Why no 24" Long Fixed Head Snap-On 1/2 Ratchets?

DSLTRK · Nov 6, 2016

Has anyone wondered why Snap-On doesn't offer a 1/2" Dual 80 24'' fixed head ratchet?

I mean, they make ridiculous ratchets like the super long 1/4" flex head, so why not something more useful.

With the popularity of the Tekton and MAC (and upcoming Proto) versions, can we petition Snap-On to get a die made and start producing their own version?

I've seen their 24" flex head, but for serious torque, the pivot is not up to the task when they are 24" long.

Thanks for the input.

Here is a visual of the tekton version:

drewvdw · Nov 6, 2016

Why do you say the pivot isn't up to the task? I haven't had any problems with mine. The drive broke before the pivot did...

Know Wosad · Nov 6, 2016

Because the concept is goofy. That's what breaker bars are for. My go to 1/2" ratt is a flex head that's 10 1/4 long...after the breaker ba(OH. KTC BR4F from Franks tools)

Richard Cranium · Nov 6, 2016

my thoughts also, why not start with a breaker bar, that is the correct tool for the job.

04chase · Nov 6, 2016

locking flex head, best of both worlds .

General Geoff · Nov 6, 2016

Ask and ye shall receive:

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...-Drive-Extra-Long-Handle-Ratchet-P891016.aspx

SLL80A

TK-421 · Nov 7, 2016

If I had something so tight that I was worried about breaking the flex joint on a 24" ratchet, I'd be reaching for a breaker bar and not a ratchet.

General Geoff · Nov 7, 2016

TK-421 said:
If I had something so tight that I was worried about breaking the flex joint on a 24" ratchet, I'd be reaching for a breaker bar and not a ratchet.

In the rust belt, it's not uncommon to find bigger bolts with long, super rusted threads that will fight you to the last turn. Having a longer ratchet makes the work a lot easier. Some would argue that's what an impact wrench is for, but they don't always fit where you need them, and a long ratchet doesn't need air or a battery to work.

I might treat myself to this new ratchet as a birthday gift to myself next month. I don't care for the flex joint on a 1/2" ratchet either. :beer:

TK-421 · Nov 7, 2016

General Geoff said:
In the rust belt, it's not uncommon to find bigger bolts with long, super rusted threads that will fight you to the last turn. Having a longer ratchet makes the work a lot easier. Some would argue that's what an impact wrench is for, but they don't always fit where you need them, and a long ratchet doesn't need air or a battery to work.

I might treat myself to this new ratchet as a birthday gift to myself next month. I don't care for the flex joint on a 1/2" ratchet either.

I'm so glad I moved to the south. The heat *****, but I prefer heat over snow, ice, salt, and rust all rolled into miserable season.

pi_guy · Nov 7, 2016

I have both.
There are places a flex head works great. I have not see any issues with it and my dealer has said lean on it and see if you can break it. I asked that question when I first bought it. "would the flex hold up"
The short 1/2 flex head is another I find very useful as often I am spinning big nuts on gearboxes and bend the handle 90 and use it like a crank. Before I break out torque wrench for final set.

shockwave · Nov 7, 2016

I believe they have had these forever since I always pass up for the flex as a matter of fact my snap on click torque wrench is about that length too

This is a great flex ratchet I have had for years and the head will. Break before the joint will in most cases

redwrench60 · Nov 7, 2016

I've always wanted them to make one of these too. I own breaker bars too but they're not always practical to use in tight quarters or a low swing area, hence the reason I'm not using an impact in the first place. Some bolts with either rust, thread damage or just locktite fight all the way out so a long stout 1/2" drive ratchet without a flex joint is just what I've been hoping SO would make. The 1/2" dual 80 mechanism is pretty stout too.

Fedwrench · Nov 7, 2016

What's this rust you guys keep talking about? :lol:

Snap on probably waited awhile to offer a super long fixed 1/2 drive ratchet because, their primary customers (flat rate techs) would just use an impact wrench :wtf:

gdocktor3 · Nov 7, 2016

I feel a flex head 24" ratchet would see more use than a fixed head. Two feet is a loooong ratchet and the capability of offsetting the handle even a little bit to clear obstacles is probably a life saver in many instances. As mentioned, the ratchet head would break before the flex head pin. Living in CT, large fasteners often require ratcheting the entire length of the threads due to all the rust and corrosion. Leaf spring shackle bolts, u bolts, etc. tend to be this way every time from the weather, as well as the stretching and what not.

bobcatdan · Nov 7, 2016

Know Wosad said:
Because the concept is goofy. That's what breaker bars are for. My go to 1/2" ratt is a flex head that's 10 1/4 long...after the breaker ba(OH. KTC BR4F from Franks tools)

Breaker bars are pointless. I stopped using after breaking them and then using a 1/2" ratchet to break the bolt loose.

snapmom · Nov 7, 2016

Here is a SO 24" from 1941.

MrGiggles · Nov 7, 2016

You use a long handle ratchet for reach, not for leverage. Although the leverage is definitely a plus.

When you're reaching down into an area (and generally cannot get a hand in there to hold the ratchet on a fastener) a flex head is a pain in the ***.

The fixed head Snap On is SLL80A I believe.

DSLTRK · Nov 7, 2016

General Geoff said:
Ask and ye shall receive:

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...-Drive-Extra-Long-Handle-Ratchet-P891016.aspx

SLL80A

YES! Thank you!

DSLTRK · Nov 7, 2016

General Geoff said:
In the rust belt, it's not uncommon to find bigger bolts with long, super rusted threads that will fight you to the last turn. Having a longer ratchet makes the work a lot easier. Some would argue that's what an impact wrench is for, but they don't always fit where you need them, and a long ratchet doesn't need air or a battery to work.

I might treat myself to this new ratchet as a birthday gift to myself next month. I don't care for the flex joint on a 1/2" ratchet either.

That's exactly why I was looking for a long ratchet. I already have a long Matco flex. I've had the Snap-on flex heads, and the pivot is not as strong as Matco's, IMO. Head pivot spread the fork one time.

WhiffySpark · Nov 7, 2016

I've broke several breaker bars. I've yet to break the ratchet.

Art From De Leon · Nov 7, 2016

Unless you use an extension, or deep sockets, the non-flex length of that ratchet will limit the area where you can use it.

At least with a flex-head, you can use the advantage of being able to angle the handle in relationship to the head to clear obstructions.

Derek420 · Nov 7, 2016

Get a breaker bar and ratchet adapther bam same thing and stronger!

General Geoff · Nov 7, 2016

Derek420 said:
Get a breaker bar and ratchet adapther bam same thing and stronger!

The Dual-80s have a reputation for being stupid strong, to the point of bending the solid steel handle before the pawls break.

L.Cheapo · Nov 7, 2016

I have an SHL80A, which is 16 5/8" long for when sh*t gets serious. Its rock solid and I'm a pretty big guy and I'm sure I've nowhere near tested its limits. It is a bit unwieldy, I would imagine a 24" much more so. But sometimes its the only tool that will do. Perfect for changing tires away from electricity or compressed air.

Coolguy83 · Nov 7, 2016

They have one saw one the truck not long ago.

MWEric · Nov 7, 2016

I've had to warranty 2 Snap on 24" flexes. Both the same, eventually the teeth wear out on the lock. Also tightening the torx screw repeatedly will wear it out as well. I will be getting the fixed head also, finally.

KEH · Nov 7, 2016

Some flex ratchets are basically a breaker bar with a ratchet at the end of it. I have an old Craftsman 3/8 flex and I noticed that a 3/8 breaker bar and the ratchet handle were identical. I don't know which would break first, the ratchet or the handle. I can't speak for other brands.

BTW, are there 3/4 drive flex heads?

KEH

DSLTRK · Nov 7, 2016

MWEric said:
I've had to warranty 2 Snap on 24" flexes. Both the same, eventually the teeth wear out on the lock. Also tightening the torx screw repeatedly will wear it out as well. I will be getting the fixed head also, finally.

Same here. The torx screw can't take the torque on handles over 17" long.

Sycan · Nov 7, 2016

Second from the right, about an inch shorter than the long flex. Real nice ratchet.

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BajaBound · Nov 7, 2016

I have broke 3 HF 24" breaker bars... I now own a 24" SO breaker bar and ratchet. I have torqued on them but I would stand and jump on the HF bars. I don't think I would buy the fix head, ok yes I would.

redwrench60 · Dec 7, 2016

I got my SLL80A in today. Quality is excellent and handle diameter is beefy. It measures .725" opposed to .605" on the regular long handle SL80A. I'm gonna use the **** outta this thing.

Why no 24" Long Fixed Head Snap-On 1/2 Ratchets?

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