kill a hf ratchet man. It just wouldn’t hold up for me. Good idea though

 

[jd_1138]

I have a little HF Pittsburgh Pro 1/4 roto ratchet (one with the green handle). I love that little dude even though it was only like 9 bucks. lol. I'm not a pro like you. I am just a DIY guy who repairs things for a few folks and me.

I reach for that every time for my 1/4 sockets. I need to get the 3/8 one. I don't think the extra bulk of the head would get in your way because of the fact that it moves all around. Paired with wobble extensions and/or universal joints, you can pretty much get in any spot. And once you get the fastener loose enough, you can pull the handle straight out and start spinning the handle to remove the fastener. Instead of swinging the handle normally and bumping into things.

Maybe grab the HF ones to try 'em out. You could always toss them in your home or trunk box and get the Snappies for work.

 

[sweet victory]

The 1/4" is definitely the one you want. I thought I'd never use it, or my ratcheting bit driver, and they've become two of my most used tools! You definitely want a comfort grip or hand handle, that way it's easier to use a bit driver. Break loose with the handle at 90*, then quickly remove using as a bit driver with the handle at 180*.

 

[GrantCee]

I have one of the old SK 3870 ratchets, and every time I use it I'm amazed at how handy and versatile it is. Then I wonder why I don't use it more often!

 

[ChrisLS8]

I’d kill a hf ratchet man. It just wouldn’t hold up for me. Good idea though

You'd be suprised

 

[joedodge]

Possibly. But when I’m out on the side of the rd trying to get. Truck up and running I gotta know I can trust the stuff I get to a certain degree. It’s not a hobby it’s livelihood

 

[JBradley500]

The harbor freight rotos I bought (then sold about immediately) had the worst backdrag in any ratchets I’ve ever used. My wife bought me Gearwrench ones and they are a lot better. I’m sure the snap ons are noticeable better yet.

 

[WWheeler]

A post of mine from a recent similar thread:

My swivel heads have been my go-tos since the first time I laid hands on one. I use them every day. Once you get used to them they are huge time savers. I've had many friends and coworkers jaws literally drop just watching me go to work with them. If there's room on what I'm working on to swivel it straight out like a driver I can spin a nut or bolt on or off as fast if not faster with them than I can with my M12 cordless.

 

[joedodge]

Awesome man thanks so much!

 

[WWheeler]

FWIW, here's a pic to compare the swivel-head sizes (1/4"dr, 3/8"dr compact, and 3/8"dr) to a 3/8" dual 80 (F80).

 

[joedodge]

I mean there isn’t a huge size difference I guess

 

[CR888]

Everyone needs a roto or 2 in 1/4" & 3/8". How much you need one determines whether you by Pittsburgh, GW or Snap On. I like the 100tooth SO design, they really nailed it when that came out.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have a SK 3870 with the DT80 mechanism. If space allows, it is my go to ratchet.

 

[Tallpilot]

Everyone needs a roto or 2 in 1/4" & 3/8". How much you need one determines whether you by Pittsburgh, GW or Snap On. I like the 100tooth SO design, they really nailed it when that came out.

Don't forget about 100 tooth Carlyle. They are a great deal when on sale and a big upgrade from HF, Tekton or GW.

 

[anndel]

I have the 1/4" and 3/8" Snap-on roto heads and use them both equally. The 3/8 is a bit clumsy due to the long handle.

 

[jd_1138]

I have the 1/4" and 3/8" Snap-on roto heads and use them both equally. The 3/8 is a bit clumsy due to the long handle.

Yeah it's kinda nice to have all the options at your disposal -- small handle, medium, long, swivel head, regular, etc..

Sometimes you need all the types of ratchets or else you might be taking half of an assembly apart to get to a fastener that otherwise would've been accessible with the right ratchet, extension, socket.