Any advice picking a stubby 3/8 flex?

[Kirbot]

So, I have a craftsman full polish stubby flex, and... Its one of my most used ratchets. I use it something like a speeder, its light and quick to handle.

But.... I don't like it that much. I like to be able to keep my thumb on the ratchet head, and the quick release gets in the way on this ratchet. Plus, its only 36 teeth... I'd like a fine tooth to replace it.


I can get the gearwrench version from advance auto for about $25, and looking like the best option so far, but its a lot bulkier....
The snapon version looks perfect, but even used they seem to bring a huge premium.

Any other options I've missed?

 

[RatchetMan]

Sounds like you already have your answer. Since you like the design so much invest in the snapon and enjoy it for the rest of your life. In 20 years I bet you won't even remember what you paid for it.

 

[RedneckWelder]

See if Matco/Armstrong has one to fit your requirements.

Regardless, if it's your favorite, most used tools, believe me spending the money for something like a Snap On or Matco is worth it in the long run.

 

[amolaver]

I use the gearwrench a lot (both the 'old' 72t and 120xp) and don't find them bulky at all...I'd suggest you give them a try before writing them off. No doubt the SO is super nice, unless you've got to have the name..I'd try the 1/4 price option. As an aside, I don't think the 120xp is worth much of a premium (over the 72t) on such a short rat.

ahm

 

[1950mercury]

High tooth count really helps on a stubby cause most the time your in a tight cramped spot.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

The kobalt one is pretty good. The head is a bit larger than I would like but it is a good ratchet. Has a detent to hold the flex position in place.

 

[sk farmer]

my .02 which is worth exactly that.......is don't waste your money. i have an sk stubby ratchet that i used to use quite a bit. i also have an sk stubby flex that i have used a few times. neither have seen much use since i bought compact 3/8 ratchets. they do everything that a stubby will do and more because of the compact size. people think that a compact ratchet does not have a heavy enough drive. that may be true but in my experience they have held up and the smaller heads and handles are much nicer to work with in confined area that one would need a stubby ratchet in.

i have 3 sk compact 3/8 ratchets with standard, long and flex handles. all used a fair amount. my favorite though is a compact 3/8 compact roto ratchet from titan. it is a 72 tooth design quite similar to the sk tuff1/facom ratchets.

 

[livinloud11]

Harbor Freight has a 3 pack of stubby flex head ratchets 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2. I don' t know the quality of them but for $10 it seems like a risk i'd take.

 

[sk farmer]

Harbor Freight has a 3 pack of stubby flex head ratchets 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2. I don' t know the quality of them but for $10 it seems like a risk i'd take.

ick...........

there a lot of gems at hf. those are not one of them.

 

[livinloud11]

ick...........

there a lot of gems at hf. those are not one of them.

I know what you mean, I debated on it for about 3 minutes then I just went with the Pro 1/2 gray ratchet. Feels pretty solid for $10 as well.

 

[Drake9]

I took the plung on the SO, got a discount so it made it an easier to swallow. I love that ratchet, so glad I bought it

 

[Kirbot]

I actually have a "compact" 3/8 SK on the way. So I'll definitely hold off on buying anything else until after I use that a while. It does look like its going to be handy, but I'll have to wait and see if its really a replacement for the flex.

Otherwise I guess I'm leaning towards either the Gearwrench, or just holding off for a while and looking for a bargain on a snapon.

 

[jim1987]

Look at the wright stubby flex 3/8 in a 1/4 body

 

[panknuckshovel]

ick...........

there a lot of gems at hf. those are not one of them.

Gem at Harbor Freight. That has to be the most polite way to type polished turd.

 

[AWH]

So, I have a craftsman full polish stubby flex, and... Its one of my most used ratchets.

Here I thought I was the only one who likes that style - I have a few of them...

When I'm working on something with different size bolts I usually set them up so that I can change ratchets instead of trying to swap sockets. Never felt the need to upgrade them.

 

[devoncoolman]

I have the craftsman 3/8 stubby your refering too and also have a mac 3/8 in a 1/4 body. With the two of them together i can tackle about any situation. If you dont like the backdrag on the craftsman lube it. It will be better.

 

[devoncoolman]

Here I thought I was the only one who likes that style - I have a few of them...

When I'm working on something with different size bolts I usually set them up so that I can change ratchets instead of trying to swap sockets. Never felt the need to upgrade them.

I love this ratchet. Should try to locate another us made one before they all dissapear.

 

[JDon99]

You would be fine with the SO or Matco 88, the Matco does have a thinner head so it may be better for you. The GW would work well also, just depends on COO preference.

 

[JDon99]

I love this ratchet. Should try to locate another us made one before they all dissapear.

Cripe had some NOS NAPA branded ones a while back.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

Here I thought I was the only one who likes that style - I have a few of them...

When I'm working on something with different size bolts I usually set them up so that I can change ratchets instead of trying to swap sockets. Never felt the need to upgrade them.

I must have got a defective one because mine would switch directions on me as soon as it got in a bind. I put a rebuild kit in it and it Did the same thing. I was upset I really wanted to keep that ratchet and make it work.

I ended up going with an Sk which is a really nice tool.

 

[Kirbot]

Mine doesn't auto reverse or anything, but it just never really struck me as a high quality piece.

I've lubed it, and that did help.
But for some reason it feels slightly stiffer turning one direction than the other, and just irks me a little.

 

[sk farmer]

pick up one of these. the titan 11067 swivel head compact 3/8 ratchet like i discussed earlier. you will not be disappointed.

now if i could only figure out how to get it off of that hang tag.........

 

[92integra]

Check out the fcf72... flex head 3/8th in a 1/4" body.

 

[jim1987]

pick up one of these. the titan 11067 swivel head compact 3/8 ratchet like i discussed earlier. you will not be disappointed.

now if i could only figure out how to get it off of that hang tag.........

The pic to the right, break those tabs

 

[Kirbot]

I didn't really consider a swivel head like that, but it certainly look to fill the bill.

I think I've seen similar ones with a comfort grip, which might make it even better for spinning like a speeder.
I'll have to take a look....

 

[Kirbot]

Well here's a name that just oozes prestige....
But it actually looks perfect.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alltrade-in...1414236948&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

 

[cotjocky]

I got a flex locking stubby 72 tooth ratchet of the Mac truck years ago. They stopped carrying it. It began skiping a lot the last couple years and it is not rebuildable. I have found no exact replacement. I love that ratchet.

Closest I have found is the Matco. I've held the Snap-on and I would consider myself a "Snap-on guy", but I'm going to buy the Matco version when I get the chance. It more resembles my old Mac and I think I will like the Matco more due to that. I have a Matco long flex locking soft grip 3/8 ratchet and have really enjoyed it. Only down side is that they are Taiwan made and cost a few more bucks than USA Snap-on!

Matco stubby flex ratchet I'm referring to.

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BFR58FT/3-8-DRIVE-STUBBY-FLEX-RATCHET/