How useful is a flex head ratchet?

[flyingvette]

In other words - is it worth me dropping some cash for a 3/8 flex head ratchet (I have a traditional non flex 3/8 ratchet), such as, lets say, this one here

http://cgi.ebay.com/Long-Flex-Head-Ratchet-Snap-On-3-8-Fine-Tooth_W0QQitemZ280470236774QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414d542e66

Which is a snap on FLF80 for about 60$ and 30 minutes left on auction if it disappears or link doesnt work.

I would like some used fine tooth (1/4 and 3/8) ratchets of decent / high quality to supplement my decidedly not fine tooth current benchtop ratchets. Although I'm pretty sure a traditional 1/4 is the way to go for me, has owning a flex head 3/8 ratchet been a big boon to your tool using life? I use my tools almost exclusively for working on cars and doing household assembly projects. Occasionally they are also used for home / self defense.

 

[fordbroncodave]

one of every ratchet in your collection is enough. 2 of every ratchet is too much and 3 of every ratchet is for collectors.

 

[chadster1]

You can never have too many ratchets.

 

[scbird94]

Flex head ratchets are bomb. Especially for spark plugs. There are times when i will reach for a non-flex, depends on the job. I would be lost without it, thats for sure.

If you get a LOCKING flex head, its the best of both worlds!

 

[fordbroncodave]

You can never have too many ratchets.

easy for you to say. your a dealer

 

[Sterff]

I grab my flex head ratchets more than my standard ratchets. They are vey nice to have.

 

[79maliburacer]

newbie here, i use my flexheads all the time for my job they speed things up a lot when using it as a speed wrench.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

it really helps, when smallest extension is too long.

 

[BackTracker]

it's like ***, you don't know what you're missing until you try it.

And for the record; these days having the ratchet fit where I want and saving me hours of hassle and ****** knuckles is better than *** anyway.

 

[billymade]

I think they are particularly useful when doing brakes and suspension work!

 

[Old Donn]

My 3/8" drive C-man flex head gets way more use than any other ratchet I own. That said, I just got a set of Toptul swivel heads last week. We'll see how they do on the old Chevy. Cruise season's right around the corner.

 

[Kurt4440]

And for the record; these days having the ratchet fit where I want and saving me hours of hassle and ****** knuckles is better than *** anyway.[/QUOTE]

Do you need a vacation?
For the record, I would not be without my flex head ratchets.

 

[Eric Nordstrom]

You will love a flex head.Whatever(brand) you choose!

Eric

 

[bmxr4life87]

indespensible tool no doubt!

 

[fordbroncodave]

i don't reach for them in my first choice only because of the chance of busting my knuckles. they also loose torque because of flexing joints

 

[J.A.F.E.]

My flex head is my go to ratchet. If I had to live with only one ratchet it would be my F731 SO flex. I bought it new in the 70's and it's still my most used ratchet.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

You can never have too many ratchets.

I 2nd this statement.

 

[Trenmik]

If you get a LOCKING flex head, its the best of both worlds!

I second that. Go for an Armstrong or Matco flex and you will be solid. Their a little more expensive, but if you get them new off Ebay that can save you quite a bit. There was new Armstrong 1/2's Maxx for $100 shipped for a while on Ebay. I wish Gearwrench made a locking one.
If you get a used flex, obviously you make sure the head isn't floppy as it can likely be a pita from "what I read" to fix.
-Another alternative to a flex is a swivel, but cannot say how they compare.

 

[truckdriver]

The only time I use fixed ratchets is when I use a pipe on them. The rest of the time I use flex heads. I absolutely hate locking flex heads.

 

[Fedwrench]

i don't reach for them in my first choice only because of the chance of busting my knuckles. they also loose torque because of flexing joints

You obiviously need to buy better flex head ratchets.

Once you get your first flex head ratchet, it won't be enough. You'll need different handle lengths from stubbies to 2 foot, different drive sizes, and varying handles comfort grip, offset, all steel, etc.
I prefer the offerings from Matco and Gearwrench. Their thin heads and fine 60 tooth action make work a lot less like labor.
For a nice mid length flex head ratchet the Snap on FHF80 is nice too.

 

[Ed_EOD]

My C-man 3/8 flex bent handle was my favorite until it was replaced by the Snap On version. I have never used my standard 3/8 ratchet. I only use the flex bent handle or a stubby.

 

[Mike83]

I think they are particularly useful when doing brakes and suspension work!

+1 on that and the spark plug work. Any time you need to work in awkward areas where the extra leverage or reach is needed the flex head is king.

 

[IONH]

The only flex head ratchet I have is a Husky which extends and locks. I like it a lot and I am surprised I have not broken it from the force I have been known to put on it.

Actually, I did break it once.. or wore it out at least. Took it back to HD and they wanted the receipt. I thought they had lifetime in store warranties for Husky hand tools. They said that policy no longer in place. After a little more persuasion, the person said if they had one on the shelf, they'd swap it out "just this once". They had one and I haven't worn it out since.

Does anyone know if the Husky in store replacement at HD is still in place or not?

 

[scotte]

why choose between flex and no flex when you can have both

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=81186&group_id=20864

this is the only 3/8 ratchet i use anymore

 

[scottmlew]

Does anyone know if the Husky in store replacement at HD is still in place or not?

Not sure, I'd like to hear some others chime in.

I have that same ratchet you do, and I sheepishly admit I love it because of its versatility. It's a great ratchet to throw in an emergency travel box since it is locking flex AND you can change the handle length.

 

[srmofo]

one of every ratchet in your collection is enough. 2 of every ratchet is too much and 3 of every ratchet is for collectors.

lies..all lies. I have 1-1/4,1-3/8 stubby, 2-3/8 normal, 1-3/8 long flex, 1-1/2 long on my cart at all times. All get used everyday and I have several 5-6 more in the boxes at the shop and another 10 or so at home. Mostly craftsman and gearwrench rachets at home of course, my blood isnt that rich for all tool truck brands at home. For the money I really, really like the danaher rachets, and they are warrantied in house at NAPA

I HATE looking for a rachet.

 

[jsaw]

I don't use anything but flexhead ratchets, I like the Matco finetooth locking flexheads, then you can have the best of both worlds

 

[Even 11]

My flex heads are my go to ratchets! Cman and Matco fine tooth 3/8 and SO Locking 1/2! Buy em, You'll love them!!

-Dane

 

[RLRRLRLL]

flex head ratchets are nice to have! i have 2 in 3/8 and one in 1/4. i like them as you can change the angle you are working at, make it more comfy.

 

[autoace]

I use flex head ratchets about 80% of the time. I guess I prefer them for most applications.

 

[X1 Mike]

Go to ratchet here also. I grab a flex 10-1 compared to a fixed ratchet.

 

[mkdive]

i don't reach for them in my first choice only because of the chance of busting my knuckles. they also loose torque because of flexing joints

With those concerns, you must have some inferior rats? What flex do you own? How much torque are you loosing due to flexing joints?

 

[BackTracker]

I like the round head swivel ratchets far better than the flex head.

 

[street131]

hey old don, you talking about the metro cruise here in grand rapids?

 

[flyingvette]

Thank you for the feedback! You made that flex / no flex an easy decision. Now just need to pick a brand

I heard armstrong, matco, and snap on as recommended brands (want it to be fine tooth one as well, my current one has trouble in tight spots). I kind of like that locking FX80 from snap on. Seems like a great idea.

 

[Even 11]

I heard armstrong, matco, and snap on as recommended brands (want it to be fine tooth one as well, my current one has trouble in tight spots). I kind of like that locking FX80 from snap on. Seems like a great idea.

Matco FTW!! It locks if you need it to, it can flex also, 60 or 88 teeth nice ergonomic handle, made in the US, lifetime warranty. I have a CMan, a proto, a MAC, and a Snap on Locking that are very lonely since I got that Matco. Just my 2 cents.

-Dane

 

[Even 11]

www.matcotools.com

Part#: BFR128LFT

I got a 60 tooth used at a pawn shop and love it, i can only imagine how nice the 88 tooth is!

-Dane

 

[mikeybike]

I've had one of the bent (by design) handled SO flex heads since the seventies and I'd be embarrassed to tell you how many times I've had a pipe on it for additional torque. I wouldn't go without it and it is nearly always the first I reach for.

 

[IONH]

i don't reach for them in my first choice only because of the chance of busting my knuckles.

Must not be a locking one. I've never had a non-locking ratchet but I have had non-locking flex head ratcheting wrenches and they flip up easy causing ****** knuckles shortly thereafter. Will never buy those again.

 

[KingConstruction]

I have the Matco CFR178LFTM and love it. I am def going to be buying some more of the flex head ratchets.