Long flex-head ratchet: 3/8″ or 1/2″ drive?

[Dave455]

What’s the model number on that one? Curious about the head size.


True! And I already have that and the other basics in 3/8″-drive. I’m mostly lacking less-common stuff in 3/8″ drive, like Ribe sockets, some speciality bicycle and motorcycle tools, a good sliding T-handle (I have a bad one), long drive extensions, a second universal joint would be handy occasionally, that sort of thing. Though my 3/8″-drive sockets are mostly Toptul and Unior, good quality but not as beautifully made as my old Facom and Stahlwille 1/2″ stuff, not to mention my Snap-on 1/4″-drive sockets.

That will be an FHLFD80AR

F = Ferret (3/8 drive)
H = Comfort Grip
L = Long
F = Flex
D = Older style “hard handle”
80 = 80 tooth “Dual 80” ratchet
A = Revised model
R = Red handle.

I think!

To be honest, the hard handles are lovely, but they are a bit of a luxury. For most uses the metal handle is preferable. (FLF80).

For things like Ribe sockets, 3/8 is really the way to go, though I must admit I don’t use them. XZN sometimes. Same applies.

Facom is mostly still reasonable, even though much is Taiwanese made now. If you like it I doubt you will be disappointed. They don’t offer the range of long ratchets that Snap On do though.

Stahlwille is good. I have a fair bit. I like the flowing lines, it’s nice to use, and very durable. It’s not as nicely finished as Snap On, but probably as tough, and very good value. Again, they don’t offer the selection of long ratchets, and I think the only long flex ratchet they offer is comfort grip.

The Snap On Dual 80 are the very best ratchets!

 

[Samuel D]

Like most here I prefer power tools when they fit so my 1/2 stuff mostly gathers dust and my most used ratchet is a long locking flex Snap-on 3/8. So I guess that's what I would get if I could only have one and in your case get an adapter so you can use your 1/2 sockets with it.

Thanks. Already have the drive-size adaptors.

I think my decision is going to be exactly how long the handle should be on my 3/8″-drive flex-head ratchet. And which brand. Suggestions on that welcome. For reference, the one 3/8″-drive ratchet that I already have is a very good one with a Dual 80 mechanism: a Bahco 7750. It’s about 8″ long, fixed head. Love the light action, lack of play between handle and anvil, high tooth count, everything about how the head works actually. Prefer all-steel handles. I’m intrigued by the FLLF80 but wonder how it would pair with that Bahco. FLF80A might make more sense?

 

[Dave455]

I know what you mean and have plenty of excellent Stahlwille spanners and sockets. But I’m less impressed with German ratchets. American ratchets seem to me to be more innovative, more widely available with steel handles (that I prefer), and available in more handle lengths. Koken definitely interests me, on the other hand.


Oh, totally. You can often pay for the tools and come out ahead after one job.

Yes, Stahlwille are incredibly good, but their ratchets are not their strongest area. If you are happy with the standard length they are fine (especially the quick release with the metal handle) but otherwise they struggle.

The 425 QR is probably the nearest to what you want.


I must admit I tend to use different makes of tool so that I can tell British from American from Metric sizes. I started buying Stahlwille to meet my metric needs, so it’s seen a lot of use, but lasted well. No regrets.

The American ratchets were pretty much designed for the aerospace industry. It’s always been that way, which is why you see things like long and long flex ratchets going waay back.

Even now, Snap On are I think the only manufacturer where most of their tools meet all the relevant aerospace specs. Other makers, such as Stahlwille, offer an “aerospace” range that meet the specs, but at more money (about the same as Snap On)!

KoKen are excellent in all respects. They’re not quite as good as Snap On, and again, their ratchets are the area where they are weakest, but they are perfectly acceptable, nicely finished, and excellent value. They are one of the few makers to offer a range comparable to Snap On.

Some KoKen tools are about the best available at any price. I’m thinking of things like their hex and Torx bit sockets which are just superb, but their sockets and extensions are hard to best to be honest. All at a fraction of Snap On money (this side of the pond anyway).

KoKen have pretty much become my “go to” if I need a tool and don’t have a strong preference for make. That’s partly because I get great service here in the U.K. (phone late afternoon and I’ve got the item by 9am the following morning) and partly because it’s just so good!

 

[Samuel D]

That will be an FHLFD80AR

Identical head size to FLF80A according to the Snap-on website but nearly two inches longer again. May be out of production. I think if the FLF80A was that length it would be an easy choice for me. As it is I have to consider the FLLF80 too. Hmm.

F = Ferret (3/8 drive)
H = Comfort Grip
L = Long
F = Flex
D = Older style “hard handle”
80 = 80 tooth “Dual 80” ratchet
A = Revised model
R = Red handle.

Neat, as Yanks say.

The Snap On Dual 80 are the very best ratchets!

Certainly the best I’ve used.

 

[finn]

I use both, but looking deeper, I think I use the 3/8” long flex because I want to, but the 1/2” is used because sometime its all that will work, so I have to use it.

 

[T45]

The classic "irreplaceable" SO ratchets are the long 3/8 and 1/2. There is an argument to be made for the flex and/or lockign flex versions in particular. Handles are a YMMV situation.

 

[Dave455]

Identical head size to FLF80A according to the Snap-on website but nearly two inches longer again. May be out of production. I think if the FLF80A was that length it would be an easy choice for me. As it is I have to consider the FLLF80 too. Hmm.

Neat, as Yanks say.


Certainly the best I’ve used.

Snap On (aside from the short ratchets) basically make three lengths of 3/8 ratchet. Regular (8 ish inch), long (11 ish inch) and extra long (18 ish inch). The extra long are the new kids. For years these were only available in 1/2 inch drive (as 24 inch long) but they’re becoming popular in 3/8.

I bought an extra long on a deal and didn’t use it much at first, but use it more and more now. It’s generally about reach not leverage with these. Used mine last week changing an aux drive belt on a BMW - easy to held the tensioner with this. I’m guessing that Snap On had a few specific roles in mind when they introduced the tool.

For each of these sizes, the flex heads are typically a frac longer (due the flex mechanism) and the comfort grip models a frac longer again as the handle is longer. In practice these are not huge differences, and I wouldn’t favour one or the other based on a difference of an inch.

If you are thinking about one of these It’s a good idea to handle the actual tools if you can.

 

[Ton ton]

Both, although I don't have a 3/8" long flex head ratchet yet.

 

[johninct]

I have a 30 year old 3/8" Snap-on flex that I use for disassembly but for some reason would only use the streight handle for assembly. I finally remembered why. Sometimes I need to put pressure on a bolt and it would flex. I just got a locking flex and in some places, it is a game changer for me, I can flex it into position, lock it and then can apply pressure.

 

[MarcSeattle]

About Snap-on: a large portion of the Snap on premium price is that a tool truck comes to your place of business. This provides easy shopping, warranty return of a tool, calibrating a torque wrench, advice on how to conquer a tricky fastener, etc. If the tool truck doesn't come to your home then you would be wasting money on the purchase price.

I have Snap on ratchets but I don't think there is anything special or magical about them. I don't see a Dual80 mechanism being anything more impressive than the Koken Z Line or the French Facom 72 tooth from the pre-Stanley era. Of course, it depends on what you work on. If I needed ultimate torque levels rather than Swiss-watch smoothness I'd head straight to that Hazet adjustable-length 1/2" that can handle 1000Nm.

I agree with you on EU pricing. Buy now. Everything is going up.

 

[guitarbutt]

3/8 Eastwood quick release with a locking flex head. Awesome ratchet. Is recommend it to anyone who wants something affordable and good

 

[KnurledNut]

What does the A suffix mean?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/snap-on-dual-80-question.485026/#post-9189272

 

[ecotec]

To be honest, the hard handles are lovely, but they are a bit of a luxury. For most uses the metal handle is preferable. (FLF80).

For most ratchets… but not roto ratchets. Comfort grips are the only way to go with roto ratchets.

 

[msharley]

I’d like to join the modern era with a long flex-head ratchet handle.

But my sockets are not very modern: I have a lot of 1/2″-drive sockets that would be better in 3/8″-drive (this is common in Europe, and the farther east you go, the less they use 3/8″-drive).

I can’t afford to replace all those 1/2″-drive sockets though. Many of them are old Stahlwille and French-made Facom.

I do have the basics covered in 3/8″-drive, minus car stuff like Ribe.

My 3/8″-drive ratchet (yep, one) is 200 mm (under 8″) long and my longest 1/2″-drive ratchet is 265 mm (10-1/2″) long.

Both feel short. So I use breaker bars for length and access (flex head).

What should I choose for my only long flex-head ratchet: 3/8″-drive or 1/2″-drive?

I might end up getting a long non-flex ratchet in the other drive size.

Do you tend to prefer flex-head handles in one drive size and non-flex in another?

I have a Cromwell (CORNWELL) 1/2" drive LONG Flex Head.

Super handy for rolling a 460cid FoMoCo over to locate timing marks...

Does a few other chores handily.

Have a medium length bent handle SNAP ON flex head Spark Plug Ratchet in 3/8" drive.

Also in 3/8", a Snap On Pivot Head in medium length (similar to this but with screwdriver handle)

Have a regular and a long 1/4" Snap On Flex head...

Why long in 1/4"? It is a very fine tooth feller...and allows winding stubborn fasteners out, in tight (engimcneered) locations...

Would, if I could locate obtain a long Cromwell (Cornwell) 3/8" to go with the long 1/2"....not a dire need...just a desire...LOL

 

[VolvoRyan]

How long is "long"? Long for reach is better in 3/8"..... long for leverage is 1/2". Longer than 15" is better to go for 1/2".

About Snap-on: a large portion of the Snap on premium price is that a tool truck comes to your place of business. This provides easy shopping, warranty return of a tool, calibrating a torque wrench, advice on how to conquer a tricky fastener, etc. If the tool truck doesn't come to your home then you would be wasting money on the purchase price.

I disagree. Snap-On has a secret tool truck in the US. It's brown and say UPS on it. You can shop for whatever you need online. Warranties are lightning fast via email, and that brown truck hooks you up quick with replacement tools/parts. Snap-On sells guts for their ratchets for peanuts. $10 for 1/2" drive, IIRC.

I really only buy certain tools from Snap-On. One in particular (thread-relevant) is the 24" flex head ratchet. It's a monster. I use it in place of breaker bars now.

-Ryan

 

[mike93lx]

As a hobbyist trying to be frugal, I would recommend not going Sanp-On for this and getting something more economical. Almost any brand will last a hobbyist his lifetime.

I'd very happily buy a cheaper 3/8 ratchet and put some money towards 3/8 sockets than spending a ton on a 1/2 ratchet just to use sockets I already have

 

[MarcSeattle]

How long is "long"? Long for reach is better in 3/8"..... long for leverage is 1/2". Longer than 15" is better to go for 1/2".



I disagree. Snap-On has a secret tool truck in the US. It's brown and say UPS on it. You can shop for whatever you need online. Warranties are lightning fast via email, and that brown truck hooks you up quick with replacement tools/parts. Snap-On sells guts for their ratchets for peanuts. $10 for 1/2" drive, IIRC.

I really only buy certain tools from Snap-On. One in particular (thread-relevant) is the 24" flex head ratchet. It's a monster. I use it in place of breaker bars now.

-Ryan

Hey, buy whatever you like.

Here's the thing though: That Snap-on ½" ratchet in 24" long handle is $272. Hazet makes the 916hplg, an extendable handle (16-24") in a 90 tooth that's available at KC Tool for $188 that the YouTube guys broke at 700ft-lb or 1000Nm. That's a monster. Wait until it's back in stock, and Amazon.de had it for $125 recently. Or a person could skip that cool extendable feature and go with a 20" flex head 36 tooth that I see is available for $105 at Amazon US. (Hold on...$105? WTF? Why don't I have one of those? Hmmm....)

Or buy both and still have $42 savings over Snap-on for beer and pizza.

The Snap-on price of $272 doesn't work for me even if the truck would come to my house and bring me the beer and pizza. If the look/feel of the Snap-on is worth it to you, then it's like choosing blondes / brunettes, right?

 

[Samuel D]

I’ve been following the discussion with interest despite not replying.

Any final thoughts on the ideal 3/8″-drive handle length to pair with an existing 8″ Bahco 7750?

After handling a range of Gedore ratchets in a local shop, I think 18″ (e.g. Snap-on FLLF80) might be too long for me. I can see uses, but I think I’d also want something in between. But maybe it just takes some getting used to?

For 1/2″-drive, I’m leaning toward a good old Facom S.154 (fixed-head, 16″ long, cheap in clean used condition). That would leave more money for the 3/8″-drive flex-head.

Don’t know if I can swing a Snap-on for 3/8″-drive, but it’s still tempting.

 

[TdK71]

I'd much rather have one of these:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...file-3-8-ratchet-options.516265/post-10141151

This right here is **** AF!

 

[drtyler]

I’ve been following the discussion with interest despite not replying.

Any final thoughts on the ideal 3/8″-drive handle length to pair with an existing 8″ Bahco 7750?

After handling a range of Gedore ratchets in a local shop, I think 18″ (e.g. Snap-on FLLF80) might be too long for me. I can see uses, but I think I’d also want something in between. But maybe it just takes some getting used to?

For 1/2″-drive, I’m leaning toward a good old Facom S.154 (fixed-head, 16″ long, cheap in clean used condition). That would leave more money for the 3/8″-drive flex-head.

Don’t know if I can swing a Snap-on for 3/8″-drive, but it’s still tempting.

Is the Facom JXL.171 available near you? It is 3/8" drive, flex head, and extendable length, 9.7" to 14". Pretty decent ratchet with good functionality. When I need a flex head in 3/8" drive, its the one I reach for.

 

[M635_Guy]

There are adapters that will allow a 3/8 ratchet to turn 1/2" drive sockets.

But at the cost of depth that is part of why 3/8" exists between 1/2" and 1/4"...

Not the answer.

 

[mike93lx]

But at the cost of depth that is part of why 3/8" exists between 1/2" and 1/4"...

Not the answer.

Adapters like this help keep it a lot more compact.
ARES 70198 - Low Profile Impact Socket Adapter Set - Impact-Rated Heat-Treated Chrome Vanadium Steel Features Knurling For Enhanced Grip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071QX59NH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ton ton]

I’ve been following the discussion with interest despite not replying.

Any final thoughts on the ideal 3/8″-drive handle length to pair with an existing 8″ Bahco 7750?

After handling a range of Gedore ratchets in a local shop, I think 18″ (e.g. Snap-on FLLF80) might be too long for me. I can see uses, but I think I’d also want something in between. But maybe it just takes some getting used to?

For 1/2″-drive, I’m leaning toward a good old Facom S.154 (fixed-head, 16″ long, cheap in clean used condition). That would leave more money for the 3/8″-drive flex-head.

Don’t know if I can swing a Snap-on for 3/8″-drive, but it’s still tempting.

Try a local pawn shop for a 3/8" drive snap on ratchet. You may not be able to get warranty support but you can get your feet wet with a snap on ratchet without a huge investment. My favorite 3/8" ratchet is a Titan from a local auto parts store. I do have a snap on to compare to. Your mileage may vary.

 

[bryant 24]

Personally I've found that a 3/8 flex about 12 inches long works best for me.

1/2 is often going to get the breaker bar or impact anyway. I've also got one of the cheap Chinese extendable 1/2 ratchets that come in handy, but I wouldn't make it my go to.

Extendable is too bulky

 

[johnu]

3/8 long handle, flex head Ikon.

 

[AEAdam]

I don’t agree with the FLL for you Samuel. It’s good for certain automotive jobs, but in my opinion, too long to be an everyday do it all tool. It’s a specialty ratchet.

The Snap On SHLF80A is a no brainer. Having the best ratchet out there isn’t dumb for person in your situation. In some regards, the casual user needs better tools, not lesser. You have no safety net, no back up plan, no mechanic in the next bay over, to loan you something.

I had my tools in these flat plastic storage boxes people use for fasteners when I lived in the UK. I should try to find pictures. I did a lot of work in my gravel parking lot. Did a brake job on my Land Rover on cobble stones. I needed good tools. Just changing brake lights on the VW golf… I did some electronic repair work

I have a bunch of hard handle ratchets in my box, but I’ve grown to appreciate the soft comfort grips. I’d highly recommend the SHLF80A and the FHLF80…

Buying second hand is a no brainer. The wear items are easily sourced, and easily replaced.