HF Multi-flex ratchet - why?

[Steevo]

Some time ago, I picked up one of the HF multi-flex ratchets, when they were on sale, or I had a coupon, just because it was really cheap for a 3/8" fine tooth ratchet.
Then I never used it.
That two-way bendy handle just seemed weird to try to use in any situation I came across.

So, I took it apart and removed the center section of the handle, making it a semi-short, fat 3/8" flex ratchet.

It is still fat for a 3/8" ratchet, but it is a very stout build, and I can see myself at least using it now.

On the extra section, I stuck the ball bearing inside a grommet and captured it under the pivot screw, so I won't loose it, just in case I ever want to or need to put it back together again.

 

[davesnothere]

Your stubby ratchet looks far more useful than the way it came from HF.

 

[itsvegas]

you can make a super long flex ratchet using a breaker bar handle.

 

[Outlawmws]

I like the shorty version better too.

 

[shoturtle]

Got their ratchet 3/8 breaker, mounted the head to it,now I have a long neck fine tooth 3/8 ratchet.

 

[JDS968]

you can make a super long flex ratchet using a breaker bar handle.

And then you can use the left over square drive from the breaker bar handle mounted on the left over stubby handle to make a stubby breaker bar.

No idea why you would ever want that, but people around here seem to collect tools purely based on how weird they are!

 

[metaldad]

Good ideas, all.

 

[Infidel]

you could buy a bunch of double flexes and put them all together till you have a ratchet that flexes in 10 places.

 

[RV8guy]

you can make a super long flex ratchet using a breaker bar handle.

OK. I'm going to do that.

 

[KEH]

I haven't had to do this, but I was told that SOME of the multiflex ratchets are useful inside doors and other body work.

KEH

 

[JDS968]

you could buy a bunch of double flexes and put them all together till you have a ratchet that flexes in 10 places.

I had an idea along those lines, was considering spending quite a few dollars purely for a GarageJournal joke...

I haven't had to do this, but I was told that SOME of the multiflex ratchets are useful inside doors and other body work.

KEH

I would imagine that a similar product in 1/4" drive would be far more useful for getting into tight spots behind/inside bodywork. 3/8" drive (particularly this one) is overkill for most of these fasteners, and hence really not worth the extra size.

 

[powertrip]

Did mine a few months ago. Identical to the Lowes/Kobalt version thats $20+

 

[Steevo]

If everybody wants to send me their removed sections, with the springs and balls, I'll build up the mother of all "multi" flex ratchets, and some poor SOB will get it from Secret Santa this year

It could be the recurring gift, only every year it gets longer and longer .. . .

 

[jhelrey]

Someone has to do a 3 or 4 point flex ratchet and toss it on Ebay just to fish and see what it is worth.

 

[darkzero]

Never thought you could play Legos with ratchets!