locking vs non locking flex head

[3 at 8]

Hello,

I searched the archives first but could'nt find much so I aploigize if it has been discussed before. Looking to purchase a Gearwrench flexhead set. Can't decide between the two (lock or not) or if it really even matters. Anyone using the standard flexhead wish they had the locking feature at times? Also, trying to decide between the x-beam and the regular straight beam. Anyone have anything bad to say about the X-beam?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Stuey]

Well, I decided on standard flex since it meant saved funds could go towards other products. I also really like my X-beams.

Are you trying to decide between straight and x-beam flex ratcheting wrenches, or is that a separate question?

I like my X-beams a lot. At first thought, I don't think I would get them in a ratcheting style since I wouldn't want to apply a lot of torque via the ratcheting end. However, now that I've thought about it for a minute, I recall that I always avoid applying immense torque to the box end of my non-ratcheting x-beams anyways, as I flip the wrench and use the open end to break loose and tighten.

I really don't know what to tell you - you'd be fine with any of the options you're considering.

 

[eschoendorff]

I gave my wife a short list of tools taht I'd like for Xmas... a Snap On 80 series flex head was on that list. Locking or not, I gave her the choice. People seem to like both.

I need a good flexhead to replace that crappy MAC XR11F that I had...

 

[Danglerb]

When I first saw the locking flex I wanted them, but the price has kept me away from buying any. In a practical sense I'm not sure I need them, with plenty of non flex combo wrenches (regular and ratchet) and a set of flex heads, when will I want locked with some funky angle? Until you have a set in the box its hard to predict how it gets used.

 

[kartracer55]

My personal preference is for non locking wrenches/ratchets. I find that they never quite lock in EXACTLY the right position. The downside, of course, is that some design mean that the heads can get loose and floppy. IIRC, gear wrench uses springs to keep the tension.

 

[autoace]

My advice, would be to start with the regular beam, non-locking flex head ratchet wrenches. In tight quarters, the lever can be accidentally switched, and the X-beams are trick, but again in tight situations, they would be limited. I would start with reg,non-lock,add some stubbys,then start to add the variations.

 

[gofastman]

My advice, would be to start with the regular beam, non-locking flex head ratchet wrenches. In tight quarters, the lever can be accidentally switched, and the X-beams are trick, but again in tight situations, they would be limited. I would start with reg,non-lock,add some stubbys,then start to add the variations.

the 60's called and want their slang term back sorry couldnt help myself
to the original poster: Im assuming you talking about ratcheting cobination wrenches and not ratchets?
heres my humble opinion, my friend hat a set of locking flex black hawks, the locking feature was really nice for woking on a Eagle Tallon with a relitivle cramped engine bay, but honestly i would prefer a STIFF ball detent rather than a lock. Lastly i would think a flopy non locking flex wrench would be a major pain 80% of the time, depending what you are working on.

 

[zuspiel]

I currently only have POS Kobalt locking flexes. I do like the locking feature (which doesn't work too great on the Kobalts, comes loose to easily). Today, I should get my "sample" 1/2 in GW XL locking flex. I'll play with it a bit tonight and report back. Also, you don't have to lock the head on the flex ones, you can also use them unlocked (I hope that true for the XLs, too...)

As far as x-beam goes, I don't think I'd want it on a flex head. I have the Cman reversible ratcheting cross-force ones and love them. They are really comfortable but are too bulky for some stuff.

 

[autoace]

the 60's called and want their slang term back sorry couldnt help myself
to the original poster: Im assuming you talking about ratcheting cobination wrenches and not ratchets?
heres my humble opinion, my friend hat a set of locking flex black hawks, the locking feature was really nice for woking on a Eagle Tallon with a relitivle cramped engine bay, but honestly i would prefer a STIFF ball detent rather than a lock. Lastly i would think a flopy non locking flex wrench would be a major pain 80% of the time, depending what you are working on.

I wasn't around in the 60's . I must be becoming my father!

 

[Sundowner]

I have gearwrench flex heads and I have Craftsman locking flex heads.
The gearwrench flexies we nie when new, but they got floppy over time and now they frustrate the hell out of me. I swore them off until the locking feature came out, and I like those much better, now. Just my opinion.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's a trade off. The flex head gives you improved access but, the locking flex head adds a little bulk to the flex head that might reduce access to confined areas a little. I would watch sales and start with regular flex heads first and add the locking version later if your regular flex heads start to flop with extended use. I use my stubby flex head Gearwrenches more than the standard length ones.
The X beams or Crossforce are pretty good wrenches. They get rid of that knife edge found on some wrenches and are real handy for use where you might tap the wrench with the palm of your hand to loosen a fastener. I love them on drain plugs and caliper bolts. There are major differences between the two brands though. The US made Crossforce are beefier and thicker than their imported X Beam counterparts and Crossforce currently doesn't offer a flex head version. The 7 piece metric X beam flex set doesn't come with a 15mm wrench which is pure stupidity on Gearwrench's part for anyone that works on GM products. They are handy but they seem to twist a little more at the pivot point. Time will tell how they hold up. As somebody pointed out in another thread, you can never have too many wrenches.

 

[bondman35a]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories_Automotive-Tools__snapon-snap-on-80-tooth-locking-flexhead-3-8-wratchet_W0QQitemZ280290655256QQddnZPartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQadiZ2871QQddiZ2811QQadnZAutomotiveQ20ToolsQQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Automotive_Tools?hash=item280290655256&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A10|39%3A1|240%3A1318

This guy is crazy.

 

[zuspiel]

Sorry, the wrench didn't come in today...

 

[mankiew]

I have both types of gearwrench flex heads(locking and non) and have used craftsman locking. If I were to get one, I would say get the locking sets for sure. There are tons of times that I need to put sideways pressure on the wrench to keep it on a hard to reach bolt. If you are using the non-locking set the head will often go askew or flop off the nut/bolt, which drives me nuts.

The non locking are still usefull, and if you can get the other hand on the ratchet head, you can just hold pressure with a thumb or finger to keep it in place. Once in a while you might have a clearance advantage over the locking wrenches. The price point is nice for the non locking especially at the sears 50% sales or better yet the compounded sales with an online coupon.

GearWrench- I was able to get the metric 12 piece xl locking flex set at Farm and Fleet here in WI for $119.**, which is the best price I have seen in my admittedly limited search. It goes on sale there a couple times a year. the 9 piece SAE sale price is $99

Craftsman - 7 piece set iirc and they go on sale often for $99 (the stubbies too)
a really good sale gets them down to $89 i believe

Good luck
hope this helps someone
and BTW i think this is my first post. can't remember because I lurk so much

Craig

 

[CamarosRus]

Interesting subject...........looking for new comments

 

[HTGTS350]

Locking all the way for me, I don't think that the non locking are available in Australia but I did have a set of non locking six point Blue points and they were that bad I traded them after about a week.

 

[06wt]

i have both locking and non locking flex ratchets and i like and use both, so my answer to your question buy both, although i have no experiance with GW tools