Help me pick a new 1/2 flex head ratchet

[JWC86]

I broke my Gearwrench 90T 1/2" locking flexhead last week while busting brake caliper bracket bolts on a F350. The locking mech now wont lock the head and it just flops around everywhere.

Honestly I don't care for the GW flex heads at all, when I get it back or a new one from warranty I will be selling all my GW ratchets, I could write all day about how much I dislike them but thats a topic for another thread.

Looking for a replacement with the following criteria:
1/2" Drive
Smooth flex head(no notches)
Quick Release
Long(~17" or more)
Direction selector lever works in the usual manner, same as Snap-On, GW, Nepros, etc (Not backwards like Koken)

Easy to warranty

The only one that I know of that meets these "specs" is Snap-On and I have a strong preference for SO ratchets, I have 6 or 7 Snap-On ratchets in 1/4 and 3/8 but it's a tough pill to swallow for something I use so little as a 1/2" ratchet.

I'm in Canada so no Harbour Freight options.

I was considering the Capri, it doesn't have quick release either but at 1/5th the cost of Snap-On I might consider it.

I'm sure there's some options I don't know about and wold love to hear them!

 

[shibertus]

Doesn't have a quick release but how about a Proto Precision 90? J5450HTCF is the 17" long 1/2" drive flex head.

 

[m6z]

I've got the Capri. Seems nice for the money, though I haven't used it much.

 

[65k10]

Napa Canada lists this ratchet in their Ultrapro line that looks close to what you want. https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/UHTR12FXQR60
Unfortunately it does not look to be the same ratchet as the Carlyle R12FQR we have in the US and I cannot comment on the quality of it.

 

[JWC86]

Doesn't have a quick release but how about a Proto Precision 90? J5450HTCF is the 17" long 1/2" drive flex head.

Those Proto ratchets seem nice but it's pretty much snap on money and like you said, no QR.

 

[JWC86]

Napa Canada lists this ratchet in their Ultrapro line that looks close to what you want. https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/UHTR12FXQR60
Unfortunately it does not look to be the same ratchet as the Carlyle R12FQR we have in the US and I cannot comment on the quality of it.

Interesting, I wonder where it's made. Its on half price right now at $46CAD. I also wonder if its a notched or smooth flex head, hard to say for sure from the pics.

I might just snag this up!

 

[Pig_Pen]

FWIW I warrantied a GW 84T locking flex earlier this year because the locking mechanism stripped and wouldn't lock.

Edit: didn't see that part that you were already waiting on a warranty replacement.

 

[JWC86]

Napa Canada lists this ratchet in their Ultrapro line that looks close to what you want. https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/UHTR12FXQR60
Unfortunately it does not look to be the same ratchet as the Carlyle R12FQR we have in the US and I cannot comment on the quality of it.

Interesting, I wonder where it's made. Its on half price right now at $46CAD. I also wonder if its a notched or smooth flex head, hard to say for sure from the pics.

I might just snag this up!

So I was just trying to buy this at the $46 i stated earlier and keep getting a error, eventually it sad the price has changed and its back to $90 now... so the search continues.

Edit: I might still consider it after seeing it in person if it's not made in the PRC.

 

[vjquan]

So I was just trying to buy this at the $46 i stated earlier and keep getting a error, eventually it sad the price has changed and its back to $90 now... so the search continues.

Edit: I might still consider it after seeing it in person if it's not made in the PRC.

This might be a blessing in disguise. I would bet this has the backward selector that doesn't meet your criteria.

 

[JWC86]

This might be a blessing in disguise. I would bet this has the backward selector that doesn't meet your criteria.

I hate the backward selectors. That said I would be willing to possibly compromise on it if the price was right since I use a long 1/2 infrequently. Still would prefer it be "normal" thou...

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Will Gearwrench warranty it? I heard GW is decent quality and then buy another brand, now you have 2.

 

[JWC86]

Will Gearwrench warranty it? I heard GW is decent quality and then buy another brand, now you have 2.

That is yet to be seen. I just sent the application in today. I’ll report back when I get a answer.

 

[mreisner]

Olsa 24-in Flex head, but it's not a quick release is 189 on the website right now, but they do have frequent sales. I've got the 3/8 version and it is absolutely as smooth as any of my snap-ons. Made in the US also.

 

[Wamsutta]

The only one that I know of that meets these "specs" is Snap-On and I have a strong preference for SO ratchets, I have 6 or 7 Snap-On ratchets in 1/4 and 3/8 but it's a tough pill to swallow for something I use so little as a 1/2" ratchet.

Tough pill to swallow but the thing will last forever except for gear kits and replacement handles. Speaking of replacement handles, who's going to have a replacement handle other than Snap-on? And if you want that free moving friction joint at the flex; who's going to have that other than Snap-on? Who's going to have a ratchet that's at least 17 inches long, quick release, friction joint, and full parts availability?

Open up that wallet and pay the money!

SHRLF80A

 

[JWC86]

Tough pill to swallow but the thing will last forever except for gear kits and replacement handles. Speaking of replacement handles, who's going to have a replacement handle other than Snap-on? And if you want that free moving friction joint at the flex; who's going to have that other than Snap-on? Who's going to have a ratchet that's at least 17 inches long, quick release, friction joint, and full parts availability?

Open up that wallet and pay the money!

You speak the truth for sure. If I hadn’t already spent thousands on tools over the last 4-6 weeks I would have probably already done it. I’m just a DIY guy and trying to save a buck. I think in the end I’ll end up with a Snap-On anyways so maybe it would be the best route.

That said, I don’t have any projects planned anytime soon that will require a extra long 1/2 ratchet, I already have a standard length SK and a couple 1/2” breaker bars, a decent 3/4” ratchet and break bar so perhaps I’ll just wait and spring for the Snap-on down the road. Or if I have a project coming up that I will DIY and save hundreds over having a shop do it, easier ti justify then lol

 

[johninct]

I have a Snap-On locking flex and it is a game changer for me because I can put pressure on nut ( with it locked) with one hand and a wrench with my other hand.

 

[InjectorService]

Locking flex is definitely the go to in that length.

 

[JWC86]

Locking flex is definitely the go to in that length.

I assumed this, hence why I bought the GW locking flex but after owning the set for a couple years I’m not sure the locking is needed.

On the other hand, I was just looking in the Snap-On website and they still list the locking ratchets with quick release as the old style mechanism.

I wonder if they have or plan to switch the quick release to the newer style locking mech?

 

[montanafordman]

I have the Napa carlyle locking flex 1/2" and its been great. I got it on an incredible sale several years ago when they'd go on sale half off, back when retail was still a bargain. (I think it was about $60 at the time reg $120. I'm guessing its 3x that now. I think they're close enough in price you'd be just as well off getting the snapon honestly unless you find one used or another sale, which at this point seems unlikely.

 

[LWB]

For something not used very often I'd consider this. Not a quick release but lifetime warranty.

General PDP Template

www.canadiantire.ca

 

[Pig_Pen]

if you like Snap On and would consider the Capri even though it’s non-quick release you should also consider the Williams S-52EHFA.

 

[JWC86]

For something not used very often I'd consider this. Not a quick release but lifetime warranty.

General PDP Template

www.canadiantire.ca

I assume that one is a detent flex head like the GW? I'm really trying to avoid those.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Does Canada have Napa? I just saw this Carlyle which might fit your needs on sale for $36 usd. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR12FQR 17.68” quick release flex ratchet. The flex joint appears to be undetented but I’d want to check in person to be sure. And I’m not sure which direction the selector is supposed to point (got my start with roundheads so never got in the habit of looking at that)

 

[JWC86]

Does Canada have Napa? I just saw this Carlyle which might fit your needs on sale for $36 usd. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR12FQR 17.68” quick release flex ratchet. The flex joint appears to be undetented but I’d want to check in person to be sure. And I’m not sure which direction the selector is supposed to point (got my start with roundheads so never got in the habit of looking at that)

Canada does have NAPA's but we don't get all of the same tools, some of the Carlyle stuff is re-branded as "Napa Platinum" tools and some we just don't get at all such as the one you linked. On top of that Napa in Canada typically has very high prices on its mediocre tools with a good deal being a occasional exception.

 

[Dave455]

There are actually quite a few options out there.

In all honesty, the Snap On are superb. If you can run to one, I doubt you will be disappointed. They are lovely to use, there’s a choice of handle, finish is superb, and rebuild kits are easily available.

For other options, as soon as 1/2” drive is mentioned, I’m thinking of European makers. They often offer a far greater selection in 1/2” drive than 3/8”.

Stahlwille 517 QR

Elora 770-L115GF


Gedore 1993 GU-10 XL


And although it is telescoping rather than fixed, I have to mention the Facom SXL.171


If you could compromise on the quick release then Facom offer a non extending long flex head, as do Hazet, and either would be excellent choices.

 

[Rinspeed]

Does Canada have Napa? I just saw this Carlyle which might fit your needs on sale for $36 usd. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR12FQR 17.68” quick release flex ratchet. The flex joint appears to be undetented but I’d want to check in person to be sure. And I’m not sure which direction the selector is supposed to point (got my start with roundheads so never got in the habit of looking at that)

Not showing up at $36 for me. I would snag one of those if it did.

 

[gfd_703]

Just a heads up, I have been waiting on a Snap On 1/2 inch long locking flex head ratchet for 8 months and still no ratchet. Driver tells me every week that it will be here in a week or 2. Web site shows mid October now. I am assuming it is because of the change over to the new locking system. I did pick up a new indexing 3/8 in 1/4 body 100 tooth this week.

 

[JWC86]

Just a heads up, I have been waiting on a Snap On 1/2 inch long locking flex head ratchet for 8 months and still no ratchet. Driver tells me every week that it will be here in a week or 2. Web site shows mid October now. I am assuming it is because of the change over to the new locking system. I did pick up a new indexing 3/8 in 1/4 body 100 tooth this week.

Thanks for the info, did you order it with QR by chance?

 

[gfd_703]

No QR on a 1/2 for me because it weakens the anvil and on a long 1/2 I expect to push the limits often.

 

[JWC86]

No QR on a 1/2 for me because it weakens the anvil and on a long 1/2 I expect to push the limits often.

Good point

 

[dchawk81]

Does Canada have Napa? I just saw this Carlyle which might fit your needs on sale for $36 usd. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR12FQR 17.68” quick release flex ratchet. The flex joint appears to be undetented but I’d want to check in person to be sure. And I’m not sure which direction the selector is supposed to point (got my start with roundheads so never got in the habit of looking at that)

Thanks for the heads up. Just ordered one.

 

[gfd_703]

I would have switched over and bought the Matco 33 inch ratchet if not for the fact that the guys in the shop with them seem to need repairs fairly often. I really like the Matco locking flex heads in 1/4 and 3/8. I saw somewhere that they upgraded the guts on the ratchets recently. I like their locking mechanism better than Snap on's old or new style.

 

[AEAdam]

Most of my ratchets are luxury items. Yes, nice, but I was able to complete jobs with MUCH cheaper ratchets before I had them.

The SHLF80A is a game changer. It's allowed me to do things I couldn't do before I had one. Not just lugs, but other stuff I couldn't fit a gun onto. This is one of only a few tools I think are worth whatever the manufacturer asks. That said, ratchets are smart buys second hand (eBay, etc)

 

[Steve_P]

If you broke the GW, then the obvious answer is Snap On. And I own almost nothing Snap On.

As far as Matco, their 88T isn't going to be any more durable than the Gearwrench 90T as the head dimensions are nearly the same. Of course you will get Matco warranty service if you have a dealer, but the Dual 80s have beefier heads.

 

[Samuel D]

No QR on a 1/2 for me because it weakens the anvil and on a long 1/2 I expect to push the limits often.

This effect must be minuscule, given that the hole is in the middle where the missing material would have sat idle under torsion.

Has anyone tested QR versus non-QR to destruction to put this concern into proportion? I don’t deny it exists but wonder if it’s worth worrying about.

 

[Samuel D]

That said, ratchets are smart buys second hand (eBay, etc)

Even ones with a flex head though?

 

[Rinspeed]

Does Canada have Napa? I just saw this Carlyle which might fit your needs on sale for $36 usd. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR12FQR 17.68” quick release flex ratchet. The flex joint appears to be undetented but I’d want to check in person to be sure. And I’m not sure which direction the selector is supposed to point (got my start with roundheads so never got in the habit of looking at that)

For some reason that price wasn't showing up on my phone but did once I got on my laptop. That's a hell of a deal so I ordered one, thanks for posting. Really like my Carlyle 3/8 flex that I got last year on a similar deal.

 

[AEAdam]

Even ones with a flex head though?

Yes....In my experience, disassemble, and inspect for wear. Retorque and locktite. They can wear. Replacement screws are often available and can be worth while.

Only negative, this isn't much of a secret. Used SO ratchets on eBay sometimes fetch near list price.

 

[WWheeler]

Most of my ratchets are luxury items. Yes, nice, but I was able to complete jobs with MUCH cheaper ratchets before I had them.

The SHLF80A is a game changer. It's allowed me to do things I couldn't do before I had one. Not just lugs, but other stuff I couldn't fit a gun onto. This is one of only a few tools I think are worth whatever the manufacturer asks. That said, ratchets are smart buys second hand (eBay, etc)

Exactly.
Sometimes you gotta bring out the big dawg.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I normally use my a breaker bar, impact wrench, or combo wrench to loosen the fastener. I am in the rust belt may also use PB Blaster / Liquid Wrench. I have not even tried to use my Snap on 1/2 drive ratchet to loosen a fastener not sure if it is a good idea, the breaker bar, PB Blaster, impact wrench are first choice in rust region.