Upgrade Snap-on F831 Flexhead Ratchet???

[Ralf11]

I have an F831 - how much of an upgrade are the F936, FLF80a or whatever?

This ratchet is strong enough for me so that's not an issue (I use a breaker bar!!)

But what about tooth count, swing?

And what about backdrag?

Or anything else ... I've seen several threads on here but it is hard to make any sense of the rambling.

Thanks!

 

[Fedwrench]

I believe your f831 has 30 teeth. The 936 is a very nice 36 tooth ratchet that was the industry standard for many years until the ratchet tooth count wars started
Since 6 more teeth isn't a giant leap forward, I would skip the 936 series and opt for Snap on's flf80 series. 80 teeth, strong dual 80 design, typical snap on excellence. Crisp ratcheting action a giant leap forward compared to a 30 tooth ratchet

Now if you're open to non snap on ratchets, SK, Proto, Tekton, and Gearwrench all make some very nice 90 tooth ratchets.

 

[Wamsutta]

The 30 tooth F831 is one of my most favorite ratchets. But my go-to for a flex head has been the FB852, which is a bent handle flex head with the black hard handle (same head as the F831). I like the smooth operation and the compactness of the F830 series ratchet head. The F936 series is stronger, but with way more back drag. But if you're not concerned about back drag, the FL936 is still a very nice flex head ratchet that is extremely strong.

 

[Ralf11]

No, back drag is an issue - often enough to be an issue, that is...

 

[Fedwrench]

The 936 series were stiff when new but, became smooth as butter with lots of use.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you want no back drag at all, the Cornwell JRF36 is it. It's a 30 tooth ratchet with no back drag. I actually prefer to hear a little series of clicks when I'm using a ratchet. The Cornwell JRF36 is too quiet. And then there's those detents in the wrist joint; I don't particularly care for them. I like a smooth operating friction joint instead. But . . . . the shape of the solid steel handle is pure heaven.

 

[Tallpilot]

Would you guys just let him get a dual 80 like Fedwrench first suggested? Why upgrade one antique to a slightly newer antique?? Good grief.

The FHX80A is my go-to 3/8" ratchet. The only thing more fantastic is its 1/2" cousin.

 

[Wamsutta]

Would you guys just let him get a dual 80 like Fedwrench first suggested?

I was working my way up to that point. I don't want to skip over the meat and potatoes and go straight to the coconut cream pie.

 

[Ralf11]

Thanks, Gents - found a used FX80a and will use it on a spot I need to tighten where my F831 was flopping around making me cuss and sweat.

I need a 17mm socket that is only 15mm too and another hand...

 

[setfocus]

FX80A is on my wish list, I love my 1/2" SX80B... but I've already got a matco 3/8 12" locking-flex so the FX80A is only on the wish list

 

[Tallpilot]

Thanks, Gents - found a used FX80a and will use it on a spot I need to tighten where my F831 was flopping around making me cuss and sweat.

I need a 17mm socket that is only 15mm too and another hand...

Let us know what you think!

FX80A is on my wish list, I love my 1/2" SX80B... but I've already got a matco 3/8 12" locking-flex so the FX80A is only on the wish list

If someone put a Snap-on Dual-80 head on the Matco locking mechanism it would be ratchet nirvana.

I only have the 1/4” 12” Matco because the thin head is useful in tight spaces but I prefer the feel of Dual-80 especially in 1/2”.

 

[Tallpilot]

I was working my way up to that point. I don't want to skip over the meat and potatoes and go straight to the coconut cream pie.

Grown men can eat dessert first if they want!

 

[setfocus]

If someone put a Snap-on Dual-80 head on the Matco locking mechanism it would be ratchet nirvana.

I only have the 1/4” 12” Matco because the thin head is useful in tight spaces but I prefer the feel of Dual-80 especially in 1/2”.

I actually like the snap-on locking mech, I sometimes unlock the flex instead of reversing the head when working by feel on the matco. I definitely like the duel-80 over the matco 88 head mech.

I've been thinking about the 1/4 matco locking in the 9" length... for the thinner head and need for a longer 1/4" ratchet. My other two 1/4" ratchets are the standard length T72 and the roto-head with soft grip (6-7/8" long) snap-ons. If tekton made a longer 1/4 flex ratchet, I'd probably cheap out.

 

[Tallpilot]

I actually like the snap-on locking mech, I sometimes unlock the flex instead of reversing the head when working by feel on the matco. I definitely like the duel-80 over the matco 88 head mech.

I've been thinking about the 1/4 matco locking in the 9" length... for the thinner head and need for a longer 1/4" ratchet. My other two 1/4" ratchets are the standard length T72 and the roto-head with soft grip (6-7/8" long) snap-ons. If tekton made a longer 1/4 flex ratchet, I'd probably cheap out.

I don’t blame you. I have the 18” 3/8” Tekton and the 24” 1/2”. They are phenomenal for the cost. I wish they would make a 12” 1/4”.

If I’m spending big money I prefer locking flex because I think it’s the best of both worlds.