3/8s ratchet length opinion

[battlegraduate09]

I really like the snap on 15" 3/8s flex head ratchet, but being a diesel mechanic, the places i use my current 3/8s just seem like for the money, i might not use it as much as i would want or enough to justify it.

So around what length do you guys prefer as a 3/8s ratchet for the most part ?

I can get a very good deal on this from a buddy, brand new in the box as well, so may end up just getting it, guess i could always sell it and get a smaller one if i dont use it.

thanks
Josh

 

[humpdawg]

get it.
is it a standard handle, soft grip, or classic hard handle?
dual 80 or 100t round head?

 

[ecidious]

I use a snapon f80, if need more leverage I usually just grab a longer 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar then switch back if I need to (I can work that little f80 a lot faster under a car than a much longer handled ratchet/bar).

 

[m_hatcher]

Get it. I originally picked up a standard F80 thinking that I would be fine on the length but quickly realized the need for a longer ratchet and picked up a FHL80.

 

[davesnothere]

When I have room, I usually grab a fl80.

 

[battlegraduate09]

comfort grip handle ill try to post a pic i have it on my phone but dont know how to get it on here

 

[Gtamazing]

I have both long and regular length 3/8 ratchets. They each have their uses. I prefer the long but like Ecidious said the regular lengths are a bit faster.

 

[battlegraduate09]

maybe that worked

 

[Skin]

More leverage is a great thing where ever you can fit it. Just be mindful that while it also became easier to remove fasteners it became easier to snap bolt heads while tightening.

 

[battlegraduate09]

I have a 24" flex head 88 tooth ratchet from matco that i LOVE. that ratchet and an impact socket is how i get up pipes off a maxxforce motor without rounding any of them. I used a craftsman socket and ratchet once and rounded off 2 of them. Im not knocking craftsman, just stating a fact

 

[humpdawg]

that is a nice ratchet I have the same one but with a classic handle and no complaints.
You can check the FHF80 if you want less length. Its under 10" long with a flex head and comfort grip.

 

[battlegraduate09]

Like i said this one is new in the box, he said give him 85 bucks and its mine, so for the price, i think im gonna go ahead and pick it up. surely ill use it enough to get 85 bucks worth out of a brand new so ratchet

 

[humpdawg]

ooh thats a hell of a deal.

 

[Farmrod]

I'm assuming by the maxxforce comment youre a tech at an international shop I'm confused how length is a problem I too am a diesel tech and I dont have any problems using long ratchets and wrenches all day long

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Gosh that thing is beautiful.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think you need all lengths from stubby to 15 inches. I really don't see a need for a 3/8 longer than 15 inches but that's just me.
In addition to fixed ratchets, you also need flex heads in assorted lengths and don't forget about those 3/8 in a 1/4 body ratchets.

 

[Black89LX]

FHLF80, I love mine. As Fedwrench said, I think you need all different types of ratchets for different applications, but there is always that "go-to" ratchet. I have been favoring my F80 recently..

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I find a longer 3/8 handy sometimes, but they don't fit in tight areas too well. I don't think you could go too wrong if the price is right.

 

[redwrench60]

Like i said this one is new in the box, he said give him 85 bucks and its mine, so for the price, i think im gonna go ahead and pick it up. surely ill use it enough to get 85 bucks worth out of a brand new so ratchet

They are $127.95 off the truck so $85 aint' bad. You'll like it if you want a comfort handle, I personally like a regular chrome or an old style hard handle but thats just me.

P.S. I picked up on your "Gun Guy" speak calling it "new in box" lol, it's a hard habit to lose isn't it!

 

[Octarine]

Get it. I originally picked up a standard F80 thinking that I would be fine on the length but quickly realized the need for a longer ratchet and picked up a FHL80.

Post Office sez you should get it on Tuesday btw...

 

[battlegraduate09]

I'm assuming by the maxxforce comment youre a tech at an international shop I'm confused how length is a problem I too am a diesel tech and I dont have any problems using long ratchets and wrenches all day long

I mean i use my 3/8s usually in a tighter spot, i have a 15 inch and 17 inch 1/2 drive ratchet so if i need more leverage i usually get those, i was speaking only of the 3/8 but i went ahead and bought it so not a big deal.
Yea im at an international shop but work on everything, isx, volvo, c15,c12, 3306, maxxforce 9 and 13 liter, and duramax and ect.

They are $127.95 off the truck so $85 aint' bad. You'll like it if you want a comfort handle, I personally like a regular chrome or an old style hard handle but thats just me.

P.S. I picked up on your "Gun Guy" speak calling it "new in box" lol, it's a hard habit to lose isn't it!

yea sorry about that, it is a habit i guess.