a question for those that prefer flex head ratchets.

[Tim37]

I ran across this thread flex vs fixed. And I noticed one thing a large percentage of the guys who said they prefer fixed heads said some thing like "I prefer fixed unless a flex is needed". Now dont get me wrong if you prefer a fixed ratchet that's fine different strokes.

So my question have you ever run into a situation where a flex head didn't cut the mustard? And you switched to a fixed. I can think of many times I didn't have a flex and was cusin and bitxhing because I didn't but I don't think I have ever swapped out a flex to i use a fixed.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268243&highlight=flex+fixed+ratchet

 

[slee3247]

I can't think of a common repair where a flex isn't my go-to. The fhlf80 was the first professional grade ratchet I purchased awhile ago, and its been my most used tool. If its a fastener that I can't get off with 3/8ths chances are I'm going straight to the impacts.

 

[Stooge]

i have quite a few fixed heads, mostly my ever growing collection of SK and other brand round heads, but flex heads are my go to for the most part. there are plenty of times when i reach for a fixed, but i think thats more because of my flex heads have higher tooth counts vs. my fixed heads with lower tooth count when its a higher torque situation and dont want to break a ratchet mechanism, (read as bullet proof sk round heads and proto pear heads). theres also a little more confidence that the handle wont pivot and smash my hands into something

 

[Davie]

9 times out of ten I pick out my FL80 but if its something a bit awkward I get out my FHNF100. If its really awkward then I get out his wonderful thing.

Stick
it down a hole on a nut, fit an extension in it then put a bar in the extension. Been a lifesaver a few times, shame it has such a low tooth count

 

[bcradio]

If we are talking non-locking flex, the 2 main times i would use fixed over flex are when I need high torque and am worried about slipping and smashing my hand. Another time is when I need to put inward pressure on the bolt head, such as when it is slightly rounded and I need to make sure I have the best bite on it possible.

 

[Qualitytools]

I prefer the flex head because most of the time ergonomically it fits better, have not had an issue with high torque items, on or off. I had an worn out Cornwell that was sloppy and it still did the job, got it replaced under warranty with a locking one and it's even better.

 

[Wizzard]

My usage is ~70% fixed 30% flex. The fixed I can keep pressure on the bolt head and also engage the fastener with one hand, with the flex I may have to angle and/or hold the flex head to get it on the fastener. With high torque situations my long handle SO 3/8 flex head starts to...flex at the joint, not good.

 

[JBradley500]

When I need a really long or a short ratchet to get at a bolt I like fixed. 90% of the time it's a flex of some sort.

 

[ckblum]

I just find I bash my knuckles less with my 3/8" flex. It was a tough purchase for me, bought a 1/4 and 3/8 flex head off the Snap-On truck. First SO ratchets, they just looked so good with the red hard handles and long length flex handles! Had to have them, and honestly I don't say this much about SO, but worth the money for me by far. I take them home almost every weekend when I wrench in my own garage just because I like them that much more than all my other ratchets, and I guess I'm really trying to get my moneys worth haha.

 

[ckblum]

As for the original question, I have yet to be in a situation where the flex head was a disadvantage. I also like being able to use it as a speed handle when I have the room

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I usually use a flex head for everything, but I have run into specific instances where a fixed ratchet is the only way to go. Usually, it's a clearance / space issue where you can't put a hand in the space where the nut / bolt is and, therefore, can't afford to have the flex head flop around off-angle or you won't get the job done.

 

[u118224]

I really like 3/8 bent handle flex ratchects. I'm generally not a fan of the straight handle flex ratchets except in 1/2 drive size. YMMV

 

[rancherbill]

I think the answer is really based on what you do.

I do general repairs, tune-ups, new stuff, small engine repair etc. I find a conventional ratchet works 99% of the time.

If I was doing car repairs I'd probably use a regular ratchet 50% of the time. Some places are really hard to get access.

 

[abvw]

Fixed handles for use with very long extensions (pinched myself once doing a starter from the fender with a flex head), flex head for everything else.

 

[bczygan]

Just a home brake changer.

A fixed 3/8 Craftsman RP is my go to, because I like to whale on it with a hammer, and the nice thick handle and fixed head make that easy, and fun.

 

[IFMJohn]

This whole discussion is void if you just purchase locking flex heads.

One ratchet to rule them all...

 

[Dust Devil]

I only prefer flex head when they are called for.

I think the ultimate would be a flex head that locks AND allows for unlocked with no detent.

 

[IFMJohn]

I only prefer flex head when they are called for.

I think the ultimate would be a flex head that locks AND allows for unlocked with no detent.

Snap-On locking flex head ratchets do this.

 

[General Geoff]

With situations involving multiple extensions (especially wobbles), I find a fixed head ratchet is preferred for some semblance of solidity. I prefer fixed head anyway, but aside from use with multiple extensions, there's no technical reason why a locking flex head can't do everything a fixed head can, and more.

 

[02camaro86]

locking flex heads are ****... best of both worlds but generally i will grab a fixed if flex is not needed. just more things to break (flex mechanism) as well as the risk of the handling swinging out and crashing my hand into something.

 

[Dust Devil]

Snap-On locking flex head ratchets do this.

I guess I need to take a closer look at them then.

 

[IFMJohn]

I guess I need to take a closer look at them then.

Push down and to the right on the locking mechanism, it will unlock it until you move it back to the left.

 

[Dust Devil]

Damn, I would have never bought my Snap non-locking if I had known that.

 

[d.mcfarland]

when I need high torque and am worried about slipping and smashing my hand.

This whole discussion is void if you just purchase locking flex heads.

Both are very true and likely enough information to consider this thread closed!

 

[ssdave]

I use a flex a lot in 1/2, almost never in 3/8 and 1/4". I use a very short 1/4" most of the time, rarely use 3/8", and don't like my flex's in 3/8 and 1/4 much.

The situation where I don't want flex is high torque. I get around that by rarely using a ratchet for high torque. If I can possibly do so, I use a breaker bar, and if removing things, then switch to a flex ratchet, that I can tip up and use as a speed wrench.

dave

 

[SASORacing]

This whole discussion is void if you just purchase locking flex heads.

One ratchet to rule them all...

Matco has my favorite locking flex design. And grip.

The time where reaching for a flex dont work is when you need a shorter ratchet. Flex heads are always longer by default than normal ratchets. Unless you buy a short flex.

 

[IFMJohn]

Matco has my favorite locking flex design. And grip.

The time where reaching for a flex dont work is when you need a shorter ratchet. Flex heads are always longer by default than normal ratchets. Unless you buy a short flex.

A shorter ratchet??? Pshhh. Thats what my wilton BASH hammer is for.

 

[shawhite]

Push down and to the right on the locking mechanism, it will unlock it until you move it back to the left.

Learn something new everyday.

 

[SASORacing]

I sometimes don't use my flex when I have a bolt or two that is very easy and I would rather grab a standard ratchet that is shorter and lighter weight allowing a shorter throw and quicker job completion.

Flex is nice because you can be more accurate with it I think. Such as a oil pan drain plug bolt. You have a longer throw to feel how tight or loose you need it.

 

[sonvolt]

I have 1/4" and 3/8" flex head ratchets, I use them much less than standard ratchets. I'm not a auto mechanic though so my use is less confined areas.

 

[MikeF2316]

I prefer flex, mostly for the extra leverage, but I find myself using multiple ratchets these days. When I go to my box for another socket, I grab extensions as needed then another ratchet. That way I don't need to fiddle around swapping sockets and extensions. So the answer to your question is, I switch to fixed when I run out of flex!

 

[Strouty]

Damn, I would have never bought my Snap non-locking if I had known that.

Sometimes the mechanism inadvertently locks and pisses you off, so they are not the be all end all.

Flex heads can get your hands hurt when you are in an awkward position, or you can't really see what you are doing.

As others said, you really can't apply any force to the hardware one handed unless it is straight above you, then you can push up with the flex all the way and it works well.

 

[SASORacing]

I prefer flex, mostly for the extra leverage, but I find myself using multiple ratchets these days. When I go to my box for another socket, I grab extensions as needed then another ratchet. That way I don't need to fiddle around swapping sockets and extensions. So the answer to your question is, I switch to fixed when I run out of flex!

I think I'm the same? I have a few cheap, a few average, and a few high end ratchets and I have been just leaving the sockets on them. So if I need a 12mm I grab it and go. Need a 10mm? It's on my snap on orange hard 1/4, 14mm etc. It already attached. Saves time sometimes.

 

[fasteddie313]

I have a set of flex head ratchets, I never use them, the only time I open that box is when I want the 3/8 palm ratchet out of it..

The only flex head I ever use is a short 4" ish handle round head flex, and I only use that deep down in confined areas where a long extension won't work even with universals.

I almost always run atleast my SK 8" extension on my fixed snap-on to keep me up away from my work for handle/knuckle clearance and then I can turn it by hand after its broke loose with the extension. The only time I'm running without an extension is when I can't run with an extension..

 

[Duth62]

I think I'm the same? I have a few cheap, a few average, and a few high end ratchets and I have been just leaving the sockets on them. So if I need a 12mm I grab it and go. Need a 10mm? It's on my snap on orange hard 1/4, 14mm etc. It already attached. Saves time sometimes.

You sound like the motorcycle crowd with their T-handles. If I can't take the time to pull one socket and snap in another I'll find another line of work-play.

 

[shockwave]

Look at Matco/Armstrong locking flex ratchet you will get best of both since you can leave it unlocked to act like standard flex

 

[stikman56]

If we are talking non-locking flex, the 2 main times i would use fixed over flex are when I need high torque and am worried about slipping and smashing my hand. Another time is when I need to put inward pressure on the bolt head, such as when it is slightly rounded and I need to make sure I have the best bite on it possible.

Yep, this for me as well. I prefer fixed whenever I can use them.

 

[rusty65]

I recently picked up a gedore ratchet off CL model number 1993gu-3 and I don't think I'll ever go back to fixed ratchets because you can easily lock and unlock the swivel feature and once locked there is zero play in any direction


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[aaronrkelly]

My Snap On flex is my main go to ratchet for everything.....Ive never come across anything that REQUIRED a fixed head.

However there are times I dont use the flex head....but not because of the flex. My Snap On flex head has the comfort grip handle......and I hate getting it all oily so if Im doing an oil change Ill use my Armstrong 88.

 

[Seppala]

After not having to wrench on cars for the last 25 years I'm back having to do it. My DIY driveway mechanic tools were very outdated. Restricted space on newer model cars forced me to buy a flex head 3/8 drive ratchet. Even with that ratchet I struggled with some bolts that would have been better installed with an air ratchet.