Honestly, I’ve been doing most of the maintenance on my vehicles for many years. But I don’t know much about auto mechanics, and I’m not very good at diagnosing problems that can’t be detected with the OBDII. However, since 1996, I’ve been replacing brakes, suspensions, radiators, starters, alternators, etc.—basic mechanics! I used to have an 18-inch Craftsman flex head, but I sold it when I bought my first impact wrench. I haven’t needed it since, to be honest, but I thought maybe people who know more than I do might know something I don’t. Repairs that are easier to do with one! Although I do have an 18-inch Tekton 3/8-inch fixed head.
With poles you mean breakers bars or is it something else?
Me too, but since 1986.
My first impact gun changed my life. But brake caliper bolts and all sorts of suspension components and some engine components simply cannot be accessed by impacts, or at least are difficult to access without a lift.
I have found great use for my 26” 1/2” flex head ratchet and recommend it wholeheartedly. Mine is the Snap on SHLF80A but there are plenty of capable competitors.
For any large-ish hardware, anywhere else, I start with my soft gripped 3/8” long flex ratchet. For me, that’s a FHLF80. I don’t bother with a standard sized ratchet. Once broken free, I either switch to a stubby ratchet, or jump down to 1/4” drive.
For any fastener 13mm or smaller, I tend to use my 1/4” long flex THLF72.
If I’m not mistaken, Icon makes versions of all these ratchets.
The poles I’m talking about are the long flexes and stubbies. I recommend starting there. Mid length ratchets, in my opinion, while convenient, simply don’t offer the torque longer ratchets offer.
In terms of long breakers, I don’t own any and don't use them. Modern ratchets are just as strong and fine toothed ones like the SHLF80 are a joy to use.
