flexhead ratchets

[thejudges69]

Ok, maybe this is a dumb question, but majority of the ratchets I'm looking at, the flex heads are sometimes cheaper. What I want to know is what the hay balls do people use them for. The last time I used a flex head ratchet I'm pretty sure it left a scar after it flexed when it wasn't supposed to. maybe the ratchets of today are a little stiffer and don't flex as easy. I'm wondering if I should by the flex head instead of fixed head. Thoughts of flex vs fixed and thoughts of what people use these for.

 

[davesnothere]

I used to hate flexhead ratchets, for the same situation you talk about, but now I use them constantly.
When I have any doubt its going to flex when I don't want it to, I grab a standard fixed head ratchet.
Also just picked up a matco 88 tooth locking flex head ratchet, which is proving to be very handy.

 

[thejudges69]

locking would be awesome, I never saw one. how bout a pic or part number

 

[OEXL16B]

In certain situations, a flex head is a necessity; especially the bent handle flex heads.

 

[Trucky]

My absolute favorite: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682403&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I got another one at school (with my discount) for myself, and I love the thing. Very useful, and it actually has a lot of positions it can lock in to. You can also "lock" it so it flexes like a normal flex head, useful for clearing obstructive objects that can't be moved out of the way.

 

[dr.gizmo]

I have to say I use flex ratchets more than standard straight handle ratchets. In cars you have to "play the slot" and vary the angle of the ratchet as you move through the available work area. If using with an extension the ratchet can be flexed all the way up and used as a speeder.

 

[cascivic]

armstrong brand locking flex head
I know alot of people like this one thinking about picking one up myself

 

[SMKS]

I agree on the Armstrong locking flex head. Harry Epstein and MRO Center are two online retailers that have good prices.

I have one and it is awesome.

I also don't really like regular flex heads, for the same reason the OP mentioned, flexing when you don't want them to.

http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/

 

[belu0501]

Matco Part numbers:

BFR128lft -non handle
BFR128lftg- Green Handle
BFR138lftm- Orange handle

 

[Jmac00]

these titan flex ratchets have the locking feature as well.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/pro...ive/3-pc-Extra-Long-Flexible-Head-Ratchet-Set

 

[billymade]

You have to get used to flex heads; I never had any... then saw how a co worker used them and now thats the first thing I grab; just like any new tool... you need to use it for awhile and you will see the benefits. I can't see not having one now; try it, you will like it! Once you acclimate yourself to its use; you will want them in every drive size.. there IS a reason there are SO many different types and lengths of ratchets.... having the options for many different situations is awesome! Don't cut yourself off; from having a range of tools to tackle different jobs, working situations; it will make your working on things that much easier and enjoyable!

Just look at all these different types and styles of ratchets; snapon makes, there is a reason and situation for every one of them...

http://www.snapon.com/dual80/

 

[rmsg0040]

those titan ratchets dont have a locking feature, only locking flex ratchets are matco, armstrong, and snap on

 

[SMKS]

those titan ratchets dont have a locking feature, only locking flex ratchets are matco, armstrong, and snap on

+1

Those Titan ratchets probably have detents, but they don't have a locking feature that I can see.

 

[Jmac00]

those titan ratchets dont have a locking feature, only locking flex ratchets are matco, armstrong, and snap on

I'll admit, i'm new to the flex ratchet thing and new to GJ. But I was in to PA last week, they had one set open on display. I picked up one of the ratchets, the flex part has a slider pin...that locks and unlocks the flex part. How far are you away from the nearest PA in your area??? Check em out if you're close. Maybe i was using the slider pin wrong?

 

[chris6278]

get the Armstrong or matco. have them both an love em better than snapons locking flexheads

 

[willhollin]

I'm tempted to get the Armstrong 3/8 Maxx flex head ratchet (11-994) Is this one about the best available?

 

[rmsg0040]

I'll admit, i'm new to the flex ratchet thing and new to GJ. But I was in to PA last week, they had one set open on display. I picked up one of the ratchets, the flex part has a slider pin...that locks and unlocks the flex part. How far are you away from the nearest PA in your area??? Check em out if you're close. Maybe i was using the slider pin wrong?

I haven't seen the 1 at PA. But canadiantire has 1. You can get it on sale for 17 with 16 sockets. When I get home I will take a pic.

 

[Jmac00]

I haven't seen the 1 at PA. But canadiantire has 1. You can get it on sale for 17 with 16 sockets. When I get home I will take a pic.

is that the maximum one that has the telescoping handle? was on sale last week as well? if so, i know that one doesn't lock..or maybe it does, can't remember?

here's a link to the titan ones from northerntool....same ones at PA, in the Q & A part...says they lock as well.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200357801_200357801

 

[NUTTSGT]

This is probably my favorite ratchet.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-...0944834000P?prdNo=13&blockNo=13&blockType=G13

I bought one of these last year, it works great when I have used it but the handle itself is poorly designed in my book.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-...p-00944836000P?prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

 

[ra42mario]

i use the longer flexhead craftsman ratchet everday. The one with the plain steel handle, no grip on it.

It doesn't lock, but it doesn't need to. I control what my tools do, my tools don't control me, thus no need for a lock.

The Matco and Snapon ratchets are just a gimmick. Too expensive for a ratchet. I buy tools to make money, not take my money.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have a 1/2" long handle Armstrong locking flex head. I like it so much I have a 3/8" on they way that I should see in the next couple of days. It's pretty much the same thing as the Matco except for the tooth count and the handle shape.

GearWrench also makes a locking flex head in their Vortex (pass through) line. I have them in the Kolbalt brand in both 1/4" and 3/8" pass through drive sizes. I like the push button style of these much better than the lever of the Armstrong/Matco. The one good part of the Armstrong/Matco lever is you can leave it unlocked if you require the head to flex some while in use.

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

Truck tools are overpriced but the ratchets are one of a few things that are worth every penny!

 

[SMKS]

is that the maximum one that has the telescoping handle? was on sale last week as well? if so, i know that one doesn't lock..or maybe it does, can't remember?

here's a link to the titan ones from northerntool....same ones at PA, in the Q & A part...says they lock as well.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200357801_200357801

If you look at the pictures, there doesn't appear to be any lever or anything that would control a locking mechanism. There's just a screw holding the joint together.

It looks like it has a detent, where it will hold the head in specific positions, but detents aren't locks. You can easily move the ratchet head into the next detent position.

That's just what I gather from looking at the pics.

The titan website doesn't say anything about them locking, either. But I suppose they could have released a new locking version, in theory.

I think whoever on the northern tool website said they lock is mistaken and doesn't know the difference between locks and detents.

 

[chris6278]

I have a 1/2" long handle Armstrong locking flex head. I like it so much I have a 3/8" on they way that I should see in the next couple of days. It's pretty much the same thing as the Matco except for the tooth count and the handle shape.

GearWrench also makes a locking flex head in their Vortex (pass through) line. I have them in the Kolbalt brand in both 1/4" and 3/8" pass through drive sizes. I like the push button style of these much better than the lever of the Armstrong/Matco. The one good part of the Armstrong/Matco lever is you can leave it unlocked if you require the head to flex some while in use.

i threw the matco 88 tooth kit in my Armstrong flexheads, makes them butter smooth

 

[thejudges69]

You have to get used to flex heads; I never head any... then saw how a co worker used them and now thats the first thing I grab; just like any new tool... you need to use it for awhile and you will see the benefits. I can't see not having one now; try it, you will like it! Once you acclimate yourself to its use; you will want them in every drive size.. there IS a reason there are SO many different types and lengths of ratchets.... having the options for many different situations is awesome! Don't cut yourself off; from having a range of tools to tackle different jobs, working situations; it will make your working on things that much easier and enjoyable!

Just look at all these different types and styles of ratchets; snapon makes, there is a reason and situation for every one of them...

http://www.snapon.com/dual80/

I supposed this is the truth. I'm sure flex heads have come a long way. I know my snap on torque wrench has a flex head but it don't flex much, but it did take some getting used to, not much though. I suppose I'll buy a couple and start using them.

 

[thejudges69]

i use the longer flexhead craftsman ratchet everday. The one with the plain steel handle, no grip on it.

It doesn't lock, but it doesn't need to. I control what my tools do, my tools don't control me, thus no need for a lock.

The Matco and Snapon ratchets are just a gimmick. Too expensive for a ratchet. I buy tools to make money, not take my money.

I control my tools as well, but I'm sure every person out there that wrenches has smashed a finger or cut a knuckle or something of the sorts from tools slipping off fastners.

 

[fivespdcat]

Flex heads take some getting used to, but I don't even bother with fixed ratchets except for 1/4". They're great for spark plugs and just to flip up vertical and use as a speed ratchet.

 

[Jmac00]

If you look at the pictures, there doesn't appear to be any lever or anything that would control a locking mechanism. There's just a screw holding the joint together.

It looks like it has a detent, where it will hold the head in specific positions, but detents aren't locks. You can easily move the ratchet head into the next detent position.

That's just what I gather from looking at the pics.

The titan website doesn't say anything about them locking, either. But I suppose they could have released a new locking version, in theory.

I think whoever on the northern tool website said they lock is mistaken and doesn't know the difference between locks and detents.

I will try and stop into the PA store on my way home and see if i can get some up close pics....as good as my crappy cell phone camera will allow.

 

[transittech]

I've got dozen + SO flex heads, and almost never use regular ratchets anymore. Soon as you get the longer handle ratchets, the longer handle always seems to be just a little too long and runs into stuff, so the flex head is invaluable in my book. Same reason for needing higher tooth counts - long handle is always running into stuff.

 

[thejudges69]

Well, today I used my first flex head ratchets and I must say, I think I have been missing out, I was working in a confined space on my 60 series and the fact that I was able to flex the ratchet to make larger movements and get the job done faster was awesome. Thanks for the input everyone.

OH I also used my first gearwrenched today and man do I like them. I may have to get some flex heads of those but for now I just have the fixed no offest gearwrench ones that were on sale at sears for 50 bucks.

 

[egnorant]

I did not have any flex-heads for a long time.
Then I found one at a swap meet (Craftsman 3/8) and the tool junkie in me bought it for $20.

Well, 3 weeks later I was tightening a starter bolt on my 83 Mustang 5.0 and the ratchet just needed to bend a certain was and then I knew!

Socket, 8" extension, universal joint, 8" extension and a flex head ratchet!
It was a bit odd that sweep of the ratchet was almost a right angle to the rotation of the bolt but it was a problem solved! I actually purched the car cheap due to the upper starter bolt never being tightened.

After using it for a while, I love it.

Kinda like when I bought my first Gearwrenches...I wondered how I had ever gotten anything done.

Bruce

 

[thejudges69]

I did not have any flex-heads for a long time.
Then I found one at a swap meet (Craftsman 3/8) and the tool junkie in me bought it for $20.

Well, 3 weeks later I was tightening a starter bolt on my 83 Mustang 5.0 and the ratchet just needed to bend a certain was and then I knew!

Socket, 8" extension, universal joint, 8" extension and a flex head ratchet!
It was a bit odd that sweep of the ratchet was almost a right angle to the rotation of the bolt but it was a problem solved! I actually purched the car cheap due to the upper starter bolt never being tightened.

After using it for a while, I love it.

Kinda like when I bought my first Gearwrenches...I wondered how I had ever gotten anything done.

Bruce

Bruce, thats kind of how I was thinking, the gearwrenches sped things up a lot and the flex head ratchets seems to speed it up as well, being that I could get it out of the way for a larger spin pattern on the ratchet.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I also used my first gearwrenched today and man do I like them. I may have to get some flex heads of those but for now I just have the fixed no offest gearwrench ones that were on sale at sears for 50 bucks.

If you like the GearWrench ratchets, you'll more than likely like the Armstrong Maxx. The Armstrong has a narrower head and the locking flex I mentioned above. The GW does cost a little less and is a good choice as well.

 

[toolmutt]

I had a cheap flex head ratchet as a teenager that the word "floppy" isn't strong enough to describe. Hated it. I eventually threw it in the trash. Years later, I finally gave in and tried the Armstrong locking flex to change plugs in my wife's Tahoe. I immediately loved it. The more I use it, the more I learn to use it in the unlocked position. (I'm sure operator error was the problem all the time.)

 

[Mr Ratchet]

You can tighten down the screw to control the "flop" as well when left in the unlocked position. I tightned mine down some when I first got them.

 

[toolmutt]

In reference to the cheap one, it didn't have a screw. When I say cheap, I mean way cheap. I think it had a roll pin IIR. The Armstrong is great.

 

[thejudges69]

I'm thinking about the flex head ratchet wrenches, I bought these craftsman one because there were on sale and I didn't want to blow my wad on the expensive ones until I tried them, but today I noticed my knuckles are real close to the engine when working beacuse they are straight on the ratchet end.

 

[thejudges69]

my flex head ratchets are snap on I got on ebay dirt cheap and I just bought 2 williams fixed heads to complete my ratchet set.

 

[otis66]

My Snap On roto ratchet is my go to ratchet every time.