Long 1/2" Flex Ratchet

[SKAutomotive]

So, it looks like I am about to deviate from my all SO only ratchet preference. I need to get a long flex head ratchet and the 24" SO seems to be having either a bad run of luck or isn't up to par. Both a co-worker at my previous job and now one at the fleet have broken the head off it 5+ times. Sure it's warrantied, but I would rather not be dealing with this mid job.

Recommendations? My preferences are USA made, but I will consider an import if it just exceeds all expectations. Price is not a concern.

 

[Hiball]

Curious to what your working on? Generally when I find myself repeatedly breaking tools I move up in drive when "applicable". I keep thinking I'm gonna snap my SHLF80a but it has yet to fail me, you can really put the hurt on things with that much leverage. Maybe try a breaker bar?

 

[SKAutomotive]

I haven't broken anything, as I don't own a ratchet like this yet. But this will be used primarily for head bolts.

 

[blackz26]

Mac. 17" flex head. I love my mac ratchets. But then again I'm not a professional..

 

[SKAutomotive]

I am looking for a 24 inch one, and my Mac guy has been MIA for years, same on that was supposed to service my dealership is suppose to service my fleet. I suspect he is still at the bottom of a gin and tonic somewhere.

 

[Hiball]

I haven't broken anything, as I don't own a ratchet like this yet. But this will be used primarily for head bolts.

IC.. Well I wish I could be of more help, All tools will wear/break eventually, and this is accelerated under heavy use especially on ratchets. I've owned the Matco locking version also, just didnt care for it, I also have a ezred set that has a 24" flex ratchet in it. <-- rarely use that set.

 

[diesel research]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130377

 

[redwrench60]

I have owned that same 24" flex head 1/2" drive Snap-On ratchet since it came out in 80 tooth and have yet to hurt it. I've put it through all it's paces; caliper bracket bolts, crank balancer bolts, I've silpped a pipe over it when my 3/4" drive ratchet wouldn't fit. I dunno, maybe I got a rare good one. I'd buy it again if I lost it.

But the guy in the stall next to me has the Matco version and it's nice also, no issues.

 

[John in OH]

If you're breaking 1/2" ratchets then maybe it's time to start using 3/4" drive tools.

 

[Deadhead]

My boss just bought one made by Titan made in Taiwan It's either 24 or 26 long with swivel head. It's either 24 or 36 tooth count, I can't remember. So far so good, I used it to break loose some head bolts on a Perkins engine. Felt like they were torqued at 45 ft lbs since it was so long. Im going to buy a set of the long non-swivel type real soon.

 

[SKAutomotive]

My boss just bought one made by Titan made in Taiwan It's either 24 or 26 long with swivel head. It's either 24 or 36 tooth count, I can't remember. So far so good, I used it to break loose some head bolts on a Perkins engine. Felt like they were torqued at 45 ft lbs since it was so long. Im going to buy a set of the long non-swivel type real soon.

I saw that Titan one, and I have yet to see one bad review on it, but man I am very leery about cheap ratchets.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

oh brother
frozen bolts in my bay get the 36 inch breaker bar

 

[SKAutomotive]

I have a 24" and 30" breaker bar for those type of situations.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I have all three locking flex head Armstrongs at home with 84 tooth kits. At work I have 1/4 and 3/8 snap on dual 80 locking flex and 1/2 Armstrong locking flex with the 84 tooth kit.

I very much dislike the locking switch on the snap on. The armstrong design is just easier to use. I see no reason to have a long fixed ratchet and a flex ratchet when a locking flex can do both. There is some movement even when there locked but it doesn’t affect me.

 

[CWP1616L]

Matco has a 24 inch but I can't see how it would be any stronger.

 

[purplezr2]

I have a 24 inch, I did break it once, but the bolt backed out and I didn't realize it. I loctited the new one.

 

[vssjim]

That Titan and all the other branded offshoots like EZ Red, Mac etc is a great tool. They hold up and I own quite a variety of brands and I think it's hard to beat the three piece EZ Red extra long ratchet set it's a super long 1/4. 3/8 and 1/2 set and they are a great value and tough.

 

[6-Speed]

I have one of the 24" EZ-Red flex head 1/2" drive ratchet ... it's a good value. I haven't used it yet so I can't say how durable it is, but it looks like a high quality tool.