Flex-head ratchets vs Universal Joints

[jsharpphoto]

I've only ever used standard ratchets I picked up a nice set of universal joints a while back. They have been useful at times. I'm looking at replacing my craftsman raised panel ratchets with some more comfortable full polish, fine-toothed models from gear wrench like the 120's. Given that I already have universal joints, would spending the extra cash to get flex head ratchets be redundant? Or are the functions different enough to warrant having both?

 

[ken w.]

Once you own a flexhead ratchet you'll be glad you did.I rarely grab a straight ratchet anymore.My favorite is a Snap On 3/8 bent handle flexhead.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Thanks ken.

 

[zkling]

Or are the functions different enough to warrant having both?

It is a different function. I'd suggest to see if you can try one before purchase.

Once you own a flexhead ratchet you'll be glad you did.I rarely grab a straight ratchet anymore.My favorite is a Snap On 3/8 bent handle flexhead.

Where do you find the benefits of the bent handle flex? I picked up a old New Britain 3/8 flex with bent handle, and I haven't really found a place where it shines yet. It was only $2 so not like I'm out much, but still

 

[Outlawmws]

I prefer a flex head, my son does not, but I've been using then for 30+ years and he's a young casual mechanic...

Universal joints are for a different purpose in most cases. The flex head allows you to work around obstructions when swinging the handle. Universals are IMO more for getting the long extensions past an obstruction when a straight shot is not possible.

I'd recommend at least one in 3/8 with a longer than std handle, as well as he usual std suspects. All have their uses...

 

[Outlawmws]

ZK, the bent handle lets you use the ratchet as a speeder without having to switch over.

 

[Zedexseven]

I own several snap on ratchets of various style, I do occasionally use the flex head, but my go to ratchet is the standard length F80,

 

[Fedwrench]

Flex heads aren't really comparable to universal joints.

Flex heads are about access but, really they're about handle swing access. the flex head allows you to clear handle swing obstructions. Features like short handles or offset handles again aid in handle clearance. The classic bent handle new Britain ratchet was designed to aid in spark plug removal.

Now, this is just me but, I think you should compare universal joints to wobble extensions. the purpose of a universal joint or wobble extension or even swivel sockets for that matter, is to give you clearance at the socket end when you can't reach a fastener by going at it straight on. bell housing bolts, buried fasteners, angled positions, etc.

It depends on what you work on but, my go to ratchets are flexheads in varying lengths.

 

[jsharpphoto]

I do mostly classic motorcycle work. Early 60s twins.

So far I haven't had an immediate NEED for a flex-head, since I didn't really know what they were for.... But since I want better ratchets, I might get some flex-heads in case I ever need that function. I imagine they aren't brilliant with a cheater bar. I'll still have my old craftsman raised panels for stuff that needs some heavy force.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I do mostly classic motorcycle work. Early 60s twins.

So far I haven't had an immediate NEED for a flex-head, since I didn't really know what they were for.... But since I want better ratchets, I might get some flex-heads in case I ever need that function. I imagine they aren't brilliant with a cheater bar. I'll still have my old craftsman raised panels for stuff that needs some heavy force.

My Gearwrench 84T flex heads are my go to ratchets. GW uses a detent ball to hold the head at the angle you set it to. One of those tools that you don't realize how useful they really are until you own one. The handle will be much longer than your standard ratchets, and I've put plenty of force into mine without skipping a tooth.

 

[zkling]

ZK, the bent handle lets you use the ratchet as a speeder without having to switch over.

Hum, I guess I was using it wrong.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

this is my favorite ratchet

 

[Tbirdtc]

Two different jobs
If u buy a longer flex head ratchet u will rarly use a standard I have a Mac spin flex and a c man rp flex head
That c man ratchet is not bad for what it is
The flex head ratchets w center pivot don't work the same as a normal flex head but they too have a place

 

[volleyball]

I've got over a dozen ratchets because they are all different. I've use flex heads with wobbles and universals to get to some weird bolt or nut.
I say get one and see how often you use it. My favorite is a craftman 1/2" with a long handle

 

[HaroRider]

Id go with a locking head. But then again some people dont luke the locking head..all preferance

 

[ggoss]

this is my favorite ratchet

Flexible extension? I presume it works well based on your comment...?

 

[jim1987]

Perfect example where a flex head ratchet worked where the universal joint was useless.

The frontward bolts holding the transmission pan on my 94 s10 blazer. Height was limited due to the y pipe being in the way. The y pipe crosses directly under the front bolts. A universal joint would give too much of an angle and would have bound on itself.

 

[1950mercury]

I like the locking flex heads as well. And i dont like s o locking flex. Id get a matco, or armstrong from hje. They can lock straight or at an angle

 

[ken w.]

In my earlier post I said I liked the bent handled SO flexhead. This was also my first flexhead I ever owned. I've had it 20 + years. Once you break loose a fastener or spark plug you let the handle flop back on your wrist and use it like a speed wrench with one hand. For me , it feels so natural to use it. It's funny watching my friends try to use it for the first time. I don't prefer the locking ones. The SO locking to me are terrible. But that's just me.
I would go to sears and try out a few different flex heads and see what feels the most comfortable. I prefer Snap On but they are getting a bit too pricey now. Most of my flexhead ratchets are 3/8 and 1/4. I only have 2 1/2 flexheads. One is a Craftsman.
With universals I use 3/8 drive impact swivels for most everything. If they don't fit I use standard U-joint or wobble's or both if I have to. Eventually you will want a few of all of them.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I love flex heads; I use mine more than I would have ever imagined. On the other hand, I hate universals and try to avoid using them.

 

[crewchief888]

Once you own a flexhead ratchet you'll be glad you did.I rarely grab a straight ratchet anymore.

my "go to" is a SO 3/8" dr flex head comfort grip.

it's my only comfort grip tool, in my line of work (const eq field mechanic) the handles dont last long.

it is easier to grip wearing gloves and nice in cold weather.

2nd ratchet i grap is a cornwell stubby (3/8" dr in a 1/4")

 

[AndrewV]

Where do you find the benefits of the bent handle flex? I picked up a old New Britain 3/8 flex with bent handle, and I haven't really found a place where it shines yet. It was only $2 so not like I'm out much, but still

You can use them as a quick version of a speed wrench.
But i use mine mainly as spark plugs. Have 4 others ratchets, but thats its main use.

 

[92integra]

a flex head ratchet can do everything a standard ratchet can do but a standard ratchet cannot do everything a flex head ratchet can do........... get one you wont be dissatisfied

 

[jsharpphoto]

Thanks guys. I'm liking what I've read about the 4 piece kit of Gearwrench 120xp flex-heads. $100-$120 seems a good price point, and I love my gearwrench ratcheting wrenches.

 

[BlksnshN]

I've got a Snap On dual 80 flex head and a Matco 88 tooth locking flex. I almost never use my strait ratchets. The Matco is my favorite.

 

[tibwd]

I own 2 flex heads, SO FLF936-( long handle 3/8 "), and SK 42775- long handle 1/2", and though I have had both for 10 years, I must admit, I have never used either!! They are in mint condition sitting in my main tool chest. I thought I would definitely need them, when I got them, but wobble extensions, and universal joints have taken care of all the non-straight requirements. I did once use speed handles, have SO and SK in all 3 sizes, but cordless supplanted them.

 

[Jeffksf]

You can use them as a quick version of a speed wrench.
But i use mine mainly as spark plugs. Have 4 others ratchets, but thats its main use.

I love folding my CM flex head at 90 degrees and using as a speed wrench then straightening it out to get final torque on a bolt, all without ever switching tools.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I've only ever used standard ratchets I picked up a nice set of universal joints a while back. They have been useful at times. I'm looking at replacing my craftsman raised panel ratchets with some more comfortable full polish, fine-toothed models from gear wrench like the 120's. Given that I already have universal joints, would spending the extra cash to get flex head ratchets be redundant? Or are the functions different enough to warrant having both?

Ive also been living with some older USA made raised panel Crafstman ratchets for many years. Recently started upgrading my tools and about mid way thru my list addressed the ratchets.

First I started with my most used size....3/8. I bought a flex head comfort grip SnapOn on eBay (FHF80). Saved a few dollars going gently used and Im honestly impressed with the flex head. I havent had anything yet where I absolutely needed it.....but I have come across a few situations where it made things easier. I also picked up a BAHCO 3/8s comfort grip (7750) on eBay new for $38. BAHCO is a SnapOn industrial brand.....same internals as their dual head 80 line....but less than half the price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Enclo...768?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e87c473e8

Second I replaced the Craftsman 1/4 ratchet. Despite being the least used size....Ive warrantied this ratchet like 3 times. These things are just terrible. BAHCO (6950) makes a 1/4 ratchet (again, same internals as SnapOn dual 80) for $30, bought new on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Enclo...863?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e0692217

The 1/2 is my least used ratchet. My original Craftsman set never had anything 1/2......and when I went to buy a 1/2 ratchet at Sears they had them mislabeled. So I scored one of the slightly nicer "thin profile" ratchets for $19. Had I not got the "mislabeled" price I would NOT have paid the $40 for the Craftsman because the BAHCO (8150 - again dual 80 internals) is priced at $40 new on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-Enclo...513?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e0693ff9

Honestly....for the price I think for standard ratchets the BAHCOs cant be beat.

Armstrong 88 Aerospace ratchets are excellent as well, if you dont want the comfort grips. 88 teeth so should be very comparable to the SnapOn/BAHCO offerings.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/11-992.html

Also Williams is another SnapOn industrial brand that makes great ratchets. No comfort grip handles but they have a 3/8 flex head for about $40. They are 36 teeth count but still fairly nice and miles better than raised panel Craftsman, in my opinion.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WILLIAMS-3-...364?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20af18916c

Williams, of course, makes non flex head ratchets to if you want to go that route. Heres a good eBay store link that has listings for different BAHCO and Williams ratchets.

http://stores.ebay.com/Industrial-Supply-Company/_i.html?_nkw=ratchets&submit=Search&_sid=39872981