Snapon Multi-Position Ratchets

BarrelRoll · Oct 13, 2022

I've been eying a 3/8" drive multi-position ratchet on the truck for a couple months now thinking it was a gimmick and said something to my driver about it. His response was several of his customers have made it their go to ratchet though I still wasn't convinced. I finally gave in one day when a pretty power blue multi-position matching the rest of my ratchets was sitting on the sale table retailing at $202 with $50.50 off. Today was my first day back at work with the ratchet and I grabbed it to change the starter on a diesel powered fire water pump. It's in a bad spot without much room and horrible access so I gave the ratchet a try. I changed the angle to the angle in the picture and wah lah it I was able to get a great swing on the ratchet getting it out rather quickly compared to fighting a normal 3/8" ratchet. I'm thinking the multi position we be replacing my non flex head long handle 3/8" ratchet when I do throw 3/8" stuff in my tool bag (80% of the time I use 1/2" stuff at work). They also have them in 1/4" on the truck though I can't find the 1/4" version online. A quick google search also shows similar versions from gearwench/ apex ratchet, Carlyle, and several others. I'll report back if/ when I break it.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...Multi-Position-Ratchet-(Power-Blue)/FHD80MPMB

Ton ton · Oct 13, 2022

What color is the handle? I assume black but it's a bit hard to tell in your picture.

2ndGearRubber · Oct 13, 2022

I bought the 1/4 drive, and just can't find a rhythm with it. I thought it would be a game changer but I can't seem to "need" it.

Snapped-off · Oct 13, 2022

2ndGearRubber said:
I bought the 1/4 drive, and just can't find a rhythm with it. I thought it would be a game changer but I can't seem to "need" it.

It only takes 1 weird job to be a lifesaver though right?

908Jim · Oct 13, 2022

I bought a 1/2 drive indexing head ratchet ~15 or so years ago for a song and a dance off the snap-on truck and I never used it. It sat in my drawer because it always felt unbalanced and awkward. Ended up selling it on Ebay for nearly twice what I paid for it.

It always felt like a solution looking for a problem, but I guess they are popular now, given the backorder.

johninct · Oct 13, 2022

I bought a Harbor Freight one and have not used it yet. My plan is to buy a HF one and if it works good, then buy the Snap-On one. I did that with the 1/4" flex Round head ratchet.. I also bought the HF 3/8" flex round head ratchet and it hasn't been used yet either.

BarrelRoll · Oct 13, 2022

Ton ton said:
What color is the handle? I assume black but it's a bit hard to tell in your picture.

Power blue. Snapon tools ending in mb have the blue handles.

Mytoolsupply · Oct 13, 2022

2ndGearRubber said:
I bought the 1/4 drive, and just can't find a rhythm with it. I thought it would be a game changer but I can't seem to "need" it.

Glad I'm not the only one, I've had mine a little over a year now and still out of habit I always seem to grab the flex head ratchet

Ton ton · Oct 13, 2022

BarrelRoll said:
Power blue. Snapon tools ending in mb have the blue handles.

Thank you.

purplezr2 · Oct 13, 2022

BarrelRoll said:
Power blue. Snapon tools ending in mb have the blue handles.

Seems odd that it appears to be the same as what they call Midnight Blue

mv213 · Oct 13, 2022

purplezr2 said:
Seems odd that it appears to be the same as what they call Midnight Blue

It’s the same but this one has moar power!!!

Zewnten · Oct 13, 2022

I used a HF version and in plumbing/hydraulics it can be a life saver, get a bit more swing or fit it to start breaking a fitting loose. But not my go to most times, the thickness of the handle would get in the way as much as anything.

charbar · Oct 13, 2022

2ndGearRubber said:
I bought the 1/4 drive, and just can't find a rhythm with it. I thought it would be a game changer but I can't seem to "need" it.

I did the exact same with the 3/8". Bought it awhile back thinking it would be handy as **** but I haven't used it once. Pretty sure that I come up with a different approach to get a bolt or nut off with a different tool before I even remember I have this ratchet that could work. But that's what a lifetime of improvising does instead of always having the perfect tool for the job every time.

BarrelRoll · Oct 13, 2022

purplezr2 said:
Seems odd that it appears to be the same as what they call Midnight Blue

It's been power blue according to the snapon website. The joke is it's matco blue.

I have a collection of it.

KomatsuTech · Oct 13, 2022

As a heavy equipment tech, I frequently use the 3/8 to reach around obstacles and have full swing. I have the 1/4 and have used it several times in cabs. They are worth their weight in gold IMO. I'd like to get a 1/2 sometime.

I can see how they can be gimmicky to some, but they are a major time saver to me, as well as saving a lot of aggravation.

KnurledNut · Oct 13, 2022

Would love to have a fine tooth locking flex version of my indexing flex head Proto.
Ahem....looking at you Snap-on...

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BarrelRoll · Oct 13, 2022

KomatsuTech said:
As a heavy equipment tech, I frequently use the 3/8 to reach around obstacles and have full swing. I have the 1/4 and have used it several times in cabs. They are worth their weight in gold IMO. I'd like to get a 1/2 sometime.

I can see how they can be gimmicky to some, but they are a major time saver to me, as well as saving a lot of aggravation.

I agree a 1/2" would be nice and will probably bring it up to my rep the next time I'm on the truck. I picked up a 1/2" flex head stubby the length of a normal 3/8" ratchet, it's sitting in the front of the drawer, it's been awesome for industrial work in hard to reach spots as well. Probably not a real useful tool to the average auto mechanic or hobbyist though super handy if you are using 1/2" drive stuff all the time.

KomatsuTech · Oct 14, 2022

BarrelRoll said:
I agree a 1/2" would be nice and will probably bring it up to my rep the next time I'm on the truck. I picked up a 1/2" flex head stubby the length of a normal 3/8" ratchet, it's sitting in the front of the drawer, it's been awesome for industrial work in hard to reach spots as well. Probably not a real useful tool to the average auto mechanic or hobbyist though super handy if you are using 1/2" drive stuff all the time.

I'm going to have to look into one of those short flex 1/2" ratchets. I've only ever seen one in person, and that was my Dad's.

Wrench97 · Oct 14, 2022

I've had one for several years now, still waiting for that game changing fastener that needs it...........................................

BarrelRoll · Oct 15, 2022

KomatsuTech said:
I'm going to have to look into one of those short flex 1/2" ratchets. I've only ever seen one in person, and that was my Dad's.

Part number is SKF80A, my rep had a couple on special on the truck one day. Usually you only see them in 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

merkyworks · Oct 15, 2022

Watched an aircraft mechanic review vid of 1/4” drive. Seemed really useful for aviation small space jobs.

KomatsuTech · Oct 15, 2022

BarrelRoll said:
Part number is SKF80A, my rep had a couple on special on the truck one day. Usually you only see them in 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

Thanks for the part number. I'll have to check with my driver on Monday.

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