1/4" flex head ratchet recommendations

[jetmech09]

Looking for a high quality 1/4" locking flex head ratchet, preferably with a long handle. Cost isn't an issue, neither is COO. This will be for use professionally. I would normally just buy a snap-on, but I figure its time to try something else.
Also looking for a short, fine tooth 1/4 ratchet. I know matco makes a good one, but I want to see some other options.
Thanks!

 

[Rogue1987]

Armstrong makes a nice one.
Armstrong Maxx, 60 tooth, 1/4 locking flex head:
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/10-994.html
I've got one, and its done well so far.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Snap-On. T72.

Professional tool use is NOT an experiment.

It's also why i don't buy my tools nor my filet mignon's at Walmart.

It's just money...right????
LOL
Well...i'ts YOUR money.
Experiment away.

 

[jetmech09]

Haha you make a valid point, but I figure there has to be something else out there of equal quality.

 

[RCL]

I have the Armstrong 3/8" and 1/4" and really like them.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Hahahha.
I just looked at a $20 Duralast 1/4" flex yesterday that would equal my older TF936 on any day. And I paid $72 for that 936. (USA head stamp on that 936 btw,LOL)

Ratchets are just not tools I cheap out on. Well I do for my dozens of "back-ups".

If your job depends on it, buy good.

I don't get a Matco or Cornwell driver thus it's S-K if slumming it.

 

[franzdom]

If not Snap-on THLX72 and T72 then I would have to say Armstrong 88t for the small fixed and 60t for the locking flex. They make the Matco ones.

 

[crewchief888]

ive been using a duralast long flex head for about a year at work, without any issues.

it dont get used every day, but when i need it, i really need it.

 

[jetmech09]

I find myself often in tight spots on the airplane, so a very fine tooth would be preferable. I saw somewhere that the armstrong moves quite a bit when it is locked, what's the deal with that? I do get a matco truck at work also.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't care for the Armstrong Maxx 1/4 inch drive flex head because it's only 6.25 inches long. It's a nice ratchet but, I prefer a longer one. To me, the best bang for the buck is this Gearwrench model with comfort grip.
http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-81009f.aspx

It measures a hair over 7.75 inches in length. The one I linked is the new style with 84 teeth. A steal for $33. Of course a better bargain was in May when sears was blowing the 60 tooth version for $12.49.

I've used my 60 tooth model for more than a few years now and it's a great little ratchet.

 

[Skin]

Locking flex heads would be snap-on, matco, or armstrong. The two longest would be the Snap-On THLX72 or Matco AFR68LFTM/G both being around 8". The non-comfort grip models from all 3 brands are around 6".

I saw somewhere that the armstrong moves quite a bit when it is locked, what's the deal with that? I do get a matco truck at work also.

How tight the head is when locked seems random. I have a 3/8" Matco that has a little play in it also but the comfort grip versions i have are very tight. Honestly it doesnt effect functionality at all.

 

[Jim85IROC]

It's not locking, but I'm quite happy with my 1/4" flex Gearwrench. It has detents, and they're pretty firm. It has a nice action, thin head and is plenty strong for a 1/4" too. I have the 3/8" too, and I use it just as much as my Snappy.

 

[Chamkila]

BEST TOOL I OWN USA MADE


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNT37Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jetmech09]

Well so far, the snap-on is really the only one appealing to me, but that bahco one...what's the deal with that? tooth count? Looks a lot like a snappy.

What about short 1/4" straight, any more recommendations? What is the one in the bottom of skins picture?

 

[metaleltr]

Bahco is a division of snap on.

 

[ndoran]

I have a Titan 1/4 inch drive that is 12 inches long, works fine. I also have their 3/8 and 1/2in drive versions that are 18 in and 24 in long respectively. I have the snap on long flex handled in all drives but the Titan's are a bit longer. Like them all never had a poblem with any of them

 

[OEXL16B]

Well so far, the snap-on is really the only one appealing to me, but that bahco one...what's the deal with that? tooth count? Looks a lot like a snappy.

That's a Snap-on TM831 with a long Williams handle. The TM831 ratchet head is branded Williams instead of Snap-on. The Amazon link describes it as a Bahco when actually it's a Snap-on/Williams. The tooth count is 30.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Snappy for me.

 

[pipehack]

I have the Williams. It was under $30.00. Great tool!

 

[Carguy99]

I have a snap on and a mac I cant tell the difference unless I look.

 

[Skin]

What about short 1/4" straight, any more recommendations? What is the one in the bottom of skins picture?

Thats a 72 tooth 3" micro ratchet. Its etched Matco and sourced from Taiwan. Someone here found a quick release version for sale in Asia awhile ago but i've never seen anyone else rebranding them for sales in the states otherwise i wouldnt of paid the Matco premium. Its part number AFR372T. They make a 3/8 version too. Snap-On sells a similar sized round head, TKN72, but for my money i prefer a pear head and reverse lever i can flick easily with a single finger when my hands stuffed into an engine bay with it.

 

[OEXL16B]

Skin,

Which 1/4 drive ratchet handle in your picture feels better, the Snap-on or the Matco?

 

[Skin]

Skin,

Which 1/4 drive ratchet handle in your picture feels better, the Snap-on or the Matco?

i dont really have a preference. Matco comfort grips are probably better if you have larger than average hand size though.

 

[JKady]

I've only got a regular Cornwell flex head at work at the moment, it's a good ratchet but Cornwell is pretty limited on fine tooth stuff. The Armstrong looks pretty appealing to me, may have to pick up all 3 whenever I get my other tool bills paid down or work picks back up so I've got the cash in hand.

 

[EvilWelder]

Snap-On sealed head I got in a kit years ago, still my go to 1/4" ratchet.

 

[49 ford f-3]

For the short straight ratchet you want the MAC MR4C. I am an aviation mechanic, and it is hands down the best current production straight ratchet for us. It is tough, small, fine tooth, relatively inexpensive, and it has Mac's warranty. I wrote reviews on a variety of 1/4" ratchets on my blog

The MAC MR4FC is an awesome flexhead version of the above, but it does not lock.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Looking for a high quality 1/4" locking flex head ratchet, preferably with a long handle. Cost isn't an issue, neither is COO. This will be for use professionally. I would normally just buy a snap-on, but I figure its time to try something else.
Also looking for a short, fine tooth 1/4 ratchet. I know matco makes a good one, but I want to see some other options.
Thanks!

I picked a 1/4 drive Crescent almost brand new for $1.00 at the flea market. It surprised the heck out of me. And its fine tooth works just as good as any truck brand tool.



I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[Sonny2010]

The $19.99 duralast 1/4 flex head is excellent!!

 

[jim1987]

The $19.99 duralast 1/4 flex head is excellent!!

I love mine as well. Added some oil. Tightened down the screws good. Added a nice handle and tightened the flex up. Can't even hear it ratchet. Works almost as good As gearless.

 

[Veto]

I'd say Carlyle R14F90

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...t-Teardrop-Flex-1-4-/_/R-CHQR14F90_0380525685

Cheap, 90 tooth, pear head, good quality, long at 8.25". Not a locking flex though.

 

[Sonny2010]

I love mine as well. Added some oil. Tightened down the screws good. Added a nice handle and tightened the flex up. Can't even hear it ratchet. Works almost as good As gearless.

Super lube does wonders!

 

[Askme42]

I have the armstrong locking flex. I wish it was a little longer but I like it.

 

[cgv69]

I have the Matco AFR68LFT and I am very happy with it.