Looking for a 3/8 Flex head soft grip ratchet

[zippster]

I'm looking for a 3/8 flex head ratchet with a "grip" type handle. I just spent my tool allowance on a snap on 1/4 flex so I only have about $50 left to spend. The only thing I found so far that fills the bill is the Carlyle flex head from Napa



I know nothing about the carlyle brand. Are these any good? Any better options?

 

[Mr_B]

A very good option and a nice head design .
the long version is a favourite of mine .
At flyer sale price the ratchets are great buy and pro usable.
I get tools delivered to shop and any warranty sorted over phone and sent to shop same day if they stock it .

 

[lardy1]

I have the Carlyle locking flex in 1/4" and 3/8". Excellent ratchets. Nice tight head to handle fitment. Something I find lacking on a lot of import flex heads. There are long handled versions but I couldn't get my hands on it in 3/8 and settled for the standard. I got the 3/8" for about forty bucks on eBay from across the pond.

 

[zippster]

Carlyle it is

 

[d.mcfarland]

Carlyle it is

I'd probably go a different route, but it sounds like you wanted the Carlyle and just wanted someone to say "pull the trigger".

 

[lardy1]

Carlyle it is

I don't think you will regret it. Very nice ratchets.

 

[Mr_B]

Carlyle it is

Break it in and grease it and you will wonder why spending 4x on the truck .
Second plus for me is Napa comes to my shop every day .

 

[M635_Guy]

The Carlyle is nice, though I find it a little notchy. Backdrag was less than on the 1/4", but still there.

I have the HF Icon and love it. The Carlyle is a little longer, and has the quick-release vs. standard style.

Not a mistake to be made between the two.

 

[Fedwrench]

The best Carlyle comfort grip flex head ratchets were the 90 tooth series without quick release that were offered when the line first appeared several years ago. Sadly, these are no longer available in NAPA stores unless you stumble upon old stock. The current 72 tooth flex heads are great but, i long for the old 90 tooth versions

 

[M635_Guy]

(sorry - my pre-caffeinated brain read "swivel" instead of "flex"

 

[toddmorr]

Break it in and grease it and you will wonder why spending 4x on the truck .
Second plus for me is Napa comes to my shop every day .

yeah and snip the pawl spring and the backdrag gets even better.
really like my 3/8.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I'll recommend the Gearwrench. I prefer the locking heads but, they make non locking as well.
https://www.gearwrench.com/gearwren...ocking-flex-head-teardrop-ratchet-13-1-2.html

 

[Smokeshow69]

I have that Carlyle flex ratchet and like it! The head is small which is great for tight work spaces.

 

[1foxracing]

The best Carlyle comfort grip flex head ratchets were the 90 tooth series without quick release that were offered when the line first appeared several years ago. Sadly, these are no longer available in NAPA stores unless you stumble upon old stock. The current 72 tooth flex heads are great but, i long for the old 90 tooth versions

The sad thing is NAPA Canada still offers these under the UltraPro brand. I got a guy to send me the 1/4 version, still need to pick up the 3/8.
https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/UHTP38LFX90?partTypeName=Ratchet&keywordInput=ultra+pro+3/8+ratchet

 

[chopper88]

I don't get why you would buy the 1/4 in Snap On, and then want to spend $50 on the 3/8. I don't know how often either will be used, but I'd much rather spend more on a 3/8 than a 1/4 personally.

Do you need it now? If not, why not just save for the 3/8 Snap On?

 

[johninct]

I don't get why you would buy the 1/4 in Snap On, and then want to spend $50 on the 3/8. I don't know how often either will be used, but I'd much rather spend more on a 3/8 than a 1/4 personally.

Do you need it now? If not, why not just save for the 3/8 Snap On?

Buy a used Snap-On on Ebay when you have the cash.

 

[M6erfan]

Those Carlyle 72t locking flex are my go-to's, use them darn near daily. Great choice OP

BTW, I don't care for their swivel ratchets either. As M635 pointed out above, they're rough feeling.

 

[zippster]

I ended up with the Carlyle 3/8 flex head. I have to say for $50 its nice. No slop in any way whatsoever. Back drag could be a little better.

I need to take it apart and drop a glob of grease in it. HOW DO I TAKE THIS THING APART?

Those wondering why I didn't just buy a snap on? I will eventually. My wife gave me an allowance of $500 to blow on tools, guns, booze or whatever. I needed to be respectful, especially in these times.

 

[lardy1]

The little black plastic cover comes off with a pick. It's a bit chintzy so be careful. The clip will be revealed.

 

[zippster]

I'm worried that I'll break the little piece. Seems like cheap plastic. Is that thing a necessity?

 

[Skin]

I'm worried that I'll break the little piece. Seems like cheap plastic. Is that thing a necessity?

Kind of, yes. When you remove that little piece of trim you expose where the pawl engages the gear teeth. On the plus side thats all you have to remove to put some light oil into it unless you want to switch it to grease.

It just pops out with some light prying with a pick.

Its kind of stupid but they probably save a few cents not needing to machine out a different head shape.

 

[woody6904]

Just soak the head in some ATF. have done that with several Carlyle and Powerbuilt Pro Tech ratchets, which are the same OEM, and it has worked fine and you dont have to worry about breaking while tearing apart.

 

[mrborohachi]

VIM has a locking head ratchet

 

[Tallpilot]

I ended up with the Carlyle 3/8 flex head. I have to say for $50 its nice. No slop in any way whatsoever. Back drag could be a little better.

I need to take it apart and drop a glob of grease in it. HOW DO I TAKE THIS THING APART?

Those wondering why I didn't just buy a snap on? I will eventually. My wife gave me an allowance of $500 to blow on tools, guns, booze or whatever. I needed to be respectful, especially in these times.

$500 doesn't last very long on those three items does it?

 

[zippster]

$500 doesn't last very long on those three items does it?

Not at all.