How strong is the lock on an Armstrong MAXX locking flex ratchet?

[SMKS]

I'm considering buying the Armstrong MAXX locking flex ratchets, as I've been really impressed with my 3/8" drive MAXX ratchet. I'm thinking is that these could replace my non-locking flex ratchets and my XL ratchets. But, I don't know the strength of the locking mechanism.

Who has an Armstrong locking flex? How strong is the locking mechanism? Does it still move when locked without too much pressure?

The two I'm interested in are the 3/8" and 1/4" flex.
1/4" locking flex on Tooltopia

3/8" locking flex on Tooltopia

 

[Jim85IROC]

No direct experience, but I've tortured my Craftman offset flex ratchet, and since they are both danaher ratchets, I would guess they're similar. After years of leaning my 250lbs into the craftman, the swivel is just starting to get some play in it.

 

[Gtamazing]

I have the 3/8 and the 1/2. In my opinion the operation of the lock ***** ***. They are probably plenty strong. The 1/2 I have is the 24" matco version and I use the piss out of it at work locked and unlocked. Although I don't really like the locking mechanism armstrong maxx are still my favorite ratchets.

 

[SMKS]

I have the 3/8 and the 1/2. In my opinion the operation of the lock ***** ***. They are probably plenty strong. The 1/2 I have is the 24" matco version and I use the piss out of it at work locked and unlocked. Although I don't really like the locking mechanism armstrong maxx are still my favorite ratchets.

I'm more concerned with how the locking mechanism works. What about it is so bad?

I don't know how the locking mechanism works, but this is my question:
When it's locked in a position, how much pressure does it take to move the head into another of the locking positions? My concern is that it would "lock" with very little force, so the head could still flop around if put under some pressure.

 

[diesel research]

You aren't going to move it w/o breaking the ratchet head. It's a lock not a detent ball.

I have both 3/8 and 1/2.

My guess is the above complaint is more related to accidently switching it unlocked when trying to reverse the ratchet selector, because they feel identical. Either that or sometimes it is not effortless to unlock. The more pressure you apply, the tighter it wedges. Once in a while that could mean slight extra effort unlocking.

 

[Obie]

On my 1/2" and 3/8", the lock keeps the head pretty tight without much floppiness. Have not unlocked them under a load, and my 1/2" sees some serious torque.
My 1/4", on the other hand, let's the head move around quite a bit. The locking mechanism itself seems just as strong, but the teeth seem spaced too wide for a tight hold. I'm not bothered by this in such a small drive size that I rarely use, so its not a dealbreaker for me.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have all three drive sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2). It's very strong. The are a series of grooves that lock into another set of grooves on the ratchet neck. There is a manual lever that locks it into place. I rarely use it but, the lock is probably one of those things that are better to have and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[quattrojon]

The locking mechanism is incredibly strong and i haven't had to warranty any at all. I think you will be more than happy if you make the purchase.

 

[SiGmA_X]

Good to hear! I'm about to warranty my locking flex SnapOn (F80X? I forget and am on a mobile) for a third time as the lock keeps breaking. Very annoying and I think the Armstrong will be my 1/4" option. Anyone know the tooth count on the 1/4" or 3/8"?

 

[DTB]

Old ones were 60,new models are 88 teeth like the Matco version.They've been out long enough now,they should all be 88,but there could be new 60 tooth Armstrongs around still. I've recently bought a 3/8 and 1/2 Matco locking flex,and I love them. I will be getting the 1/4" Armstrong to go with the other two.

 

[MattT]

Good to hear! I'm about to warranty my locking flex SnapOn (F80X? I forget and am on a mobile) for a third time as the lock keeps breaking.

Not sure about the D80s but the lock on my older Snap on *****. It won't stay unlocked and it'll slip fairly easy when it is locked. If I get any more locking flex ratchets I'll likely go with Armstrong or Matco.

 

[SiGmA_X]

DTB - Sweet, sounds like I can't go wrong with either, and hopefully it'll be a 88 for sure when I buy! Currently I only have a couple Craftsman 1/4" ratchets, nothing fancy at all. I think my next ratchet purchase will be a swivel head 1/4", but then I want a long handle flex too. Like the Armstrong.

MattT - Yep that is what I have found with my FX80 (apparently that is the name!). It's a great, great ratchet, but the locking feature isn't so sturdy. I would def buy again, but I think I may try out an Armstrong before doing so. My coworker had the non locking long flex D80 ratchet which is why I bought my FX80, and the lock was great when brand new. But it wears quick and slips sometimes, which isn't ideal. I should also say, this ratchet needed repair w/in maybe 3mo of purchase, and then 3mo later again. Since the 2nd repair, it has been out of professional use, as I am no longer a mechanic and it barely sees any use now.

 

[DTB]

DTB - Sweet, sounds like I can't go wrong with either, and hopefully it'll be a 88 for sure when I buy! Currently I only have a couple Craftsman 1/4" ratchets, nothing fancy at all. I think my next ratchet purchase will be a swivel head 1/4", but then I want a long handle flex too. Like the Armstrong.

You really can't go wrong with either the 60 or 88 but the 88 is a nice option to have.The matco 88 kit will go in if so desired if you do get a 60.The 3/8 88 tooth is nice,but I think the 60 tooth in the 24" long 1/2 drive flex feels good too.Actually feels like there is engagement,over my Snappy Sl80.I prefer the Matco locking flex to the Snap On version.I think the locking flex is one thing Danaher has over Snap On.Either way,there is no comparison to the Craftsman flex ratchet.