Wera Zyklop ratchet alternative?

[tommydog35]

Does anyone make a ratchet of similar design to the Wera Zyklop in 1/4"? (see picture below) I like the Wera Zyklop because you can even position it straight on, or even use it as a spinner. Not sure if anyone else makes a ratchet with a similar design in 1/4"?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Any "roto/roundhead ratchet" should operate in the same manner. I know gearwrench makes them, tekton, HF, check your preferred tool supplier. IMO they're not terribly useful; but I only do automotive.

 

[tommydog35]

IMO they're not terribly useful; but I only do automotive.

Why don't you find them that useful for automotive? I just borrowed a Wera ratchet from my friend and it was very useful to change some glow plugs in a very tight space. I also used it as a spinner and was quicker than using multiple tools.

 

[zktk01]

VIM had a RLR4 but was discontinued.
I like the Zyklop it can be locked into position.
I am not aware of any others that can be locked besides Wera and VIM.

 

[JBH]

VIM had a RLR4 but was discontinued.
I like the Zyklop it can be locked into position.
I am not aware of any others that can be locked besides Wera and VIM.

Würth has one that appears substantially the same as VIM. Cost is similar to Zyklop. I have both in 1/4” drive. Zyklop is much smoother but Würth/VIM have a smarter lock design. Zyklop is limited to a few set angles, and rubs against the landing if you try to use it in between.

 

[tommydog35]

VIM had a RLR4 but was discontinued.
I like the Zyklop it can be locked into position.

That's why I like the Zyklop as well. Does anyone know what the difference is between the Zyklop 8000 A and the 800 A SB?

 

[tommydog35]

This is a an interesting locking design - as anyone seen anything like this:

 

[richfinn]

Am I the only mechanic who likes the MAC spinflex??

 

[tommydog35]

Würth has one that appears substantially the same as VIM. Cost is similar to Zyklop. I have both in 1/4” drive. Zyklop is much smoother but Würth/VIM have a smarter lock design. Zyklop is limited to a few set angles, and rubs against the landing if you try to use it in between.

How long are the Würth/VIM in 1/4"? Are they as long as the Zyklop?

 

[measuredtwice]

Is there a particular reason that you want an alternative? Why not just buy the Wera? Here's a recent topic with some discussion -->

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=392024

I bought the Harbor Freight Taiwan Pro for around $8 after never expiring $5 off coupon. It's nearly the same as the Icon which costs $20 more. They're clearly made in the same factory from mostly the same parts. The extra $20 is for marketing and a longer rubber handle.

That's why I like the Zyklop as well. Does anyone know what the difference is between the Zyklop 8000 A and the 800 A SB?

This is a common question with Wera and Knipex and many other brands. The only difference is the packaging.

SB is an abbreviations for Selbstbedienungsverpackung (German for self service packaging). If you go on the Wera website, you'll see this photo for the "SB"

 

[tommydog35]

Is there a particular reason that you want an alternative? Why not just buy the Wera? Here's a recent topic with some discussion -->

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=392024

I did look at that thread, but there are not many locking options. Yes the Wera is good, but I was looking to see what else is available. Ideally something like the Wera in 1/4" but a little longer.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Is there a particular reason that you want an alternative? Why not just buy the Wera? Here's a recent topic with some discussion -->

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=392024

I bought the Harbor Freight Taiwan Pro for around $8 after never expiring $5 off coupon. It's nearly the same as the Icon which costs $20 more. They're clearly made in the same factory from mostly the same parts. The extra $20 is for marketing and a longer rubber handle.



This is a common question with Wera and Knipex and many other brands. The only difference is the packaging.

SB is an abbreviations for Selbstbedienungsverpackung (German for self service packaging). If you go on the Wera website, you'll see this photo for the "SB"

Aside from different internal everything , handle, yoke etc they are different

 

[measuredtwice]

Aside from different internal everything , handle, yoke etc they are different

Clearly made in the same factory. A couple more teeth. Same length shaft. The additional length is because the rubber handle is longer (and a different shape). Loses the quick release.

Probably less than $1.00 difference in manufacturing costs. The extra $19.00 covers all the free stuff Harbor Freight sent to their shills. Haha.

 

[SeisMec]

I honestly don't know why you'd want a locking swivel head with just a few fixed angles.

Just tighten the tensioning screw that IMHO is always set too loose from the factory. Mine is normally set so that you want a socket on it for the increased leverage turning the head.

 

[Swervyjoe]

The TONE that I have can be locked in any position.

 

[M635_Guy]

Does anyone make a ratchet of similar design to the Wera Zyklop in 1/4"? (see picture below) I like the Wera Zyklop because you can even position it straight on, or even use it as a spinner. Not sure if anyone else makes a ratchet with a similar design in 1/4"?

I love mine. Here's a post I made a while back. And in 1/4" I use mine a ton on my old BMW for hose clamps and other stuff under the hood.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Why don't you find them that useful for automotive? I just borrowed a Wera ratchet from my friend and it was very useful to change some glow plugs in a very tight space. I also used it as a spinner and was quicker than using multiple tools.

All personal preference I suppose. I tried to incorporate the gearwrench set I have into my main use ratchets but it didn't work for me.

If I want a spinner handle, I have those, and they're smaller than a roto ratchet. I also have heavily knurled extensions I can easily twist by hand. If I have room to use a spinner, I can often get an M12 ratchet or hex driver hooked up, so why use hand tools? If you're just using it as a nut runner; a 3ft extension, with a universal joint feeding into a universal socket for 90* worth of angle isn't out of the question on the M12 tools. I also found the angle of the handle being changed from the dead centerline of the drive lug, vs approx 1.5 inches back on a normal flex ratchet, caused clearance issues more often than traditional flex ratchets.


I wouldn't say they're worthless, but I had trouble finding use for them. I'm always on the hunt for a better mouse trap, so don't think I'm just stuck in my ways. There's been times they've saved me, but not regularly. I would not put them anywhere near the "must have automotive hand tools" list. JMO.

 

[brollona]

This is a an interesting locking design - as anyone seen anything like this:

Same thingy like one that wurth is selling. And since wurth is just rebranding it's probably same manufacturer.

I was working with wera zyklop 1/2. Quality is good, it's just that I don't like these ratchets. I always think that it will unlock or slip and that I will hurt my hand.

 

[tommydog35]

Same thingy like one that wurth is selling. And since wurth is just rebranding it's probably same manufacturer.

Does anyone know the length of the 1/4" one? Nobody seems to list the length in the marketing literature.

 

[Skin]

The Zyklop roto and rotos in general are too big for general use. The lock positions are also really limited with 4 of the 5 positions only about 15* away from each other so in the real world its basically a locking flex with only 3 different positions (the last 2 of the 5 advertised are redundant). And of course it cant be unlocked and allowed to free swivel without hitting a detent and relocking. Never really saw the appeal myself.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Clearly made in the same factory. A couple more teeth. Same length shaft. The additional length is because the rubber handle is longer (and a different shape). Loses the quick release.

Probably less than $1.00 difference in manufacturing costs. The extra $19.00 covers all the free stuff Harbor Freight sent to their shills. Haha.

So how did you come by that 1.00 difference? Tooling is very expensive

 

[measuredtwice]

So how did you come by that 1.00 difference? Tooling is very expensive

The point was that I don't think the Icon is worth the price compared to the Pittsburgh Pro. I didn't tally a spreadsheet. See the smileys. I also didn't tally a spreadsheet to determine the other $19 went to shills... They probably spend way more on shills.

Even Youtubers are having a difficult time finding a reason to justify spending $20 more on the Icon.

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[SeisMec]

The TONE that I have can be locked in any position.

Is it the one in this picture?

The locking mechanism looks interesting.

 

[ChrisLS8]

The point was that I don't think the Icon is worth the price compared to the Pittsburgh Pro. I didn't tally a spreadsheet. See the smileys. I also didn't tally a spreadsheet to determine the other $19 went to shills... They probably spend way more on shills.

Even Youtubers are having a difficult time finding a reason to justify spending $20 more on the Icon.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6B8CNux4bBs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I agree with everything you are saying to a degree. The sockets are no better than Pitts Pro minus the no skips, the E torx are IDENTICAL, ratchets aren't a great buy the only thing I can whole heatedly recommend that I spent my own money on are the ratcheting XL wrenches. They are just really good

 

[Swervyjoe]

The locking mechanism looks interesting.

Looks like it. I have a different ratchet, but the lock looks the same on that one.

 

[pioneer1]

Get the HF and buy a Wera screw driver and swap the handle. Or any screw driver handle you like. That's what I did because I like Wera handles.
It's been discussed on here.

 

[JBH]

How long are the Würth/VIM in 1/4"? Are they as long as the Zyklop?

Very marginally shorter. I find ratchets smaller than these hard to use.

View media item 101787
Head size is broadly comparable. Würth is very slightly smaller diameter but about the same depth.

View media item 101788
(Würth crudely retouched to eliminate reflections.)

 

[tommydog35]

Very marginally shorter. I find ratchets smaller than these hard to use.

View media item 101787
Head size is broadly comparable. Würth is very slightly smaller diameter but about the same depth.

View media item 101788
(Würth crudely retouched to eliminate reflections.)

Thanks for the comparison with the measure. One thing I noticed is that many online sellers sell the Würth / VIM design under other brands such as lazer. However these other brands seem to be 72 tooth instead of 144 tooth that the Würth / VIM have. Can the 72 and the 144 gears be swapped? Can you get rebuild kits for these ratchets?
144 tooth

 

[JBH]

Thanks for the comparison with the measure. One thing I noticed is that many online sellers sell the Würth / VIM design under other brands such as lazer. However these other brands seem to be 72 tooth instead of 144 tooth that the Würth / VIM have. Can the 72 and the 144 gears be swapped? Can you get rebuild kits for these ratchets?
144 tooth

Würth advertises 72T. I assume if VIM is 144 then they have a 2-stage pawl with the same gear. That seems like an unnecessary gimmick to me. As it stands Wera is much lower backdrag than Würth even without the extra complication.

As for rebuild kits, I’ve never needed one for any ratchet but I doubt they are available.

 

[IndyGarage]

Any "roto/roundhead ratchet" should operate in the same manner. I know gearwrench makes them, tekton, HF, check your preferred tool supplier. IMO they're not terribly useful; but I only do automotive.

roto head ratchets are not even close to the same as the zyklop. If you haven't used one, you wouldn't know.

 

[bonneyman]

This is a an interesting locking design - as anyone seen anything like this:

Shoot, that looks great!

Got a link on where to get one?

 

[tommydog35]

Shoot, that looks great!

Got a link on where to get one?

Found this one on Amazon Uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075TGQN72/?tag=atomicindustr-21

 

[tommydog35]

Würth advertises 72T. I assume if VIM is 144 then they have a 2-stage pawl with the same gear. That seems like an unnecessary gimmick to me.

But it may just give you that extra clearance.

 

[JBH]

But it may just give you that extra clearance.

If the handle is multiple feet long...I guess, maybe. In a 6” long ratchet? Not likely.

 

[bonneyman]

Found this one on Amazon Uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075TGQN72/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Thanks!

 

[tommydog35]

Very marginally shorter. I find ratchets smaller than these hard to use.

View media item 101787
Head size is broadly comparable. Würth is very slightly smaller diameter but about the same depth.

View media item 101788
(Würth crudely retouched to eliminate reflections.)

Any idea if the handle could be replaced on the Zyklop if it got damaged or to put a different grip on? Not sure how it is bonded on - wonder if boiling it in water would work to remove the grip like with Snap-on ratchets?

 

[malibu101]

Shoot, that looks great!

Got a link on where to get one?

No I don't, but, the handle colors look a lot like Partsmaster tools.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Why don't you find them that useful for automotive? I just borrowed a Wera ratchet from my friend and it was very useful to change some glow plugs in a very tight space. I also used it as a spinner and was quicker than using multiple tools.

I agree, roto ratchets are very useful. It’s the first ratchet I reach for in 1/4 and 3/8 (THNF72, FHCNF72). Very reliable round head ratchet, small head thickness, and the swivel/roto gets into a lot of places.









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Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

 

[setfocus]

I agree, roto ratchets are very useful. It’s the first ratchet I reach for in 1/4 and 3/8 (THNF72, FHCNF72). Very reliable round head ratchet, small head thickness, and the swivel/roto gets into a lot of places.

same here for 1/4 drive, just wish it weren't so easy to accidentally reverse the ratchet

my matco 88 12" locking/flex head is my "go to" for 3/8

 

[Joao]