New Carlyle Tool Release- Locking flex head ratchets

[DTB]

Received this in an email this morning. It looks as though Napa is trying to step things up even more. I found it odd that they used a different head and tooth count than their other ratchets though.

 

[Ruger_556]

Cool, kind of interesting they used a different head though

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Got that same email this morning (love how it says Sept 2014 at the bottom).

A little disappointing they went with the generic Taiwan 72T quick release head. Although I'm sure there will be plenty of folks who will be excited about a quick release LFH.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

You think this is this the same mechanism as the new HF ratchets?

 

[pedrodagr8]

You think this is this the same mechanism as the new HF ratchets?

Sure looks like it from the pictures. Looks a lot like the new HF ratchets.

Considering the HF can be had for under $20 that's a huge price difference

 

[SMKS]

I just looked up the price on Napa's website for the 3/8" r38lflqr and it shows $74.99.

Unless there are some big sale discounts, I would personally spend similar or less money to get a USA-made Armstrong locking flex. The 3/8" Armstrong locking flex is $68 shipped from Harry Epstein.

I'm no import-tool hater, but that's pretty pricey for a Taiwanese ratchet.

 

[dnschmidt]

Agreed, HF at $20 with coupon vs. $75 causes me to think that maybe I can live without a locking head as I've never used one to begin with and actually never felt the need. It is a good feature but it ain't worth $55

 

[BirdMobile]

8.2" length on the 1/4 - I might be in on one for that alone!
These are no bargain, but they should be reasonable on sale or in a 20% bucket...
Nice to finally have a brick-and-morter alternative to the Armstrongs!

 

[lightning02]

If anything I'd get the 1/4 drive bc of how long it is and has the opts I prefer that the HF doesnt.

 

[Fedwrench]

You think this is this the same mechanism as the new HF ratchets?

I don't think so. The 90 tooth Carlyle ratchets I have do not use the Generic Taiwan Proto design whatever you want to call it. Carlyle uses a floating pawl design like Gearwrench/Danaher/Armstrong MAXX/Matco etc.

Although I'm not a fan of quick release ratchets, I'll probably pick one up.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Carlyle is really putting out some nice features in their tools; FD+ style wrenches, Roto ratchets, locking flex ratchets, etc.

 

[BirdMobile]

Carlyle is really putting out some nice features in their tools; FD+ style wrenches, Roto ratchets, locking flex ratchets, etc.

It's quality stuff that holds up to use and abuse as well!
I'm REALLY digging my long pattern wrenches and roto ratchets from them...

 

[paulsomlo]

I've been looking for a locking flex, fine tooth with quick release - this is the only other one that I've found: http://www.tooltopia.com/k-tool-international-22093.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplp6817740&gclid=Cj0KEQiA1qajBRC_6MO49cqDxbYBEiQAiCl5_PjkGJGB6OuI6XrUsT5tzuTPQzg3fSiUvfyXHkTF6C8aAtbJ8P8HAQ. I'd rather have the Armstrong, but it's a 36 tooth design. There doesn't seem to be any USA made, fine tooth, locking flex head w/QR. I'm curious though - I've noticed that a lot of you don't care for QR - why is that?

 

[lightning02]

i prefer quick release.

 

[Ign]

Allegedly QR lets **** in the mechanism. I've not experienced that but I'm a machinist first, fabricator second and mechanic third.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Definitely not the same as the HF, but is it better or worse?

 

[Ign]

So Steelman Pro is offering a locking flex in their Cobra series:
http://steelmanpro.com/hand-mechanics-tools/ratchets/locking-flexhead.html

Woodstockva had good results w his (search Gen Tool for the 160T ratchet). I had bad luck w my 3/8" (not a flex) but Steelman is serious about making it right, asking for my old one back to see what went wrong (sending a call tag) and replacing my 3/8" plus throwing in a free flex head. These guys really want to have a presence in the wrenching world.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'm curious though - I've noticed that a lot of you don't care for QR - why is that?

It's not that I don't care for it, I just won't pay extra for it. I have 1 QR ratchet and it throws me off every time I go to remove the socket as my other 20 ratchets don't have it. Kind of like locking flex; I personally don't care for it or need it, but others insist on it. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[paulsomlo]

I see that the Steelman head has detents when it's not locked, just like my CM RP flexhead, which I find really annoying.

 

[unslow1]

i prefer quick release.

Same here. I hate it when I have to get a screwdriver to get a socket off because the socket it greasy.

 

[espyking83]

LOL at paying over $50 for a Taiwan ratchet.

 

[wild cowboy]

LOL at paying over $50 for a Taiwan ratchet.

the country of origin isn't relevant - the quality of the ratchet is what is relevant

case in point, this same company, Carlyle, sells the best roto ratchet in the world, and it is made in TAIWAN!!

 

[unslow1]

the country of origin isn't relevant - the quality of the ratchet is what is relevant

case in point, this same company, Carlyle, sells the best roto ratchet in the world, and it is made in TAIWAN!!

I really wish more people thought like you on this subject. The COO doesn't determine the quality. I'm much more concerned with the quality than the COO.

 

[Fedwrench]

I really wish more people thought like you on this subject. The COO doesn't determine the quality. I'm much more concerned with the quality than the COO.

Sorry, that's just not going to happen in these pages anytime soon.

As I have said more than once, many people here will not accept a Taiwan made tool line regardless of how good it is. To me it's their loss.

 

[unslow1]

Sorry, that's just not going to happen in these pages anytime soon.

As I have said more than once, many people here will not accept a Taiwan made tool line regardless of how good it is. To me it's their loss.

Unfortunately it is the same argument I have with people about cars. Which is the import? My Dodge made in Mexico or Toyota made in Tennessee? Some people are set in their way of thinking and it's pointless to argue.

 

[rockfordmarv]

Why doesnt Napa carry these in the physical store? I went in last weekend to pickup some 2 guage wire for battery cables and all they had in the store were the lower priced line.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Why doesnt Napa carry these in the physical store? I went in last weekend to pickup some 2 guage wire for battery cables and all they had in the store were the lower priced line.

Most Napa's are franchises, so their inventories vary store to store.

 

[BirdMobile]

Why doesnt Napa carry these in the physical store? I went in last weekend to pickup some 2 guage wire for battery cables and all they had in the store were the lower priced line.

It's up to the individual store to decide what they carry.
NAPA will order in whatever Carlyle you want - without charge, and it usually arrives the next day.

 

[Cheechmaster]

as much as i like carlyle id have to pass on these because the quick release just ruins it

 

[monomach]

Quick release is a deal killer for me.

So is the fact that the price is higher than that of the best locking flex in the world, the Armstrong.

Napa really screwed this up.