Proto Spinflex 3/8 Ratchet...Possible Problem?

[air]

Picked up this NOS Proto 'Spinflex' on ebay awhile back. Flex Head with detents. Head looks very similar to a MAC ratchet...

This is as far as the head will go back in this position, there are additional detents that would leave you to believe that it comes back some more, but no dice. It's actually prevented from going back any further by the way the sides of the head are machined.

In this position, all appears fine, but it's kind of useless.

Maybe somebody here that has one of these Ratchets, or a MAC Spinflex that's similar, can tell me if this normal? Seems like crappy quality control to me.

 

[DewittMotorsports]

I have the Proto spin flex and mine goes back all the way

 

[woody 73]

Some time back their was a man in central ohio that was selling them for dirt cheap prices on CL (really crazy prices),somehow I must have gotten busy and I did not buy the ratchet in question; Now after seeing your problems maybe I am lucky that I did not buy one. I assume like you that yours is defective I am thinking that it should hit all the detent holes also.

 

[mrholeshot]

I have a 1/4 Mac Spinflex. Just the handle spins when pulled out. Ive had mine since around 91 and it still has spinflex on the handle. If thats any hint as to how much it's been used. I've always been tempted to pin the handle to lock it becuse in use it tends to pull itself into the spin mode which makes it hard to use.

 

[air]

Guess I'll send it in for Warranty.

 

[jerryW]

Looks to me that the head was install 180* out.


jerry

 

[Wes28376]

I would definitely exchange it. I have the MAC version and while I don't use it all the time in comes in handy ever once in a while.

 

[mrholeshot]

Just didn't get cut just right and binding on the handle. Send it back to proto

 

[Deafautotech]

I has both 1/4 and 3/8 drive mac spinflex. Both are used and I used it a Lot in past time at work. I had beat it a lot and it work. I don't care about detent issues. But I had brought it to home as I had got a better and less swing arc ratchets that can do better job and cut time at work.

I still do use my spinflex at home to do side jobs and home repairs. I do like that spinflex as don't need air ratchet to do that even if I have to fix ay my friend's garage then it is good to go.

 

[MattT]

Head looks very similar to a MAC ratchet...

MAC rebuild kits fit the Proto Spinflex and Indexable ratchets. The handles sure look like MAC. Spinflex is a MAC patent..............................

 

[Wrenches of Death]

Looks to me that the head was install 180* out.


jerry

I think you're right. The handle was installed backwards in relationship to the head.

WoD

 

[tonydanzah]

just drive the pin out and flip the head around

 

[mrholeshot]

MAC rebuild kits fit the Proto Spinflex and Indexable ratchets. The handles sure look like MAC. Spinflex is a MAC patent..............................

Yeah. it's a Mac ratchet with Proto stamped in it. They were pretty decent ratchets years ago. Not sure about now but I would bet they are just as good.

 

[MattT]

Yeah. it's a Mac ratchet with Proto stamped in it. They were pretty decent ratchets years ago. Not sure about now but I would bet they are just as good.

Not sure if MAC or Proto still catalog them. And if they were made in Sabina new production will now be made somewhere else which might affect quality. Stanree closed the MAC plant a year ago

MAC pearheads certainly aren't bad ratchets. Not quite as strong/durable as SO 8 and 9 series but close IME.

 

[otis66]

My Proto Spinflex ratchet does all the way back and forth so I beleive there is a defect with your ratchet. heres a pic of my SpinFlex

 

[otis66]

I paid $25.00 two years ago for my Spinflex and this other Proto ratchet. Both made in USA. Both look like MAC ratchet. I also have a Proto Big Dawg ratchet and a MAC ratchet that looks the same.

 

[air]

I sent the ratchet in a week and a half ago, I'll keep the thread updated with any news...

 

[patrickw10]

Why is it called a spinflex?

 

[Avgas]

It spins and it flexes

 

[air]

It spins and it flexes

Pretty much. The handle can be pulled out so it spins freely to act as a speeder when the head is in the right position.

 

[turkdc]

Looks to me that the head was install 180* out.


jerry

x2. Can the head be installed in a reverse fashion?

 

[2002maniac]

MAC rebuild kits fit the Proto Spinflex and Indexable ratchets. The handles sure look like MAC. Spinflex is a MAC patent..............................

Do the mac rebuild kits have a finer wheel/pawl? I was hoping my proto spinflex would feel more like my big dawg. The spinflex feels gritty and rough.

 

[air]

Had a package waiting for me when I got home from work...Enclosed was a brand new Proto J5257F Flex Head ratchet. It's very nice! Very smooth, not quite as smooth as a Dual 80, but nice nonetheless. Head looks a lot like Facom? No COO markings anywhere on the ratchet...Just Proto J5257. ,So +1 for Proto Warranty, all in all it took about a week.

I'll be glad to post a pic of the ratchet if anybody is interested...

 

[PT Doc]

Pic please.

 

[Gtamazing]

So you sent in your spinflex and got a J5257 back in return? Why didn't you just take the head off and turn it around yourself? I would rather have the older spinflex.