I'm looking for a good quality sub $30 high tooth count flex head 3/8" ratchet, and am currently considering the Tekton SRH31108. I own two of their torque wrenches and a set of impact sockets, and have been pleased with the quality. So are there any other options I'm missing, other than HF? I'd like to stay with new.
Tekton 3/8 flex ratchet or. . .?
- Thread starter 70Mach1
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I think given your budget the only "good" options are Tekton and Harbor Freight, so I think you're on the right track. A few more options in the 35-50 dollar range, but I dont think they offer anything extra that you'd miss out on. That said that ratchet is kinda short at 8 inches, I think my 1/4" flex head is 9 inches and I often wish they where longer (or considerably shorter) so just be aware of what and where you plan to use it
_Riddle
Well-known member
Sub $30 is going to be tough to beat the Tekton. For $35 roughly $35 each Gearwrench sells 1/4 and 3/8 flexhead as a set on Amazon, but they have the comfort grip and aren't quick release. I've had the GW 81210F for a few months and so far I really like it. Thin head, 84 tooth, and long handle with cushion grip. If it ever breaks I'll replace it with a Snap-On FHLF80 but so far it's doing great.
DFB
Well-known member
If you are looking for long handle flex in the sub $25 range
TSC Jobsmart 3/8" teardrop flex head 60t is 11-1/4" long
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...flex-head-ratchet-wrench-with-polished-handle
As are the PowerBuilt flex ratchets like I sell on my tool tables. Though I only stock the 11" RH spin disc style they also offer a 72 count teardrop, 11 1/4" long. Has the same type ball and notch head movement like the Texton
https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/3-8-dr-72-tooth-flex-head-ratchet#iaJUhy6mwLW48ZZ3.97
TSC Jobsmart 3/8" teardrop flex head 60t is 11-1/4" long
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...flex-head-ratchet-wrench-with-polished-handle
As are the PowerBuilt flex ratchets like I sell on my tool tables. Though I only stock the 11" RH spin disc style they also offer a 72 count teardrop, 11 1/4" long. Has the same type ball and notch head movement like the Texton
https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/3-8-dr-72-tooth-flex-head-ratchet#iaJUhy6mwLW48ZZ3.97
scubadoober
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Within your budget the powerbuilt pro is another to consider.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt-Pro-Tech-3-8-Dr-9-Long-Reach-72T-Ratchet-Contour-Handle-649952/292519775126?hash=item441b898b96:g:Ar8AAOSwVB1aziBl&frcectupt=true
For a little above your budget you could also look at the Proto 5257F.
https://www.zoro.com/proto-hand-ratchet-38-dr-flexible-8-12-l-j5257f/i/G0751204/?q=j5257f
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt-Pro-Tech-3-8-Dr-9-Long-Reach-72T-Ratchet-Contour-Handle-649952/292519775126?hash=item441b898b96:g:Ar8AAOSwVB1aziBl&frcectupt=true
For a little above your budget you could also look at the Proto 5257F.
https://www.zoro.com/proto-hand-ratchet-38-dr-flexible-8-12-l-j5257f/i/G0751204/?q=j5257f
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I think it’s the old Facom round head design from back in the SK/Facom day’s. If so, I have an SK version and it’s nice. Hard to beat that.
I would suggest considering a roto head ratchet. I bought this Crescent branded set. 3/8 and 1/4
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Crescent-CRW17-2-Piece-1-4-3-8-Roto-Ratchet-Set/401679368180
Not sure if this is the same seller so I'm only vouching for the tools.
I also have this one. Only a 54T but actually feels good. I like that it extends for good leverage. The flex part looks really well but when unlocked the 45* detents are a but aggressive. I mostly use it when I need the leverage and use my roto when I need the flex part. Rotos work better when you need the flex part because the joint account crosses the socket axis. It doesn't tend to fold.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/STANLEY-STMT72418-Extendable-Ratchet/36132572
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Crescent-CRW17-2-Piece-1-4-3-8-Roto-Ratchet-Set/401679368180
Not sure if this is the same seller so I'm only vouching for the tools.
I also have this one. Only a 54T but actually feels good. I like that it extends for good leverage. The flex part looks really well but when unlocked the 45* detents are a but aggressive. I mostly use it when I need the leverage and use my roto when I need the flex part. Rotos work better when you need the flex part because the joint account crosses the socket axis. It doesn't tend to fold.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/STANLEY-STMT72418-Extendable-Ratchet/36132572
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I have this one:https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-14967-8-Inch-13-Inch-Ratchet/dp/B00OHSRRA2
It was about $25 a year or 2 ago at Meijer.
I really like it. No quick release on this model, however
It was about $25 a year or 2 ago at Meijer.
I really like it. No quick release on this model, however
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I didn’t realize Meijer carried Tekton. I guess it makes sense... both Grand Rapids companies
Husky3/8 in. Flex Head 72 Tooth Ratchet
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Flex-Head-72-Tooth-Ratchet-H38FPFRAT/202923412
Sent from my SM-J337A using Tapatalk
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Flex-Head-72-Tooth-Ratchet-H38FPFRAT/202923412
Sent from my SM-J337A using Tapatalk
I was looking at ebay for a ratchet that fits your wants and came across this OEM tools ratchet. It's not high tooth count but it's cheap and I've been wanting to try some of their tools lately.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Tools-22912-3-8-Drive-Tear-Drop-Flexible-Head-Ratchet-/201514999211
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Tools-22912-3-8-Drive-Tear-Drop-Flexible-Head-Ratchet-/201514999211
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The Tekton 90 tooth is a great ratchet. However, i have to ask why you want a 3/8 flex head ratchet? Are you looking for more torque, a longer reach? If so, the tekton might not be the best choice as it's only 8.5 inches long. Don't get me wrong, i own one and like it very much but, i still wish Tekton would release a normal length 3/8 flex head ratchet without a bent handle in the 12-13 inch long range. 
The roto design is interesting. You mentioned that flex ratchets "tend to fold." I've never owned one, but I can picture what you're saying. Is this why it seems some people recommend getting the locking kind?
Thanks. I went back and forth in my mind regarding quick release, and decided that I'm a QR person.
Hmmm. Seems like it would be excellent for tight spaces, what with that super compact head. More to consider.
Thanks!
The Tekton 90 tooth is a great ratchet. However, i have to ask why you want a 3/8 flex head ratchet? Are you looking for more torque, a longer reach? If so, the tekton might not be the best choice as it's only 8.5 inches long. Don't get me wrong, i own one and like it very much but, i still wish Tekton would release a normal length 3/8 flex head ratchet without a bent handle in the 12-13 inch long range.
Good question. My current (and only) 3/8 ratchet is a circa 1992 Craftsman teardrop (44811) that's a short 6 3/4 inches long. I was thinking flex head to help me with access issues when working on cars. Hadn't really thought too much about the need or benefits of looking for some extra length, though I understand what they are.
scissor
Member
I really like the Tekton 90-tooth ratchets. Bought one initially because of the smaller head. Wound up with 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and the 3/8 flex/bent. I went with all non-QR because I was frustrated by dropping sockets in tight spaces. Great stuff for the price.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
There have been a lot of excellent choices nominated for budget flex head ratchet and here's one more.
The Dewalt DWMT81155 3/8 drive flex head ratchet. It has a crisp 72 tooth ratchet action, measures just under 11 inches overall, and has a very comfortable handle. It's available from amazon prime for $20.99. don't confuse this model with the older bulky quick release version with the knurled handle., this one is pretty damn good.
https://www.dewalt.com/products/han.../ratchets/38-drive-flexhead-ratchet/dwmt81155
Now in the ever higher tooth count ratchet wars these days 72 teeth may not seem like a fine tooth ratchet but to me at least anything 60 teeth and over is fine.
The Dewalt DWMT81155 3/8 drive flex head ratchet. It has a crisp 72 tooth ratchet action, measures just under 11 inches overall, and has a very comfortable handle. It's available from amazon prime for $20.99. don't confuse this model with the older bulky quick release version with the knurled handle., this one is pretty damn good.
https://www.dewalt.com/products/han.../ratchets/38-drive-flexhead-ratchet/dwmt81155
Now in the ever higher tooth count ratchet wars these days 72 teeth may not seem like a fine tooth ratchet but to me at least anything 60 teeth and over is fine.
To get an idea about roto vs flex check out some of the threads on the subject. Just search for "roto flex" titles only.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86503&highlight=Roto+flex
Nineeightyone
Well-known member
I'm a huge fan of the Tekton stuff, otherwise maybe the Kobalt 1/4" -- I've found their 72-tooth has a longer handle than the 90-tooth, I would assume the flex heads follow the same. But definitely not a bad pricetag for the tool, though Tekton has some damned fine quality tools as well.
Handyandy23
Well-known member
+1 for Tekton. I have the 3/8 flex head with the bent handle and it's kind of my "go to" ratchet now. Very nice quality and feel. I won't hesitate to buy more of the Tekton ratchets as needs arise.
visionguru
Well-known member
Have you checked your local HomeDepot, Lowes, Autozone, Harbor Freight? All of them carry ratchets with similar or better quality as Tekton, but with the convenience of return/exchange/warranty.
Not sure why Tekton is popular here. Obvious lower quality than GearWrench, but not much savings.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Please explain how the Tekton is “obvious lower quality than GearWrench.”
I beg to differ. I recently just bought a lot of each, and the Tekton is easily as good, most of it better. Not to mention they actually have a warranty.
Bockscar
Well-known member
Your assertion gets espoused here often. It was probably true about 5 years ago. The reality now is Bain is making Apex ‘value engineer’ their products worse while privately owned MIT has chosen to go upmarket. Let’s reward them for that choice so they keep doing it. Someone lamented in another thread recently that everything is getting worse because people don’t care and just buy what’s cheapest. Only we can change that by voting with our wallets.
Obviously lower qulaity???
Threads about GW warranty issues around...
Tekton has one of the best warranty policies in the business. Unless Tekton drops its quality, I'd take Tekton over GW every day.
DFB
Well-known member
Ya I agree and I have one also (someone gave me a brand new one in a trade
)Has a smooth action and do like the xtra long handle.
I put some cheap o rings in the grooves for a bit of a better grip
The head seems to hold itself in any position you place quite well considering there are no positive detent stops.
One of the bigger complaints I have read with HF swivel heads is that they are floppy
Has a decent chrome finish too and IMO overall better than certain HF stuff.
Powerbuilt RHR spin disc
Jobsmart teardrop
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turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
Maybe because of their quality and the awesome convenience of return/exchange/warranty.
Rabid Badger
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Have you ever actually held a Tekton 90 tooth ratchet? I'm curious what deficiencies you noticed vs other brands.
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
Yep, for at least a year. The stores usually have a nice little section too.
For a few more dollars I'd go with this GW. Longer, smaller head, and locking flex.
https://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwren...yGeKTnZHhbmN9-r0txCmDKKtdo_uhkjBoCUYIQAvD_BwE
I'm also curious, but I'm also curious how people nominate tools to be "obviously higher quality" than one another too. There's not a lot going on with ratchets, yet some people will say tekton is profoundly better than Gearwrench, or Gearwrench is profoundly better than Tekton. Both tools are good, I like my gearwerench ratchets more than my Tekton ones, but that doesn't make them better. Nor does one liking Tekton more. Both are chrome plated sticks with a few parts stuffed inside the head. There's not exactly many ways one can claim the high ground here when it comes to ratchets. Look at their impact sockets and there's many features that set them apart, but a ratchet? Both companies are making good ratchets. That said I think Gearwrenchs ratchets have been around a lot longer and have stood the test of time more so than Tekton however. Their 90T stuff is very new yet people think its the next best ratchet out there, but has it even been in the field for a year? (Again see above, I think it's hard to **** up a ratchet, but worth noting)
Just curious, but how has GW's 84T ratchet for example, gotten worse?
Fill me in. Where and when did they cut costs? 1 year ago? 3 years ago? 5 years? I've bought the same 84T, 1/4" flex headed GW ratchet at those intervals, and all of them are exactly the same. Unless I'm confused nothing has been changed, no pennies pinched.
visionguru
Well-known member
In the midwest, we have a grocery store chain, Meijer, which has a dedicated Tekton aisle. Yeah, in a grocery store, that's the only place you can find Tekton stuff.
Almost everytime we went there, I would kill time at Tekton aisle when wife was doing grocery shopping. That counts as hours of playing with Tekton.
Tekton tools are often very nicely packaged, generally with shiny chrome. The quality level is good, on par, sometimes slightly better than store brands from HomeDepot, Lowes, Menards. But there is just not much to write home about.
As a tool junkie, I have more than 30 ratchets, ranging from no-name cheapie to Snap On. Same with sockets. Also, as a watch collector, I'm familar with what to look for when judging the workmanship.
Now, back to the topic: Why I think Tekton is "obviously" lower quality than GearWrench?
- GearWrench sockets have knurling, double marking, part number engravings. There is a difference in the chrome especially in the recessed areas and the inside finish.
- GearWrench uses Cr-Mo for impact sockets like all professional brands, Tekton uses Cr-V.
- GearWrench ratchet direction selector has solid feel, and the ratcheting is not clunking.
Workmanship is a feel, hard to describe. I think Tekton is a run-of-the-mill Made in Taiwan tools, aiming towards DIY crowds. Good quality? Seems so, but just not as good as GearWrench.
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
The Tekton QR ratchet is not all that different from the other QR ratchets from Kolbalt, Husky, etc. That would also include the QR ratchets from GW that comes in some sets. When you step up the 84 T GW, you are getting a nicer ratchet IMO. I put my GW 84 T ratchets right with my Armstrong Max, Matco, and SO ratchets. The Tekton 90T looks to be a step up as well from their standard QR ratchets. I check the Tekton aisle everytime I'm in one of the local Meijers to lay my hands on one. No such luck thus far. My expectation is they will be as nice as the 84t GW ratchets.