Snap On FHX80B

[Buckgnarly]

Someone posted this on the new tools, inspired me to grab one. Interesting size that fills a blank that probably is not NEEDED, but could come in handy some day.

Did SO ever make a "normal length" locking head like this before the new locking design?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I don't know, but I've been interested in one to replace the tekton standard length flex on my cart.

How's the flex mechanism?

 

[Buckgnarly]

I don't know, but I've been interested in one to replace the tekton standard length flex on my cart.

How's the flex mechanism?

I like it. I never HATED the other button style, but it could be a pain because it was so small. The Matco style is nice, but I never felt it was smooth.
This newer snap on is smoother than the Matco, but is obviously more bulky than the old button style. I was expecting this ratchet to be shorter like the orange hard handle in the pic, but seems to be a more "normal" length.
It may very well become my go to ratchet, especially for tighter spots like engine work when 1/4 is too small.

 

[demarpaint]

I grabbed the FX80B on Friday from my SO guy. The head is a bit on the thick side but I will put it to good use.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Is this a case where a 1/4" flex body with the 3/8" anvil would be better? Seems like these ratchets would be for some tight spaces so minimizing the overall footprint would be best. In the picture is what is available on the website. I don't it's best though, so the head kit would need to be installed on the users preferred 1/4" ratchet (plain, comfort grip, hard handle).

 

[Buckgnarly]

Is this a case where a 1/4" flex body with the 3/8" anvil would be better? Seems like these ratchets would be for some tight spaces so minimizing the overall footprint would be best. In the picture is what is available on the website. I don't it's best though, so the head kit would need to be installed on the users preferred 1/4" ratchet (plain, comfort grip, hard handle).

Those have their places, but this is a really strong ratchet that will not flex at the wrong time. Not everything is headspace limited, but sometimes length limited plus locking flex is soooo much better when really straining on it.
I have a couple 3/8 in 1/4 bodies and all of them are not the most confidence inspiring at times.

 

[d.mcfarland]

locking flex is soooo much better when really straining on it.

Absolutely agree!

Edit: Wait, how much can you strain on a 5 inch long ratchet? Hitting the gym a lot recently? Not sure that argument is valid until the length of the ratchet increases past a certain length.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You would be astounded the flex and "shake" of the flex joint you can achieve on a 5" ratchet when that force is all that's separating you from your prize. In tight areas the lash of the mechanism, slop of the fastener/socket interface, and this flex can make such a ratchet useless as they begin to eat up the available swing arc.

As Buck said, with high amounts of force regardless of handle length, a non locking flex can be stressful to use. Grab a small 1/4 flex ratchet, and place the head in the vise. The whole head, so the drive mechanism isn't at play. Push/pull on the handle until your arm shakes from maintaining the force, then slightly flex the handle. It will try to suddenly pivot and drag your arm with it. Now with an 18" flex head I have resting on my shoulders as I attempt to stand up and break the bolt free? Yes the sudden changes due to a non locking flex will be much more violent. But even with a flex head 1/4 ratchet these forces can cause rounding due to poor socket engagement, completely slipping off the work, and smashed knuckles.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Absolutely agree!

Edit: Wait, how much can you strain on a 5 inch long ratchet? Hitting the gym a lot recently? Not sure that argument is valid until the length of the ratchet increases past a certain length.

Throw a deep socket or extension on and it can roll off the fastener easily enough. The locking makes it much more steady in my experience.

 

[demarpaint]

You would be astounded the flex and "shake" of the flex joint you can achieve on a 5" ratchet when that force is all that's separating you from your prize. In tight areas the lash of the mechanism, slop of the fastener/socket interface, and this flex can make such a ratchet useless as they begin to eat up the available swing arc.

As Buck said, with high amounts of force regardless of handle length, a non locking flex can be stressful to use. Grab a small 1/4 flex ratchet, and place the head in the vise. The whole head, so the drive mechanism isn't at play. Push/pull on the handle until your arm shakes from maintaining the force, then slightly flex the handle. It will try to suddenly pivot and drag your arm with it. Now with an 18" flex head I have resting on my shoulders as I attempt to stand up and break the bolt free? Yes the sudden changes due to a non locking flex will be much more violent. But even with a flex head 1/4 ratchet these forces can cause rounding due to poor socket engagement, completely slipping off the work, and smashed knuckles.

Good points. Snap On might have taken that into consideration, and build the wrench to handle just that.