Locking flex head ratchets, I think I am over them.

[Strouty]

I can remember the first time I used them, I thought they were a great idea. Then the second time I used one it was annoying, then the third time, wait, I haven't used them since. They are not even close to my go to ratchet, I am thinking of them as a gimmick now, but they are paid for. Should they go? Or should they stay? Can you think of a time that they are the only ratchet you would grab or are they just a luxury type gimmick?

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I have a SnapOn, actually my only dual 80 ratchet. Hate where the locking button is and it will never stay unlocked when I want it to. I did purchase an Armstrong locking flexhead about a year or so ago. After a week the Locking feature would not hold and from day one the direction lever would keep locking up and I would have to fiddle with the socket to get it to change directions. The like the concept (long straight and flexhead in one) but I just haven't found one that works for me. I keep contemplating purchasing the Gearwrench version but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[Strouty]

Mine are all Snap On, probably should have disclosed that. When I want them to flex, they keep locking. I have not had an issue with them unlocking, but I do not use them much at all now. I have the flex head counterparts, so I may see what my driver will offer for trade in, sometimes he does better than I can get on eBay, sometimes not.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Actually a lot of the tools we use could be considered a luxury or gimmick. The best tech I have worked with had a single bay classic SnapOn about 26 inches wide. His only 3/8" ratchet was a Craftsman tri-wing round head (the one with the knurled spinner on top), he had minimal sockets and wrenches. This man could fix anything and turn some very respectable hours. Do we need most of the tools we have? I would say no, but they do make the job easier and more enjoyable.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I hate locking flex heads

 

[ADSR]

I love em!

 

[trackwelder]

I have a locking 3/8" and 1/2" both from snap on. I love them and wouldn't ever consider parting with them.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I have 3 or 4 snap on 3/8” flex head bent handle ratchets. I used to know all the model numbers. I like them when they are tight. I hate when they are loose and sloppy. I also have a Matco 1/2” locking flex head that is my go to for 1/2” stuff. It’s about a foot long. I love that thing.

 

[purplezr2]

Really like my Matco 24" when I use it as I'm usually applying a significant amount of torque and want the ratchet to say at a specific angle to do so.

 

[Mr_B]

^
+1 but with carlyle long locking flexi's

 

[S/RConcepts]

Really like my Matco 24" when I use it as I'm usually applying a significant amount of torque and want the ratchet to say at a specific angle to do so.

This is the same reason why my only locking flex head is my SO SX80A. On anything 3/8" and 1/4", I loathe the locking ones with a passion. However, when I'm putting a lot of oomph behind that 1/2 ratchet at an odd angle (suspension/chassis work comes into mind), it's nice to know it won't slip.

 

[shawhite]

My 3/8 snapon locking flex is my go to ratchet. I never have a problem with it staying locked or unlocked.

 

[buffalobill]

My only flex head is my sk 3770, other than that, they are all rigid, except a roto head I just bought...I always worry about introducing a flexible joint into pulling on something hard, seems like a good way to introduce my knuckles to something rusty and hard.

 

[Ign]

Actually a lot of the tools we use could be considered a luxury or gimmick. The best tech I have worked with had a single bay classic SnapOn about 26 inches wide. His only 3/8" ratchet was a Craftsman tri-wing round head (the one with the knurled spinner on top), he had minimal sockets and wrenches. This man could fix anything and turn some very respectable hours. Do we need most of the tools we have? I would say no, but they do make the job easier and more enjoyable.

So true! It’s like baseball cards, collect ‘em all LOL

I’d rather collect tools than beanie babies or commemorative plates!

That said Strouty, if they’re just clogging up your box get rid of ‘em!

I got rid of all my spinner handles for this reason - have NEVER used one.

 

[ken w.]

I'm not a fan of locking ratchets. I've had a few S/O - 3/8 , 1/4 , 1/2. I traded them in a few years ago. It could be that I started out using the non locking ratchets for a number of years before I tried the locking ones. After using the non locking for so long you get used to how to use them without slipping or jamming your hand.

 

[ItsNemo]

I find the clearance thing with flex heads is rarely used...more than anything, I'm using the flex head to just spin the fastener (by flexing it to 90 degrees) more quickly once I've got it broken loose but it's still too tight for just fingers.

 

[Strouty]

I can almost agree that the longer 1/2" one is decent enough to keep, the others though are not my favorites by far. I am also thinking of losing some of the shorter straight ratchets as I never touch them either, now that I am thinking about it, I don't know if I have used a non flex head ratchet in a long time. I have a few road kits and they have the straight ratchets, but in the shop, I either use a flex head or the pivot head ones. I think it is time to take a hard look at my collection of ratchets and probably my tools in general. I have been spending too much money on tools lately and not using them enough to justify the expense. My driver is not going to be happy, but buying what I need is probably the best way to go at this point anyways. He treats me more than fair and when he has BOGO deals, well, I usually get trapped into that.

 

[Mr_B]

I use it a lot on 3/8 and 1/2, that only drives need it in and in long handle as standard length not such an advantage .

 

[Strouty]

I find the clearance thing with flex heads is rarely used...more than anything, I'm using the flex head to just spin the fastener (by flexing it to 90 degrees) more quickly once I've got it broken loose but it's still too tight for just fingers.

I find myself always using the shortest ratchet possible, just easier to maneuver it. I love the 3/8" drive in 1/4" body, they are my go to ratchets 90 percent of the time.

 

[Fedwrench]

Just as soon as you thin the ratchet herd out, along will come a situation when you'll wish you still had them

Although i own several locking flex head ratchets, i rarely use the locking feature.

I guess i'd rather have it and not need it, than need it, and not have it.

 

[Strouty]

I am really good at justifying things, but I am not sure I can do that. What you are describing is "confirmation bias" and it is how a lot of people end up with too much stuff. Myself included.

 

[johndeereman]

another +1 for the Carlyle long locking flex's. I use them all the time thank's again GJ.

 

[SuperXero]

I use the locking flex heads 95% of the time, especially when working in tight areas usually on a car.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Love the matco locking flex heads I have the 1/4 14" and 7" and 15" 3/8 had the 24" 1/2 but traded it back in didn't need it as I own the 24" snap on non locking and it's fine but I've grew to hate non locking as it's a pain trying to use a ratchet and it's flopping around. The matcos only lock if you flip the switch if you don't they are like any other locking flex btw matco only offers a locking flex head now.

 

[plinker]

Most of the time if I'm using the locking feature it's on the first notch from straight either flexing up or down. They can be a pain at times but I prefer the ratchet to not flex when I dont want it to. Roto ratchets are more user friendly in this regard.

The snap-on locking button leaves a bit to be desired IMO. The Matco/Armstrong is a better design being the lock is recessed. The Gearwrench lock isnt the same but is similar.

 

[WittHay]

Bought some Snap-on tools from a retiring mechanic. Included were the 3/8 locking flex-head, bent handle and the stubby 3/8. All three you tried to find uses for them because they were lying in the 3/8 drive drawer.

Those tools went "missing". I didn't bother to replace them and don't recall needing them since. On the other hand, I would replace my Snap-on 3/8 long straight 10" handle immediately.

 

[Rarified27]

I keep the screws tight on my non-locking flex heads, so they don't move much in use, but what I can't stand are the non-locking ones with detents which limit the positions. Almost every time I've used one, the detent slips under pressure and I've smashed my hand.

 

[Bobioz1]

Have both flex and locking flex Snap on. Wouldn't part with either style. The only ratchet I own without a moveable head is a stubby 1/4" round head. I wish it flexed too.

 

[buffalobill]

I keep the screws tight on my non-locking flex heads, so they don't move much in use, but what I can't stand are the non-locking ones with detents which limit the positions. Almost every time I've used one, the detent slips under pressure and I've smashed my hand.

I knew it! It wasn't just a discouraging worst case scenario in my head! I guess I'll keep the sk 3770 in my box, and not waste my time with non locking flex ratchets any more....

On a side note, that's my no 1 safety rule. Let your imaginationrun wild with worst case scenarios. I have no doubt it's saved my *** a few times.

 

[Ign]

I am really good at justifying things, but I am not sure I can do that. What you are describing is "confirmation bias" and it is how a lot of people end up with too much stuff. Myself included.

Dude ya know we love ya but you’re on the wrong forum if you’re looking for support in......

Re....ducing.....your.....t, t, tools

Damn that was hard to say.

I’m gonna ask my coke dealer if I should stop doing drugs. I’m sure he’ll be supportive

 

[ssdave]

I am really good at justifying things, but I am not sure I can do that. What you are describing is "confirmation bias" and it is how a lot of people end up with too much stuff. Myself included.

You're on the road to recovery. It's a great feeling to take a hard look at what you have, identify what is excess, and then follow through with getting rid of it.

The hard part is to not buy more; it's a rewarding behavior; we like acquiring things; so we buy things we don't necessarily need. And, they accumulate, and we end up with excess. The trick is to sort and reduce stuff like you have been doing, and then not re-buy.

 

[Rubiman14]

Have a long 3/8 and 1/2 Snap-on. I like them for the intended purpose I bought them for. Reaching behind tight areas you can’t really see, needing a flex head, but also more ratchet head retention. Areas like between engines and firewalls.

Trying to use these as a standard flex was worthless in my experience. Even in wide open areas, mine seem to lock back up. Pisses me off! I’m also known to be a little aggressive on ratchets. The locking pin will not handle a bunch of torque. I’ve broke at least 5 or 6 of them lol.

Like everything else, they have their purpose. Definitely not a ratchet I pick up first, but irreplaceable when I’ve needed them.

 

[Mikeske]

I never had a locking flex head. I have a non-locking flex head 3/8ths Bonney ratchet that I recently broke after 30 plus years of use. I only used the Bonney in difficult areas and then it became my go to 3/8ths ratchet. Just tonight I found a replacement on eBay and jumped on it and bought it. I never used a locking flex head and probably will never even bother to buy one as I suspect I could easily break the pin. I attached a picture of the non locking flex head I bought.

 

[Tonyuk]

I like both and would feel annoyed having to work with either just fixed head or flex.

I bought a flex head gearwrench set that has the ball and ribs to hold the head in place without actually locking it, this feel good for me since its secure enough but i don't need to mess with a button when i want to adjust it, i also have a few that are plain flex heads, which are fine so long as the head is tight enough to not move about too easily.

 

[Strouty]

Have a long 3/8 and 1/2 Snap-on. I like them for the intended purpose I bought them for. Reaching behind tight areas you can’t really see, needing a flex head, but also more ratchet head retention. Areas like between engines and firewalls.

Trying to use these as a standard flex was worthless in my experience. Even in wide open areas, mine seem to lock back up. Pisses me off! I’m also known to be a little aggressive on ratchets. The locking pin will not handle a bunch of torque. I’ve broke at least 5 or 6 of them lol.

Like everything else, they have their purpose. Definitely not a ratchet I pick up first, but irreplaceable when I’ve needed them.

This is probably what makes the most sense, I can see certain blind locations that they would be helpful. I will take a look at the ratchets and see what makes sense to keep or not keep. My flex heads are usually pretty tight, so 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive support the sockets fairly well, 1/2" drive does not really support the sockets the same way.

 

[bonneyman]

Actually a lot of the tools we use could be considered a luxury or gimmick. The best tech I have worked with had a single bay classic SnapOn about 26 inches wide. His only 3/8" ratchet was a Craftsman tri-wing round head (the one with the knurled spinner on top), he had minimal sockets and wrenches. This man could fix anything and turn some very respectable hours. Do we need most of the tools we have? I would say no, but they do make the job easier and more enjoyable.

That guy is my idol!

For the record I own only two flex head ratchets (one vintage Bonney and one Bonney from the later years) but only because I collect Bonney. I came across a proto flex about two weeks ago but passed on it. Been wrenching for over 30 years on all sorts of machines and never saw a need for a flex. Though I don't work on the wife's car, and the engine compartment is crammed on that thing.

 

[Rubiman14]

This is probably what makes the most sense, I can see certain blind locations that they would be helpful. I will take a look at the ratchets and see what makes sense to keep or not keep. My flex heads are usually pretty tight, so 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive support the sockets fairly well, 1/2" drive does not really support the sockets the same way.

Exactly. I've been able to get by just fine throughout the years by tightening the flex head, or the tape routine. But that gets old lol.

I seem to use them the most when I'm trying to get at a blind bolt, that's obstructed by wiring harnesses and/or hard lines. Where you fight getting the ratchet into position. It's not a big deal with a standard flex if you can get your hand in there with it to adjust...but that isn't always possible.

 

[toolmutt]

I still like my Armstrongs. Like others have said, I mostly use them locked when cranking on a bolt that I can't get my other hand to in order to keep the ratchet head in position. I'm just a DIYer so maybe it's user error on my part.

 

[IMStuner]

I still like my Armstrongs. Like others have said, I mostly use them locked when cranking on a bolt that I can't get my other hand to in order to keep the ratchet head in position. I'm just a DIYer so maybe it's user error on my part.

I have GearWrench, Armstrong and SnapOn. The SnapOn definitely has the smoothest action but cost the most. I think the GearWrench was the best bang for the buck.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rarified27]

I knew it! It wasn't just a discouraging worst case scenario in my head! I guess I'll keep the sk 3770 in my box, and not waste my time with non locking flex ratchets any more....

On a side note, that's my no 1 safety rule. Let your imaginationrun wild with worst case scenarios. I have no doubt it's saved my *** a few times.

I spent 12yrs in what I'll call "public safety" and now I teach HS kids. Planning for the worst case is a priority for both jobs!