Quick Release Locking Flex Head Ratchet

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I’m looking for a 3/8 quick release locking flex head ratchet. I know the Napa Carlyle ones are highly regarded but they’ve been out of stock for a very long time and my local Napa has no idea when or even if they will see them again. So does that mean Snap-On is the next alternative? It’s for home use. I already have a regular flex ratchet and am look for something that won’t always flop if I need to put some extra oomph on it.

 

[65k10]

On the cheap end, Eastwood sells this.

If you don't mind ordering from Amazon Japan, this looks to use the same mechanism as the Carlyle. Pro-Auto 3/8" (9.5) DR. Telescopic Flex Lock Ratchet STR-F3

Lastly is this one from Stahlwille. STAHLWILLE 452QR

I have no experience with any of these. The only locking flex heads I have are a couple Carlyles, some Matcos, and a lone Koken.

 

[KnurledNut]

O'Reilly sells this PowerTorque 80t low profile version:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...que-3-8-inch-drive-ratchet-handle/ptt0/gm6179

 

[Kuma601]

I'd picked up the Husky variant after similar uneventful searches at Napa as well. HD had two hooks of them and I went through about 11 to find one that felt decent. The head lock engagement was sloppy or to stiff, the head would wobble between the fork locked or not and or the pawl-back drag was horrendous. The dual pawls in this ratchet leave much to be desired for back drag. It was sufficiently lubed from the factory though. That reads more of an avoid than recommended purchase.

It does come in handy and I'd like to find a nicer locking flex as well. Being able to let it flop was also a nice part as some spring locking actuated heads cannot be disengaged. If I was willing to spend up the Matco locking flex heads look nice.

 

[Clutchsmoke]

O'Reilly sells this PowerTorque 80t low profile version:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...que-3-8-inch-drive-ratchet-handle/ptt0/gm6179

I tried that one in store at O'Reilly's and it was already locked up. The selector wouldn't move and the anvil was stuck. This doesn't instill any kind of confidence in me that this will be a quality ratchet.

 

[Mr_B]

The one in 2nd post on amazon is same head design/ manufacturing parteners as the carlyle (high-five super ten ratchet concept), I have one in premier brand via ebay uk, can find these under wurth brand too, I paid $45-50 bucks shipped about a year ago. useful tool and extending length handy .
Carlyle versions were great buy on the old sales , worth looking for them on eBay UK as was cheaper than Napa at one point and perhaps some stock still about !

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I have the power torque ratchet posted above. It’s the type that can’t be used “unlocked” and as mentioned it isn’t the nicest tool. But it is likely the cheapest locking flex you’ll find at a brick and mortar store to check out in person. It has worked fine in the situations I’ve needed it and if it breaks, o’reilly is good about warrantee replacements

 

[corn chip]

O'Reilly sells this PowerTorque 80t low profile version:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...que-3-8-inch-drive-ratchet-handle/ptt0/gm6179

low profile but the locking button sticks up a mile ? maybe they should of took a page from the stahlwille playbook