Odd-job
Well-known member
Thanks for the honest review. Am going to try my best to not lose any of my Carlyle ratchets. Seems like the new ones are somehow an expensive downgrade.
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Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
I wouldn’t say downgrade exactly. The ratcheting mechanism on them is very nice and so is the chrome.
Really, the dealbreaker (for me) is how much larger the flex joint is. On the old ratchet, you weren’t giving up much from a size perspective. For a 1/2 ratchet, I don’t think this would be much of an issue. Unfortunately, I work in a lot of tight spaces so this is an issue for me.
Really, the dealbreaker (for me) is how much larger the flex joint is. On the old ratchet, you weren’t giving up much from a size perspective. For a 1/2 ratchet, I don’t think this would be much of an issue. Unfortunately, I work in a lot of tight spaces so this is an issue for me.
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
Shoot. I’m sorry to see the new one isn’t better. I too have the old version and that’s probably my favorite ratchet. But I was really hoping the new version would be better but it appears worse. The head is high like you noted. It also appears to have poorer quality chrome. It looks like someone cut the head off a craftsman/danaher era ratchet and put it on the handle. I don’t see how they can offer this and try to price it near snap on? They will loose almost every time. The draw of old Carlyle was that it was cheaper.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Think we were all expecting the same low profile package with a higher tooth count, not that I was really desiring a higher tooth count either as the 72t seemed fine.
Guess for some the beefier ratchet might hold up better, but if you are looking for a flex head ratchet chances are access is priority #1.
I took the locked up ratchet into napa on Friday and they went ahead and ordered a new one which came in Saturday morning. Picked it up today and so far so good. This one definitely feels crisper and more positive then the locked up one ever did. Hopefully it was just a lemon that I received first.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
I'll have to look at the chrome a little more closely. To be honest, the massive head had a monopoly on my scrutiny. That's a good point about the Danaher ratchet. I don't know where these new ratchets are being sourced, but they're definitely a step down in a lot of ways. 120T isn't necessarilty a bad thing, but the old mechanism was more than sufficient.
There is NO way I'd pay full retail for this ratchet ($102). Even at 50% of that I would have a hard time spending the coin. It's just not a workable package for me. I'd pay full Snap On retail for an FHX80A before paying that for this ratchet. These days, I prefer a locking flex over a standard ratchet 99% of time. My goal was to get one in each drive size and was hoping that Carlyle would be doing an extra-long in 1/2. Those four would cover the majority of my needs. I guess that I need to shop around a bit now.
Agreed on all fronts. I'm half-tempted to take the 120T apart and photograph the internals, only to see how big the teeth are. I'll try to get a few minutes to take it apart before I get back to the store to return it.
Tynee
Well-known member
The 90T extra-long 1/2 locking flex quick release has been a great ratchet in admittedly limited use. I'd pay the $125 full asking price for it before I jumped into snappy pricing at $300+ for the SHLX80A.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
What's the part number on that? I saw the R12LFQR, but that's only like 18" long. I'm assuming there's a longer one (~25"?) that's not in the catalog?
Tynee
Well-known member
Sorry, I considered the 18" Extra-long. The R12LFQR is the one I have. Looking again now, I see the Snappy is 25+". Different class of tool, I suppose.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
No worries. I have been looking for the R12LFQR (and R14LFQR for that matter) for quite awhile. It's been out of stock for some time, replaced by these 120s.
The long-handle Snap On/Matco is kind of a meme, but I see where it would be useful. It has always perplexed me that Carlyle seemingly has/had the parts to do a 25" handle ratchet, but never decided to do so. Even Kobalt offers one now, albeit in non-locking format.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
I thought about that. There's only a few instances where I can think I'd use such a long wrench, being in that I don't spin wrenches for a living and do not work on a lift. At best, I was thinking of it serving as a "nicer" lug wrench for times when I do not have the imapct with me or doing things like control arms, wheel/spindle bearings, etc. I don't know if I can justify the Matco/Snap On price tag on that like I can with what I'd consider "daily driver" ratchets that see a lot of use.
Chrome Vanadium Cody
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Following in hopes they’ll clearance the old ones. Would like to try one but not at the prices they charge now
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Old ones are already gone aside from the 3/8 as mentioned above. The last time that I saw the 1/4 or 1/2 on sale at any price was in 2021 or so when they had all three for ~50% off. In retrospect, it seems as though they were clearing out stock for these "new" ones.
The one thing I will say about the new iteration is that the lock switch will allow for a fully unlocked ratchet. I know that was one of the complaints about the button-style locking mechanism.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Ajax made Olsas would be nice if they came in locking.
Trying to find an excuse to upgrade my 24 inch Gearwrench 84t locking flex, but am resisting the tool truck pricing.
Trying to find an excuse to upgrade my 24 inch Gearwrench 84t locking flex, but am resisting the tool truck pricing.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Quick update: Looking online and the older style of QR ratchets are in stock. I am going to pick up one here shortly I think. Debating about the new locking flex in the long version. Any updates on these from those who have picked up the new ratchet(s)?
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
I have the older style ratchets and also have seen the newer style in the stores. The older versions have much lower profile heads for tighter access in areas where it really counts
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Yeah I did a comparison a few months ago. The size is a big deal in 1/4 and on shorter handle ratchets, IMO. I have a long handle on order.
As an aside, Menards is blowing out the under hood light for $30. NAPA must be dumping stock. I have one on order and will report back.
https://www.menards.com/main/p-1642874297522096.htm
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
I don’t know if they dumping stick on everything but dang that light deal is tempting….
Tynee
Well-known member
Yeah, it's $150 through Napa.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Ton ton
Well-known member
Anyone try out the gearless Carlyle ratchets yet? They're featured on the front cover of the real Deals flyer.
signcrafter
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Thank you for the heads up. I got one waiting for me to pick up.
signcrafter
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Picked my light up today, have been out of town. Box came beat to **** which is normal for menard's special orders from my experience. I once ordered some 8' radiant base board heaters from them and it took a half dozen times showing up beat to **** for them to tell me take it or leave because they weren't going to arrive undamaged and they weren't going to order anymore for me and give me a small discount. But light wasn't damaged that I could see and first impressions are it looks good. Will have to see how it does on a car later this week.
Looks like they are sold out, kind of wishing I would have ordered 2 right away for that price. Thanks again for sharing!
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
No, but I am assuming they are similar to other gearless ratchets that have been out over the years. I have a Kobalt set that is 10+ years old and it included some spline drive sockets that have come in handy. I use the sockets more than the ratchet though. It's not a bad ratchet, but I kind of prefer feeling "notches" in tight areas so I know that the ratchet is going to engage when I try to apply torque.
Similar story here although the box was in perfect shape. Not sure about your local store but I hate how my Menards has the online pickup in the farthest corner from the entrance. It makes online pickups a complete pain.
After opening the light, I also regret not getting a second. For the price, you can't beat it. I don't think I would've paid $80 for this thing, but for the price that I paid I am more than happy.
On another note, I picked up one of the new 3/8 120T long locking flex ratchets today. That and one of the last remaining of the old style 1/4 flex heads. The head size on the locking ratchet isn't as big of a deal with the long handle, IMO. I'll probably try to pick up another one of the old style 3/8 flex ratchets for tight areas.
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Ton ton
Well-known member
Thank you for the answer!
Tynee
Well-known member
Some really good pricing on some of the basics in the new Real Deals. Socket sets and wrench sets priced similar to when I bought some 5 years ago. Looks like they have a code available for 20% $150+ unbtil 10/8, too. May not be able to combine discounts, I'm not sure.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/promotions/real-deals
https://www.napaonline.com/en/promotions/real-deals
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Not too bad, especially on the ratchets. Some of these are being sold for what's effectively cost. Looks like a good time to pick some stuff up.
I REALLY need another R38LFQR, but I've had a difficult time tracking one down since the new ratchets came out. Appears to be out of stock everywhere.
I REALLY need another R38LFQR, but I've had a difficult time tracking one down since the new ratchets came out. Appears to be out of stock everywhere.
Tynee
Well-known member
Yeah, it seems they've discontinued that one. Shame really. Good ratchet.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
I didn't notice this before, but it looks as though Carlyle has a locking 1/2" flex now that's 25" long:
A few pages back I mentioned that I picked up the Kobalt equivalent. This is on sale for almost the same price. The Kobalt will be going into my truck for changing lugs once I pick this thing up.
A few pages back I mentioned that I picked up the Kobalt equivalent. This is on sale for almost the same price. The Kobalt will be going into my truck for changing lugs once I pick this thing up.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Heads up, eBay user "purelinens" has a ton of Carlyle wrenches at a deep discount. I just picked up the complete long-handle wrench sets in SAE and Metric for 50% of the current (admittedly good) sale price.
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Tynee
Well-known member
Yeah, that's a really good price for some really good wrenches. That's less than I paid for my metric set several years ago.
You said ratchets above though, I only see wrenches. Am I missing something in my search?
bubinga
Well-known member
Nice! 7mm to 23mm! Odd though, No?
They include a 23mm and no 24mm.
I see a lot of sets skip 23mm and jump to 24mm, as I understand 23mm is not used too often.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
You're not missing anything. "Ratchets" was a typo on my part. As far as I know, that seller only is offering wrenches. How or why they got dozens of them at below cost is a mystery. I was skeptical at first, but the seller had good feedback and they arrived without issue.
bubinga
Well-known member
"Drunk On Unleaded" That's funny! (Your username} 
Heck, those prices are a No Brainer!
Heck, those prices are a No Brainer!
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Duplicate post. Ignore.
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
It's just a bad picture. Set is 6-24mm no skips. 25-32mm are available separately.