Flex-head ratchets: am I missing out ?

[kornjulio]

I've been an amateur wrench since I drug my first $50 car out from behind some old-timer's barn. In all those years (listen to me-I'm 41...lol...), I've never owned/used a flex-head ratchet. I've just used universal adapters to "make things work".

Am I missing out? Will my life fixing cars/trucks be easier with one; or will it sit in the box, like my 16mm wrenches? I'm ready to treat myself, but am interested in hearing feedback from folk who have been in my shoes...

 

[DanCo]

I have several in 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2. They make life that much better, yes you can make due with a universal(usually at the socket). But a flex head ratchet will make things easier when there's an obstruction right in front of where you need to be...if that makes sense.

 

[lipadj46]

I've been an amateur wrench since I drug my first $50 car out from behind some old-timer's barn. In all those years (listen to me-I'm 41...lol...), I've never owned/used a flex-head ratchet. I've just used universal adapters to "make things work".

Am I missing out? Will my life fixing cars/trucks be easier with one; or will it sit in the box, like my 16mm wrenches? I'm ready to treat myself, but am interested in hearing feedback from folk who have been in my shoes...

for the most part I only use flex heads. williams makes nice USA long flex heads.

 

[bobcatdan]

I use flex heads even if I don't need the flex. They are normally longer for more leverage. Don't really use my breaker bars.

 

[kams1973]

I'm with everyone else so far. I exclusively use my flex head ratchets. They are just so versitile.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think you owe it to yourself to pick one up in 3/8 drive to try out. Once you use it, you may wonder how you got along without it.

 

[Old Donn]

I use flex heads even if I don't need the flex. They are normally longer for more leverage. Don't really use my breaker bars.

What bobcat said. I've got 3/8" and 1/2" flex heads. The 3/8" is my go-to ratchet for pretty much every job.

 

[Bull]

If you really want to go crazy, get a roto-head instead of a flex head.

 

[kornjulio]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like it's a worthwhile investment.

I think I'll do some research in the archives & figure out what mfr. to buy from. Right now Armstrong & Williams are on the list for COO & price. Not gonna drop big bucks on a snappy until I get my feet a little more wet....

 

[walrus]

I rarely use a regular ratchet, always go for a flex or a Roto

 

[Davefr]

If you really want to go crazy, get a roto-head instead of a flex head.

^^^^What he said.

I use my roto much more then my flex. I'd start with roto and add a flex later.

 

[Rickster]

You have to check out the classifieds and pick up a flex head or roto-head ratchet. They are what I always reach for first.

 

[bobcatdan]

Buy both a roto and a flex and you won't be left wonder which would be better. 1/4" roto is the greatest, first a ratcheting nut driver and then a good ratchet for the final tighting.

 

[sparky7]

i recommend the matco 88 locking flex heads, 1/4 inch is a little weak though.

Personally i hate roto because you cant lock it in the position you want.

 

[amolaver]

i was in the same scenario just a couple of months ago and got both about the same time. i LOVE the swivel/roto heads. flex's are ok and there are a couple times i've found them better, but i almost always reach for the swivel/roto 1st... and i'm still using the 'pittsburgh pro' 1/4" some of the time. it seems almost identical to my toptul. give the HF brand ones a try and see if you like the idea before plunking down real money...

btw, i'm just echoing the advice given to me by another member here, and i have to say they were spot on...

ahm

 

[richfinn]

I have an old MAC flex head with a plastic handle that will spin on the handle shaft (you can lock it on/off). You can crack a tight bolt loose then use it like a speed brace.

 

[quattrojon]

I have an old MAC flex head with a plastic handle that will spin on the handle shaft (you can lock it on/off). You can crack a tight bolt loose then use it like a speed brace.

Welcome to Garage Journal. Whereabouts in Leeds are you?

 

[rickairmedic]

I agree with the above get a HF roto and flex and if you like them and then feel the need to upgrade great . Of course if you dont like them then you are not out much money although I am sure you will like them .

Rick

 

[mikebramel]

Look up the armstrong locking flex ratchets. Good value

 

[Fines Doubled]

Roto heads are awesome. I have a 3/8 and you don't realize how useful they are until you have one. HF makes a great Snappy knock off that's fairly close to the original especially considering the price.

 

[trout]

first choice is always one of my flex heads.

 

[quattrojon]

Look up the armstrong locking flex ratchets. Good value

+ 1 They are damn fine ratchets. I'm looking forward to when they release the 88 tooth versions.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i've got flexing, locking flex, and roto-head ratchets. worth the money. they are longer and save time reaching into hard-to-reach areas.

 

[richfinn]

Welcome to Garage Journal. Whereabouts in Leeds are you?

Hi Jon, I live in Rawdon which is out towards Otley/Ilkley

cool site BTW

 

[Skin]

well i'll go against the grain and take the heat by being the first here to say i dont see the point. On shallow/rusted nuts and bolts the Rotos i have usually like to walk off the fastener and send my hand into something hard. Flex have a time and a place but i cant see using one all the time. Locking flex are nice but the handle are so long its use is limited too larger fasteners where i'm not restricted by swing arc. I've unintentionally stripped many a thread and snapped many a bolt head by learning the hard way to not rely on an overly long ratchet.

 

[kornjulio]

I think I'm going to try the 3/8" non-locking flex head from Armstrong; model 11-974. I can envision using this the most in tight spots underhood & such. Any comments on this one vs. the locking MAXX version (11-994)?

 

[TheDukeofDeere]

I think I'm going to try the 3/8" non-locking flex head from Armstrong; model 11-974. I can envision using this the most in tight spots underhood & such. Any comments on this one vs. the locking MAXX version (11-994)?

I have both Matco locking flexhead ratchets and Snap On non-locking flexhead ratchets and I do like the locking feature. I also like the flexhead ratchets in general because of the same reasons many other members had mentioned (accessibility, longer length vs. standard ratchets, etc)

On the Matco locking flex, which I'm assuming the Armstrong will be pretty similar, you can always use it as a non-locking flexhead ratchet and tighten down the torx screw to keep the head fairly tight. Plus, with the locking flex you can lock it in place if need be.

Just some food for thought.

Hope you enjoy the flexhead ratchets!

 

[Scout Driver]

Use a flex-head ratchet to change sparkplugs on a wide engine or on a vehicle with a narrow engine bay, and you will wonder how you lived without it.

Scott

 

[chevy302dz]

Personally I perfer a standard ratchet and in second place a long handled ratchet. There are times a flex head is necessary to do the job or at least save your sanity but those are the only times I reach for one I always go for the locking flex first. You can't go wrong with the Armstrong MAXX locking, good quality, high tooth count, and thin head all things you want in a flexhead ratchet.

 

[demonspeed]

I never used them and I even thought they were a stupid idea. Then I got one with my tools and gave it a try. Now I basically never use fixed head ratchets and I'm a technician who works with tools all day.

 

[kornjulio]

You guys are killing me - but I asked for it. Might just have to buy both, now!

ETA: So I did! Will post a follow-up once I get them!

Item Description Sale Price Qty Extended
11-974 3/8"DR.X9-1/2" FLEX HEADRATCHET $86.80 49% Off! 44.26 1 / EA $44.26
11-994 3/8" DRIVE NEW GENERATION LOCKING FLEX RATCHET $107.34 49% Off! 54.72 1 / EA $54.72
SubTotal $98.98
Sales Tax $0
Ground Delivery (Shipping FAQs) $8.95
Total $107.93

 

[TheDukeofDeere]

You guys are killing me - but I asked for it. Might just have to buy both, now!

ETA: So I did! Will post a follow-up once I get them!

Item Description Sale Price Qty Extended
11-974 3/8"DR.X9-1/2" FLEX HEADRATCHET $86.80 49% Off! 44.26 1 / EA $44.26
11-994 3/8" DRIVE NEW GENERATION LOCKING FLEX RATCHET $107.34 49% Off! 54.72 1 / EA $54.72
SubTotal $98.98
Sales Tax $0
Ground Delivery (Shipping FAQs) $8.95
Total $107.93

That's an extremely solid deal. You won't regret the money you spent.

 

[Skin]

You guys are killing me - but I asked for it. Might just have to buy both, now!

ETA: So I did! Will post a follow-up once I get them!

Item Description Sale Price Qty Extended
11-974 3/8"DR.X9-1/2" FLEX HEADRATCHET $86.80 49% Off! 44.26 1 / EA $44.26
11-994 3/8" DRIVE NEW GENERATION LOCKING FLEX RATCHET $107.34 49% Off! 54.72 1 / EA $54.72
SubTotal $98.98
Sales Tax $0
Ground Delivery (Shipping FAQs) $8.95
Total $107.93

hope that wasnt tooltopia because you could of got free shipping if you spent $.03 more.

 

[t100]

if you work under the hood of anything made after mid 1990's, good luck finding space to fit your tools!

ever used fine tooth ratcheting wrench?

 

[quattrojon]

You guys are killing me - but I asked for it. Might just have to buy both, now!

ETA: So I did! Will post a follow-up once I get them!

Item Description Sale Price Qty Extended
11-974 3/8"DR.X9-1/2" FLEX HEADRATCHET $86.80 49% Off! 44.26 1 / EA $44.26
11-994 3/8" DRIVE NEW GENERATION LOCKING FLEX RATCHET $107.34 49% Off! 54.72 1 / EA $54.72
SubTotal $98.98
Sales Tax $0
Ground Delivery (Shipping FAQs) $8.95
Total $107.93

You will love the 11-994 Maxx.. you will soon be hankering after the 1/4 (10-994) and 1/2 (12-994) versions next!

 

[quattrojon]

Hi Jon, I live in Rawdon which is out towards Otley/Ilkley

cool site BTW

I'm in Wakefield. Stick around... you will love it here.

 

[richfinn]

I'm in Wakefield. Stick around... you will love it here.

I worked Wakefield for the last 5yrs, I lived in Castleford for 10 years or so

 

[kornjulio]

hope that wasnt tooltopia because you could of got free shipping if you spent $.03 more.

No..not TT. They didn't have both rats- only the MAXX. Oredered from Welder Warehouse.