Snap On 3/8" flex head swap

[gdocktor3]

I have a spare 3/8" dual 80 flex head that I'd like to use on an 15-18" breaker bar. Since the breaker bar will have to be ground down a bit to accept the head, I'm not about to drop $80 on a brand new one. I figured I'd pick up one of the HF 17" bars, but wanted to know if the pins are the same size? I don't want the head to have play. Anyone know? Better yet, has anyone put a dual 80 head on vintage USA made breaker? Thanks

 

[ZBrink]

You could sell your flex head on eBay then buy a used Snap-On flex head ratchet from eBay as well. That would be far easier unless of course you really want to take on this custom project?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[ecotec]

Snap-on needs a flex-head version of the FLL80.

 

[Infinia]

HF 17" bars, but wanted to know if the pins are the same size? I don't want the head to have play. Anyone know? Better yet, has anyone put a dual 80 head on vintage USA made breaker? Thanks

Id only consider 1/2" drive for those final lengths 20", unless you love playing around with the pin joints E.g. super floppy. AFAIK HF has had multiple vendors on 3/8 breaker bars.
agree w/ above, be better selling a SO tool & buying what you want.

 

[MN_Runner]

I have a spare 3/8" dual 80 flex head that I'd like to use on an 15-18" breaker bar. Since the breaker bar will have to be ground down a bit to accept the head, I'm not about to drop $80 on a brand new one. I figured I'd pick up one of the HF 17" bars, but wanted to know if the pins are the same size? I don't want the head to have play. Anyone know? Better yet, has anyone put a dual 80 head on vintage USA made breaker? Thanks

It will work. I have done this without any issue. Just make sure your spring spacer is more open to get more friction.

 

[gdocktor3]

It will work. I have done this without any issue. Just make sure your spring spacer is more open to get more friction.

I don't have the spring or pin, but I have fixed floppy flex heads by using lock washers. In my experiences the lock washers provide more tension anyways. What did you put your head on?

 

[gdocktor3]

You could sell your flex head on eBay then buy a used Snap-On flex head ratchet from eBay as well. That would be far easier unless of course you really want to take on this custom project?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

All I have is the head. I figured if I put $20 into my own "custom" XL 3/8" ratchet and it worked I'd be happy. Of course I don't really need a 3/8" ratchet that long, but since I have the spare head, why not...

 

[MN_Runner]

I don't have the spring or pin, but I have fixed floppy flex heads by using lock washers. In my experiences the lock washers provide more tension anyways. What did you put your head on?

I was not precise. I used the lock washer that came with the flex head ratchet. That lock washer on the flex head can be spread open to achieve desired friction with the breaker bar length of your choice. It was a simple swap.

 

[gdocktor3]

I was not precise. I used the lock washer that came with the flex head ratchet. That lock washer on the flex head can be spread open to achieve desired friction with the breaker bar length of your choice. It was a simple swap.

You did it to a HF breaker bar though?

 

[MN_Runner]

You did it to a HF breaker bar though?

Matco 3/8" 15" breaker bar. I am sure HF will work too.

 

[shockwave]

I have a spare 3/8" dual 80 flex head that I'd like to use on an 15-18" breaker bar. Since the breaker bar will have to be ground down a bit to accept the head, I'm not about to drop $80 on a brand new one. I figured I'd pick up one of the HF 17" bars, but wanted to know if the pins are the same size? I don't want the head to have play. Anyone know? Better yet, has anyone put a dual 80 head on vintage USA made breaker? Thanks

You will need to file down at the joint of the head the spot opposite spring had to do this with my hard handle 18 inch I made from a breaker bar with the length it's not as easily engaging with tooth though great in high tension like serpentine belt or caliper brackets but be weary not to overdue since it's 3/8 where 1/2 drive is recommended mostly on this size

 

[gdocktor3]

Ya I was interested in making it more for the long reach aspect, not leverage. I was in the garage earlier and saw my pos stubby Craftsman ratchet and thought maybe I'll pick up a stubby flex head and put the dual 80 on there. Unfortunately the Cman has the ball and detents so the dual 80 head wouldn't work.