Snap-On SHLF80A 25" flex Ratchet: What is it good for?

[visionguru]

Among the 4 Snap-On ratchets I have, SHLF80A is my favorite, so smooth and well balanced. The Dual 80 head fits better on the 1/2" drive than 3/8" and 1/4". However, I haven't got a chance to use the ratchet even once.

I'm a DIYer, maintaining my two cars. I can't seem to envision when I will need this wonderful ratchet.

For those who own the same ratchet, what do you use it for? Is it a glorified breaker bar?

 

[Wamsutta]

It would come in handy for loosening lower strut mount bolts and lower control arm bolts. Anything with big fasteners and high torque. How about turning the engine over by hand from the crank bolt to set timing? That ratchet would be perfect for that.

 

[scoot86]

Front end work, lug nuts,caliper bolts, axle nuts,suspension work, anything were my impact won't fit or leverage is needed its really the only 1/2" drive ratchet I use

 

[drtyler]

Just last week, I used mine to loosen an over-tightened rear differential drain plug. Car was not jacked up, so there was little room to operate. The flex, leverage, and fine tooth ratcheting action were all used for that exercise. Also have used it to loosen brake caliper bolts since it's longer than the breaker bar I own.

 

[Tallpilot]

That's the long and the short of it. The advantage is you can use it for all the stuff you would use a breaker bar for. Then when it breaks (and it will if you are doing that kind of stuff with it) you either call and get a rebuild kit shipped or have your franchisee put one in the next time (s)he stops by.

 

[Snakebyt]

I use mine daily to take off toyota oil filters

 

[nbruno]

Use mine all the time for suspension work. Replacing control arms, track bars, axle nuts, brake caliper bracket bolts, steering box bolts.
The older I get the more frequently I reach for a longer ratchet. More leverage = less work.

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[mrjaw14]

What’s it not good for lol (aside from places it won’t fit)

 

[ken w.]

I've still break bolts loose with my 24" breaker bar then use the ratchet. I use mine all the time for suspension work. It is the best ratchet I've ever owned.

 

[454ragtop]

Used to use mine for carb adjustments, but everything is FI now.......

 

[Snaparxon]

Also works well for torque to yield bolts, the ones you torque then have to move a certain number of degrees. Way better than a breaker bar.

 

[DadsTools]

It's not good for anything at all. They are hazardous and need to be disposed of properly. You can send it to me and I'll make sure it's handled professionally for you.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I just used mine to break loose some head bolts.

 

[shawndp]

I use mine daily to take off toyota oil filters

YES!!! This is unfortunate but true.

 

[midshipmen89]

I actually bought an SHLX80A today, I've been borrowing my coworker's for too long. Swapped a green handle on it, of course.

Turning engines over for torque convertor bolts, slowly lowering subframes, places where all 10" of the 2767 and socket don't really fit. $275 is a big pill to swallow, but I'm good with it.

 

[Twisty]

It’s my favorite ratchet. In fact, I own two. One for work and one for my truck tool set.

 

[finn]

I bought one, like new, in a bucket of other Snapon and Matco ratchets a couple of years ago.

Beat $75 I spent in a long time.

It's really useful on my F350and F450 for things like lug nuts and bed bolts. Anything in the chassis salt zone.

 

[WhiffySpark]

They hold up much better than breaker bars. I’ve ripped breaker bars to pieces and that ratchet stands strong.

The only problem I ever had was with the very first design. The screwed back out in the cover and I didn’t notice. Went to break something loose and the internals broke since the cover was loose. Got it replaced with the new version and have had zero issues

 

[kythri]

Used my SLF80 to great success doing the suspension on my Expedition. Of course, I also busted the guts on my SL80A doing the same. Oh well, just need to install the repair kit.

 

[Sycan]

My wife uses it all the time on the canister filter caps servicing Detroit DD15's. The leverage is helpful but since she is short the added reach helps her alot.

 

[crf450x]

My wife uses it all the time on the canister filter caps servicing Detroit DD15's. The leverage is helpful but since she is short the added reach helps her alot.

This one caught me off guard...

I use mine for everything that requires 1/2" drive. Can't remember the last time I used a breaker bar.

 

[Tdo]

it's my go to ratchet in 1/2in drive. my lug nut 19/21 is permanently attached to one of my ratchet it seems lol.

overall it's a great ratchet. flexible end is a huge plus

 

[seanb02]

Seems as though a 3/4 drive version would be better suited for leverage applications. However I could see the need from time to time with some of the farm implements that need things broken down.

 

[WittHay]

Seems as though a 3/4 drive version would be better suited for leverage applications. However I could see the need from time to time with some of the farm implements that need things broken down.

Your right about the 24" flex ratchet in 1/2 drive. A 17" flex or 18" breaker is all you need to tighten up bolts to 5/8'" diameter. For loosening tough stuff a 18" breaker bar with a pipe is stronger or those Snap-on 36" breaker bars that have thicker shafts and replaceable drive ends.

The 24" is not built strong enough to really tighten down 3/4" and up bolts. The purpose of mine is to break bolts, when disassembling rusty equipment, safer than a cutting torch and quicker than a impact. Also to tighten those wedge clamps on rear tractor tires.

 

[mrborohachi]

Rear 4 link bolts on Toyota Previas (265 ft/lbs). Mcpherson strut lower mounting bolts.

For those of you thinking of buying one I would highly suggest the QR version: SHRLF80A

 

[RedneckWelder]

On heavy equipment they are great for crows feet for hydraulic lines, drain plugs, oil filters, etc. Plenty of places a breaker bar nor 3/4 drive will fit also

 

[70BossRanchero]

I used to use one of those coarse tooth ratchet adapters on my breaker bar. Broke that on a differential pinion nut using a pipe for leverage. Then this one came out. My Snap-on dealer said that Tech's had been installing the ratchet head onto their breaker bars for years, so now they were offering it that way. I have never broken mine.

As far as torque to yield bolts are concerned, the Snap-on digital torque wrench does the pre-torque, then calculates the angle of rotation. No more need for those angle gauges. Even works upside down on main caps
Very spendy but makes those jobs much faster and easier.

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[WhiffySpark]

Seems as though a 3/4 drive version would be better suited for leverage applications. However I could see the need from time to time with some of the farm implements that need things broken down.

Cost and size are an issue.

I’ve shattered many 3/4 to 1/2 step downs on an impact. I’m sure they would crack on a breaker bar

 

[gregpack]

That wouldn't be a high use tool for me, so I can't justify spending the money on a snap on. Anyone have experience with the gearwrench version?

 

[HaroRider]

Tightening oil drain plugs if you dont have a 3/4 impact gun.

 

[70BossRanchero]

Tightening oil drain plugs if you dont have a 3/4 impact gun.

Too Funny!

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