Long handle 3/8 or 1/2?

[franzdom]

i went on the SO site to remember the part number for the FLL80 and noticed they had the flex head version available, which was an issue a few times when the fixed head and extra long length of the FLL80 would get in the way, but maybe I'll give the flex head version a shot. If I didn't use the first one at all, I might as well buy another!

Excellent! I didn't realize they had a flex version. Probably they didn't when I got mine otherwise it would likely be a flex. My 18" & 24" 1/2" ratchets are both flex.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My flex head 3/8" ratchet gives me a lot of extra torque (never bought a 3/8" breaker bar). I recently bought a HF 25" 1/2" drive breaker bar.

 

[davethorik]

I have long or extra long ratchets in all drive sizes, but most used is 1/2 drive for me. I have 2 long fixed head, a long flex, and extra long in both flex and fixed. I have breaker bars in 24" and 18" that don't see as much use since the extra long rats showed up. In fact my xl flex is 3" longer, xl fixed is same size as 24" breaker.

I don't have any extra long flex 3/8, but 3/8 flex are usually like a long length anyway. I do have an extra long fixed head around 17", my most grabbed 3/8 are long followed by the Roto which is around 11" IIRC.

In 1/4, most of my arsenal is typical 4-5" size. I have a 6.5" locking flex and an 8" fixed head, as well as ratcheting 1/4 spinner handle, that are main go-tos.

 

[Schurkey]

I own a couple of standard-length 1/2" ratchets, "just because". One is in my Road Box. The other never gets used.

I don't like 1/2" drive. If I'm using 1/2" tools, I'm angry, and I want the most leverage I can get. Have an elderly Snap-On 15"-long quick-release, and a much newer 24" long flex-head.

My most-used ratchet was a Snap-On long-handle 3/8" drive, which only recently is being pastured because I bought an even-longer Snap-On Roto.

The short story for me is that once I bought long-handle and compact ratchets, I never use the standard length any more.

 

[seber]

I have 15 or 20 ratchets. At least half are Snap On. Many are high tooth count. I reach for the old 30 tooth long handled 3/8 flex 99% of the time.

 

[Mr_B]

I like the carlyle flex heads, good lengths and compact head, seem pretty rugged plus warranty quick and easy if needed .
williams good value for money too
ideally you want get both drive sizes and be done with it .