Long handled ratchets

[paulsomlo]

I can't imagine being without my 3/8" long handle flex - it's the 1st one I reach for. I've got a Snap On Dual 80 that I bought used off ebay, and before that a 36 tooth Craftsman.

 

[Kscardsfan]

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.

I’ve never gotten the opportunity to mess with a locking flex head ratchet. So much of what I wrench on is old trucks with plenty of running room for me to work in.

 

[cgv69]

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.

Is your statement based on real world first hand experience or just an opinion based on theory or Internet lore?

My opinion is based on real world usage. I have the Matco 88 flex head lockers in 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4" and have used them for years now and have not broken the mechanism on any of them but I will caveat that with the acknowledgement that I am not a pro using them all day, every day.

 

[lardy1]

I have both locking and non locking in three drive sizes. I could get by with either. I didn't think I'd like the non locking but I find it's nice when you can get more rotation per stroke by changing the handle angle as it's rotating. The stability of the locking has its advantages, as well.

If I could only have one I think I'd choose locking.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I really like my SK LP90 3/8 flex and my soft handle Snap-on Dual 80. I can't remember the model but someone on the first paged mentioned it. It's 14" long.

The SK is more handy to me. It's a little shorter and handier in tight space. It's also easier to keep clean. The Snap-on has a slightly thicker beam and head. I use it when I need a little more leverage or reach.

After using a Snap-on with a hard handle, I think I would prefer them. Most of the things I work on are covered in grease, oil and dirt. Chrome and hard handles are easier to wipe down.

I forgot I have a 11" straight Dual 80 3/8. It's a great ratchet too but don't use it often. The chrome handle isn't as comfy as the SK or soft handle. I don't beat on any of the 3 ratchets, but I'm not scared of using them jobs that 3/8 ratchets can do.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I really like my SK LP90 3/8 flex and my soft handle Snap-on Dual 80. I can't remember the model but someone on the first paged mentioned it. It's 14" long.

The SK is more handy to me. It's a little shorter and handier in tight space. It's also easier to keep clean. The Snap-on has a slightly thicker beam and head. I use it when I need a little more leverage or reach.

After using a Snap-on with a hard handle, I think I would prefer them. Most of the things I work on are covered in grease, oil and dirt. Chrome and hard handles are easier to wipe down.

I forgot I have a 11" straight Dual 80 3/8. It's a great ratchet too but don't use it often. The chrome handle isn't as comfy as the SK or soft handle. I don't beat on any of the 3 ratchets, but I'm not scared of using them jobs that 3/8 ratchets can do.

I never have been able to get used to the comfort grip/soft handled ones. I think you’re right, the hard handle would be the perfect compromise for most situations.

 

[Iowafox]

I really like my SK LP90 3/8 flex and my soft handle Snap-on Dual 80. I can't remember the model but someone on the first paged mentioned it. It's 14" long.

The SK is more handy to me. It's a little shorter and handier in tight space. It's also easier to keep clean. The Snap-on has a slightly thicker beam and head. I use it when I need a little more leverage or reach.

After using a Snap-on with a hard handle, I think I would prefer them. Most of the things I work on are covered in grease, oil and dirt. Chrome and hard handles are easier to wipe down.

I forgot I have a 11" straight Dual 80 3/8. It's a great ratchet too but don't use it often. The chrome handle isn't as comfy as the SK or soft handle. I don't beat on any of the 3 ratchets, but I'm not scared of using them jobs that 3/8 ratchets can do.

I agree with this. I have a few MAC ratchets with the bi material soft grips (hard plastic and soft rubber) and the're nice when brand new but after they get dirty and beat up they make you wish they where all hard handles.
I love them don't get me wrong but when motor oil and brake fluid gets on them you have to wipe them down a little bit more to get it all off. There not hard to clean but the rubber part tends to get slimy if you don't wipe it off after your done. I got in the habit to always wipe the tools down and clean them before putting them away and it helps a lot but I wish MAC would use hard handles on there ratchets that is just my opinion.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I agree with this. I have a few MAC ratchets with the bi material soft grips (hard plastic and soft rubber) and the're nice when brand new but after they get dirty and beat up they make you wish they where all hard handles.

I love them don't get me wrong but when motor oil and brake fluid gets on them you have to wipe them down a little bit more to get it all off. There not hard to clean but the rubber part tends to get slimy if you don't wipe it off after your done. I got in the habit to always wipe the tools down and clean them before putting them away and it helps a lot but I wish MAC would use hard handles on there ratchets that is just my opinion.

Agreed there too I have found that with all brands. I like the old hard plastic handles that way that doesn’t happen and they feel better to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[lardy1]

Those handles are the main reason I chose Proto over Mac for my 90 tooth long handled ratchet. I have comfort handles on my Carlyle's but I sometimes don't want to use them because I don't want to trash the handles. That's counterproductive to me.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’m kind of seeing a theme here. Maybe the manufacturers would do well to hang out on here and talk to us end users about stuff before they come up with an update for an existing product line like cushion grip handles on ratchets.