brihvac
Well-known member
I need a decent 3/8 flex ratchet that will not break the bank. I can get a new Matco 88 12" for $70. Is there any better options or should I just get the new Matco?
3/8 flex ratchet
- Thread starter brihvac
- Start date
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
I like the Facom based Proto flex head ratchets.These can be had for very reasonable so prices from Zoro when they are having a 30% off sale .Around $50 or less.
Spdfreak91
Well-known member
I just got the proto, italian made flex head , i like it so far
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Maxx 88s aren't all that great. In fact, most people trade them for dual 80s quite often. Snap On dual 80s are some of the best ratchets on the market today. I bought a lightly used quick release 3/8" flex dual 80 not too long ago for around $60 shipped. Get yourself a dual 80. You won't regret it.
davethorik
Well-known member
I got lucky a while back, bought a bundle of armstrong ratchets (all new)...1/4 locking flex 60t, 15" 1/2 coarse tooth pearhead, and 3/8 locking flex 88t (seller said it was 60t) for $70, sold the 1/4 and 1/2 to a friend for $40, so I'm into it for $30. I love it. Have used it about 50/50 locked vs unlocked, but I haven't used it a lot as my go to is a Proto 5250XL.
Last edited:
>This product is discontinued
Maybe look at proto, i know they have an 8 inch version w/metal handle
OEM USAG/Facom ITA
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Get a quick release flex dual 80
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
There are soo many choices for a 3/8 drive flex head ratchet, it can be overwhelming. As others have mentioned, a snap on FLF80 will serve you well but, so would a Gearwrench 60/84/120xp tooth model, Carlyle 60 or 90 tooth, Proto (Facom clone, actually 10.5 inches long not the 8.5 inches posted on many sites). Hell, bee bop down to autozone & grab a duralast for less than $30, only 36 teeth though. 
Cruze eBay for auctions ending now and see what strikes our fancy
Cruze eBay for auctions ending now and see what strikes our fancy
Lots of good ones out there. The Proto/Facom round heads are nice as are the SO Dual 80's. Carlyle (Napa) also has some nice offerings.
I have/had all of the above but since getting it earlier this year my go to is a Ko-Ken 3774. It's the smoothest, lightest back drag ratchet I've ever used. Nice knurling on the handle and very durable/strong. The locking flex version (3774NL) is about $75 from Frankstools.com...
http://www.frankstools.com/ko3loflhera3.html
I have/had all of the above but since getting it earlier this year my go to is a Ko-Ken 3774. It's the smoothest, lightest back drag ratchet I've ever used. Nice knurling on the handle and very durable/strong. The locking flex version (3774NL) is about $75 from Frankstools.com...
http://www.frankstools.com/ko3loflhera3.html
Last edited:
Banshee365
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2009
- Messages
- 194
The 120XP long flex is a good piece. I've used the living hell out of one. It probably could use a rebuild currently. With the offset pawl deal it doesn't have a perfectly symmetrical feeling action. The dual-80 does. I've put lots and lots of torque on the thing and it's never skipped a single tooth. The only really annoying thing about it is the stupid detents in the flex. There are only 3 positions each way other than center. I just got the Snap on long locking flex 3/8" and it's really really amazing. I see the value in Snap-On's ratchets at their insane prices. I really do. They are the best. The sockets? Meh, I dunno.
Banshee365
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2009
- Messages
- 194
...said no one ever.
Derek420
Banned
I have a Carlyle from Napa and love it and it's as smooth as my dual80 but has a smaller head so it's a good thing ands it's half the price as my snap on equivalent.
Banshee365
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2009
- Messages
- 194
locking: https://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-3-8IN-LOCKING-FLEX-P9808308.aspx
non-locking: https://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-3-8IN-LOCKING-FLEX-P9808308.aspx
Much cheaper on eBay.
non-locking: https://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-3-8IN-LOCKING-FLEX-P9808308.aspx
Much cheaper on eBay.
25jb25
Member
If you are going to go cheap go to sears and get the craftsman flex head at least you will have a good warranty as long as they are in business
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
25jb25
Member
I have that Stanley it is **** and I will give it to you if you pay the shipping
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
WWheeler
Well-known member
I luv my Matco BFR128LFT. I use it a LOT. It's a great ratchet imho.
I more recently got a Snap-on FHX80A, and I have been tending to reach for it instead, but I really like comfort grips is really the only reason. As far as how the ratchets perform it's pretty either or to me.
Edit: I will say that I prefer the Matco's locking mechanism. Of the two it's the only one I actually use it.
Also, assuming you are buying used you might hold out for a better price on one. Here's what I paid for a locking flex Matco almost a year ago ...
I don't know if the $70 price you mentioned in the OP was for a locking flex or not, or incl shipping or not, but that's seems to be just a little above what they have been going for for if you look at the 'sold' listings on ebay. Not bad, but if you're looking for a deal on one it might pay to wait:
Recently 'Sold' listings for "Matco BFR128LFT"
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?rmvS...lete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684
BUT, if that $70 price was for a new one, if you're not going to buy it I know I'd like to.
I more recently got a Snap-on FHX80A, and I have been tending to reach for it instead, but I really like comfort grips is really the only reason. As far as how the ratchets perform it's pretty either or to me.
Edit: I will say that I prefer the Matco's locking mechanism. Of the two it's the only one I actually use it.
Also, assuming you are buying used you might hold out for a better price on one. Here's what I paid for a locking flex Matco almost a year ago ...
I don't know if the $70 price you mentioned in the OP was for a locking flex or not, or incl shipping or not, but that's seems to be just a little above what they have been going for for if you look at the 'sold' listings on ebay. Not bad, but if you're looking for a deal on one it might pay to wait:
Recently 'Sold' listings for "Matco BFR128LFT"
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?rmvS...lete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684
BUT, if that $70 price was for a new one, if you're not going to buy it I know I'd like to.
Last edited:
bcradio
Well-known member
25jb25
Member
four.cycle
Well-known member
Fedwrench said:
^ We just had a discussion thread on this a month or so back. I believe the OP in that thread went with an S-K.
Here's a couple "MAC" models that were listed earlier today:
MAC XR11FS 3/8" drive flex-head ratchet
used
$3.34 + $6.75 shipping now. 2 bids now. ends Sat. 01/07
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAC-TOOLS-3...:g:lC0AAOSwo4pYZC8x&item=201764766310&vxp=mtr
MAC XR11F 3/8" drive flex-head ratchet
used
$15.50 + $6.75 shipping now. 4 bids now. ends Sat. 01/07
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAC-TOOLS-3...:g:vjwAAOSw-0xYZC6A&item=361865053189&vxp=mtr
(I know nothing about "MAC" tools or other "truck brands")
Used 3/8" drive flex-heads can be had on Ebay any day of the week starting at about $20-$25 - and they go up from there depending on brand/condition. I think I paid an outrageous $32 for an Indestro 2736 in cherry condition, and about $20 for a Thorsen 88JNR (which I would not recommend, but others opinions may vary. Maybe I just got a lemon, but the head is flippy-floppy.)
Last edited:
Proto version is J5257F. Same as the discontinued Facom mentioned, but without the pvc grip.
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_253_320_1137&products_id=7420
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_253_320_1137&products_id=7420
Local
Well-known member
Can anyone confirm if this ratchet locks.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
I have the ProTo flex head ratchets mentioned in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive. I favor the reverse lever on My SnapOn ratchets, but the ProTo line shines for quality at a lower cost.
They dont lock
Actually if you bother to check you will find that many here like that ratchet. It's the exact same tool as the first choice in this comparison
http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1210tr-truckin-tough-3-8-inch-ratchet-test/
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319301
Oddly enough their 3rd place pick, the GW roto head is identical to the Crescent that I (and many here) have suggested.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328541&highlight=crescent+roto+ebay
I have both and find both to be good for the money.
ive had 3 versions of this ratchet. i still have 2 i believe. there are some slight differences in them. one i like more than the other. fine tooth and flex and extendable. its not a bad ratchet. i always go to the snap on though.
I personally use my roto head ratchet more than the Stanley. The Stanley is heavyand this not as nice when you are just spinning the bolts off. But it's still quite useful and a great value. I like that it locks but I wish it didn't click into 45 degree stops when it's not locked. So, not perfect but not junk.
67King
Well-known member
I would go with I think it is an FCF72, used. Flex 3/8 drive in a 1/4 body. Small, if you need a ton of leverage, it isn't the best, but my favorite for most run of the mill stuff. I have very little SO stuff, but have a few of the or ratchets, all bought used.
regguy1
Well-known member
This HF model has a low price and looks like the Snap-On, in my opinion the yoke head with swiveling mechanism is the best setup, Here; http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html
Last edited:
This guy is my goto 3/8 ratchet.
It's built like a tank and with a little lube I don't notice the tooth count.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/ratchets-3-8-drive-26871.html
I've got several Dual 80's and they are super nice but for some reason old bent handle SK is my favorite.
It's built like a tank and with a little lube I don't notice the tooth count.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/ratchets-3-8-drive-26871.html
I've got several Dual 80's and they are super nice but for some reason old bent handle SK is my favorite.