Tool Review: Olsa Tools 3-pc Swivel Head Ratchet Set

A technician’s favorite tool is any tool that saves them time. Randy Kaiser, a technician at Rost Motor, Inc. in Manson, Iowa, has found a new timesaver in the Olsa Tools 3-pc Swivel Head Ratchet Set.

Each of the ratchets has a swiveling head, which Kaiser notes is “very handy for spinning nuts or bolts on or off quickly.” The swivel head feature is also beneficial when a little offset is needed to clear away something that is sticking up or in the way.

Kaiser also finds the ratchets' swiveling heads allow for more usability in a variety of situations.

“I used the rachets in my normal, everyday work routine,” Kaiser says. “This can include brake and suspension work, tune-ups, engine work, interior and dash work, and all of the other jobs that technicians do on a regular basis.”

The ratchet set comes in a cardboard box with a plastic insert that helps to keep the ratchets in place. Though Kaiser notes the packaging is nice, he says he will probably be storing the ratchets in his toolbox drawer without the box for ease of use.

No accessories or a manual were included with the ratchets.

“They operate basically the same as most other ratchets,” Kaiser says.

The biggest difference Kaiser found between these ratchets and others is that Olsa's model has no socket release button. In his mind, this made removing sockets and extensions a bit harder.

Kaiser has used ratchets of various types and sizes for many years and though this is his first-time using ratchets from Olsa, he says he does prefer the swivel head style for its flexibility in applications and speed of use.

Additionally, Kaiser enjoyed the ratchets’ smooth, chrome finish, the ease of only having to move the handle through a 4-degree arc to catch the next tooth, and the set screw that holds the split handle together near the head of the ratchet. This allows users to tighten or loosen the screw to control the tension on the swivel head.

The only improvement Kaiser would make to these ratchets is adding some light knurling on the grip portion of the handles. Though the chrome finish looks nice, he notes it can also be quite slippery if one’s hands are wet or have oil or grease on them.

Overall, Kaiser was pleased with the Olsa Tools 3-pc Swivel Head Ratchet Set’s time-saving ability and various applications.