Roto ratchets
- Thread starter barrybeefburger
- Start date
nbpt100
Well-known member
I had to read this twice. I am still not sure. Are you guys saying the Snap on roto is the same as the HF?
Of course not. In my case, I had never used a roto ratchet before and wanted to try one. I used a coupon and got a cheap, throwdown (Harbor Freight) for the experiment. I didn't like the oval cross section of the HF handle. It was just okay for ratcheting but very awkward for spinning. I had an extra SnapOn handle laying around and thought it would be great for the spinning function. And it is.
DSLTRK
Well-known member
Just ordered a new 100 tooth S/O roto in 3/8" drive for $60. Hopefully I like it.
nbpt100
Well-known member
davethorik
Well-known member
Got tired of waiting for SK to start making the roto again, and make it in 1/4 (which I still think would be sweeeeeet). I like USA which complicates things. Last time I looked this was about the only other game in town, and new they are just out of my price range.
I got lucky and found this at the flea for a fair price so I grabbed it. Snap-On THNF72G. It has higher backdrag than the SK but in screwdriver mode the soft grip is great. It was worse when i got it, but i cleaned and put a small amount of superlube in the head and it woke it right up.The head is tiny, 72t, single pawl with a very large engagement surface. It does work nice, it's a keeper.
I also have an early 60s SK in a Diamond 3870 roto that is my favorite SK ratchet.
I got lucky and found this at the flea for a fair price so I grabbed it. Snap-On THNF72G. It has higher backdrag than the SK but in screwdriver mode the soft grip is great. It was worse when i got it, but i cleaned and put a small amount of superlube in the head and it woke it right up.The head is tiny, 72t, single pawl with a very large engagement surface. It does work nice, it's a keeper.
I also have an early 60s SK in a Diamond 3870 roto that is my favorite SK ratchet.
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Hytekrednek
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- Feb 6, 2015
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Koken has a knurled handle roto ratchet I plan on buying soon. I have a Japanese Tone and a couple Tekton roto types too. The Tone are nice, especially the 3/8'' long handled version. Tektons are superb for the price. I just love knurled handles and want a nicer roto. The Kokens I have have been my favorites. So I plan to get a koken roto soon.
This thread convinced me to give the roto a try. Home Depot has the Gearwrench set for $26.72.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GearWre...Grip-Roto-Ratchet-Set-2-Piece-81223/204618487
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GearWre...Grip-Roto-Ratchet-Set-2-Piece-81223/204618487
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Cripe distributing has this crescent set:
https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-roto-ratchet-set?_pos=3&_sid=2f719b388&_ss=r
Often you can find the same set branded NAPA (not Carlyle) with blue/yellow grips cheaper.
https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-roto-ratchet-set?_pos=3&_sid=2f719b388&_ss=r
Often you can find the same set branded NAPA (not Carlyle) with blue/yellow grips cheaper.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
I have a couple old Snap-on hard handle 3/8...they are the best IMO. Never broken one. I had a soft handle and broke it quite a bit...not sure why.
I also have the HF and crescents, which are also very good. I prefer the lower profile handle on the crescents.
I also have the HF and crescents, which are also very good. I prefer the lower profile handle on the crescents.
nbpt100
Well-known member
That looks like a good set from Apex. Either the GW or the Cresent. I like that they have the rubber handle. I was at Lowes today and I did take a closer look at the Craftsman. The new SBD design is a heavy tool. They apparently use more steel in it. The mechanism feels smooth. I just wish it had a rubber handle.
OP
barrybeefburger
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Rabid Badger
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- Apr 2, 2018
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Thanks! I put them in boiling water for a couple minutes and then grabbed them with a rag and they slid right off.
jimmyin3D
Banned
I would skip the GW Roto ratchets in both sizes. I had one for a while and they would skip constantly such a headache, warrantied the 1/4 at sears but it did the same thing.
The best I think are either the 100tooth ones from Matco/Mac/Cornwell/Carlyle or if you want a thin head the SO’s are hard to beat.
Vim had a 120 tooth one RLR4, but it has been discontinued.
I have since bought a Wera Zyklop I like it alot the locking function is what I like most.
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001V9NCS6/
If you are looking for a deal on 3/8" VIM has them in Inventory blowout section for $15.50 plus shipping
https://cloud1.shopsite.com/donofish/product308.html
I have since bought a Wera Zyklop I like it alot the locking function is what I like most.
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001V9NCS6/
If you are looking for a deal on 3/8" VIM has them in Inventory blowout section for $15.50 plus shipping
https://cloud1.shopsite.com/donofish/product308.html
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That's the same set as the GW from HD. I was tempted to pick up another set for that price but I've already given them to the usual suspects as gifts
OP
barrybeefburger
Well-known member
How did you attach the handles, did you drill out the hole or where you able to force the ratchet into the handle because it was so soft
fatfillup
Well-known member
Didn't read all the comments but I have and really like roto heads. Snappy's are the most comfortable, I have 3 of them.
Sk's if you can find them, are real nice also.
Have an asian on, Genius I think, and carried it on my service truck for quite a while. Heavy and not well balanced, went back to an older Napa flex head (Dannaher?) that I like. I don't carry good tools on the truck, tend to lose them
Sk's if you can find them, are real nice also.
Have an asian on, Genius I think, and carried it on my service truck for quite a while. Heavy and not well balanced, went back to an older Napa flex head (Dannaher?) that I like. I don't carry good tools on the truck, tend to lose them
Rabid Badger
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I drilled out the hole to a loose sliding fit and then put them on with epoxy. It requires less precision and makes it easier to get the handle aligned the way you want compared to press fitting.
OP
barrybeefburger
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Rabid Badger
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Thank you sir, looks like I have a small winter project
Post pictures when you're done.
I see you're in Canada. Are you going to use Princess Auto equivalents or are you planning a trip to the US?
stonesfan68
Well-known member
I took a soft-handled Snap On roto-ratchet and put a blue hard handle on it.
There's a thread that is dedicated to custom-handled ratchets.
Show Off Your Custom Handled Ratchet
There's a thread that is dedicated to custom-handled ratchets.
Show Off Your Custom Handled Ratchet
1foxracing
Well-known member
2 more additions
OP
barrybeefburger
Well-known member
Post pictures when you're done.
I see you're in Canada. Are you going to use Princess Auto equivalents or are you planning a trip to the US?
I live by the border and have family on your side so I spend alot of time (and money) in the US, I dont really buy tools in Canada as the cost is WAY (even after the exchange rate) more than you guys pay, so usually buy on line and have delivered to my cousin then pick up from her.
I bought these ratchets from HF as the reviews were really good, so far Im happy.
Picked up a Yato roto ratchet as I wanted to try a roto with quick release after seeing the Vessel rotos. Yato was the only one I could find in the UK at a reasonable price.
Compared to Toptul (non QR). First thing I noticed is that the head of the Yato is significantly heavier than the toptul which I think throws off the balance. The design of this particular direction change ring is not only heavy but difficult to operate with my thumb.
Quick strip down. T8 torx on the QR button.
8mm hex.
The 8mm hex is recessed and my sockets were too thick so used pliers.
Familiar round head type mechanism. Pulling on spring a little and lubing improved back drag.
Compared to Toptul (non QR). First thing I noticed is that the head of the Yato is significantly heavier than the toptul which I think throws off the balance. The design of this particular direction change ring is not only heavy but difficult to operate with my thumb.
Quick strip down. T8 torx on the QR button.
8mm hex.
The 8mm hex is recessed and my sockets were too thick so used pliers.
Familiar round head type mechanism. Pulling on spring a little and lubing improved back drag.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Picked up a Yato roto ratchet as I wanted to try a roto with quick release after seeing the Vessel rotos. Yato was the only one I could find in the UK at a reasonable price.
Compared to Toptul (non QR). First thing I noticed is that the head of the Yato is significantly heavier than the toptul which I think throws off the balance. The design of this particular direction change ring is not only heavy but difficult to operate with my thumb.
Quick strip down. T8 torx on the QR button.
8mm hex.
The 8mm hex is recessed and my sockets were too thick so used pliers.
Familiar round head type mechanism. Pulling on spring a little and lubing improved back drag.
laser do QR in UK for about 22GBP .
They basically same ones as tekton and many brands use to have .
only downside on them is not strippable as factory crimped but they solid strong ratchets and same switch style as the toptul ...
javyLSU
Well-known member
For anyone looking for an awesome roto ratchet, Napa has the 3/8" R38S100 on sale for $29.99 until March 12th. The online pricing sometimes doesn't match depending on which store you pick, but it's in the current Dealer Days flyer, and the stores will match that price if it comes up different in your store.
http://napaprolink.com/napadealerdays.aspx
I'm almost tempted to pick up another one at that price...
http://napaprolink.com/napadealerdays.aspx
I'm almost tempted to pick up another one at that price...
SeisMec
Well-known member
On the Yato, the increased depth of the swivel (anvil, pawl and etc. fit in it) seems pointless. If it were no deeper than the TOPTUL, any failure would still almost certainly happen to the anvil - weakened by the hole for the quick release pin. And the directional switching cover looks like it could be a shade less tall also.
That's a nice sequence of pics Mr_B.
That's a nice sequence of pics Mr_B.
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SeisMec
Well-known member
Page 5 of the flyer.
The specifications say: 11.78 inches long, 3.6 degree swing arc, 100 tooth, polished, comfort grip, 3/8" drive & not easy release.
IMHO not quick release (stronger anvil) is the right choice with the increase leverage of a long ratchet like this one.
javyLSU
Well-known member
^The specs are wrong on that page - the R38S100 is definitely a quick release ratchet. I also doubt that quick-release ratchets are any weaker than non-QR ratchets on a roto-head ratchet.