Bent handle (FLEX HEAD) ratchets….

[bimmer630]

I’ve always wondered why bent handle flex ratchets only came in 3/8” drive…

Older catalogs from Mac used to list them as “ratchets for spark plug service”

Is the bent handle simply for clearing the side of a cylinder head when doing plugs? Or is it so the bent part of the handle is more perpendicular to the extension, and offers a more straight-on attack on the socket (reducing broken spark plugs)??

If the latter is the reason for the bent handle, that fully explains why we don’t see the bent handles on 1/2” or 1/4” ratchets.

Either way… I thought it would be an interesting discussion….

 

[sparky 1971]

I have a SK bent handle and use it for a lot more than spark plugs. It's perfect for caliper bolts and alternators.

Tekton has a 1/2" bent handle.

 

[bimmer630]

I have a SK bent handle and use it for a lot more than spark plugs. It's perfect for caliper bolts and alternators.

Tekton has a 1/2" bent handle.

I agree, the bent handle feels more “right” in a lot of situations.. I use them more than the straight ones.
Interesting on the texton

 

[anndel]

I have 2 Snap-on 3/8" bent handle flex heads and a Snap-on 1/2" bent handle flex head. I believe others have them, Sorry for the blotches, I had to hide my name.

 

[Dave455]

They’re useful tools in a number of situations, especially when you are working “back to front” with the socket facing you, rather than away from you.

My “go to” tool for removing brake calipers!

 

[Oldsmobile]

Yes, I also have one of those SK bent handle 3/8 ratchets, and it's my go-to for brake calipers as well. But I never thought of why there wouldn't be a use case for bent 1/4 or 1/2. This thread got me thinking, though, about a 1/2 Wright that I bought for ten bucks at a flea market. I haven't had an absolute need for it yet but maybe someday it'll be just the right (Wright?) tool for the job.

 

[bimmer630]

I suppose that my main point is, why were they ever advertised as spark plug tools, and not as ratchets that are useful for all kinds of things?

….also, I didn’t realize before I posted this thread, that snapon actually makes a 1/2” version https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...chnology-Bent-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchet/SBF80A

someone pointed that out earlier

 

[Wrench97]

They started out for use on spark plugs back in the 70's, they worked well to get around smog pump piping, steering shafts tighter engine bays. After using them we found they also came in handy for other things to.

 

[Snapped-off]

My favorite ratchet. It's my most used ratchet after the electric.

 

[dnschmidt]

It started with spark plugs. I have one branded Champion Spark Plugs and the reason is back in the day we used pushrod engines that had the spark plugs on the sides of the engine up against the fenders. The bend handle made it easier to work around obstructions. Clearly they can be used for other things but my feeling is that small cordless impacts and swivel impact sockets replaced these for most applications such as the previously mentioned brake calipers.

 

[bimmer630]

It started with spark plugs. I have one branded Champion Spark Plugs and the reason is back in the day we used pushrod engines that had the spark plugs on the sides of the engine up against the fenders. The bend handle made it easier to work around obstructions. Clearly they can be used for other things but my feeling is that small cordless impacts and swivel impact sockets replaced these for most applications such as the previously mentioned brake calipers.

Im not THAT young to never have worked on a pushrod V8 or V6!!
I still see a few now and then, too.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

I agree, the bent handle feels more “right” in a lot of situations.. I use them more than the straight ones.
Interesting on the texton

Yep. The situation dictates the usefulness.

They’re useful tools in a number of situations, especially when you are working “back to front” with the socket facing you, rather than away from you.

My “go to” tool for removing brake calipers!

Same here. I use the locking flex head Carlyle.

 

[four.cycle]

They started out for use on spark plugs back in the 70's

errrr... a bit before that, actually. the Champion "Plug Master" was actually manufactured by the New Britain Machine Co. (Kilness patent.)

 

[bimmer630]

errrr... a bit before that, actually. the Champion "Plug Master" was actually manufactured by the New Britain Machine Co. (Kilness patent.)

But…. Uhh….

Those handles aren’t bent

 

[four.cycle]

The model CT405 had a straight handle, but a flex head. The other models had bent handles as well as the flex head.

 

[F-22]

I have some "Kreator" ratchet that has a slightly bent handle.



72 tooth, and it's actually really nice to use. The handle offset is just enough that you often don't need to use an extension. I assume it's Taiwan made?

 

[dnschmidt]

TOPTUL markets one like that which I just gave to my friend Matt Bernstein of the Schrödinger’s Box YouTube channel. This design was originally conceived by Facom but they no longer make it for some reason. Here's a link to the TOPTUL/William Tool (the true manufacturer's) version: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-5...t-Head-Ratchet-Handle-with-Quick-Release.html

 

[joel63]

Yes, I also have one of those SK bent handle 3/8 ratchets, and it's my go-to for brake calipers as well. But I never thought of why there wouldn't be a use case for bent 1/4 or 1/2. This thread got me thinking, though, about a 1/2 Wright that I bought for ten bucks at a flea market. I haven't had an absolute need for it yet but maybe someday it'll be just the right (Wright?) tool for the job.

Snap- on has one similar to yours that which they refer to as an off set handle.
FHOF80A Very handy.

 

[KnurledNut]

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I have some "Kreator" ratchet that has a slightly bent handle.



72 tooth, and it's actually really nice to use. The handle offset is just enough that you often don't need to use an extension. I assume it's Taiwan made?

I’ve been using an unbranded 1/4 drive version of this in my junkyard go-bag for years with no complaints. Nothing fancy about it but it just works.

Yes, I also have one of those SK bent handle 3/8 ratchets, and it's my go-to for brake calipers as well. But I never thought of why there wouldn't be a use case for bent 1/4 or 1/2. This thread got me thinking, though, about a 1/2 Wright that I bought for ten bucks at a flea market. I haven't had an absolute need for it yet but maybe someday it'll be just the right (Wright?) tool for the job.

Have my eye out for one of these. They look awesome

 

[Wrench97]

That has been my favorite ratchet for many years.

 

[finn]

Back in the 60s, my cousin had one of the Champion spark plug wrenches, as we called them back then. It was extremely useful and functional.

Years later I picked up a couple similar to that Champion wrench. I think one is a SnapOn, and the other is an SK.

Unfortunately, or. maybe fortunately, they don’t get much use anymore as spark plug changes on modern engines are an every ten or fifteen year event, not every six months like in the days of leaded fuel and before platinum plugs.

 

[bimmer630]

That handle is installed upside down

 

[KnurledNut]

That handle is installed upside down

One advantage of a pinned flex joint. (I dont say that often.)
Poor mans FHOF80...errr...30.

 

[ForrestT]

That handle is installed upside down

That’s what I wondered too.

 

[David99]

That handle is installed upside down

That’s what I wondered too.

maybe the head is upside down!

 

[Scottie S.]

Hello everyone.First time poster here.I couldn't help but comment on this discussion as I just used a bent handle flex head a couple of weekends ago.A Craftsman CMMT99439.This is a 72 tooth ratchet made by Stanley Black and Decker from China or Taiwan and sold at Lowes.I picked it up at a swap meet for $20.00 brand new.I installed a set of plugs in my "81 Chrysler Imperial.That year Imperial is V8 powered.And with all the maze of vacuum hoses,braces and smog garbage under the hood,the bent handle flex head comes in very handy.The bent handle gives you just enough leverage to back the plugs out without skinning your knuckles.With the sparkplug socket and a few extensions attached,the bent handle is clear of all obstructions.You just ratchet the plug out effortlessly.And then to reinstall I use a stubby flex head to start the plugs and then back to the bent handle to finish the job.Once you use a bent handle flex head changing plugs,you'll never go back to a standard straight flex ratchet.