snap-on round head ratchet?

[ijason]

hello i was just wondering if anyone uses this and in what scenarios is this ratchet useful?
thank you

 

[celticbhoy]

Roto ratchets. Basically used for easier access for hard to reach spots. I really like them, but went across the border and picked up the Harbor freight ones for about $10. Not sure how much the snap on model is but if you're going to buy one, try going for the gear wrench model. Cheaper and just as good.

 

[Gotmayhem]

I have the long handle 3/8" version. The biggest difference from a pear head flex ratchet is that you can use it as a ratcheting nut driver by turning the handle parallel to the socket. I don't own the 1/4" version yet but the 100 tooth 3/8" is very smooth and strong at the same time. I've used mine in a number of situations where a 1/2" would probably have been recommended but it has yet to fail. It was my first round head purchase and is my most used 3/8" ratchet as of now.

Cons:

Some dislike the selector
Some have found it doesn't fit in some spaces (hasn't been an issue for me yet)

I would definitely go for the 1/4" version if I could justify it. But I'd really rather spend that money elsewhere as my TF72 handles all my 1/4" needs very well.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

great ratchet, i use them when tight spaces and as nut speeder
also the snap on has 100 teeth for the 3/8. handy

 

[papshadalac]

I have the Snap on 1/4 round headed ratchet. It does serve its purpose when needed. I did use it for a while as my only 1/4 ratchet and in that time (about 3 years) it has been rebuilt twice. It starts to "skip", then its down hill from there. Besides the rebuilds, the only CON is the tighten/loosen selector.

 

[ijason]

great i own a snap-on flex head 3/8 and love it and wanted to add a 3rd snap-on ratchet to my collection so wanted to see if this could be useful at least once a year i buy a snap-on tool or set of something

 

[fatfillup]

The go to ratchets on my cart in the shop are SO rotoheads. I have the 1/4", the 3/8" in the 1/4 body and the full size 3/8. I like them better then flex heads but there are times when a fixed ratchet would work better. I have a Genius version in my box on the service truck. There is no comparison. The ratchet mechanism is fine but the tool is heavy and unbalanced compared to the SO. I lose tools on my truck so I won't put an expensive SO ratchet on it.

Note, I bought these ratchets before getting into the used tool business (paid retail) and they are one of the few tools I would consider paying full price for again, especially the 1/4" version.

SK has a 3/8 rotohead that is quite good also. I have sold several of them.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

That is my GO-TO ratchet
I believe that I have perhaps... six of them
Various lengths, various handle styles

I prefer them because they don't encourage the ratchet from rocking off of the bolt; this ratchet design is actually superior because it doesn't allow the ratchet to " wrist " off of the target like the other style does

Also, fine tooth, etc.

Only drawback is that the ratchet head is bulky

Adam

 

[Gotmayhem]

Not the best shot but just to give you an idea of how long the 3/8" is. I agree with fatfillup too, this is something that I would replace asap.

 

[littletoes]

One of my go-to ratchets. Mine is 3/8", and I've had it close to 30 years. Snappy all the way.

 

[chi.ted]

I have the 3/8 SO chrome handle version, and not only is it my primary, but it's my favorite ratchet I own. As Adam said above, it really helps with socket stability as well.

The only drawback I've come across is when using with flex-sockets or a universal joint it can be pretty quirky to use.

 

[amlv20]

i have the green hard handle versions in 1/4 and 3/8 they are my #1 ratchets i use them for everything!

 

[ijason]

great guys ill get one in 3/8 and try it thank you

 

[CJinPA]

My first Snap On ratchet was the 1/4" version. Since then I've added the short and long 3/8" versions. Probably my most used ratchets, unless the head size gets in the way. Wish they made one in 1/2" drive as well. Anyone know why they don't offer one?

 

[Chamkila]

be careful about buying these ratchets, there was a guy here who used to sell snap on ratchets on ebay but with gearwrench parts

 

[jmm]

be careful about buying these ratchets, there was a guy here who used to sell snap on ratchets on ebay but with gearwrench parts

They were Pittsburgh (Harbor Freight) ratchets, with a Snap-On handle; seller was Camarotoolman. What REALLY ***** is, his wasn't an isolated incident. I've seen them elsewhere.

 

[Nanashi]

I have the 1/4 and the long 3/8 SO version. The gear wrench and other cheaper brands dont compare but they are a great value for the not so everyday wrencher.

I have used my 3/8 to the point that the whole thing was bending breaking bolts loose that I probably should have been using a 1/2" or impact for. Their are three negatives to this ratchet.

1. wide head, rarely ever an issue
2. the adjuster can be knocked easily when wrenching.
3. this ratchet is pretty much imposible to use with a universal swivel or swivel socket.

Some pro's that make me like the ratchet.

The ratchet can be used as a driver.
It gets those pesky bolts that have only a little clearance but require a swivel.
Its strong and smooth with its 100 teeth.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I like the bar selector on the SK 3870 (3/8) better. SK's 72 tooth (43875) is discontinued I think.

My TH737 (SO 1/4) broke easily once early, but once a dealer put a kit in it, it's been smooth and strong.