Flex-head ratchets. Locking or not?

[MartinTech]

Is it better to be able to continuously adjust the angle of the handle to accommodate various obstructions and torque requirements within a given arc, or simply lock the handle into a fixed position?

(donning nomex)

Matco seems to think every ratchet should lock. They also seem to have the nicest evolution of that design so far.

Snap-On evidently thinks that most ratchets should flex freely, but nevertheless they offer a couple of options in each drive size that has a locking mechanism. It seems like an afterthought.

Cornwell has apparently worked out the five ideal angles that a ratchet handle should be employed.

I prefer non-locking, because it feels more adaptable to any situation. I cannot remember a time when I wanted to be able to lock the neck, but I may not be remembering everything...

Curious to know what others think, and why.

 

[00S4Boy]

Locking would help from pulling a socket off a bolt head and rounding it. But most of the time i find the variation in a non locking to be more beneficial.

 

[DanCo]

I perfer locking for my longer handled ratchets(1/2"). I've seen a co-worker using a regular flex head, once the nut broke free the rachet head over-flexed(?) And he cracked himself on the forehead. Left a nice sized lump.

 

[ImportTuner]

I prefer the locking also .. although I have quite a few that don't ..

 

[Skin]

if the flex is stiff, i dont have an issue, but its the loose/worn ones that aggrevated me to no end and usually lead to my slipping off a fastener.

 

[Hiball]

Why Restrict yourself.. Buy Both.. LOL IF i had to choose One it would be a Locking because you can set it to flex freely if Needed.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

locking flex all the way. i had always wanted a ratchet with a flex head but the biggest problem with them was the head would flex under load. ouch. with a locking flex you get the best of both. i have both the matco and SO locking flex. the matco has a more user friendly locking feature both locked or unlocked. the SO works but is easier to accidently bump it out of the unlocked position. hope this helps.

 

[MartinTech]

if the flex is stiff, i dont have an issue, but its the loose/worn ones that aggrevated me to no end and usually lead to my slipping off a fastener.

I agree... a floppy flex head is the worst! Thankfully, most modern ratchets have a bolt, rather than a pin.

 

[Even 11]

I love my 1/2 Cman flex head but I grew up using it. I have a snappy 3/8 but the lock seems awkward to use and kind of an after though. I know you are suppose to be able to push the button off to the side to make it a regular flex but it always seems to snap back to locked. I bought a 60t 3/8 flex Matco at a pawn shop and its my new go to favorite ratchet in the box. It locks solidly when I want it to, it flexes when I want it to.

-Dane

 

[I can fix anything]

No need for a lock. Learn how to use and control a tool properly and there is no need for it.

 

[MartinTech]

No need for a lock. Learn how to use and control a tool properly and there is no need for it.

Kinda what I think too.

 

[spazzer]

My preference is non-locking. I got a snapon FX936 that I've taken the lock setup out. My problem was the ratchet lock kept skipping when I was using it @ an angle, especially in a tight place when I'd accidently bump the button which was just above the handle.

Edit: traded it for an FLF80 on 11/8

 

[shampoop]

i have this one and absolutely love it http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=21365&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

it's locking, but if you move the locking lever down and to the right it flexes freely. The lever does accidentaly snap back into it's locked position pretty easily if you hit the lever against something whil ratcheting, but for how often i want it to flex freely it doesn't really bother me. Snapon Locking flex head for sure.

 

[otis66]

Is it better to be able to continuously adjust the angle of the handle to accommodate various obstructions and torque requirements within a given arc, or simply lock the handle into a fixed position?

(donning nomex)

Matco seems to think every ratchet should lock. They also seem to have the nicest evolution of that design so far.

Snap-On evidently thinks that most ratchets should flex freely, but nevertheless they offer a couple of options in each drive size that has a locking mechanism. It seems like an afterthought.

Cornwell has apparently worked out the five ideal angles that a ratchet handle should be employed.

I prefer non-locking, because it feels more adaptable to any situation. I cannot remember a time when I wanted to be able to lock the neck, but I may not be remembering everything...

Curious to know what others think, and why.

There are plenty of situations when you might want to lock the ratchet but you still have the option not to lock it. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. I also think the Matco has a better lock than Snap On. I own both the Matco locking flex ratchets and the Snap On non locking (not dual 80).

 

[littlekillertoad]

I think it's better to be able to continuously adjust the angle of the ratchet. You may only really need every now and then, but when you need it and everything you have locks, it's a pain.

 

[Ed_EOD]

No lock for me, just a nice tight joint. Floppy heads are a pain.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

No locking flex heads in my box but several flex heads (and bent handles).

 

[back2class]

I like locking. No disadvantage on the Snappy's as they can operate as both. I have a stubby that does not lock and it *****. When your arm is bent at a strange angle in a tight spot and you are trying to simply keep the socket on the fastener the joint just keeps flexing and the socket starts to ride off. Same reason I perfer locking for long ones, though it is less of an issue as they are being used in more open spaces where you have more control. I definately say locking.

 

[truckdriver]

I hate locking. I just keep the joint screw tighened. I've got the SLX936 that I love to get rid of.

 

[jethro29]

locking ones are a p.i.t.a. and i hate them.

 

[dieseltech]

I perfer non locking my experince with locking head models is they lock when you dont want them too and unlock when you want them locked!

 

[peterbilr98]

i have bolth and use bolth

 

[toolmutt]

I have an Armstrong locking and a Proto non-locking (Spin-Flex). I much prefer the Armstrong, locked and unlocked.

 

[Sh1thead]

I have the locking matco long handle 3/8 and love it to death, I can lock it or just leave it unlocked if i choose to be just like any other flex head ... best of both worlds in my opinion and i absolutely hate rotoheads outside of 1/4" stuff

 

[mrholeshot]

I won't own a locking head ratchet, hate them. In most cases with a flex head the handle has to move around. Where I need to hold the ratchet to the bolt I use a roto head ratchet. It gives you stable pressure and handle movement

 

[nato]

Simply buy a Matco locking flex...there when you need, disengaged and STATIONARY when you don't

 

[otis66]

Sometimes you feel like a lock

 

[otis66]

Sometimes you don't

 

[littletoes]

I use this one before I grab the flex;

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...8&group_ID=225&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[toolfreak]

I don't care for the locking head. The snap on ratchet that can be moved over to be non locking won't stay in that position, it always wants to move over into the locking position.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I have 5 lcking ratchets

 

[obsessive]

FYI, I got a good deal on a Craftsman made in USA locking ratchet set and posted it for sale in the classifieds, if anyone is interested.