1/2" Flex Head Ratchet Suggestions?

[Anotherrcguy]

Hi,

I looking to finish off my ratchet collection and I am in the market for a 1/2" long flex head ratchet but I'm not a pro just a DYI'er. I really want a shlf80a or the 24" matco locking flex head but can't justify the money.

I have seen the sk pro flex non locking and the Armstrong locking for more in my price range but trying to decide, do you really need a 24" ratchet if you are a DYI'er?

I typically work on my truck, and four wheelers. I will do brakes, ball joints, rotate tires, oil changes, control arms, u joints, etc.

Constructive responses appreciated.

Price range: $100 or less or trades plus cash always work if anyone has something of interest....

Thanks

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I have an armstrong locking flex, crafty flex and a new carlyle flex

I haven't had the carlyle long enough to rate it.

I do like the locking flex feature of the armstrong

 

[shoturtle]

The 60t Armstrong flex, very good option. You will not be disappointed.

 

[OEXL16B]

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Cornwell SRF76


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[Tomato]

maybe just pick up a craftsman if your not looking to spend a lot.

 

[vga]

I have an older Snap On long handle flex head 1/2" ratchet and am very happy with it.

 

[DTB]

I was lucky enough to pick up a used 24" Matco for $65.That being said,I think a 17" Matco or Armstrong locking flex would serve you well and the Armstrong is in your price range.I've been looking for one to use as a in between ratchet for when the SL80 isn't long enough and the CFR24LFT is to long.

 

[B18c_tuner]

You don't have to spend a lot of money to buy an expensive tool. I purchased a used Snap-on SX936 for around $60 off of CL. I would rate the condition to be an 8 out of 10 with zero rust inside and out. And a few calls to customer service and I have a perfectly working locking flex head (repair kits for locking mechanism & RRK). The deals are out there, you just gotta find them.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I recommend the Armstrong Maxx locking flex head. I have one in 3/8" and 1/2" drive and like them a lot. The 1/2" is 18 1/2" long and they have smaller heads. I like the feel of their handles as well. They are a quality USA made ratchet to boot and not for a lot of money.

I have a 24" breaker bar for breaking loose stuborn fastners.

 

[Jim85IROC]

I'm a big fan of my SK flex. I'd prefer a locking flex, but this SK was too cheap to pass up. It's got about a 15' handle, which lets me get it into more places. For anything tight enough to require more length, U'd rather use a breaker bar.

 

[kornjulio]

I do very similar work as you described and I don't have a 1/2" flex head. 3/8", yes - but I still reach for a regular rat most of the time.

 

[Jawn]

The SK (~18") is a nice ratchet... if you need more, pick up a 24" breaker bar.

 

[toolaholic]

Kobalt has a rather long flex head 1/2 drive ratchet at lowes. I think it's $69. Pricey for Taiwan made Kobalt. Looks well made.

 

[chris6278]

Get the armstrong maxx locking flexhead. Its pretty much the ratchet of choice around here

 

[SMKS]

Another vote for the Armstrong Maxx locking flex head.

I have the 3/8" drive version. It has broken loose some tough suspension bolts without trouble. The locking mechanism works really well and helps prevent busting your knuckles. You can also unlock the mechanism and use it as a standard flex ratchet, for jobs where that comes in handy.

I'm just a DIY'er, so at first I didn't know if spending the money for an Armstrong locking flex would be worth it. It's my most expensive ratchet by far. It was totally worth it. My Maxx is my most used ratchet and I would buy it again in a second.

The locking flex ratchets are still 60 tooth, while some of the other Maxx ratchets are 88 tooth. But don't let that dissuade you, the locking flex ratchets are really, really nice

There are multiple places you can buy them, but I would recommend Harry Epstein. HE is a great store that focuses on quality tools. Plus, Jori at HE is a pretty active member here. I've bought tons of stuff there online and in person.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/12-994.html

Here are a couple threads with more info:

Armstrong Maxx locking flex review

Thread with more general info on the Maxx ratchets.

 

[bart1]

Cometely agree with the Armstrong Maxx from Epstein. I picked up one recently and it seems great.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've got a Westward from Grainger that I picked up a while back and I love it. Taiwanese made, but really nicely done. 25" OAL and 72 teeth. I paid $52 and change for it and have beat the hell out of it at work with no issues.

 

[Mastermind]

I have the 24" matco locking flex and love it. from what i've been hearing the armstong may be the next one in 3/8".

 

[EvilWelder]

I have the old Snap-On sealed head one, but that Armstrong looks like it wants to live on my truck too.

 

[kirk davis]

idk what other more professional users think about them ive been using an ez-red extendable flex head ratchet set for about a year now i think its good for a diyer and it less than 100$ for a set of 3 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 and there made tough ive busted lose nuts and bolts on my 48 dodge project with it that have broken a craftsman and a cheapo stanley.and th ez-red didnt even chip the gear

set http://www.amazon.com/E-Z-Red-MR482F-Extendable-Ratchet/dp/B001JQRZS4/ref=sr_1_6?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1343584558&sr=1-6&keywords=ez+red

single 1/2 http://www.amazon.com/E-Z-Red-MR12F-Extendable-Flex-Head/dp/B002YKGXRS/ref=sr_1_17?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1343584589&sr=1-17

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

idk what other more professional user think about them ive been using an ez-red extendable flex head ratchet set for about a year now i think its good for a diyer and it less than 100$ for a set of 3 1/4 3/8 and 1/2

I've got a coworker that swears by his EZ-Red extendable 1/2" drive. I've never used it, but I know he definitely puts it through it's paces and it has never failed him.

 

[Fedwrench]

Plenty of good recommendations already but, if you want an inexpensive long 1/2 drive flex head ratchet, consider this one from Titan.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-9787-titan-11075.aspx

The Titan 1/2 drive long flex head is rebranded by Mac.

EZ Red also has this model:
http://www.tooltopia.com/ez-red-mr1224f.aspx

Titan also has a 24inch long fixed head 1/2 drive ratchet.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-9790-titan-11087.aspx

 

[Jim85IROC]

I've got a coworker that swears by his EZ-Red extendable 1/2" drive. I've never used it, but I know he definitely puts it through it's paces and it has never failed him.

I have the HF extendable, which is exactly the same. I like it, but I don't really reef on it either.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

If anyone can figure out how to destroy a tool, it is those of us in the industrial repair sector. You'd be amazed at the stuff we break!

 

[ndoran]

Plenty of good recommendations already but, if you want an inexpensive long 1/2 drive flex head ratchet, consider this one from Titan.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-9787-titan-11075.aspx

The Titan 1/2 drive long flex head is rebranded by Mac.

EZ Red also has this model:
http://www.tooltopia.com/ez-red-mr1224f.aspx

Titan also has a 24inch long fixed head 1/2 drive ratchet.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-9790-titan-11087.aspx

i have the Titan set and I am very pleased with them