Stubby Flex 3/8" Ratchet

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

I wish to replace my SK 45178 40T stubby flex ratchet. It isn't terrible, but isn't great. What have you got? I am looking at the following:

Brand	Model	Teeth	Length	Price	Notes
Olsa	1315	90	5"	$85	USA
Ko-Ken	3726ZS-72T	72	4.75"	$85	Japan
GearWrench	81212T	90	5"	$33	Taiwan?
Carlyle	CHT R38LFS120	120	5"	$70
Snap-on	FKF80A	80	4.75"	$153	USA, $95 used
Matco	BFR68LF	88	6.25"	$170
Matco	BF472TA	72	4"	$104
Nepros	NBRC390FS	90	3.94"	$120	Japan, QR

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What are you using it for? Nut running and light use, I like the 3/8 in 1/4 body options.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Mostly use it for stick your hand in some hard to reach small nook and break loose / tighten.

I do have a Wright 3/8 in a 1/4 body round head but have always been afraid to lean on it too hard.

 

[AJHD]

I have the Snap On stubby. It's fantastic when you need it or just don't need the leverage of a traditional length ratchet.

Not sure if I would pay the current asking price for it though.

 

[pfbz]

As an alternative to the 3726ZS, check out the Koken 2726ZB-3/8... It's a 3/8" stubby flex in a 1/4". body. A truly divine tool IMHO.

It's the first one in the group of 3/8" ratchets pictured below. Prices tend to fluxuate and vary a fair bit on the Koken stuff. If you can't find a good price from a US vendor, there is always Amazon Japan, about $82 shipped.

I also tried the Nepros. Absolutely gorgeous visually, but I prefer the Koken hands-down as a tool to actually use. I felt like the balance was off on the Nepros...

The Snap-On is great, but it will have a WAY bulkier head which isn't what I want when I grab a really stubby ratchet. There is a picture below of my FHF80 vs. the 2726ZB-3/8... Obviously the FHF80 has a longer handle than the FKF80A, but the ratchet head is the same, and huge compared to the Koken.

The Tone RH3FCHS is also worth considering. Another made in Japan ratchet, a small notch below Koken but still super nice and only about $45 on Amazon. I have the 1/2" stubby flex version of this (RH4FCHS) and it is awesome, also pictured below.

I also love the Astro Nano ratchets... Super inexpensive (~$12) for their compact head 3/8" (93808), but they don't make any flex head ratchets and it isn't all tht stubby. Still, a great super compact 3/8" to keep in the box.

i personally have little use for Gearwrench/Carlyle/Matco ratchets these days, i feel like there are just better choices at those price points. Don't know much about the Olsa, but it looks like it is currently out of production?

Amazon.co.jp: Kohken Z-EAL 2726Z-3/8 (G72) 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) SQ. Oscillating Ratchet Handle (Compact) Total Length 4.5 inches (114 mm) : DIY, Tools & Garden

Amazon.co.jp: Kohken Z-EAL 2726Z-3/8 (G72) 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) SQ. Oscillating Ratchet Handle (Compact) Total Length 4.5 inches (114 mm) : DIY, Tools & Garden

www.amazon.co.jp

 

[Twisted Sid]

I have both of these and really like them. The first one I use probably more than any other ratchet I own.

3/8 Inch Drive x 6 Inch Flex Quick-Release Small Body Ratchet | TEKTON

A 3/8 inch drive on a 1/4 inch drive body for increased access and agility. 90-tooth gear with a 4-degree swing arc. SRH31506.

www.tekton.com

Or if a super stubby non flex will work

3/8 Inch Drive x 3 Inch Quick-Release Small Body Stubby Ratchet | TEKTON

A 3/8 inch drive on a 1/4 inch drive body for increased access and agility. 90-tooth gear with a 4-degree swing arc. SRH11503.

www.tekton.com

They also offer this one but I don't have it

3/8 Inch Drive Folding Quick-Release Stubby Ratchet | TEKTON

Use as a mini offset, angled-handle, or ergonomic palm ratchet. Has a 90-tooth gear and ultra-compact quick-release ratchet head. SRH25104.

www.tekton.com

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a Cman one that I use a lot, probably more than any other ratchet. Usually until I need more leverage to break something free.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Don't know much about the Olsa, but it looks like it is currently out of production?

Their site lets me add it to the cart, so dunno.

 

[KnurledNut]

This is my go-to. I find the selector to be more user friendly with the short profile.

 

[Fedwrench]

Another vote for the small bodied Tekton flex head ratchets.

I really like this KTC Roto Head

3-8"sq. Round Swivel Head Ratchet Short 120mm Long BRSW3S MED-KTC-BRSW3S

3/8"sq. Round Swivel Head Ratchet Short 120mm Long Features a compact head for excellent performance in tight spaces.

www.simsupply.com

Shop around for the best deal

 

[Steve_P]

I converted my two shortest 1/4 drive Tektons with the 3/8 small body kits and like them. So, one more vote for Tekton. I bought them before they had that option which is why I converted them later.

 

[CS454]

generic guy i grabbed in a 3 pack (1/4, 3/8, 1/2) and soaked in ATF for a couple days, works great, negligible backdrag for the application

 

[NUTTSGT]

This is my go-to. I find the selector to be more user friendly with the short profile.
View attachment 2354100

What is the handle ?

 

[KnurledNut]

What is the handle ?

Spark plug wire boot.

 

[Professor Gascan]

Powerbuilt compact 3/8 swivel head. Not quite stubby, but not standard length either. Next to a Husky standard 3/8 for scale.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I have the Snap-on. It’s a little bulky but a lot smoother than the Matco I had that I sold. I definitely recommend it.

Carlyle has switched manufacturers so the number you listed maybe different and the new ones probably will be different too. Unless you’re able to get an old stock one.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Spark plug wire boot.

Well, doggone. Now that you said what it is and looking at it on the PC, yep spark plug boot.

 

[loveinthe ruins]

I like chopping down 19mm ratcheting wrenches or pass thru ratchets and throwing either a pass thru socket or 3/8 quick release on them

 

[BWWgarage]

Didn’t want to start a new thread ...

For stubby (flex or non-flex head), do you guys prefer quick release or non- and why?A stubby is next for me, but debating quick release or non.

Thanks!

 

[pfbz]

I typically prefer sealed head, non-pushbutton, but I'm ok with either style.

On non-locking flex heads, pushbuttons kind of bother me as pushing on it can just flex the head instead of releasing the socket if you don't also hold the head in place.

 

[bonneyman]

I've made myself a Bonney from a regular ratchet with a buggerd handle. Cut it off and installed an aluminum sleeve covered with heat shrink tubing for grip. Haven't used it much but it is compact with enough meat for me to grab it securely.

If I needed something smaller I have two 1/4" bodies with 3/8" gears (S-K and Bonney), but would probably have to shove a piece of gas hose over the handles to make them big enough for me to grab reliably (Wouldn't want to lose grip and drop it into an engine bay). Or maybe KnurledNuts spark plug boot idea (Excellent trick, by the way)!

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I used to have a CM stubby flex that I gave to my brother. I replaced it with a GW 84T one and like it a lot better. It's not a ratchet that I use very often but, has worked great every time I needed it.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

koken 3/8 stubby flex head in 1/4 body is magic.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The OG style SK 3767.