Suggestions on 18" Flex head 3/8 drive

[Bmberzins]

I did a search and didn't find exactly what I was looking for. I am in need of a long flex head. Wife would like to get me one for Christmas. Of course would love a SO, Mac, or Matco, but all are quite pricey. I am not a professional mechanic, but I do quite a bit of mechanic work out of my shop. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced good quality one would be appreciated. I used the forum to recently replace my 50-200 torque wrench and your suggestions led me to a very nice one. Thanks in advance.

Side note, 18" or 24", which is a better all around user?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Idk where you're going to get a 24" 3/8 ratchet.

Snap on Fllf80 and similar, used on ebay, would be my choice. Used is like 150 bucks. Tekton makes an 18" ratchet but not flex head.

Would astro pneumatic nano socket and the 78318 work? Not reversable though.

 

[Bmberzins]

Perhaps I should go with a 1/2" drive instead?

 

[Bmberzins]

Anyone familiar with this one by Channel lock? https://www.familyhardware.com/prod...s-302751-channellock-flex-head-ratchet/302751

 

[KnurledNut]

I have the Powerbuilt Pro Tech 3/8 17” flex. 72t. #649953

 

[Rinspeed]

I think the Carlyles are still on sale for $36, hell of a ratchet at that price.

 

[Bmberzins]

I have the Powerbuilt Pro Tech 3/8 17” flex. 72t. #649953

Have you had good luck with it?

 

[Bmberzins]

I think the Carlyles are still on sale for $36, hell of a ratchet at that price.

Which one in particular?

 

[Steve_P]

Capri makes a 3/8 drive ~24" length (edit: 20"), but not flex. Gearwrench makes a 1/2 drive 24" flex.

If you really want an ~18" 3/8 flex head, you'll probably have to look at Snap On and the other truck brands; because at that length, it's very possible to break the flex joint, which is why they're generally not offered by anyone else past ~13".

 

[JRPAviator]

If you look at tools of Japan someone just bought one but Tone Tools makes a 427mm (~16.9 in…“69” ) 3/8 flex head quick release ratchet. On Amazon right now for $73.07 shipped.

It indexes but does not lock which is a good compromise. Locking flex in that length is going to drive up the price. Indexing at least gives you a chance of no flopping around.

TONE RH3FHX 3/8" Drive 72 Teeth Long Handle Ratchet w/Flex Head https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EY6AWQ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Post in thread 'Tools of Japan'
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-of-japan.97563/post-10420205

 

[cgrutt]

There was recently a pretty long thread on flex head ratchets with lots of recommendations. I recently bought several Snap ons from ebay. Was able to get decent prices. All of the ratchets are mechanically sound some had some blemishes that I was able to clean up. I really like the Snap ons. Have a few ICONs (Harbor Freight) that were purchase recently. They are decent ratchets for the money i was actually surprised how much i liked them lol. Also bought a Duralast long 3/8 flex from an auto parts store. Needed to replace my starter away from home and needed to buy some tools. It was pretty inexpensive but worked fine. Not sure how long it would hold up if used alot.

 

[Rinspeed]

Which one in particular?

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR38F

 

[powertrip]

I think the Carlyles are still on sale for $36, hell of a ratchet at that price.

The flex ratchet on sale is only 11.65".

 

[Steve_P]

One thing I'll add is that 18" is just really long for a 3/8 and will greatly limit its use; I think you'll find that you almost never use it. It's one of those things that sounds better in theory, "this will be really useful", but once you see an 18" ratchet you'll probably think, "ok, this is much bigger than I expected", and find that it almost never fits anywhere except on suspension fasteners, where a 1/2 drive will also fit.

In 3/8 drive, ~10" is the best size for 99% of the time for me, and then 13" if I need to go longer. I do have the 20" Capri 3/8, but it's just so stupid long that I've never actually needed it. I've used it just to use it, but so far I've never actually needed it. If you're working on cars all day, then obviously it'll see much more use, but I'd still assume very little overall as a percent of ratchet use.

 

[308guru]

This thread may lead you to some options or suggestions that help:

Flex head ratchets - Why?

I use flex head ratchets all the time. I however do not understand the obsession for roto-head (swivel) ratchets. I have a few, and just don't like them, so I rarely if ever use them. I use 1/4" drive rotos alllllllllllllllll the time. In fact, I have at least four (the cheapies from HF are...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[308guru]

The flex ratchet on sale is only 11.65".

Does anybody have this? Seems like a relatively cheap way to try out a flex head without breaking the bank. As long as it holds up fine for weekend warrior use it seems like a decent deal.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR38F

Long shot, but does anybody have the Icon and could compare real world use? I see a difference of 60T (Carlyle) vs 90T (Icon), $12, and the Icon is a little shorter (10"). The additional length of the Carlyle might be just right.

3/8 in. Drive Professional Flex Head Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Pro Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[seber]

18" is long enough to destroy a socket or tear off the head of any screw You would normally use a 3/8" ratchet on. Do you have some special need in mind?

 

[mreisner]

I have an Olsa 3/8 and it is very smooth, low backdrag, and made in USA. They have a cyber Monday sale on. Lifetime warranty also.

 

[KnurledNut]

Does anybody have this? Seems like a relatively cheap way to try out a flex head without breaking the bank. As long as it holds up fine for weekend warrior use it seems like a decent deal.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTR38F

Long shot, but does anybody have the Icon and could compare real world use? I see a difference of 60T (Carlyle) vs 90T (Icon), $12, and the Icon is a little shorter (10"). The additional length of the Carlyle might be just right.

3/8 in. Drive Professional Flex Head Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Pro Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I have both. That Carlyle is a sleeper ratchet that doesnt get much attention. The ICON is probably stronger, but all things considered, between those two choices I’d grab the Carlyle.

 

[mreisner]

Not 18 however. I have an 18 Snap On and have used it once.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Sorry. These guys are slipping. The FLLF100 Snap-On is what you want.

With an anvil from a round-head, it is automatically a leader in torque-busting strength.

 

[Fedwrench]

Side note, 18" or 24", which is a better all around user?

Neither in 3/8 drive. 1/2 drive is more suitable at those lengths. What do you want your uber long ratchet to do for you?

I think the optimum length for a 3/8 drive flex head ratchet is 12-15 inches. Over 15, i think the handle flexes too much but, that's just me.

 

[Wamsutta]

18 inches @ 3/8 drive puts you in the professional tool category whether you want to be a professional or not.

Snap-on is my go-to recommendation. I have no guilt whatsoever for making that recommendation.

FHLLF80

 

[snickers muncher]

My favorites are an older Kobalt in 3/8 at 12 inches and a Carlyle 1/2 at 18 inches.

 

[Mgdoug3]

What do you plan on using the 18" ratchet for? If it's just going to be your general use ratchet, I think you would like a shorter ratchet better. I have a 3/8 Snap-on long flex in soft grip, hard grip and locking hard grip. I use the hard grip the most since it's easier to clean. The soft grip I have had the longest and it's the longest of the long flex Snap-on. I believe I can put enough force on a 14" for 3/8 drive.

I think 10 to 14" is the sweet spot for a general use 3/8 ratchet. I have regular length, stubby, compact, and long non flex ratchets too that serve a purpose but the first 3/8 ratchet I grab is in the 10 to 14" range. If you need an extra long ratchet for reach or less effort, then the 18" ratchet is perfect. If you want it break loose extreme tight fasteners, I believe you're better off going up to 1/2" provided you have the room.

 

[KnurledNut]

SP Tools offers a 3/8 dr 17” in their SP90 line. I only see it in the 3 pc extra long set. I wouldnt mind getting my hands on the 11” 1/4 drive flex.
https://sptoolsusa.com/products/3pc-extra-long-sealed-flex-head-1-4dr-3-8dr-1-2dr-ratchet-set

 

[AEAdam]

With respect, I think the OP doesn’t really know what he wants and is looking for suggestions. Forget the dimensions he mentioned. I think he just wants a long flex and doesn’t know they are 14”, not 18”.

OP, Snap On is very good at designing tools (and tool sets). The FHLF80A is the benchmark 3/8” long flex. It’s about 13-1/2”. So look for a 13”+/- 3/8 ratchet. Lots of people copy Snap Ons designs. I agree with the others that 18” would be unwieldy for regular duty.

HF sells ICON ratchets which are close copies of Snap on, made in Taiwan, and probably good enough for most users. I’d start with that.

For 1/2” drive, I LOVE the 26” SHLF80A.

 

[velorider562]

Kind of depends on what you're looking to use the ratchet for. I have a number of ratchets of different length, including SO 18" flex head. I use it where it's reach is useful or when I need the leverage to break a bolt loose. If you're looking to break some bolts loose 18" or 24" is perfect, but for general purpose, 14" flex is far more useful.

If you're just looking to add a ratchet to your collection, there are a lot of interesting brands and options. I had for decades just an old Craftsman fixed head ratchet. Then about 8 years ago I bought a Husky flex head ratchet. Then somehow I now have seven 3/8 ratchets. In hindsight here what I recommend owning for 3/8 ratchets.

12" - 14" flex/roto head ratchet (most used)
18"-24" flex head ratchet

I have recently found myself using the roto more than a flex head because the torque is applied more directly along the axis of rotation.

For flex heads I'm undecided if I like swivel, indexed, or locking.

 

[demarpaint]

FLLF100

I'm hoping they're on the trucks in January.

 

[Bmberzins]

Okay, thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I will focus on a shorter 3/8" drive and look for 18-24" 1/2" drive. Thanks again. this has been very helpful.

 

[snickers muncher]

Personally I'd get any of the decent Taiwan made ratchets, Capri for example, around 12 inches in 3/8 and also grab one of the cheap 25 inch breaker bars from Harbor Freight.

Heck, you can get the Capri 12 inch flex 3/8, Capri 18 inch flex 1/2, and the Harbor Freight 25 inch breaker for $100.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z2Z7MN8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z2YWZZP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

1/2 in. Drive 25 in. Breaker Bar

Amazing deals on this 1/2In Dr 25In Breaker Bar at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Rinspeed]

Does anybody have this? Seems like a relatively cheap way to try out a flex head without breaking the bank. As long as it holds up fine for weekend warrior use it seems like a decent deal.

I have four Carlyle ratchets now and they are really growing on me. For $35 what do you have to lose. I also have three or four SO ratchets along with many others. The Carlyle are much better than the last two made in USA SK ratchets I bought, not even close.

 

[Tynee]

I have this Carlyle locking flex 3/8 x 14” long and its big brother in 1/2” drive. It it not my go-to, that’s my ancient stubby 36-tooth SO, but it’s 2nd out lf the drawer on most projects. I recommend it every chance I get. At $70 currently, it’s not the best bargain out there, but still very high on the bang-for-your-buck scale.

 

[bobg03]

3/8 drive, 15" length, flex head w/a bent handle. Anything needed longer than that is 1/2" territory.

 

[RAS61]

I used this thread to build a Matco flex ratchet inexpensively. Works great if you can find the head, mine has an 11-1/2" handle, but you might be able to use a longer breaker bar if that's the goal

"Build" a Matco swivel ratchet for $33

start here for $25: Edit, new listing again (3/1/18 5:45pm), $29 now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MATCO-BRTBSLS-RATCHET-REPAIR-KIT-FOR-3-8-LOCKING-FLEX-FLIP-LEVER-COMPLETE/263526402120? add one of these for $7.31 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3X3NJS/?tag=atomicindus08-20 add a...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

^^I did this and made one 18” with a breaker bar from I think Advance Auto. Not frequently used but comes in handy sometimes. I also made a 1/4” drive 17” one I use a bit more.

 

[drtyler]

Facom JXL.171 - 9.7" to 14" (extendable)

https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/facom/high-performance-sealed-3-8-locking-ratchet-with-extending-and-flexible-head-jxl171/6869.html

While not 18", I've found it to be a decent flex ratchet.

I have the Snap-on FLL80 (17.5", non-flex), and I'm pretty sure that I've not used it a single time.

 

[assassin10000]

I started with the old craftsman usa 11" flex head which was a game changer for diy auto work. Mostly on mid-late 90's hondas.

After that I picked up a 15" matco locking flex and 2 of the 11-12" matco locking flex (one to replace the Craftsman in the junkyard bag). The 15" was even more awesome.

After 6mo-1yr I picked up the 18" matco locking flex. This ratchet is my most used ratchet for automotive: suspension, releasing belt tensioners, etc. I sold off the 15" and barely use the 11".

I'll sometimes crack the bolt free and use a 4" or 6" 3/8" drive in 1/4" body to run bolts in and out. If my impacts don't fit.

 

[sparky 1971]

Without reading all the post's, I have to ask why 18" for 3/8" drive? I have a 15" and it's long enough that for the most part, it's useless. The same with my 12" long 1/4" drive, the 26" long 1/2" drive and the 36" long 3/4 drive. All of them have their place, but that place sure isn't in my hand on a day to day basis, maybe not even yearly. I think my most used flex heads are about 11ish" (two SK LP 90's and a round head). My most used 3/8 ratchets aren't flex, but fixed heads and it's a toss up between the 7" and 11" SK round heads, with the 7" probably being used a little more often.

 

[Firebrick43]

Without reading all the post's, I have to ask why 18" for 3/8" drive? I have a 15" and it's long enough that for the most part, it's useless. The same with my 12" long 1/4" drive, the 26" long 1/2" drive and the 36" long 3/4 drive. All of them have their place, but that place sure isn't in my hand on a day to day basis, maybe not even yearly. I think my most used flex heads are about 11ish" (two SK LP 90's and a round head). My most used 3/8 ratchets aren't flex, but fixed heads and it's a toss up between the 7" and 11" SK round heads, with the 7" probably being used a little more often.

Probably frame of mind and equipment your working on.

20 years working on CNC equipment with socket head allen screws that were many times in very close proximity of ball screws and such favored small head ratchets with high loads. A 10 mm or 12 mm allen bit socket fit well on an 15 or 18" ratchet. Larger ones worked great on a 24" 1/2 flex head. And large 19mm or larger worked well on a 42" 3/4 ratchet although it was not a flex head.

I don't put excessive body force thru my arms and hands so I don't end up broken like I have observed so many other mechanics. I let length the lever reduce that force and lever position and will always try to use the longest ratchet possible even if it means having one ratchet to break the torque and switching to a shorter ratchet to turn it out. Long flex heads of the best many times as the flex handle can be turned 90 degrees to the ratchet head and used like a speed handle.