Snap-On flex-head maintenance?

[Applesauce]

I just got a Snap-On FLF80 - my first real flex-head ratchet. Is there anything I should look out for, maintenance-wise? Does the head wear against the handle at all? Should it be lubed? Can the pinch screw in the handle be adjusted too tight?

 

[Fast LT1]

I've seen them crack on the handle where the screw is. You can over tighten them to the point they become hard to move. No need to lube the joint. I would lubricate the gears every one in a while

 

[Skin]

I would lunatic ate the ears every one in a while

automatic spelling correction is funny.

 

[Applesauce]

automatic spelling correction is funny.

Yup. Took me a bit of staring at the keyboard to figure out that one!

Thanks!

 

[V70R]

Occasional cleaning of the pivot helps with use, just depends on how dirty your environment gets. Congrats on the purchase, and kick *** job too.

 

[CWP1616L]

Just lube the gear compartment once in awhile. You're gonna need a Torx driver for the screws. T10 I think. The correct lube is Superlube 21030 - they got it at HF.

 

[ken w.]

I've had my SO 3/8 flexheads for 20 + years and I sprayed the ears/pivots with spray lube about every couple of months.I blow them out first. Now they are starting to get a bit of slop and the flop back and forth.I guess you could say I wore them out.The are still my favorite tho.

 

[jmm]

I take all my daily ratchets home once a year, and my FHX80 -- your ratchet with a soft grip handle and locking mechanism -- I give the same treatment as the rest. Cleaned and grease, kit if necessary. The only thing unique to it I do is make sure the screw is plenty tight (I like mine a little tighter than it was new off the truck). Pretty simple -- it's a damn fine ratchet.

 

[Wakefield]

Did those of 20 years ago still have the plain pin at the pivot while the newest ones have the axle bolt? Spring washer trapped in a countersink area besides where the rear of the head fits adjacent to one of the ears of the fork? If like that when tight the shoulder of the axle bolt just snugs up against the inside ear? Locking flex different?

 

[ken w.]

Those old ratchets are just plain pins.

 

[CWP1616L]

Any of you guys know the Torx driver size on the FLF80 ?

I don't have one so I don't know.

 

[Applesauce]

Any of you guys know the Torx driver size on the FLF80 ?

I don't have one so I don't know.

Mine is a T25. Not sure if they have changed generation-on-generation, but I'm happy mine is a standard size...not T24 or something that only Snap-On would make, like the T9 on the faceplate of my TL72!

Thanks for all the tips everyone!

 

[Nanashi]

I clean mine never aside from wiping it down.