How useful are long straight no flex ratchets?

[mikey03]

I only ever owned four 3/8 ratchets. A small baby one. A regular size straight head. A long flex head. A long straight head.

I lent the long 12” straight head to my uncle, he lost it and is paying me for it. But I’ve been using the long 12” flex head as my go to bread and butter ratchet for 90% of my stuff and I don’t really miss the long straight head.

Do you guys use a long straight head ratchet ever or is it all flex? I saw a lot of posts about locking versus not locking flex but haven’t seen anyone talk about straight versus flex.

I used to have a short flex ratchet but sold it because in a short length where I already can’t get much power and the flex takes away a bunch and i couldnt really find it useful. To my it seemed like flex wasn’t useful in small ones and for long ones, theres already so much power you can get that even if you don’t need flex for a bolt and even if it flexes some you still have more than enough power to break it.

I been using a torque wrench more to fasten so fastening seems more like an access problem than a power problem since the power is all at the end with the torque wrench anyway. And breaking stuff loose if it’s tight I use a box end wrench most of the time.

Anyway I’m young and trying to keep costs down but still get good tools like snap on when I find deals at pawn shops. I rather have 3 ratchets from snap on I use a lot than 100 from china. But I’m just getting into more car repair lately and don’t got a lot of experience so maybe i do need a long no flex ratchet? Not sure for what though.

 

[ohhimark]

There are times where a long flex ratchet might flex unwantedly, where the non flex or locking ratchet might be preferred, or if the flex ratchet head was loose and made it more difficult to put in position. If you don't have one and don't find yourself needing it, then you're probably ok.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I prefer straight non flex tools, but that due to one hand and no support hand on the workpiece end to help keep tools in place.

My favorite is my long handle 3/8" ratchet. Slim, has reach for torque and lighter than 1/2". Plus doesn't hurt as much if I drop it on my head or face when working overhead/laying under the truck.

As for needs, there's a time and place for both. Just know what you need and use it.

 

[Andres26tnt]

love them, cant stand sloppy flex heads. i prefer using fixed heads, length does matter. I prefer to stay in the 12-13" size, I've had 16" but they tend to get in the way.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Skip the long flex ratchet. Buy a long breaker bar.

 

[mreisner]

I've got a pair of shoulders that have damage on them and for working overhead especially with a heavier deep socket the 3/8 long is my go-to. A breaker bar will get you by in a pinch, but taking it off and having to constantly reset is miserable, especially in hard to access areas. Right now you probably won't need one but keep it in mind for the future. Or if you get old like me and have arthritis and bursitis it can a game changer.

 

[larry_g]

Keep track of how many times this thought goes through your mind, This would be a lot easier if I had a long fixed head rachet. If the thought comes 2-3 times a month vs a couple of times a year, then you have your answer. We each have our own way of working. I'm with Mreisner above, old, weak, and tired. I appreciate the longer tools for the added leverage they give me in a tough situation.

lg
no neat sig line

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[Andres26tnt]

True, make a list every time you work. You will quickly find out what you need.

 

[Fedwrench]

Do you guys use a long straight head ratchet ever or is it all flex?

It's a mixture, not one or the other but, both. I have long and extra long fixed head ratchets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive. They're handy for reach or when you need extra leverage. Starting out, I'd recommend a 12-13 inch 3/8 drive fixed head ratchet and an 18 inch 1/2 drive fixed head ratchets. Now, the fewer teeth are stronger ratchet head peeps are going tell you to use a breaker bar and not a ratchet to loosen things but, most modern floating pawl fine toothed ratchets can handle tough tasks as well as a breaker bar. Lastly, since you're starting out, here's some wisdom it took me years of experience to realize, the best tools don't always come off of a tool truck and they aren't necessarily made in the USA.

 

[ThePostman]

The fixed long handle certainly has it's place in the automotive world. In fact my go to first choice is a Matco 11 3/4" fixed handle comfort grip. I bought it after doing the wife's alternator in a parking lot where my Proto/Mac 90 tooth flex about the same length, was too floppy to make the job easy. Beyond a foot in length, swing clearance becomes an issue, as does breakaway torque required, and I'm moving up to 1/2", thank God for 1/2" nano sockets.

 

[sparky 1971]

My longest ratchets are fixed: 12" 1/4" drive, 15" 3/8" drive, 24" 1/2" drive and 40" 3/4" drive (the exception to the rule is my 26" 1/2" drive locking flex head). I may be wrong, but they sure feel more secure to me when really cranking on a stubborn fastener.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Never considered the long non flex ratchet. So far standard and long flex works well, 24 inch breaker ready if needed.

 

[richfinn]

I don't use my long fixed head ratchets anymore (all Snap-On), I much prefer good quality (non locking) long flex heads (Ko-ken 72T Z series, Snap-On dual 80 or Facom 72T).

Breaker bars have flex-heads and are the traditional choice for stubborn fasteners (same thing IME)

I guess you could consider a locking flex head if you're dead set on having a fixed option??

 

[assassin10000]

Depends on what your working on and where.

I don't even have any fixed head ratchets on my cart(s). From bit ratchets on up. My matco 3/8 breaker bar (15'ish inch) is shorter than my longest 3/8 locking flex ratchet (18'ish inch)...



I may have one or two fixed heads buried in the home box somewhere rusting away.

 

[Tundra1]

I have a typical length fixed ratchet and a cheater pipe that fits nicely over the handle. So far still working and breaks things free followed by a more convenient length.

 

[ecotec]

I have both. I use fixed head ratchets when I have the room. I use flex heads when I have obstructions. I always use flex heads on brake jobs.

 

[f121]

Skip the long flex ratchet. Buy a long breaker bar.

My advice is the opposite. The 18” 3/8 flex ratchet gets used all the time, I’ve maybe used my 3/8 breaker bar twice since I that ratchet. 1/2” breaker bars get used a little more, but the 24” flex ratchet is usually my go to.

 

[lardy1]

The long 3/8" fixed Proto Precision 90 is a great ratchet. Like others discussed above, the extra length is nice for leverage with my 70 year old muscles. It has also been beneficial for reach a few times. For no more than I use it I could have bought a lesser unit than the Proto 90, though. But it is definitely a premium ratchet. My favorite mechanism.

My long flex are both roundheads. An SK and a Proto/Facom that is also a sweet ratchet.

My advice would be to acquire a flex and see if you still need the fixed. You may very well decide you don't need it.

 

[Zewnten]

Locking flex then I have both in one ratchet.

 

[snickers muncher]

Long indexing flex for me. The only time I use a long straight is my cheap extendable 1/2 from Harbor Freight because it lets me use the longest ratchet in the available space when my long 1/2 flex is too long.

 

[mikey03]

Are you guys using these ratchets mostly to break free or to tighten? I been using my torque ratchet more lately to make sure the torque is good. So I start with my finger to make sure the threads are on and then I use the torque ratchet to finish. It doesn’t have as nice a ratchet as my main ratchet but it seems better to use one tool than switch tools.

 

[assassin10000]

Are you guys using these ratchets mostly to break free or to tighten?

Both.

 

[snickers muncher]

The torque wrench only gets used after the bolt is snug. Of course, snug means different with a M6 water pump bolt vs a 30mm axle nut.

 

[Bad Eye Bill]

There are times where a long flex ratchet might flex unwantedly, where the non flex or locking ratchet might be preferred, or if the flex ratchet head was loose and made it more difficult to put in position. If you don't have one and don't find yourself needing it, then you're probably ok.

A flex ratchet is a final resort for me.

I don't like them at all, but they are useful occasionally.

 

[Southernbuild]

I've always used long flex head ratchets, but last week I ordered a 3/8 non flex 16" ratchet. I guess the Garage Journal struck the credit card again!

Well see how it goes.

 

[Schurkey]

Skip the long flex ratchet. Buy a long breaker bar.

I dropped all my breaker bars like broken rubbers, switched to long-handle flex-head ratchets.

Any decent ratchet will take all the power a breaker-bar will, so strength isn't an issue. But the lack of ratchet-action in close quarters is a deal breaker when you're using six-point sockets to reduce fastener damage.

My favorite ratchets for decades--including my "professional" life--were a long-handle non-flex Snap-On 3/8" drive, followed by the same thing in 1/2" drive. Both quit being my favorites when I got a ~12" roto-head 3/8"; and a 24" flex-head 1/2"

 

[mikey03]

The torque wrench only gets used after the bolt is snug. Of course, snug means different with a M6 water pump bolt vs a 30mm axle nut.

Since torque ratchets have ratchets in them, even if they aren’t as good they might be 30 tooth compared to 100, don’t you waste time changing tools, changing sockets, instead of just putting it on with the torque ratchet from the get go?

Before I started torquing stuff down I’d use a regular ratchet but I’ve been starting by hand, and then going to the torque ratchet.

Is it bad for the torque ratchet to overuse it? I thought it only got “used up” once it clicked and I could use it like a reg ratchet without any problem

 

[mikey03]

A flex ratchet is a final resort for me.

I don't like them at all, but they are useful occasionally.

Bro I spent an hour reading old threads today and it’s insane that it’s about a clean 50 50 split of people who say they love flex and will use it all the time and never touch fixed and the people who say they hate flex and only use it as a last resort.

I really guess I need to put in my reps and see what works for me because this like a chocolate versus vanilla thing

 

[LWB]

Bro I spent an hour reading old threads today and it’s insane that it’s about a clean 50 50 split of people who say they love flex and will use it all the time and never touch fixed and the people who say they hate flex and only use it as a last resort.

I really guess I need to put in my reps and see what works for me because this like a chocolate versus vanilla thing

100% What works for one doesn't work for another.

I wasn't a fan of flex head at the beginning until I made myself to use one for a while. I found it a bit awkward at the start. It takes a bit of getting used to but is now my go to. I have locking too but still prefer the non locking for most jobs.

Bottom line is I want one or two of each haha

 

[dchawk81]

Flex heads are awesome but if I'm not using the flex I want a straight fixed one.

 

[richfinn]

Bro I spent an hour reading old threads today and it’s insane that it’s about a clean 50 50 split of people who say they love flex and will use it all the time and never touch fixed and the people who say they hate flex and only use it as a last resort.

I really guess I need to put in my reps and see what works for me because this like a chocolate versus vanilla thing

The quality of the tool will be a deciding factor, if you go for a flex-head buy a nice version and it will serve you well.

 

[908Jim]

Flex heads are awesome but if I'm not using the flex I want a straight fixed one.

+1 on this. I enjoy the extra leverage of long fixed ratchets. It just makes everything feel pretty effortless when you still want to do things by hand without having to worry about the ratchet flexing and possibly stripping something out. I consider it an affordable luxury.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

My most used ratchet is a Matco 3/8 long locking flex and I probably use it locked (both straight and at an angle) more than I use it as a free flex ratchet.

My second most used ratchets are probably standard-length straight handles.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I prefer long fixed handles and use them quite a bit. The flex heads always give a little at the joint when I’m cranking on stuff at work.

Now, a flex head standard length 1/2” drive ratchet would rock but everyone makes long flex heads so I’m out of luck. That would be my ideal for 1/2” at work.

 

[mikey03]

I prefer long fixed handles and use them quite a bit. The flex heads always give a little at the joint when I’m cranking on stuff at work.

Now, a flex head standard length 1/2” drive ratchet would rock but everyone makes long flex heads so I’m out of luck. That would be my ideal for 1/2” at work.

Snap on makes a 8 inch 1/2 flex head that I would love to have but it’s $220 I was looking at it this weekend

 

[sparky 1971]

I prefer long fixed handles and use them quite a bit. The flex heads always give a little at the joint when I’m cranking on stuff at work.

Now, a flex head standard length 1/2” drive ratchet would rock but everyone makes long flex heads so I’m out of luck. That would be my ideal for 1/2” at work.

Tekton makes a 10-1/2" flex head. I have one but haven't used it yet.

 

[Rinspeed]

Snap on makes a 8 inch 1/2 flex head that I would love to have but it’s $220 I was looking at it this weekend

They are worth every penny of that in my opinion. I was just using my 18" to do brakes over the weekend.

 

[AEAdam]

Bro I spent an hour reading old threads today and it’s insane that it’s about a clean 50 50 split of people who say they love flex and will use it all the time and never touch fixed and the people who say they hate flex and only use it as a last resort.

I really guess I need to put in my reps and see what works for me because this like a chocolate versus vanilla thing

I would try to filter the results by brand. As you probably know, the snap on flex heads are pretty stiff, pretty nice to use. My guess is, the folks who like fixed heads don’t own Snap On flex heads. They own ratchets with floppier heads.

To answer the question I think you are asking, I would not replace an FL80 if I had an FLF80. I have an FLL80 that I like, but it would not be my first choice for you.

In order: long flex head like FHLF80, stubby, or stubby flex, then F80 std fixed ratchet. I have a bunch of Snap On ratchets and I use those the most (in 3/8” drive). Save/hunt for a SHLF80A. Every auto mechanic should have one.

Long before I ever bought these ratchets, I had craftsman versions of those listed above, it’s the lengths and functionality, not the brand that has attracted me to these specific tools. That said, the snappies are huge step up from craftsman.

 

[mikey03]

In order: long flex head like FHLF80, stubby, or stubby flex, then F80 std fixed ratchet. I have a bunch of Snap On ratchets and I use those the most (in 3/8” drive). Save/hunt for a SHLF80A. Every auto mechanic should have one.

I tried my uncles stubby flex and it doesn’t feel good to me. The problem with flex is you lose power when it angles. If you got a long one, it’s fine, you still get good power. But in a stubby, you already struggle to get power on it, and now it flexes a bit and gives up half the power.

Idk I should probably give it another shot I do love my long flex but for some reason in the stubbies I like them fixed.

 

[AEAdam]

For

I tried my uncles stubby flex and it doesn’t feel good to me. The problem with flex is you lose power when it angles. If you got a long one, it’s fine, you still get good power. But in a stubby, you already struggle to get power on it, and now it flexes a bit and gives up half the power.

Idk I should probably give it another shot I do love my long flex but for some reason in the stubbies I like them fixed.

yeah, think again about that. Stubbies aren’t for power. Put the head of it in your palm and use your thumb and the side of your index finger to ratchet it. (so upside down).

Sometimes the flex stubbies will conform to your hand better. Try it again, holding it upside down as I’ve described. The advantage of the stubby is it’s speed. Crack loose with long flex, then switch to the stubby or a T72 1/4” drive. Speed and feel.