swivel head ratchet recommendations

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I have these in all three drives.

The Wera are spendy, weighty, and shorter but they are my go-to swivels. I have all three at work with their respective sets. The locking feature and the quick release are just too useful for me.

 

[Rabid Badger]

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.

1) With a little oil and some break-in the back-drag becomes quite reasonable.

2) One of the main reasons for using these kind of ratchets is that once the fastener is loose enough for back-drag to matter, you've already swiveled to the vertical position and started spinning it like a screwdriver.

 

[unknownroad]

1) With a little oil and some break-in the back-drag becomes quite reasonable.

2) One of the main reasons for using these kind of ratchets is that once the fastener is loose enough for back-drag to matter, you've already swiveled to the vertical position and started spinning it like a screwdriver.

1. Probably, but I never think of oiling it until I'm deep in a project and getting annoyed. By the time I'm out from under the car or whatever, I've already forgotten that it needs to be done. I haven't even looked to see if it can be disassembled.
2. Yes, and I'd like to be able to use it as a ratcheting screwdriver but the backdrag makes that impossible.

My point is, it's an adequate tool for its low price, but in my experience the backdrag keeps it from being a really good tool right out of the box.

 

[weatmaster]

Pushing this back to the top.
I do have a KTC 3/8, now looking for a 1/4 drive swivel head ratchet. I do have the Titan in mind, is there a better one with 1/4 drive?

 

[GeoBruin]

Pushing this back to the top.
I do have a KTC 3/8, now looking for a 1/4 drive swivel head ratchet. I do have the Titan in mind, is there a better one with 1/4 drive?

Just a thought but the Icon will be 40% off tomorrow only as part of HF's "12 days of deals" promotion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-drive-professional-swivel-head-ratchet-with-comfort-grip-64694.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739036&campaignid=21901739036&utm_content=173216759711&adsetid=173216759711&product=64694&store=425&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsOq6BhDuARIsAGQ4-zgjbdMnoN7Td0BTG5M4FCVsImJtsrcugxIgm3ZBYOAN-SFZlzRSj9kaAqIDEALw_wcB

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Pushing this back to the top.
I do have a KTC 3/8, now looking for a 1/4 drive swivel head ratchet. I do have the Titan in mind, is there a better one with 1/4 drive?

What exactly are looking for the 1/4” to accomplish? I still recommend the Wera in 1/4” drive, but she’s a bit fat in the head and handle. On the other hand, I still love the locking feature even if it limits the number of positions.

 

[Hakeem]

I recently picked up the KTC swivel long handle and it is one of the best values around. It’s ~$65 on Amazon and I dont think there is a better ratchet for the money based on my initial impressions. Great fit & finish, smooth, crisp action and the head is SMALL. Like, 1/4” size. My only complaint is that they dont offer it in 1/4”.

I suspect people overlook it because of its affordable price.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Pushing this back to the top.
I do have a KTC 3/8, now looking for a 1/4 drive swivel head ratchet. I do have the Titan in mind, is there a better one with 1/4 drive?

Buy the Titan. If it leaves you wanting (lower drag,) go Snap-On. Nothing wrong having multiple roto ratchets.

I think Titan offers 3 lengths now?

 

[weatmaster]

Just a thought but the Icon will be 40% off tomorrow only as part of HF's "12 days of deals" promotion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-drive-professional-swivel-head-ratchet-with-comfort-grip-64694.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739036&campaignid=21901739036&utm_content=173216759711&adsetid=173216759711&product=64694&store=425&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsOq6BhDuARIsAGQ4-zgjbdMnoN7Td0BTG5M4FCVsImJtsrcugxIgm3ZBYOAN-SFZlzRSj9kaAqIDEALw_wcB

Thanks, the Icon is a bit to bulky for my needs.

What exactly are looking for the 1/4” to accomplish? I still recommend the Wera in 1/4” drive, but she’s a bit fat in the head and handle. On the other hand, I still love the locking feature even if it limits the number of positions.

Wera is fine and not to pricy for me as I am from Germany. Unfortunately it is also bulky...

I recently picked up the KTC swivel long handle and it is one of the best values around. It’s ~$65 on Amazon and I dont think there is a better ratchet for the money based on my initial impressions. Great fit & finish, smooth, crisp action and the head is SMALL. Like, 1/4” size. My only complaint is that they dont offer it in 1/4”.

I suspect people overlook it because of its affordable price.

Do have the 3/8 KTC in the mail already including some Tone and Koken stuff, will pick it up on Saturday. Would have love to order a 1/4 version if they woulf offer it.

Buy the Titan. If it leaves you wanting (lower drag,) go Snap-On. Nothing wrong having multiple roto ratchets.

I think Titan offers 3 lengths now?

Yes, different versions available... Will order the long one if nothing else pops up.

 

[ecotec]

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?

I have a lot of ratchets… and these are the one ratchet on which I would always advise a soft handle.

I have heat shrink on my chrome handle 1/4”.