Facom flex ratchet wrenches - joint slop?

[ToolRoom]

Thinking about treating myself to a set of flex head ratchet wrenches and Facom seem to be about the best bet for quality, availability and price here in the UK.

However I noticed that they have a pinned flex joint rather than the bolted type you often see on a lot of cheaper offerings.

Seems to me that a bolted design would off the advantage of being able to be adjusted when it starts getting floppy. However I wonder if this is every an issue in practice.

Has anybody had any problems with the pinned joints (in general) or specifically on the Facom wrenches?

I assume there must be a good reason why they chose this over a bolt.

 

[mr.lemons]

Sorry don't have an answer but agree this is a concern that has put me off the Facom flex heads. Maybe the pivot is a pin that can be punched out.

 

[cjarvis]

If I had to guess, there’s not enough flex in the joint to allow a bolt to tighten the joint. Hope that makes sense

 

[dkroth]

I like Wiha screwdrivers.









.

 

[Mr_B]

i love mine and they used daily in repair shop.
keep eye on ebay as had new sets real cheap at times .
They really nice use thanks to stamped markings and slender design.
If had to complain it would be length, they could do with making a long pattern on the entire wrench range .

 

[mr.lemons]

If I had to guess, there’s not enough flex in the joint to allow a bolt to tighten the joint. Hope that makes sense

The bolt on flex head wrenches it not used to tighten the pivot but to disassemble it. I don't think they are all the same but most have a split washer inside that can be bent to increase/decrease the friction.

I have two Facom flex heads - 3/8 and 1/2. They have remained stiff for me. Facom round heads are SO compact.

Are you referring to ratchets? op is asking about wrenches. I think all the Facom flex head ratchets have a removable hex screw in the pivot. The wrenches don't which is the concern.

 

[dkroth]

I like Wiha screwdrivers.









.

 

[exmaxima1]

The bolt on flex head wrenches it not used to tighten the pivot but to disassemble it. I don't think they are all the same but most have a split washer inside that can be bent to increase/decrease the friction.




Are you referring to ratchets? op is asking about wrenches. I think all the Facom flex head ratchets have a removable hex screw in the pivot. The wrenches don't which is the concern.

+1
I have both the J5257F and the J5457F and they have socket head bolts to attach the head. They are plenty stiff for everything I use them for.