Any comments on locking flex head ratchets from Carlyle?

[qqzj]

After I looked at it for a while, I think I got used to it. It is not broken. That's the way it is. I was prepared to see a plastic piece, but I was not mentally prepared to see some holes in the plastic piece. But it all makes sense now. Actually, I like the locking mechanism a lot. It's different from GearWrench, so I am completely justified to buy GearWrench locking ratchets as well. They're quite different.

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

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[mhejl]

I have the short and long 3/8. I like the small head size but otherwise just meh. I don't like that the locking mechanism can't be disabled to use as a plain flex. The joint is pinned vs a screw so it'd probably get sloppy over time if it could be used as a plain flex.

 

[ForrestT]

Hey, Guys, I love the 3/8” locking flex head Carlyle Ratchet I got on sale when I saw this post in November. Do any of you know when the Carlyle 1/4” locking flex head ratchets usually go on sale? Is there a time to watch for them that they usually are on sale? What is a “good deal” price wise on it to look for? Thanks for turning me on to this tool. Thanks!


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[mrjaw14]

I clicked on the first post's link hoping to find a $25 ratchet lol darn it

 

[Rinspeed]

I thought I'd bump this thread back up to say this Carlyle ratchet is really growing on me. After another soaking in ATF and some use it is really smoothing up nicely. I seriously doubt I would pay $72 for one but I have a hard time paying retail for many tool brands. If the 1/4" goes on sale at some point I will certainly grab one.




https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR14LFQR?impressionRank=5&keywordInput=ratchet+flex+locking

 

[Mr_B]

^
If you open them up and grease them after bit of break in use they turn out real nice.
The 1/4 is a very usable tool .
for 25 to 40 bucks range they decent enough buy .
I haven't busted or had issue with one yet .

 

[measuredtwice]

When I took apart the ratchets, I was surprised by the crude wire retaining ring. Haha! It's a bit rough inside. They aren't my primary ratchets so I haven't used them enough yet to break them in. For the price paid (around $20-25 and less) I'm fine with it but they normally ask way to much for them.

 

[M6erfan]

I like mine. Their 1/4" ratchet is my go-to. I use it quite a bit, going on 6 years now with no issues. . .

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/new-carlyle-ratchet-my-thoughts.306902/

 

[RoundedNut]

For the Canadians, Princess Auto has the same ratchet without the comfort handle:

https://www.princessauto.com/en/1-4-in-dr-flex-head-ratchet/product/PA0008594590

They are one of my favorites, with the compact head and build quality. Its always disconcerting when switching to a regular sized ratchet and momentarily wondering why the head is so big, lol.

 

[measuredtwice]

Not bad. 32.99 CAD is 26.30 USD. Less than half the retail price of the Carlyle in USA. ($57.49/$26.30 = 2.2).