Park Tool SWR-8 3/8" Drive Ratchet [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Are you building up a bike toolbox? A Wrench is one of the most necessary to have in the box. Park Tool's SWR-8 wrench is one of the most sought after wrench by bike mechanics. Our customer just wrote up a review about it. See what they think!

Overview

If you have ever broken a tool and lost ride time due to it, you have probably gone out and purchased yourself some higher quality tools. It's a decision not to be taken lightly. Quality tools are a must if you are going to maintain your own bikes.

Being an over the road truck and trailer mechanic for over 20 years I have had a great deal of experience with 3/8 ratchets. That being said, I decided I wanted a separate area in my garage to maintain my bicycles. As a NICA coach, I maintain a small fleet of bikes. I eventually got tired of walking back and forth getting tools and decided I would purchase a few tools each week until I had everything I needed. Most of the tools I own came from the tool trucks and I decided in order to avoid the inconvenience of more tool truck payments, I opted for a more convenient and affordable solution. I didn't want to go with more payments this time, so I decided to purchase my SWR8 3/8 ratchet from Worldwide Cyclery, and at the budget-friendly price of $23.75 it was undeniably more affordable than a tool truck option.

I opened the box and found the 8" ratchet weighing in at a beefy 14 oz was comparable to any 3/8 ratchet I have purchased from a tool truck.

I found the ratchet to be well balanced and a good fit for my hand. I also like the quick-release button on the back of the head that securely fastens the socket to the ratchet. The ratcheting mechanism operates smoothly and is easily switched from forward to reverse with the black anodized lever. Anyone who uses a ratchet will appreciate the 72 tooth headgear that allows you to use the ratchet in the tightest of places.

The SWR8 has a smooth chrome finish that is easy to clean with a rag. Also notable is that the knurling on the handle provides a solid grip on the tool. No one likes their hand slipping off their tool. Another detail worth noting is the serviceable head. The head is easily disassembled by removing the 2 hex head bolts and allows the user to grease and maintain the gear and ratcheting assembly to ensure a long life span of the tool.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the SWR8 3/8 ratchet is undoubtedly a great choice for the novice all the way up to the professional mechanic. As a professional mechanic, I can highly recommend the tool for bicycle repairs and even for heavier use. It is a high-quality ratchet and compares to any ratchet I have purchased from a tool truck and at a much more affordable price.