GearWrench Roto Ratchet
By Paul Lapczynski
The GearWrench Roto Ratchet will help you get that ratchet where you need it — its head rotates a full 180 degrees for access to fasteners in tight locations. At first I thought this product was unique to GearWrench, but then I saw a Kobalt version at Lowe’s; either way, it looks like it might be one of those “I should have bought it” tools.
The ratchet is a fine-tooth model, meaning it takes less than five degrees of swing to activate the ratcheting mechanism. The cushion grip is designed to help you grip the ratchet even when it gets oil and grease on it.
The two-piece set includes a 6-1/4″ long 1/4”-drive and a 10″ long 3/8”-drive and sells for about $50.
Roto Ratchet [Swenco]
Street Pricing [Google]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
April 8th, 2009 at 10:26 am
I love the old version of Snap-ons, the one with the square screwdriver type handle, Great to start off like a nut driver then bend it over and torque it down.
http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/01/snap-ons-innovative-swivel-head/#comments
April 8th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I have the current style snap-on and although sometimes I worry about putting too much load on it, it has held up well and is pretty robust. The “speedwrench” action is the main selling point.
April 8th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
FYI, the Kobalt version is also made by Gearwrench/Danaher.
April 8th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I have the SK version. I believe they hold the original patent on this style of head. I’m quite fond of it.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:59 am
Looks very much like these.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=Swivel+Head+Ratchet&Submit=Go
April 9th, 2009 at 7:03 am
I got the 1/2″ quick release one from Harborfreight a week or so ago and the 1/4″ and 3/8″ set from Sears on Xmas, it looks to me only the handles are different. All were made in Taiwan.
April 13th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I assume what ToolGuyd says is true as I have seen other Toolwrench made or at least licensed tools under the Kobalt brand.
April 13th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
err Gearwrench…what happened their.