Flex vs Roto ratchets

[GrantCee]

I've used an SK roto-head 3/8 ratchet for...well, for as long as I can remember. It's a great tool and I find lots of uses for it. I don't own a flex-head ratchet, and now I wonder if I should.

Am I missing out by not having a flex head ratchet? Are they different enough that I'd find uses for a flex where I couldn't effectively use my roto?

 

[Taco Truck]

Flex heads have their pivot point below the anvil instead of right at the anvil which will allows you to clear certain obstructions more easily. You might run into the occasional fastener that you can only get with a flex, but more than likely you'll just run into situations where the roto can get to the fastener but the flex does it more easily. Granted, you'll probably run into the opposite too. The one big advantage that the roto has over the flex is that when you're in situations where you're trying to get the socket on a fastener but can't get your hand on the back of the ratchet to guide it onto the fastener the roto tends to be easier because the pivot point is right behind the socket.

Edit: To sum it up, you probably don't need one but may find one useful. I just bought this Carlyle for roadside emergencies after giving my Tekton to my brother, and I like it. I bought it last weekend when Napa had their 25% off day. I'm not sure I'd buy it at full price though.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQ...haTatpxRLbUx699SfvcdjydCbD055k1hoCXH8QAvD_BwE

 

[BolognaBlake]

For some reason when I try to use a roto head ratchet with any kind of swivel socket, I can't get it to stay moving in any direction that I want and it ends up getting flying lessons.

This is probably a me problem though.

 

[Ralf11]

Locking Flex - Dual-80

 

[ChevyEFI]

Am I missing out by not having a flex head ratchet? Are they different enough that I'd find uses for a flex where I couldn't effectively use my roto?

No. No.

As long as you have extensions, and wrenches to get truly shallow situations, you can go decades without a flex handle ratchet.

 

[plinker]

With automotive work I find locking flex heads invaluable, mainly to reach around stuff and typically with low profile socket with no extension and it's still tight. The only roto ratchet I have at work is a Snap-on 1/4 drive that I use with tpms sensors. I do have some at home though, S-K included.

 

[ChefRex]

Are you a Pro? I have a multitude of ratchets, if it will make me get the job done quicker, I'm in!
In the garage, you be you.

 

[SeisMec]

For some reason when I try to use a roto head ratchet with any kind of swivel socket, I can't get it to stay moving in any direction that I want and it ends up getting flying lessons.

Try tightening the tensioning screw that holds the split handle together - so the ratchet head doesn't rotate so easily.

 

[Ton ton]

I have a Channel lock 1/2" flex head ratchet with a long handle that I don't really like. It works fine but it is not my favorite ratchet.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I'm the opposite: loads of flex heads from cute, stubby 1/4" to big 1/2", no roto heads. I do wonder what I might be missing by not trying a roto.

Flex heads may clear some obstructions, but a roto might clear other kinds of obstructions.

I do like having locking flex heads for "primary" ratchets. Best of both worlds.

-Ryan

 

[lardy1]

I like exploring the different types and configurations. I didn't work with them in my career so a lot of it is still unexplored to me. I use flex heads way more than I ever thought I would once I had them. Same with roto. I just wish I could afford them all.

 

[toolmutt]

I'm the opposite: loads of flex heads from cute, stubby 1/4" to big 1/2", no roto heads. I do wonder what I might be missing by not trying a roto.

Flex heads may clear some obstructions, but a roto might clear other kinds of obstructions.

I do like having locking flex heads for "primary" ratchets. Best of both worlds.

-Ryan

I've owned a 3/8 drive roto for a while but just recently bought and began using a 1/4 drive Carlyle more and more. I'm wondering why I've deprived myself all these years! Still not my goto but it is perfect for breaking the fastener loose as a ratchet then tilting the handle straight and spinning the fastener off as a screwdriver. Reverse the process putting the fastener back on. I still typically use a flex for access issues, though, due to the width of the roto head.

To the OP I'd say get the flex. You'll find plenty of times that you prefer it over the roto. Besides, this is Garage Journal so the appropriate answer is always "more tools"!

 

[Stuey]

I've found it's handy to have both.

My flex-heads are longer, the pivot is in a more convenient place, and although they're not locking, I can adjust the pivot to be a little righter than I like my swivel-had ratchets to be.

You could always get one size in a budget brand and then upgrade if you find it useful.

 

[GrantCee]

Besides, this is Garage Journal so the appropriate answer is always "more tools"!

I really expected this to be the first answer. I'm shocked — shocked, I tell you! — that it took so long for someone to get around to saying it.

 

[Jland]

I bought a flex head out of "need" when changing out fromt struts on a Saturn. While I could have done it with without the flex.. I was able to justify another tool. Now its only use is if I need a bit more leverage as its about 6" longer than my regular ratchets. Of course I could always "need" a ratcheting breaker bar...

 

[VolvoRyan]

I bought a flex head out of "need" when changing out fromt struts on a Saturn. While I could have done it with without the flex.. I was able to justify another tool. Now its only use is if I need a bit more leverage as its about 6" longer than my regular ratchets. Of course I could always "need" a ratcheting breaker bar...

Snap-On sells ratchet adapters. Kinda neat. Kinda expensive. Kinda clunky.

-Ryan

 

[lardy1]

Craftsman still sells ratcheting adapters too. Not sure what the quality of them are. I have some vintage ones but I don't like to stress them much because New Britain probably won't honor my warranty claims.

 

[johninct]

Snap-On sells ratchet adapters. Kinda neat. Kinda expensive. Kinda clunky.

-Ryan

I used my Snap-On 1/2" ratcheting adaptor on Thursday.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I used my Snap-On 1/2" ratcheting adaptor on Thursday.

How are they in use? They're definitely intriguing. I've had one on my wish list for a while.

Thanks!

-Ryan

 

[joel63]

Snap-On sells ratchet adapters. Kinda neat. Kinda expensive. Kinda clunky.

-Ryan

Do you have a part number for the ratchet adaptor?

Not sure what ratchet adaptor means?

Thanks

 

[SeisMec]

https://shop.snapon.com/search?q=ratchet adaptor

 

[Rinspeed]

Do you have a part number for the ratchet adaptor?

Not sure what ratchet adaptor means?

Thanks

Simply awesome tool, I picked my Snap-On used on Ebay for $30 and it stays on the breaker bar. New they are hard pill to swallow at $120 but they are a great addition to your toolbox. You won't be disappointed if you pick one up.

 

[joel63]

https://shop.snapon.com/search?q=ratchet adaptor

Thanks.

That clears it up.

 

[Iowafox]

I am the opposite of the original poster. I have always thought flex head ratchets where the way to go. I was under the impression that the roto ( swivel) head ratchets where gimmicky. Well I was at Harbor Freight a few weeks back for a 1.5 ton aluminum racing jack was checking out and on the counter was a 1/4 Pittsburgh pro swivel head the green handle quick release $14. I didn't realize she rang it up till I was in the car as my son was playing with it lol. Well I was like I got it might as well try it out. I am sold on the roto heads. I am pretty impressed by this little ratchet for the "cheap" brand It has held up to some abuse. I would buy another if I needed to or next time I am in the area of a Harbor Freight I might snag the Icon 1/4 roto head and maybe sometime a 3/8 version. For under the car getting the small bolts that hold the splash guard under my wife's car for oil changed the roto head is in valuable!!

 

[GrantCee]

I am the opposite of the original poster. I have always thought flex head ratchets where the way to go. I was under the impression that the roto ( swivel) head ratchets where gimmicky. [...] I am sold on the roto heads.

Uh oh, maybe I shouldn't have said so many nice things about mine!

I'm still considering the flex handle ratchet, though I'm looking at a ratchet head, like the Snap On F734A, combined with a breaker bar (hinge handle, if you prefer.) The end result should operate like a flex ratchet, but a little more versatile.

 

[jsaw]

New Britain probably won't honor my warranty claims.[/QUOTE]

I was surprised, I had a broken New Britian 1/2 to 3/8 adapter. The parts guy looked at the number, and handed me a replacement Carlyle adapter with the same part number on it.

 

[Iowafox]

Uh oh, maybe I shouldn't have said so many nice things about mine!

I'm still considering the flex handle ratchet, though I'm looking at a ratchet head, like the Snap On F734A, combined with a breaker bar (hinge handle, if you prefer.) The end result should operate like a flex ratchet, but a little more versatile.

I've wanted to get a Snap On F734A for a while there cool! And yeah your idea would be a good one best of both worlds for most things. I say do pictures once you figure it out!!!!

 

[SuperCat]

I picked up a HF 3/8 short handle roto ratchet a couple of years ago for home use as an experiment. I, too, thought it was gimicky until I started using it. Not bad, not bad at all! I use it all the time and find that I like it, so I left it on my homemade tool cart. If it ever dies, I'll probably get another one. The only disadvantage I see is that the roto ratchet head is larger than a regular ratchet, so it might not fit everywhere. Also, due to the design of the wishbone that holds the roto ratchet head, it is not the strongest ratchet out there. Best not to use it as a breaker bar. But abuse aside, I recommend it.
As far as flex ratchets go, I think they're just okay. But they're kind of pricey and as a shade tree home mechanic on a budget I only have a few. Fortunately, I have not felt the need to buy more, except when I am on GJ and see someone with a whole toolbox drawer full of them....lol.

 

[johninct]

How are they in use? They're definitely intriguing. I've had one on my wish list for a while.

Thanks!

-Ryan

My cordless impact wasn't enough, was too far from air and only had a 2' breaker bar. In that specific situation, a 2'- 1/2" ratchet would have worked better . Other times, it was perfect so it is a toss up. I also have used it on oil plugs . I would say that a 2' -1/2" ratchet would be better in 80% of the time but the adaptor is better in 20%.

 

[Citation]

I prefer roto. I have both but, even though I don't like round head ratchets, I do use the roto a lot more. The big advantage is the roto heads is the pivot axis crosses the axis of the bolt. This makes the ratchet more stable when you pull on it. With a flex head the force applied to the handle tends to want to make the flex joint fold under load. I know many like the locking flex heads but I don't think many roto head users lament the lack of a locking head. They just don't seem to need it.

Still, the arguments about the size of the roto head are legit.

 

[Paco Pena]

You wont need a flex handle till you have one. Then you will wonder why you waited so long. You deserve another tool.

Paco

 

[GrantCee]

You deserve another tool.

Darn right!

 

[SeisMec]

Still, the arguments about the size of the roto head are legit.

If you have mid-well and shallow well sockets (not just standard length & deep wells), the difference in head thickness will probably never, ever matter.

As to the added width of Rotos (due to the trunnion style fork), I can't think of an occasion when that mattered.

Both of those opinions are no doubt colored by the fact that even the "new" stuff I work on is 20 years old.

 

[ssdave]

I stayed away from flex for a long time, because I got Roto first, and immediately disliked them. Hate the balance and pivot point just seems wrong. Never use them like a ratcheting screwdriver or nut driver, they're just too clumsy for that and the thin handles on mine make that really un-ergonomic.

Then, I got an Indestro 1/2" flex head, and I love it. Balance is great, strong, very useful. Since then I've acquired an array of flex-heads, and got rid of my Snap-on and SK roto heads. I even had the highly sought after 3/8" drive SK fine tooth one, and didn't like it. I think I still have one 1/4" drive SO one, but never use it because I have a ratcheting 1/4" driver handle that serves the same purpose as a nut driver, without the clumsy, large diameter head, and with a decent handle. And, of course, have flex head ratchets that work better as ratchets for me too.

It's funny how individual preferences play out in ratchets. What some people see as essential, others see as useless. Guess why there's such a variety out there.

 

[Iowafox]

I stayed away from flex for a long time, because I got Roto first, and immediately disliked them. Hate the balance and pivot point just seems wrong. Never use them like a ratcheting screwdriver or nut driver, they're just too clumsy for that and the thin handles on mine make that really un-ergonomic.

Then, I got an Indestro 1/2" flex head, and I love it. Balance is great, strong, very useful. Since then I've acquired an array of flex-heads, and got rid of my Snap-on and SK roto heads. I even had the highly sought after 3/8" drive SK fine tooth one, and didn't like it. I think I still have one 1/4" drive SO one, but never use it because I have a ratcheting 1/4" driver handle that serves the same purpose as a nut driver, without the clumsy, large diameter head, and with a decent handle. And, of course, have flex head ratchets that work better as ratchets for me too.

It's funny how individual preferences play out in ratchets. What some people see as essential, others see as useless. Guess why there's such a variety out there.

I agree how personal preference plays a huge roll in tools!
Hey if you want to get rid of your SO 1/4 roto head Message me! I would work something out with ya!!