swivel head ratchet recommendations

[BTL-A4]

I'm looking for a swivel head ratchet. 3/8" drive, 1/4" maybe. I'd go for a set if the price/quality was right.

I saw this. The reviews on this site are mixed but it gets about 4.5 stars on Amazon with over a 1,000 reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Titan-11313-4-Inch-90-Tooth-Ratchet/dp/B086L4XTPF?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Olsa makes a nice one:
https://olsatools.com/products/swivel-head-ratchet?variant=32716492832819&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AYJSbAfO7P5sxuih8jrd1VHwzzJ7xcBP4pEP54l7LV9mZ7oCLPXnF_jqFX0

Powerbuilt makes one as well:

Powerbuilt 3/8 In. Drive Compact Swivel Head Ratchet 649941

Compact 3/8 in. Dr. Swivel-Head Ratchet, 72 Tooth

www.eastwood.com

I don't care for plastic handles so the Tekton, Pittsburg Pro, Icon, Carlyle, Bahco and Wera ones are out. Craftsman has one with a metal handle, but I don't care for the handle profile.

Are there any US-made ones?

Anyone have any experience with the ones linked above?

 

[Daytonaer]

The titan is very small. Go to an advance auto or o'rieleys and handle one.

As you mention, the new craftsman is square and chunky, you can handle one at lowes.

USA made could be an old sk 3870.

Japan mfg: Smooth handle Knurled or KTC . If you buy direct from Japan the yen/dollar ratio is currently in your favor. If you search the "tools of japan" thread you will see these compared side by side.

I'm sure more smooth handles exist, good luck.

 

[four.cycle]

Titan 11313 1/4" drive swivel-head micro ratchet
Titan 11318 1/4" hex drive mirco bit driver

Titan 11318 1/4" hex micro bit driver
Be sure to also pick up (or have them order):

Titan 30936 3-pc low-profile adapter set

 

[Tools4Me]

Snap-on is the only US brand I know of that makes a fine toothed swivel head ratchet. FNF100 is the chrome handled 3/8" version (100 tooth), TNF72 is the chrome handled 1/4" drive version (72 tooth).

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

In addition to the anodized aluminum handled 1/4" drive micro swivel ratchet you already posted about, Titan also makes regular sized chrome handled 3/8" and 1/4" drive swivel head ratchets. I believe they are both 72 tooth. Much cheaper than Snap-on. I have no experience with Titan's swivel ratchets, but I do have a couple Titan bit ratchets and I have been very happy with them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VMBT4G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R6U0VQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[qqzj]

What is wrong with Icon one from Harbor Freight? They look pretty nice. Hack, even the Pitts Pro green one looks great.

 

[Dave455]

The KoKen are very nice.

I own the 3776N. Not the cheapest ratchet KoKen offer, but a very substantial tool, and very high quality

Choice of three handle styles.

 

[justintendo]

Sk 3870

 

[joel_400]

You can always check your local Napa for the Carlyle branded. I bought the set probably ten years ago 1/4 and 3/8 and use the **** out of them. Very good quality for the price.
Joel

 

[Fedwrench]

It's too bad that you don't like comfort grip ratchets because, this set is a winner-winner chicken dinner:

Crescent CRW17 2 Piece 1/4" & 3/8" Roto Ratchet Set

Crescent CRW17 2 PC 1/4" & 3/8" Roto Ratchet Set Ratchet Head Rotates 180° for Greater Access When Working in Confined Spaces and Around Obstructions Fine Tooth Ratchet Requires less than 5° Swing Arc to get Fastener Started and Greater Access Dual Material Cushion Grip, Holds up well Against...

cripedistributing.com

There are countless offerings from Powerbuilt, Olsa, Ares, Genius, Titan, and others that probably come out of the same factory in Taiwan.

the K0-Ken 3/8 drive roto head ratchet is a beast. The knurled handle is superb but, the ratchet head is large for a 3/8 drive. Definitely built like a tank though.

The classic SK 3870 remains timeless despite being half a century old

Don't over think it, it's just a ratchet. Bebop over to your local auto parts store to see and feel what they have hanging on a shelf.

 

[Citation]

It's too bad that you don't like comfort grip ratchets because, this set is a winner-winner chicken dinner:

Crescent CRW17 2 Piece 1/4" & 3/8" Roto Ratchet Set

Crescent CRW17 2 PC 1/4" & 3/8" Roto Ratchet Set Ratchet Head Rotates 180° for Greater Access When Working in Confined Spaces and Around Obstructions Fine Tooth Ratchet Requires less than 5° Swing Arc to get Fastener Started and Greater Access Dual Material Cushion Grip, Holds up well Against...

cripedistributing.com

There are countless offerings from Powerbuilt, Olsa, Ares, Genius, Titan, and others that probably come out of the same factory in Taiwan.

the K0-Ken 3/8 drive roto head ratchet is a beast. The knurled handle is superb but, the ratchet head is large for a 3/8 drive. Definitely built like a tank though.

The classic SK 3870 remains timeless despite being half a century old

Don't over think it, it's just a ratchet. Bebop over to your local auto parts store to see and feel what they have hanging on a shelf.

I have those. Got them from Cripe's ebay store. They are my go to ratchets even though I don't care for soft touch.

 

[Pexto]

I've got a few swivel ratchets and bit drivers, most already mentioned:
1) The little Titan is useful and inexpensive, and everyone should have one, but it's not a particularly high quality tool and runs a little rough.
2) The Crescent set from Cripe is a really good value, but backdrag is a little on the high side. Definitely a keeper, though.
3) The Carlyle 1/4" is nicer than the Crescent; I picked it up on sale for less than $25, no way I'd pay full price. Also a keeper.
4) The KTC BRSW3L is very nice, with low backdrag and a very compact head. It's my favorite so far, worth every penny.
5) The Wera 1/4" is a bit too fussy and fiddly for me, and I don't find the handle very useful. It just hasn't grown on me and I wouldn't buy it again.

I would like to try the 1/4" Snapon but I can't quite justify the price. I wish Ko-Ken or KTC made a 1/4" swivel ratchet but they don't seem to. And I love my S-K round heads so I will jump on a 3870 if one comes along at a good price!

 

[sk farmer]

i have the titan compact 3/8 (pretty sure it is identical to the powerbuilt the op listed) and that tiny titan 1/4 drive. the 3/8 compact is one of my favorite ratchets and one of my best ever buys. i highly recommend both.

i think many of the imports use that same 72 click, floating pawl, heart shaped spring with center screw holding them together (a damn good copy of the sk tuff1/facom ratchets). i know the hf is riveted shut. it may be the same mechanism but i like to be able to clean/lube/adjust my ratchets or at the very least be able to see what makes them click.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

+1 on the crescent pair and the titan stubby. For $50 overall you get three ratchets that’ll quickly pay themselves back in time saved. Ymmv but backdrag hasn’t been an issue for me- the nature of the tool is I use them in situations where I’ll be able to switch them into screwdriver mode before backdrag starts to matter

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just picked up a 3/8 long handle icon, 90 tooth the fit and finish is very nice, feels great in hand. At least HF is kinda like the new sears for tools, replacement is easy and there's always one around.

 

[Outwest]

The crescent set is good, especially for the price. The SK 3870 is great, my favorite and go to ratchet. I have older hard handle snap-on in 3/8 and 1/4 which I like also. The crescent’s are a bit shorter. Not that I need another, but I’ve been eyeballing the Ktc for a while, not sure which handle length I’d get. I prefer the longer length of the SK and snap-on. Of the offerings today, I’d take a strong look at Ktc.

 

[four.cycle]

1) The little Titan is useful and inexpensive, and everyone should have one, but it's not a particularly high quality tool and runs a little rough.

Try putting a couple drops of oil into it. They're shipped dry from the factory.
The reason there are two of each of the Titan units in those photos above is because I bought two of each - one for me, and one for a buddy of mine who does all the work on my vehicles. He absolutely loves both of them, and they've become his "go to" (over his Snap-on.)
They were each less than $20 bucks a pop at O'Reilly's.

The short "low profile" 1/4" female to 3/8" male adapter (shown above) is the piece that really makes it outshine everything else.

YMMV

 

[BTL-A4]

What is wrong with Icon one from Harbor Freight? They look pretty nice. Hack, even the Pitts Pro green one looks great.

I have a 1/2" one I use on my mill to loosen the bolts that lock the head. I don't care for the plastic handle.

 

[BTL-A4]

Try putting a couple drops of oil into it. They're shipped dry from the factory.
The reason there are two of each of the Titan units in those photos above is because I bought two of each - one for me, and one for a buddy of mine who does all the work on my vehicles. He absolutely loves both of them, and they've become his "go to" (over his Snap-on.)
They were each less than $20 bucks a pop at O'Reilly's.

The short "low profile" 1/4" female to 3/8" male adapter (shown above) is the piece that really makes it outshine everything else.

YMMV

I bought these. @four.cycle Where do you put the oil and what kind do you recommend?

 

[BTL-A4]

Olsa is having a sale right now (Nov, 2022): 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" for about $65. The 3-piece set is actually about $4 more than if you buy them separately.
I think @Fedwrench is correct; these all look like the same wrenches. Another brand I saw was Power Torque (at O'Reilly). Klutch at Northern Tool is another one. 1/4" and 1/2" are rarer, though.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I would like to try the 1/4" Snapon

The 36t SO 1/4 shows up on eBay and is low drag and compact. Soft handle is long and easy to use. I have used it in some tight quarters and never wanted for more (teeth.)

 

[lardy1]

I think the Crescent set from Cripes is the best bargain for a decent pair of ratchets. I also don't care for comfort grips but they aren't hard for me to adapt to. I bought the Tektons and they're OK but wish I had seen the Crescent set earlier.

 

[Old Donn]

I have the Toptul 3 piece set with comfort grips. The only complaint I have is one likely shared with any of the other makes mentioned here. The swivel head sometimes causes clearance issues in close spaces.

 

[General Geoff]

I'm looking for a swivel head ratchet. 3/8" drive, 1/4" maybe. I'd go for a set if the price/quality was right.

KTC's offering is the best I've come across. The overall dimensions of the head are nearly the same as the 1/4" drive swivel head Icon ratchet from HF.

 

[ATC]

I like the Gearwrench one I have. It is a comfort grip though, not sure if they make an all metal handle version or not.

 

[midorix]

I echo others' recommendations. Love these Koken, KTC, and Titan. These are my main ratchets, regardless of type, that I use frequently.

 

[WWheeler]

Snap-on's swivel heads are some of my most used ratchets (after cordless). Luv 'em
3/8 in 1/4 body - FHCNF72
1/4 - THNF72
3/8" - FHNF100

 

[BTL-A4]

I just ordered the Olsa's. I got 3: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" for $65. They are 90-tooth, everything else is 72-tooth. Thanks for all the recommendations! I'll try and remember to report back.

 

[wxm]

My HF's (pre-ICON) have lasted more than 10 years. I have both 3/8" and 1/4". They have been my go-to.

 

[Schurkey]

Snap-on's swivel heads are some of my most used ratchets (after cordless). Luv 'em
3/8 in 1/4 body - FHCNF72
1/4 - THNF72
3/8" - FHNF100

I have those same three ratchets. Total sweethearts. Although...I'd like 'em even more if they were quick-release.

 

[Belanice]

Love quick-release, too. All my 3/8 swivel head ratchets are quick-release. Lengths are 6", 11" and 16".

 

[Dave455]

I echo others' recommendations. Love these Koken, KTC, and Titan. These are my main ratchets, regardless of type, that I use frequently.

That’s a nice collection!

I love the KoKen I own. It’s a superbly hefty tool - maybe the best ratchet KoKen offer, but the head is big, so I predominantly use it for “non automotive” tasks.

It’s pretty much my “go to” for everything from driving a coach screw (lag bolt) to assembling furniture! I love the versatility of being able to use it as a conventional ratchet, a flex head, or even swinging it through 90 degrees and using it screwdriver style.

I covet those KTC’s though. Almost a unique design with that compact head. Unfortunately, I’m suffering from “KTC tastes but Titan income” this month!

 

[Jacobson]

I have one of those.
I never used it once.

I do use swivel sockets

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRAO4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Juneaudave]

I have the Titan 11076. I find it real handy for things like spark plugs that are hard to get at. No complaints.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VMBT4G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[demarpaint]

I have these in all three drives.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Love that little 1/4in titan. I have a tekton to but prefer the smaller titan

 

[ecotec]

I have the Snap-on 3/8” in comfort grip and the 1/4” in bare metal. The 3/8” is awesome. The 1/4” is slippery as hell. I hate comfort grip… but in swivel head… it is a necessity.

 

[kdeboy]

Love quick-release, too. All my 3/8 swivel head ratchets are quick-release. Lengths are 6", 11" and 16".

What ratchets are those?

 

[Belanice]

The longest one is WIT 38SW400.
More info. => Link (I can't read Japanese, just look at the pictures)

The other two are no brand and are actually 1/4 non quick-release. I had to swap those ratchet heads because I want 3/8 head and the quick-release. The internal gears are of different widths, so the parts are not interchangeable.

 

[lardy1]

I'm slowly learning to dislike quick release. I really dislike that I've allowed myself to mix my ratchets with and without. And, while I do like the swivel ratchet concept, I particularly dislike quick release on them because it's often not accessable without adjusting the head making two tasks necessary to remove a socket. There must be a reason they are quick release.

 

[unknownroad]

What is wrong with Icon one from Harbor Freight? They look pretty nice. Hack, even the Pitts Pro green one looks great.

The Pittsburgh Pro one may look great, but it has terrible backdrag that makes it useless for the low-torque applications where the swivel head would otherwise shine.