3/8 Flex head Ratchet
- Thread starter clean1
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SMKS
Well-known member
Lots of threads on this topic. Searching will provide you with lots of info.
Armstrong Maxx locking flex head.
Armstrong Maxx locking flex head.
bluechevy94
Well-known member
I have a duralast 3/8 flex head from autozone.It is a very solid and well made ratchet for 22.99.While there are better ratchets out there I dint think a person could go wrong with the duralast.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Could search the classifieds here as well. Many pop up and are very reasonably priced.
CORTEZSS69
Well-known member
Armstrong Maxx locking flex head.
EvilWelder
Well-known member
SK Roto
Vibrolux
Banned
Get the Duralast. It's as good as a Snap on 936 series.
Id get a Williams USA one, It is a snap on 936 Not similar to but it is an exact copy.
http://www.toolsource.com/drive-flex-head-ratchet-p-128784.html
theamcaddict
Well-known member
SK 3870
or
SK 45183 Made in USA and is not very expensive
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-45183.aspx
I prefer the 3870 but it is hard to find NOS due to it being discontinued.
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^^^^^^this, call jori at epstein hardware. it will be in your mailbox in three days.
locking flex, nice handle, 60 tooth upgradeable to 88 and if i recall less than 60 bucks shipped.
Reality Sucks
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2010
- Messages
- 276
armstrong..and gearwrench... pretty good ratchets
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
I'd start with a GearWrench if you don't care about a locking head. They are now coming in the 84T count and have very good quality. For a little more money with a loacking flex head, I like my Armstrong Maxx. They are extra long, have 11 locking positions, small heads, 60T, and can be used unlocked for a friction adjustable head. The can also take the GW 84T or Matco 88T kits iof you want.
u118224
Well-known member
SK 3770. I love this ratchet.
crewchief888
Well-known member
cheap and easy to get duralast
expensive SO
i have some of each....
they all do the job, and i havent had to warranty the duralast
bobcatdan
Well-known member
+1 for a roto. SK or SO's 100 tooth. Both are great ratchet and get more use then my standard flex. Once in a very great while, the head is little wide, but not very often.
John316
Well-known member
I have the Duralast flex and I have to say... it's a very nice 36 tooth ratchet. I did the "spring clip" mod on mine and the action is really nice considering the tooth count. I have used it pretty hard and no complaints whatsoever. Actually, it's amazing when compared to other $20 long handle flex ratchets, or craftsman 36 ratchets for that matter.
However, the Armstrong maxx locking flex is just a nicer ratchet, but of course, it's like comparing apples to oranges because what makes it nicer is the fact that it is 60 tooth and has a locking mechanism. I also like the fact that I can throw an 88 tooth Matco kit into it if I choose.
If the Duralast was 60 tooth and was a locking flex, it would be a much harder decision, especially if the Duralast were cheaper.
However, the Armstrong maxx locking flex is just a nicer ratchet, but of course, it's like comparing apples to oranges because what makes it nicer is the fact that it is 60 tooth and has a locking mechanism. I also like the fact that I can throw an 88 tooth Matco kit into it if I choose.
If the Duralast was 60 tooth and was a locking flex, it would be a much harder decision, especially if the Duralast were cheaper.
The ratchet I always seem to grab from my toolbox is this Craftsman polished 3/8" offset flex head. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-...0944835000P?prdNo=23&blockNo=23&blockType=G23
I've had one for the last 10-15 years, broken it 4 or 5 times, but always able to get it repaired or swapped. I like the offset, if you fold it over 90deg you can spin a bolt off with it like a speeder bar. And it's got the quick release which I've grown used to having had Craftsman ratchets all my life.
I've got a Snap-On FX936 Flex head as well, but I usually reach for the Craftsman.
I've had one for the last 10-15 years, broken it 4 or 5 times, but always able to get it repaired or swapped. I like the offset, if you fold it over 90deg you can spin a bolt off with it like a speeder bar. And it's got the quick release which I've grown used to having had Craftsman ratchets all my life.
I've got a Snap-On FX936 Flex head as well, but I usually reach for the Craftsman.
If your going to get a ratchet made in China/Taiwan buy GearWrench. All the new GearWrench ratchets are 84T. I would go with SK 3770 myself. You should also check the classified section here...You might be able to buy a nice Snap On or Matco ratchet for a great price. Also look for Armstrong and Wright. The Tootsie roll handle on the Wright ratchet is not much to look at but it is very comfortable and grippy..
http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Wright-Tool-3429-Bent-Flex-Head-Ratchet-11-2785p50635.htm
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-3770.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00150145Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZXXKO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Wright-Tool-3429-Bent-Flex-Head-Ratchet-11-2785p50635.htm
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-3770.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00150145Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZXXKO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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IndyGarage
Well-known member
I bought the Armstrong and have used it twice. It's OK.
I bought the Wera Zyklop and can't put it down. By far the best ratchets I've ever used.
I bought the Wera Zyklop and can't put it down. By far the best ratchets I've ever used.
RCStocker
Well-known member
I have a couple of the S-K and they are great. Your link is a great price.
I looked at a snap on 1/2 locking flex head ratchet today. It was beautiful. flex-lock mechanism was precise, and firm. The ratchet mechanism was tight (not tight as in stiff, but as in absolutely no slop or play in it whatsoever), butter-smooth, and very fine. I could really enjoy turning one of these things...but for the sticker shock. If it had a quick release button, it would be perfect. Someday I'll take one home, but for now, for $180, there are tools I need, more than that one which I want, and I must allocate funds accordingly... 
arnwoodwheels
Well-known member
PROTO J5257F Can be had in long handle also.
Nice ratchets. $44.00 on line Zoro tool / Amazon.
Ron
Nice ratchets. $44.00 on line Zoro tool / Amazon.
Ron
Toolgarage
Well-known member
I love my snap on fhlf80 3/8 flex ratchet paid 130 But came with a semi truck toy
Not necessarily. The GW ratchet in the link above is a 81215, and is a 60-tooth, which I think would be a fine-enough ratchet.
Soooo.... not paying close enough attention, I ordered (or so I thought) the same ratchet from Advance, for around 25 bucks with discount code.
When I picked it up in the store, I found out it's a 81219 and as best as I can tell, it's got 44 teeth. Still not bad for the price and slightly better that the 36-tooth Duralast (which is actually OK too) but not as good a deal as I'd thought.
SMKS
Well-known member
It appears Apex may be handling the GW upgrade just like the Armstrong upgrade to 88 teeth, where they kept the part numbers the same and just started shipping 84 tooth ratchets instead. So, the descriptions on websites aren't being updated.
Example:
In this thread, a member bought this stubby flex ratchet from Amazon which is still described as having 60 teeth. But, when it arrived it was an 84 tooth model.
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