Craftsman V flex head, or other?

rjvjeepster · Aug 28, 2016

Looking to get a 3/8" drive flex head ratchet. I can get a V series Craftsman ratchet for about $30. Would that be a solid one? Or would I be better off looking at something newer with less wear on it for a tighter flex head?

Open to any suggestions really, probably under $50. Not hell bent on USA (but I'll gladly pay more) but I want good quality and an easy warranty.

M6erfan · Aug 28, 2016

So you're going to warranty that V series and think you're going to get a V series in return? Not! But rebuild kits are available, I think...

There are tons of options for less than $50, U.S. and otherwise...

rjvjeepster · Aug 28, 2016

I get that I wouldn't get a V series back, but the likelyhood of breaking it I'm guessing would be slim.

I'd rather have to settle for a China one after for warranty compared to say Snap on where they might not warranty it since I'm not the original buyer nor would have an original receipt.

M6erfan · Aug 28, 2016

Honestly, I wouldn't worry so much about warranty. If you use the tool correctly and within it's limits (no 5ft cheater bar), the chance of failure is so small, warranty doesn't really come into play.

As for alternatives, SK or Proto has options at around $50...

Mechanical Noise · Aug 28, 2016

I went through a couple of them pretty quick around 1980. Still have the third but I learned to baby it. I don't baby my other ratchets and they hold up. That's a small sample in the big picture and I'm willing to admit it might just have been bad luck.

The notches which hold the head at 45 degree angles wear fairly quickly. Not a big issue for me, but it might be important to you.

I'd look at different ratchets. If it does go bad on you, you might not get a replacement as good or any replacement at all.

gdocktor3 · Aug 28, 2016

Mechanical Noise said:
I went through a couple of them pretty quick around 1980. Still have the third but I learned to baby it. I don't baby my other ratchets and they hold up. That's a small sample in the big picture and I'm willing to admit it might just have been bad luck.

The notches which hold the head at 45 degree angles wear fairly quickly. Not a big issue for me, but it might be important to you.

I'd look at different ratchets. If it does go bad on you, you might not get a replacement as good or any replacement at all.

Exactly. It's almost like - I'll use the Craftsman for this task just because I have it and could get some use out of it. Other wise I grab a Snap On. If I were you, I'd forget the Craftsman and spend $25-30 more on a used truck brand. A 36t Snap On is waaaay better than a 36t Cman. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro.../8+snap+on+flex+ratchet&_pgn=4&_skc=150&rt=nc
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCO-9-Fle...:g:pCYAAOSw6n5XujwX&item=391539426680&vxp=mtr

Fedwrench · Aug 28, 2016

V series, is that the 30 tooth version? You can't tighten the flex joint, as it's a pin not a screw.

It might serve you well but, there are so many other options available.

The Garage Journal flex head ratchet de jour has always been the Armstrong Maxx locking flex head but, those may be hard to get these days :dunno:

I would say sift though the ending soon selections on ebay and be patient :beer:

Sanny81 · Aug 28, 2016

I got a lightly used FLF80 for around $50 on eBay a few months ago...the deals are there if you're patient and keep checking.

four.cycle · Aug 28, 2016

rjvjeepster said:
Looking to get a 3/8" drive flex head ratchet. I can get a V series Craftsman ratchet for about $30.

rjvjeepster · Aug 28, 2016

Thanks a bunch.

Are the newer Blackhawk ratchets good? I have an older USA made Blackhawk ratchet that 's great since it's largely the same as my Proto ones. But I read the new ones are Taiwan.

zkling · Aug 28, 2016

Harbor Freight "Pro", save the craftsman for collecting.

gdocktor3 · Aug 28, 2016

rjvjeepster said:
Thanks a bunch.

Are the newer Blackhawk ratchets good? I have an older USA made Blackhawk ratchet that 's great since it's largely the same as my Proto ones. But I read the new ones are Taiwan.

I've used newer Blackhawk ratchets and they aren't anything special. They are just your basic Taiwan made ratchets. I'd go with a Husky, Kobalt or even HF over the Blackhawk if I had to choose a cheap Taiwan ratchet. With that said, I'd go with a Gearwrench over all those. They can be had brand new for around $50. Or you can find complete sets and/or Promos for a little bit more. Gearwrench tools are exceptionally well made. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...lSAJlAeSIztRLpj9As5uioMAbUZMJbuSAHhoC8MLw_wcB

Seriously though. Just buy a used truck brand. I promise you will get more satisfaction and use out of a used Snap On or Matco, SK, etc and it will last a really, really long time.

rjvjeepster · Aug 28, 2016

That's what I'm leaning towards. I don't need it now, it's just something I want to add eventually to the collection. I'd love to pick something up at a garage sale, hell a $5 USA made anything would be a score to me. I love my SK 1/2" drive ratchet so I think it's worth waiting for something classic versus buying new for instant gratification.

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate all the advice.

T45 · Aug 28, 2016

Would not go out of the way for vintage CMAN, as the modern stuff is much better. Look at this proto/facom, J5257F is 210mm long, w/ 72T and <$50.

After that its Snap on FLF 80, for probably $25-30 more (used), but you get 300mm long and sealed/super strong mechanism.

Good luck with whatever path you choose.

four.cycle · Aug 28, 2016

just my two cents:

I can't speak to Blackhawk, because I'm not familiar with it (other than a couple oddball pieces I own that are pretty old.)
If it was me and I was trying to keep the price down in the $30 range I'd go for one of those S-K or Proto models I listed above.

T45 said:
Would not go out of the way for vintage CMAN

overall here Craftsman ratchets don't get high marks from members. probably one of the most maligned ratchets of any domestic brand. personally I'm not overly impressed with the few of them I own - I think they're kind of clunky. just my lousy opinion.

Craftsman V flex head, or other?

rjvjeepster

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