Long handled ratchets

[Kscardsfan]

Does anyone here have any opinions about long handled 3/8 and 1/4 ratchets? I could likely live without the 1/4” but I might as well be thorough with it. What makes and models did you go with and where did you find the best deals? I’d prefer American made if possible, but certainly not above higher quality import stuff. I’ve kicked around the LP90 models from SK, but I haven’t committed to anything yet. Thanks guys.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I think they are super handy. Especially the 1/4. I have up to 16mm in 1/4 sockets so my long handle locking flex head Mac ratchet is currently my favorite. It fits everywhere and is quite light and easy to use. Anything that doesn't require a ton of torque, I use my 1/4 ratchet for now.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I think they are super handy. Especially the 1/4. I have up to 16mm in 1/4 sockets so my long handle locking flex head Mac ratchet is currently my favorite. It fits everywhere and is quite light and easy to use. Anything that doesn't require a ton of torque, I use my 1/4 ratchet for now.

Really? No issues or flexing etc on it?

 

[TuxThePenguin]

By far the ratchet I use most is the FLHF80A, which is a long handle 3/8" flex head (non-locking - I'd like to check out the locking ones at some point, but haven't had any major annoyances with the lack of lock). It's pretty strong and I love using it. I'll use it on most bolts on my car. Of course not the huge bolts and not the tiny ones. But it's appropriate for most of the stuff I do most of the time.

I believe it's around 14" long which is long but not "super long"

 

[richfinn]

I like Euro and Japanese tools for the value (Ko-Ken and Stahlwille are great choices in the UK)

USA I would bite the bullet and go with Snap-On flex heads for longer length ratchets

You can't really go wrong with them

 

[bwringer]

Tekton makes a really nice loooooooong 3/8", but that long handle also makes it easy to break the square drive if you put your back into it. No fault of the maker, of course; no matter how good the steel, there's a limit.

It's 18", and frankly that's probably too long for a 3/8" tool:
https://www.tekton.com/long-quick-release-ratchets?quantity=1&drive-size=3-8-in


The 1/2" long version is 24", which seems a lot more "survivable":
https://www.tekton.com/long-quick-release-ratchets?quantity=1&drive-size=1-2-in

 

[matt_i]

My go-to longs are 1/2"...Cornwell and Williams. Mainly chassis & brake work.

I think I'd break a 1/4" or strip fasteners...

I'm trying to get in touch with my Cornwell guy to get a JR-401 which is a long 3/8".

 

[Qualitytools]

I have this 3/8 ratchet that I find myself reaching for more often because of its versatility

https://www.stanleytools.com/product-repository/products-stanleytools/2017/05/30/14/42/stmt72418

 

[cgv69]

Since buying some long handle locking flex head ratchets from Matco, I almost never use my standard length Snap-On ratchets any more. I love the long handled versions.

In 3/8 and 1/2, they give you a lot more leverage which is nice as I get older and weaker but I think I like the 1/4 the most. Standard length 1/4 ratchets are tiny and I have big hands. Granted, sometimes you need a tiny ratchet to get into a tight space but most of the time I reach for the long handled version.

 

[lardy1]

I love my Proto long handled 90 tooth. Very smooth and very stout.

Those that use the Snap-On 89's swear by them.

In 1/4" drive I have a Carlyle locking flex with a long comfort handle. I really like that one too. So many good choices these days.

 

[SeisMec]

It's 18", and frankly that's probably too long for a 3/8" tool[/url]

IMO 14" is the optimal length for a long, 3/8" drive ratchet. If that doesn't give enough leverage, it's probably time to breakout your long handle 1/2" drive. At 14" the center of pull from your hand is damn close to 12" - which makes torque guest-i-mations pretty simple.

For long handle ratchets, I prefer non-quick release (slightly stronger anvil). Tekton make their 18" in both styles.

 

[boom10ful]

I own an SK 3/8 drive flex LP90 and use it at work. Feels great and doesn't feel like it will snap. Ratcheting action feels solid with some backdrag. The only thing that I don't like is the flex head was wobbly for me and I tightened down the pivot screw to fix that.

I have a 24" 1/2 drive gearwrench locking flex ratchet at work but I don't like how much the handle flexes when loosening stuff torqued to 180 ft/lbs.

 

[visionguru]

Snap-On
FHLF80A for 3/8" (length ~13 2/3")
THFL72 for 1/4" (length 8 1/4")

Other domestic brands just don't have the same cachet as Snap On, and cost nearly as much.

If cost is a concern, Gearwrench 120xp is better than most store brands, and
just as smooth.

For example,
Gearwrench 81204P (1/4 & 3/8 set)
Gearwrench 81230P (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/8 stubby set)

 

[bwringer]

That GearWrench 120XP flex set is nice!

I'd think a higher tooth count would be a little more important on a long handle ratchet, all else being reasonably equal.

 

[Mr_B]

The 120xp not better than a good 72 to 90 tooth in real world use due to lash and drag effect on swing arc and mechanism engagement to next pawl tooth .
For low cost and decent carlyle a good choice for sale prices .
Capri worth a look too .

 

[demarpaint]

That GearWrench 120XP flex set is nice!

I'd think a higher tooth count would be a little more important on a long handle ratchet, all else being reasonably equal.

I have a long XP120 in a 1/4" drive and it has become my go to 1/4" drive ratchet. It is strong, and nice and smooth. I have Snap On, SK, Craftsmen and others but I keep grabbing the XP120 when I need something in a 1/4" drive.

 

[qqzj]

GearWrench 120xp is great. I bought the 4pc set at $94 during a sale. There's nothing close quality to price.

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[Firebrick43]

I think a 7-8” 3/8” is to short and rarely use one. My favorite and most used is 10” 3425 wright in 3/8 but I also have a long sk flex head that is used often. My snap on 18” is really nice but not used very often as it’s just to long most of the time.

I also have an 18” tekton at work (they won’t buy snap on) and it’s a good piece as well but again awesome to replace a breaker bar or get in some god forsaken tight place but to long 80 percent of the time.

I have an 8~” gearwrench 120 at work and I am not impressed with the mechanism

 

[VolvoRyan]

It is funny, so many haters of the 120XP, but I gotta say that the flex heads have proven to be fine. Loads of SK (old-school and LP90) and tool truck stuff here to compare with, and I just can't fault the 120XP a priori.

Backdrag? I chased a bunch of exhaust manifold threads this week with a die using the stubby-flex 120XP 3/8". Ratcheted all the way down. Aside from the grumpy first 5mm of thread, I could have spun the die down with my fingers. So, it's hard to argue excessive backdrag. Yes, 120 teeth is probably excessive, but it is what it is. Good value for money. The GearWrench 90T stuff looks really nice.

I will say that I'm a sucker for the Matco 3/8" locking flex. I love everything about the mechanism. That's the ratchet I grab most.

To answer the question? YES. Longer handle is indeed worth having. Stubbies are worth having, too.

-Ryan

 

[bob15]

i like my Snappy FL830 ratchets. Been going strong since the 1990's. I have one Snap On flex head 3/8 dr and do not use it, don't like it.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The longer the handle the better in this part of the country. Rust and corrosion never sleep.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Really? No issues or flexing etc on it?

Nope. I have no issues. It's a well built ratchet and everything feels tighter and more solid than most cheaper 3/8 ratchets. Having said that it's still important to keep the limitations of the tools in mind. I wouldn't use it to break free lug nuts or suspension bolts but most high quality 1/4 ratchets aren't as delicate as people think.

Snap On advertises their extra long 1/4 ratchet THLLF72 as being rated for 90ftlbs. I don't know about you but 90ftlbs through a 12" long handle really takes a lot of doing. That would probably take me both hands and giving it all I've got. Definitely not happening by accident at least. And even then it probably won't break until like 110ftlbs because there's bound to be a margin in their rating. Heck I'm more worried about the fasteners - 90ftlbs on a 16mm is probably even pushing it. Smaller than that and you're definitely breaking things.

It all just comes down to the ergonomics of it for me. I can work with a lighter tool that fits conveniently in more places and requires very little exertion.


Edit: just some numbers to put things into perspective

 

[M6erfan]

My Carlyle R14LFQR 1/4" ratchet is excellent. I've had it 5 years with zero issues. I really like the QR and locking flex. It's about 8" long.

My longest 3/8" ratchet is about 10 1/2" long. It's a 24t flex Ko-ken and I've never had an issue with it, and I've used it pretty hard.

 

[lardy1]

My Carlyle R14LFQR 1/4" ratchet is excellent. I've had it 5 years with zero issues. I really like the QR and locking flex. It's about 8" long.

My longest 3/8" ratchet is about 10 1/2" long. It's a 24t flex Ko-ken and I've never had an issue with it, and I've used it pretty hard.

Those are very nice ratchets. I also have it in 3/8. No regrets at all.

 

[Ralf11]

....

 

[Iowafox]

XRR11FPA Mac tools round head 10'' flex head 3/8 drive Comfort grip. I love mine so much I have a 2nd lol. same goes for the 1/2 counter part 2 of them as well. I don't have the 1/4 version yet as I hardly use 1/4 drive stuff. Mostly 3/8 drive for me in daily use. I like them because the round head is great. There made in France by FACOM tools. Had one for at least 10 years now and zero issues and zero rebuilds.

 

[Fedwrench]

are you looing for a fixed head long handled ratchet or a flex head ratchet or both?

staying away from truck brands, if you want a long handled fixed head ratchet, I'd recommend SK LP90 series from Epsteins. SK offers long versions of their fixed head ratchets in 3/8 & 1/4 drive .

Here's a couple of examples:
https://www.harryepstein.com/80203-sk-3-8-drive-90-tooth-15-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

https://www.harryepstein.com/80202-sk-3-8-drive-90-tooth-11-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

The 11 inch long version is much more useful.
https://www.harryepstein.com/80182-sk-1-4-drive-90-tooth-12-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

If you're an Epstein's customer, those prices will drop considerably when logged in.

Now if you want Flex head, I'd recommend these:

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...s/products/1-4dr-long-reach-flex-head-ratchet

or perhaps this set:
https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...oducts/4-piece-pro-tech-flex-head-ratchet-set

Ebay is your best bet for the powerbuilt pro ratchets but, search wisely as there is a wide price gap.

Same ratchet head as found on Carlyle 72 tooth quick release flex heads.

There are countless offerings in the long to extra long ratchet market. Shop around for the best that you can afford. As others have mentioned Carlyle, Proto, Tekton, some Titan, and others have models for you to choose from.
Often the really long ratchets are too long to use regularly. Good luck in your quest

 

[M6erfan]

Just this week I bought the Powerbuilt 1/4" and 3/8" non flex ratchets directly from the Powerbuilt website. If you sign up on their site you get an email with 10% off coupon (at least I did). Shipping is free too. You may find that the price is better than eBay. After discount the 649968 1/4" was $15.25 and the 649969 3/8" was $17.05.

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collections/pro-tech-ratchets-accessories

 

[qqzj]

Lbf-ft, is it a typo?

Nope. I have no issues. It's a well built ratchet and everything feels tighter and more solid than most cheaper 3/8 ratchets. Having said that it's still important to keep the limitations of the tools in mind. I wouldn't use it to break free lug nuts or suspension bolts but most high quality 1/4 ratchets aren't as delicate as people think.

Snap On advertises their extra long 1/4 ratchet THLLF72 as being rated for 90ftlbs. I don't know about you but 90ftlbs through a 12" long handle really takes a lot of doing. That would probably take me both hands and giving it all I've got. Definitely not happening by accident at least. And even then it probably won't break until like 110ftlbs because there's bound to be a margin in their rating. Heck I'm more worried about the fasteners - 90ftlbs on a 16mm is probably even pushing it. Smaller than that and you're definitely breaking things.

It all just comes down to the ergonomics of it for me. I can work with a lighter tool that fits conveniently in more places and requires very little exertion.


Edit: just some numbers to put things into perspective

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[M6erfan]

Lbf-ft, is it a typo?

Nope...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pound-foot_(torque)

 

[Specracer]

I have one of these ~17" long. Dont use it often, but glad to have it when I do. Usually used when I dont have the 1/2" equivalent socket, like hex or torx

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...80-Technology-Extra-Long-Handle-Ratchet/FLL80

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Lbf-ft, is it a typo?

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Units get all kinds of confusing.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’m looking at fixed head ratchets. Somehow I’ve ended up with a pair of flex 1/2”, a Snap-On dual 88 3/8”, and a 1/4” flex that I’ve forgotten what brand it is because it gets used so little lol.

 

[cgv69]

I’m looking at fixed head ratchets. Somehow I’ve ended up with a pair of flex 1/2”, a Snap-On dual 88 3/8”, and a 1/4” flex that I’ve forgotten what brand it is because it gets used so little lol.

I'm assuming they are not locking flex head ratchets? Non locking flex heads **** IMO. Locking heads are the only way to go, again IMO.

 

[visionguru]

I'm assuming they are not locking flex head ratchets? Non locking flex heads **** IMO. Locking heads are the only way to go, again IMO.

Are your opinions based on actual use?

Locking head flex ratchet is more of a niche tool, non-locking is more general purpose.

Unless you are dealing with fasteners with minimal torque, locking heads seems bad idea, because if not aligned perfectly, lots of torque will be applied to the locking mechanism which leads to warranty and internet complaining....

Non-locking flex head is flexible and self-adjusting, extremely useful for working on a car.

 

[bsaint]

Word. Non locking flex is where its at. I have a 1/4 locking flex and I always knock the think into locked. I liked it at first because I didnt know how to apply pressure the right way to a non locking. Now I love my non lockings.

 

[M6erfan]

I avoid using a non locking flex. I have both and I always grab my locking flex, non locking stays in the drawer. And I've never knocked it out of locking, broken a ratchet or rounded a fastener with a locking flex.

 

[toolaholic]

I have a matco 88 8” 1/4, ez red locking flex 14, Armstrong 3/8 11-994 11”, a tekton 90 3/8 18”. Not pictured a Armstrong 12-994 18”, Wright 3/4 24”. 3/8 pictured first then 1/4

 

[bsaint]

I avoid using a non locking flex. I have both and I always grab my locking flex, non locking stays in the drawer. And I've never knocked it out of locking, broken a ratchet or rounded a fastener with a locking flex.

Oh youre right my matco’s dont switch. My snap-on ones do.


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[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I think they are great especially for extra leverage I have the Matco locking flex 3/8 extra long I use it all day everyday no complaints. I don’t have any experience with the other long ones from other manufacturers.


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