Ratchet Handles

[Ralf11]

searches aren't finding more than sporadic info...

Let's pick 3/8" as an example

Ko-ken seems to have the least back-drag but are coarse toothed (even tho that is their specialty)

Lots of other choices for top quality, but does any brand hit all the marks at once?

we could use Snappy as a std. - what's better and in what way?

 

[Joshua]

Matco standard flex heads are awesome because they sorta click into place instead of flopping around like my snappy flex head.

If I could have a long handled ratchet with knurling like Proto, the flex notch things of a Matco ratchet and a Snapon dual 80 head I'd be in heaven.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

The Gray handle is worth putting up with coarse ratchet. Yes I have Proto.

 

[jkesselr]

Matco standard flex heads are awesome because they sorta click into place instead of flopping around like my snappy flex head.

If I could have a long handled ratchet with knurling like Proto, the flex notch things of a Matco ratchet and a Snapon dual 80 head I'd be in heaven.

What about the snappys that have the lock on the handle that allows it to either lock into a flexed position or completely unlocked to flex freely?

 

[richfinn]

I have some Dual 80s and they are very nice tools, I was prepared to go all out on fine tooth ratchets at first but settled on keeping my older ones and just adding 2 dual 80s for times I might need fine tooth (which isn't often)

I prefer older coarse tooth MAC flexhead ratchets, they just feel right and the dimensions are correct for my hands at least

It really depends on the human operating the tool, we are all different sizes/weights/skills and ergonomics become more important if you use things frequently under pressure

 

[JBH]

Gedore’s locking flex feels almost like a Koken with 3x the tooth count. Downside is 3/8” and 1/2” drive are the same except the anvil, so the 3/8” drive is a little bigger than it perhaps needs to be.

 

[OneDollarSaab]

No one ratchet will satisfy everyone. I prefer knurled handles, no quick release, no locking flex, and tight backlash over low backdrag or high tooth count.

 

[Fedwrench]

What about the snappys that have the lock on the handle that allows it to either lock into a flexed position or completely unlocked to flex freely?

Snap on's flex head ratchet locking mechanism is an embarrassment to the brand.

The locking button is in an awkward spot. It sticks up a bit so, it's easily hit. As they age, they don't work well. I am truly disappointed in Snap on for not having a better locking flex head design.

 

[1cargarage]

Are we talking about handles or pawls (back drag)? It's unclear.