shopping for a locking flex ratchet

[MoellerMotorsports]

I have the Pittsburgh pro 3/8 long flex head ratchet from hf and it's actually alright until the head gets loose and you can't tighten it up anymore. I use it on a daily basis and it's really it's starting to piss me off. So I've set out to buy a better quality locking flex ratchet. I've been happy with some gearwrench tools that I've bought. Considered the matcos but I've tried them out before and they seem decent but would put a decent dent in the wallet. Im not one to worry about COO, if the tool works the way it's supposed to I don't care where it came from. Recommendations?

 

[turbodave]

Armstrong is what I have, pretty much the same as the matco but a few dollars cheaper

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.p...-8-drive-armstrong-flex-ratchet-88-tooth.html

 

[fivespdcat]

If you liked the Matco, then the natural choice is the Armstrong Maxx ratchet. A lot cheaper and basically the same ratchet.

 

[iScream]

The one on my short list right now is the Armstrong 88 tooth. 11-994

 

[1950mercury]

Try an Armstrong they make the matco. I think gearwrench just started making a locking flex as well.

 

[Fedwrench]

Avoiding the tool truck brands, here are three choices:

Armstrong MAXX locking flexhead ratchet very similar to Matco.

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-drive-armstrong-flex-ratchet-88-tooth.html

Gearwrench locking flexhead ratchet. very similar to Armstrong and Matco but, imported. find the best price on Ebay or amazon available with or without comfort grip. comfort grip model longer.

http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench_news_release

Lastly, Carlyle from Napa

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...-Flex-Locking-3-8-/_/R-CHQR38LFLQR_0438142640

 

[Hiball]

Unless your needing 24" or need a comfort grip I would go with the Armstrong over the GW, I own the 24" GW and the locking mechanism isn't near as tight as the Armstong/matco version.

 

[AmishFury]

also check ebay... used matco can be had fairly cheap

 

[MoellerMotorsports]

I forgot to add that I like the longer flex ratchets around the 14 inch mark. I took a look at the Armstrong look like a good ratchet for a fair price but they're 11.5 inches. Does Armstrong make a cushion grip model that's maybe a but longer?

 

[Fedwrench]

I forgot to add that I like the longer flex ratchets around the 14 inch mark. I took a look at the Armstrong look like a good ratchet for a fair price but they're 11.5 inches. Does Armstrong make a cushion grip model that's maybe a but longer?

Nope. The Gearwrench locking flex head with comfort grip would be the longest one of the three I posted.

 

[bcradio]

Is the matco longer than the Armstrong?

 

[M6erfan]

I just picked up the Carlyle 1/4" locking flex and I like it so far...

 

[Ign]

Carlyle

 

[Tim37]

I was once a big fan of the Marco flexheads with the detents but the so dual 80s have me now. If u use them daily I would buy a higher end ratchet its worth the money. Also the so non locking have a spring in the handle that holds tention so they don't get floppy like some of the cheaper brands

 

[AmishFury]

Is the matco longer than the Armstrong?

the matco is listed as 12" overall length but i find what matco's site lists for overall length and actual overall length are a bit different... my 24" locking flex 1/2" drive (chrome handle) is closer to 27" my 11" fixed head 3/8" drive (comfort grip) is right at 12"

their site lists the overall length for the chrome and comfort grips as the same... can't tell you if there is any additional length from the grip handles myself as i've never seen the 2 side by side

i will say that the locking flex 3/8" from snap-on is listed on their site as less than 12" and the non-locking dual 80 long handle flex with comfort grip (FHLF80) measures out just under 14" overall

 

[rdog422]

these are great

https://www.pricefalls.com/product/...LLSv_7FCInnuXCveiE6zEhR5MkqcEi5uAsRoCaLnw_wcB

 

[maxpower_hd]

Nope. The Gearwrench locking flex head with comfort grip would be the longest one of the three I posted.

This is why I ended up with the GW myself. I've had it for about two months and use it all the time. So far so good. I don't really care about the cushion grip but the length is what I like. And the head is pretty narrow so it fits in a lot of places my Crapsman one would not. And the higher tooth count is a huge plus in tight areas as well.

 

[Dave455]

KoKen are very good, especially for more specialised things like locking flex ratchets!

Their ratchet mechanism is very tough, and they offer several styles of handle - probably more variations than Snap On!

Prices are reasonable too! Probably the best value out there at the mo!

 

[PJNJ]

I have the Armstrong and it is very good. I would have bought it sooner if I knew how good it is.

 

[dutchgray]

I recently got the Armstrong in 1/2" drive, and its a good choice, will get the 3/8" at some point as well.

 

[mcmtech]

I've got the gearwrench soft handles ones. They don't lock, but the detents work well enough. The length, thin head profile and the fact they aren't quick release with a button are very nice. High tooth count as well. Use them daily professionally.

 

[popparoach]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KHZHI76/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wakefield]

Does the HF have a spring washer inside the fork aside the works? Can it be replaced with a stiff lockwasher from a hardware store? (If trying to take the joint apart put it inside of a Baggie or piece of clear wrap as things might jump out when you take it apart after removing the bolt.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Armstrong gets my vote!

 

[toolmutt]

I really like my Armstrong.