Tool Review: NAPA Carlyle R12S 100 Tooth 1/2" Drive Swivel Ratchet

Sept. 22, 2014

Reviewer gives this ratchet top marks because of the ease of use, and minimal restrictions on range because of the 100-tooth design and swivel head.

Erica Schueller

The Carlyle P100 Series Swivel Ratchet is a professional round-head ratchet, rated at more than 130 percent of ANSI standards. A 100-tooth count ratchet mechanism provides a 3.6-degree swing arc, which allows for use in tight spaces. The swivel head design allows for greater access than a conventional ratchet design, according to the company. The comfort grip handle reduces operator fatigue and allows the technician to apply maximum torque without discomfort. The P100 series are available in 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” drive sizes and are exclusively available at your local NAPA auto parts store.

The Review

Technician and co-owner of DeMary Trucks in Columbus, OH, Eric Moore tested out the NAPA Carlyle R12S 100-tooth 1/2” drive Swivel Ratchet.

"The NAPA Carlyle R12S 100 tooth 1/2” drive Swivel Rachet was a very excellent addition to the toolbox," says Moore. The R12S saved Moore time when trying to access tight spaces. "With it’s 100 teeth, allowed for less room to operate, where normally it could have been a wrench off situation, constantly switching the open end of a wrench around to gain access."

In terms of usability, Moore advised the ratchet extremely easy and simple to use. "(The) locking ball type ratchet head means your socket won’t come loose during the job." He also commented on the top features that made this tool stand apart: "The swivel feature and minimal swing needed because of the 100 teeth, really made this a nice tool to use."

In terms of features Moore appreciated, he says the tool provided easy access to restrictive areas of the vehicle. "The 100 teeth, paired with the swivel, made easy access for jobs that may have been more time consuming with conventional designs of the same tool."

"I used the NAPA Carlyle R12S 100-tooth 1/2" drive Swivel Ratchet for installing bell housing bolts on a 1966 (Ford) Mustang project, I also used it to change tires and wheels on a utility trailer, turning over the engine on a 1995 Honda Accord for checking the base timing, and valve adjustment," says Moore.

"I found several more uses, and it is quickly becoming my go-to half-inch ratchet selection."

Moore offered no improvements on the tool. He found the product worked to his expectations. He did advise he would purchase a longer handled version, and would be quick to purchase other sizes (1/4" and 3/8"), if available with the 100-tooth spec.

Overall, Moore gave this tool top marks: 10 out of 10.

"The ease of use, minimal restrictions on range -- due to the 100-tooth design and swivel head -- definitely made a big impression on me. While it may not be all-encompassing, it has taken the place of my standard go to 1/2” drive ratchet, and been placed at the front of the drawer for quick grabs."

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Editorial Director | Commercial Vehicle Group

Erica Schueller is the Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.