If you have a locking flex head ratchet, does it bother you if there is play in the locking mechanism? It irks me to use a locking flex head in which the locking mechanism doesn't hold the head firmly and allows movement when the head is in the locked position.
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Loose Locking Flex Head Ratchets
- Thread starter CoThG
- Start date
zkdiesel
Well-known member
Hate locking flex heads. Just give me a regular flex head. My gutted snap on locking flex head reflects my choice
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
I prefer locking flex heads to any other type of flex head. If the head is loose, tighten the hinge bolt to get the desired results. A tiny bit of play does not bother me.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
It must just be me that likes floppy headed flex ratchets. As I've stated many time the Williams B-54 is my all time favorite and it's head is pretty floppy. I normally put both hands on a ratchet, one on the head against the bolt, and the other on the handle to turn it. Never figured out what the locking part gained me or even worse those ratchets that have the detents that prevent choosing whatever angle you want to place the head.
finn
Well-known member
Either regular flex head or a fixed head, or even a roto head is preferred over a locking flex head.
Not sure why, though.
Not sure why, though.
I have all four types of heads. Each one has its unique strength in application.Either regular flex head or a fixed head, or even a roto head is preferred over a locking flex head.
Not sure why, though.
Locking flex is handy when dealing with obstructions. Set it and then you can snake the socket and extension to the bolt. floppy does not work for that, especially where you can’t use both hands.It must just be me that likes floppy headed flex ratchets. As I've stated many time the Williams B-54 is my all time favorite and it's head is pretty floppy. I normally put both hands on a ratchet, one on the head against the bolt, and the other on the handle to turn it. Never figured out what the locking part gained me or even worse those ratchets that have the detents that prevent choosing whatever angle you want to place the head.
I’ve got flex heads with locks, no locks, locks at specific angles, and plain old regular ratchets. What’s best depends on the job. I often use a ratchet with a small number of locking positions in the first detent because it gives enough knuckle clearance for a wider arc.