Flex Head vs Swivel Head. Both Ratchets and Wrenches

[wfopete]

Somehow I survived my whole wrenching life without knowingly needing either one of these style ratchets or wrenches (You don't know what you don't know?). Anyway I am considering adding one or both of these to my collection of 1970's era tools. I work on everything from motorcycles to an 1947 Willys CJ2A.

So my question is: Which of these do you think would be the one I reach for more often?

 

[Callelle]

I prefer (locking) flex head ratchets, the ability to either have it free flex or stay where I need it is the best. Swivel head ratchets I could never really get used to, the only one I actually like using is my Titan 1/4" micro. I use flex head wrenches where I need to, I typically prefer fixed, I've never seen a swivel head wrench.

 

[wfopete]

I've never seen a swivel head wrench.

Sorry I meant the flex head wrench. The swivel/flex was meant just for the ratchet style.

 

[cgrutt]

I just started using those within past couple of years. Strongly suggest buying a set with a directional lever vs type that you flip over to reverse direction. Working in tight quarters too easy to get wrench stuck with non-reversible kind. I have a few sets now and think I prefer the non-flex style over flexible but they both have their uses.

 

[shoggoth80]

I love my roto/swivel head ratchets. I've only got two. One in 3/8 and one in 1/4. They are pretty much my favorites. Not the best for thickness clearance, but great for working around odd stuff in the way of your swing.

Flex head wrenches. I see their use. I've got flex head line wrenches. Saved me more than once with lines in difficult spots. Only flex head wrenches I personally own. We've got various kinds at work. They do come in handy. I just haven't hit a job in my personal life where I needed some beyond what I've currently got.

 

[zendriver]

I have both in flex head

They come in handy when I need them

 

[geiparts]

Hello all- First time poster with an interesting question. So the understanding is when you have a Carlyle Tool, Napa will replace said tool under lifetime warranty. Have you noticed lately that the replacements are no where close to the originals now that Carlyle has "turned green"? I have an R12LF120 Flex head ratchet. The replacement under the new line of tools is a CR1290FG. They are significantly different as you can see. The old one is 7 inches longer. The old one is 120 teeth and the new one is 90 teeth. Would you accept this as a replacement? I ran into the same issue a few weeks ago when I needed a different tool also. The length was shorter and the ratcheting mechanism was different as it had no toggle to switch it, you had to turn it over to reverese it- it was a double ended flex head ratcheting wrench. Just curious as to what others experiences have been.

 

[Cruzan80]

First, I would start a new thread about your issues.

Second, I would not see that as the same replacement (handle length) and reversible/not for wrenches.

 

[seber]

Flex head ratchets are the only ones I use. But I hate the flex wrenches. They won't stay on the fastener unless you hold them with your off hand.

 

[pbon]

I find both very useful. Also have non flex, obviously. Only swivel I have is 1/4 drive and I have not found swivel to be essential in my DIY automotive work (mostly German, some Japanese).

 

[wfopete]

I've been diving into flex ratchets and what a rabbit hole. Seems manufactures revise the tools & go from one series to the next every few years. By the time you decide on what you want it's been superseded by a new version. Right now I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a set of Craftsman V Series (Chrome) that I believe were produced by Stanley but are being phased out. Craftsman may not be the best but in this case the price is right and the tooth count, strength and overall operation is checking the boxes.

 

[vjquan]

The Craftsman V Series ratchets back drag is horrible. They also aren't serviceable so you can't lube them up properly.

 

[finn]

Non flex head wrenches, with the caveat that they must be the lever style.

For ratchets, roto head is preferred for many things, although they aren’t the most compact. Non locking flex are next, followed by straight ratchets. Locking flex is last on my list. There are other factors, though, including arc swing, weight, grip type, ease of disengaging sockets, etc, that might override fixed vs rigid, etc.

 

[wfopete]

The Craftsman V Series ratchets back drag is horrible. They also aren't serviceable so you can't lube them up properly.

Yes! that seems to be the theme with Craftsman.

 

[Pexto]

The Craftsman V Series ratchets back drag is horrible. They also aren't serviceable so you can't lube them up properly.

You're right that they have high back drag. And they are sealed so can't be disassembled.

However they are easy to lubricate properly - you just drip lube in through the selector switch.

The reason they have high back drag is because the sealed design includes a rubber ring which causes a lot of friction.

But if you drip some light oil in through the selector switch and spin the ratchet for a little while with a drill, you will find the back drag decreases considerably.

I ended up with a bunch of these ratchets when they were closed out last year for dirt cheap, and I like them a lot. The long flex in 3/8" and 1/2" are among my favorites - although the back drag in the 1/4" is still a bit high. These ratchets are great value - they're built like tanks, are beautifully finished, and the knurling is the best I've ever seen.

 

[wfopete]

What the "Right" lube to use? Gotta be careful wing O-rings as the wrong stuff may cause them to swell and create and bigger problem.

This???