Stanley Hand Tools - 1/4 Drive Rotator Ratchet (89-961)

- the people with the 1 star reviews don't understand how this thing operates, it seems. I have the 3/8" Stanley and the Lowe's kobalt 3/8 one too. Finally went with the 1/4". Why these aren't more well known or popular I don't know. These are brilliant when you are in that space where there is none or close to no room for normal ratchet rotation. Also great in normal situations where you can just rotate the handle back and forth and get the nut or bolt on or off fast. The build quality and feel is really good on these, better than the kobalt- not sure if kobalt even has these anymore. These make a lot of situations so much easier I I don't know why everyone doesn't have one. The only thing better is a power tool.

I read a lot of reviews that complained about not being able to change direction or having a tough time changing direction of this ratchet and I must say mine was near impossible to switch direction on when I got it. However, adding some oil and putting it through some tough challenges using a large size socket on some tough messed up thread nut and bolt combinations I set up for it broke it in quite nicely in just a few minutes. Now it reverses direction with one hand easily. My advice buy it, break it in and enjoy. The only complaint is it has a tendency for the handle to spin due to gravity when you have deep socket or extensions on it and are trying to put it on a bolt. You must hold it by the head to get it on.

This type of ratchet in 1/4" is absolutely brilliant. Buy several. They're GREAT gifts for hard-to-shop-for men that use tools. Literally awesome for some tasks (ZX14 owners take note if you're installing PAIR blockoff plates or doing spark plugs or valve cover stuff--you can do without this type of ratchet, but you'll be happier with one).

I can't lie about this one. I really thought the reviews about not being able to switch directions were left by those that just don't know how to operate the tool. Well, I was wrong! The direction selector, which as stated on multiple reviews, is the two wing turny knob right there on the back side of the ratchet head, pretty much where you would think it would be if there wasn't a flip lever right at the handle interface. Well, that is it! As it would turn out, yes, the turny knob on the back of the ratchet head is exactly where it is. BUT, out of the package, well, it's pretty well stuck where it's at. With some fiddling with turning the drive, twist grip, and just giving it the old standard ratchet action all at the same time, the direction selector finally decided to move. This ratchet is assembled dry. I forsee some oil of any type, turning this into the "handy in the limited applications where it would be handy" jobs into a success. I also would say for light duty use, it would be a good ratchet for all applications. I mostly got it for headlight adjustments and getting past unused threads In hard to reach places. I'm confident it will do what I purchased it for, once it gets a little oil in the mechanism. Will report back if not.

Absolutely love this tool. It's not the best 1/4" drive ratchet you can buy, but with the rotating handle drive, it's incredible helpful in those situations where you can't use a regular socket wrench due to a too small operating angle. If you work maintenance in the automotive, aerospace, or a similar industry, this is something you should definitely have in your tool box. My only (partial) complaint would be the shortness of the handle. If they made a long handle version of this, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

This is an amazing little ratchet that definitely makes life easier for removing or putting in bolts if there’s not a lot of room to use the swinging ratchet motion.

Very handy tool

I like that you can twist back and forth and the ratchet goes in one direction until you switch directions. I notice others say they had trouble switching directions on the 1/4 inch drive version, mine had the same. I just put it in motor oil overnight and it fixed it, I’m sure as you use it it will Break in. I have the 3/8 drive Stanley in this version as well, it worked fine out of the box! Only pit just the rachet part in oil not the whole handle.

Una maravilla total, lo único malo es que solo pude encontrarla en su versión de 1/4 pero con adaptador está más que perfecta, obviamente no la he usado para aflojar llantas o trabajos súper pesados pero para trabajos en autos y herrajes, trabaja perfecto

I’ve been using this thing around my motorcycle for a month or so but already do not understand how could I do without it. Using 1/4” to 3/8” adapter makes it good for virtually any wrenching task, especially within limited space. And it’s sturdy enough to not worry about reliability. Highly recommend to every DIY wrencher.

The tool feels well made, but for the love of god I couldn't figure out how to change the rotation direction on this tool. I was moving the plastic thing on top this way and that way, the tool was clinking and clanking but the direction was still the same. Nice, smooth rotation but one direction only, you can unscrew anything with it and screw on nothing.

Que facil para avanzar los tornillos cuando no hay espacio para girar un llave. ¡Ahorrador de tiempo!

Nice great for tight spots Seems to be good quality. Will update