Ratchet preferance fixed or flex head

[SK-Mike]

In general, which style do you find most comfortable, the flex head ratchets or the one piece fixed head?

Is a universal joint a good substitute for a flex head ratchet? I have 3 USA Craftsman flex head ratchets, but find myself using my standard fixed head Craftsman ratchet most of the time. It just feels more rigid and solid.

 

[unslow1]

I don't use a flex head unless I need to.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

My go to ratchets have been my Gearwrench flex heads (60 teeth and 84 teeth) for years now. I have standard Snap-On Dual 80s, but I reach for the flex ratchets first.

I just bought a Kobalt 3/8" Roto Ratchet, and haven't had much of chance to use it yet, but so far I am a fan of the Roto.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Unless its a locking flex, the wobble and movement under any torque is a nuisance to me.

The flex head has its uses and there really isn't a substitute.

 

[DodgeMech]

snappy FHLF80 is my go to...once you get used to the floppy head, it is damned hard to go back to a normal ratchet

 

[not-required]

My go to ratchets in all drive size are all flex head expect for 3/4"

 

[Bullitt427]

Go to is flex head for all 3 drives.

Josh

 

[92integra]

flex.... just sad now think about all the money i wasted on non flexers that are collecting dust......................... **** now i take that back i still rock my t72 way harder then i do my flex head version of it, but its so compact so i no need flexy.

 

[bob15]

Cannot stand flex heads. Have two Snappy flex heads that I have used twice in 3 years.

 

[toufue_yang17]

Flex head. It can cover more areas that a straight cannot do.

 

[BirdMobile]

I've recently become a HUGE fan of the Armstrong locking flex head ratchets for all-around use. For smaller fasteners that are in positions that can be "spun out", I've always preferred roto-head ratchets.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I go flex head first all the time now. Not sure when the last time I used a fixed head was or what for. I like the flexibility......hehe...see what I did there.

 

[92integra]

man maybe i need to try a decent roto but i tried and hf one and it really just didnt cut it for me.... if im able to use the roto in the up right position "like a screw driver" i could have already got the job done with an impact IMHO.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I go fixed when possible, but flex are invaluable. A universal is definitely not a replacement for a flex; I find them to be a pain in the *** and use them as little as possible.

 

[CobraRed]

Locking flex

 

[countryroad82]

Fixed for me. Flex heads have gotten me hurt too many times now I have a locking flex from SO but I still grab a fixed ratchet.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

man maybe i need to try a decent roto but i tried and hf one and it really just didnt cut it for me.... if im able to use the roto in the up right position "like a screw driver" i could have already got the job done with an impact IMHO.

The Kobalt comfort grip one sold through Cripe for $16 is surprisingly nice. Not sure how much I like the grip, but the action is really smooth, very little backdrag, and so far haven't needed to hold the drive end when switching directions. Soaked it overnight in ATF and it's much quieter now. I like it WAY more than the HF rotos that I messed with in the store.

 

[Hopalong604]

Snap on Flex head for 1/4 3/8 & 1/2. All my fixed heads are just collecting dust.

 

[SK-Mike]

Looks like a pretty even mix of flex and fixed ratchet users so far.

 

[theknurl]

working on motorcycles........1/4'' FLEX

 

[RustnGrease]

I've only owned fixed head ratchets so far, but i'm shortly going to buy a locking flex snappy to try em out.

 

[Zeroek]

Hate flex unless It's needed. I use a Cornwell long ratchet that's non flex. Not even fine tooth and it works great for so much.

 

[BirdMobile]

I've only owned fixed head ratchets so far, but i'm shortly going to buy a locking flex snappy to try em out.

Look into the Armstrong locking flex ratchets. I was originally thinking Snap On, but after messing with one, I realized that I didn't like the button being on the handle like that. It seems like it would be too easy to scrape off in the right circumstances. The Armstrong mechanism seema much more robust.

 

[Askme42]

I've recently become a HUGE fan of the Armstrong locking flex head ratchets for all-around use. For smaller fasteners that are in positions that can be "spun out", I've always preferred roto-head ratchets.

Love my armstrongs they are my go to ratchets. If I'm not torquing anything too much I leave the locking mechanism unlocked.

 

[lightning02]

I have both. I prefer fixed as a go to ratchet. Maybe when I get the locking Armstrongs next year that will change my mind lol

 

[Bruce57]

I grab the flex. Its comfortable in most positions.

 

[DodgeMech]

Look into the Armstrong locking flex ratchets. I was originally thinking Snap On, but after messing with one, I realized that I didn't like the button being on the handle like that. It seems like it would be too easy to scrape off in the right circumstances. The Armstrong mechanism seema much more robust.

i'll say i've never owned the armstrong/matco locking flexers, but after using co workers', i do prefer it to the snappy locking flex...that damn switch just is an eye sore and is in the way...

 

[cheechi]

I don't use a flex head unless I need to.

Hate flex unless It's needed.

That's how I do it. Fixed first, roto second if I can get it to cooperate, and if not the 120xp flex if I need it. Sometimes I'll get a wrench before the flex head but not always and of course not always possible.

 

[1950mercury]

Fixed

 

[MRunabout]

I have Craftsman RP and Snappy fixed and Snappy and HF flex. I never go for my fixed ratchets and often times lose them only to be randomly found while rummaging for other items.

 

[Art From De Leon]

My 'go-to' ratchet is a 3/8" drive bent handle, Snap on, with the black screwdriver style grip.

 

[zhome888]

Fixed

 

[2oolhound]

I don't use a flex head unless I need to.

+1

 

[03silvergt]

Been wrenching professionally for 3 years now. Haven't used a fixed head ratchet in 3 years.

If you know how to use a flex head properly you wont hurt yourself with it no matter how much torque you put on it. Non locking flex head snap on are the only ratchets I own.

 

[66dave]

I have both and always reach for my flex...

 

[durallymax]

I prefer locking flex heads. Never use fixed head ratchets anymore. Non locking have their place as well but I like having the option to lock.

Matco 88 locking flex are my go to.

1/4":6"
3/8":12"
1/2":24"

Also have 3/8 stubby flex with detents for flex.

My next choice are my zyklops in 1/4 and 3/8.

 

[Exceller8]

Fixed

 

[dirtydogintex]

1/4, 3/8, 1/2 non-locking flex except when a cheater pipe's needed

3/4 fixed

 

[nicksnothereman]

In general, which style do you find most comfortable, the flex head ratchets or the one piece fixed head?

Is a universal joint a good substitute for a flex head ratchet? I have 3 USA Craftsman flex head ratchets, but find myself using my standard fixed head Craftsman ratchet most of the time. It just feels more rigid and solid.

Fixed head.

Space wise a joint wouldn't be the same (obviously). There's a lot of options hanging around for space issues, depends on what you keep on hand and how you work. If you buy cheap you can keep a lot of the "cheat" tools around and most of the cheap stuff is decent quality wise; unfortunately (for me at least) most of it is wrench based (socket caps, xtreme access socket sets, wrench connectors). A simple breaker bar will also get an angle similar to a flex head; it's just easier sometimes to have something that will ratchet especially if you're reaching to get to a bolt.

 

[bigfunwmu]

I like the non-flex heads for 95% of what I do. Guy I work with loves his snappy 3/8 flex head. I can't stand that thing, head is too floppy with deep well sockets or long allens.