Yep, I've done several of those diff plugs, always with an 18" breaker, vehicle on ramps...
1/2" Drive - Long Handle Flex Head Ratchets +20"
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Yep, I've done several of those diff plugs, always with an 18" breaker, vehicle on ramps...
Someone early said something that makes sense... if I get the 18" version I can always put a pipe on it.
Gray Tools makes a 40 tooth version... I like buying Canadian when possible but would I be kicking myself not getting +60 teeth in a 1/2" drive? I've never had fine teeth before to my knowledge, my Mastercraft stuff is old tech
Snappy and Armstrong look like great options if I step down in length... save me some $ for a cordless impact later
Gray Tools makes a 40 tooth version... I like buying Canadian when possible but would I be kicking myself not getting +60 teeth in a 1/2" drive? I've never had fine teeth before to my knowledge, my Mastercraft stuff is old tech
Snappy and Armstrong look like great options if I step down in length... save me some $ for a cordless impact later
gdocktor3
Well-known member
For something that long, I highly recommend a quality made, fine tooth ratchet.
dutchgray
Well-known member
I have the Cornwell one, its nice but its so long, heavy and awkward to use I have one used it a handful of times, usually on something that has to be turned a lot and stays tight, like when the threads are damaged or winding in a large lag bolt when there isn't clearance for a big drill.
DeliveryGuy
Well-known member
Gray Tools makes a 40 tooth version... I like buying Canadian when possible but would I be kicking myself not getting +60 teeth in a 1/2" drive? I've never had fine teeth before to my knowledge, my Mastercraft stuff is old tech
I have all the Gray non-flex stuff. The 15" standard handle 1/2" one is great. The 40 tooth head hasn't been an issue so far. I don't find I ever use a large 1/2" ratchet in "tight quarters". The 1/2" Gray ratchets have very low back drag, which makes them feel great.
I don't have any Gray flex ratchets. I have the Armstrong Maxx 88t locking flex ratchets. They are quite nice, but the 1/2" one binds up sometimes. I've read that others have the same problem.
wafrederick
Well-known member
I have the Matco version and never broke it yet.This was before the ratchets were on backorder.Good news is Matco is back in ratchet production..My dealer had a few in his tool truck and he has $3,000.00 worth on order already which he is supposed to get in November.I did buy a metal handle version,the 3/8 drive locking flex head a few weeks ago although I have the plastic handle version.Like my plastic handled one and decided to get this one.
Just to post an update, had the 24" snap-on (new) and a used Matco in my hands today, Snap-On is definitely out of the question... I hate the locking mechanism on the Snap-On. The head also had a terrible amount of play in it for being "locked"
The Matco was beat up and had less play in the head. The 88 tooth head doesn't feel as nice as the Snap-On but that's a trade I'm willing to make.
That being said, I'll likely be grabbing a Gear Wrench version since it appears it will be the same thing for less money. If both ratchet mechanisms have been on back order for +8 months there is no way the Matco one is made in the ol' USA
The Matco was beat up and had less play in the head. The 88 tooth head doesn't feel as nice as the Snap-On but that's a trade I'm willing to make.
That being said, I'll likely be grabbing a Gear Wrench version since it appears it will be the same thing for less money. If both ratchet mechanisms have been on back order for +8 months there is no way the Matco one is made in the ol' USA
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Similar but, not the same. Matco switched suppliers but, my understanding that the new supplier is US made.
The locking gearwrench flexhead ratchets are similar to the MATCO version but, the locking mechanism on the Gearwrench isn't as secure as the one found on the Matco versions. The switch is shaped differently and can be accessed from above or below on the Gearwrench model. There's more lateral movement on the Gearwrench. Check Ebay for the Gearwrench as I've seen the 24 inch long locking 1/2 drive flex head ratchet going for $69 plus shipping. Good luck in your quest
To update this thread I purchased the non locking 24" Snap On version yesterday.
I've been chasing Matco drivers but they didn't have stock and warranty is almost non-existent with these guys because there isn't one where I live. I'm chasing down guys that live +30 miles away.
The Snap On was priced right ($170) - $100 cheaper than Matco
The mechanism itself is far superior, Matco ratchets feel ridiculously clunk for being 88 tooth. For $100 back in my pocket I don't think I'll miss the locking feature and from what I have seen the Snap On heads stay tight.
And best of all if I bust the head I can have Snap On mail one to my door step... can't do that with Matco which was the final nail in the coffin for me.
Very happy
I've been chasing Matco drivers but they didn't have stock and warranty is almost non-existent with these guys because there isn't one where I live. I'm chasing down guys that live +30 miles away.
The Snap On was priced right ($170) - $100 cheaper than Matco
The mechanism itself is far superior, Matco ratchets feel ridiculously clunk for being 88 tooth. For $100 back in my pocket I don't think I'll miss the locking feature and from what I have seen the Snap On heads stay tight.
And best of all if I bust the head I can have Snap On mail one to my door step... can't do that with Matco which was the final nail in the coffin for me.
Very happy
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I cranked down the torx on my SHLF80 and you have to really grab it and force it to move. So, it's not locking, but it stays put. But it is very long. I don't use it as often as I thought because of that. When I do it saves my ***. I think an 18 inch is much more commonly used. In other words I think you should get both
oldldh
Well-known member
I bought the Tekton 1/2" Drive 24" 72 Tooth Ratchet last year...
Non-Flex...
Taiwan manufacture...
I paid $29.66 for it...
It's $35.99 now, from Amazon...
Lifetime warranty on everything...
Send an email, with a photo of the broken part, and they'll FedEx you a new one...
Beat that!!!
Non-Flex...
Taiwan manufacture...
I paid $29.66 for it...
It's $35.99 now, from Amazon...
Lifetime warranty on everything...
Send an email, with a photo of the broken part, and they'll FedEx you a new one...
Beat that!!!
Attachments
I snapped the harbor freight extendable ratchet a few times, landing on my *** hurting myself, this is the same ratchet except it's even longer!! Be careful leaning on it I wasn't using a pipe when it let go
Schurkey
Well-known member
I guess it's the pick of the litter of bottom-feeder import junk. I'd much rather save a few dollars even if it lands me in the emergency room when it fails...
...well, no. I devised a strategy decades ago. I had a heap of Craftsman apprentice-grade stuff, along with a heap of stuff Dear Old Dad got from flea markets and Government auctions. I warrantied tools that broke, and kept using the replacement (mostly Craftsman) unless I saw my own blood because of the tool failure. Then I'd warranty the thing, sell it, and buy QUALITY.
The problem was, it was addictive. The more quality I bought, the more I wanted to buy. The only Sears **** I have obtained in the last twenty years have been closeouts/bargains on USA-made stuff, or Christmas presents from relatives who love me and think they're doing me a favor by buying me Chinese stuff.
Yea same here, the first dual 80 I bought absolutely spoiled me and made me buy more and not wanna use anything else.
OutsideMachinist
Well-known member
Depends what you are trying to do with it I guess. I have stood on it and practically jumped on it and it didnt break, and im like 220. The very end of the comfort grip will break off because its not solid all the way, like the last inch or two or so. Never broke the ratcheting end and I abuse the hell out of it. But I have broken 3/4 and 1'' drive snap on and proto ratchets. Does that mean the hf is better? Of course not, its about knowing the tools limitations and excepting if you are abusing it that it could break. Not saying isnt possible you could have got a bad one as well.
To update this thread I purchased the non locking 24" Snap On version yesterday.
I've been chasing Matco drivers but they didn't have stock and warranty is almost non-existent with these guys because there isn't one where I live. I'm chasing down guys that live +30 miles away.
The Snap On was priced right ($170) - $100 cheaper than Matco
The mechanism itself is far superior, Matco ratchets feel ridiculously clunk for being 88 tooth. For $100 back in my pocket I don't think I'll miss the locking feature and from what I have seen the Snap On heads stay tight.
And best of all if I bust the head I can have Snap On mail one to my door step... can't do that with Matco which was the final nail in the coffin for me.
Very happy
Excellent choice, and good price. I paid $250 for my dual 80 with comfort grip.
I would actually have preferred one without the comfort grip, but that's what he had on the truck.
They are extremely handy ratchets to have around for all kinds of stuff, but the main reason I got mine was for heads.
Pretty much every thing is tty now and trying to get 90 or 120 degrees turn in one shot in an engine bay isn't all that easy, something will be in the way.
Having a flex head allows you to get around whatever is in the way, a breaker bar won't always clear.
A shorter breaker, or a shorter flex head works if you are strong enough, but its murder on your elbows after awhile, plus much higher potential for injury/breakage.
With the long flex head snap on its easy. Like a night and day difference.
I'm 230 and I have broken 3 of the harbor freights, they are excellent ratchets for the money and can certainly take a beating, but using these on heavy equipment professionally, 1/2 drive is already being pushed to its limits, so I went with the snap on, after all I believe the saying goes "you'll know what you need to spend money on after you use it professionally" I still keep the hf as backups tho, they are probably the best for the money and blow crapsman out of the water.
Yup I bought the non comfort grip... don't wrench daily, but I hate how torn up they get and they are much easier to keep clean without those stupid grips
AntonLargiader
Well-known member
I have the 24" Dual 80 locking flex, hard handle. Really like it. I guess it's the SLX80A.
For me, the flex is important because I can keep the force in line with the contact and keep from applying a cantilever load that tries to flip the socket off the fastener. Very helpful on thin nuts and with special tools that have fairly shallow engagement. I always leave the lock set (and I adjust it constantly) but I'm pretty sure it can be flipped over to the disengaged position if you want.
For one use, I routinely apply 220 Nm for installing, and removing can be far more, like my whole 180 pounds bouncing on the end of it. It's just amazing how strong the joint is.
Yes, Dual 80 really spoiled me, too. I switched everything over to that.
For me, the flex is important because I can keep the force in line with the contact and keep from applying a cantilever load that tries to flip the socket off the fastener. Very helpful on thin nuts and with special tools that have fairly shallow engagement. I always leave the lock set (and I adjust it constantly) but I'm pretty sure it can be flipped over to the disengaged position if you want.
For one use, I routinely apply 220 Nm for installing, and removing can be far more, like my whole 180 pounds bouncing on the end of it. It's just amazing how strong the joint is.
Yes, Dual 80 really spoiled me, too. I switched everything over to that.
I think it has already spoiled me and I haven't even used the darn thing... that will be changing shortly because I need to install my snows on the truck.
It's incredible seeing the difference in tooth quality compared to Matco and MAC. I am a believer now.
I had a chance to handle some Gray ratchets and I still think I'll get some even with 40 teeth... the 40 teeth felt like a Matco 88 as far as tooth engagement is concerned. Perhaps something in the 15" range will complete my collection nicely; and half the cost of Snap-On
kctyphoon
Banned
If I remember correctly the ez red ratchets are basically the same as HF. Same internals. I think ex red offered an extendable 1/2 like the HF model, just with an available flex head. I also think ez red offered replacement internals as a separate product for repairs or spares. The extending HF ratchet has been pretty bomb proof for most people that own them.
Here is ez red's locking flex head extendable 1/2".. they have many different similar ratchets, including a 3 piece set in every size. I'd consider them.. you can get much more use out of the extending handle then just one ratchet that won't fit in most places.
http://www.ezred.com/product/12-drive-locking-flex-head-extendable-ratchet-2/
They have non extending ratchets, with and without the comfort grip as well in locking, non locking flex, and standard head too.. IMO they are the most for the money..
http://www.ezred.com/product-category/diagnostic-tools-hand-tools/rachets/
Here's the all chrome locking flex head in 1/2" without the comfortgrip, non extending. These also have the socket retention lock unlike the Gearwrench I believe.. about $55 on eBay
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=182150600354
Here is ez red's locking flex head extendable 1/2".. they have many different similar ratchets, including a 3 piece set in every size. I'd consider them.. you can get much more use out of the extending handle then just one ratchet that won't fit in most places.
http://www.ezred.com/product/12-drive-locking-flex-head-extendable-ratchet-2/
They have non extending ratchets, with and without the comfort grip as well in locking, non locking flex, and standard head too.. IMO they are the most for the money..
http://www.ezred.com/product-category/diagnostic-tools-hand-tools/rachets/
Here's the all chrome locking flex head in 1/2" without the comfortgrip, non extending. These also have the socket retention lock unlike the Gearwrench I believe.. about $55 on eBay
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=182150600354
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