Flex head ratchets - Why?
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Tynee
Well-known member
I felt the same way, I just didn't get it. Then I bought a couple long locking flex-head ratchets, and use them all the time. It allows you to get good leverage on a fastener even if there is no room in a perpendicular plane to swing the ratchet handle.
Some guys also use them like a speed handle. Break the fastener loose with the handle in the perpendicular plane, then flex it up parallel with the fastener and spin it off quickly.
Some guys also use them like a speed handle. Break the fastener loose with the handle in the perpendicular plane, then flex it up parallel with the fastener and spin it off quickly.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
This is the Garage Journal, so pony up some cash and buy a dozen or more flex head ratchets and then get back to us.
As stated above, leverage, access, keep your knuckles out of the way....
Try one.
As stated above, leverage, access, keep your knuckles out of the way....
Try one.
CGarage
Well-known member
Access in tight areas.
Try the Gearwrench 90T locking flex heads to start with.
Try the Gearwrench 90T locking flex heads to start with.
bwringer
Well-known member
Yes.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hey garage journal, should I get this tool or that tool?
Yes. Yes you should.
I dont have a locking flex head yet, but do like my flex head. Added clearance plus just allowing you to tweak the angle you are working at
Yes. Yes you should.
I dont have a locking flex head yet, but do like my flex head. Added clearance plus just allowing you to tweak the angle you are working at
Last edited:
CGarage
Well-known member
Locking
General Geoff
Well-known member
Anywhere that access with a fixed handle ratchet is obstructed.
619DioFan
Well-known member
I tend to grab my swivel head ratchet first ( especially the 1/4 inch drive ) I feel like such a rebel
I never owned one and a 3/8 SK showed up in some box of junk tools I bought at an auction
Actually, pretty handy for getting in ratcheting it on places and avoiding searching around for just the perfect length extensions
Actually, pretty handy for getting in ratcheting it on places and avoiding searching around for just the perfect length extensions
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Flex head ratchets - Why not?
freudianfloyd
Well-known member
I use flex head ratchets all the time. I however do not understand the obsession for roto-head (swivel) ratchets. I have a few, and just don't like them, so I rarely if ever use them.
kbeefy
Well-known member
I typically don't care for the non-locking ones and very rarely use them, even though I have 4 or 5.
I thought I hated flex head ratchets (including a locking GW 120 I have) until I got my Mac locking flex head. Now it's my go-to ratchet.
But mainly because it's 18" and I'm getting weaker, not necesarily for the flex option.
I thought I hated flex head ratchets (including a locking GW 120 I have) until I got my Mac locking flex head. Now it's my go-to ratchet.
But mainly because it's 18" and I'm getting weaker, not necesarily for the flex option.
kbeefy
Well-known member
Many years ago I got one of the Snap-On roto head ratchets because of a friends recomendation. I tried it for a week and then sold it back to the snapon guy, didn't care for it.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have a roto head in 1/4" and like it for that application. Nice to be able to use it like a spinner handle
Perhaps it varies by model, but with locking flex heads, are they always locked? Like the locking lever is spring loaded to always move to the lock position?
If the locking lever is free floating it seems like it would be the best of both worlds. Locked when you want, free when you don't.
If the locking lever is free floating it seems like it would be the best of both worlds. Locked when you want, free when you don't.
I don't work on cars, but I do work on a lot of machines (additive manufacturing / 3D printers). Everyone's situation is different, but here are mine:
- I'm limited to 70lbs of tools, so I only carry 2 ratchets
- I have limited time to perform service and PMs, I need tools that can do multiple things if possible.
- Tight access. Most everything I do, I only have millimeters of clearance.
- Sometimes I need to tighten down a lens collet and I need to keep a far distance between my hand and the laser (the laser is live).
- I make on the fly adjustments on moving parts. Same as above, but belts and chain drives.
New member introduction?.....or how did this relate to flex head ratchets? Perhaps you weren't finished typing?
rooster59
Well-known member
Replace a timing belt on a transverse engine, i.e. Honda Pilot, come back and give us a full report.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Like all things with tools, it's user preference. Once a flex head gets you out of a jam, or makes something much easier, you will be a believer.
-Ryan
-Ryan
My SK 3870 is currently one of my favorite ratchets so perhaps I'm part way to a believer without realizing it. A flex head has somewhat similar traits as a roto I suppose.
It's good to have a few in the toolbox.
Here's a decent one to try without going overboard on price:
3/8 Inch Drive x 12 Inch Flex Head Quick-Release Comfort Grip Ratchet | TEKTON | SRH32112
Quick-Release Ratchet with a 90-tooth gear and 4-degree swing. Ultra-compact head. Extra long high-leverage handle with comfort grip. SRH32112.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Don't even need to get that fancy to find that flex heads are useful. The timing belt on the first-gen overhead cam engines Volvo produced (1975-1998.... most caveman engines even) gets even easier with a 24" Snap-On locking flex.
-Ryan
Chrome Vanadium Cody
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2021
- Messages
- 663
I’d be curious to hear people’s breakdown of how often they use the different configurations. I’d say I am 50% fixed, 25% standard flex, 20% roto, 5% locking flex
I've always preferred flex head for 1/4 I think mostly because I tend to grip down close to head of 1/4 drive and my flex head just fit my hand better than others. Been using the same Snap on ratchet since I was doing stereos and auto electronics since the 1980s. Earlier this year bought an ICON flex head with comfort grip handle and liked that alot but it was much bigger than my old Snap on. I did like the higher tooth count better on the modern ratchet. Have recently added a Snap on flex with comfort grip and think this will be my new goto in 1/4.
As for 3/8 and 1/2 I only had one flex a Mac 3/8ths. Actually liked it a lot but only used it infrequently. It was great for spark plugs etc but tended to use my hard handle straight ratchets for heavier work such as brakes, suspension, etc. I also bought several ICON flex heads earlier this year and did prefer these over the old straight handles although I think most of the reason was due to higher tooth count and smoother action than my older ratchets. Have since added Snap on flex handles and love them. Recently replaced an axle on my trailer and the Snapons were just awesome. Smooth as butter and no fear of breaking the ratchet. No clearance issue with the trailer but just prefer the flex handle. Probably because it's much longer than my fixed handle and have more leverage on fastener.
As for 3/8 and 1/2 I only had one flex a Mac 3/8ths. Actually liked it a lot but only used it infrequently. It was great for spark plugs etc but tended to use my hard handle straight ratchets for heavier work such as brakes, suspension, etc. I also bought several ICON flex heads earlier this year and did prefer these over the old straight handles although I think most of the reason was due to higher tooth count and smoother action than my older ratchets. Have since added Snap on flex handles and love them. Recently replaced an axle on my trailer and the Snapons were just awesome. Smooth as butter and no fear of breaking the ratchet. No clearance issue with the trailer but just prefer the flex handle. Probably because it's much longer than my fixed handle and have more leverage on fastener.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Real similar. A flex-head is just a smidgen more compact at the business end. I caught the flex-head bug after a random HF tool found it's way into my tool box.... and then into my hands when removing a motor mount. The fastener pointed up, and I was under the car. Total knuckle saver.
-Ryan
Dave455
Well-known member
Years back, I’d never used a flex head ratchet, or even a long ratchet.
I’d been taught, quite correctly for average tools of that time, that you don’t put excessive force on a ratchet.
The realities of the world are different. I remember undoing loads of (over long) rusted bolts from an exhaust system with a standard length ratchet and finding it tough work. I ordered a long ratchet the next day.
The long ratchet isn’t subjected to any more torque, it’s just that you need less force, so all other factors being equal, it’s easier to use.
Once you have a long ratchet, you often find that the handle is hitting things. At this point you find out why you need the flex head!
My “go to” ratchets are a standard length fixed head, and a long flex. Pretty much the same in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive.
If I’m grabbing a ratchet to do a job away from base, it’s usually just the long flex.
I’d been taught, quite correctly for average tools of that time, that you don’t put excessive force on a ratchet.
The realities of the world are different. I remember undoing loads of (over long) rusted bolts from an exhaust system with a standard length ratchet and finding it tough work. I ordered a long ratchet the next day.
The long ratchet isn’t subjected to any more torque, it’s just that you need less force, so all other factors being equal, it’s easier to use.
Once you have a long ratchet, you often find that the handle is hitting things. At this point you find out why you need the flex head!
My “go to” ratchets are a standard length fixed head, and a long flex. Pretty much the same in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive.
If I’m grabbing a ratchet to do a job away from base, it’s usually just the long flex.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Same here. I've a stubby LP90 in 1/4". I'll hold the head with my thumb and index fingers. The handle just folds up into my palm. If I need more leverage, I can use my other three fingers. I love that tool so much, I bought the Olsa version in 3/8" drive last month.
I think I only have a few locking-flex heads: Matco and Snap-On. There's a set of the "bad-batch", super sloppy GW 90T's... somewhere. Those made me mad. I think I put them in the salvage yard tool kit.
The rest of the flex heads are non-locking. I like them without detents.
-Ryan
Since you never had or used them, then you obviously don't need them. I prefer the standard ratchet so I don't have to worry about the pivot and the ratchet handle moving when putting pressure on it. I've never had a situation where a flex head was absolutely necessary since I have all sorts of extensions to clear obstructions. If you're looking to add to your arsenal, it's a good addition to have, however, the locking ones do cost quite a bit more.
Zeke
Well-known member
When I get the flex (non locking) into an angled position I feel like I'm not in as much control keeping the socket square to the nut. It's definitely a 2 handed operation and sometimes you can' use both hands. I don't like to be put into a situation like that if I can arrange another set up.
CGarage
Well-known member
CGarage
Well-known member
Dave above has it right.
If I could only take one with me, it would be a longer handled, locking flex head. Such as the GW 90T.
I still buy standard length fixed head ratchets but most work is best accomplished with a longer handled locking flex head.
I use 1/4 and 3/8 drive 85% of the time.
If I could only take one with me, it would be a longer handled, locking flex head. Such as the GW 90T.
I still buy standard length fixed head ratchets but most work is best accomplished with a longer handled locking flex head.
I use 1/4 and 3/8 drive 85% of the time.
Innovate1
Well-known member
Unless I need the flex for tight clearances, which isn't very often, I don't like the handle flopping around. Seems much easier with a standard ratchet.
Just_Steve
Well-known member
I own one flex head used when needed but not a first choice go to.
I've had at least one flex head ratchet for 30+ years; my first was a 3/8 drive long handled Blackhawk that I still have. This was a fairly uncommon tool in the 1980s-90s for a home mechanic, and everyone that saw it loved it- "a flex head, and a long handle???" Even working on 1960s and 70s cars with plenty of room, it was still very handy, and I can't imagine being without one. I currently have probably at least three in each 1/4, 3/8, 1/2.
assassin10000
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2022
- Messages
- 375
I don't think I even have a standard head ratchet anymore. Multiple locking flex and a couple 1/4 roto heads.
I like the matco locking flex personally. My go to and probably why I have all 3 sizes in multiple lengths.
I like the matco locking flex personally. My go to and probably why I have all 3 sizes in multiple lengths.
Dave455
Well-known member
To misquote Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale - “There are roto ratchet’s, and then there are roto ratchet’s. This is the latter..”
Here (top) is my KoKen. A superb tool. The Snap On, with any handle but the metal one, is as good or better.
The roto ratchet (with the right handle) is the only tool you can use as a regular ratchet, with the handle swung 90 degrees so as to work “screwdriver” style, or anything in between.
