SK LP90 flex head plans

[Formerjeeper]

Thought I would share this good news in case anyone has flex ratchets on the shopping list:

https://imgur.com/Jns7ruO

Edit: Flex head LP90s coming fourth quarter, in case anyone can't or doesn't want to click the link.

 

[lardy1]

I read folks waiting for them. I just ordered a 3/8" standard yesterday.

 

[ChrisLS8]

So what they really mean is 4th quarter of 2024. after I ordered my first two LP 90s I gave up any hope after a year of getting flex heads

 

[Professional Tool User]

At the rate they are releasing them, I have loads of other options, both cheap and expensive to choose from.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I read folks waiting for them. I just ordered a 3/8" standard yesterday.

You'll like the standard LP90. I'll have to have my son put a bug in wife's ear for flex heads.

 

[JBH]

Thought I would share this good news in case anyone has flex ratchets on the shopping list:

https://imgur.com/Jns7ruO

Edit: Flex head LP90s coming fourth quarter, in case anyone can't or doesn't want to click the link.

That’s not what their reply actually states. It just says they’re “expanding the line.” That could mean as little as grip options.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I called customer service earlier this year and asked about flex heads. I was told SK was hoping to release them during the summer. I guess I should have asked which summer. Whenever they do release them, I plan on buying one.

 

[pstemari]

Yeah, would be nice if these came out sooner rather than later.

I did pick up Armstrong flex heads in ¼", ½", and ⅜" before they entirely disappeared. I love the ability to lock the head in position.

Matco has these, too, but at crazy $$$ prices.

 

[RKA]

Well, it looks like everyone burst my bubble (or pee’d in my wheaties). I was at my local tool store a week ago checking out the SK ratchets. The standard length was shorter than I would like so he pointed to his catalog where they had a flex head SK 3/8”. He said they were on order an should be in soon, but he probably had no idea they have been non-existent as long as folks in this thread have indicated.

 

[Fedwrench]

I really don't understand why SK can't be more forthcoming about new products.

I think Eppys featured pictures of the 90 tooth flex heads complete with part numbers in last quarter's catalog. Someone posted about it here.

It would be nice to see long fixed 90 tooth ratchets too along with the flex heads.

Unfortunately, I'm not going to get excited yet because, who knows which quarter the customer service rep is talking about and SK seems to always disappoint me when it comes to rolling out new products. It appears that SK is skipping both the AAPEX & SEMA shows again this year.
Perhaps Jori from Epsteins can reach out for more definitive info from SK.

 

[seanb02]

I burned out fast on the 3/8" LP90. Originally wanted the entire set of them, and would have bought them all if they were available when they rolled out the first one. Warrantied the LP90 once, and the newer one just doesn't feel right either, but doesn't have the lockup issues the first one started to experience.

Ended up going Snap-on dual 80 and haven't looked back. A bit more expensive, but I do use them every day, so it turned out to be worth it. They feel right in my hand and don't have the back drag issues the SK has. Still use my SK round heads regularly as well and enjoy them, but typically the LP90 is the last one I grab when I have several ratchets in use with different size sockets attached.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I burned out fast on the 3/8" LP90. Originally wanted the entire set of them, and would have bought them all if they were available when they rolled out the first one. Warrantied the LP90 once, and the newer one just doesn't feel right either, but doesn't have the lockup issues the first one started to experience.

Ended up going Snap-on dual 80 and haven't looked back. A bit more expensive, but I do use them every day, so it turned out to be worth it. They feel right in my hand and don't have the back drag issues the SK has. Still use my SK round heads regularly as well and enjoy them, but typically the LP90 is the last one I grab when I have several ratchets in use with different size sockets attached.

That's where I'm at. Yes the SK head/mechanism is the smallest I've seen, but gearwrench is damn close in size, cheaper, and I've had less issues with their 84tooth mechanism. My sk 90 tooth doesn't like to switch directions. I'll skip over anymore SK 90 tooth stuff for now, IMO it's just not a great value option. I love the size, I just wish it worked well and didn't shed chrome so fast. Everything will eventually but I felt the head had missing chrome way faster than it should have; less than 6 months.


Although my favorite ratchet is still an SK round head.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I have the original lp90 with the green selector. I suppose I'm lucky, because I've never had an issue. It's the first one I grab if I'm reaching into the SAE stack.

SK already makes flex handles for their round head ratchets, so they know how to make a flex handle, but they won't build a flex lp90. How hard can it be to make the standard handle just a little longer? But they won't build a long handle version. They managed to make new dies for the silly looking handles on their new ratcheting combo wrenches, so they are able to make new dies ... but they won't.

 

[DSLTRK]

Glad to see this is finally coming to fruition. Still wish they had the green selectors though.

 

[Wamsutta]

Ended up going Snap-on dual 80 and haven't looked back. A bit more expensive, but I do use them every day, so it turned out to be worth it. They feel right in my hand and don't have the back drag issues the SK has.attached.

Which type handle do your Snap-on ratchets have?

 

[American Locomotive]

I have the original lp90 with the green selector. I suppose I'm lucky, because I've never had an issue. It's the first one I grab if I'm reaching into the SAE stack.

SK already makes flex handles for their round head ratchets, so they know how to make a flex handle, but they won't build a flex lp90. How hard can it be to make the standard handle just a little longer? But they won't build a long handle version. They managed to make new dies for the silly looking handles on their new ratcheting combo wrenches, so they are able to make new dies ... but they won't.

Forging dies don't magically make themselves for free. They are expensive and time consuming. Then on top of that, you have to build and develop the entire forging line, and all the other associated production processes from chrome plating to packaging.

As it is, the X-Frame wrenches share the same base forging for the 10,9 and 8mm sizes.

I do agree that SK is dragging their feet, but they have limited resources and developing new forging dies and lines takes a lot of money and time. From what I understand, when the "new" SK ownership came in, they found that most of SK's factory equipment was extremely outdated and worn out (hence their quality problems at one point).

 

[DSLTRK]

It would seem that SK has chosen to manufacturer their flex heads from a steel billet on a CNC Mill. This shouldn't take that long to figure out, needing cad drawings and a stable fixture to use in the mill.

I do think they lack a method of handle manufacturing, so maybe they are figuring out the friction weld setup for the lpf90 handles?

 

[American Locomotive]

It would seem that SK has chosen to manufacturer their flex heads from a steel billet on a CNC Mill. This shouldn't take that long to figure out, needing cad drawings and a stable fixture to use in the mill.

I do think they lack a method of handle manufacturing, so maybe they are figuring out the friction weld setup for the lpf90 handles?

Do you have a source or evidence of that?

 

[vssjim]

It would seem that SK has chosen to manufacturer their flex heads from a steel billet on a CNC Mill. This shouldn't take that long to figure out, needing cad drawings and a stable fixture to use in the mill.

I do think they lack a method of handle manufacturing, so maybe they are figuring out the friction weld setup for the lpf90 handles?

Ideal also owns this company that makes handles
http://www.alhandles.com/
A and L Handles they bought them around when they bought Pratt and Reed

 

[vssjim]

I don't need any more ratchets but when they come out with more LP90 ratchets I'm sure I'll buy them also I use the green selector 3/8's all the time at work and I have a 1/4 I use a lot the 1/2 not so much because I use long handle 1/2 way more these days. Never had any problems with the LP90 and I do lube them before use like all my ratchets.

 

[DSLTRK]

Do you have a source or evidence of that?

Only evidence needed is any recent SK Flex head. A close look will tell you the head is CNC machined, and not a hand ground forging.

Ideal also owns this company that makes handles
http://www.alhandles.com/
A and L Handles they bought them around when they bought Pratt and Reed

I was meaning the lathed, non knurled steel handle on the LP90 fixed heads. SK will have to figure out how to set up a lathe operation to turn the longer handle, and a method of friction welding the fork on said handle.

But you do have a great idea, these Ratchets could use a nice comfort grip option.

 

[Fedwrench]

I do think they lack a method of handle manufacturing, so maybe they are figuring out the friction weld setup for the lpf90 handles?

Interesting, I always thought that most companies simply placed a ratchet head on their 3/8 breaker bar handle (or other drive size) to create a flex head ratchet.

I know some SK fans would like to see a 90 tooth ratchet attached to a knurled handle.

 

[DSLTRK]

Interesting, I always thought that most companies simply placed a ratchet head on their 3/8 breaker bar handle (or other drive size) to create a flex head ratchet.

I know some SK fans would like to see a 90 tooth ratchet attached to a knurled handle.

I would be one of them. Maybe put a modern touch to it with flat knurling, much like the Proto HTC ratchets. Those newer Protos have one of my favorite steel handle designs ... and I'm a 'comfort grip' fan.

As for the breaker bar handle, SK may very well do that for the classic round heads, but I still think the fork would have to be beefed up for the pear head design.

 

[American Locomotive]

Only evidence needed is any recent SK Flex head. A close look will tell you the head is CNC machined, and not a hand ground forging.



I was meaning the lathed, non knurled steel handle on the LP90 fixed heads. SK will have to figure out how to set up a lathe operation to turn the longer handle, and a method of friction welding the fork on said handle.

But you do have a great idea, these Ratchets could use a nice comfort grip option.

I mean it's still possible to have a forging that you finish machine, especially if the forging is really rough.

They don't need to weld the fork on for a flex head. Any modern CNC lathe with a sub spindle and Y axis milling could make that handle in one setup.

It's not just the handles though. They have to make a new forging foe the ratchet head, too.

 

[Skin]

New 24" Flex head out. Looks nice, kind of wish they reversed the hinge like MAC and the long 3/8" Snap-on for added strength.

https://sktools.com/shop/lp90-1-2-drive-flex-head-24-ratchet.html

If the hot deals coupon is still active you should be able to get the price down to just under $150.


Still waiting for a 9 or 12" flex 1/4" before I try one.

 

[Fedwrench]

I got the SK ratchet email too. I'm still disappointed in the 3/8 LP90 flex head i bought and that 5 inch 1/4 drive LP90 seems almost useless with its short length

Perhaps Jori will chime in with special Epstein's pricing.

Could be a nice selection for Epstein's day this year

 

[Mgdoug3]

I love my 3/8 LP90 flex. It's my favorite ratchet. The 1/2 15" LP90 I had to warranty because of a floppy head and the replacement was better but still not perfect. It'll get loose past 30 degrees off center.

I passed on the 1/4 LP90 flex and went with the round head version. A 5" flex just isn't a ratchet I want and is too short.

 

[JiminAZ]

Jori posted a great price on the new 24" flex head 1/2 drive so I sprung for one which just arrived this week. I'm happy to report that the flex action is smooth and even, which was my biggest worry.

The selector switch hangs in one direction, so I'll have to diddle with that. But it's a really nice ratchet otherwise, and I have a very specific need for it so it'll get used.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I ordered the 24" flex Sunday from SK with the 30% off and free shipping. A few days later it showed up. It was $136 and some change. First impressions is that I already like it more than my 15" LP90 flex. The action is as good as my trusty 42470 after adding a little more lube. I'll definitely use this ratchet over the 15".

I wasn't planning on buying one and I was considering a Snap-on long dual 80 but I couldn't pass up buying a new USA made long flex for less than $140. I'm glad I bought it. Great quality for a good price. I prefer the SK handle over the comfort grip Snap-on since I work on a lot of greasy equipment and it's hard to keep comfort handles clean.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Warrantied the LP90 once, and the newer one just doesn't feel right either, but doesn't have the lockup issues the first one started to experience.

TMy sk 90 tooth doesn't like to switch directions. I'll skip over anymore SK 90 tooth stuff for now, IMO it's just not a great value option. I love the size, I just wish it worked well and didn't shed chrome so fast. Everything will eventually but I felt the head had missing chrome way faster than it should have; less than 6 months.

The 1/2 15" LP90 I had to warranty because of a floppy head and the replacement was better but still not perfect. It'll get loose past 30 degrees off center.

The selector switch hangs in one direction, so I'll have to diddle with that. But it's a really nice ratchet otherwise, and I have a very specific need for it so it'll get used.

Bummed to see this many people mentioning issues with these. I'd really wanted to try the SK 90 tooth ratchets out, but stuff like this gives me pause, especially since these are the same gripes I have read about elsewhere and seen mentioned in several reviews too.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the older SK stuff I already have, some of my favorite ratchets in fact, but at this price point I'd expect better odds of getting a properly working tool on the first attempt. Not really wanting to play the warranty game and subsidize someone else's poor QC or manufacturing process with my wasted time.

Wish I had a place to check them out locally as an alternative, but nothing that I'm aware of.

 

[lardy1]

I've had no problems at all with mine. It's a stiff switch, for sure. But it's a fantastic ratchet, in my opinion.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I worked on my 3/8 LP90 flex today. I decided to trim the spring one or two twirls to see if that would help with the selector switch. My other drive sizes don't have problem so I figured it wasn't a design flaw but a spring too stiff.

Trimming the spring helped a lot. It changes directions much easier now. I like using the LP90 better than my Snap-ons because they feel better in the hand and smaller profile. Snap-on seems to have less issues though and great from the first time you use it.

With some modifications the LP90 is a great ratchet and one I use the most but I feel like I shouldn't have to do that. For that reason, I would recommend Snap-on if someone wanted a USA ratchet. I just have a soft spot for SK and the company has treated me well.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Put a little smear of SuperLube on the gearing them, and they seem to be quite nice.

Not rocket surgery.

-Ryan

 

[Mgdoug3]

I usually put a thin coat of super lube plus a few drops of 3 in 1 oil. That seems to work better than plain super lube in all my high tooth ratchets.