Locking vs. Non-Locking Flex Head Rathets

[NoSkills]

First post, been a LONG time lurker. I'm a light-weight DIY-er, so I would like to get some input from pros and more experienced folks.

Looking to get a set of flex-head ratchets. Never knew I needed them until a buddy handed me one (non-locking) at his shop to remove the lug nuts from my ATV. My questions is, should I look for a locking or non-locking flex head? I'm sure this is a personal preference thing, like round head vs. pear head or satin vs chrome. Seems like a locking flex would provide more control during movement to keep from coming off the nut or busting a knuckle. However, I can also see where being able to rotate the handle as you turn the ratchet could be advantageous, too. What situations favor one over the other? Not looking for brand recommendations, just some input to help determine which style I might be happier with.

Thanks in advance for the input!

 

[Greg85mcss]

Different brands do the lock differently so I'll have to drop a name but the matco can be used like it's not locking. Not sure how others are. There are also flex heads with & without notches. I prefer with. A couple I've had that rotated smoothly would get loose & that gets really annoying imo. Overall I would get one that can be locked but doesn't have to.


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[lightning02]

after owning both id get a locking head.

 

[1950mercury]

after owning both id get a locking head.

What he said

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I don't have any real problems with a non locking head, but I'm no pro either.

 

[Holzarbeiter]

I prefer locking

 

[martin666]

Have flex heads without detents, flex heads with detents and locking flex heads. Think they're like almost any other tool depending on the job you're doing one will work better than another. I consider them completely different tools and not a either or kind of thing

 

[SHolt]

Take a look at these you can use it as a locking or unlocking flex head. I love mine great ratchet and made in the USA.
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000I1...ng+ratchet&dpPl=1&dpID=21LxpWUqDtL&ref=plSrch

 

[purplezr2]

Finding a locking one that can be left unlocked is the best. Matco is like this, but I believe that other brands do have this too.

 

[shockwave]

All around I like the Matco 3/8 locking flex I use generally since Matco chrome is second to only wright and Cornwell ratchet handles snap on offers best handles (hard handle) imo

Armstrong/Matco will be same gearwrench is slightly different
Snap on is locking only

 

[DanInVA]

Have flex heads without detents, flex heads with detents and locking flex heads. Think they're like almost any other tool depending on the job you're doing one will work better than another. I consider them completely different tools and not a either or kind of thing

Op, hello and welcome to garage jornal. I have to say I agree with Martin on this one. Depending on what you are doing, you may find locking flex/detents either help you or sink you. I would say grab a locking flex first, then maybe one that isn't locking. Also, if you have never used a roto head, I highly recommend you try one. You may like it.

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[PJNJ]

I now prefer locking over non-locking. Been DIY'ing for decades and right now I take care of almost all of the maintenance on at least three vehicles and up to six vehicles at times (family and kids). A couple of years ago I was underneath one of the cars trying to get a stubborn nut off something (can't remember what). I really needed to use a 1/2" ratchet but the head wouldn't fit so I grabbed my longest 3/8 which was a flex. I pushed hard against the handle to try to bust it loose but the handle swung backward and I snapped my wrist. I'm in my 50's and my wrist hurt for a long while afterward. I decided that is the last time that happens to me. I'm getting too old and it takes to long to heal up now.

As a result I bought a long handle 15 inch 3/8" breaker bar (Gearwrench) and two ratchets - a long handle non-flex 3/8 and a locking flex 3/8. Both of them are Armstrong. The non-flex is the old design 36 tooth and the locking is the 88 tooth. Both are good ratchets but I now wish I had a locking flex years ago. No chance of the handle moving when it is locked and the action is very nice. Having 88 teeth is a bonus.

Here's a link to the Armstrong locking flex -
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-drive-armstrong-flex-ratchet-88-tooth.html

Great ratchet at a great price.

Snap On, Carlyle, Gearwrench and Husky I believe now all have locking flex ratchets that you can check out also.

 

[Regal2800]

get locking head for sure. as stated above, just make sure that you can put the ratchet in "free" mode. I know that snap on locking ratchets have this.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Armstrong is my preference. Same as Matco.

 

[Stevenn1]

Locking Snap On dual 80!
Can be left on unlock position, but an accidental bump on something while using it could possibly push it over to lock. No biggie tho.

 

[gdocktor3]

Locking will be more expensive. If you don't get locking you should at least look for one with indents or notches for the head to sit in. A good one will hold in place almost as well as a locking one. It will have a ball like on the square drive of the ratchet and will sit in the indent. I have a Snap On FLF936 that has been worked and the head is floppy and loose. Aggravating when you have an extension and socket on it, trying to get at a hard to reach bolt and it keeps flopping around. I actually contacted Snap On to see if they had a rebuild kit for that joint to tighten it up, but they said no. They did, however, replace it with a new FLF80 and its very nice, but will eventually end up the same way as the old one.
Here is a ratchet like I am talking about with the ball and detent. Look at the third picture. You can see the ball. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Armstro...ewItem&hash=item235f2a7a83:g:ldEAAOSwk1JWdDTV

 

[Strouty]

I have both and at times I despise both. I know for 100% certainty that I could live without the flex head, but the locking flex is perfect in those hard to get to situations.

I am another one to mention that my Snap On lock mechanism can be annoying when in the free position because of accidental engagement.

 

[JBradley500]

Depends. I don't use the locking mechanism much at all. My Matco/Armstrong have the locking because it's a slick design that works well and will likely never break. My Snap-On don't have locking because I don't like the design and I think the non-locking ratchets will last forever. I hate non-locking with detents though. I'd throw those right in the trunk of the car for rare use situations.

 

[Tony G]

I have had 2 Snapon locking 1/2 inch drive ratchets. They are prone to unlocking when you least expect it. I don't recommend it. The flex pivot area is flimsy too. One guy in my shop just ripped the head right off of my long handle one.

 

[d.mcfarland]

It's personal preference without a doubt.

 

[MattVette89]

I had a flex head with the detent ball and didn't care for it, I don't recommend that style. I have several different sizes/drives now. I have the newer MAC 3/8 flex head which is non locking and the snap on 3/8 fhx80 which is locking. Between the two, I prefer non locking. I think locking comes in handy in certain circumstances, but I rarely come across those.

 

[PureLeaf]

I have locking heads.. and one non locking. If you want it to free swivel while in use, all you do is not lock it. It still has a slight resistance, though not quite as much as a non locking which often have ball detents.

Im a big fan of my Armstrong MAXX ratchets (same as the Matco) They're not cheap though.

 

[trxrx7]

im a tech and i prefer non locking for most of the stuff since the angle of the head often changes due to other things in the way while trying to remove a bolt, but a locking one does come in handy sometimes, top of my head would be drive belts.

 

[Fedwrench]

I own both types locking and non locking. I rarely ever use the locking feature on those that lock but, that's just me.
Probably the least expensive locking flex head ratchet I've seen is the 3/8 drive 100 tooth model Home Depot sells.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-100-Position-Locking-Flex-Head-Ratchet-H10038FLRAT/206038527

I don't own one so, I can't speak to its quality.

Welcome to the journal

 

[Shredwagon]

I prefer locking for universal sockets or you're in a position where you can't reach the ratchet head and need to pre-set the angle and reach in (ex. suspension/injectors/crowsfeet). I've found it to be a necessity quite a few times.

A combination of locking and roto heads cover 100% of my use. Never found a need for a simple flex head with these two.

Agree that Snap-on needs to add a positive lock-out (notch) on the ratchet lever as 9 times out of 10 it's getting used in tight quarters and the lever gets knocked into lock. Might be by design making it easier to set the angle in tight areas? Otherwise perfect IMHO. Matco's might be better in this regard, but never used one.

 

[Bobioz1]

I own and like both locking and non locking Snap On. If I could only have one it would be the locking one.

 

[ecally]

I had a locking flex then went to non-locking. My preference is the non-locking. I love the long handle also it really allows you to get some torque. My locking is a Matco 88 my non is a HF (couldn't afford the Snap-on)


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[toolmutt]

I have the Armstrong as some others have mentioned. I'll cast another vote for locking and just leave it unlocked when you don't need it.

 

[Zaylor]

Locking flex head I prefer to have a friction ball detent. My priority is ease of use and efficiency. If I want to adjust the angle of the ratchet head, I must take a few more seconds to mess with the button. But when I remove the socket, the stability of the head is easier to work with. Lastly the working angle is fixed, feels solid and I can set the locking mechanism off.

Flex head must have a quick release for me to be happy. I can adjust the angle within micro seconds and remove the socket with no problem.

What ratchets meet those criteria? I am looking to buy some.




So far, I have found only the home depot one, an ez red one, and someone has mentioned one made by carlyle.

It seems not many people make a locking flex head with quick release.

 

[Sticks McGee]

I prefer locking for universal sockets or you're in a position where you can't reach the ratchet head and need to pre-set the angle and reach in (ex. suspension/injectors/crowsfeet). I've found it to be a necessity quite a few times.

A combination of locking and roto heads cover 100% of my use. Never found a need for a simple flex head with these two.

Agree that Snap-on needs to add a positive lock-out (notch) on the ratchet lever as 9 times out of 10 it's getting used in tight quarters and the lever gets knocked into lock. Might be by design making it easier to set the angle in tight areas? Otherwise perfect IMHO. Matco's might be better in this regard, but never used one.

I am kinda along this thought process. I have owned a few flex head ratchets but don't have any at work. With a non locking if you have to reach the ratchet into a spot and put pressure against it to get on or stay on a nut or bolt or worse yet a bit like torx or allen they can flip back and be unuseable in that situation. A locking head can solve this. Years ago tho I bought my first roto head and found that I can put tension on in that situation and it won't flip and also gives me the flexibility for the handle to move to avoid obstructions while using. However just like a non locking flex that ratchet doesn't feel as solid and stable as a locking or a fixed head ratchet does. I have three 3/8" drive hand ratchets in my box at work. A short one (3/8" head in a 1/4" body) a roto head and a rotating/indexing one. These three cover all my bases. Just like previously said, its all about preference and the comfort in your hand for YOU. I have basically the same designs in my1/4" drives (roto, rotating/indexing and a short fixed version) but the one I have reached for in 1/4" every time in the last couple of months is a Stanley one that is fine tooth, quick release with the rotating handle that allows you to drive the drive head by twisting the handle. It's a great solid ratchet and that handle twist feature has come in handy quite a few times.

 

[dnschmidt]

Haven't got an opinion about locking or non-locking but I DO HAVE AN OPINION about detents and no-detents. I hate detents. A flex head ratchet should be able to be used anywhere within it's range without it falling into a detent. Also, while others complain about a flex head ratchet being floppy. I actually like let's say "semi-floppy". My favorite flex head ratchet of all time is the Williams B-54 which are kind of loose from the start. I really don't like detents.

 

[Ign]

My take is locking for ratchets, non-locking for ratcheting wrenches. Due to the way leverage is applied and the axis of force it's much easier for a socket to slip/tip off a fastener and then bust your knuckles as the OP says.

 

[Sticks McGee]

Haven't got an opinion about locking or non-locking but I DO HAVE AN OPINION about detents and no-detents. I hate detents. A flex head ratchet should be able to be used anywhere within it's range without it falling into a detent. Also, while others complain about a flex head ratchet being floppy. I actually like let's say "semi-floppy". My favorite flex head ratchet of all time is the Williams B-54 which are kind of loose from the start. I really don't like detents.

I see your point with this. I have a question. Do the flex head ratchets have any way to adjust that tension? I know the roto heads do and like you I like a certain amount of tension and not too tight or too loose.

 

[dnschmidt]

Sticks McGee, Not really. Some have bolts holding the head to the handle but normally adjusting this bolt is pointless since it's a very small bolt trying to collapse 1/4" thick steel tabs and you normally strip out the bolt prior to it's doing anything. Other tools simply use a pin which is non-adjustable.

 

[KevinFox]

I see your point with this. I have a question. Do the flex head ratchets have any way to adjust that tension? I know the roto heads do and like you I like a certain amount of tension and not too tight or too loose.

If you remove the bolt there's a thin washer sandwiched between the moving parts bend that to stiffen up the movement.

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[SkinnyG]

I can't think of any situation I've ever encountered where I wished that my non-locking flex head ratchets locked.

With that said, I've never owned a locking flex head ratchet.

 

[thatguysb]

Personally i own both a 84t locking head flex ratchet and a carlyle Non locking, i do grab the carlyle infront the gearwrench, the head always getting loose and thats the only problem. If it was always perfectly stiff it was perfect.

 

[Zaylor]

I am kinda along this thought process. I have owned a few flex head ratchets but don't have any at work. With a non locking if you have to reach the ratchet into a spot and put pressure against it to get on or stay on a nut or bolt or worse yet a bit like torx or allen they can flip back and be unuseable in that situation. A locking head can solve this. Years ago tho I bought my first roto head and found that I can put tension on in that situation and it won't flip and also gives me the flexibility for the handle to move to avoid obstructions while using. However just like a non locking flex that ratchet doesn't feel as solid and stable as a locking or a fixed head ratchet does. I have three 3/8" drive hand ratchets in my box at work. A short one (3/8" head in a 1/4" body) a roto head and a rotating/indexing one. These three cover all my bases. Just like previously said, its all about preference and the comfort in your hand for YOU. I have basically the same designs in my1/4" drives (roto, rotating/indexing and a short fixed version) but the one I have reached for in 1/4" every time in the last couple of months is a Stanley one that is fine tooth, quick release with the rotating handle that allows you to drive the drive head by twisting the handle. It's a great solid ratchet and that handle twist feature has come in handy quite a few times.

I have been wanting to try out said stanley ratchet. Seems like a useful idea.

 

[Zaylor]

I can't think of any situation I've ever encountered where I wished that my non-locking flex head ratchets locked.

With that said, I've never owned a locking flex head ratchet.

The situations where they are necessary, IMO:

- as mentioned above, when you are trying to use the ratchet handle to push the socket onto a bolt head or push a torx bit socket into a fastener. The head just flops back. Basically if you can't get a hand in there to do the pushing, the flex head is a useless floppy fish in this situation.

- releasing a socket with the quick release button is much easier with a locked head

- a floppy head can get awkward quickly with a long extension on.


mainly the 1st reason.

 

[Zaylor]

I see your point with this. I have a question. Do the flex head ratchets have any way to adjust that tension? I know the roto heads do and like you I like a certain amount of tension and not too tight or too loose.

some can be tightened with hammer persuasion