Updated question about flex head ratchets

[Shoreline_]

I was wondering those who use flex head ratchets.

Locking or non locking, what's your application, and are you a professional mechanic. Like you flag hours or could have a job flagging hours professional.

 

[dnschmidt]

I prefer non-locking.

 

[jsaw]

Locking. Mechanic full time 33 years

 

[mikey03]

need both

 

[Monte]

These do both

 

[rsanter]

I love the flex head ratchets and they are my first grab.

i have never had a locking one but I could see the advantage sometimes

 

[Cheep]

Full timer, non locking for 3/8, locking for 1/2.

 

[Ditchdigger]

Bought locking snap on first, replaced them with non locking later. The locking feature was always frustrating me.

Former millwright now full time restoration mechanic

 

[Rinspeed]

When I bought my Snap On 1/2" was on the fence on which but I went with non locking and I'm happy I did. My Carlyle 3/8 has a lock but I don't flex it much.

 

[andys]

Professional user of a non-locking flex head as a main ratchet.

I prefer unlimited positions over a few fixed options, and the locking mechanism can get in the way when clearance is an issue. I have one short fixed head ratchet and if I had to start over again, I would buy the same overall length with a flex head instead.

 

[snickers muncher]

Just a home user, but I prefer one with detents over one without. I've never tried a full locking flex.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

DIY car guy.
1/2 locking. 1/4 and 3/8 doesnt matter

 

[Tynee]

Another DIY guy here. I own 3 flex ratchets. Never touch the non-locking. Reach for the locking on almost every project now.

 

[badmatt]

Non locking for me. Infinite access and no stupid little locking nub catching on things in tight area's.

 

[f121]

Pro. Non locking 1/2. Both 3/8 but usually go non-locking unless I specifically need it to lock. Non locking 1/4.

 

[rustyzman]

Pro.
I use non locking. My personal preference, but I understand others may prefer something else.

 

[Shoreline_]

So with the few answers I got, it sort of confirmed my observations. Guys who wrench for a living prefer non locking (myself included). Interesting right?

 

[zendriver]

Indeed.

If you have a locking model, you can use it unlocked.

I picked up an old thorsen form an auction, that didn't lock. Kind of ***** have it flopping around but it does get in tight places.

Picked up the locking Icon at the recent sale. have not used it yet but look forward to using it either locked or unlocked.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Actually neither - I prefer the round head that pivots.

 

[assassin10000]

Pro. Locking.

Ever try and and get at something one handed with a socket and extension on it? I do, often.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

Retired pro… non locking when I ever even used one

 

[f121]

If you have a locking model, you can use it unlocked.

Assuming the lock can be disabled. Some designs require you to push a button to change the angle and cannot be unlocked. Other locking designs are frustrating to use because they will lock themselves if you catch the lock lever (old snap on with the lock lever on the handle).

 

[Ditchdigger]

If you have a locking model, you can use it unlocked.

Unless you bought this style Snap on locking flex from about 6-10 years ago that pretty much locks itself at the slightest movement. So annoying.


Unlock it because you want the benefit of a non-locking, swing it about 3° and feel it lock itself, pull it out of the tight spot in the engine bay to unlock it and feel it lock itself on the way back in....

Rage!

 

[ecotec]

I prefer non-locking. I will buy locking ones for garage/estate sale prices.

 

[zendriver]

Assuming the lock can be disabled. Some designs require you to push a button to change the angle and cannot be unlocked. Other locking designs are frustrating to use because they will lock themselves if you catch the lock lever (old snap on with the lock lever on the handle).

Good point.

The Chinese must have the ultimate configuration dialed in., with the Icon. One has to work some, to move the lever to lock, which does not protrude much from the body.