Floppy Head

[Downwindtracker 2]

Years back, when on a trip, the minivan idler started to squeal, so I changed it in the auto parts parking. Not having any tools with me, I bought a 3/8 Wright flex head ratchet and socket . When Blackhawk got sold, the local tool store chain got the stock and clearanced it for peanuts. I picked up another 3/8 flex-head ratchet. Both of them are so floppy as to be almost useless. Just a single socket unbalances them so much, you can't put the socket on the bolt head. Do any of you have trick, or where these just bad purchases. Well one go us going, and the other was peanuts.

 

[RedneckWelder]

That’s the problem of non locking flex ratchets. You can try shimming it with some thin washers, many come with a bellvue type washer to try to keep some tension but to me they all seem to end up loose again

 

[gungatim]

I fixed a floppy HF flex with some brass shim stock. posted pics and how-to on a thread somewhere when those ratchets first came out if you do a search. it's still working well.

 

[seber]

The bellville washer is easiest and permanent but they are not commonly available. You can get through McMaster.

 

[Professional Tool User]

The non locking flex head just isn't that great at holding sockets and extensions without moving. If this is one of the ones with a screw you can tighten, tighten it back up and blue lock tite it. If it is still too loose, you can try using a lock washer or shim it.

 

[rsanter]

Some people just put some electrical tape around the flex joint.
You will have to replace it from time to time.
It will stiffen up the joint but still allow it to flex

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

THX
Bad Purchases. Electrical tape it is. The joints are riveted. I even tried the hammer and brass drift adjustment. I guess they got the tempering right.

 

[Mr_B]

take the rivet out and machine it for a high tensile hex head bolt .
once apart you can close yoke a little in a press then once nice tight fit machine the bolt hole .

low tech solution: run couple drops bearing retainer down both yoke cavities moving tool round help it work in .
Let it go off for few days then put head in vise and bend the flex joint, if lucky you get it move freely but enough resistance built up in pin to stop the flop issue .

 

[davethorik]

You know it would be near impossible to "machine" an old press fit joint flex tool to accept a screw, right? Not saying it couldn't be done, you would probably have to set it up in a cnc machining center and use a carbide thread mill.

 

[vavet]

Don’t they make a little blue pill for when your tool is too floppy?

 

[Mr_B]

You know it would be near impossible to "machine" an old press fit joint flex tool to accept a screw, right? Not saying it couldn't be done, you would probably have to set it up in a cnc machining center and use a carbide thread mill.

I had 2 done, they threaded them, initial likely idea was machine down rod nuts as flanged insert if unable get good threads .
not really worth hassle but was my fathers and wanted them serviceable and in use .
you can make a small bored recess to hold a very short spring which aids in tension (same as see on some saltus wrenches) works better than the wave or split washers but reduces strength bit too much on slim profile knuckles, that method can allow for re-pinning .

 

[dnschmidt]

It always amazes me when this topic comes up. I LIKE MY FLEX HEAD RATCHETS TO BE SOMEWHAT FLOPPY as it enables me to use them sort of like speed handles when I have the head at a 90 degree angle to the handle. I never use a ratchet without using two hands so what's the big deal about a floppy head? This subject seems to cause epileptic fits in some people and I can't fathom why.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I came back and noticed some more replies. Thanks guys. I found it very frustrating when I added a extension and a socket, as it was, I could barely get my arm in the engine bay, let alone the other one. What happened to the days of the slant six Valiant ? If I was a automobile mechanic, you could be sure I would have bought a better example. Life becomes so much easier with the right tool. Black tape is a bit inelegant ,but if it works, what the..... !

 

[toolmutt]

It always amazes me when this topic comes up. I LIKE MY FLEX HEAD RATCHETS TO BE SOMEWHAT FLOPPY as it enables me to use them sort of like speed handles when I have the head at a 90 degree angle to the handle. I never use a ratchet without using two hands so what's the big deal about a floppy head? This subject seems to cause epileptic fits in some people and I can't fathom why.

No epileptic fit here but I always explain that sometimes I simply can't use both hands. At those times, a floppy head is worthless. I also use my flex head as a speeder at times or to flex while ratcheting to clear an obstruction. I simply leave the flex "unlocked".

 

[mr.lemons]

^ I was also a bit confused by that. Many times have to use just one hand on a ratchet.