Recent content by BirdMobile

If you need a flex head that doesn't need to be a roto, the new NAPA Carlyle locking flex has the smallest head dimensions of any 1/4 drive ratchet I've yet seen. If you're after a 3/8 drive, Harbor Freight sells a T-Handled roto-head "thing" with a super tiny 1/4 roto head with a 3/8 drive...

The 7" goes up to 1-3/8". 10" will do 1-3/4". I'd still stick with the 7" and lose the extra 1/8" of range (of the pliers you're replacing)... the 7" are just the right size to fit almost everywhere. P.S. If you've never owned a Pliers Wrench, you're going to LOVE them! One of my favorite...

I use my 10" Cobras and 7" Pliers Wrench the most. I have all "non-humongous" sizes up to 12" in both types. Oh... and I REALLY, REALLY loves me some comfort grips on those Pliers Wrenches! :)

Meh... It's just a box. Whatever you want to buy and whatever makes you happy. I'll never understand flame wars over tool choices - life's too f'ing short.

I only have one pair of insulated Knipex pliers (Combo pliers) and I don't like them as much as my normal comfort grip handled Knipex for the exact reason mentioned above - I find the flange to be a bit bulky and restrictive when "choking up" on the forward portion of the handles. A lot of...

Another useful piece of information for all you pawn shoppers. Shops are less likely to give you a good deal around gift-giving holidays (Christmas, Fathers and Mothers days, and Valentines). Their reasoning is that business will be more brisk as more people shop for gifts, so it's easier to...

Not so far... it's only slightly thicker than the Armstrong lever, and is located correctly (unlike some Snap On lock buttons that can be scraped off!). Again, time will tell... there's always that one particular situation where you can't make the best designed tools work with! :D

The Carlyle locks up super tight. You cannot force it to the next position using your hands, it's nice and solid. The pushbutton actuates some sort of sideways mechanism which engages the flex teeth, and is spring loaded so it wants to be in the "locked" position. I also love the Armstrong...

And finally, a closeup of the locking mechanism and button:

The back view:

OK... As promised, here are some photos. I've taken all of these next to the Armstrong MAXX 1/4" drive locking flex, for size comparisons - since it is the closest ratchet to the Carlyle locking flex currently on the market. First, the front view:

Go for it... I don't mind. To others on the forum who have asked questions about this ratchet, I really will try to answer them and post photos tomorrow or Friday at the latest... I truly am slammed with work right now. Off to bed for now.

You forgot: "It ain't no Snap On, so it ain't ****!" :D

Soon... probably tomorrow. Slammed with work right now.

Hi again all. Intrigued by the recent posting here about Carlyle releasing their new line of Locking Flex Head ratchets, I finally broke down and ordered one. I chose the 1/4" drive model, because it has a handle almost 2" longer than the Armstrong locking flex 1/4 I already have, and would...