The Flex Head Ratchet Thread - Locking vs Not - Discussion

[CGarage]

With the trend in miniaturization running rampant in the world’s of automobile manufacturing and industry, I am now a firm believer that the flex head ratchet is needed as a front line tool, in various drive sizes.

From my research, 3 types exist:

- Completely loose “hinge joint” flex head ratchet design that swings in a 180 degree arc and flops around loose as a goose...

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- “Ball detent” style which holds the head in place and is hand adjustable to a semi-fixed, rigid position. An example of this is some of the Gearwrench ratchets. I personally call this “semi-locking”. Note: There is no mechanical locking lever on these!!!!

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- Locking flex head with a mechanical lever that locks the flex head ratchet in place once the angle is chosen by the operator. I believe Matco, MAC, and Gearwrench offer this style.

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Discuss:

1) Do you prefer a traditional FIXED-head ratchet OR one of the 3 flex-head ratchet types described above as your go-to, front line ratchet choice? What industry do you work in?

2) Of the (3) three versions of flex-head ratchet described above, which do you use / prefer and why?

3) Is a flexible head ratchet or ball-detent flexible head ratchet ever required ***in place of*** a locking flex head ratchet? Are there instances where angle adjustment of the handle is needed during tightening / loosening that makes the mechanical locking flex head a poor choice?

Please discuss.

 

[regguy1]

I like the swivel head ratchet best, I have Snap-On 1/4"and a 3/8" and Icon 1/2" drives. They give full flexability and are easy to control and the head can be placed at 90 degres to the handle which comes in handy quite often
Tekton and HF also have them

 

[CGarage]

I like the swivel head ratchet best, I have Snap-On 1/4"and a 3/8" and Icon 1/2" drives
Tecton and HF also have them

I intend to do a Swivel Head Ratchet thread in the near future but let’s keep this thread on the topic of Flex-Head ratchets and their various designs.

 

[Mgdoug3]

Three weeks ago I had zero locking flex heads. Now I have two, one in 1/4 and the other in 1/2. I may pick up another in 3/8 one day. I think I like a regular flex ratchet best because I can swivel the handle quickly and into any position I want. With a locking flex, I either have to disable the locking feature or readjust where it locks. Sometimes when in I'm an awkward spot it's nice have the locking feature because the ratchet head won't move.

I hate flex ratchets with detents. It always seemed like the detent would stop the ratchet in the wrong spot. I'm a farmer and also repair farm equipment on the side. I have way more ratchets than I need but I think the ones I do have are useful and make the job easier. Sometimes though it's just a neat looking ratchet I want.

 

[qqzj]

Once I got flex head ratchet, I stopped reaching for fixed head ratchets completely. They are both easier to use and typically longer. Easier on my hand. Among all the designs, those locking flex is the best.

You ignored the type where the ratchet is locking flex, but it 'must' be locked, like those Carlyle ones. To me personally, they are less desirable.

 

[CGarage]

You ignored the type where the ratchet is locking flex, but it 'must' be locked, like those Carlyle ones. To me personally, they are less desirable.

I have not seen these. Please post photo and link so we can discuss this design. I do not own any Carlyle ratchets.

 

[vwpieces]

In 3/8 drive i have a locking flex head Stahlwille and never use it.
But ALWAYS use my non locking Hazet flex ratchet. Its my #1 goto ratchet.

 

[CGarage]

In 3/8 drive i have a locking flex head Stahlwille and never use it.
But ALWAYS use my non locking Hazet flex ratchet. Its my #1 goto ratchet.

Please explain / discuss.

 

[Rinspeed]

I only have four flex head ratchets, 3/8 Carlye locking, 3/8 and 1/2 SK non locking and SO 1/2" SF80A non locking. Obviously the SO was a slightly big purchase and I'm glad I went with no locking and I'm also glad I went with 18" over 25". The SO is a work of art, both SKs are a little sucky but hopefully they break in nicely. The Carlye is a very nice ratchet and I grab it a lot whether I need flex or not,

 

[General Geoff]

I've had this dual flex head ratchet from Harbor Freight for at least a decade now. It has been amazing and until recently was my only flex head.



Added a Koken 72 tooth flex head to my collection last year and I've been using it more often than the HF one, though the HF one still gets decent use just because it's so long and provides lots of torque.

 

[demarpaint]

Following. I'm toying with the idea of the Mac 13" locking flex-head if I can find a good used one. Believe it or not I like the fact it can only be used in one of the locked positions.

 

[Bannik254]

Do mostly electric forktruck motor rebuilds(field/armature rewind, shaft/bushing lathe work) and 3 phase industrial motors small and large. Done a few split-case gearboxes from start to finish. Haven't done much in the way of vertical motors or pumps as of yet. So I guess I'd be considered more industrial equipment repair guy.

Started my current job with semi-locking flex Gearwrench 120XPs 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets that came in a set. Thought flex was the way to go, many ****** and bruised knuckles later decided ratchets should be rigid since the socket engagement isn't always perfectly in line with the fastener? Bought Koken's new zeal 3/8 non-flex ratchets, been a year of use, so far very happy no issues. Flex ratcheting wrenches are used in those oddball situations.

Locking flex would be ideal, but Snap-on's solution isn't good. If we had a Matco truck, I'd probably get theirs to try out.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm a roto ratchet fan still trying to build a useful collection of ratchets.

 

[Ton ton]

Non locking ratchets up to this point simply because of availability.

 

[lardy1]

I find uses that are best served by both locking and non-locking. To me, it's situational. I have and use all varieties mentioned including the roto.

 

[mhejl]

My first choice is usually a Snap On roto. Next non-locking flex without detents - and none of mine "flops around loose as a goose" including Snap On, Nepros, Proto Precision 90, even Icon. The Protos deserve more attention on GJ - they're really nice.

Locking flex that can't be unlocked (like Carlyles) - no thanks. I should sell mine but do like the small heads on occasion. I sold all the ones with detents (e.g. Gearwrench XP120s) and wouldn't buy any more.

I grab a flex 90% of the time over a fixed head.

 

[CGarage]

Non locking ratchets up to this point simply because of availability.

This was my situation. I did some research and found out that Matco had one of the best locking flex head ratchets on the market. But no easy ordering for me. Then learned that Gearwrench was nearly identical to Matco and available off Amazon. I ordered the Gearwrench set posted above and got a 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch locking flex head ratchet for the price of 1 Matco locking flex head. Quality is really nice on the Gearwrench 90T.

 

[VolvoRyan]

With the trend in miniaturization running rampant in the world’s of automobile manufacturing and industry, I am now a firm believer that the flex head ratchet is needed as a front line tool, in various drive sizes.

I think the need for flex-heads has been around for decades. I work mostly on cars designed in the 1960's-1970's (Volvo didn't like change), and am amazed at how much easier things are with flex-heads. We're lucky to live in this wondrous time of good, affordable tools.

Locking flex is my favorite right now. I don't like flex with clunky detents (like the 120XP). The Matco locking flex heads are *really* nice. I have one in 3/8. They *are* expensive, and it's been hard to justify them in other drive sizes.

I did get my set of GearWrench 90T locking-flex ratchets late last week. Haven't had a chance to open them up yet. Those will purge the remainder of the 120XP's from my front-line box.

-Ryan

 

[Bmxkelowna]

I use these extra long Tone flex head (non locking) pretty much every day and absolutely love them

 

[Snapped-off]

I probably use fixed and flex equally. I usually grab both and put different sockets on them. My favorite ratchet is a Snap-on
FRBF80A (quick-release bent handle flex)

I personally dislike locking flex ratchets although I think Apex and Matco use the best design.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have locking, the type with detents or grooves, and the type without either. I've never really used the locking feature aside from the Mac Axis flex head. carlyle locking flex head or the VIM/Facom/ USAG versions because their is no unlocked mode on those ratchets. Of the push button lock style, MAC has the lowest profile button. The others stick out almost 1/8 of an inch.
I think the Flex heads with grooves across the base of the head neck provide you with more options than detents. you may only have 5-7 detents depending on drive size and brand but, some brands like Tekton has like 9 grooves. Tekton recently redesigned their flex head plunger and spring, making it stiffer than earlier models. Additionally, the pawl against the ratchet head grooves also has grooves to form a stronger engagement over a single round ball used by many manufacturers. I believe Powerbuilt Pro ratchets also use a grooved pawl.
I'm not as concerned with the whole locking, detents, grooves, or plain flex head design as much as I am with head thickness, balance, and smooth/crisp ratcheting action. I've never had detents or grooves prevent me from achieving the ratchet position I needed. I'm not a fan of the push button locking heads where there isn't a unlocked mode. The design hasn't caused me issues but, I'm less likely to reach for those ratchets because of its design. I also feel that drilling into the base of the handle fork weakens the ratchet somewhat. I really like the thin heads of the Gearwrench 60/84/90 tooth ratchets along with Matco versions. However, I recently picked up a Gearwrench 90 tooth 1/4 comfort grip flexhead ratchet and found that there's too much space between the handle fork and the bottom edges of the ratchet head increasing side to side movement. Although being phased out, the Carlyle 90 tooth flex head ratchet is one of my favorites. It just feels good.

 

[Iridium rand]

I much prefer roto head in most cases, but I really dislike non-locking flex heads, they almost always gets pushed out of the position I want it at in the process of turning the bolt. Even when there’s a screw to tighten it up, it’s either too tight to adjust easily or too loose to stay in position consistently. there is no sweet spot where they do both for me. Even one that would only lock at the straight position would be acceptable which is where I want it most of the time

locking flex once I started using them became quite convenient and I do relatively often, but roto head is better in almost every instance to me, especially being able to turn it 180 and use like a ratcheting screwdriver once the bolt is loose

 

[428PI]

We have some locking flex head 3/8 at work and I really like them. At home, I needed to replace my older Craftsman flex heads (which I got warranted by taking a picture and sending it in to Craftsman and they awarded me like 60 bucks for the 2 ratchets) and settled on a non locking gearwrench 90 tooth which I think I'll really like.

 

[johnny_boy02]

Following. I'm toying with the idea of the Mac 13" locking flex-head if I can find a good used one. Believe it or not I like the fact it can only be used in one of the locked positions.

I have the Mac 13” and 18” locking flex-heads. I use them both about equally. Really like them both.

 

[rick carpenter]

I just recently received two GW 1/4 & 3/8 locking flex rats with cushion grip. ElusiveKandyDC has applied a fix to eliminate some of the head slop on his 1/2 that I also intend to do. I have two GW 3/8 & 1/2 fixed rats with cushion grip coming soon. All are 90 teeth. Next will be a stubby 1/4 non-locking flex 120xp rat.

 

[Zewnten]

Locking flex, every ratchet I own.

 

[81turbota]

My most used ratchet is a Snap On locking flex 3/8 dr.

I own both locking and non locking, sometimes I prefer non locking based on the situation.

 

[CGarage]

My most used ratchet is a Snap On locking flex 3/8 dr.

I own both locking and non locking, sometimes I prefer non locking based on the situation.

For NON-Locking, are you using the hinge mechanism or the “ball-detent” style that semi-locks the head in a fixed position?

Are these other ratchets also 3/8 drive or do you have them in other drive sizes ?
Thank you!

 

[bsaint]

I have both and prefer non locking. When I first bought them I didn't like the non locking but once you get used to how to apply the torque and in what direction to counter act the head moving - non locking are the way to go for most work.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have locking in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 (three different 1/2"). I've never locked the 1/4 or 3/8 that I remember and have only locked one of the 1/2's in a flex position and that was the Mac that is always locked anyway. All of my flex heads whether locking or not with the bolt are tightened down to the point that it takes a little effort to flex and that's the way I like them.

 

[81turbota]

For NON-Locking, are you using the hinge mechanism or the “ball-detent” style that semi-locks the head in a fixed position?

Are these other ratchets also 3/8 drive or do you have them in other drive sizes ?
Thank you!

My other flex heads are friction type, irreplaceable if the angle has to be changed during a specific motion.

I have quite a few friction flex ratchets, from 1/4 stubby, 3/8 in 1/4 body, conventional configurations and up to 24” 1/2 dr.

I don’t want to get carried away on swivel head types as those fill a different role in my use.

 

[bsaint]

I do like my flex heads. For tonight's little task, it makes it easy.
The rest in the drawer on my metric box are mostly flex or indexing.

 

[CGarage]

I do like my flex heads. For tonight's little task, it makes it easy.
The rest in the drawer on my metric box are mostly flex or indexing.

What ratchet has the blue/black handle?

What ratchets are in that drawer that have what looks like offsets on them?

 

[CGarage]

My other flex heads are friction type, irreplaceable if the angle has to be changed during a specific motion.

I have quite a few friction flex ratchets, from 1/4 stubby, 3/8 in 1/4 body, conventional configurations and up to 24” 1/2 dr.

I don’t want to get carried away on swivel head types as those fill a different role in my use.

What manufacturers are these flex heads that you are using?

 

[Ton ton]

.

 

[bsaint]

What ratchet has the blue/black handle?

What ratchets are in that drawer that have what looks like offsets on them?

I actually have a wicked awesome Cornwell driver (Kevin Flynn Suffield CT) but I don't need anything off the truck except very once in a great while. So in the past 2 years I got a super crazy prybar deal with the 5', the half version and this ratchet. Oh wait and the little stubby 1/4" ratchet. Prob overpaid but it was $100 off and it's wicked long and I needed it for a job. It has a detent flexhead which I only like for this length because you can't always get a hand to get the head on the fastener.

The indexable head ones are the newest version of the Snapon 3/8" and 1/4" and the other one with a round head is a Mac 3/8". The Mac one cannot be rebuilt only replace but I love it.

 

[bsaint]

I just saw a ratchet in my own picture I forgot I had. The 3/8 Dr in the the 1/4" body.

 

[M635_Guy]

I love my rotos, and would guess the reason I don't have a flex-head is because I didn't know the locking ones existed until a few months ago.

It seems like people love the Matco, so if I ever pick one up it will be a 3/8" 13" Matco.

 

[CGarage]

I love my rotos, and would guess the reason I don't have a flex-head is because I didn't know the locking ones existed until a few months ago.

It seems like people love the Matco, so if I ever pick one up it will be a 3/8" 13" Matco.

Don’t forget the Gearwrench 90T equivalent to the Matco. It is excellent and the designs are nearly identical.

 

[M635_Guy]

Don’t forget the Gearwrench 90T equivalent to the Matco. It is excellent and the designs are nearly identical.

Good point - it's very similar. Slightly different guts, slightly different lock, but overall close enough that I saw a video somewhere of the Matco guys getting put in the GW or vice-versa.

I haven't loved the 90T's I've played with in the store - something about the mechanism falls a little flat for me. I'm sure it's fine.

I'm pretty attached to my rotos - I have SO and Icon 1/4" and an Icon 3/8" that all see regular use and are all among my favorite ratchets - so until I hit spots where they're making me mad (or, more likely, an issue of length), I'm not serious about getting one. That said, people are so positive about the Matco that I'll likely squeeze somewhere else to get that one.