Locking Bent / Offset Flex Ratchet

[SRSemenza]

Is there such a thing as a locking, flex, bent / offset handled ratchet?

Plenty of non-locking but ........................

Did a bunch of searches, no luck (at least by appearance).

Seth

 

[ChevyEFI]

Diy

 

[joe_pinehill1]

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8...1272!&ef_id=XDJHKgAAALkeYjqe:20190719101402:s


I have one of these

 

[gatlibs]

Some styles have ball detentes that hold the positions to certain levels of force. They aren't locks that you can whale on the ratchet, though.

 

[ARFLY]

I have that one also, but the head doesn't actually lock. It does stay in position ok though.

 

[SRSemenza]

I had a ball detent straight handle that stayed in position but I couldn't trust it in use. Didn't like it at all. I have a locking straight handle that is great. Seems like these should all be locking to me. I am not sure I would trust any non-locking. But everyone seems to love using them.

In my case both are GW 84 tooth 3/8". I am sure there are varying qualities to the detent or position holds. But to me it just seems that if it can move out of position it is bad.

Are there some that don't have anything to hold the position? Is that actually better than a detent? IOW - knowing that it will move, rather than slip out of the detent?

Seth

 

[SRSemenza]

Diy

Sounds good, but how? I don't believe that I have what is needed to bend and re-chrome a handle. Maybe there is a way to add a lock mechanism of some type ?

Seth

 

[eschoendorff]

I also have the Cman. The ball detent is stiff enough that I don’t miss the fact that it doesn’t lock.

 

[VinceG]

Yes many brands do

 

[SRSemenza]

OK, maybe I found one. Looks like Laser Tools 7605 has a lock. UK brand.

https://www.lasertools.co.uk/product/7065

Seth

 

[1foxracing]

The Carlyle model was on sale for like $30 the first quarter of this year. Non-locking but has positive stop detents.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have a bent handle ratchet with the flex head. It has no detents and doesn't lock. I wouldn't want it to lock. I enjoy the freedom of movement.