Retirement ratchet selection...

[mlo1]

At this point, my wrenching will surround motorcycles, cars, light duty trucks, and light duty machinery. My tools were purchased 35 years ago when starting a career in motorcycle and auto mechanics. I have been replacing and adding items as I am neering retirement and intend on staying busy in the shop. The ratchet environment has evolved alot. I have come up with an assortment I believe can be individually justified. The hard part on making it happen, is knowing I have wrenched a liftetime and never needed these luxuries. But, I am wrenching for enjoyment now. Thought it may prompt some "outside of the box" thinking or possibly "confirmation", with some others input. Thanks for your time!

I struggled having the image show in the text body. The Snap-On choices are THNF72, TLL72, FF80a, FL80, FLF80a, and an SL80a.

 

[richfinn]

Just go for the flex-heads, you won't really need the other non flex!!

Consider the new 72 tooth Ko-kens if you don't mind high quality Japanese tools and want to save a ton of money

 

[mlo1]

Thanks for the input richfinn.

Much of my fun wrenching will be on motorcycles. In many of those applications "through bolts with nuts" are common to engine mounts, swingarm pivots, and axles. I also do some frame building and thus setting up locating jigs, etc., in the same manner. My habits have me using a wrench in one hand and a fixed ratchet with a socket in the other in those situations. I like the idea of using the smaller 1/4" drive TLL72 in this application being it is plenty strong enough. I could see opting for locking-flex exclusively. But have used some and they just did not do it for me. The only real place I see using a flex at all (aside from an occasional universal), is doing automotive type chassis work. And in that case, I prefer the flex to be "flexable" through the available sweep of the handle, vs locked.

I have reasons for using the Snap-On brand exclusively in this particular tool selection. I will say, very few of my recently replaced career tools have been with SO.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I changed my alternator on my Ram 1ton, I consider that light duty. I used a long 1/2"72t flex head, just a Princess Auto one top line Pro-Point, $45 on special. That would be $30 US. It made the tensioner so much easier. A 3/8 and 1/4" ratchets were used as well. I'm retired, too,. Things only get tougher the longer you are retired. chuckle.

 

[anndel]

At this point, my wrenching will surround motorcycles, cars, light duty trucks, and light duty machinery. My tools were purchased 35 years ago when starting a career in motorcycle and auto mechanics. I have been replacing and adding items as I am neering retirement and intend on staying busy in the shop. The ratchet environment has evolved alot. I have come up with an assortment I believe can be individually justified. The hard part on making it happen, is knowing I have wrenched a liftetime and never needed these luxuries. But, I am wrenching for enjoyment now. Thought it may prompt some "outside of the box" thinking or possibly "confirmation", with some others input. Thanks for your time!

I struggled having the image show in the text body. The Snap-On choices are THNF72, TLL72, FF80a, FL80, FLF80a, and an SL80a.

Go for it. If you can, go to a truck and hold these to see if they feel "right" in your hands.

 

[pontoon]

I have standard handle flex and non-flex in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2”. I also have the long non-flex 1/4. I mostly use the flex handle ratchets. I also just got the long handle flex 3/8 which I suspect will become my go-to over the regular 3/8 flex. It’s all personal preference though and what you’re working on. I’ve been working on cars and trucks lately so that’s why I want the longer 3/8.

On motorcycles I think I would be ok with just the regular 1/4, 1/4 flex (no long handle regular), 3/8 flex, and 1/2 flex. I work on dual sports and dirt bikes so YMMV.

I think it’s largely personal preference

 

[mlo1]

Thanks to Downwindtracker, anndel, and pontoon for chiming in.

As mentioned, specific tool choices are certainly subjective based on one's personal preferance. I am likely guilty in overthinking this. There were a couple ratchets I have wanted simply to replace existing ones with newer head designs like the SL80a and THNF72. Then a couple flex ratchets in specific lengths I had not owned, like the FLF80a and FF80a. The next two ratchets, FL80 and TLL72 were picked to go along with my new enhanced selection 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets. With the foot-pounds these new ratchets are capeable of handling, I am hoping I find it nice to have a choice of using smaller lighter tools. Sort of like fishing with modern light-weight quality gear. Definitely a luxury and not neccesary, but sounded fun.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Anytime ratchets come up I mention the Bahco 6950. It is my go to 1/4" ratchet. I love that tiny little thing. And if it ever goes missing it will be replaced. For small stuff I don't think it can be beat and I do have a snap on 1/4 too.

 

[Ralf11]

Thanks to Downwindtracker, anndel, and pontoon for chiming in.

As mentioned, specific tool choices are certainly subjective based on one's personal preferance. I am likely guilty in overthinking this. There were a couple ratchets I have wanted simply to replace existing ones with newer head designs like the SL80a and THNF72. Then a couple flex ratchets in specific lengths I had not owned, like the FLF80a and FF80a. The next two ratchets, FL80 and TLL72 were picked to go along with my new enhanced selection 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets. With the foot-pounds these new ratchets are capeable of handling, I am hoping I find it nice to have a choice of using smaller lighter tools. Sort of like fishing with modern light-weight quality gear. Definitely a luxury and not neccesary, but sounded fun.

you sound like a metal handle type guy

I've used them all my life and just never pick the comfort grip stuff...

 

[ovilla]

Once I started using the snap on comfort grip handles that’s all I wanted to use going forward. I still have some regular all metal ones too, which come in handy when using a cheater bar. Anyway, the dual 80 ratchets are just so nice. They make weekend wrenching a true pleasure.

 

[marineman]

Personally I would skip the swivel ratchet. I have one i tried really hard to like but there's just never a time when I have the space to use it how its intended that I dont just grab a gun. That said I work on different stuff than you so maybe it will work better for you.

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[richfinn]

Thanks for the input richfinn.

Much of my fun wrenching will be on motorcycles. In many of those applications "through bolts with nuts" are common to engine mounts, swingarm pivots, and axles. I also do some frame building and thus setting up locating jigs, etc., in the same manner. My habits have me using a wrench in one hand and a fixed ratchet with a socket in the other in those situations. I like the idea of using the smaller 1/4" drive TLL72 in this application being it is plenty strong enough. I could see opting for locking-flex exclusively. But have used some and they just did not do it for me. The only real place I see using a flex at all (aside from an occasional universal), is doing automotive type chassis work. And in that case, I prefer the flex to be "flexable" through the available sweep of the handle, vs locked.

I have reasons for using the Snap-On brand exclusively in this particular tool selection. I will say, very few of my recently replaced career tools have been with SO.

Agreed not a fan of locking flex, That said I hardly ever use my long standard ratchets anymore (vehicle tech), I just use the long flex heads (non locking), I like standard length non flex if I have to do delicate stuff.

 

[magicrat]

I started with regular ratchets and then got flex heads. If I could go back I never would’ve got the regular ratchets, flex heads do everything.

 

[mlo1]

Once I started using the snap on comfort grip handles that’s all I wanted to use going forward. I still have some regular all metal ones too, which come in handy when using a cheater bar. Anyway, the dual 80 ratchets are just so nice. They make weekend wrenching a true pleasure.

Very nice set-up ovilla. Completely agree with the feel of the dual 80 heads.

you sound like a metal handle type guy

I've used them all my life and just never pick the comfort grip stuff...

Ralf11, I as well have an apreciation for the bare handles. Though I do have and understand the afinity for a large forgiving grip. Inside my shops atmosphere, I pay particular attention to the environment as to how things present or draw attention. I want the mostly vintage mechanical subects to dominate, and everything else to subtly represent its purpose. Its a continual process when often buying modern equipment and properly going about changing its colors, badging, etc. to not be so blingy. It drives my wife crazy.

 

[MJK]

I agree with these guys. A long flex head is the pick of the litter.

I'd be perfectly happy with the following covering all sizes

1/2 - SF80A and a 24" breaker bar
3/8 - FLF80A, and a TF72 converted to 3/8
1/4 - TRF72 and a small SK round head

 

[mlo1]

Personally I would skip the swivel ratchet. I have one i tried really hard to like but there's just never a time when I have the space to use it how its intended that I dont just grab a gun. That said I work on different stuff than you so maybe it will work better for you.

marineman, you are correct in that I have a specific task the swivel seem to excel in. I am always taking engine case covers off motorcycles. The small hardware just needs to be broke free then run out. Lot of guys like T-handles for this situation. I have them and never use them. With the swivel head, once the hardware is cracked loose you stand the handle up and spin it out like a nut driver. There are other uses around the tight quarters of a motorcycle, but after years of using a typical ratchet and socket the swivel head set-up just seemed natural for the task.

 

[mlo1]

I agree with these guys. A long flex head is the pick of the litter.

I'd be perfectly happy with the following covering all sizes

1/2 - SF80A and a 24" breaker bar
3/8 - FLF80A, and a TF72 converted to 3/8
1/4 - TRF72 and a small SK round head

Great list MJK. I know guys that will only buy flex head ratchets (like magicrat also mentions above). I have been on the fence between your mentioned SF80a (~18"), and the SL80a (15") I listed. My go-to 1/2" breaker bar is 18 inches and has always served me. Thanks for the input and thought prompting.

 

[BrandoJames]

Just go for the flex-heads, you won't really need the other non flex!!

Respectfully disagree, although I love flex-heads. I think you need a mix of flex-head and fixed-head ratchets. I recently had an incredibly difficult time removing the PTO clutch from my John Deere riding mower. My impacts failed, my flex-heads failed...it was my Matco 88 fixed head 1/2" ratchet that finally broke the bolt loose.

When you have a fastener that's at an awkward angle, then flex-head all the way. But when you need straight-on brute force, go fixed-head.

 

[richfinn]

Respectfully disagree, although I love flex-heads. I think you need a mix of flex-head and fixed-head ratchets. I recently had an incredibly difficult time removing the PTO clutch from my John Deere riding mower. My impacts failed, my flex-heads failed...it was my Matco 88 fixed head 1/2" ratchet that finally broke the bolt loose.

When you have a fastener that's at an awkward angle, then flex-head all the way. But when you need straight-on brute force, go fixed-head.

The odd thing is breaker bars are technically flexhead and are generally considered the go to for really tight fasteners, but I totally get it, different people different tools

 

[Ralf11]

Yup, different people like different tools.

And the OP is not flexible on the flex heads

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I have both flex heads and non flex they get used about the same amount I also have locking flex heads too which get used a lot. Mine are from Matco though I wouldn’t buy Snap-on locking flex head because the lock part gets in the way and gets caught and breaks off. All of them have their place like I said I use all almost the same amount. So I say get whatever you prefer and like I work on everything from small engines to farm equipment and motorcycles and cars and trucks and whatever so I have used them all.


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