1/2 long handle flex head recommendations

[MattV]

I've run into a recurring job at work that I want a particular ratchet for. I'm looking for a 24"(ish) flex head 1/2 drive. It's an akward position that doesn't require a ton of torque, but I can't really get leverage behind it. The first time I fought with a double wrench and it took almost 2 hours of struggle to remove the bolts. Last time I borrowed a friend's Mac ratchet meeting these specs, and it took about half an hour and not much struggle.

This job only come up about once a month and I won't be using this ratchet much outside of it so I don't need to spend top dollar, but breaking it may require a trip to the hospital. Normally I wouldn't think this hard, but I don't want to overspend for occasional use, or underspend and hurt myself. Tooth count isn't a huge selling feature for this particular tool.

So far I've found a couple options:

https://www.amazon.ca/Titan-Long-Flex-Head-Ratchet-TTN-11302/dp/B06Y44P5PF?tag=atomicindus04-20

This seems like a bad option that won't hold up. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/HAND-RATCHET%2C1-2%22-DRIVE%2COVERALL-25%22-L/p/EBP440G16?analytics=cart

Right now I'm leaning towards this one. I've read some hate for Westward and I've found some of their offerings to be junk, but my area is saturated with westward tools and I haven't had too many issues with most of their tools. I'd love to hear feedback on this one.

https://www.amazon.ca/GEARWRENCH-Drive-Locking-Teardrop-Ratchet/dp/B08P288NKS?tag=atomicindus04-20

This seems like another reasonable option. It also costs nearly twice as much as the westward and I've heard gearwrench can be questionable. I have the 17" version that has served me well, but the extra length might be enough to start breakng things?

Flex Head Ratchet - 90 Tooth

The precision-machined 90 tooth ratchet mechanism with only a 4-degree swing arc makes it easy to work in tight areas with a limited range of motion rotates a total of 180 degrees to help you access areas that would be hard to reach with a fixed-head ratchet. Completely engineered, fabricated...

olsatools.ca

This seems like one I'd be happy with. Made in USA (sounds like SK rebrand?) Olsa is pretty much local to me, so I don't mind supporting them. For the price though, why not go with a tool truck ratchet?


Mac and Snapon are also options. I don't really want to spend this much for such a rarely used tool. I suppose this should be a forever tool, and uses do evolve over time.

I appreciate any advice, and would love to see alternative suggestions.

 

[Pasha]

How much are you willing to spend? Are you open to buying a used ratchet? You can find 24'' Snap-On Dual 80 flex head ratchets on Ebay for around $170-200. Under $150 for brands like Matco or Cornwell.

Not quite 24 inches long, but other good options would be the Wright 4430, Proto J5457F (one of my personal favorites), SK 42472, and Tone RH4HL.

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[Wamsutta]

I prefer the continuous movement flex joint over the spring loaded ball detent type. For that reason I would recommend Snap-on.

A 24 inch flex ratchet would be very useful for lug nuts and suspension fasteners. Not to mention rotating an engine over by the crank bolt.

 

[demarpaint]

The Snap-On is a beast.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have the Powerbuilt Pro Tech 649956. But it seems to be out of stock everywhere so its next of kin is the Tone RH4FHX which is currently cheaper anyways shipped from Amazon via AMZ/J.

I also have the Genius 484468P which is a beast and very reasonably priced but the head is pinned and can get floppy. I shimmed mine and it works great.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Splurge a little and buy the Snap On used on ebay

 

[demarpaint]

Splurge a little and buy the Snap On used on ebay

+1 If I didn't have one, that's what I would do.

 

[liliysdad]

Splurge a little and buy the Snap On used on ebay

Always the right answer....but I would throw Matco in there as well. I have both brands in the drawer and would absolutely replace my long 1/2 flex with a similar Matco Eighty8 in a heartbeat. Until I run across the right deal, the Snap-On is a beast.

 

[MattV]

How much are you willing to spend? Are you open to buying a used ratchet? You can find 24'' Snap-On Dual 80 flex head ratchets on Ebay for around $170-200. Under $150 for brands like Matco or Cornwell.

Not quite 24 inches long, but other good options would be the Wright 4430, Proto J5457F (one of my personal favorites), SK 42472, and Tone RH4HL.

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I'd love a snapon, but this thing would live at work and I just don't have the use for it to justify the cost of one. I would prefer to keep the cost under $150 Canadian. I'm from rural Alberta so used availability is almost non-existent. The available options on Ebay unfortunately come with a huge shipping cost from the US.

Unfortunately I don't think the shorter options would quite do it. The extra leverage is a must.

I have the Powerbuilt Pro Tech 649956. But it seems to be out of stock everywhere so its next of kin is the Tone RH4FHX which is currently cheaper anyways shipped from Amazon via AMZ/J.

I also have the Genius 484468P which is a beast and very reasonably priced but the head is pinned and can get floppy. I shimmed mine and it works great.

Interesting, all of these options did turn up while I was looking but I'd discounted them as typical amazon junk as I'd never heard of the brands before. How much abuse have you had to put yours through? As I said, I'm not going to be able to put all of my weight behind it for the intended use, but I want something I can trust not to break.

 

[mreisner]

I have the Olsa 3/8 version of that ratchet and I absolutely love it extremely smooth very low Back Drag feels nice in the hand. I also have many Snap on ratchets and the Olsa is equivalent to them in my opinion at least for the one I have. I think you will be very happy with it also.

 

[08h3]

16 years ago I bought a snap on SLF936, it’s a beast! I mainly bought it for doing suspension work and stuck lug nuts when I was a lead tech in a small shop. The owner supplied us the 3 techs with a nice supply of tools to use but there was occasionally a need for a bigger ratchet. I’ve used it a ton since then for numerous jobs and odd things.

If I didn’t have it today I’d likely still buy a snap on used or a matco.

 

[VolvoRyan]

With the Snap-On, you won't use a breaker bar anymore. You'd be surprised how often you use a 24" ratchet once you have one.

-Ryan

 

[KnurledNut]

How much abuse have you had to put yours through? As I said, I'm not going to be able to put all of my weight behind it for the intended use, but I want something I can trust not to break.

The Powerbuilt has a strong mechanism but is compact and thin and the handle will flex under heavy load.
The Genius is built like a tank and will take whatever you dish out.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have a 24" SK LP90 and a Snap-on 25"(?) locking flex. I bought the SK off the steals and deals page a few years ago and it hasn't let me down. The Snap-on I got used from the pawn shop for $150 and I give it a slight edge over the SK because of the thicker handle. If you pick the Olsa ratchet, it'll suit you well.

 

[strutaeng]

I bought a Gearwrench a few months ago and I've really liked it working on an engine removal, overhaul and reinstall on my suburban.

It's got the positive flex detents and a lock to fix it there. I like the lock feature. I've got a little 1/4 HF flex head and don't like it because the angle will move on you when you are trying to get into a tight spot. My other 3/8 flex head has the detents which I like more.

GEARWRENCH 1/2" Drive 120XP Locking Flex Head Ratchet with Full Polish Grip - 25" Length - 81376 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YMYFJKP?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MattV]

With the Snap-On, you won't use a breaker bar anymore. You'd be surprised how often you use a 24" ratchet once you have one.

-Ryan

Most of my work is 3/4" drive, and what I can't get with an impact I use a torch. I'd like the Snap-on one for sure, but it's tough to justify the cost for occasional use. I believe you about the breaker bar thing though, my brother is a 6'6" ogre, and he hasn't managed to break his in 15 years of heavy duty mechanical work.

 

[MattV]

The Powerbuilt has a strong mechanism but is compact and thin and the handle will flex under heavy load.
The Genius is built like a tank and will take whatever you dish out.

Thanks, I'd discounted Genius an option but maybe I shouldn't have.

 

[Steve_P]

Gearwrench 90T is a good budget option with about the thinnest head in a true 1/2 drive. For a perfectionist, the head fit on mine was a bit loose in the yoke, but a shoulder screw shim fixed it right up.

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-81363T-Automotive-Wrenches-Ratchet/dp/B07SQFZ887/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JWC86]

I'd love a snapon, but this thing would live at work and I just don't have the use for it to justify the cost of one. I would prefer to keep the cost under $150 Canadian. I'm from rural Alberta so used availability is almost non-existent. The available options on Ebay unfortunately come with a huge shipping cost from the US.

Unfortunately I don't think the shorter options would quite do it. The extra leverage is a must.


Interesting, all of these options did turn up while I was looking but I'd discounted them as typical amazon junk as I'd never heard of the brands before. How much abuse have you had to put yours through? As I said, I'm not going to be able to put all of my weight behind it for the intended use, but I want something I can trust not to break.

Do you have a princess auto close by? They have some long 1/2 flex head options that aren't terrible.

 

[Zewnten]

For intermittent use the gearwrench will be fine. Everyday use I'd go with Snap On or Matco. Personally I prefer locking flex but the powerbuilt ratchets are very nice

 

[65k10]

While I'm in the used Snap-On or Matco ratchet camp, I do have the 84t Gearwrench and while it's a bit disappointing compared to the similar Matco it might be a viable option. The good is that it uses a reasonably well proven mechanism that is strong and should be easy to get repair kits for if needed. The bad is that quality control can be a bit iffy and in my case the ratchet wanted to auto reverse with most any oil in it when new. A repair kit would probably fix things since I have quite a few other 84t ratchets floating around and they don't do this when lubed with thicker oils. The lock sort of works but doesn't seem to be as positive as the Matco, but if the lock doesn't matter, you can always leave it unlocked. I also don't care for how skinny the handle on it is compared to other ratchets of that length. However, I did a very unscientific test this morning comparing it to my shlf80a and the flex between the two wasn't too different when trying to tighten a fastener down.

I got the Gearwrench during an Amazon Black Friday sale for about $53 USD. For that price it lives in a tractor where infrequent use means the shortcomings aren't a big deal. At the more typical price in the mid $80s USD, it's hard to pick it over spending another $50-60 on a used Matco since that is an option in the US. All that said, it is a workable solution at its price point and I could see going with it it a used Snap-On or Matco is not a viable option.

 

[ThePostman]

I've used and abused this ratchet since it came out, it won't die.

1/2 in. Drive Professional Long-Reach Flex Head Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 1/2In Dr Pro Flex Head Ratchet Long at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Willing to spend some coin? This one sees a lot of use, as well as my go to alignment ratchet.

1/2" DRIVE 33-3/8" EIGHTY8 TOOTH LOCKING FLEX RATCHET WITH ERGO HANDLE - GREEN CFR308LFG | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

I have the 3/8" and 1/4” version of this, a Mac Axis 90 branded as Proto, they are great ratchets, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this one, knurling only available in Proto.

Proto 1/2" Drive 90 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 17-11/16" L, Full Polish Finish J5450HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto 1/2" Drive 90 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 17-11/16" L, Full Polish Finish, J5450HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

I have some LP90s as well that I've been pleased with, I'm really curious about the Olsa.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

With the Snap-On, you won't use a breaker bar anymore. You'd be surprised how often you use a 24" ratchet once you have one.

-Ryan

Just got the Flf80A, it is a beast definitely can handle situations where a breaker may be used.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Maybe I made a mistake but my 1/2" setup is:

SF80A 18" flex 80 tooth ratchet
paired with a SN24C 24" Breaker Bar

I also have the 10" SK 42470 round head which I got mostly to round out my set of all three drives in the classic MiUSA SK ratchet while I could still get them new a few years back before they are offshored. If I were doing it again I'd get the Quinn from HF sealed ratchet MiTaiwan. I'll probably get one anyway to complete the trifecta of those since I got the 1/4 and 3/8 and like them for what they are and the price.

My theory is while I could have gotten a single 24" flex SO ratchet, I opted to get an 18" ratchet with a 24" breaker bar. I'm skeptical of the claims that the 24" ratchet is as strong as a breaker bar. Maybe it's 90% as strong but it can't be equally strong, and as a home gamer, I can't count on warranty and I dont have multiple duplicates or coworkers in nearby bays to borrow tools from.

If my ratchet breaks, that might be a very expensive series of Uber trips or a tow and downtime from my life and job.

I figure 18" will get into more places than a 24" can so it's more useful. And if I need more leverage, I got the 24" breaker bar. I can even use the breaker bar for more length, if needed.

And if 18" is too big, I can probably use my 10" fixed head 1/2-drive or a 14" flex 3/8" drive" with overlapping sized fasteners.

I haven't bothered getting a smaller flex ratchet because if it's a confined space on a fastener at 19mm or under, I should probably be using 3/8 drive, but if I am using 1/2 it's because I needed extra torque that 3/8 couldn't handle and using a flex head will cut into my torque ability and frustrate me.

If I need to us a stubby 1/2" drive flex head because no larger tool will fit and because 3/8 lacks the torque, then it's probably a fastener I can't remove by hand anyway.

 

[WWheeler]

Snap-on SHLF80A. 25" long beast of a ratchet.

I bought mine used on ebay back pre-covid when you could still get one for under $100. Nowadays used are fetching north of $150. Still very much worth every penny.

 

[swsman]

Maybe I made a mistake but my 1/2" setup is:

SF80A 18" flex 80 tooth ratchet
paired with a SN24C 24" Breaker Bar

I also have the 10" SK 42470 round head which I got mostly to round out my set of all three drives in the classic MiUSA SK ratchet while I could still get them new a few years back before they are offshored. If I were doing it again I'd get the Quinn from HF sealed ratchet MiTaiwan. I'll probably get one anyway to complete the trifecta of those since I got the 1/4 and 3/8 and like them for what they are and the price.

My theory is while I could have gotten a single 24" flex SO ratchet, I opted to get an 18" ratchet with a 24" breaker bar. I'm skeptical of the claims that the 24" ratchet is as strong as a breaker bar. Maybe it's 90% as strong but it can't be equally strong, and as a home gamer, I can't count on warranty and I dont have multiple duplicates or coworkers in nearby bays to borrow tools from.

If my ratchet breaks, that might be a very expensive series of Uber trips or a tow and downtime from my life and job.

I figure 18" will get into more places than a 24" can so it's more useful. And if I need more leverage, I got the 24" breaker bar. I can even use the breaker bar for more length, if needed.

And if 18" is too big, I can probably use my 10" fixed head 1/2-drive or a 14" flex 3/8" drive" with overlapping sized fasteners.

I haven't bothered getting a smaller flex ratchet because if it's a confined space on a fastener at 19mm or under, I should probably be using 3/8 drive, but if I am using 1/2 it's because I needed extra torque that 3/8 couldn't handle and using a flex head will cut into my torque ability and frustrate me.

If I need to us a stubby 1/2" drive flex head because no larger tool will fit and because 3/8 lacks the torque, then it's probably a fastener I can't remove by hand anyway.

Don't go overboard with the scenarios. Put your tools to use, upgrade/replace/add as the situation calls for it.

With cordless tools available to me, in my case anyway ratchets see lesser use. Don't get me wrong they still have their well earned place in my toolbox. Breaker bars as well.

This forum as much as I enjoy it, is a slippery slope and it is easy to get caught up in the tool acquisition game.

Get wrenching...

 

[908Jim]

I would "build" a Matco 88 Flex Head. You will not find a nicer ratchet for the money.

"Build" a Matco swivel ratchet for $33

start here for $25: Edit, new listing again (3/1/18 5:45pm), $29 now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MATCO-BRTBSLS-RATCHET-REPAIR-KIT-FOR-3-8-LOCKING-FLEX-FLIP-LEVER-COMPLETE/263526402120? add one of these for $7.31 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3X3NJS/?tag=atomicindus08-20 add a...

www.garagejournal.com

$38 + shipping on Ebay for an 1/2 88 Head + breaker bar of your choice.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/196340542322?

 

[mreisner]

That head now is $105 or so from Matco, they caught on to it. Matco ratchets themselves that are on sale now approximately 30% off.

 

[Cruzan80]

Yeah, auction lady listed in that thread raised her prices about $10 or so in the last couple of days

 

[richfinn]

Facom extendable flex-head might be within your budget and available in Canada.

I have a 3/8 version and they are really nice strong ratchets for the £££

Facom SXL.171 1/2" Drive Flexi Head Extendable Locking Ratchet 305-435mm - PrimeTools

8 positions extendable from 305mm – 435mm. Access in confined spaces. Powerful: more torque less effort. Safe: extension locking mechanism. (Pull collar down to release). Sealed head maintenance free. 72 teeth mechanism for 5 degree increments. Drive direction switch. Hanging hook.

www.primetools.co.uk

Just check if it’s long enough for your particular task

 

[Andres26tnt]

Facom extendable flex-head might be within your budget and available in Canada.

I have a 3/8 version and they are really nice strong ratchets for the £££

Facom SXL.171 1/2" Drive Flexi Head Extendable Locking Ratchet 305-435mm - PrimeTools

8 positions extendable from 305mm – 435mm. Access in confined spaces. Powerful: more torque less effort. Safe: extension locking mechanism. (Pull collar down to release). Sealed head maintenance free. 72 teeth mechanism for 5 degree increments. Drive direction switch. Hanging hook.

www.primetools.co.uk

Just check if it’s long enough for your particular task

Shush it's unserviceable, that's a big no no on here.

 

[richfinn]

Shush it's unserviceable, that's a big no no on here.

Meh, just buy another in 20 years time

 

[Andres26tnt]

Meh, just buy another in 20 years time

Joking aside, people sure talk like they service their ratchets weakly. Haven't touched mine in like 1y . Excellent ratchet by the way, wished Stanley rebranded this one's for craftsman

 

[Schurkey]

This job only come up about once a month and I won't be using this ratchet much outside of it so I don't need to spend top dollar, but breaking it may require a trip to the hospital.

That right there tells me you need the best ratchet you can afford. How much does a trip to the hospital cost--lost wages, co-pays for treatment, co-pays for medications, maybe the cost of the ambulance ride? What is your suffering and aggravation worth?

As said, once you have the long-handle ratchet, you'll use it more than you'd expect. I did.





I bought Snap-On; the SLF80A.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

But if I were doing it again, I'd see if I could get something similar with the quick-release head. SHRLF80A, maybe.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Mostly agree with that last post. At 24” you are in “oh-****” territory if it breaks, however I see you said the job is low torque so it sounds like you just need something reliable enough to not break from regular use. If so I’d recommend this guy: https://www.amazon.com/T-One-RH4FHX/dp/B00EY6B2OE?tag=atomicindus08-20

Tone 24.75” flex head. Uses the same ratchet mechanism as Carlyle’s 72 tooth series. $57.53 from amazon japan