Trying to Make a Flex Head Decision

[uncwstudent]

Hey Guys,

So my girlfriend bought me a MAC Axis 3/8" Flex Head Ratchet (at my request) before I realized that it is not locking.

I have a 1/4" Axis locking ratchet that I love but I was wondering if I should keep it, wait for the new Axis flex head coming in February, or purchase one of the items below.

My overall question is, what are your opinions and experiences with the following:

1.) Locking versus Non-Locking

2.) Should I keep the MAX Axis 3/8" Flex Head 13" here:
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...-Drive-Axis-Comfort-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchets

or the Carlyle non-locking Flex Head
https://www.napaonline.com/p/CHQR38FL90

or the Matco Eighty8 Locking Flex Head
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BFR128LFM/3-8-12IN-88TH-RATCHET-ORANGE/

or the Gearwrench Locking Flex Head
http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrenc...-grip-locking-flex-head-teardrop-ratchet.html

And yes, I prefer comfort grips.

 

[Mr_B]

i like the carlyle locking and non locking flex .

84T taiwan GW not bad if price good .

 

[bimmer630]

They make a locking flex axis?
You say you have a 1/4" locking axis ratchet..

 

[drtyler]

I'd keep the Mac 3/8, if it were me. I like non-locking better.

9, 13, or 18 inch version?

 

[TheEuronater]

Cant you just buy the locking and not lock it? That way it covers everything you could want. I have non locking and wish sometimes they were

 

[davethorik]

They make a locking flex axis?
You say you have a 1/4" locking axis ratchet..

https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...oth-Locking-Flex-Head-Metal-Handle-Ratchet-13

 

[Flatheadpopup]

Cant you just buy the locking and not lock it? That way it covers everything you could want. I have non locking and wish sometimes they were

Having never owned a flex head ratchet I would like to know the same thing.

 

[gdocktor3]

Cant you just buy the locking and not lock it? That way it covers everything you could want. I have non locking and wish sometimes they were

Yes you can use it unlocked.

I prefer non locking because I like to grab the head and have the handle float in my hand while quickly removing fasteners.

 

[APS2000]

Carlyle also has these variants to consider:

R38LFQR
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFQR

R38LFLQR
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFLQR

R38NLF
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38NLF

R38NLFL
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38NLFL

 

[Wamsutta]

I'd keep the Mac 3/8, if it were me. I like non-locking better.

+++1

 

[Ben1967]

I would say keep the Mac, but if you want to replace I would look at the Snap On THLF72. I have the f72 flex head, and its been a all around great ratchet!

 

[kelpaso1]

Snap-On non locking flex with the bent handle are the only ratchets I have ever used in the 35 years I have been wrenching. Once you get the bolt loose you can bend the handle up and use it as a speed handle kinda thing. Although I get a kick outta my friends who try to use it. They can't get the hang of that flexy thing on the end Then they say this is a *************, give me a normal ratchet. So then I give him my 25 yr old unused Craftsman

 

[Tenex]

I wanted to get the Axis really bad but ended up buying the Carlyle R38LFLQR on sale for $60. The locking mechanism doesn't allow for the ratchet to be used unlocked and it's not available without a comfort grip. Just things to keep in mind.

 

[shockwave]

I would keep the Mac axis and not worry about the other

I prefer the matco locking in chrome only I cannot seem to like the matco comfort handles
And the snap on hard handle it my go to for non locking flex heads

 

[M6erfan]

i like the carlyle locking and non locking flex .

84T taiwan GW not bad if price good .

I like the Carlyles, but 72T my friend, not 84. Good ratchets.

 

[bimmer630]

https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...oth-Locking-Flex-Head-Metal-Handle-Ratchet-13

Oh weird. I haven’t seen those andncouldnt find them on the site. I don’t really prefer thenlicking flex honestly, but i do have 3/8 axis in comfort grip flex bent and straight handle.. and they are awesome ratchets

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have both locking and non locking flex heads. They are from Armstrong, Gearwrench, Kolbalt, & Snap On. I prefer the locking versions by a large margin. I tighten the screw down so that when left unlocked they don't flop around. Locked down like in the straight position and they are just like a regular long handle ratchet. Crank on them all you want with out the worry the handle is going to swing a little and bust something. I also like the locking switch and location of the Armstrong/Matco/Gearwrench. I don't like the Snap On slide location even though they seem to work good enough.
Now that Armstrong is not around, I like the looks of the newer Gearwrench ratchet.

 

[Flinter987]

I really like my mac axis 3/8 bent handle ratchet, even though i usually prefer locking ratchets. It is a super sweet looking ratchet too!

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I lost my flex years ago, and don't really miss it. I have some of the HF stubby flexes for the rare occasion, but its like months between uses.

 

[Mr_B]

I like the Carlyles, but 72T my friend, not 84. Good ratchets.

84T GW (gearwrench) was what second line referring to .
My locking flex ratchets from carlyle are indeed 72teeth, I got a non locking teardrop slim flex and those 90teeth. 72tooth with QR is my favourite from napa carlyle, superb tool for the online deal prices and warranty should be good as long as no major tool production changes or brand demise down the road ! .

 

[cgv69]

I have the Matco 88's in 1/4, 3/8's and 1/2 and have been very happy with them. Armstrong makes them and their own with a different handle for less money

 

[davethorik]

I have the Matco 88's in 1/4, 3/8's and 1/2 and have been very happy with them. Armstrong makes them and their own with a different handle for less money

It has already been mentioned upthread but Armstrong is no longer around. AJ Mfg makes Matco's ratchets now.

 

[uncwstudent]

Thanks guys! I'm getting the MAC Axis non-locking in today and I've also ordered the Carlyle 3/8" locking flex head (thanks APS2000!) and I'll compare them and maybe try to write a little something up about them here.

Also, I have the greatest girlfriend in the world. She has almost no money but drops a **** ton of money on a ratchet for me because I wanted it.

 

[Dentaltec]

Snap-On non locking flex with the bent handle are the only ratchets I have ever used in the 35 years I have been wrenching. Once you get the bolt loose you can bend the handle up and use it as a speed handle kinda thing. Although I get a kick outta my friends who try to use it. They can't get the hang of that flexy thing on the end Then they say this is a *************, give me a normal ratchet. So then I give him my 25 yr old unused Craftsman

I agree, I never felt I needed the locking, and your technique turning it into a speed wrench takes a bit of dexterity, I know the trick

 

[uncwstudent]

Hey guys,

So I got in both the MAC Axis non locking 3/8" flex head and the Carlyle locking 13" 3/8" flex head.

The MAC Axis was an absolutely beautiful ratchet that had the most comfortable grip I have ever held. The design is extremely solid and the fine teeth feel great. The head, though non locking, was really tight and I was impressed by that. I paid $150 out the door for the ratchet.

The Carlyle was definitely not as beautiful or as thick as the MAC...but man it is very well made and a great value for the money. The 72t mechanism was definitely not as smooth as the MAC 80t (or maybe 90t, I forget). Nonethless its solid, the locking mechanism is really great, and the comfort grip is really comfortable, though not as much as the MAC. The Carlyle ratchet was on sale for $60 out the door.

In the end I decided to keep....the Carlyle.

Here's my reasoning:

1. The MAC actually kept skipping a tooth. Sure, its probably an issue with the lube...but its a $140 ratchet. The QC should be taken care of before its sent out the door.

2. I don't have a MAC guy. If somethibg goes wrong, I have to pay to send it back to MAC. Their phone support is terrible. I can just take the Carlyle back into NAPA at anytime and swap it out...usually same day.

3. They sent the MAC in a box with no protection...no bubble wrap....nothing. That just pisses me off.

4. The Carlyle was locking and had a quick release...two things that Ive found that I really like.

5. The Carlyle had a really great ratcheting mechanism and felt really solid (and at this price point, in not afraid to scratch it or etc).

6. I honestly just can justify a $150 ratchet for what I do and for the level of its quality. I guess for $150...I just expected more. The MAC was beautiful and well designed...but for the money, at least in my mind, was just way too overpriced for what you get.

Just my two cents.

 

[Tonyuk]

Ideally you really need both fixed and flex head ratchets. I come across times every day that i would find having just one style very annoying.

 

[APS2000]

Thanks guys! I'm getting the MAC Axis non-locking in today and I've also ordered the Carlyle 3/8" locking flex head (thanks APS2000!) and I'll compare them and maybe try to write a little something up about them here.

I'm glad I could help.

The napaonline website is a little tricky with keyword search. You can also download the Carlyle Tools app if you have a smart phone. It's more comprehensive with part numbers and tool listings.

 

[lilxtra]

LOVE my Cornwell comfort grip #JRF36HA, it's not locking per se' but I've yet had it to flip. Give it a serious look!

 

[pdxgearhead]

My Matco 88t 3/8 locking flex is my favorite ratchet of all time.

 

[jsmeece]

Man, for the money, it is hard to beat the Napa Carlyle locking flex head ratchets, especially when they go on sale. I got all three 1/4, 3/8 and the 1/2 drive a few months back for $147 dollars, which included shipping and sales tax. I really like them. I am not a pro mechanic, if that matter, just an experienced DIYer.

 

[cgv69]

Armstrong is no longer around.

Yup, missed that. I guess I'll see what I can find out about why Armstrong is no longer around? if anybody has a good link, feel free to post it

 

[jsmeece]

Yup, missed that. I guess I'll see what I can find out about why Armstrong is no longer around? if anybody has a good link, feel free to post it

http://toolguyd.com/apex-tool-group-cuts-armstrong-and-allen-tool-brands/

 

[bixxjs]

Hi Y'all
I've been meaning to get a locking flex head myself,I was looking at the SO.