Bent handle ratchet

[Indy125]

Hi All!

Serious question.. Whats the point, or when would I run into a situation that I would need/want a bent handle ratchet? Isn't that what the flex head is for? Flex and bent, please educate me. Thanks!!

 

[bonneyman]

I'm with you. There's alot of tools out there that have these features that I just don't get. But there must be a reason for it, and a big market for the stuff or else the manufacturers wouldn't go in on it.

Perhaps it's a specialized application tool that modern auto mechanics have latched onto as a must-have? Alot of absolutely crazy tight places on today's cars.

 

[noid]

They are most often included as part of a spark plug socket set.

 

[inyoyote]

They can be used like a speed handle until it gets tight then you go to regular ratcheting. Also it moves your hand away from large flat surfaces without causing as much cam out like a standard flex head, think drain bolts on large hydraulic tanks that use a 3/8 square drive plug instead of a standard drain bolt you would use a socket on. Use can use it like a pry bar better than a straight handle. If you get mad and throw it it will come back like a boomerang. Ok, maybe not the last one but the rest are very handy uses on top of the original use which is spark plugs. I have both versions and the bent handle comes out armors than the straight.

 

[Sunset_Z28]

I tend to use mine changing spark plugs as mentioned, but most of the time a roto ratchet is just as handy for me.

 

[finn]

Back in the mid to late sixties we called them spark plug ratchets. Champion spark plug, for one, sold a bent handle flex head ratchet with a couple of spark plug sockets.

They were particularly handy to keep your knockles away from the exhaust manifolds and valve covers on a V8 engine.

I have a SnapOn version that I acquired somewhere. Works much better than the regular flex head straight handle versions for spark plugs. Not so mush for most other situations.

 

[txvwnut]

That’s the only style of 3/8” ratchet I use. Once I get the fastener broken loose I use it like a speed handle when I can.

 

[bwringer]

You're supposed to rotate the flex joint so it's in line with the fastener, then put the end of the handle in your palm and sort of hula your hand in a circle to spin the fastener fairly rapidly. There's sort of a trick to it. The bent handle is important because it puts enough mass off-center that you can get the whole thing spinning easily.

It's meant as a quick way to spin fasteners in and out without the need to switch tools to crack them loose or torque them.

I can't find a Youtube video on this, but I've seen it done and demonstrated.

 

[Fedwrench]

As others have pointed out, it's a design dating back to huge non computer controlled engines in an even larger engine compartment for removing spark plugs. Some people claim (not Me) that you can exert more force on the offset handle I've always had one in my box although it's seldom used.

Engines and spark plug placement have changed so much since the 1960's, I'm amazed these ratchets still sell

 

[Rabid Badger]

They're handy for caliper bolts.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have the SK bent handle. It doesn't get used very often, but it is nice to have. I think the last time it came out was changing the alternator on my wife's Commander. The bend in the handle was in the perfect place to keep my fingers from hitting the radiator. I have also seen others use them as a speed wrench when the bolt/nut gets broken loose. I tried, but I ain't that good...yet.

 

[Indy125]

Great info! Thanks everyone!

 

[Ralf11]

I use my 1/2" Snappy flex/bent as a speeder for lug nuts.

 

[Sweetcorn]

That’s the only style of 3/8” ratchet I use. Once I get the fastener broken loose I use it like a speed handle when I can.

Same here.

I dont find myself reaching for a standard ratchet much at all.

 

[Wamsutta]

They're handy for caliper bolts.

This^

Notice how the ratchet handle is on the same plane as the ratchet head?

Draw a line from left to right. They're on the same plane.

 

[a6hux]

My go to ratchet

 

[CS454]

Been my go to for a decade.

 

[ken w.]

I used to use mine with a long extension and a swivel spark plug socket. It's funny watching someone using one for the first time. Once you get the hang of using this it's simple.

 

[Legion Prime]

Yup, always heard the bent handle flex head ratchets called spark plug ratchets. I always kinda pooh poohed them as they just looked ungainly and a ratchet head that moves around? Forget it. But almost every mechanic I knew had one and when the SnapOn guy came around with the new comfort handle available on one, I said what the hell I can use a free tshirt. Within a year I had to get him to rebuild the head because I found I used it on EVV REE THING! Brakes, suspension hell even the occasional spark plug. Not only do the flex head and bent handle get it in some odd spots the longer handle gives you a TON of leverage over a shorter standard ratchet.

 

[Skin]

Novelty these days with so many universal sockets and wobble extension designs. They dont generally sell well. Snap-on did bring back a variant that also has a spinner handle so it can be used as a speed wrench but they generally dont stay in production.

 

[Ugly Truck Nut]

I just bought mine cause I'm an old Craftsman ***** and I wanted to have a complete set.



Good to know what additional uses it has.

 

[bonneyman]

I just bought mine cause I'm an old Craftsman ***** and I wanted to have a complete set.

Good to know what additional uses it has.

Honesty is the best policy!

 

[M6erfan]

This thread...

-They're a gimmick
-It's my go-to everyday ratchet



I've personally never used one. I've changed lots and lots of spark plugs over the years with fixed and flex head ratchets. Although some posts show that they have utility for other jobs. I guess i'll keep it in mind if I ever run across a project where it's a must have.