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Best long flexible 1/4 ratchet?

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Jdm427

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May 15, 2018
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SF
Hi,

Looking for which 1/4 long flexible ratchet to get? I see the snap on TLLF72 and proto has the flexible pear head 90 tooth. Which one is more reliable? I like the knurl on the proto, but couldn’t find a lot of reviews. How is the slop in the swivel for both?

Thanks in advance
 
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Wamsutta

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Snap-on, but I'd suggest the comfort grip handle since the metal handle is so skinny; unless, you like holding the handle between your fingers; in which case it's perfect.
 
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toplessHO

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central florida
I love my 1/4 inch SK.
I made it into a long handle by slipping a piece of surgical tubing over the end.
Its amazing what it can do now.
 
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B_Bimmer

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I really like proto tools, but my snap on 1/4" flex is far and away my most favorite ratchet, it is used whenever possible. It's not even the current dual 80 series, but it leaves nothing to be desired.
 
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shockwave

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Marietta,ga
I have the snap on tll72 I put on a hard handle but I always seem to go for the Matco 1/4 locking flex head extra long these are closest to each other

Now the proto I have been eyeing for awhile but not in extra long form in 1/4 drive mostly available in up to 8 inch length except these 2 and Matco chrome or snap on with handles are my preference
 
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fang123

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Hastings, Pa.
I have all three sizes of the 1/4 proto htc. Love them, but I use the 5 inch the most. I don't have any complaints at all. I own 6 snap on dual 80's in 3/8 and 1/2, but don't have a single snappy 1/4. I've read somewhere (more than once) that the 72 tooth snap on 1/4 isn't all that. Don't know what the reason is though.
 

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Fedwrench

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How long are you looking for?

I feel the PROTO precision 90 ratchets are overpriced since you usually find the MAC version cheaper. I do think that PROTO has the better handle though.

I'm not a fan of the snap on T72 series ratchets. I had issues with one when they first came out and I think the dual 80 platform is best in 3/8 drive but, that's another story.

I think the best overall 1/4 drive flex head would be the 84 tooth Gearwrench version with comfort grip. It's tough, durable, relatively cheap if you shop around.

Powerbuilt Pro has a nine inch flex head that's pretty sweet. The nice thing about Tekton's 1/4 inch flex head is its handle doesn't suffer from being too thin, and it's at a great price.

Good luck in your quest :beer:
 
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Yarpo

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Fedwrench said:
dual 80 platform is best in 3/8 drive but, that's another story.

I think the best overall 1/4 drive flex head would be the 84 tooth Gearwrench version with comfort grip. It's tough, durable, relatively cheap if you shop around.
Click to expand...

I absolutely love my 84T GW flex head ratchet, its what I reach for first but I dont think its near as long as a TLL72, unless I'm mistaken? I've actually got a broken one sitting next to me and measured it, its 7 inches long damn near on the dot. Not sure how long the TLLF72 is, but it looks a lot longer?
 
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Professional Tool User

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Depends on how much you use an extra long 1/4 dr ratchet. I hardly ever use mine, so I'm glad I bought an inexpensive Made in Taiwan one.
 
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plinker

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Mr Ratchet said:
Matco locking flex head. https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...-4-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-CHROME-RATCHET/
Click to expand...

+1

I have the same ratchet. 12.25" OAL. The thinner profile fits better in tight spots then any other, IMO. I dont use it often but it can be a lifesaver when needed.

The only one slimmer that I've found is a Vim hex bit ratchets with a hex adapter. Also a very good tool. https://www.tooltopia.com/vim-hbr12.aspx

If you're looking for around 6-7" OAL, Gearwrench is pretty good, I dont care for the locking flex lever though, easy to disengage by accident. The Matco locking flex is a better design IMO.
 
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Skin

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Nice thing about the Matco is the locking flex so you don't have to worry about bumping the head angle sticking it into anything.

Matco and Snap-On stand alone in their length. Other ratchets mentioned are 6-9". Comfort grip Matco and Snap-On are 12"-13".
 
OP
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Jdm427

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Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am looking for the 9 inch flexible. Leaning towards the proto due to the knurling on the handle and the head shape seems stronger.
 
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Fedwrench

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Jdm427 said:
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am looking for the 9 inch flexible. Leaning towards the proto due to the knurling on the handle and the head shape seems stronger.
Click to expand...

One thing to consider about the Proto Precision 90 ratchets is that they are the first generation MAC Axis ratchets with different handles.

It's important to note that MAC redesigned their 90 tooth ratchets due to a few issues. The second generation MAC ratchet lost the paper thin RTV style gasket under the gear cover. As the cover screws loosened with use, the gasket would pop out. 2nd generation mac 90 tooth ratchets now have the screws on top of the ratchet instead of on the bottom of the gear cover. For MAC to launch a complete revision after only being on the market a couple of years means something.
 
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GrayEngineer

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You want a Nepros ratchet. They make amazing ratchets and I reach for mine over everything else I have, especially with 1/4" drive. The 90 tooth ratchets they make are silky smooth and the handles are really comfortable.
 
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Wamsutta

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The Proto does look pretty nice I'll admit.

J4750HTCF_2.png
 
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p90puma

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Not sure who makes this for Canadian Tire but in Canada this one is relatively new and pretty great:

MAXIMUM 1/4-in 72 Teeth Drive Specialty Ratchet - CT Product #058-0291-0

Can't link as post count is too low.
 
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marineman

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Wild Rose, WI
If you're still considering options my go to 1/4" is a TSLF72. Basically the same length as the TLLF72 but turns into a speeder once you get it broke loose.
 
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2ndGearRubber

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Proto long handles are more comfy than SO. I will say the SO mechanism, primarily the detent for the on/off lever, is better to my hands. Head sizes are quite similar. Either way I'm very happy with the Proto and SO ratchets.
 
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Tallpilot

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