Flexheads...floppy, locking, or indents?
- Thread starter ssentt
- Start date
blackz26
Banned
Locking only. I don't want to be at an odd angle, apply force and bam goes my knuckles.
toolaholic
Well-known member
I like locking or indents. I used a gearwrench 1/2 flex with indents on my dakota R/T to remove pivot shaft to frame nuts and to drive the alltrade bushing kit clamp to press bushings out/in. It didn't move from flexed position. I recently got a locking armstrong 3/8 flex. Haven't used it yet.
aluminum13
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 12, 2011
- Messages
- 68
I haven't had a problem with force on my floppy long handles that I can recall, I tend to imagine my predicted arc and where the force will go so when the bolt breaks I'm not going to fly off into something hard.
That said, not having to think about that might be nice. I can't say I've actually tried a locking flex head, so my opinion should be taken with a block of salt.
But I like my flex head - but only those with a screw attachment - that way you can get it nice tight (typically allen or torx). The other kinds get loose and not much you can do.
That said, not having to think about that might be nice. I can't say I've actually tried a locking flex head, so my opinion should be taken with a block of salt.
But I like my flex head - but only those with a screw attachment - that way you can get it nice tight (typically allen or torx). The other kinds get loose and not much you can do.
diesel research
Well-known member
The locking unlocks and does exactly what you describe as far as "free wheeling", serves all the purposes.
Just the fact they dont make any homeowner grade locking flexes may turn some off, or they may not have exposure to them.
Armstrong1720
Well-known member
Lock. I hate floppy i have some of each. Me i always go for the lock ones first. Everytime i really pull on a floppy it flops on me
blackz26
Banned
Stanley and husky does.
Definitely prefer my Matco locking flex ratchets over the rest.Locking when you need it,or unlock it and use it if not.Not really a fan of my Proto (MAC) spinflex with the ball and detent set up.I have a set of Carlyle flex ratchets that are like the Snap Ons,no detents. I've got the torx screw tightened down enough that it takes quite a bit of effort to make it flex so they are ok.
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
locking, once I got locking I cant go back.
Singlecut
Well-known member
+1 for floppy. I had the cheap Stanley locking flex and it is an honestly good tool, its just not as nimble as the others. So when I got an FLF80 I felt like I could get everywhere. I like the flop because I've found that having that extra articulation while ratcheting back and forth is invaluable. Albeit, I keep the head tight. Always get a flex head with a fastener retention, not the stupid cheap pin setup.
bcradio
Well-known member
SMKS
Well-known member
Once you go locking flex, you'll never go back....
I have the Armstrong Maxx locking flex. It is awesome. I'm a DIY'er, so I wasn't sure I could justify the $50+ for this ratchet. It's my most expensive ratchet by far. But, it's a huge bargain for the price. The Matco ratchets have the same locking mechanism and more teeth, but they cost about twice as much as the Armstrong.
I don't like regular flexes very much for the reasons noted. When I'm in an awkward position under a car and give a solid pull, it's easy for it to flex when you don't want it to.
But, the Armstrong can be used in the unlocked position like a regular flex, if you're in a situation where you need that every once in a while.
Review with pics here:
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/
I have the Armstrong Maxx locking flex. It is awesome. I'm a DIY'er, so I wasn't sure I could justify the $50+ for this ratchet. It's my most expensive ratchet by far. But, it's a huge bargain for the price. The Matco ratchets have the same locking mechanism and more teeth, but they cost about twice as much as the Armstrong.
I don't like regular flexes very much for the reasons noted. When I'm in an awkward position under a car and give a solid pull, it's easy for it to flex when you don't want it to.
But, the Armstrong can be used in the unlocked position like a regular flex, if you're in a situation where you need that every once in a while.
Review with pics here:
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/
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bobcatdan
Well-known member
On my 24" 1/2" flex heads, I like the locking flex on my matco over my non locking SO. I use those ratchet mostly with large crowfeet on hydraulic lines and the SO is kinda pain. In all other cases I like a propper tension no detent head. The detends always seem to be the wrong place.
Applesauce
Well-known member
I have one of those, Canadian Tire branded, and I hate it. Definitely like my Armstrong 3/8" locking, though, and plan to buy a 1/2" soon. Not crazy about the handle shape, but can't afford Matco, either...
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I think they have and if not it is simple gut switch. The armstrong is exactly the same as a matco with a different handle
SMKS
Well-known member
No. The locking flex ratchets are still 60 teeth, for now, at least. Personally, I upgraded mine to 88 teeth and I don't think it's worth the added cost. If I had to do it over again, I would have kept the 60 tooth.
Armstrong didn't do a great job of publicizing which ratchets were upgraded to 88 teeth.
ONLY the 1/4" and 3/8" non-flex Maxx ratchets were upgraded to 88 teeth.
The 1/2" non-flex and all the Maxx flex ratchets are still 60 teeth.
The ratchets that were upgraded to 88 teeth are part of the aerospace line. These have the same part number as the old 60 tooth maxx ratchets.
Here's a PDF on the Aerospace line. On the last page you'll see it only includes the 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive non-flex ratchets:
http://www.armstrongtools.com/ABT_AerospaceFlier_FINAL_Lo.pdf
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The Ratchet Man
Well-known member
Can't stand detents. I like floppy but have used locking before and can't complain.
ken w.
Well-known member
I prefer the floppy. I've only had floppy untill I aquired a locking S/O locking flexhead 3/8.It seemed that it was in the wrong place.My favorite is the S/O bent handle flexhead.
wise
Well-known member
I prefer the SO Dual80 Non-Locking for 17", Locking for 24". The 17" I use quite often to break a bolt loose, flex it all the way straight, and use it as a makeshift speeder. Works really well! The 24" for serious torque in tighter places that an impact gun can't go, where slippage is more common, and reach may be limited to set the socket firmly on the nut/bolt.
Locking, all the way. If budget permits, both locking and floppy. We have some indent ratchets at work, and the angle is never in the right spot. The snappy locking 80t ratchets have to be God's gift to mechanics though. The downside is, they're slow, and that's where the floppy ratchets come into their own.
4x4gearhead
Well-known member
I have both but prefer modern flex ratchets with the screw on the yoke. Tight enough not to flop but loose enough to flex.
mikebramel
Well-known member
Matco
I have a snap on flex that doesn't lock and while the 1/4" is nice and tight the 3/8" is a little loose and in blind holes it can be somewhat of a pain in the ***. Yes I tried tightening it.
The Gearwrench I recently picked up has a simple ball and detent system and I really like it. It is firm enough to allow you to get the socket it on but is still easily adjustable with one hand by applying pressure to the head.
The Gearwrench I recently picked up has a simple ball and detent system and I really like it. It is firm enough to allow you to get the socket it on but is still easily adjustable with one hand by applying pressure to the head.
I love my "floppy" ball head ratchets - I started with a 3/8" snapon that I got at a garage sale, bought the 1/4" off the truck and then when I found they didn't make a 1/2" (at the time - not sure about now) I bought the set of Cornwells 1/4 3/8 &1/2 - I LOVE them over the feel of the snapons, push button release is sweet and the fine tooth is smooth.
For a locking head I have an Armstrong breaker bar that is great for those big torque jobs.
For a locking head I have an Armstrong breaker bar that is great for those big torque jobs.
firebox40dash5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2012
- Messages
- 4,185
Gotta be locking for me. I've had several times I had to get on a horribly placed fastener with the handle flexed, but it wasn't easy (or possible) to get something on the head to hold it on the head. I started out with non-locking Dual 80s, and that drove me crazy.