3/8" flex head ratchet recommendations?

[griff99]

Okay I have a few ratchets, not as many as a lot of you, probably more than a few of you. Now I am looking for a 3/8" flex head. I am thinking of a budget between $35-$50.

My current list of ratchets...

1/4", 3/8", 1/2" Craftsman standard raised panel ratchets (came as part of a ~200 piece set)
1/4", 3/8", 1/2" Craftsman thin profile ratchets
3/8" Craftsman stubby ratchet
3/8" Craftsman long handle ratchet
3/8" Craftsman offset flex

and a few no name ones that were probably made in China or Taiwan that were gifts back when I was a teenager as part of my first tool set.

Notice a pattern here?

I have looked at the Gearwrench offerings, the Duralast offerings, Williams and Armstrong on-line, but I have never used any of them. I'd love an FLF80 but I don't want spend that much $$$ since I am just a weekend user of my tools. Also what are peoples thoughts on comfort handle vs. a standard chrome handle?

Thanks!

P.S. Made in USA is a plus.

 

[millwrightjesse]

My duralast 3/8 flex head has done good and I usemy tools hard it has done better then my dual 80

 

[DrkMtnDew]

watch the pawn shops. if your lucky you can find an FLF80 for under $50. others i can think of that have been getting good review but are not US made is Duralast and Gearwrench. i'm sure there are many others but these are the ones that came to mind first.

 

[csargents1546]

I picked up my roto head SO ratchet for cheap at a second hand tool store in denver

 

[mikevango]

I got a snap on flf80 from cl for $60. Why not stick with craftsman? Duralast blah.

 

[Scout Driver]

Mine's an Allen. Nice long handle. Tight flex. Knurled grip. Bought mine for just over $25 on sale at Menards.

Scott

 

[griff99]

I got a snap on flf80 from cl for $60. Why not stick with craftsman? Duralast blah.

Craftsman only makes what they call the "ergnomic" handle in a straight handle flex head 3/8" or a raised panel, I don't particularly like either one, and those are two that I have actually used.

Mine's an Allen. Nice long handle. Tight flex. Knurled grip. Bought mine for just over $25 on sale at Menards.

Scott

No Menards around me, but I am sure I could find one on-line. Are Allen tools USA made?

 

[trout]

If you really want the FLF80 I'd hold out. I got mine $75 new, used ones show up in your price range often.

If you want to save money though someone had some craftsman flex heads with metal selectors for sale in the classifieds for $25. I find they are much tighter and don't start auto-reversing as much.

 

[Wes28376]

I don't have the flex head version of the gearwrench but I do have the standard version and I'm extremely happy with it. I have the flex head version of the 1/4" duralast and while it's a well built strong little ratchet I just don't like the low tooth count of the ratchet. So between the two I would go with the gearwrench.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I just picked up a roto head pittsburgh pro 3/8" with the new green handle I like it so far, but have only had it a few days.

 

[Scout Driver]

Craftsman only makes what they call the "ergnomic" handle in a straight handle flex head 3/8" or a raised panel, I don't particularly like either one, and those are two that I have actually used.



No Menards around me, but I am sure I could find one on-line. Are Allen tools USA made?

Yes, most are USA. Watch for the foreign Allen tools though if COO is a big concern. All of the open-stock Allen I have seen is American made. Great value. Nice fit and finish. I've been very happy with mine.

Scott

 

[TheDukeofDeere]

I personally like locking flexheads a little more than regular flexheads but with that said, I wouldn't hesitate picking up the 3/8" Duralast ratchet. As far as handles are concerned it really depends on the brand. I like comfort handles, especially on my Matco 88's and chrome handles on others (Snap On Dual 80's).

The Duralast in the flexhead version doesn't come with a comfort handle, but if you clip the spring (which I followed Kirbot's post and it worked wonders) and apply some Permatex, you will have an extremely solid flexhead for reasonable coin. I have the comfort handle 3/8" Duralast and if I already didn't buy a FHLF80 I would pick up the Duralast flexhead in a heartbeat.

If you like that style flexhead (non-locking) after purchasing the Duralast, you can look for a better replacement down the road.

Two other options, one which has been mentioned is the Gearwrench, another one that comes to mind, which you can find on tooltopia.com is the Armstrong Maxx series flexheads. Once again, no comfort handle but if it is anything like my Matco ratchets, you would have a great ratchet with Armstrong.

The last option you have is finding a good FLF936/FLF80 on eBay or the classifieds here.

 

[mikevango]

If you couldn't figure it out yourself, durslast is the trendy ratchet of the month.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

I don't know where you live, but Topeka, KS has pretty good pawn shops. Still, I have NEVER seen a flex-head ratchet that wasn't a no-name piece of garbage.

yeah about 2-3 weeks ago pick up a FBF80 for $20. i don't like the bent handle but for that price i wasn't going to be too picky.

 

[crewchief888]

for home use my flex head is a duralast
at work it's a SO

comfort grip vs std grip?

my personal preference is a std grip, it's all i ever had until about a year ago,
i do have a couple comfort grips at work, much nicer to grab onto when tools and hands are cold.

 

[TheDukeofDeere]

If you couldn't figure it out yourself, durslast is the trendy ratchet of the month.

If that's the case, I guess the Snap On Dual 80's are the trendy ratchet of 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.

He wants a flexhead at a reasonable price, Duralast fits that description and I offered it as an option, "trendy" or not.

Just curious, what do you have against them?

I'll respect your opinion on the Duralast, if you can respect those who think Duralast is a pretty solid ratchet for the price.

 

[KU_MechE]

Matco locking flex all the way. In the $70 range on eBay, but awesome 88 tooth ratchet. Could also find a similar Armstrong but not sure of tooth count

 

[mossyboy6]

Trendy isnt necessarily a bad thing.



OP should keep in mind a HF roto head, I dislike the 1/4, but the 3/8 and 1/2 versions have held up very well over the past year for me.

 

[smalltruck]

Matco locking flex all the way. In the $70 range on eBay, but awesome 88 tooth ratchet. Could also find a similar Armstrong but not sure of tooth count

I have one of those in the long handle green comfort grip, its okay. I also have the same ratchet in 1/2 drive with the long 24 inch handle. That one I love.

 

[amolaver]

as others have said in passing, if you haven't tried a roto (aka swivel) head ratchet, you might want to take a cheapie from HF for a spin and see if you like it. my flex heads sit in the box now - i use either straight (thin profile or comfort handle GW) or comfort handle swivel/roto head. its been pretty cold around here (snow on the ground) and the comfort handles are MUCH nicer to use even with gloves on.

ahm

 

[shampoop]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=21365&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

best ratchet evar!!!

If you're only gonna spend money on one ratchet 3/8" is the size to spend on. You can sell the rest of your 3/8 ratchets to help pay for it. If you get one you'll never use them again anyway.

 

[c_mccann]

Just got a SO 3/8" flex in excellent condition on ebay for under $40... Try there.

 

[Hank McMauser]

Id recommend a trip to HF, it's time to go slummin'

 

[K and K]

The Mac Spinflex has been my favorite ratchet for years! The ratchet teeth are stout, not fine like the 80 teeth on my snap on, but the direction change on Macs are great, and the spin or lock feature of the handle is great. When you have the bolt or nut loose you can really use the spin.

 

[NWphotog]

I'd recommend getting the HF rotohead in 3/8 and 1/2. If you like those I'd add the Duralast flex in 3/8 since you aren't crazy about the Cman flex. With a couple coupons you could snag all three and still be within your budget!

 

[Monte]

Stahlwille

 

[griff99]

I have never owned a locking flex head, I really haven't seen a need... yet. Is that something I should be considering?

The Armstrong 11-994, 60 tooth, I use it at work every day. A very well made ratchet with an excellent finish, IMHO it's the best out there in that price range.

Thank you I have been looking all over the net for the tooth count on that ratchet. That might be the one I am leaning towards as of now.

 

[4x4gearhead]

If you couldn't figure it out yourself, durslast is the trendy ratchet of the month.

I wouldnt hate on the duralast ratchet til you use one, I have $30,000 in snap on tools and still love the duralast ratchets I have at home, they surpass a crapsman by far.

 

[Fedwrench]

Best bang for the buck would be the Gearwrench Flex head ratchet.
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-81215.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-81210.aspx

It's strong, has a thin head for improved access, and a crisp 60 tooth action. Great customer service too.
Internally it's the same as the Armstrong Maxx, and Matco 60 tooth versions.
As for comfort grip vs steel grip, it depends on how you use your ratchets. If you use your ratchet handle to tap things into place, stick with all steel. If the handle is exposed to harsh chemicals, steel may be a better choice. I prefer the comfort grip. I would actually prefer a narrow hard material comfort grip but, no one makes one. Current comfort grips are soft and nick easily. Once dirty, they stay that way. The more you wash it, the quicker it gets dirty again. Also consider the new Proto version of the Facom palm control ratchet. They have a thicker head but, sometimes fall though the cracks on ebay. Good luck in your quest.

 

[shampoop]

I have never owned a locking flex head, I really haven't seen a need... yet. Is that something I should be considering?

An emphatic YES! IMO, Most of the time, using a free flex head ***** and is a huge headache, but 5-10% of the time, it's an awesome feature.

I use mine in the standard straight position probably about 60% of the time, locked in an angled position 35% of the time, and free flexing 5% of the time. The extra length over a standard 3/8 ratchet makes an immensely welcome difference in power, and being able to flex it means that the extra length never gets in the way. Also the soft handle allows you to get an excellent grip no matter how dirty/greasy your hands are. They are also cheap and easy to replace. (I'm going green once mine wears out)

out of the thousands of dollars i've spent on tools, my SO soft grip locking flex head ratchet is by far my favorite one. You can take away my other tools and replace them with cheaper imitations, but you'd have to pry this one from my cold dead hands.

 

[griff99]

Best bang for the buck would be the Gearwrench Flex head ratchet.
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-81215.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-81210.aspx

It's strong, has a thin head for improved access, and a crisp 60 tooth action. Great customer service too.
Internally it's the same as the Armstrong Maxx, and Matco 60 tooth versions.

Okay so it seems that both Gearwrench and Armstrong are made by Danaher. Armstrong's site claims that their tools are still and will continue to be Made in the USA, however any Gearwrench product I have ever seen has been made over seas. So are Gearwrench ratchets made here or overseas? They seem to be a little cheaper than their Armstrong cousins so I am guessing the answer is no. Also I can't seem to determine whether or not they are locking flex heads or not? Some sites advertise them as such but I can't seem to decipher that from Gearwrench's site directly. Anyone know for sure?

Thanks!

 

[amolaver]

the GW flex heads are made in taiwan and are not 'lockable'. they have detents and tend to stay in them w/o issue, but its not locked in place.

ahm

 

[canuckian]

I have to agree with shampoop on the FHX80. I use mine far more than I use my other flex ratchets simply because of the lock on the flex head. I also have an FHLF80 and though it's a nice ratchet, the free flex head more often than not is a hassle to get into tighter quarters without it moving around too much. They are pricey, I'll admit but they can be found used for considerably less money.

 

[griff99]

the GW flex heads are made in taiwan and are not 'lockable'. they have detents and tend to stay in them w/o issue, but its not locked in place.

ahm

Thanks much, so now I am wondering is the extra $$$ for the Armstrong that does lock worth it?

I appreciate all the SO recommendations and I know it is a tool I would love to have but I am also afraid of the crack... once I buy one I probably won't be able to stop, then I'd have an empty bank account. I have been looking on ebay and the only two FHX80's I found are way out of my price range. I'll check the local used tool place and see what they have before I make any final decisions.

Thanks again!

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I would recommend a Armstrong, It is a locking ratchet
the ratchet has 60 teeth, can be upgraded to Matco 88..
I have the Armstrong, Matco, Gearwrench, Craftsman, Duralast, Snap on

 

[KU_MechE]

Yes, it's worth it. The locking mechanism can be left open so the ratchet is a free flex without detents or it can be locked. Seems to be the best of both worlds and isn't too expensive:

http://www.tooltopia.com/armstrong-11-994.aspx

The Matco version has 88 teeth for an even more versatile ratchet.

 

[lipadj46]

Just get a Williams USA long flex head for $35 and call it a day.

 

[shampoop]

Thanks much, so now I am wondering is the extra $$$ for the Armstrong that does lock worth it?

I appreciate all the SO recommendations and I know it is a tool I would love to have but I am also afraid of the crack... once I buy one I probably won't be able to stop, then I'd have an empty bank account. I have been looking on ebay and the only two FHX80's I found are way out of my price range. I'll check the local used tool place and see what they have before I make any final decisions.

Thanks again!

I'm serious about selling those 5 other 3/8" ratchets you have. Once you have a nice 3/8 like described, you will realize that all of those other ones have no purpose anymore. Just wasted space in your toolbox. I have my SO locking flex and this http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-heavy-duty-composite-ratchet-66313.html (for backup, and sometimes it's just nice to have 2 ratchets if you're alternating between 2 sizes only a lot) and i never have even a little desire for anything else. "One 3/8" drive to rule them all" /lord of the rings quote.

 

[mikebramel]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I1WG26/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Best option for the money

 

[quattrojon]

The Armstrong 11-994, 60 tooth, I use it at work every day. A very well made ratchet with an excellent finish, IMHO it's the best out there in that price range.

I will second that.