which roto head ratchet to get? Cornwell?

[kapster]

Looking to add some roto head ratchets to collection. Saw in the cornwell flyer they have the CTG2RST set on sale for 93.95, reg 193.95. 1/4 and 3/8 comfort handle.

Anyone used the cornwell? They're USA I would hope? Hate to ask but never know anymore. the snap on 3/8 is $120, sk looked like around $70. Sounds like a deal, almost to good. Any reason to go with the snap on or sk over cornwell?

 

[bmxr4life87]

Rotohead why not just go with HF? Their rotos are one of their better items no doubt

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

Cripe distributing has kobalt ones for about $14... Or hf... Otherwise I'd go snap on.. But that's all I've used

 

[kapster]

Rotohead why not just go with HF? Their rotos are one of their better items no doubt

They look pretty nice, but I was a little disappointed they can't be taken apart without wrecking it.
hf 3/8 ratchet dissection

For me, hasn't been to many times that a good cleaning and greasing wouldn't fix a ratchet problem. It is warrantied but thats a pain.

 

[Skin]

Looking at the Cornwell, 72 tooth with a quick release, i'd say they're imported. Cornwell simply doesnt innovate inhouse unfortunetly and a 72 tooth ratchet with a quick release to them is "high tech". If it were 25 teeth with an anvil for a handle i'd say your chances are much better that they're USA.

The GW set is a pretty decent deal and also worth consideration. Essentially a copy of SO

http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench...utm_term=KDT81223&utm_campaign=googlebase_18u

 

[cotjocky]

Snap-on FHNF100 $118.95 regular price 100 tooth count.

 

[alvoski]

I like 72 tooth compact snap on. If you need to get in a tight area nothing beats it.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=93263&group_ID=225&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Fedwrench]

The Cornwell ones are imported and not actually made by cornwell. That doesn't mean they're not good necessarily but, it makes the special price less special at least to me.
The SK 3/8 rotohead is a classic design that has withstood the test of time. However, they don't make a 1/4 drive version.
Snap on makes some nice rotohead ratchets. However, I had so many problems with my 3/8 compact head version, that my then dealer gave me a spare repair kit to keep on hand.
Although some people have had problems with them, the Gearwrench versions have served me well for more than a couple of years now. They're Taiwan made but, you can get a 1/4 and 3/8 set for under $50.

 

[Rickster]

I have the SK roto-head in 3/8 dr and the the Snap-on in 3/8 and 1/4. I really like the SK directional changer, easier to grab. The Snap-on has a low rise tri-wing directional changer I find a bit more cumbersome to use... But, I really like the grip of the Snap-on's hard handles. I added a rubber grip to my SK's I pulled off some cheap-o chinese ratchets.

 

[bobcatdan]

The only roto ratchetI would by are SK or SO.

 

[kapster]

oohh ok. No that isnt much of a deal if its import, thanks for the warning guys.

My dad has the sk, I love it. Will probably get one of those or the gearwrench, looks pretty sweet. Is the gearwrench china or taiwan?

 

[DanCo]

Sears has the gearwrench 1/4 & 3/8 combo pack for $50 IIRC.

Dan

 

[kythri]

Sears has the gearwrench 1/4 & 3/8 combo pack for $50 IIRC.

Dan

I was just going to suggest the GearWrench ones. Can't beat the sale price.

 

[Hank McMauser]

In 3/8 I have both the HF and the Kobalt, I prefer to use the HF because the handle is slimmer. The kobalt feels like a clumsy BMX bicycle grip to me.& I don't have small hands.
I don't turn wrenches for a living though, YMMV.

 

[ultimateplayer]

The GW ones are a pain to warranty at Sears. They are sold in pairs, but I wasn't satisfied with my 1/4" so tried to bring it back, but they have to call in to GearWrench to warranty it. Instead I went to Advance Auto and got a new one no questions asked.

Is there a standard for how much force is required to turn the wrench? The ratchet mechanism is very stiff even on the one I got back. Can you make the GW ones smoother?

 

[DrkMtnDew]

My 1st choice is the SO FHNF100. 2nd is the GW RotoRatchets.

FWIW the FHNF100 looks good with a black hard handle. still gotta get mine converted.

 

[otis66]

Looking to add some roto head ratchets to collection. Saw in the cornwell flyer they have the CTG2RST set on sale for 93.95, reg 193.95. 1/4 and 3/8 comfort handle.

Anyone used the cornwell? They're USA I would hope? Hate to ask but never know anymore. the snap on 3/8 is $120, sk looked like around $70. Sounds like a deal, almost to good. Any reason to go with the snap on or sk over cornwell?

I believe that Cornwell set of roto ratchets is just rebranded Gearwrench roto ratchet. Snap On is a better ratchet. The SK roto ratchet is nice too. Get the Snap On it's a lot better.

 

[BioNerd]

Wera Zyklop anyone?

 

[firworks]

They look pretty nice, but I was a little disappointed they can't be taken apart without wrecking it.
hf 3/8 ratchet dissection

For me, hasn't been to many times that a good cleaning and greasing wouldn't fix a ratchet problem. It is warrantied but thats a pain.

I'm still battling with mine. I'm gonna figure out some way to get it apart without ruining it... There HAS to be a way.

 

[stonesfan68]

You can get the Crescent version of the Gearwrench ratchets for $25.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/311452530908?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I have the Kobalt version of the Gearwrench ratchets and I really like them, especially the 1/4-inch drive version. I actually replaced the soft-grips with hard-handles from screwdrivers.

 

[knobby]

Picked up a toptul set (1/4" 3/8" and 1/2") and i find them pretty good comfort grip,72 tooth and unlike most they have a hex machine screw in the center of the direction control wheel for easy disassembly if that maters for you.

 

[Dave455]

If you're going down the Taiwanese route, buy the cheapest! There's no point paying extra for a rebrand!

For something better, I have 'em by Snap On and KoKen!

The KoKen are pretty good, in fact excellent, tools! This is one of their better items too. Nothing I can say against it, other than I'm not sure if it's available in 1/4 drive!

Snap On are gorgeous, just superb tools to use. The 3/8 is probably my most used ratchet! Expensive new though - I've been lucky enough to get both mine on some sort of special!