flex head?

[bayoutoolguy]

Gonna pick up a few things from the snap on guy monday, I need a new short handle soft grip 3/8 ratchet. Just wondering, does it even pay to buy a non flex head ratchet with all the flex offerings these days? Or would it be better to buy a flex head and a non flex? Im sure someone has ran into a situation where the flex head didnt work and the fixed head worked better or vice versa. Also gonna pick up a set of 3/8 dr SAE sockets, I dont use SAE, but like the saying goes, when you need them, you need them. So im guessing i should go with semi deeps? Ive got all my 1/4 sockets covered in metric and SAE, working on 3/8 dr, all six point. Ive decided to just buy 12 points on as needed basis.

 

[CWP1616L]

I need a new short handle soft grip 3/8 ratchet.

Take a look at the FHOF80 - that ratchet looks like it'd be real useful.

Flex head ratchets require two hands to operate most of the time unless you have a real tall nut that'll hook onto the socket real good. I always use a non-flex if I can unless I need the handle to clear an obstruction, in which case I'll use a flex head for that.

 

[rhuff86]

I just got the locking felx head soft grip. I have not used my fixed head since. Since you can lock the head it helps a lot. I bought a 1/2 flex head at the same time. He didn't have one with the locking head on the truck and I didn't feel like waiting for one. I wish I had and will probably just buy another and sell the one I have. If you do go with the flex head I suggest getting one that locks or like the above post says, you will often need two hands.

 

[kbeefy]

none of my flex heads lock, and I dislike all of them. I use fixed for almost everything. There are a few very rare occasions where a flex helps.

 

[CWP1616L]

If you don't have the FHBF80, I'd recommend getting that first.

 

[turdferguson13]

I only use flex head ratchets, I just prefer the versatility. I have always used my long FLF80 but recently bought the new FF80 which is a flex head that is a little longer than a standard 3/8" ratchet.

 

[DTB]

I'm getting ready to get a FF80 too, as soon as my dealer shows up. They are a short enough flexhead that I think it could almost be used as a primary ratchet. Right now I alternate between the F80 and FLF80 or Matco locking flex.

 

[SMKS]

Locking flex for the win.

I have the Armstrong Maxx locking flex and it is awesome. It can be used unlocked like a normal flex ratchet or locked in one of several positions.

 

[ken w.]

I have a few flex heads. I don't like the locking flex tho.After you use a flex head for years and get the feel for them the locking ones will drive you nuts.

 

[rhuff86]

I have a few flex heads. I don't like the locking flex tho.After you use a flex head for years and get the feel for them the locking ones will drive you nuts.

I can't speak for other brands but my SO has a detent that allows it to be used as a regular flex.

 

[outdoorsman310]

I have a locking flex head so ratchet. the only complaint is sometimes when you want a flex head, the selector locks. not a big deal though amd the locking feature is great.

 

[RatchetMan]

I have a locking flex head so ratchet. the only complaint is sometimes when you want a flex head, the selector locks. not a big deal though amd the locking feature is great.

This is my experience as well. No a deal breaker but happens enough to be annoying and is something you would have thought the Snapon engineers would have caught during testing.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

At one time all of my flex heads that I used for years were non locking. I now have some locking heads and much prefer them to the non locking ones.

I can tighten down the hinge pin/screw to add more friction and leave it unlocked and it feels more like the non locking ball-dent flex heads. I also have the option to lock it in place which I like quite a bit.

 

[mp23]

What about the roto heads, best of both worlds IMO

 

[92integra]

locking flex drives me nuts at least the SO offerings button always seems to flip when i dont want it to / gets in the way. to each his own the regular non locking fl80 with hard handle was a must have for me after my flex head was driving me crazy day before the truck showed up. the FHOF80 looks interesting i might have to try one out. but the FHBF80 style ratchets are not for me i dont feel like im getting any torque out or like the angle is just going to make the socket flop off and mess something up.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

alright guys i will consider all the options, thanks! what about the sockets?

 

[Skin]

I can't speak for other brands but my SO has a detent that allows it to be used as a regular flex.

and it seemingly takes a light breeze to cause the switch to pop back into the locked position. I have them all and Snap-Ons design is far and away the worst. Best is the Apex/Danaher design if you really want a locking flex that can be reliably turned into a basic flex head ratchet.

 

[jmm]

alright guys i will consider all the options, thanks! what about the sockets?

Looks like you're a fan of SK -- I'd go with their semis or shallows.

For what it's worth, locking flex head with detent for non-locking operation is the best thing since sliced bread!

 

[rhuff86]

and it seemingly takes a light breeze to cause the switch to pop back into the locked position. I have them all and Snap-Ons design is far and away the worst. Best is the Apex/Danaher design if you really want a locking flex that can be reliably turned into a basic flex head ratchet.

I have had mine a little over a week so mine is still new and must still be stiff enough. I have not experienced this yet. Guess I have something to look forward to....

 

[jmm]

and it seemingly takes a light breeze to cause the switch to pop back into the locked position. I have them all and Snap-Ons design is far and away the worst. Best is the Apex/Danaher design if you really want a locking flex that can be reliably turned into a basic flex head ratchet.

Unfortunately Skin is right, I should've mentioned that. But the Snap-On design that switches mode of operation back and forth -- flex to locking flex -- is terrible. It's too high up toward the head (on long version like my FHX80), and the slightest bump will cause it to go from flex to locked. That's my only complaint -- might be enough to be a deal breaker. If so, the Armstrongs are mighty nice...

 

[bayoutoolguy]

i actually dont own any SK tools lol, just like to change my avatar pic with different tool brands every now and then. I have 5 or 6 SK sockets from my grandpaw, but none that ive actually bought myself.

 

[tomshep]

I don't have any locking heads but I grab a fixed head unless I have a specific need for a flex. It is just more stable feeling when you start leaning on it.

Tom

 

[exmaxima1]

What about the roto heads, best of both worlds IMO

Yes, they seem to work fine. The pivot point is in the same plane as the socket so it tends to stay in position with little effort.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I love my flex heads. I use flex 99% of the time. I dont have locking flex, mainly because they cost more.

 

[Farmerguys]

I've got a FHLF80 SO ratchet and that's my go to, you have so much torque of it


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