Recommendation: Looking for replacement 3/8" LOCKING Flex Head Ratchet

[Model A Fan]

I'm looking to replace my Craftsman flex head ratchet wrench because when I use it, the wrench flexes and the socket slips off, the ratchet will flop to another spot on the flex area and then I have to totally reset everything. What I'd like to see is some sub $60 options, as I can just go to Harbor Freight for the G2 Icon if all else fails.

I'd like some opinions and reviews from those who use them regularly. I don't wrench as often (no longer driving Jeeps, just a Toyota ). BUT I'd like a nice one that will handle some use and abuse (maybe the occasional "yeet" ). It needs to lock the flex head and be at least 15"+ or longer. Thanks!

 

[Torque&Recoil]

Yeah, I'm with you on the problem of non-locking flex heads flopping around. I do not like those things.

I have an Armstrong and also a GearWrench in the locking flex head styles, 3/8 drive. Not sure if either one of them is 15" long, but they're "fairly" long. I do kinda prefer the Armstrong, but there is nothing wrong with the GearWrench. Oh, FWIW, my GearWrench is the 90, not the 120 - they seem to have different locking mechanisms (lever vs button). Lever works well - I have no experience with the button.

I have to share that when the ratchet gets too long - you don't use it very much because it becomes clumsy. I probably use my shorter ratchets 30 or 40 times more often than the long ones. When I really need more torque, I pick up the 24" 1/2" drive breaker bar.

 

[teufel666]

for low cost I like the Gearwrench in 84 tooth. They were just part of Amz prime day with 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 for 70 bucks.

These were standard length if that matters and can be run in locked or unlocked. They are very similar to the new Icon G2.

 

[KnurledNut]

Capri.
https://capritools.com/shop/90-tooth-locking-flex-head-soft-grip-ratchets/

Powerbuilt Pro Tech isn’t locking but has a tight detented pivot.
https://www.powerbuilt.com/products...13lYXGmuuBdeRFusAiNN3Pe1-iebx0-yZRjX-wDNFZDvF

 

[Model A Fan]

Thank you guys for the recommendations. I will pick one of these up shortly!

 

[Shoreline_]

When I was a younger I bought my first flex head ratchet. A snapon FLF80. I hated it at first. Always changing position when I tried to put some force behind it. In a year I bought the Matco BFR128LF. I used that for a long time. Almost sold the snappy here. Then I sorta started using it one week and I loved it. So I don't really have too many locking flex anymore. In fact my fav ratchet is my Snapon F732. Coincidentally they also have the worst locking mechanism. The Matco mechanism is my favorite style.

 

[zendriver]

For a couple of years now I have had a sloppy old Thorsen flex head 3/8, kind of comes in handy, fairly often.

Recently in the stores, I played with the demo Icon locking flex ratchet ($70 but on sale) thinking "damn, is this just an impulse buy?"

Then I used the Thorsen flopping around in a tight spot, thinking "damn!"

 

[dcoleman88]

I recently got a Matco BFR128LF from EBAY for $70, advertised as Used but looks to be new. The Icon looks to be a good choice if you need it now and have a HF nearby.

 

[zimman]

I hate them. Decades working on cars, trucks and race cars and hardly ever use one. They are famous for the speed ratcheting of a nut or bold when you tilt the head to the 90* position. LOL
Still have my craftsman flex head with a cracked handle. Useless. LOL
Matco solid and HF solid are the go to.
Zim

 

[Callelle]

I'm pretty stuck with my Matcos, but I grabbed the Icon 1/4" locking flex head and I'm pretty happy with that too.

 

[dnschmidt]

I find locking flex heads to be much less useful than I imagined they would be as I always seem to use them in the fully locked (meaning straight) position where a non-flex would do just as well. The so called "floppy" flex head I find far more useful (favorite being the Williams old school B-54) as I can use it as a spinner and it adjusts instantly to whatever angle I need.

 

[CGarage]

Gearwrench 90t.