Ratchet preferance fixed or flex head

[wildstyle]

The tension on the head is adjustable via the allen screw on the side of the head.

Professional tech for the last 10 years, All my SO ratchets are non locking flex heads. My 3/8 ( most used) is the offset handle.

 

[bigfunwmu]

I'm not going to screw with his tool for him, he likes it that way.

Hmm, sounds bad when I say it like that...

 

[General Geoff]

I prefer fixed head when possible, but I have a few flex heads for when the situation requires it.

 

[ajchien]

Fixed head here.

 

[Dirty Diesels]

Only use flex head ratchets on brake calipers or other jobs that need a flex head, like everyone else a fixed head is the main used ratchet in all 4 drive sizes 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" & the 3/4" one when it's needed.

 

[gigamel]

For me it's
1/4" fixed - so compact - rarely needs flex - don't need extra leverage.
3/8" a draw
1/2" long flex - need the extra leverages and therefore the flex to clear obstacles.

A universal joint is not a good substitute for a flex head ratchet - it will just move to the side unless you support the head of the ratchet.

 

[toolmutt]

I prefer fixed. Only use flex when necessary.

 

[Jacobson]

I find flex annoying as heck, and only use mine when I absolutely need to.
Nothing beats a socket set.

 

[sk farmer]

I use my Armstrong locking flex a lot. Not more than a straight handle but a solid 1/4 to 1/3 of the time.

If Armstrong made a slightly shorter version of the current locking flex.......

 

[FMC1959]

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

Look like you need to try one and see which side of the fence you fall on.

The opinions and advice on this forum are great, but it is always advice and opinions based on personal preferences. Sometimes you ask something and the response is very one sided, but even then just because 9 out of 10 like "A", you could be the 1 out of 10 that likes "B"

This situation looks like you definitely should try one to see how you like it. (personally, I use my flex when I have to, otherwise avoid it)

 

[johndeereman]

I have fixed and flex in each size normaly i grab fixed head composite but they all have their own situation.

 

[sonvolt]

I have both and always grab a fixed unless the flex is needed

 

[toolaholic]

I use my armstrong 3/8 locking flex the most. 95% of the time in the straight locked position. It's my most used and favorite ratchet.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Another thread should be "long handle for reach or leverage".

All about preference and specific tasks it seems like here.

 

[bcradio]

Fixed all the way for me. I only use flex when needed.

This is how I look at it:
You can use a universal all the time also, but why would you unless you need it?

 

[toolaholic]

I did use the flex on my Gearwrench 84T 1/2 ratchet to turn alltrade bushing tool to press out upper control arm bushings on my dakota R/T. Used the flex cause truck was in garage and a small shoe shelf was Next to upper arm when it was swung out. Couldn't use it straight. Really cranked on it and non locking flex stayed put in its indent.

 

[chris6278]

Flex heads

 

[crewchief888]

i typically grab a long, flex head 3/8" dr.

next used is a stubby 3/8" dr with a compact head.

 

[Skin]

I never liked flex heads, then I got my dual 80 QR versions, its mostly what I use now. I still detest roto ratchets.

 

[bpjr]

My go to is normally a flex with the ball bearing/detents...but when using stubby ratchets I like fixed better.

bp

 

[Adam.C]

I use flex heads, for the length mostly. Mine are very stiff-certainly won't move on their own. When I have room, or after I've broken something loose I switch to the smallest set-up I have- often 3/8 or 1/2 stubby or T72.

 

[fordcragar]

I like SK ratchets, there are a couple of flex heads and maybe a half a dozen fixed; which are probably used more than the flex head ones. Sometimes the flex head is the one that you need, depending on the place and situation.

 

[kelpaso1]

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.

I agree completely. Most people haven't a clue how to use a flex head properly. I use SO bent handle flex heads exclusively. I haven't used a fixed head ratchet in 30 years. My neighbor sometimes comes over to fix things and he just has all kinds of trouble using my flex head ratchets. He just doesn't get it and is quite funny to watch him struggle

 

[d.mcfarland]

How does one use a flex head incorrectly?

 

[AndrewV]

How does one use a flex head incorrectly?

Idk either.
Been working in shops most my life, never seen someone not understand how to use one.
Use reg, and flex all the time.

 

[espyking83]

I've tried to like flex head's but have failed each and every time
Bought 4-sold 4.

 

[kelpaso1]

How does one use a flex head incorrectly?

Just watch someone that doesn't know how to use one

 

[cheechi]

I never liked flex heads, then I got my dual 80 QR versions, its mostly what I use now. I still detest roto ratchets.

what's the part # for those you like?

 

[tadder52]

Flex 3/8, 1/2. 1/4 all I have is a fixed and tend to cuss when I use it.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

As long as the flex is locking, it is great. Without the lock, however, or good strong detents anyway, it gets to be annoying as it changes angles on you when you don't want it to. So part of your mind is on keeping the angle fixed instead of on the real task at hand.

 

[PowderKeg]

I agree completely. Most people haven't a clue how to use a flex head properly. I use SO bent handle flex heads exclusively. I haven't used a fixed head ratchet in 30 years. My neighbor sometimes comes over to fix things and he just has all kinds of trouble using my flex head ratchets. He just doesn't get it and is quite funny to watch him struggle

How does one use a flex head incorrectly?

Idk either.
Been working in shops most my life, never seen someone not understand how to use one.
Use reg, and flex all the time.

Just watch someone that doesn't know how to use one

Ok Kelpaso, my curiosity has peaked - please describe some of the ways people struggle - and fail - to use a flex-head ratchet properly? I'll reach for one of mine when the extra length is needed or in an awkward spot, but otherwise my personal preference is for a standard ratchet. I know the frustration in trying to use a loose/floppy-jointed flex (same issue with a loose universal), but now I'm curious what some of the clueless attempts that you've witnessed are.

 

[ChevyEFI]

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.

SK had a patent on the roto-head ratchet before you were even conceived. Might want to change your username.

roto > flex-handles all day, every day.

While I am at it, there is a circular file over there in the corner for most things Craftsman.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Fixed, I only use my flex head if I have a need.

 

[durallymax]

Fixed all the way for me. I only use flex when needed.

This is how I look at it:
You can use a universal all the time also, but why would you unless you need it?

Not the same at all. A locking flex can still operate like a normal ratchet, a universal joint is always there being annoying and loose.

One other nice thing about flex is that you can break the fastener loose then pivot the handle 90* and speed the fastener off.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Gonna order a 3/8 Armstrong flex lock.Looks like a kickass unit !......just for the hell of it. I seldom work on cars so I have no need for many of the tools you guys use but I think that locking flex might see some use.I'll make sure it gets some use.
My work mostly involves light agricultural and food processing- restaurant equipment-fabrication.
I'm making a macadamia de-sheller at the moment.
I also have a 4" in 4" out 7.5 hp water pump(fish farmer)and a 3 hp sausage-meat grinder to rebuild. These sorts of things.
Far different from the normal Garage Journalist.

 

[kelpaso1]

Ok Kelpaso, my curiosity has peaked - please describe some of the ways people struggle - and fail - to use a flex-head ratchet properly? I'll reach for one of mine when the extra length is needed or in an awkward spot, but otherwise my personal preference is for a standard ratchet. I know the frustration in trying to use a loose/floppy-jointed flex (same issue with a loose universal), but now I'm curious what some of the clueless attempts that you've witnessed are.

Ok well it's kind of hard to explain. I guess it's when you need to break the bolt loose you have to have the handle in a parallel axis to the bolt. Then when you are loosening the bolt you can let the handle flex back and forth to whatever angle you need. My non mechanic buddy's will hold the handle at such an angle from the bolt to crack it loose they end up cracking their knuckles instead because they aren't holding the handle at the correct angle/plane and the socket sliped off.. It's simple grade school physics/geometry. I also use mine as a speed handle by flexing the handle straight up (when you have the room) and use it just like a speed handle.

As far as locking heads? I will never use one. When my SO one's get floppy I just call them and get a new friction ring for free and replace it.

Like I said it's hard to explain. You just have to learn I guess. Another funny thing is when I give them a wobble extension along with the flex head ratchet. It's good comedy at my friends expense.

 

[burke753]

I only own locking flex heads. 12" 3/8 Matco's and an Armstrong. 5" 3/8 drive Matco, 24" 1/2 drive Matco.

They get used all day everyday. Saves time going back and forth getting different ratchets all the time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[shampoop]

locking flex

 

[PowderKeg]

Ok well it's kind of hard to explain. I guess it's when you need to break the bolt loose you have to have the handle in a parallel axis to the bolt. Then when you are loosening the bolt you can let the handle flex back and forth to whatever angle you need. My non mechanic buddy's will hold the handle at such an angle from the bolt to crack it loose they end up cracking their knuckles instead because they aren't holding the handle at the correct angle/plane and the socket sliped off.. It's simple grade school physics/geometry. ...

Ah, I see now. It's surprising how many forget - or never learned - the basics, then again we're in a "2+2=5 and that's right as long as you feel good about it" world too.

 

[bcradio]

Not the same at all. A locking flex can still operate like a normal ratchet, a universal joint is always there being annoying and loose.

One other nice thing about flex is that you can break the fastener loose then pivot the handle 90* and speed the fastener off.

I wasn't talking about a locking flex at all... just a standard non-locking. So yes, very similar.