Cousins to the Carlyle locking flex head ratchets?

[65k10]

Is anyone aware of a tool brand that offers a locking flex head ratchet that uses the same mechanism as the Carlyle 72 tooth locking flex heads? Like this one. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR12LFQR?impressionRank=1&keywordInput=r12lfqr

I know of the Powerbuilt Pro Tech and the Tone ratchets that use the same head, but those are non-locking. So far I've only seen the Carlyle ones with the lock and unfortunately those are expensive or just not available.

 

[measuredtwice]

Off the top of my head I don't know of another company that brands those ratchets.

Ko-ken and Mac have locking flex head ratchets with a push button lock. They are higher quality ratchets. The Ko-ken is limited in drive sizes and low tooth count. Which drive size(s) did you need?

3/8" Drive Axis 90-Tooth Locking Flex-Head Metal-Handle Ratchet - 13"

Compact pear-head design and 4° swing arc provides users access in even the tightest working areas .Choice of either metal-handle, or ergonomic comfort-handle providing ultimate grip and low fatigue during use .High-Polish finish .Locking flex-head has 11 positions with approximate 180° of flex...

www.mactools.com

Koken 3774JBL | 3/8" Sq. Drive, Flex Head Ratchet

Palmac Tool Company offers the Koken 3774JBL | 3/8" Sq. Drive, Flex Head Ratchet to order online with a best Price Guarantee. Fast Shipping Available.

palmac.net

There are several 1/4 flex head bit ratchets with a button. They are imported and branded by several different companies including Facom, Tone, Wurth, and others.

EZ Red makes several different locking flex ratchets. I have never seen them except in photos but they look cheap.

 

[chevy302dz]

Here's one in 3/8"s that wont break the bank

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/power-torque-3-8-inch-drive-ratchet-handle/ptt0/gm6179?q=locking+flex+ratchet&pos=2

 

[driftpin]

I got a Carlisle 3/8" drive locking ratchet like this https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFQR?r-src=SSE:PDP&ppid=CHT_R12LFQR&ir=3&tps=10 from a notice on-here for the NAPA offer. It was something like $37. Keep your eyes-out/open for a similar deal.

In another GJ member notice, I recently ordered $150+ of tools from NAPA heavily-discounted through a sale he stumbled-upon in Hammond LA, available for home delivery.

These NAPA deals are great, I get to fill holes in my toolbox, and the prices are far-below the in-store pricing.

 

[Zewnten]

There really isn't much out there to compete with Carlyle ratchets quality and price point (on sale), EZ red's ratchets are very cheaply made and I wouldn't trust them. Gearwench makes similar but when I was looking before they were either out of stock or expensive, to the point I paid $50 more for a Marco. There was a member selling Carlyle ratchets for a great price but he sold out fast

 

[measuredtwice]

Also check Ebay for higher quality ratchets. You can find deals for tool truck ratchets for the same price as Napa typically asks for Carlyle locking flex. It does take patience but those deals pop up more often then you might expect. I've found several deals on locking flex head ratchets in the last few months alone.

I have a few of the Carlyle that I got on sale for up to 75% off. Below is the flyer from that sale for your reference. It was a good deal for that price. The ratchet mechanism is just mediocre but it's the locking flex that makes these ratchets interesting. Although Napa "sales" are common, unfortunately good sales that are actually worth while have been much less frequent.

It was actually much cheaper. In Dec, the 1/2 was $25, the 3/8 was $18.50 and the 1/4 was $14.50. The capture is from the catalog in December.Shows how much they are gouging before the sale.

As I mentioned previously, they have been out of stock online since the sale. Expect it will be a long time before the price goes down again since they don't even have any stock.

 

[ptgarcia]

These look good.

GEARWRENCH 3 Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive 90 Tooth Dual Material Locking Flex Head Ratchet Set - 81298T, Multi, One Size​

 

[Rinspeed]

I picked up a Carlisle 3/8" drive locking ratchet three months ago when they were on sale cheap, only used it a couple times but very happy with the quality. Much like SK though I certainly wouldn't pay close to retail but at a good sale hell yes.

 

[Skin]

Pretty sure Stahlwille sources their lock from the exact same manufacturer as Carlyle. The MAC one is about the same but a bit more flush. I'm sure a Taiwan company holds the patent.

 

[lardy1]

I'm surprised those Carlyle 72 tooth locking flex ratchets don't get more love. To each their own but I find them to be a very nice ratchet.

 

[Rickster]

Just bought a Gearwrench 90 tooth locking flex-head 3/8dr ratchet from Tooltopia. They have them in stock for $63.

GearWrench (KDT81267T) 3/8" Drive 90T Cushion Grip Locking Flex Head Ratchet

DetailsFeatures and Benefits:90 tooth gear delivers a 4° swing arc to turn a fastener in tight confinesPrecision engineered high strength pawl for increased durabilityLocking flex-head with 9 locked positions and unlocked option for adjustable access angleHighly visible on/off markings on the...

www.tooltopia.com

 

[65k10]

Thanks for the replys guys. I bought a couple of the Carlyle locking flex heads a few years ago along with 2 non-locking models during the afformentioned sale last December. I like them despite the somewhat high back drag since they seem well made and have a fairly small head. Funny enough, I also bought a handful of wrench sets during that big Napa sale last week for some portable tool sets which is why I'm now looking for some ratchets to add to that haul. I figured a locking 3/8 and a 1/2 ratchet would cover that portion the best. Gearwrench is an option if need be, but I am kind of hoping I can stick with the Carlyle style ones. I'm not in a big hurry and can probably wait for a sale somewhere. Alternately, I can just forget about the need for the lock and just get the Powerbuilt Pro Tech version.

 

[M6erfan]

For locking flex using that head, Carlyle is it. Prices seemingly have gone up on their ratchets unfortunately. Used to be able to get them on sale pretty regularly. Check the classifieds here too, I've seen them pop up from time to time.

 

[uncwstudent]

I actually had one of the Powertech Pro ratchets and they're definitely not on the same level as the Carlyle ratchets. The heads are exactly the same but the body of the Carlyle is MUCH more stout and you can put a lot more force on the Carlyle. The handle on the Powertech is also kind of strange feeling due to its orientation but it also feels kind of flimsy. Also, I didn't see any of PowerTech's with locking heads but that was years ago when I bought mine.

 

[BTJHP]

Pro Auto from Japan also rebrands the Hi-Five ratchet that you're looking for. They have the locking flex head and are reasonably priced.

 

[M6erfan]

Pro Auto from Japan also rebrands the Hi-Five ratchet that you're looking for. They have the locking flex head and are reasonably priced.

Non locking, unlike what the OP was after. Extendable handle though if that's your thing.

 

[BTJHP]

Non locking, unlike what the OP was after. Extendable handle though if that's your thing.

Incorrect. The Pro Auto STR-F3 is locking flex head.

 

[M6erfan]

Incorrect. The Pro Auto STR-F3 is locking flex head.

I stand corrected, I didn't see that model when I looked.

 

[Mr_B]

patent and odm is high-five . they based around there super ten ratchet head .
can find the locking version under premier brand .

 

[The collector]

Is anyone aware of a tool brand that offers a locking flex head ratchet that uses the same mechanism as the Carlyle 72 tooth locking flex heads? Like this one. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR12LFQR?impressionRank=1&keywordInput=r12lfqr

I know of the Powerbuilt Pro Tech and the Tone ratchets that use the same head, but those are non-locking. So far I've only seen the Carlyle ones with the lock and unfortunately those are expensive or just not available.

Power tours makes a 30$ it's not that bad lol