The Flex Head Ratchet Thread - Locking vs Not - Discussion

[bubinga]

I have my eye on the 13" long 3/8" drive 90T locking Gearwrench, but it has been in very short supply the last few months. It has showed up briefly at Amazon, for prices over $100. I can wait for prices to come back to around $75.

81267T 3/8" Drive 90-Tooth Dual Material Locking Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet 13" - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 81267T 3/8" Drive 90-Tooth Dual Material Locking Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet 13" here.

www.gearwrench.com

Looks nice.
I'd wait for it to come down in price too.

 

[bubinga]

Having owned both, they are FAR, FAR, FAR, (did I mention FAR) different? GearWrench 90T is locking, and has the ball detent.... but the ball detent is very stiff. Matco does not have the stiff detents. The other major difference is that the Gearwrench 90T is garbage. It is the most jiggly wiggly flex ratchet I have ever purchased.

Seriously, all three drive-size GearWrench 90T locking flex ratchets suffered the same maladies.

-Ryan

Yes I saw that I think it will get high enough though.
The price seems right and I like the warranty as opposed to Harbor freights 90 day.

Looks nice.
I'd wait for it to come down in price too.

Maybe i won't get one of those gear wrench ratchets then.

 

[boom_bap]

I've picked up the 3 set of GW 90T locking flex. So far I can't complain. Did a transmission job with the 3/8 and it got the job done and I did need the flex and locking aspects. They are a wiggle a bit but when locked it worked just fine. They were fairly affordable when I picked them up. 3 for 120ish, about 40 bucks each.

For the price of the job quoted the whole set was free..

 

[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.

As it turns out, I went for the 9"

OT: What differences do you notice between the SO and Icon Rotos???

I answered this a bit more in detail earlier in the thread, but I tend to use them a little differently - the Icon is the boss when I'm in the engine bay (it's a little longer) and the SO is more general use and when space is important.

Maybe i won't get one of those gear wrench ratchets then.

For that money, I'd definitely go with Matco. I haven't been impressed with any of the Gearwrench ratchets I've handled.

 

[WWheeler]

I like locking OK and have a couple BUT I tend to prefer a 'good' non-locking, and by 'good' I mean that it is not loose and floppy because it lets you more easily change the angle of the handle while turning which can often get you a lot more degrees of travel with each turn maneuvering around obstructions. This is especially true with long handle ratchets like some of my very favorite ratchets, the 1/2" long flex (a breaker bar on steroids) and 3/8" bent handle soft grip ratchets. Both of those have a tight enough flex to keep all but the largest of sockets from moving on you while maneuvering it to a fastener and if they were to start to get loose the can be adjusted by tightening the flex joint allen bolt.

That said, I also really like one that wasn't an option in the OP and that's my swivel heads which actually are a bit floppy BUT they let me flip the handle straight out and spin it superfast when there's room to do so which is when I tend to grab them. The 3/8" in a 1/4" body swivel head is especially awesome for that. That fact tends to keep me from grabbing a cordless ratchet instead when there's room for me to use them.

The only locking I have shown in this pic is the Matco 3/8" Long Handle Locking Flex on the top right and it has its place, and I like it a lot, especially how the locking mechanism works, but it doesn't get used as much as the others. My only other locking flex are Gearwrench 3/8" & 1/4" in the box out in the small shop out back, and they get used a little more often compared to others when I'm turning a ratchet out there but mostly because I have a much smaller set of tools I keep out there. Their locking mechanism is alright but isn't exactly my favorite.

 

[demarpaint]

I used this yesterday for the first time and it's a winner. Snap On FLLX80. I'd imagine they'll be offering it at some point in the not so distant future in a smaller size/sizes and 1/4" and maybe 1/2" drives.

 

[Snaparxon]

I used this yesterday for the first time and it's a winner. Snap On FLLX80. I'd imagine they'll be offering it at some point in the not so distant future in a smaller size/sizes and 1/4" and maybe 1/2" drives.

It is about time Snap on ditched that large, dumb locking button on the neck of the handle!

 

[demarpaint]

It is about time Snap on ditched that large, dumb locking button on the neck of the handle!

I agree. I think the ratchet I posted is going to be the new design they run with across their flex-head ratchet lineup.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Maybe i won't get one of those gear wrench ratchets then.

I have never regretted a tool purchase more than those GearWrench 90T locking flex heads. Everything about where the flex head.... flexes..... is diabolically bad with the 90T's. So bad, in fact, that there's a "fix" floating around on GJ to make them slightly less terrible.

I was really surprised, because I'm one of the few people around here that thinks the 120XP's flex heads are actually pretty good. There are some personal preference niggles that I have with the 120XP's, but I really have no "objective" complaints with them.

-Ryan

 

[freudianfloyd]

Locking without question. Growing up using my dad's worn out flex head non-locking ratchets made me hate all flex heads until I got a locking one. Nothing worse than putting the head at the angle you need to work, try to fish it up through a small space to get on a bolt and the second it touches the bolt, it flops over and you start the process again. Sure new ratchets won't have this problem, but all of them will get worn out eventually.

 

[Komet]

I've had a Pittsburgh Pro flex-head 3/8" ratchet for about a decade. Sometimes the flex is really nice to get around obstructions for the handle to get a longer sweep, I've really needed it in a few tight quarters engine bay scenarios.

The Pittsburgh Pro is a non-locking unit, it was fine initially but did get floppy. Held practically no tension at the joint, etc. I stopped reaching for it as often because the flop was annoying. Just yesterday I got sick of it, and zing-zanged myself an aluminum shim out of a popcan, and slipped it in between the joint. Night and day difference, unbelievable. I can whip it around and the head stays where I put it, but it still flexes smooth when I want it to. Highly recommended mod, really only took me like 30 minutes.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have to say I never saw the value in a flex vs. roto. I've always far-preferred a roto, but the first use with the new flex was an example of it being a better tool for the job.

 

[Ton ton]

I've had a Pittsburgh Pro flex-head 3/8" ratchet for about a decade. Sometimes the flex is really nice to get around obstructions for the handle to get a longer sweep, I've really needed it in a few tight quarters engine bay scenarios.

The Pittsburgh Pro is a non-locking unit, it was fine initially but did get floppy. Held practically no tension at the joint, etc. I stopped reaching for it as often because the flop was annoying. Just yesterday I got sick of it, and zing-zanged myself an aluminum shim out of a popcan, and slipped it in between the joint. Night and day difference, unbelievable. I can whip it around and the head stays where I put it, but it still flexes smooth when I want it to. Highly recommended mod, really only took me like 30 minutes.

Thank you for the idea.

 

[Jweebothee]

Personally each has their place, I prefer my extra long handle non locking snappy flex for most task, but the locking does get used a bit where I don’t want movement, really is personal preference and situational needs,

 

[Jweebothee]

I used this yesterday for the first time and it's a winner. Snap On FLLX80. I'd imagine they'll be offering it at some point in the not so distant future in a smaller size/sizes and 1/4" and maybe 1/2" drives.

Hoping at some point in the future they end up offering a hard handle version, My dealer told me chrome and comfort grip only for now, he is also hoping for a hard handle at some point

 

[demarpaint]

Hoping at some point in the future they end up offering a hard handle version, My dealer told me chrome and comfort grip only for now, he is also hoping for a hard handle at some point

I'm pretty sure that's on the way as well.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I just got my first flex head ratchet a couple of months ago. After some looking around, I settled on a Williams.

So far, I really like it. Construction feels extremely sturdy, fit and finish is top notch. It has more swing arc than some of my other ratchets, but it is increasingly becoming my go-to ratchet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YREJRW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do plan to add some more to my arsenal, this thread has given me some more things to think about

 

[WWheeler]

I just got my first flex head ratchet a couple of months ago. After some looking around, I settled on a Williams.

So far, I really like it. Construction feels extremely sturdy, fit and finish is top notch. It has more swing arc than some of my other ratchets, but it is increasingly becoming my go-to ratchet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YREJRW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do plan to add some more to my arsenal, this thread has given me some more things to think about

You may also like the Williams 1/4" drive M-52EHFA.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YREAF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Besides being a nice little ratchet in it's own right, one of the neat things about the M-52EHFA is you can swap the innards for a Snap-On RKRFC936 3/8" dr ratchet repair kit that runs about $11 currently to turn it into a 3/8" dr in a 1/4" dr body. Like you said, they aren't fine tooth like many ratchets today but I really like them and use these ratchets all the time.

Snap-on RKRFC936 3/8" Dr RRK

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[VolvoRyan]

Personally each has their place, I prefer my extra long handle non locking snappy flex for most task, but the locking does get used a bit where I don’t want movement, really is personal preference and situational needs,

Agreed. You really just need a drawer full of ratchets. Both locking and non-locking have their place. Locking is supposed to be the perfect blend of a fixed handle and a flex head, but that's not really true.

-Ryan

 

[spanimal]

I just got my first flex head ratchet a couple of months ago. After some looking around, I settled on a Williams.

So far, I really like it. Construction feels extremely sturdy, fit and finish is top notch. It has more swing arc than some of my other ratchets, but it is increasingly becoming my go-to ratchet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YREJRW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do plan to add some more to my arsenal, this thread has given me some more things to think about

I have all three of these. The 1/4 is perfect length at times, the length is in between the snap on regular flex and and their extra long flex. I wish Snap On would do one in this length. The 3/8 is perfect. The half is a bit short for a 1/2 flex. At 14 inches it's shorter than the usual 17 inches, and 17 inches is about right for a 1/2 flex. I use the Koken flex 24 tooth 1/2 inch at 17 inches instead of the Williams (the sound of a koken 24 tooth ratchet is the best ratchet sound in the world. I can't stand the sound of fine tooth zip tie sounding ratchets my Snap On dual 80 included). The Williams fit and finish is miles above the likes of gearwrench ratchets.

Fine tooth ratchets are over rated. I spent 20 years with course tooth ratchets on modern German luxury cars and never even realised or counted the teeth when I was actually being productive.

I never even had a flex head ratchet in 1/4 and 3/8. My ratchets were as I remember them. A standard 20 teeth 1/4 in Hazet. A Snap On F936 36 teeth 3/8 (same as the Williams) and a composite 1/2 inch course teeth Hazet for light weight overhead fatigue reduction.

Those three served me for the majority of my years as a professional. It was the use of extensions to clear obstructions as I recall.

The final ratchet I purchased towards the end of my time on the floor was a 1/2 inch Elora 17 inch course teeth flex head with no locking or indentation mechanism. That one was a godsend. I wielded it expertly immediately...I just knew by then the torque vectoring angles to not slip off a bolt. It just came instinctively after 15 years on the tools.

I stayed away from flexheads for so long because young apprentice me hated them when I was still inexperienced. Kept slipping off the bolt.

Fast forward to today and I am back on the tools on a slightly different role involving mobile repairs where the customer is actively watching me work and judging me.

When I am under the pump the Milwaukee 3/8 brushed ratchet is the go to. The speed and ease is undeniable. But whenever I am not under the pump. I notice something. Customers seem more impressed when the shiny hand tools are used more so than the electric ratchet. They believe they are getting a better value when they see the manual method...and the shiny chrome. There is a poetry in motion with expert hand tool use that an electric ratchet diminishes.

So I end up recently purchasing the 120xp flex set (I have the standard set and they are awesome...especially the 1/4 inch). I desperately wanted a free flexing ratchet. But none are available outside of professional tools in Australian retailers. Each and every one is an indexed flex head. And mobile repairs means easily left behind tools and rain and mud. Not worth the good stuff.

A tool brand that doesn't offer a free flexing flex head ratchet is a DIY consumer brand.

Sorry gearwrench. I can't take you seriously as a professional brand. I can deal with the crappy QC on my new flex set. I even love the 120xp innovation and smoothness. But that indexing flex head is quite useless and cheap to manufacture compared to the fine tolerance required for a smooth free flex.

Now I realise Capri flex set is available on Amazon Australia. I thought they were indexing but a thread here said they were not. And I already bought the DIY grade gearwrenches. Damn it.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I vastly prefer the Snap On locking flex ratchets. My favorite and most used ratchet is their Dual 80 3/8 11” locking flex.

And now that I’ve checked out their new 18” locking flex 3/8 ratchet I’m going to get it.

 

[Xcursion88]

If i had to pick one

Flf80a for me

 

[demarpaint]

I vastly prefer the Snap On locking flex ratchets. My favorite and most used ratchet is their Dual 80 3/8 11” locking flex.

And now that I’ve checked out their new 18” locking flex 3/8 ratchet I’m going to get it.

The new 3/8" locking flex-head ratchet is a nice tool! I've used mine a couple of times now and it was very well thought out.

 

[robert6715]

The best part about the roto ratchets is also often overlooked. If you adjust the Allen head cross-bolt they become as loose or stiff as needed, infinitely adjustable, tighten it enough & they just about become a locking head. Way ahead of their time for 50 years ago.

 

[Olafur]

I prefer to have all versions on hand:
Flex head ratchet
Head flex ratchet
Ratchet head flex
Ratchet flex head
Flex Ratchet head
etc...

 

[spanimal]

The best part about the roto ratchets is also often overlooked. If you adjust the Allen head cross-bolt they become as loose or stiff as needed, infinitely adjustable, tighten it enough & they just about become a locking head. Way ahead of their time for 50 years ago.

Ah yes. You remind me. I forgot that I once had a black hard handled snap on 1/4 roto. I sold it to a colleague because he pleaded for it. I then ended up buying a soft handled snap on roto maybe a year later because I had realised how often I used it and how I actually missed it. The slightly longer handle to the Hazet 1/4 inch was very useful and the using it like a screwdriver came in handy sometimes.

I sold all my old tools to a young apprentice as I left the floor. That was the biggest mistake of my life. But I am buying goodstuff now to replace all the goodstuff I had back then. Not quite the same without the battle scars.

And yes. I have a brand new shiny snap on roto head in 1/4 inch that I have used once.

I finally had a chance to put the gearwrench 3/8 and 1/4 indexing flex heads to use in a professional environment and this is what I have found about the indexing heads.

The 3/8 made very little difference to me. It worked as I expected a flex head to work. I guess the sheer weight of the steel handle dampens the indexing action when in motion. I have yet to have a complaint. I am guessing I'll have zero issues with the 1/2 incher as that one is even heavier. I would take this indexing 3/8 over a regular non flexing 3/8 any day of the week.

The 1/4 inch is a different story. The indexing action became a nuisance many times. I need the 1/4 flex for tight spaces and precision is necessary. Several times the head of the ratchet flipped itself up off the nut or bolt because I needed the inbetween position. I also need to transition between these positions whilst in motion.

The worst thing is that once it flipped itself off the nut, I cannot reposition it back on the nut without pulling it out of the tight quarters and flipping the head back with my free hand. If a smooth flex slipped up slightly and off a nut, it's merely a push upwards on the handle towards the head whilst resting the the socket on the edge of the nut to re establish the correct angle. With one hand. Because oftentimes there is no free hand available. I would take a regular 1/4 inch over this gearwrench indexing 1/4 inch.

It's such a shame because this particular set of 120xp has the second lowest backdrag in my current ratchet collection. Only my Koken has lower back drag.

I think these new 72 teeth Koken flexheads must be philosophically the most perfect ratchets ever made. I might have to buy a set of koken 72 teeth flexheads. Because as I recall, back in the day, all my ratchets had a handle material for extra grip when my hands were oily. This was not negotiable. The Koken is better also because of anvil coming through the top. This part there is the handiest thing to have that sealed heads lose out on. The only thing wrong with the Koken is the ****** switch is backwards! So close to perfection but so far away.

 

[M635_Guy]

It's such a shame because this particular set of 120xp has the second lowest backdrag in my current ratchet collection. Only my Koken has lower back drag.

Apologies for the tangent, but the extremes of opinion on the 120XP and their backdrag is so strange to me. Have heard them called the best and the worst (though more often the latter, which seems logical enough to me given how many fine teeth were talking about). I wasn't impressed at all with the couple I've examined.

 

[spanimal]

Apologies for the tangent, but the extremes of opinion on the 120XP and their backdrag is so strange to me. Have heard them called the best and the worst (though more often the latter, which seems logical enough to me given how many fine teeth were talking about). I wasn't impressed at all with the couple I've examined.

It's a an overall thumbs down for me for this set of 120xp flex heads. It's the set that has 4 ratchets. Two 3/8, long and stubby, one 1/2 long and one 1/4 long.

The good. I like the dual pawl mechanism. It demonstrates innovation. It's has reasonable backdrag on my fixed set and very low on my flex set. The alternating pawls has like a 'tick tock' sound and reminds me of a fine mechanical watch.

The bad. Poor manufacturing tolerances. The two 3/8 where gearwrench is stamped on the head is recessed. What should be a flat top of the head is concaved. This is rubbish. The 1/4 is the opposite, the flat section has a convex shape where the stamp is, in other words, there is a bulge. That's garbage. I didn't notice it through the packaging and filthy state of the ratchets when new.

The filthy states of both ratchet sets when new. A quick wipe down with a microfibre cloth solves that. I don't have serious issues with that.

Chrome finish is bad. Other Korean tools at lower price point has meticulous chroming. Gearwrench is Garbage.

One really annoying aspect of the 3/8 which I noticed right away in use, is the straight position of the ratchet handle is crooked. Not so bad if it was bent a bit upwards, because the very nature of connecting two parts with a fastener, the fastener is generally recessed somewhat. The handle is bent downwards! It certainly was noticeable immediately upon use because I lost clearance like no other ratchet. Upon inspection it was obvious why. I then checked the 1/4 inch and it's bent downwards also. This is beyond garbage. I have not checked the other two ratchets. I may reverse the handle to see if the bend down could be turned around for a slight bend up. Then again I may not waste any more resources on this **** brand.

Unfortunate also because I have 3/8 and 1/4 long and standard sockets and they are nice. Well designed and very compact on the 3/8 standard. I really like the sockets, which is why I buy the ratchet, but their flex ratchets are bad. Real bad.

Also their heads are bent left or right and not quite straight. The 1/4 chamfer on the head is not even and somewhat incomplete.

The list goes on.

A mechanic tools brand that only offers an indexing flex and not a smooth flex is a brand not made for a professional mechanic.

Check out mechanical tools made for professional mechanics. Mac, Hazet, Stahlwille, koken, ktc, nepros....Snap On. They predominantly focus their manufacturing more on smooth flex ratchets. That is if they even offer an indexing ratchet... because they know what the professional knows. The smooth flex is the only way to go.

Gearwrench is a weekend mechanics brand.

 

[M635_Guy]

Gearwrench is a weekend mechanics brand.

I'm a weekend guy, and I don't have much use for them. Generally they seem pretty consumer-grade...

 

[spanimal]

I'm a weekend guy, and I don't have much use for them. Generally they seem pretty consumer-grade...

I was trying to be nice to the poor suckers that got sucked into the gearwrench marketing machine.

But yes you are 100 percent correct sir.

 

[CGarage]

Not sure why all of the hate on Gearwrench. I have the 90T flex heads. The 1/4” GW I compared to the Matco (both locking flex heads) and I could not tell the difference. There is a little more “slop” on the 1/2” flex head compared to the 1/4” and 3/8”. But I just assumed that was because the drive size was larger and tolerances were greater as a result.

 

[Chumly]

Seen this come back to life and finally feel like putting two pennies in. First instinct is "both", but If the flex head locks, isn't all 3 in the locking flex head? Standard, flex, and locking?

I've got the SO's with the wart and that bump isn't cumbersome to me. I'm a shade tree and I've busted my knuckles with free floppy heads. I was told on the truck that it's tight, and it was, let loose a bit during getting oily, but that's fine when I want it to be free to move with me and not flopping around. Yes, I enjoy floppy for these other jobs as well and there's a ratchet for them but those moments are very random. However, I always enjoy the ability to just lock the head into place because that's this one job at this amount of time.

Maybe I'm thinking all locking flex-head ratchets can be in floppy mode? If not, why!?

 

[CGarage]

I do not have a local Matco tool truck that is easy to get to, so I bought the 90T set here largely because of this video. My only gripe is the soft handles are a little narrow but that is really nitpicking.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Apologies for the tangent, but the extremes of opinion on the 120XP and their backdrag is so strange to me. Have heard them called the best and the worst (though more often the latter, which seems logical enough to me given how many fine teeth were talking about). I wasn't impressed at all with the couple I've examined.

I actually like the 120XP's.... but I don't like the notchy flex mechanism. I mean, they're fine. Not amazing, but not terrible. All of mine have been displaced by more upmarket tools. Thank this forum for that.

Because my experience with the 120XP's was..... fine.... I thought the 90T's would also be fine. The 90T's were a huge let down.

I do not have a local Matco tool truck that is easy to get to, so I bought the 90T set here largely because of this video. My only gripe is the soft handles are a little narrow but that is really nitpicking.

That Koon video is why I no longer watch his channel. He never mentioned how sloppy the things are. I bought a set of 90T's based on that video so I'd have a set to put in my salvage yard bag.

-Ryan

 

[Lucid Moments]

As a rank amateur parts changer I have everything mentioned except the roto ratchets and use them all as the situation calls for them. Just had a situation recently that I bought a specific ratchet for, 1/4" drive locking flex head 12" long from Gearwrench. The job was doable without it but much, much easier with it. That being said my go to ratchet is usually a standard length straight ratchet. It seems to get the job done for me most of the time.

 

[spanimal]

I do not have a local Matco tool truck that is easy to get to, so I bought the 90T set here largely because of this video. My only gripe is the soft handles are a little narrow but that is really nitpicking.

That's the gearwrench marketing (matcoting?) machine I am talking about. It's gone too far. People think they are getting the tool that professionals are using for a much cheaper price.

It's so bad that I recently saw an advert just yesterday that the 90t locking flex set is now available at Bunnings for $285 bucks! That's not cheap

I mean Matco was never ever available in Australia even, yet Apex is pushing this garbage through Australian retailers as the most expensive mechanic tools available to purchase over the counter.

I have huge respect for Apex Crescent brand. But the Gearwrench brand, led by the ratchet....the quintessential tool that your entire mechanics tools will be judged...is not a professional tool at a cheaper price.

I have been the workshop manager of a multifranchised massive workshop that can push 120 cars out the door per day. I have been quality controller of English luxury brands. After being off the tools I did non productive roles in several franchised dealers including a truck workshop. No gearwrench has ever been seen.

At least 80 percent probably more like 90 percent are wielding Snap-on. Snap on has cornered the Australian market. Stahlwille, Hazet and Koken trail in the miscellaneous remainders in that order. There are virtually no other brands.

In the car workshop world, the evolution was towards the Snap On 11 inch smooth flex 3/8 as the defacto ratchet. Split between the comfort grip and hard handle.

And yes, I have this ratchet and it's the desert island ratchet. I spotted a locking version twice in a 1/2 inch version. Both were held by apprentices. I have never experienced a situation where I thought I required a locking mechanism. I have never seen a fully qualified tech wield one. I have never seen an indexing flex head ever in a professional environment.

The Snap On 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch long smooth flex has universally replaced the standard ratchet. The 24 incher 1/2 flex is a common sight, the Snap on 3/8 18 inch flex is a common sight as is the extra long 1/4 flex. But the regular flex lengths are the new standard that has supplanted regular ratchets. Years ago.

When these smooth flexes are the current Australian professional default. I am mind blown that I can't buy a smooth flex in any brick and mortar retail store.

The only cheaper version of professional tools that is actually still a professional tool is the Williams Snap On ratchets. And when you believe me that fine teeth is overrated and that lower back drag is far more important...the Koken ratchets are no brainers.

Whilst my 120xp has amazingly low back drag. It comes at a cost of a loosey goosey anvil. The Koken are even lower back drag, but there is virtually no play in the anvil.

If push comes to shove. There will be moments the Koken will get me out of trouble because it has a lower back drag than the Snap On.

The Snap On is the desert island ratchet in theory. It's so gorgeous.

But the Koken is the desert island ratchet in practice. Despite the 24 teeth.

 

[CGarage]

Awesome post above. Thank you so much for sharing great info. Massive shop you are at it sounds like!


I paid I think $135 for my set of 3 90T locking flex heads from Gearwrench. I was happy getting 3 ratchets for $135. I would not have paid $285 for same.

 

[Wiz02]

Boy, I feel like I've been living under a rock for years. I've used straight handle ratchets exclusively 50+ years, admittedly as a hard-core DIY guy, not a professional, with one flex head ratchet bought for an spark plug job on a 94 Camaro lt1 engine with the dreaded Opti no spark. I've never used that flex ratchet again and it wasn't really helpful on that job, but reading this thread is going to cost me, I can just tell.

 

[spanimal]

Ok, perhaps I got carried away with my Gearwrench bashing.

The fact is. My first introduction to gearwrench was a cheap metric 3/8 short and long socket set. That I won't be afraid to lose bits from.

The regular ratchet was 84 tooth chrome hard handle.

I was so impressed by the quality of the socket and the ratchet and extensions. I bought a soft grip 3/8 84 tooth when I saw it being discounted at Masters (an Australian collaboration with Lowe's that is now defunct).

I then bought the 120xp regular set. I think they are awesome. In fact...one reason I won't buy a regular 1/4 snap on...is because I believe the 120xp 1/4 is a better tool.

I guess that's why I took the chance on the flexheads with Gearwrench.

I think the problem here is me. I am wishing for a professional feature and hoping to not pay professional prices via professional distribution mechanisms.

What I wish for is not economically feasible in Australia for a brick and mortar store. I can see that now.

The bigger picture is that the gearwrench 120xp flex set is ideal for people to enjoy working on their own cars. They will perform amazingly well and give pride of ownership to people who take pride in their hobby.

People should not buy smooth flexheads if they are scraping their knuckles with it and diminishing their enjoyment of their tools.

Professionals have a different requirement. Pleasure is not one of them. Efficiency, speed and fatigue reduction is the name of their game. Leave the smooth flexes for the professionals.

I shall say no more on this issue.

 

[Ton ton]

I found a 3/8" non locking roto ratchet @ the pawn shop. We will see if it performs properly. Snap on brand.