Any comments on locking flex head ratchets from Carlyle?

[qqzj]

Napa Auto is having a sale of the regular length 3/8 locking flex head ratchet for $25, free shipping. I am interested to get one. So any comment and insight on this ratchet will be great. Some background knowledge about the Carlyle tools from Napa is also great. Since Napa is significantly more expensive than AZ/AAP/O'Reilly, I have little experience with them before. Thanks in advance!

Here is the ratchet

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFQR

 

[lardy1]

I have it in 1/4"and 3/8". I like them both very much. Very small head size. Low (but not the lowest) back drag and a secure feeling to the locking handle. No regrets at all. The 1/4" one is my favorite ratchet in that size.

 

[Wrench97]

$25 for a ratchet is not expensive at all, the only draw back I can see on that ratchet is the locking button being in the way is a confined location.
Overall NAPA's Carlyle stuff is not bad.

 

[Taco Truck]

I had a 1/4". Overall I thought the quality and ergonomics were great though it did come bone dry. However, I ended up selling it because I didn't like that you could only use it in the locked position and that the lock button stuck out as far as it did. Those issues don't make it a bad ratchet, but it's just not what I prefer. That being said, if I needed a flex head ratchet now, I'd probably look past those two issues and pick one up for $25.00.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I got the 3/8s and 1/2in long handle locking flex head with comfort grip several months ago. Not sure im sold on the locking part yet. Had the Pittsburgh pro before and the heads get loose and that ***** but dad had an old craftsman with the ball detent and I think that would probably be my favorite. As for quality that was my first Carlyle buy. Asides from the locking vs non locking preference i like them so far

 

[qqzj]

Thanks to all of you guys!

I have been thinking about buy the GearWrench 81276T set (1/4, 3/8 and 1/2, no comfort handle). This Carlyle one is a good deal. But after I buy the 1/4 and 1/2 separately, I will give all the savings back. Anyway, I probably will buy all of them anyway, since this one is a comfort handle, slightly different from the others.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07STK595H/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What would be perfect is an extra long 3/8 lock flex head ratchet. I would like no comfort handle, but it seems comfort handle ones are typically 2 inches longer. So maybe one with comfort handle is better. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

 

[Mr_B]

maybe look at the capri long flex heads, they not locking but do have a spring in a recessed well that creates drag in the clevis joint so it not floppy .
the carlyle are a nice ratchet and good value at sale pricing .

 

[Jtels85]

I have the locking flex head Power 90’s in 1/4” and 3/8” and they are fantastic. By far my favorite ratchets and I like them better than my SK LP90’s and Craftsman’s.

Carlyle is quality stuff! If you ever need a good quality, long handle breaker bar... their 1/2” drive 24” indexing breaker bar is all business.

 

[Rinspeed]

For $25 I would give that Carlyle a shot.

 

[demarpaint]

I have it in 3/8" it's a nice ratchet for the money.

 

[M6erfan]

I nabbed one

 

[woody6904]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt...4d0b8a4eabd9363fb5f3|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2334524


same ratchet minus the soft grip and locking flex for anybody that doesn't like the locking

 

[M6erfan]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt...4d0b8a4eabd9363fb5f3|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2334524


same ratchet minus the soft grip and locking flex for anybody that doesn't like the locking

It's the "same" internals but I wasn't to impressed with mine...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8782095#post8782095

You can also get them direct from Alltrade/Powerbuilt with free shipping. Sign up on their website and get 10% off.
https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...-accessories/products/3-8-dr-pro-tech-ratchet

I really like the 1/4 Carlyle locking flex I've had for the last 5 years. It'll be interesting to compare the new Carlyle locking flex to the PB Pro Tech I recently purchased.

 

[woody6904]

It's the "same" internals but I wasn't to impressed with mine...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8782095#post8782095

You can also get them direct from Alltrade/Powerbuilt with free shipping. Sign up on their website and get 10% off.
https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...-accessories/products/3-8-dr-pro-tech-ratchet

I really like the 1/4 Carlyle locking flex I've had for the last 5 years. It'll be interesting to compare the new Carlyle locking flex to the PB Pro Tech I recently purchased.

I know you had an ordeal with yours, can't say I have had the same experience. Got six different Powerbuilt Pro Techs in service and they have all been great. The Carlyles I have fondled off the rack feel the same.

 

[qqzj]

Thanks guys. I went ahead with so many encouraging feedbacks. To my surprise, Napa also gave me a $5 off for signing up. Make the deal even sweeter. I shall circle back after I receive it.

 

[measuredtwice]

I bought the same ratchet when they previously ran that deal. ($25 sale price - $5 rewards = $20). For the $20, I think it's a good value but the regular retail prices are very inflated.

I've heard that you can remove the plastic piece that covers the hidden snap ring and then disassemble to lubricate the ratchet but I haven't messed with it yet. It's okay but would probably benefit from Super lube.

 

[Rinspeed]

I snagged one as well, even better deal with the extra $5 off. Thanks for the heads up OP.

 

[dnschmidt]

The NAPA deal was one of the best of the century. I bought two of them. I bought the second 10 seconds after the first one showed up from UPS after I looked it over. This fits the Denny definition of A HOT SMOKIN' DEAL. Which is the highest honor I bestow upon anything in life.

 

[lardy1]

I've seen that 3/8" in a longer handle but never outside NAPA. I bought mine on eBay from the UK for about forty bucks and thought it was a good deal. That twenty dollar deal is a fantastic price for that ratchet, in my non professional opinion.

 

[Taco Truck]

I've heard that you can remove the plastic piece that covers the hidden snap ring and then disassemble to lubricate the ratchet but I haven't messed with it yet. It's okay but would probably benefit from Super lube.

You definitely can.

 

[M6erfan]

I bought the same ratchet when they previously ran that deal. ($25 sale price - $5 rewards = $20). For the $20, I think it's a good value but the regular retail prices are very inflated.

I've heard that you can remove the plastic piece that covers the hidden snap ring and then disassemble to lubricate the ratchet but I haven't messed with it yet. It's okay but would probably benefit from Super lube.

Click on the link in post #13, it shows the ratchet torn down. They are bone dry from the factory, some lube does them good!

 

[Ign]

It's the "same" internals but I wasn't to impressed with mine...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8782095#post8782095

You can also get them direct from Alltrade/Powerbuilt with free shipping. Sign up on their website and get 10% off.
https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...-accessories/products/3-8-dr-pro-tech-ratchet

I really like the 1/4 Carlyle locking flex I've had for the last 5 years. It'll be interesting to compare the new Carlyle locking flex to the PB Pro Tech I recently purchased.

So the eBay auction he linked was for a 72T flex head Powerbuilt and doesn't appear to get the little flat machined under the head.

Your experience(s) in the thread you linked appear to be for the 90T stuff.

Did I get that right? (Not being a smartass, I'm asking)

 

[M6erfan]

So the eBay auction he linked was for a 72T flex head Powerbuilt and doesn't appear to get the little flat machined under the head.

Your experience(s) in the thread you linked appear to be for the 90T stuff.

Did I get that right? (Not being a smartass, I'm asking)

The PB ratchet I linked to in my other post (and the one I had issues with) is 72t, same internals as the eBay ratchet and Carlyle ratchet discussed in this thread. The eBay PB ratchet doesn't have the flat spot on the handle, below the head, presumably because it's a flex.

 

[woody6904]

Click on the link in post #13, it shows the ratchet torn down. They are bone dry from the factory, some lube does them good!

Soak them in ATF, saves tearing them apart.

 

[ForrestT]

I see the link. It’s only the 3/8” on sale now. Picked one up. Looking forward to trying it. Don’t have a locking flex head.

Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[X1 Mike]

It doesn't look like there is any deals in any of the other sizes, is it just 3/8"?

I hate not having like sets.

 

[qqzj]

This seems like their teaser item to get people into Napa's door. I don't remember any other sizes on sale in the past. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[M6erfan]

This seems like their teaser item to get people into Napa's door. I don't remember any other sizes on sale in the past. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

The Carlyle 72t in all sizes have been on sale in the past. I bought my 1/4" on sale.

 

[qqzj]

Nice. Just need to be patient then. I want that extra long 3/8.

The Carlyle 72t in all sizes have been on sale in the past. I bought my 1/4" on sale.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[measuredtwice]

You definitely can.

Click on the link in post #13, it shows the ratchet torn down. They are bone dry from the factory, some lube does them good!

Thanks. Aside from the mystery of the unfamiliar plastic cover, it's a very simple rebuild.

 

[Rinspeed]

Mine came today and I am very happy with the quality. Did seem a little dry and being a little intimidated by the mysterious plastic cap I threw it in a small cup with a little ATF. For $22 this was a hell of a deal, it is my first Carlyle tool and first 3/8 Flex ratchet. I have both a SO duel 80 and SK LP 90 in 1/2" Flex. Thanks again to the OP for starting this thread.

 

[M6erfan]

Mine came today and I am very happy with the quality. Did seem a little dry and being a little intimidated by the mysterious plastic cap I threw it in a small cup with a little ATF. For $22 this was a hell of a deal, it is my first Carlyle tool and first 3/8 Flex ratchet. I have both a SO duel 80 and SK LP 90 in 1/2" Flex. Thanks again to the OP for starting this thread.

Mine came in this afternoon too. Pretty fast 2 day free shipping, according to the shipping label it came out of their warehouse in Houston.

Mine feels/sounds dry too. Even though I know how and have taken them apart before, mine's soaking in ATF as well (I'll break it down and give it a proper lube when I'm not feeling so lazy).

Great deal for $20 something dollars.

 

[toddmorr]

well i like mine and have for a couple years. Sure paid more than 25$.
Really wish they had a longer version though of comfort grip, flex...3/8

 

[Rinspeed]

Even though I know how and have taken them apart before, mine's soaking in ATF as well (I'll break it down and give it a proper lube when I'm not feeling so lazy).

Great, you screw up your plastic cap and then let me know what not to do, K.

 

[M6erfan]

Great, you screw up your plastic cap and then let me know what not to do, K.

The plastic cap is a 'one time use' item in my view I don't sweat it, at all.

 

[measuredtwice]

Yeah. I wouldn't worry about it.

FYI. There's a little tab at the bottom. If you push it upwards with a pick, the tab will clear and the whole plastic piece will pop out.

 

[qqzj]

I received mine as well. However, not super happy with what I see. The locking mechanism is pretty nice. More appealing than what is used on GearWrench or husky ratchets. At least that's my feeling. But the bottom of the ratchet looks strange. Something seems broken. Here's the picture. Is it supposed to be this way?



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[woody6904]

I received mine as well. However, not super happy with what I see. The locking mechanism is pretty nice. More appealing than what is used on GearWrench or husky ratchets. At least that's my feeling. But the bottom of the ratchet looks strange. Something seems broken. Here's the picture. Is it supposed to be this way?



Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

Looks correct to me, what do you think looks out of place?

 

[qqzj]

I finally got what you meant. Yes, the locking mechanism is always on. The GearWrench/Husky style can be flexible or locked.

I had a 1/4". Overall I thought the quality and ergonomics were great though it did come bone dry. However, I ended up selling it because I didn't like that you could only use it in the locked position and that the lock button stuck out as far as it did. Those issues don't make it a bad ratchet, but it's just not what I prefer. That being said, if I needed a flex head ratchet now, I'd probably look past those two issues and pick one up for $25.00.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[dnschmidt]

Other than the Betty Crocker box mine looks exactly the same as yours so I don't think this is anything other than the way it's suppose to be. Mine works like a dream. Instead of worrying about how something looks try it out and see how it works. The head is so physically small maybe they had to do something novel to fit it all into such a compact head for a 3/8" drive ratchet.