Ton ton
Well-known member
Just curious about extendable ratchets. And what is a reasonable price for them -retail?
Extendable handle ratchets?
- Thread starter Ton ton
- Start date
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I think they can be handy and very useful in junk yard bag or road kit.
Some are better than others. I like the facom/usag versions but, they're not cheap.
Some are better than others. I like the facom/usag versions but, they're not cheap.
MJK
Well-known member
I have a Mac 1/2" breaker bar with an extendable handle. It is great for shrinking down small enough to fit in a travel tool bag.
Never felt the need for any others.
Never felt the need for any others.
CGarage
Well-known member
It needs to be quality and needs to be proven to be worth buying......Portability is the key advantage.
I thought they were gimmicks. I bought the older green/black handle ones from HF (I swore that I would never buy ratchets & sockets from HF). I have the 1/2 & 3/8, I rarely use them but the times I have I put some decent torque on them & neither have broken yet. Thought the heads would break before the extending part. The 3/8 ratchet was double ended (I think they're still like that today), had 1/4 on the other end. That annoyed me so I machined the 1/4 anvil off.
Recently I bought a Husky extendable breaker bar (Apex, same as tbe GW but 1/2 the price) to keep in my truck so I can put my nice one back in the tool box. I haven't used it yet but it seems like it will be perfectly fine for lugnuts.
Recently I bought a Husky extendable breaker bar (Apex, same as tbe GW but 1/2 the price) to keep in my truck so I can put my nice one back in the tool box. I haven't used it yet but it seems like it will be perfectly fine for lugnuts.
They very useful, can adjust length suit space or reach you need for specific task .
Facom are nice and not crazy money if buy online from uk/europe.
High-Five done some and they pretty decent, pics in this thread> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/carlyle-3-8-flex-head-tear-down.485146/post-9446983
Many of the generic 72T versions pretty decent and very usable but not as refined .
Facom are nice and not crazy money if buy online from uk/europe.
High-Five done some and they pretty decent, pics in this thread> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/carlyle-3-8-flex-head-tear-down.485146/post-9446983
Many of the generic 72T versions pretty decent and very usable but not as refined .
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have the HF 1/2. It's been quite handy and saves some time swapping between breakers and ratchets. It is bulky and heavy, so it isn't my first choice but it's nice to have and wasn't expensive
dnschmidt
Well-known member
The best I've used is TOPTUL's. They make 1/2" and a monster 3/4" or 1" drive version that goes out to 800mm (31 inches). Here's the link to each:
What's different about them is that they can be extended to any particular length and not just to where there are detents. You twist the handle to either lock or release it and then position it to whatever length you want.
Reversible Ratchet with Adjustable Handle (Quick Release) - TOPTUL The Mark of Professional Tools
Detailed information of Reversible Ratchet with Adjustable Handle (Quick Release) offered by TOPTUL The Mark of Professional Tools.
www.toptul.com
Reversible Ratchet with Adjustable Tube Handle (Quick-Release) - TOPTUL The Mark of Professional Tools
Detailed information of Reversible Ratchet with Adjustable Tube Handle (Quick-Release) offered by TOPTUL The Mark of Professional Tools.
www.toptul.com
What's different about them is that they can be extended to any particular length and not just to where there are detents. You twist the handle to either lock or release it and then position it to whatever length you want.
mrjaw14
Well-known member
I have a Husky 3/8" extendable locking flex head that I've beat the hell out of when I was younger. It rides in my truck now because i want a flex head and sometimes you need a short one, and sometimes you need a longer one. Great for vehicle tool kit. My opinion is get one sourced locally so if it breaks you can warranty it since it'll likely be used in a...less than ideal way 
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
Absolutely worth having. The 1/2" version from Harbor Freight for $20 has served me well for 6+ years and I've really abused that thing at times. Lifetime warranty but if not I'd still buy another one immediately if I broke mine.
I also have their dual 1/4"-3/8" version and it's great as well, though I wish they were separate ratchets since the head is a little bulky.
I also have their dual 1/4"-3/8" version and it's great as well, though I wish they were separate ratchets since the head is a little bulky.
gtae07
Well-known member
I have a Kobalt 3/8 one from a white elephant exchange a few years ago. It's gimmicky, but it has one feature that's actually come in handy a few times--if you twist the handle it drives the head. That's made a couple specific bolts a lot easier to deal with.
Dave455
Well-known member
Absolutely worth having, for one reason in particular, which is carrying in a road box or other portable tool box.
Most of us have got one, and you can’t fit any sort of long handle tool in there, but you will probably need to take off at least a 3/4“ wheel nut at some point, which you will struggle to do with a short handle ratchet.
As CGarage says though, it needs to be quality. Haxet spring to mind (I’ve used these and they are decent) as do Facom. Facom offer one in 3/8“ drive.
Most of us have got one, and you can’t fit any sort of long handle tool in there, but you will probably need to take off at least a 3/4“ wheel nut at some point, which you will struggle to do with a short handle ratchet.
As CGarage says though, it needs to be quality. Haxet spring to mind (I’ve used these and they are decent) as do Facom. Facom offer one in 3/8“ drive.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have a 3/8 Stanley 92-645 Extendable and flex-head ratchet that I use often. It comes very handy especially when you need to break something loose that is a bit tight and you need the leverage.
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
I have the made in Taiwan blue handle locking flex head limited quantity ones from Princess auto. They are a bit bulky, but are great if you want multiple ratchet lengths in one and allow you to extend the handle quickly for extra leverage when needed.