Need a 3/8 Flex Ratchet

[Kilgore Trout]

So I think I need a 3/8 flex ratchet to replace the starter on my Protege5. My standard ratchets are Wright Contour grips (which I really like), but it looks like the head on the wright flex ratchets might be a bit thick.

If I can get a US made one for a reasonable price, I am down for that. Though, I'd prefer not to shell out $100 for a snap-on. The Armstrong MAXX get rave reviews. Are the current $70 ebay prices jacked up due to the supply problems or is that normal?

Alternatively I could just go $20 at HF and be done with it. If I go non-US, I will probably just go with HF.

In short, I am looking for good US suggestions ($50ish would be awesome) or a thumbs-up/down for the HF.

 

[quickstang87]

I have both the snap on flex head and Harbor freight flex head. I use the snap on at work and the Harbor freight at home. They are both the "comfort grip"

The harbor freight one is a little more spongy when I really crank on something, but besides that, it seems to be a great ratchet.

For home use, I would recommend harbor freight all day long!

 

[mach158]

Look at SK. I have the flexhead and has been problem free and US made. Can be found on e-bay for a decent price if you don't want to buy new.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

Carlyle has a sale going on till the end of the month. Here's a 3/8" locking flex that's on sale at a good price...

https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/CHQR38LFLQR/CHQR38LFLQR

I have the 1/4" version and like it a lot.

 

[bwringer]

Second on the HF -- they're made in Taiwan and VERY nice.

HF also sells a really groovy double-ended flex ratchet (1/4" on one end, 3/8" on the other) that can be extremely handy in certain situations.
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-drive-long-reach-dual-flex-head-ratchet-67994.html


That Napa Carlyle is awfully nice, too, and it looks like you can lock the head in position, which can also be very useful.

 

[firworks]

I've got the whole fleet of HF Pittsburgh Pro flex head ratchets. They're solid performers. I abused the 1/2" one really badly one time and it held up. I basically had to use it as a breaker bar on something I couldn't get off with the M18 2763 High Power Impact because of the angle and needing to use a U-Joint. The head has gone floppy now but I fixed it with a shim.

 

[lukedwag]

The HF is OK. I have one in my service truck cause it's cheap enough to be OK losing or breaking. I really like my gear wrench one though. Long, thin. Easy to clean and lube for

 

[T45]

Definitely set a budget, and then a size.

300mm is a good size for a specialist, long ratchet

250mm is nice and sort of good everyday use size.

In addition to HF and GW, I'd consider Carlyle from Napa. They are on sale often + have local support.

 

[PJNJ]

I have the Armstrong locking flex 88 tooth and it's become my current favorite.
Epsteins has it for $61.50 -
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-drive-armstrong-flex-ratchet-88-tooth.html
Tooltopia has it for $60.11 -
http://www.tooltopia.com/armstrong-...PiuGkFvqns3tOwA9GsFUlJcYEeCNmD4b1QaAqsm8P8HAQ

I also have the Gearwrench long comfort handle 120xp and it is also very good.
Amazon has the two piece set (1/4 and 3/8). I bought that set and the 1/4 is a very good long handle 1/4 flex ratchet. The price is $57.99 with free shipping and it's a killer deal. For some reason Amazon lowers the two piece set price a couple of times a year to a price lower than just the single 3/8. And right now it's lower. The 1/4 could be helpful in tight locations when changing a starter.
Here's a link -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXUY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And that NAPA Carlyle ratchet looks like a great deal too.

 

[Loren871]

If your not wanting to spend money on snap on id definitely consider the Gearwrench 120xp. Has a thin head like your wantin and will pull nuts and bolts out of the tightest spots with its low arc swing. Can get a 4 piece set with 1/2,3/8,1/4 and a 3/8 flex stubby for around 110-120. If you just wanted the 3/8 I think there around 30-40. I have the 4 piece set and really like um. Especially the 3/8 stubby. That thing alone was worth the 110 I spent.

 

[stage20]

If you get the Armstrong from anywhere be 100% it's in stock

 

[MrGiggles]

The HF ratchet's head will get sloppy after some use. They are strong and have a great mechanism though.

Tekton has one too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLY1CG6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The starter on a P5 is not easy to reach unfortunately. I haven't had to replace mine yet thankfully.

 

[M6erfan]

OP, if you're concerned with size of ratchet head, the HF & Tekton ratchets are not for you. Relatively big heads...

 

[oldldh]

The Gearwrench 4 pc 120 tooth Flexhead Ratchet Set is a screaming deal...

I love mine...

www.tooldiscounter.com GearWrench #81230P for $94.83 + Frt...

Amazon...Prime --- $120.86...

1/2" -- 3/8" -- 1/4" and 3/8" drive stubby...

If all you need is the long 3/8"...GW #81215P is $34.92 + Frt from www.tooldiscounter.com ...

Amazon...Prime --- $51.07...

Any of these will float your boat...

 

[Fedwrench]

If you need a thin head flex head ratchet, I would recommend an 84 tooth Gearwrench flex head ratchet. Another option would be the new Home Depot husky 100 position 3/8 drive flex head ratchet. As others have mentioned, Carlyle sold by NAPA has some excellent 90 tooth flex head ratchets too.

There's always used snap on FLF80 on eBay if you can find a deal. Good luck in your quest.

 

[four.cycle]

used. Ebay. best deals this last week (most recent listings first.) US made. no "thin head" models in this bunch.

Blackhawk 34935 3/8" drive RHFT flex-head ratchet
used
$25.00 + $6.00 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-3...:g:u9EAAOSwRgJXhXwW&item=232010915544&vxp=mtr


Champion CT405 "Plugmaster" 3/8" drive RHFT flex-head ratchet
used
$25.00 + $7.45 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cha...:g:9mAAAOSw0kNXhUd4&item=131875820046&vxp=mtr


PROTO 5257 3/8" drive RHFT flex-head ratchet
used
$28.00 + $8.50 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-5257-...:g:ms4AAOSwyDxXhYgI&item=252459279619&vxp=mtr


PROTO 5257A 3/8" drive RHFT flex-head ratchet quick-release w/thumbwheel
used. excellent.
$39.99 incl. shipping OBO "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Profe...:g:mCYAAOSwc1FXazBz&item=252459411776&vxp=mtr


New Britain NB54 3/8" drive flex-head ratchet and four Blackhawk deep-well sockets
used. dirty. cheap.
$8.00 + $6.80 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Mon. 07/18
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-britain...:g:mIwAAOSw2zlXhDEs&item=252458142357&vxp=mtr


PROTO 5257A 3/8" drive RHFT flex-head ratchet
used
$19.99 + $6.45 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sat. 07/16
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-5257A...:g:XekAAOSwAPlXgRhH&item=172268571667&vxp=mtr


S-K 3870 3/8" drive RHFT pivot-head ratchet
used
$18.00 + $6.80 shipping now. 4 bids now. ends Sat. 07/16
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-k-ratchet...:g:zqYAAOSwanRXgXhY&item=252455765671&vxp=mtr


Thorsen 88JNR 3/8" drive RHFT flex-head ratchet
used
$14.99 + $7.45 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sat. 07/16
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thorsen-3-8...603519?hash=item51e7b2c43f:g:wXwAAOSwoJZXSiBY


Champion CT451 3/8" drive "Plugmaster" RHFT flex-head bent handle ratchet
well used.
$13.51 + $3.65 shipping now. 3 bids now. ends Thurs. 07/14
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CHA...547923?hash=item41ae347613:g:gi8AAOSwddNXgRJP


S-K 45178 3/8" drive RHFT flex-head "stubby" ratchet
used
$12.72 + $6.00 shipping now. 7 bids now. ends Fri. 07/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-45178-3-...:g:9dUAAOSw4dtXgEHi&item=272301437351&vxp=mtr

 

[firworks]

You could grab the Wright 3427. I just got the 1/2" version of it from HJE. Still hasn't arrived yet but I bet it's real nice.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWAYVK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Banshee365]

If you want USA then I would go SK for sure. But, I'll vouch for the Gearwrench 120XP as well. The flex is detected but the ratcheting mechanism is rather awesome. I've put some pretty insane torque on mine over the years and it's never stripped or skipped a single tooth. It's solid as a rock. I would probably chose the SK, however, due to their commitment to USA production. They're also near releasing a new line of ratchets so that is also something to look forward to. I would stay away from Armstrong as their future is uncertain.

SK or Gearwrench 120XP!

 

[txlch]

If you can use a bent handle, this is a good deal in the classifieds. I bought one and am impressed with it

 

[pjw1326]

I would recommend GearWrench. I use the older 84T full polish flex head on a daily basis and can't fault it. I would be hard on tools working on trucks / HGV's.

Love the Snap On flex heads...just couldn't justify the extra premium at the time.

 

[firworks]

If you can use a bent handle, this is a good deal in the classifieds. I bought one and am impressed with it

Whoah I'm tempted to grab that myself... 30$ eh? I wish I hadn't just bought Hearts of Iron IV... hmmm

 

[exmaxima1]

Don't forget the Proto 5257F. Made in Europe (France or Italy), and smooth as silk. I have both the 3/8 and 1/2 versions, and they are awesome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J5257...265879?hash=item33959a8cd7:g:2DoAAOSw7ehXRUFr

 

[lightning02]

Don't forget the Proto 5257F. Made in Europe (France or Italy), and smooth as silk. I have both the 3/8 and 1/2 versions, and they are awesome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J5257...265879?hash=item33959a8cd7:g:2DoAAOSw7ehXRUFr

what sort of flex joint does it have. detents or not?

 

[Know Wosad]

The best bang for the buck and has a small head-fine tooth is the J5257F Proto-Facom
It's about $45 at Zoro. In all reality it's one of the best of any 3/8 flex at any price.

 

[exmaxima1]

what sort of flex joint does it have. detents or not?

Adjustable Friction only--no detents.

 

[bulletpruf]

Another fan of the Carlyle. Excellent quality, reasonable price.

 

[BK13]

Don't forget the Proto 5257F. Made in Europe (France or Italy), and smooth as silk. I have both the 3/8 and 1/2 versions, and they are awesome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J5257...265879?hash=item33959a8cd7:g:2DoAAOSw7ehXRUFr

I have the 1/4" version, and I like it a bunch.... Enough so that I will eventually get the rest of the Jxx57F lineup.

 

[lightning02]

Adjustable Friction only--no detents.

either of yours ever had the head get lose and flop around?

 

[exmaxima1]

either of yours ever had the head get lose and flop around?

Not yet. But since there is an adjustment screw, I can't see how that would ever happen.

 

[MW.]

Don't forget the Proto 5257F. Made in Europe (France or Italy), and smooth as silk. I have both the 3/8 and 1/2 versions, and they are awesome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J5257...265879?hash=item33959a8cd7:g:2DoAAOSw7ehXRUFr

Just ordered one of these from Zoro with the 25% off deal. Great ratchets.

 

[M6erfan]

Just ordered one of these from Zoro with the 25% off deal. Great ratchets.

I have an older Facom version of that wrench. I think you'll like it, it's very smooth and the palm control is unique & functional. Enjoy

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I hadn't though about proto. I'll have to check it out.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The starter on a P5 is not easy to reach unfortunately. I haven't had to replace mine yet thankfully.

Yeah, I noticed. According to the service manual if you remove the battery and the air intake you should be able to reach the bolts. However, I have seen some posts online that say you have to move a support bracket from underneath. I am trying to avoid that problem.

 

[dnschmidt]

I sell a nice one from TOPTUL. Model number CJHM1228. Price is $25.00 plus $6.75 priority mail shipping. You can look up the specs for it at www.toptul.com. PM me if interested.

 

[lightning02]

I sell a nice one from TOPTUL. Model number CJHM1228. Price is $25.00 plus $6.75 priority mail shipping. You can look up the specs for it at www.toptul.com. PM me if interested.

Doesn't that have the same internals as all the other Taiwan made ratchets with 72 teeth?

 

[dnschmidt]

William Tool makes most of the ratchets for most of the better Taiwanese companies including TOPTUL so many of them are identical. They are a quality manufacturer. I don't know where HF is getting their new professional line, but, it's not William Tool. That stated the new HF seems very good except for the floppy head syndrome and I like the feel of the TOPTUL better and the head stays none-floppy longer. One of the differences is that the TOPTUL uses a fairly thick pin (looks to be about 1/8" solid steel) to hold the head to the fork whereas others use a tiny screw, which is too small to pull together the fork anyway. People think this screw can adjust the floppiness and that's not true. Bear down on this screw and you'll strip the threads every time.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

So I picked up what appears to be an almost new Proto Professional USA flex head from ebay for $35 shipped. We will see how it looks. Thanks for the help! I'll post when it arrives sometime next week.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Gearwrench, armstrong, matco. The 84/88 ratchets are great. Slim head and body, fine teeth, and a low-profile locking mech. They're strong too, it's really gold-standard in my eyes when it comes to commonly available ratchets, when access is a concern. Personally, I fell the Armstrong is the best of the 3, with the most ergonomic and thin of the handles. I don't do comfort grips; they take up too much space, and get nasty.


If your goal is for space constraints, 84/88 is what you want. Basically any other major brand (Snap-on, Gearwrench 120xp, SK, Proto, Mac, Cornwell, HF, etc.) will be thicker. This is the ratchet. FWIW: If you're in a pinch (Matco/Armstrong gears backordered), GW 84 tooth gears fit in just fine. I bought a few sets as spares to eliminate warranty downtime.



If this is your only car, I'd hitch a ride to HF and get a cheaper one since it will work fine to do one job.

 

[kossuth]

Personally I'm a fan of my FHF80 Snap On. Can't beat it and I've really cranked on it. I understand your position on price though. I have a Gearwrench 120 in a 1/4 drive and it's OK.

 

[bubinga]

Carlyle has a sale going on till the end of the month. Here's a 3/8" locking flex that's on sale at a good price...

https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/CHQR38LFLQR/CHQR38LFLQR

I have the 1/4" version and like it a lot.

looks real nice, although all my stores say
Out of Stock Call Store for Availability.
(740) 676-4884
will they get it in for you, and honer that price?