New tekton flex head 90 tooth ratchets

[Fedwrench]

Tekton just released longer flex head ratchets in 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive. Now these are NOT really long versions. They're more realistic working length versions.
You can now get a 3/8 drive 90 tooth Flex Head ratchet that is 12 inches long with a straight handle and a 14 inch long 1/2 drive flex head version. Before you were limited to an 8 inch 3/8 flex head and a 10.5 1/2 drive flex head versions with straight handles. Tekton offers quick release and non quick release models.
As always, if you order from Tekton.com, you get free CONUS shipping once registered, 10% back in rewards, and great customer service.

https://www.tekton.com/ratchets-and-breaker-bars?ratchet-type=flex-head

 

[ptgarcia]

Sweet, I've been waiting for these. I think I'll order the 3/8" tomorrow.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[d.mcfarland]

They seem nice, but a better handle with slightly more length would have been more appealing and actually worthwhile (assuming their design can handle the load).

 

[Tallpilot]

I'm very pleased to see progress and appreciate Tekton constantly expanding and improving their offerings, but I agree they need to start offering comfort grips. 12" is pretty good for 3/8. I think the 1/2 probably should have been 18". I will be buying their US crowfoots to replace my Taiwan ones.

I remain massively disappointed they won't play in the long 1/4 space. I just broke down and bought Fedwrench's favorite Matco because it's the only really long locking flex head. We'll see when it gets here if I like it better than my dual 80s. Of course it cost about the same as 5 Tekton ratchets.

 

[snickers muncher]

Gotta agree with you guys. They should have made the 1/2 around 18 inches long.

 

[lardy1]

I was hoping to see a 12 inch non-flex handle on a 3/8" drive ratchet. Not that I really need more ratchets.

 

[Mr_B]

head designs are real nice for price but the swivel joints are poor on these

 

[Tallpilot]

head designs are real nice for price but the swivel joints are poor on these

Maybe a stronger spring would help? But that's why I've mostly converted to locking flex heads that can also be unlocked. It solves the floppy head problem and makes it easier to lean on it in a weird position if I need to.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I'm holding out for a 1/2 inch flex head with a 24 inch straight handle.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm hoping Tekton does come out with longer fixed head 90 tooth ratchets. They don't need to be super long but, I think a 9 inch 1/4 drive, an 11-12 inch 3/8 drive, and a 15 inch or so 1/2 drive model would sell well.

The really extra long flex head ratchets are going to fail regardless of whose name is stamped on it because, we're going to go watch this, or I bet i can use this to take care of that, which is ok because, tools have to do what we need them to do.

Again I think these two new flex heads should have been offered out of the gate, and I'm hoping to see other versions from Tekton. I really like that Tekton regularly brings new products to market

 

[powertrip]

I'm still waiting for a locking 3/8 flex around 12" long. Preferably with a quick release. Husky make a locking 3/8 flex GearWrench clone but it is black and I want chrome.

 

[toolmutt]

Finally! I've been checking their website almost daily since Dave announced they were coming soon. I just recently picked up the standard length flex "set" so I've got a few credits to spend.

 

[ptgarcia]

Just ordered the 3/8" drive. For me, since I work mostly on motorcycles, the length is probably perfect.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'm holding out for a 1/2 inch flex head with a 24 inch straight handle.

I'd be in for one of these as well.

 

[chevy302dz]

I'm still waiting for a locking 3/8 flex around 12" long. Preferably with a quick release. Husky make a locking 3/8 flex GearWrench clone but it is black and I want chrome.

This is what I'm waiting for as well, this new ratchet with a well designed locking mechanism would be a instant hit. No quick release on mine please though .

Also, the traditional length non flex ratchets mentioned would be a welcome addition.

Finally, fitting the new hard handle screwdriver handles as a option on all ratchets should be a big hit with little development cost.

With all that said, glad to see Tekton is continuing to head in the right direction.

 

[atnfromatl]

Ehhh, I would really like to see an 18" flex head 3/8 ratchet with a red handle like their new screwdriver set.

 

[demarpaint]

This is what I'm waiting for as well, this new ratchet with a well designed locking mechanism would be a instant hit. No quick release on mine please though .

I'd give that tool a try as well.

 

[Dave.R]

The new flex-head ratchet total lengths are 15" for the 1/2" and 12.9" for the 3/8". We name them based on working length from the drive tang, rather than the total length. All the measurements are on tekton.com.

We’ve also greatly increased the tension on the flex head joint.

Dave

[email protected]

 

[cheechi]

the new hard handle screwdriver handles as a option on all ratchets should be a big hit with little development cost.

Hard handle spinner handle in 1/4 & 3/8 please. Optionally put a female in the handle so it can be an extension.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

The new flex-head ratchet total lengths are 15" for the 1/2" and 12.9" for the 3/8". We name them based on working length from the drive tang, rather than the total length. All the measurements are on tekton.com.

We’ve also greatly increased the tension on the flex head joint.

Dave

[email protected]

Dave,

Any plans for even longer ratchets?

 

[toddmorr]

or comfort grip? would line up for that....

 

[powertrip]

or a locking flex?

 

[Wrench97]

Just ordered one of the 3/8" for use at home, But I do love my Matco locking flex heads at work.

 

[bobcatdan]

Look like the same ratchets Northern has in the stores.

 

[Mr_B]

Maybe a stronger spring would help? But that's why I've mostly converted to locking flex heads that can also be unlocked. It solves the floppy head problem and makes it easier to lean on it in a weird position if I need to.

The new flex-head ratchet total lengths are 15" for the 1/2" and 12.9" for the 3/8". We name them based on working length from the drive tang, rather than the total length. All the measurements are on tekton.com.

We’ve also greatly increased the tension on the flex head joint.

Dave

[email protected]

joint ideally wants a redesign/rethink with a shallow bore with a short high tension spring like use to do on old school socket head wrenches or something new like a spring loaded friction pad mounted like the position pawl on position and locking ones . socket screw needs be real decent quality & with decent thread retainer .
soft grip option be good and roto heads need updating ...

 

[Tallpilot]

The new flex-head ratchet total lengths are 15" for the 1/2" and 12.9" for the 3/8". We name them based on working length from the drive tang, rather than the total length. All the measurements are on tekton.com.

We’ve also greatly increased the tension on the flex head joint.

Dave

[email protected]

Outstanding Dave! The lack of positive detents was my only complaint with the bent handle version I have. Please don't take our criticism personally. We like what Tekton is doing and we like that you listen to your users. I'm looking forward to the crowfoots.

 

[Tallpilot]

Look like the same ratchets Northern has in the stores.

Good. Harbor Freight made Northern look to China for cheap junk; if Tekton makes them look somewhere else for better quality, everyone wins.

 

[Steve_P]

I recently bought the flex and standard 1/4" drive x 6" length ratchets by Tekton and am highly impressed.
But, like other comments, the length on the other sizes were too short. The current releases are an improvement though, nice to see. 3/8" drive by 12" length is great. And I hope similar is coming in fixed head.
3/8" drive by 8" length and 1/2" drive by 10.5" length is a waste of tooling $ IMO; these both need to be a few inches longer for standard sizes.

 

[Yarpo]

I'm very pleased to see progress and appreciate Tekton constantly expanding and improving their offerings, but I agree they need to start offering comfort grips. 12" is pretty good for 3/8. I think the 1/2 probably should have been 18". I will be buying their US crowfoots to replace my Taiwan ones.

I remain massively disappointed they won't play in the long 1/4 space. I just broke down and bought Fedwrench's favorite Matco because it's the only really long locking flex head. We'll see when it gets here if I like it better than my dual 80s. Of course it cost about the same as 5 Tekton ratchets.

Yeah I'm in the same boat. I want some long long ratchets, like a few inches on each of tektons offerings. Might pick up the 3/8" ratchet for at home however as the one I currently have is an old craftsman 36T which feels like rocks instead of a real ratchet mechanism.

Which one is Feds favorite, or which did you get? Around Christmas time I bought my second truck tool off a tool truck (First was a Snap on 1/4" universal) and the second was a SUPER ******* long 1/4" matco flex ratchet. Used it a bunch on a few larger projects at work just before being furloughed. Awesome ratchet, I like it on par with my TLL72, and the thin head is much needed added points, and actually was of use to me when trying to install a turbo coolant feed line just off the left front fender of an ML63. The mms legit made the difference.

 

[Fedwrench]

Which one is Feds favorite, or which did you get?

My favorite ratchet often depends on the task at hand. I think my favorite, favorite ratchet is the MATCO 88 tooth comfort grip locking flex head ratchet in 1/4 & 3/8 drive. In 1/4 drive I have 6, 9, & 12 inch long versions. In 3/8 I have 9, 12, & 15 inch long versions. You just can't beat the thin head on MATCO's. I also like the crisp 88 tooth ratcheting action.
I also really like tekton's 90 tooth series ratchets. I picked up the newly released 3/8 & 1/2 drive flex heads. One thing that I like about tekton's ratchets is the shape of their all metal handles. Often 1/4 inch drive ratchets have handles that are slightly thicker than a number 2 pencil. Tekton handles have a little more meat on them. I like their shape, feel, and balance.
I own ratchets from most manufacturers but, tend to gravitate to MATCO, Tekton, & Carlyle. As with all tools, you might not like what I like and I might not like what you like but, that's what makes choice and availability great.

 

[fordgasm]

Ordered the 3/8 tonight. Hard to beat the quality of Tekton ratchets for the price imo.

 

[DSLTRK]

What is the pivot bolt diameter of the 1/2"? 8mm?

 

[Tallpilot]

Yeah I'm in the same boat. I want some long long ratchets, like a few inches on each of tektons offerings. Might pick up the 3/8" ratchet for at home however as the one I currently have is an old craftsman 36T which feels like rocks instead of a real ratchet mechanism.

Which one is Feds favorite, or which did you get? Around Christmas time I bought my second truck tool off a tool truck (First was a Snap on 1/4" universal) and the second was a SUPER ******* long 1/4" matco flex ratchet. Used it a bunch on a few larger projects at work just before being furloughed. Awesome ratchet, I like it on par with my TLL72, and the thin head is much needed added points, and actually was of use to me when trying to install a turbo coolant feed line just off the left front fender of an ML63. The mms legit made the difference.

Sorry I took so long to reply. Fortunately Fedwrench answered it for me. I bought the Matco AFR128LFR. I prefer locking flex heads which can also be used unlocked. I wanted something super long to compliment my THLX72. It arrives Tuesday and I suspect it may become a favorite even if it is too long for some situations because I love dual 80 in 3/8 and 1/2 but it's somewhat mediocre in 1/4.

 

[Tallpilot]

My favorite ratchet often depends on the task at hand. I think my favorite, favorite ratchet is the MATCO 88 tooth comfort grip locking flex head ratchet in 1/4 & 3/8 drive. In 1/4 drive I have 6, 9, & 12 inch long versions. In 3/8 I have 9, 12, & 15 inch long versions. You just can't beat the thin head on MATCO's. I also like the crisp 88 tooth ratcheting action.
I also really like tekton's 90 tooth series ratchets. I picked up the newly released 3/8 & 1/2 drive flex heads. One thing that I like about tekton's ratchets is the shape of their all metal handles. Often 1/4 inch drive ratchets have handles that are slightly thicker than a number 2 pencil. Tekton handles have a little more meat on them. I like their shape, feel, and balance.
I own ratchets from most manufacturers but, tend to gravitate to MATCO, Tekton, & Carlyle. As with all tools, you might not like what I like and I might not like what you like but, that's what makes choice and availability great.

Please let us know how the enhanced tension on the joint is. I was pleased to read Dave's post that it has been tweaked.

I agree with you on Tekton handles. I'm a comfort grip man all the way but Tekton really got chrome right with the redesign. In fact it makes Snap-on chrome handles feel terrible.

 

[Parrothead]

I'm still waiting for a locking 3/8 flex around 12" long. Preferably with a quick release. Husky make a locking 3/8 flex GearWrench clone but it is black and I want chrome.

Same here, if this were chrome I’d already own it. I suspect I’ll still buy it, but the black is a bit of a turn off

3/8 in. Drive 100-Position Locking Flex-Head Ratchet https://www.homedepot.com/p/206038527

 

[ptgarcia]

Got my 3/8 drive long handle flex today. The spring at the joint is noticeably stronger. I like this one a lot.

 

[Wrench97]

Got mine today too, the head is thin like the Matco's, action is smooth and the handle is plenty long enough.

 

[Yarpo]

Sorry I took so long to reply. Fortunately Fedwrench answered it for me. I bought the Matco AFR128LFR. I prefer locking flex heads which can also be used unlocked. I wanted something super long to compliment my THLX72. It arrives Tuesday and I suspect it may become a favorite even if it is too long for some situations because I love dual 80 in 3/8 and 1/2 but it's somewhat mediocre in 1/4.

Yah that's a beautiful ratchet, I've got the same one but non comfort grip. Truly fantastic, I'd say its absolutely just as good as my Snap on stuff. You'll love it, I use it even when I don't need to because its just a sweet tool.

Got my 3/8 drive long handle flex today. The spring at the joint is noticeably stronger. I like this one a lot.

Great looking ratchet!

 

[fordgasm]

My 3/8 came today. The joint is stiffer than my regular 3/8 flex head ratchet which is good. My only complaint was I wish it was longer. Otherwise another great ratchet from Tekton.
The chrome job is beautiful, which Tekton always does a great job on.

 

[Fedwrench]

Mine finally came today after a few days of false hope from Fedex.

I don't think you'll experience floppy head with these ratchets. The spring tension on the head pawl has increased significantly. I'll see if it fades with use & time. I got the 3/8 & 1/2 drive models and like others, would like to see long 1/4 & 3/8 fixed head versions, a longer 1/4 drive flex head version, and a longer 1/2 drive flex head model.

One thing I noticed with this order is that Tekton reduced their packaging. Tekton used to ship boxes inside of boxes with brown paper wrapping the tools. However this time, the ratchets were shipped together in simple plastic sleeves in a black padded Tekton envelope. less stuff to recycle I guess.