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Which roto head ratchet?

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RickyPetite

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Oct 12, 2019
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173
Location
Buck's County, PA
Shopping for a 3/8 roto head ratchet and have been surprised at how few options are out there. I'd rather not buy one from China/Taiwan etc. That leaves SnapOn FNF100 and Wera Zyklop. It doesn't appear that SK makes one anymore although used 3870s can be found on Ebay. Doesn't appear that Wright or Proto make them. As a DYI'er, the SnapOn is more than I want to spend. Am I missing options? Any experience with Wera? Buy an old SK used? Thx for the advice.
 
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Mgdoug3

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Mar 2, 2018
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KY
I love my SK 3870 with DT80 mechanism. I bought them before they started selling high on Ebay. If I was wanting a new one, I would probably go with a Snap-on.

I have a Mac with a Facom ratchet head. It's OK but the handle is big and flat. I like the round handle in the 3870 because it's easier to spin.
 
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bbrins

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Dec 25, 2012
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MD
I'll give another thumbs up for the SK 3870, I've got two that I use pretty regularly. I generally don't care for the DT80 kits in the regular SK ratchets, but with the longer handle, the shorter swing angle might be nice.

To SK's new owners, if you're listening, please bring back the 3870, and also add a 1/4 version to the lineup.
 
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ChevyEFI

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Phoenix, AZ
The mechanism in the above KoKen is great.
For acess, a Snappy compact FHCNF72 is a winner.
Stop by HF and see if you like the Icon red handle version.

I have two 3870s.
 
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Qualitytools

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SOCAL
I have the WERA 3/8, I find it a bit short but like it a lot. I also have the CARLYLE 3/8, it has the right overall length but I can't open it to lube the head as it can use some lubricant
 
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KnurledNut

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bbrins said:
To SK's new owners, if you're listening, please bring back the 3870, and also add a 1/4 version to the lineup.
Click to expand...
An employee there confirmed to me they were actually working on this.
Who knows where the project will land now. Probably in the paper shredder.
 
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RickyPetite

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Oct 12, 2019
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Buck's County, PA
Thx for the feedback. Delivered price: $106 Koken 3776N (new), $83 SK 3870 (used, pretty good shape, little rust, beat up chrome) with new DT80. Which would you buy?
 
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bonneyman

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Desert SW
Mgdoug3 said:
I love my SK 3870 with DT80 mechanism. I bought them before they started selling high on Ebay. If I was wanting a new one, I would probably go with a Snap-on.

I have a Mac with a Facom ratchet head. It's OK but the handle is big and flat. I like the round handle in the 3870 because it's easier to spin.
Click to expand...
That's what I did. Found a 3870 at a pawn shop for a couple of bucks and slapped the DT kit in the head. Smart move!
 
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RickyPetite

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Oct 12, 2019
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Buck's County, PA
Found a coupon, took a few bucks off and bought the Ko-ken for $100. I agree with GrantCee that the tiny direction lever on the SK's is annoying. My first Japanese tool. Thx for the insight and advice.
 
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GrantCee

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Aug 23, 2010
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Willamette Valley, Oregon
RickyPetite said:
Is the Ko-ken serviceable?
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Yep. Repair kit is # 3752RK.

Any issue with it only having 45 teeth?
Click to expand...

Personally, after having both very coarse (old Proto 24-tooth pear heads) and fairly fine (90 tooth) ratchets, I've found that 36 teeth is about the "break even" point for me. The jump from 24 to 36 teeth is very noticeable in smoothness and reduced arc, but the jump from 36 to 72 is much less so. The actual value in use goes down pretty rapidly as tooth counts increase. Others may feel differently, but I'm perfectly happy with something between 36 and 72 teeth.

I've come to value low backdrag much more than tooth count.
 
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BFHtime

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Mar 31, 2012
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I have the FHNF100 and it is my favorite ratchet. It is big and sometimes too big. You may also like the FHCNF72 which is the quarter inch size body with a 3/8 drive. Which I do not have. I do have a 1/4 inch roto which I do like, but the 3/8 Roto is my favorite ratchet among all brands. If I had to pick only one that would be the one. There is a screw for tension adjustment of the Roto head so it is not floppy if you do not want it to be.

If you do not want to pay new Snap-on price. You can buy used, or look for a deal in the flyer.

I believe Carlyle makes a good roto head but not US made.
 
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Mr_B

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Snapon done the roto design nice, crescent and early gearwrench was very similar to snapon as copied the 2 pawl mechanism and general head dimension much same .
 
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finn

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Mar 27, 2005
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The UP, God's country
I’m not exactly a Snapon fanboy, but do like my soft handle Snapon 3/8” roto ratchet.

They’re expensive, but should last forty years, so it’s not a recurring expense.
 
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RickyPetite

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Buck's County, PA
The FHCNF72 looks interesting. More in my price range. I'll keep a lookout for specials (not sure how often they run specials but I guess I'll find out...)
 
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Mr_B

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finn said:
I’m not exactly a Snapon fanboy, but do like my soft handle Snapon 3/8” roto ratchet.

They’re expensive, but should last forty years, so it’s not a recurring expense.
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i'm much same, not a snapon fanboy but they done the roto head well in terms of design and quality .
I don't like many snapon ratchets but the roto versions are hard to beat in professional situation and buying usa .
 
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ttpete

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Mar 8, 2011
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Dearborn, MI
I've had an SK3870 since 1965. Had it stolen in 1983 and replaced it with a new one. I also have an SO roto with a steel handle. I don't like plastic handles on ratchets, too clunky.
 
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Mr_B

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Mr_B

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^
I would say currently the ICON better than the Carlyle Roto .
Current Carlyle Roto is the factory crimped unserviceable QR style so you can't clean, lube or tweak the heart spring like the ICON, icon also higher tooth count at 90 and about 1/2 to 3/4" longer .
The early gearwrench and crescent 2pc set with head and selector that looked like snapon was about best of lower cost taiwan offerings .
The current gearwrench is overpriced step backwards garbage effort .
 
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619DioFan

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Apr 9, 2013
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3,617
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San Diego , Ca.
I bought the Pittsburg 3/8 swivel/roto after first getting the 1/4drive version . really happy with both. Lifetime warranty so zero risk to own imo
 
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RickyPetite

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Oct 12, 2019
Messages
173
Location
Buck's County, PA
I got my Ko-ken 3/8 roto head ratchet and am very pleased so I thought that I would do a review. For comparison's sake, the closest competitor I own is an SK flexible head 3/8 (45183) with a DT80 mechanism. I know, it's not a roto head Snap-on but it's been my go-to flexible head 3/8 and I don't own the Snap-on.

First off, the Ko-ken feels substantial. No heavy, but substantial.

Weight:
Ke-ken: 1lb, 3oz
SK 45138: 14 oz
For comparison, the SK 1/2" LP90 (which I consider to be a stout, solid wrench) weighs 1lb, 9oz

The knurling on the Ko-ken is "just right". It is long enough to include my entire hand whereas the SK 45138 is skimpy and "too short".

The diameter of the handle is thicker on the Ko-ken and also, "just right". The SK handle feels too thin in comparison.

Finally, the back drag on the Ko-ken is about 1/2 of that of the SK. You will just have to take my word on this. It's effortless. I don't mind the decreased tooth count at all if the tool is this easy to use.

One last point. I disassembled the head on the Ko-ken and found it completely dry. No grease at all. I added some Super-lube and reassembled. Wow, what a great tool.

Thanks to all who helped me make my decision. I now wish that they had a 1/4 and 1/2 variety.

Rick
 

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