Point me towards a long handle 3/8 flex head ratchet

[oilfieldtrash4]

Price doesn't matter. Need one that lasts a lifetime, takes serious amount of torque (I won't use a cheater bar on it), good grip, versatile, long handle, etc..
What is it and what can I expect to pay for one?

 

[ianguilly]

Snap on FLF80 ratchet, $112 right now.

 

[shoturtle]

You can look at the armstrong max as well.

 

[mrjaw14]

Armstrong MAXX series locking flex...its great and only $63. Matco re-brands Armstrong ratchets, so it's the same as a matco locking flex.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1WG26/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Edit: I also have the 1/4" and 1/2" Armstrong MAXX ratchets and love them all. They're 60-tooth, if that bothers you stick a Matco 88-tooth kit in it. Only difference between an armstrong and matco is the handle shape and the kit in it. I think Matco's asked Armstrong to keep the 60-tooth kits in so they aren't *exactly* the same ratchet, but they are the same.

 

[jmm]

I'm a fan of the FHX80, if you don't mind the grip. Even though the grip on mine will need to be replaced in a few years, it's my favorite ratchet. Very comfortable...it's an even trade.

 

[billymade]

High end USA:

X2 on the snapon; if you like a comfort handle... try the FHLF80!

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682403&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Mid range USA: WILLIAMS 3/8" ENCLOSED FLEX-HEAD CHROME RATCHET, USA, #B-52EHF
(previous generation snapon 936 series)

Good quality Import:

GearWrench 81215 3/8-Inch Drive Full Polish Flex Head Ratchet (chrome handle)

GearWrench 81210 3/8-Inch Drive Flex Ratchet with Cushion Grip

 

[Rezeppa]

Snap on FLF80 ratchet, $112 right now.

Agree! This is my favorite ratchet head and I am firm that as far as fine tooth SO is one of the strongest. I would love a Dual 80 with a Matco locking mechanism but without way to much work it won't happen. They all have their pros and cons. My favorite is the SnapOn FLF80.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have the snap on flfh80 and it's awesome. I went with it over the Matco 88 because a couple people I know and I read here that they would break pretty easily. My nephew went through 3. He now has the snap on as well and hasnt broken it. Now I never seen a Matco break in person I was just going off recommendations here and friends.

 

[Lkdelta]

got an SK 45775.. this is the specs..
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063K9EI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

SK 3/8 inch Drive Tuff 1® Flex Head Ratchet 10.9 inch
SK Tuff 1® ratchets feature a 72 tooth head design, which delivers a short 5° stroke for use in tight areas. 17 teeth engage when torque is applied to provide a strong grip without slippage.
4 point cap is quick and easy to use. Diamond knurled grip provides sure handling, even when oily.

SuperKrome® finish provides long life and maximum corrosion resistance
72 tooth ratchet head design delivers 5° effective swing arc
Instant control with one hand
Made in the USA
Lifetime Warranty

I know where to find them in brick & mortar, here's the only "readily avail" online I could find
http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/sk03050.html



Im going to find the 1/4 and 1/2 to match it

 

[DTB]

I love my Matco 88 tooth locking flex...So I'd second the Armstrong Maxx as well.My Napa Carlyle 90 tooth flex has been a nice ratchet as well.

 

[blackz26]

Duralast. Cheap with lifetime warranty. Nice ratchet if you g:be it a chance
Also love my extendable Stanley locking flex. Used it to take out my head bolts on my eclipse
Took it just fine and even comes with a 7 piece 12 point sae socket set, on a rail. Best bang for your buck by far.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Last a lifetime? Even good ones need to be rebuilt. I've had a couple of snap ons rebuilt over the years.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

another vote for Armstrong flex head

 

[regguy1]

I like the Snap-On

I tried to load a photo of it but it doesn't work...problem with the site?

 

[davesnothere]

Fhlf80.

 

[SMKS]

Once you go locking flex, you'll never go back...

I'd personally get the Armstrong Maxx locking flex, which I own and like a lot.

But, if you're determined to spend as much as possible, get the MATCO version. It's the same except for cosmetic differences, and the Matco has 88 teeth vs. 60 teeth on the Armstrong.

 

[Sirdowski]

Once you go locking flex, you'll never go back...

I'd personally get the Armstrong Maxx locking flex, which I own and like a lot.

But, if you're determined to spend as much as possible, get the MATCO version. It's the same except for cosmetic differences, and the Matco has 88 teeth vs. 60 teeth on the Armstrong.

Don't the updated Maxx ratchets have 88 teeth as well?

 

[shoturtle]

Not the flex, the standard has the 88t kit. The flex is 60t that last I heard.

 

[SMKS]

Don't the updated Maxx ratchets have 88 teeth as well?

Not the flex ratchets,

When they did the update, only the 3/8" and 1/4" non-flex ratchets were updated to the Aerospace series with 88 teeth. The 1/2" non-flex and all the flex ratchets were left at 60 teeth.

Armstrong did a really bad job of publicizing the update, so there's lots of confusion.

So, unless they've changed something recently, the Maxx flex ratchets are still 60 tooth.

Here's a full PDF on the new Aerospace line of ratchets (the 88 tooth version). Note that it only includes the two sizes I mentioned:
http://www.armstrongtools.com/ABT_AerospaceFlier_FINAL_Lo.pdf


Here's an image from a PDF released by Armstrong.

I stole it from this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193510

 

[Sirdowski]

Nice. Thanks for the detailed response. Your right they did do a bad job, I know several people who have misinformation about this.

 

[jtw401]

the FLF80 is a great ratchet by snap-on, but i would STRONGLY suggest FHNF100 if no one has suggested it yet...instead of flex-head, its a swivel head. Kobalt makes a great 1/4" swivel head for those who dont want the snap-on (the Snap-on is superior).
Gearwrench makes a similar ratchet, but they ****, do not buy the Gearwrench swivelheads.
FHNF100 does have the comfort grip, its a little over 12" long, and its a 100 tooth design. I go to it more than any other 3/8 ratchet. They also have FHCNF72 which is about 7" long.
The swivel head is better than flex in my opinion because it becomes like a true nut driver...dont get me wrong, the FLF80 is a respectable ratchet, but the convenience of FHNF100 surpasses all others, it just gives way more working angles and is a strong hard working ratchet...ive put mine thru pure hell and its never had any issue. Cost $5 more than FLF80...its $130, although at the moment the normally $125 FLF80 is on sale for $113.

 

[Gotmayhem]

the FLF80 is a great ratchet by snap-on, but i would STRONGLY suggest FHNF100 if no one has suggested it yet...instead of flex-head, its a swivel head. Kobalt makes a great 1/4" swivel head for those who dont want the snap-on (the Snap-on is superior).
Gearwrench makes a similar ratchet, but they ****, do not buy the Gearwrench swivelheads.
FHNF100 does have the comfort grip, its a little over 12" long, and its a 100 tooth design. I go to it more than any other 3/8 ratchet. They also have FHCNF72 which is about 7" long.
The swivel head is better than flex in my opinion because it becomes like a true nut driver...dont get me wrong, the FLF80 is a respectable ratchet, but the convenience of FHNF100 surpasses all others, it just gives way more working angles and is a strong hard working ratchet...ive put mine thru pure hell and its never had any issue. Cost $5 more than FLF80...its $130, although at the moment the normally $125 FLF80 is on sale for $113.

The FHNF100 is definitely a fantastic ratchet. I paid $100 for mine off the truck and it's my go-to 3/8". I'm sure there are situations where a regular flex head may be more helpful and vise versa, definitely something to consider. But I'll second that it's a top notch ratchet and I am glad I bought it.

 

[CWP1616L]

Cornwell JRF72

 

[Brownsfan]

Cornwell JRF72

I really want to try one of these. My Cornwell guy NEVER has them in stock. I have the JR72 and its great. Bullit proof strong and smooth. Maybe I will just have him order me one.

 

[TheGrooveking]

My go to is the Matco BFR88, I have the Snap On, Armstrong, Gearwrench, MAC, V series Craftsman and newer Crapsman and both SK + Tuff1 flex ratchet and if was to start over it would be the Matco.

TheGrooveking

 

[cgv69]

Once you go locking flex, you'll never go back...

I'd personally get the Armstrong Maxx locking flex, which I own and like a lot.

But, if you're determined to spend as much as possible, get the MATCO version. It's the same except for cosmetic differences, and the Matco has 88 teeth vs. 60 teeth on the Armstrong.

I'm normally a Snap On guy when it comes to ratchets but when talking about locking flex heads, I admit I like the Armstrong/Matco version a tad bit more and they are less expensive to boot. I do strongly dislike the Armstrong handle so I went with the Matco's.

If you're willing to look around and be patient, you can pick up the Matco versions for not that much more then the Armstrongs (I did anyway).

 

[SMKS]

I do strongly dislike the Armstrong handle so I went with the Matco's.

Have you ever held a Maxx ratchet, or are you referring to the handle on the regular Armstrong ratchets?

The Maxx ratchets have a different handle that I find comfortable, and I like the Maxx handle more than the regular Armstrong handle.

For anyone who's curious, here are the two handle styles. The Maxx ratchets have a more ergonomic design than the regular ratchets.

 

[Deafautotech]

don't get a imported mac tool extra long flex ratchet with handle as my friend at work has one and he kept break or bend it.... I know he don't use correct tool as breaker bar but he just want make quicker work...

 

[Singlecut]

Another vote for Snap On FLF80. When I first got it, I'll admit, I never used it. After depending on it for several jobs, its the one tool I can't do without now. You will not regret it.

 

[cgv69]

Have you ever held a Maxx ratchet

Yes, I have and no, I don't like them. Too each their own I guess.

 

[mrjaw14]

You can put a Matco 88t kit in the Armstrong maxx ratchets. My 60t Armstrong maxx's are smooth as butter though. Less drag than my other ratchets. If I ever break one I might put an 88t kit in them, but at this point I see no need. I do like the dual 80's though, so the SO options are great too. I just hate SO's version of locking flex. Matco/Armstrong has them beat on this one.

 

[Msjeeps911]

Snap on flf80. You can even get it with a lock. I have themm all.

 

[E.Marquez]

Another vote for the FLF80...
Borrowed a friends Armstrong, and while it worked well enough, I prefer the smaller ratchet arc, 80 tooth design of the snap on.

 

[stonesfan68]

got an SK 45775.. these are the specs..
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063K9EI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

SK 3/8 inch Drive Tuff 1® Flex Head Ratchet 10.9 inch

I have one of these and really like it, too.

 

[SiGmA_X]

Snap-On FX80 hands down. 11.5" locking flex head. Only issue is the lock breaks sometimes, but they'll repair it for you when that happens.

 

[mrborohachi]

no joke i love my MIT(made in Taiwan) Stanley telescoping handle, locking flex head ratchet. I have seen it at K-mart. I forget how i obtained it.

 

[vssjim]

Cornwell or SK 45183, the SK pro series ratchet design is real proven and has held up over the years and works real smooth.

 

[blackz26]

no joke i love my MIT(made in Taiwan) Stanley telescoping handle, locking flex head ratchet. I have seen it at K-mart. I forget how i obtained it.

X2. Everything else.. well

 

[bmwpower]

I noticed the newer FHX80 has the lock button closer to the handle. Better design?

 

[Subyroo651]

I noticed the newer FHX80 has the lock button closer to the handle. Better design?

It would be nice if they brought that back, I m pretty sure that was the original design but they are now just down from the reverse switch.