1/2” drive flex head ratchets with SHORT handles??

[bimmer630]

I was going through my ratchet collection, and realized I have duplicate/redundant sizes in 1/2”.
I have the S80a snapon regular/short handle ratchet, a facom ratchet in the same length, and an SK in the same length.
I was thinking I should offload one or two of these and get one with a flex head.
I already have a snapon with a 15” inch-ish handle and flex head, I just recently bought a brand new one with the 24” or so handle on it, and I have a non flex SO with 15”-ish handle too... so I was thinking that sometimes it would be handy to have the s80 length handle with a FLEX..
Well they don’t make one. I found that interesting because they make one with an even shorter stubby handle.
I suppose it’s not something a lot of techs need, but I thought it could come in handy for some stuff(****).
Anyway I looked around at Mac and proto.. didn’t see any offerings through them..
Do any tool companies make a short (not stubby) length flex head in 1/2”?

 

[65k10]

I have looked in the past and was not able to find many 1/2 flex heads that are about 10" long. Here are two that I have been able to find, but have not purchased.
Hazet 916GK

KTC BR4F

The Gedore 1993 GU-3 comes in at a little over 11 inches.
1993 GU-3

Outside of that, if you don't mind going a little longer there are a few other options. Harbor Freight sells one that's something like 12-13" long and it's cheap enough that it might be a good way to see if a short flex head is something worth having.
Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 flex head

Last one is the Wright Tool 4427 (12 1/4" long) if you want American made. I have this one and I think it would be a good pick save for one issue. The handle is patterned after their breaker bars and is thicker and heavier than it needs to be for a ratchet this short. This gives it a weird balance since the head is fairly small and light. This is more of a personal preference thing, but if you want the Wright, I'd probably try and find a way to handle one first before buying.

Beyond that, I can think of a few others in the 13-14" length, but that's getting pretty close to what you already have.

 

[MrNatural]

https://www.expert-toolstore.com/fa...hinged-round-head-ratchet-comfort-grip-handle

Good standard size 1/2 flex. One of my favourites for suspension work.

 

[KnurledNut]

Im not a Tekton fan, but they have one that fits your criteria:

https://www.tekton.com/1-2-inch-drive-x-10-1-2-inch-flex-ratchet-srh21210

1/2 Inch Drive x 10-1/2 Inch Flex Ratchet
Item #SRH21210
$35.00

 

[drtyler]

Facom SXL.171 / USAG 237 FB 1/2

Base length is 12", extends to 17". Flex head is good on these too. I have the 3/8 version and its been a good ratchet.

https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_253_321&products_id=8593

 

[bimmer630]

That hazet looks sweet.
I don’t know about that adjustable length facom, but When poking around looking at facom, I found a short handle flex facom in 1/2”

 

[plinker]

Husky has a short flex ratchet in 1/2 & 3/8 drives, both are Gearwrench clones, QR and 72 tooth. Handy when you dont need a long flex or a stubby flex. Both are slightly longer then a "normal" length non flex ratchet in those drive sizes.


1/2 drive version
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-Flex-Head-72-Tooth-Ratchet-H12FPFRAT/202923407

3/8 drive version
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Flex-Head-72-Tooth-Ratchet-H38FPFRAT/202923412

 

[JBH]

That hazet looks sweet.
I don’t know about that adjustable length facom, but When poking around looking at facom, I found a short handle flex facom in 1/2”

It’s surprisingly solid at all lengths. Half inch drive is much beefier than 3/8” drive (have both).

The Gedore above is best of breed for all 1/2” drive ratchets regardless of cost or brand, but the extendable USAG/Facom is useful too.

 

[groundcoat]

I bought a Truecraft 1/2” stubby flex ratchet off of Ebay last year and it is awesome. Made in Japan and the quality is exceptional. Worth a look for sure.

 

[Wamsutta]

Williams S-52EHA. Only 14 1/4" overall length.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YR9QF2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jimmyin3D]

Facom SXL.171 / USAG 237 FB 1/2

Base length is 12", extends to 17". Flex head is good on these too. I have the 3/8 version and its been a good ratchet.

https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_253_321&products_id=8593

This ratchet has become my goto 1/2 ratchet after randomly seeing a YouTube video on it. The extension mechanism is easy to use, flex head is tight, and the handle(which I thought I would hate is awesome), also it stays tight when it’s extended etc. the only drawback is probably the sealed head but so far it’s given me no problems.

I originally wanted the Hazet 916LG, but when it’s extended it feels loose and the handle feels empty and cheap. I’m so glad I got the Facom instead.

 

[Jlbc212]

Buy a long one and cut the handle to the length you desire.

 

[bimmer630]

I bought the snap-on SKF 80a.
Here it is pictured next to my 3/8” drive stubby flex, for size comparison.
It’s come in handy a lot for areas like timing chain tensioners that are 27mm and a full length 1/2” ratchet won’t fit down in the area, for example. Also it’s great for my oil pressure sender sockets which are 1/2 drive

 

[Tallpilot]

I bought the snap-on SKF 80a.
Here it is pictured next to my 3/8” drive stubby flex, for size comparison.
It’s come in handy a lot for areas like timing chain tensioners that are 27mm and a full length 1/2” ratchet won’t fit down in the area, for example. Also it’s great for my oil pressure sender sockets which are 1/2 drive

Those handles look really nice (comfortable with nothing to dig into your hand). I like the flares at the bottom to keep your hand from slipping off.

 

[SeisMec]

Snap-on catalogue lists SKF80a as 7-1/2" from top of head to bottom of handle.
For comparison, it lists S80a as 10-5/16".

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I believe wright has one about 10-11” in 1/2 drive

 

[bimmer630]

I already bought the snap on, shown above

 

[dnschmidt]

With a grinder and a cut off wheel any ratchet can be made shorter.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I have a 1/2" drive in a 3/8" Napa NB42 body. Cripe was selling the 1/2" ratchet guts, the NB42 came from ebay.