The Original 1960's Roto-Head Ratchet, S-K USA

S-K invented and patented the rotohead ratchet in 1961, this a SK Wayne unit made somewhere in the mid to late 1960's.
SK #3870

[@IrishDevil78]

I have 5 or so of these, modified to be different lengths and handles. A couple have the 80 tooth rebuild, this is my favorite general purpose ratchet.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I'm holding the very same ratchet, as you make comments I look over my ratchet. Mine is in absolute mint condition....I really lucked out. tHanks for the video!

[@MrJruta]

I bought one NOS about a year ago. My father had all SK, including that exact roto-head and I wanted one just because…

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again, Catus Maximus and Tiny Thank you for another Great Video 👍 I am always amazed by the amount of history you are able to share 😀 Again thank you

[@danagillam]

I have had one for 40 years, and it is my favorite tool. I have cranked hard on it many times. There are some other brands now making similar designs. (icon)

[@randysmith9636]

I own the Snap On "swivel head" that i bought in the 80s, i think, it could have been in the 90s. It worked ok but i normally just grabed the flex head instead. Still a pretty cool design and when you need that little extra room the can shine. Thanks for another great video and review.

[@rwbishop]

I also bought one of the Snap-On version... never 'warmed up' to it; ended up selling it to a new kid who drooled over it; and never saw him using it much either

[@donwendling7800]

What kind of lube do you use?

[@fastbusiness]

SK has undergone many ownership changes since SK invented the round-head ratchet wrench in 1933 and received a patent for it the following year. According to Wikipedia: Change of ownership: - In 1962, SK, along with manufacturing partner Lectrolite Corp., of Defiance, Ohio, was bought out by Symington-Wayne and became S-K Wayne. - In 1968 S-K Wayne was purchased by Dresser Industries as part of the merger between Wayne Oil and Tank Company and Dresser Industries. Dresser Industries made many changes to S-K's tools including dropping the cross-hatch pattern from their sockets in order to "modernize" them. - In 1985, SK became part of the French company Facom Tools. - In 2005 it was purchased by its management and again operated independently as the S-K Hand Tools Corporation. - On June 29, 2010, the company declared bankruptcy. On August 23, 2010, it was announced that two days later, on August 25, 2010, Ideal Industries would acquire SK. - In July 2021 SK was acquired by Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial, a Chinese tool conglomerate company and the current owner of other American brands such as Shop-Vac, Arrow Fastener, and Pony Jorgensen clamps.

[@desertdweller9548]

Yep, they're China junk now.

[@ralphnunley3039]

I got one that belonged to my father…it’s completely wore out. I’ve seen and done a ton of wrenching with it in my youth. It was his favorite ratchet…

[@markadams7597]

Great review, Ty. Wish I had a roto-head. What's your experience/opinion on retractable ratchet straps? I'm looking to purchase a couple of sets and wondering which brand/style to consider.

[@Donniedangerously]

What are those mini pliers?

[@john4kc]

I haven't rebuilt one, but that switch that's staked must pull out or something becuase they do or did offer replacment pawls or kits that didn't include the whole set of ALL the guts.

[@CatusMaximus]

You are correct. I made a bad oversight in this video. You can use a little flat head Screw driver to push the detent and pull out that switch lever.

[@maxnovo625]

What is the lowest back drag swivel head/ roto head ratchet in 1/4"?

[@darrenporsch]

Yeah SK was the original on that considering how much you know about tools I figured you'd know that. I have one I just bought recently. It's in two nice condition to use😂

[@Paul1958R]

I have that exact SK 3870 and have had it since the mid 1970s. It stamped 'S-K 3870' not 'S-K Wayne 3870' like yours.

[@badactor3323]

I call it the Reub ratchet.

[@Papa-vq3fv]

Bought mine in 1977 used it for years the big problem with them is they are finger pinching bastards with a long exstention and a heavy socket attached take my word on this but a great all around tool the head is rather wide also.

[@waltcrawford6153]

You should upgrade the ratchet to the double pawl design.

[@waltcrawford6153]

Here's the link to an old SK video showing the upgrade. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJnNcoaYmpWCaNU

[@desertdweller9548]

Why? Terrible increase in back drag.

[@agrayrider]

How much does it go for if i would resale mine?

[@leotam3372]

I've seen them for $50 or so on ebay

[@randysmith9636]

First?

[@dougtilaran3496]

The only SK product I own.Wayne model 1964,,,,everything else they made is garbage