Duralast Flex Head Ratchets.

[austinlord13]

I've recently read the threads about the duralast ratchets and read good info about them. So, being me, I just had to go out and test them. I bought the 1/4 and the 3/8 ratchet. They work great and feel great to me. I like them. but while I was in the store I looked at the flex head, and it looked like it didn't lock or anything. Most flex heads have a ball or something underneath them to keep them from swiveling freely. It seemed like it was pretty much a stiff swivel head, but it seemed like it was good for the price and the warranty. Am I'm wondering if it is good for the price or did it actually lock? Is it a good ratchet? Because I'm thinking about buying it. It it is not, please let me know it's not worth the money.

Thanks.

 

[PT Doc]

If there is no ball then it won't lock. I have so ratchets that are ball-less.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Duralast flex ratchet do NOT lock. They do stay in place pretty well.

 

[Hiball]

Duralast flex ratchet do NOT lock. They do stay in place pretty well.

Do they have a adjustable flex joint? Meaning can you tighten it?

 

[Pro-Painter]

Do they have a adjustable flex joint? Meaning can you tighten it?

Yes they have a T25(?) torx screw that can tighten or loosen the head from handle.

 

[Hiball]

Yes they have a T25(?) torx screw that can tighten or loosen the head from handle.

Ah.. Its been so long since ive seen a Duralast thread i almost forgot. LOL.. I think i prefer that version to the Locking version.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Ah.. Its been so long since ive seen a Duralast thread i almost forgot. LOL.. I think i prefer that version to the Locking version.

I know its been a few weeks without one. I'm going through duralast thread withdrawls.



I strongly prefer a non locking flex head over the ball type (as long as it works right). The reason being, I like to move the handle around when ratcheting. It helps in tight places where you got to move around things in the way. The locking type will do the same, it's just harder to do.



If you do end up with a duralast ratchet, be sure to do the spring clip trick to them. It makes them soooo much smoother. Kirbot I believe is the name of the member that did a whole how-too on it. It made a huge difference in mine.

 

[John316]

I second the "spring clip" recommendation! These are sweet ratchets after doing the mod.

 

[austinlord13]

What is the "Spring Clip" trick?

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

What is the "Spring Clip" trick?

Here you go:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87874&highlight=spring+clipping&showall=1

 

[austinlord13]

Here you go:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87874&highlight=spring+clipping&showall=1

I might try that on an old stanley or something before I did it to my main ratchet.

 

[austinlord13]

So should I get the Duralast flex head ratchets?

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I don't see why not. Aren't those identical with Snap-On?

I have locking head ratchet for sale, if you are interested.

 

[PT Doc]

They are not exactly cheap. You can get a cm ergo handle flex with ball for about 27 fairly regularly. It doesn't lock but has detents. The dl is 36t do it should be pretty but what will you get in return if you need to warranty it?

 

[Roman G]

I have a 1/4, 3/8 comfort grip, 3/8 flex, 3/8 stubby and a 1/2 comfort grip.
They are really good matches, i fell in love with the flex. It seemed after using it for a couple weeks I was missing somthing. They are only 36t, so IMHO that makes them pretty much worthless.

Roman

 

[austinlord13]

I did it. I went out and bought the 1/4 flex ratchet. It's great. It just as good as the snap on. Here's some pictures of it compared to a Snap-On 1/4 flex:

 

[eborcim]

Wanna sell your snap-on?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

At least there will be one less person in the way on the truck this week.....Let us know how that new rat is doing in a year or so and then compare it to a SO ratchet. You might have a different opinion by then if you use it every day on the job.

 

[austinlord13]

Wanna sell your snap-on?

At least there will be one less person in the way on the truck this week.....Let us know how that new rat is doing in a year or so and then compare it to a SO ratchet. You might have a different opinion by then if you use it every day on the job.

The Snap-On ratchet is not mine, it's another mechanics in our shop. I've using the Duralast frequently, and it's doing fine. But since the metals are different, I'm pretty sure in a year or so, the snap on will still be going strong well after the Duralast, and that's when I'll decide to buy a Snap-On.

 

[Ritter4.0]

At least there will be one less person in the way on the truck this week.....Let us know how that new rat is doing in a year or so and then compare it to a SO ratchet. You might have a different opinion by then if you use it every day on the job.

Thats why you buy 3 or 4 of them. One breaks, save it for parts. And you still haven't spent the money you would have on a comparable Snap-On ratchet. But I am looking out for a used long handle 1/2" Snap-On non-locking flex....

To the OP, now you need to go get a Duralast screwdriver, harvest the handle, drill it out, and press it on your ratchet. You'll have a nice comfort grip ratchet for cheap.

 

[powertrip]

At least there will be one less person in the way on the truck this week.....Let us know how that new rat is doing in a year or so and then compare it to a SO ratchet. You might have a different opinion by then if you use it every day on the job.

Trying to stir the pot? How do you know whats going to happen in a year of using it? I really don't think the metal is that different at all. The new snapon rats are not even stamped USA anymore for a reason, they are not 100% made in the USA. Snapon makes great ratchets but I wouldnt be suprised if they were partly made with components/materials from taiwan. Thats where the duralast is made. Snapon is not the only tool maker who can make a quality ratchet.

 

[Bull]

Why are you using the Snap-on logo as an avatar if you are buying Duralast tools?

 

[austinlord13]

Why are you using the Snap-on logo as an avatar if you are buying Duralast tools?

I buy and use some Snap-On's but I wanted to test the duralat

 

[Bull]

I buy and use some Snap-On's but I wanted to test the duralat

Oh, ok. I thought you were on the anti-Snap-on, pro Duralast kick.

Now I understand.

 

[I can fix anything]

At least there will be one less person in the way on the truck this week.....Let us know how that new rat is doing in a year or so and then compare it to a SO ratchet. You might have a different opinion by then if you use it every day on the job.

I can tell you right now. 5 years and still have never broke one. I have multiples of every Duralast ratchet.

 

[austinlord13]

I can tell you right now. 5 years and still have never broke one. I have multiples of every Duralast ratchet.

I have the the Duralast Standard 3/8, standard 1/4, 1/4 flex head, and I'm thinking of adding the 3/8 flex head soon. I also have the Snap-On 3/8, and Snap-On 1/4.