Capri Tools 3/8" flex head ratchet

[BigLeagueSmoes]

Hey everyone! I haven't seen much information out there in the GJ forums about Capri ratchets so I thought I would share my initial unboxing thoughts and then can update this post as I use it over the coming months.

I purchased this 3/8" drive flex head ratchet earlier this week and it showed up in the mail today.

MSRP: $34.99
Sale Price: $31.99
Amazon Price: $29.99

The specs from Capri Tools:

• 180 degree swivel flex-head
• 72-tooth fine gear ratchet
• 5 degree swing arc
• True single-pawl gear design
• Dual direction ratcheting gear
• Sealed to prevent dust, dirt and liquids from entering the head
• Flawless MaxChrome plating

Out of the box I must say the chrome finish looks very nice. I don't know how well it will hold up, but it looks good in my opinion, similar to Tekton and Icon ratchets. The logo, model number, and on/off is engraved into the metal which I personally like more than the laser etching. This tool is made in Taiwan, and like many other Taiwan ratchets and hand tools, it seems to have good initial quality, and I've been pleased with other tools that have come out of Taiwan so I expect much of the same for this one.

The on/off switch is very crisp, I actually haven't felt a ratchet switch that feels this good. The ratcheting mechanism is smooth but I did notice quite a bit of back-drag while engaging the teeth. There is also a fair amount of slop in the mechanism. For almost all applications I don't think this won't matter to me. Maybe in the one instance of such a tight space that I'm only working with one tooth for the arc swing, then it might be a problem... I'm not too concerned about it but take that info for what it's worth for you. It is a $30 ratchet after all



The flex head is obviously not locking, and it does NOT have a detent ball (my personal preference). The head pivots freely but I wouldn't describe it as floppy. I'm interested to see how this changes over time. The head is fixed on the handle with a screw which should allow for adjustment in the future if needed.



The overall length of the ratchet is 11 3/4" long. According to the 'ol budget ToolShop calipers, the width of the head is about 1.18" wide and the thickness of the head is about 0.59" thick. Not the lowest profile ratchet I've seen but certainly not bulky.



Overall I am very excited to use this ratchet. The price-point is certainly on the "budget" end of tool prices but the quality seems to be much higher. It doesn't feel like a cheap Chinesium tool. The price is competitive with Pittsburgh but the quality feels more like Icon or Tekton. I have seen some video reviews on YouTube about Capri's fixed head ratchets in 3/8" and 1/2" drive and have been pleased with what actual real world user reviews. Hoping for a good experience with the flex head too!

 

[71firebird400]

Is that a goat engraved on it?

 

[jumbojak]

It's clearly the greatest of all time.

 

[webscrounger]

Capri - Italian - something related to wild ibex, goat ... I think. But what that has to do with ratchets and tools escapes me, I have a set of those ratchets. They're good for the price. I guess as strong as any in that mid-tier class. I doubt you'll ever break it (unless you really abuse it), and if you do, no great loss. They are similar in quality to other Asian made brands like Ares, Husky, Gearwrench, Olsa, SATA, Tekton, etc.

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

The Capri Tools logo is, indeed, a goat head. I don't know anything about the company's history. According to Wikipedia... "Capra is a genus of mammals, the goats, composed of up to nine species, including the markhor and many species known as ibexes. The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is a domesticated species derived from the wild goat (Capra aegagrus)."

 

[ForrestT]

I have the 1/4” flex head. Nice ratchets. Especially for the price.

 

[cjarvis]

I bought one of their 1/2” fixed head ratchets. It was very nicely made. That said, I returned it because the bat-shape pawl design meant that there was so much lash (slop) in the mechanism, it was effectively a 36 tooth ratchet. I had no issues with backdrag.

Thanks for the report and I’m glad you’re happy with yours.

 

[Professional Tool User]

As long as a ratchet in this price range doesn't lock up, it's worth buying.

 

[webscrounger]

OP made a good buy.
There are video reviews on these that are generally positive and enthusiastic. I've had not problems with mine and I have swivel and non-swivel sets, both sets are non-quick-release. The non-swivel ratchets have a different head with a heavy screwed on faceplate (my preference) as opposed the the thin plate and bat-wing clip used on the swivel ratchets. I'm sure both meet/exceed whatever the ANSI standards are for ratchets in their respective drive size.

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

OP made a good buy.
There are video reviews on these that are generally positive and enthusiastic. I've had not problems with mine and I have swivel and non-swivel sets, both sets are non-quick-release. The non-swivel ratchets have a different head with a heavy screwed on faceplate (my preference) as opposed the the thin plate and bat-wing clip used on the swivel ratchets. I'm sure both meet/exceed whatever the ANSI standards are for ratchets in their respective drive size.

Good to note on the faceplate difference. I hadn’t noticed that when I was looking through their website

 

[webscrounger]

The faceplate is just a cover to retain for the internals and keep junk out. I don't think either type makes any difference in ratchet strength or function.

 

[Mr_B]

They a pretty nice ratchet and sensible value for deal/set pricing .
The drag spring in flex joint is done quite well .
No idea on warranty ease or how they trully stand in ranking versus the massive range of ratchet choice in this price range .
Thing I liked most from capri is the bit sockets during sales ...

 

[lardy1]

Thing I liked most from capri is the bit sockets during sales ...

That month they were selling full sets on rails for $25.00 per set (as I recall) was an awesome deal. I bought a bunch. I would prefer same drive size but can't complain at that price.

 

[Mr_B]

That month they were selling full sets on rails for $25.00 per set (as I recall) was an awesome deal. I bought a bunch. I would prefer same drive size but can't complain at that price.

Indeed at the price they pretty much disposable tools so cheap it beyond rude to be complaining lol .
The bits hold up surprisingly good & the size stamping is nice and legible, equal quality to lot of more pro brand and pro priced but was cheaper than Walmart clearance .

 

[webscrounger]

Yes, very good for the cash. Here's a test of the 1/4" drive Capri flex ratchet (and Snap-On). Capri performed equal to the best in the test,

 

[Ton ton]

Now if only Capri was available through a brick and mortar store or tool truck. I love the goat head logo.

 

[Outahere]

I bought a 1/4" drive flex-head Capri ratchet last year. I don't like the very high back-drag on it. I plan to replace it with a Koken 72T ratchet later this year.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Sounds like the GOat - TO Ratchet for most of the Users

 

[RickyLahey]

What I have found with these priced ratchets is that they are very good but I don't crack tight bolts with them or use them to do up to 9000nm, I use a bar for that.

I think when reefing on things that the flex head looses torque through it making it harder to crack something which puts more stress on it.

 

[DieselSaves]

I have the same ratchet. Bought it from Home Depot online. It’s held up really well so far. My hands down favorite ratchet in this world is an FLF80A and the Capri is a very close copy of the Snappy. I prefer the Capri to my similar ICON long flex head, although I can’t put a reason down for the preference.

I try to abuse my cheap ratchets in the shop first so I can see if they’ll fail in the field when I need them and the Capri has yet to let me down. I keep the Capri in a road kit right now and I’m planning on getting a second one for a spare.