New Carlyle Ratchet, My Thoughts...

M6erfan · Oct 15, 2015

I am starting a new thread on this as I was on several different threads promising feedback after using this for a while.

I had a Snap On THLF936 1/4" Flex Ratchet that I liked OK, but I found the lack of QR and no locking function left me wanting. Anyway, I've sold the 936...

OK, so I've used my new ratchet for a few weeks now and here are my thoughts (BTW, this is the first Carlyle tool I've ever owned):

Carlyle CHT R14LFQR 1/4" Quick Release Long Locking Flex Head Ratchet
Price $35 (on sale at my local NAPA)
COO: Taiwan

I like it, a lot. It's on the long side @ 8.25" (A bit longer than my FR80, for perspective) and thats why I bought it, I needed a long 1/4" flex ratchet. QR and locking were on my must have list...

The locking flex works very well and feels very secure (13 positions). The head is very narrow @ 20.5mm. In fact, its the narrowest & thinnest of all my ratchets. The handle is very comfortable for my avg. size hands. The grip area is a little wider and longer than the Snap On soft handle & Harbor Freight composite, which is nice.

Build quality is very good, chrome is nice, QR and locking buttons operate smoothly as well. Backdrag is very light (A little lighter than TR72, about on par with my 1/4" HF Pro Composite) and the 72 tooth mechanism is very smooth (no disassembly or lube was used on this ratchet, it's bone stock). Also, the direction selector moves easily with a firm/positive feel. Locking button is spring loaded and the head is always locked unless the button pushed down (no more busted knuckles, yay!)

I put it through it's paces on several auto and motorcycle projects over the last month and no problems whatsoever. Of course it has a lifetime warranty through NAPA should the need arise.

I can't think of anything to pick on, I'm very happy with it. It's not a game changer or anything but I think Napa/Carlyle did a really good job here. So far I feel that I got my money's worth, for sure. Time will tell how it holds up...

Due to it's length it wouldn't be the only ratchet in my toolbox, my little TR72 comes in mighty handy for those tight spots, but it's definitely a keeper and I'm sure it will get a lot of use in the future...

Below is a shot of my 1/4" ratchets

mrvm · Oct 15, 2015

Nice mini user review. That HF sure looks bulky in comparison.

M6erfan · Oct 15, 2015

My Snap On (now sold) & new Carlyle side by side...

AmateurMechanic · Oct 15, 2015

With the long handle length on this ratchet, do you find yourself using 1/4" drive for some of the sizes that you might normally grab a 3/8" ratchet for? (e.g. 10-12mm)

DSLTRK · Oct 16, 2015

M6erfan said:
My Snap On (now sold) & new Carlyle side by side...

Nothing compares to Snap-on, "nothing even comes close"

Seriously, the level of craftsmanship and detail of many Taiwanese tools, especially their ratchets, at least matches the quality of Snap-on.

What's more amazing is the HUGE differentiation of cost.

It'd be wise for any mechanic starting out on a limited income to take a hard look at quality Taiwanese tools and stay away from the American tradition of piling up debt. :thumbup:

AmateurMechanic · Oct 16, 2015

DSLTRK said:
Nothing compares to Snap-on, "nothing even comes close"

Seriously, the level of craftsmanship and detail of many Taiwanese tools, especially their ratchets, at least matches the quality of Snap-on.

What's more amazing is the HUGE differentiation of cost.

It'd be wise for any mechanic starting out on a limited income to take a hard look at quality Taiwanese tools and stay away from the American tradition of piling up debt.

I think the advantage of these tools extends beyond quality. Ease of warranty service is very much a factor as well.

For us DIYers who don't have a SO truck coming to our garages, these tools will be much easier to warranty than any Snap-On piece. Just drive down to NAPA and get a replacement right away.

With SO, first you'll have to find a local driver and work around his schedule, unless you're a professional and he makes regular stops at your shop. Once you've done that, you need to build up a good relationship with your SO driver (by spending $$$$$). Otherwise, you'll probably be stuck mailing the tools to Snap-On at your own cost and have to wait for a replacement to be mailed out.

Wamsutta · Oct 16, 2015

I'm assuming the handle is not replaceable. Will NAPA give you a new ratchet if the handle gets too chewed up?

XxToolAholicxX · Oct 16, 2015

Very nice... I bought a set of all three sizes from a member here but still haven't used them yet....

shoggoth80 · Oct 16, 2015

Good thread. Pretty ratchet, though not a fan of the color scheme. Lol.
Good stuff is good stuff. I've got some higher end ratchets and they are great. I've got some solid Taiwanese ratchets... and they are...also great. Lol. I don't feel as bad about hammering the **** out of them, as I didn't pay so dearly for them. That doesn't make them junk. Lol.

I know Carlyle also makes a 100T roto head. That one has my attention. Lol.

Jure · Oct 16, 2015

Wamsutta said:
I'm assuming the handle is not replaceable. Will NAPA give you a new ratchet if the handle gets too chewed up?

i doubt it,but even when it gets chewed up then you know its time to fit a hard hadle on it :evil:

94_C/1500 · Oct 16, 2015

I don't work for a napa but I do work at a parts store. It's the biggest parts store around so maybe that's why the warehouse always warranties our stuff and never sends stuff back but our warranty on tools can't be beat. I really can't even think of the current brand of tools we sell, cheapies though. It's getting switched out to Gearwrench though. I wouldn't buy the tools that come in sets, there's a big difference on socket and wrench quality. But if any tool is broken in any way we warranty it. If you broke your screw driver into 3 pieces using for a hammer or chisel just bring it back. I actually just did a 3/4 inch drive socket this week that the people welded to a bolt and the socket busted. Had an impact on your chrome socket? We'll exchange it when it cracks. Bend your ratchets and breaker bars with a pipe or even shear the head clean off? We'll exchange it. If you work at a job within a 20 minute radius or so we'll send it to you immediately as well. If it's anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour away you'll still get it the same day. Heck, if you're a non professional and if we'll be in your area already I'm sure we'd deliver it. That's a big advantage the snap on truck can't compete with. Much lower price, unbeatable warranty, and tools replaced the same day. Sure it's cheap tools that aren't as good and aren't made here but if you break it we take care of it. They don't want a $5 screwdriver getting their few thousand a day customer mad when we don't warranty it so if it's broken it's replaced.
Good deals come up from time to time as well, I have bought one tool from our main line of tools so far and it was a 14 inch 1/4 inch extension for I believe it was $6 but I can't remember.

stage20 · Oct 16, 2015

AmateurMechanic said:
With the long handle length on this ratchet, do you find yourself using 1/4" drive for some of the sizes that you might normally grab a 3/8" ratchet for? (e.g. 10-12mm)

That's exactly what I do with my tflh72 snap on. Smaller, lighter, just eaiser to work with. 1/4 sockets are also thinner.

GTO · Oct 16, 2015

Check out the Titan 11074

camd64 · Oct 16, 2015

Good write-up, I was most interested in seeing the comparison photos. Nobody ever lists all the size specs so having the comparison for reference can tell you if it's going to work out or not. I just picked up a Tekton 1/4 flex to try out and so far I like it other than I wish the handle were longer. I may have to look into getting a Carlyle as well.

AmateurMechanic said:
Otherwise, you'll probably be stuck mailing the tools to Snap-On at your own cost and have to wait for a replacement to be mailed out.

You don't pay for shipping with SO, they send you a UPS shipping label. Depending on what it is they might not even have you ship anything back as the only time they ever asked me to is when I had a broken handle for a flex ratchet.

M6erfan · Oct 16, 2015

mrvm said:
Nice mini user review. That HF sure looks bulky in comparison.

It is, it has the widest head of all my 1/4" ratchets. There's a lot to like about the HF, especially the price (about $10 after coupon) but the build quality is not great. The direction selector lever is sloppy, but works.

That said, the composite material makes it extremely comfortable in my hand and it has very light backdrag. I'll use it...

M6erfan · Oct 16, 2015

AmateurMechanic said:
With the long handle length on this ratchet, do you find yourself using 1/4" drive for some of the sizes that you might normally grab a 3/8" ratchet for? (e.g. 10-12mm)

Actually for me its the other way around. I almost always use 1/4" up to 14mm. In general, I use 1/4" drive sockets 70% of the time. But yes, I see what your saying and the extra length sure is nice on the larger size fasteners (or any size for that matter).

Ign · Oct 16, 2015

BirdMobile did a very similar thread not too long ago:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272139

bsaint · Oct 17, 2015

I can't find this ratchet on their website.

stage20 · Oct 17, 2015

GTO said:
Check out the Titan 11074

I would guess the head is bigger like most other 1/4 inch 72 tooth taiwanese ratchets? Get a lot of work done at 12" long. Ill have to keep an eye out for a deal on one.

dede2897234 · Oct 17, 2015

bsaint said:
I can't find this ratchet on their website.

bsaint,

Here is the link to the Carlyle 1/4" locking flex ratchet on NAPA's website: LINK.

Dave

gdocktor3 · Feb 13, 2017

How's that ratchet working out? For the first time yesterday I cussed my non locking dual 80 and wished I had a locking flex head. All the locking flex head qr ratchets show out of stock on Napas website. Are they still available?

stage20 · Feb 13, 2017

gdocktor3 said:
How's that ratchet working out? For the first time yesterday I cussed my non locking dual 80 and wished I had a locking flex head. All the locking flex head qr ratchets show out of stock on Napas website. Are they still available?

i cant speak for the ratchet, but i havent had any luck with napas inventory count in the past. if it shows instock online they dont have it. if it shows out of stock the store usually has 10....

mrjaw14 · Feb 13, 2017

Is the selector lever right for on and off, or is it backwards like the hf rats?

jo4gj · Feb 14, 2017

M6erfan said:
I am starting a new thread on this as I was on several different threads promising feedback after using this for a while.

I had a Snap On THLF936 1/4" Flex Ratchet that I liked OK, but I found the lack of QR and no locking function left me wanting. Anyway, I've sold the 936...

OK, so I've used my new ratchet for a few weeks now and here are my thoughts (BTW, this is the first Carlyle tool I've ever owned):

Carlyle CHT R14LFQR 1/4" Quick Release Long Locking Flex Head Ratchet
Price $35 (on sale at my local NAPA)
COO: Taiwan

I like it, a lot. It's on the long side @ 8.25" (A bit longer than my FR80, for perspective) and thats why I bought it, I needed a long 1/4" flex ratchet. QR and locking were on my must have list...

The locking flex works very well and feels very secure (13 positions). The head is very narrow @ 20.5mm. In fact, its the narrowest & thinnest of all my ratchets. The handle is very comfortable for my avg. size hands. The grip area is a little wider and longer than the Snap On soft handle & Harbor Freight composite, which is nice.

Build quality is very good, chrome is nice, QR and locking buttons operate smoothly as well. Backdrag is very light (A little lighter than TR72, about on par with my 1/4" HF Pro Composite) and the 72 tooth mechanism is very smooth (no disassembly or lube was used on this ratchet, it's bone stock). Also, the direction selector moves easily with a firm/positive feel. Locking button is spring loaded and the head is always locked unless the button pushed down (no more busted knuckles, yay!)

I put it through it's paces on several auto and motorcycle projects over the last month and no problems whatsoever. Of course it has a lifetime warranty through NAPA should the need arise.

I can't think of anything to pick on, I'm very happy with it. It's not a game changer or anything but I think Napa/Carlyle did a really good job here. So far I feel that I got my money's worth, for sure. Time will tell how it holds up...

Due to it's length it wouldn't be the only ratchet in my toolbox, my little TR72 comes in mighty handy for those tight spots, but it's definitely a keeper and I'm sure it will get a lot of use in the future...

Below is a shot of my 1/4" ratchets

The price seems to be 54.99 now would you still buy it for 55? Also was the ratchet on some type of sale when you bought it?

ihateminimumwage · Feb 14, 2017

gdocktor3 said:
How's that ratchet working out? For the first time yesterday I cussed my non locking dual 80 and wished I had a locking flex head. All the locking flex head qr ratchets show out of stock on Napas website. Are they still available?

Thanks for bumping this thread, I had no idea these were even offered. I've been cursing Snap-on for not offering a QR version of their locking flex.

jrockford · Feb 15, 2017

How do these compare with the GW 120XP's?

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-81230xp.aspx

Bluejoe · Feb 15, 2017

I decided to go with Carlyle tools as backup for job and my own mobile repair business. The reasons we'll I've had too many of my Snappy s come up missing, inexpensive and well made and thirdly have a NAPA store /Warehouse distribution a short distance from me for quick replacement. I never had a problem returning anything at this place plus all the salespeople go out of there way to help you.

T45 · Feb 15, 2017

jo4gj said:
The price seems to be 54.99 now would you still buy it for 55? Also was the ratchet on some type of sale when you bought it?

The $35 was definitely a sale price as the list has always been hi for Carlyle.

M6erfan · Feb 15, 2017

gdocktor3 said:
How's that ratchet working out? For the first time yesterday I cussed my non locking dual 80 and wished I had a locking flex head. All the locking flex head qr ratchets show out of stock on Napas website. Are they still available?

I've used the ratchet almost weekly since I bought it and it's still going strong, no issues at all. I really like the locking flex. AFAIK, the ratchet is still available, Napa's website isnt the best. Just add it to your cart for in store pick up or delivery and you should be good...

mrjaw14 said:
Is the selector lever right for on and off, or is it backwards like the hf rats?

The selector switch is "normal". NOT like the HF's...

jo4gj said:
The price seems to be 54.99 now would you still buy it for 55? Also was the ratchet on some type of sale when you bought it?

I'd wait for it to go on sale again, Napa has several sales a year...

jrockford said:
How do these compare with the GW 120XP's?

I dont own a 120xp, but I've checked them out and never really cared for them. No locking flex or QR and they just seem kinda cheap and "clunky" to me...

jeremy v said:
That ratchet does look pretty nice, but I have one question for you. It doesn't look like there is any way to use the ratchet with the flex joint unlocked. With something like a GW or Armstrong locking flex I can flip the lever if I want and use the ratchet like a regular non-locking flex ratchet. That capability comes in handy when I want to be able to work the handle back and forth around obstructions as needed while swinging the handle. Do you feel limited by the ratchet only working in a locked flex position?

On a good note, it looks like that Napa ratchet has several more locking flex positions available compared to most other options.

The locking mechanism is spring loaded so its always on, no way to "turn it off". I havent found this to be an issue but YMMV...

gdocktor3 · Feb 15, 2017

How exactly does the locking mechanism work? When you press the button, a "wedge" for lack of better term pulls out of the gear on the head? Is that button easy to accidentally bump and depress?

M6erfan · Feb 15, 2017

gdocktor3 said:
How exactly does the locking mechanism work? When you press the button, a "wedge" for lack of better term pulls out of the gear on the head? Is that button easy to accidentally bump and depress?

Yes, depress the button and that releases the "wedge" that interacts with the "gear". I haven't found it to be easily bumped or knocked out of locking position

thatguysb · Mar 2, 2017

I got a carlyle ratchet gifted to me recently, used a year or so. A 3/8 flexhead, its now my go to ratchet. Bought a gearwrench flex head the day before i got this, gearwrench never used since.

Both are roughly the same size, same lenght same tooth count. 84t. Same size head.

M6erfan · Nov 6, 2017

OK, so I decided to do an update. It's been a little over a year since I started this thread and the Carlyle is still going strong. Use has been fairly heavy in my home shop and this ratchet gets used about 70% of the time I need a ratchet. several motorcycles have been taken apart and rebuilt with this ratchet as well as a fair amount of auto maintenance duties. No issues to report.

Screen Shot 2017-11-06 at 1.29.25 PM.jpg

Screen Shot 2017-11-06 at 1.29.42 PM.jpg

The small "Napa" logo has worn nearly off

Someone asked about the handle and Napa warranty if it falls apart. I guess I'll find out in a decade or so...maybe.

I havent opened it up to do any maintenance, still factory lube and just as smooth as new. Also, I havent run into any problems with the locking flex release or accidentally bumping it or whatever.

BTW, it's on sale now at Napa for $33. A steal IMO...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR14LFQR

Mr_B · Nov 6, 2017

certainly worth having and cheap at the sale price.
I love the compact head on these, not so keen on comfort grip as would prefer handle more slender for tight spot work and probably will pull the grip, turn it and sleeve it with knurled alloy tubing .
slightly recessed lever and QR button would also been helpful to tight area use but never found it constant problem and in general it gem of a tool . whole range of napa carlyle ratchets pretty decent for sale money and fact everyone got a local helpful napa the lifetime warranty is decent edition in likely ease of use and fact ratchets getting more pro use an item worth having decent usable warranty on .
It almost snapon quality/warranty for HF money .

M_George · Nov 6, 2017

M6erfan said:
OK, so I decided to do an update. It's been a little over a year since I started this thread and the Carlyle is still going strong. Use has been fairly heavy in my home shop and this ratchet gets used about 70% of the time I need a ratchet. several motorcycles have been taken apart and rebuilt with this ratchet as well as a fair amount of auto maintenance duties. No issues to report.

The small "Napa" logo has worn nearly off

Someone asked about the handle and Napa warranty if it falls apart. I guess I'll find out in a decade or so...Maybe...

I havent opened it up to do any maintenance, still factory lube and just as smooth as new. Also, I havent run into any problems with the locking flex release or accidentally bumping it or whatever.

BTW, it's on sale now at Napa for $33 A steal IMO...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR14LFQR

You would have to go and show me this... Just went out and got one. :beer:

PJNJ · Nov 6, 2017

I picked one up last summer at the sale price. I've only used it a handful of times so far but I feel it is definitely a keeper. The backdrag isn't as light as my SK but the small head, long handle, comfort grip, locking flex and quick release are big points in its favor. It seems that it is becoming my go-to 1/4 rat (especially during the winter months).

Great review and update M6erfan. :thumbup:

-OSIS- · Nov 6, 2017

stage20 said:
That's exactly what I do with my tflh72 snap on. Smaller, lighter, just eaiser to work with. 1/4 sockets are also thinner.

Absolutely. I have up to 15mm in 1/4”, and I think that’s what I use to change front hubs on Taurus’. Along with a long handle Mac ratchet.

Fly YX · Nov 6, 2017

I'm sorry where there words on this thread all I see is the avatars.

Aberdale · Nov 6, 2017

Wamsutta said:
I'm assuming the handle is not replaceable. Will NAPA give you a new ratchet if the handle gets too chewed up?

What's the big deal? If you screw up the handle just buy a new one. It's only $35. It's not like a $180 Snap-On that you end up paying for three times over in the initial price.

Good write-up OP.

Zewnten · Nov 7, 2017

Ya my Napa is terrible for warranty but for the price you can buy several for one truck brand equivalent. I have the 15" 3/8 and while it felt like it would break removing 12 point 1/2 bolts torqued to a 100 plus pounds that's far and above its ability. I use it every day for about 6 months and have no complaints.

New Carlyle Ratchet, My Thoughts...

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