Upgrading ratchets

[Mark_17]

My friend got my a FLF80, long handled flex head with cushion grip.

I stopped using anything else, I love it that much

Now I have a few other Koken ratchets and they are great as well. The head is a little smaller so I grab these when dealing with tighter locations

 

[Rinspeed]

The coverplate on the F80 is attached with screws. The coverplate on the F80 FOD is riveted and is not intended to be opened for oil or rebuild. If there are decent auction photos, you'll be able to see.

Do you know if they will rebuild one if you send it back.

 

[Marc Voorhees]

My friend got my a FLF80, long handled flex head with cushion grip.

I stopped using anything else, I love it that much

Now I have a few other Koken ratchets and they are great as well. The head is a little smaller so I grab these when dealing with tighter locations

I need better friends apparently!

 

[Legion Prime]

OK I'm going to take a shot here. Please don't compare an F80 to a Harley. All of my friends that own Harley's have them in the shop far more time than they ride them. Those that own Honda Gold Wings on the other hand seem to never have an issue. I routinely knock Snap-On but I'd never hit them with the low blow of comparing them to a Harley. Even I will admit they are better than that.

Are you trying to say your F80 ISN'T constantly in the shop?

 

[jrbpit1]

I started with Craftsman, upgraded to SK, got a Mac locking flex head for Christmas. Bought some more SK LP90's, got a Matco blue handle locking flex head, got a 1/4" drive Mac, have another 3/8 SK on order. I prefer the Mac locking mechanism over the Matco, but the Matco just looks awesome. Ratchet upgrades become a sickness, they are the tool companies crack.... Next on the list is a Snap-On FX80. Be careful, you'll start adding ratchets, then figure out you need a bigger tool box, locking extensions, better sockets, the madness will never end!!! And, I'm a sucker for the US made stuff. I don't mind paying extra to keep fellow citizens employed.

 

[mrjaw14]

I am a very competent DIY'r and I landed on dual 80's. if they are in your budget I say buy them. They are an absolute joy to me. I have several now and have zero regrets. Get the dual 80...but do look at several of them and feel the soft grips, flex-head etc. I started with a long handle 1/4 and 3/8 and now have soft-grip flex heads as well. they are like chips...you can never have just one!

 

[Citation]

I would look at a ratchet that isn't a direct replacement for something you already have. A mechanic friend turned me onto roto head ratchets. Man I wish I had them sooner! I do have a 32T Snapon flex head 1/4 but I don't like using it was well as the 1/4 Crescent branded roto I have. I also have a 3/8" roto. Both were part of a set off ebay (cripes distributing I believe) for around $35. If you were using an old Cman raised panel I can understand wanting to upgrade (I started looking at other ratchets because that is what I was using). I find I still use my Cman 3/8 when I want a simple ratchet. When I'm reaching around something I use the roto. The 72T ratchet meant to replace the Cman doesn't get used that much even though I quite like it.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I'll second the Matco locking head, especially the long handle version. I have the Armstrong version and grab that first almost every time when using 3/8" drive size. That means my own SO standard length ratchet is used far less.

If you go with a longer locking flex, you may find less of a desire to upgrade your shorter handle ratchet. You won't gain a ton with a SO over what you currently have. It'll likely be smoother but won't have much less swing in tight spaces. Then there is always the name recognition/prestige with the SO brand.

 

[Marc Voorhees]

I'll second the Matco locking head, especially the long handle version. I have the Armstrong version and grab that first almost every time when using 3/8" drive size. That means my own SO standard length ratchet is used far less.

If you go with a longer locking flex, you may find less of a desire to upgrade your shorter handle ratchet. You won't gain a ton with a SO over what you currently have. It'll likely be smoother but won't have much less swing in tight spaces. Then there is always the name recognition/prestige with the SO brand.

Name isn't All that important, was just looking for better/smoother operation.

Perhaps I will just grab the longer one then!

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Why do i have a feeling this thread is about to get slammed with Tekton recommendations?

Isn't that most tool threads anymore? They must pay those spammers well.

Anyway, SK is having a sale right now. Rumor is that they may have been sold to the Chinese so get the American made versions while you still can.

I also love Wera Zyklop ratchets.

 

[measuredtwice]

Do you know if they will rebuild one if you send it back.

I don't know if they'll rebuild a FOD. They might just swap them out. Worth asking them if it's important to you. They are usually very responsive.

 

[Ralf11]

Pizza said it all. I am a big big fan of a flex head ratchet - both stubbies and long handles.

Once I discovered ko-ken and Nepros my zeal for Snappie's Dual 80s cooled. All 3 are worthy of consideration. I have some odd shaped Dual 80s that I will keep; for 3/8 and 1/2 drive I go for Koken Zeal 72 tooth; for 1/4" drive the nepros are just too pretty to pass up.

Buy yourself both a used Dual 80 and a koken zeal 72t in different configurations and try them out for a while to see what your 3rd purchase will be.

 

[Josh the IH guy]

Sk has thier 90 tooth ratchet for 35 bucks right now. You'll never see that price again. That's a heck of a deal.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Josh the IH guy

The way its looking, we might never see that ratchet again...

 

[Wrench97]

While I love the Dual 80's I have and use them every day, my current 2 favorites in 3/8 are both Matco for the thinner heads that help get into some tight spots and the superior locking flex mechanism.
The BFR88 straight handle and the BFR128LF locking flex.

 

[mrjaw14]

I thought the reports on the LP90's were they weren't that good right? I really wanted some but the reviews kinda put me off

 

[Josh the IH guy]

@Josh the IH guy

The way its looking, we might never see that ratchet again...

You might be right. With the recent sell, who knows. Dark days for those of us who love SK...

 

[Josh the IH guy]

I thought the reports on the LP90's were they weren't that good right? I really wanted some but the reviews kinda put me off

There has been a mixed bag. Most of the reviews I've read have to do with the selector, and finish blemishes. There are definitely good reviews as well. I think you will find good and bad with all tool brands. Things happen.

 

[Rinspeed]

I thought the reports on the LP90's were they weren't that good right? I really wanted some but the reviews kinda put me off

The two I bought in the last year seemed like they very much needed some lube.

 

[javyLSU]

I got all the above, but ive been using my FX80A locking flex mostly.
For the OP, this model has a lock release position which makes it non-locking when needed.

Totally agree - once I got my locking flex heads, I’ve barely touched my fixed heads or flex heads. If I’m not using a locking flex head, I’m probably using a roto/swivel head ratchet.

I am personally not a fan of Snap-on ratchets but that’s just me. For tool truck ratchets I like Matco locking flex heads the best. Even the regular ratchets are good. They are 88 teeth. My go to over any though are Capri ratchets they just feel so smooth and have very little back drag and are affordable too. I paid less than what you could get them for at Harbor Freight now they are only 72 teeth though if that’s an issue but to me they are so smooth I was thinking it was about at least a 90 tooth originally.

The Matco locking flex heads were my favorite ratchets until recently. I was changing out an alternator on a Jeep Patriot that uses the 2.4 “world engine” that they put in a bunch of cars, and once you get everything else out of the way you still have to reach in blind to undo the positive connection coming from the battery. That’s when I realized the beauty of the Snap-on locking flex head design. You can operate it blindly. The flex-head locks on my Matco ratchets are a bit hard to operate, more so with gloves on. The Snap-on locking flex may not be the prettiest thing in the world, but I now understand the intent behind the design, and it just works easily, every time, without fail. It’s now my first-grab ratchet.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Totally agree - once I got my locking flex heads, I’ve barely touched my fixed heads or flex heads. If I’m not using a locking flex head, I’m probably using a roto/swivel head ratchet.

The Matco locking flex heads were my favorite ratchets until recently. I was changing out an alternator on a Jeep Patriot that uses the 2.4 “world engine” that they put in a bunch of cars, and once you get everything else out of the way you still have to reach in blind to undo the positive connection coming from the battery. That’s when I realized the beauty of the Snap-on locking flex head design. You can operate it blindly. The flex-head locks on my Matco ratchets are a bit hard to operate, more so with gloves on. The Snap-on locking flex may not be the prettiest thing in the world, but I now understand the intent behind the design, and it just works easily, every time, without fail. It’s now my first-grab ratchet.

All my coworkers who had those Snap-on locking flex heads would get them caught on stuff and break the lever off. Lol.

 

[jrbpit1]

I thought the reports on the LP90's were they weren't that good right? I really wanted some but the reviews kinda put me off

I currently have 1 3/8 LP90 and 1 1/2 drive LP90 both ratchets have worked very well for me and I have no issues with the finish on either. I also have 2 of the SK round head ratchets, one of them a flex head. I’ve had the flex head (45183) for several years and it has served me very well. No issues with the finish. I have a 1/2 drive round head and it’s done it’s job very well. I have a bunch of SK sockets, no finish issues and a set of metric long pattern wrenches. All good. I’m happy with my purchases. I’m not a pro, and SK and Wright have been a good alternative to going with the tool truck brands. All of my SK stuff has been purchased within the last 3-4 years. The 45183 my be a little older.

my LP90 3/8 has been dropped in a pain of used motor oil, dropped on the shop floor, and knocked around pretty good. It has held up. A little clean up with tub O’ towels and all good.

The smoothest ratchet I own is a Mac 1/4” drive. US made and butter smooth.

I’ve compared the finish of my SK wrenches to the Wright’s to the set of my son’s Snappys. All three brands were purchased within the last 18 months. No complaints on the finish compared to the others. I recently purchased a 21MM Mac knuckle saver(US Made), new right off the truck, and it has the best finish of all the wrenches I own.

I recently picked up a Wright 18” 1/2 drive breaker bar. To be honest it is the best looking tool I own. The finish is outstanding and the knurled handle is just perfect.

 

[Mekks082]

Keep an eye on ebay, I purchased a t72, f80, and s80a (1/4th, 3/8, 1/2 duel 80) for around $200 total shipped.

All appeared to be brand new, not sure how these guys are selling them so cheap. I assume they run a huge truck route and the turn around on their sales lowered the wholesale price enough.

 

[Dzmax77]

Buy once, cry once. Go gusto. If it was in my budget, Id get the Snappy.
There’s always Williams if you dont mind 36 count or SK, they have a great deal going on but you may come across some small issues.

 

[visionguru]

FLF80A

I have the soft handle version and hardly use or need anything else for 3/8" drive.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

F80 is a fine choice for a ratchet upgrade. The ratcheting action of those Dual 80 heads just feels so much better than any other ratchet I've used. My personal favorite is the FBF80A (bent handle flex head). At my day job (designing/building robots), one of our technicians who used to be a heavy truck mechanic got me hooked on that one.

I've also been enjoying the F80MP, though I see it more as a specialty ratchet than a general purpose one. I don't use it often, but when you're working with fasteners with limited swing room it's pretty great.

 

[f121]

you won’t go wrong with a F80, theyre great to use, much nicer than the stuff that comes in most diyer socket sets. Regular ole f80 is my goto ratchet, barely touch my older ratchets now.

Just one thing to consider, are you used to quick release? If so, buy the F80R, pulling the socket off the F80 always seems like a bit of hassle when you are used to quick release

 

[Marc Voorhees]

you won’t go wrong with a F80, theyre great to use, much nicer than the stuff that comes in most diyer socket sets. Regular ole f80 is my goto ratchet, barely touch my older ratchets now.

Just one thing to consider, are you used to quick release? If so, buy the F80R, pulling the socket off the F80 always seems like a bit of hassle when you are used to quick release

I am a bit used to the Quick release, but willing to try something else.! I will keep an eye out

 

[FuzzyTiger]

do you want quick release or not? flex head?

you're looking to treat yourself?

can't go wrong with snap on dual 80 series, but i'd rather have nepros or koken (japanese tool companies).

the top three are by nepros (90 tooth), and the bottom two are by koken:

---

nepros: fit and finish is superior to snap-on. unless you HATE quick-release, you can't go wrong with one of these as your main ratchet. i'm sure you will not regret your purchase. nepros is the premium show-off line of its parent, KTC, so their offerings are more streamlined. that's why it only comes in quick-release.

fyi the dark blue ones are a limited edition finish. their standard finish is basically the best chrome you can find on a tool. these are arguably the most premium ratchets in existence.

buy direct from nepros

---

koken: also great! it's a tool company with a strong focus on ratchets and socketry, so they have a lot more offerings. it takes some time to familiarize yourself with what they've got. they have standard and quick-release for a lot of their ratchets. excellent fit and finish (but not nepros quality chrome), and they are in generally known for their low, buttery-smooth backdrag (the resistance when turning the ratchet in the counter-drive direction). low backdrag helps you use the ratcheting action when the fastener is not tight. if the backdrag is higher than the fastener friction, the tool will turn the fastener back instead of ratcheting. the backdrag is lower than nepros or snap-on.

the zeal series aka z-series (shown at bottom) is now available in 72 teeth via a recent update. Z-series has plastic grip though, so maybe you won't like that.
i think most or all of their other series are 24 tooth. buttery smooth and honestly fine unless you really need more teeth due to clearance issues. if you like knurled grips, the knurling on those variants is very nice.

koken catalog

for palmac, try coupon code mrsubaru5

standard series, knurled grip (not z-series even though it says it is)
standard series, smooth grip
72-tooth z-series

You know I love my Japanese tools but I've really been struggling to have them as the first ratchet I reach for.

Currently that spot is taken by my mac 1/4 extended length locking flex head with soft grip. I love it's size and versatility. It doesn't have the refinement of the Nepros or the unbelievable back drag of the Koken but it feels great and can fit anywhere and apply a lot of torque. It's my default to take stuff apart. My tiny Koken 1/4 is my default to put it back together unless they're larger fasteners or have a torque spec.

What I really need is a extended length flex Nepros or Koken but I haven't pulled the trigger because the Nepros are too nice to throw around the way I do with my Mac and I haven't found a good option from Koken. The grip on the Mac is also fantastic. If I could get it on every ratchet, I'd give up metal handles but I haven't found the grip feels so good on any other size.

 

[Ralf11]

longer than 280mm ??

Koken Z-Series 3726Z-280 | Flexible Ratchet, Reversible- 3/8" Sq. Dr.

Palmac Tool Company offers the Koken Z-Series 3726Z-280 | Flexible Ratchet, Reversible- 3/8" Sq. Dr. to order online with a best Price Guarantee. Fast Shipping Available.

palmac.net

 

[FuzzyTiger]

longer than 280mm ??

Koken Z-Series 3726Z-280 | Flexible Ratchet, Reversible- 3/8" Sq. Dr.

Palmac Tool Company offers the Koken Z-Series 3726Z-280 | Flexible Ratchet, Reversible- 3/8" Sq. Dr. to order online with a best Price Guarantee. Fast Shipping Available.

palmac.net

I should really know better than to complain about not being able to find my perfect tool on here.

... I'm going to look in the morning for someone that will ship to Canada because Palmac sadly does not.

 

[pizza]

longer than 280mm ??

Koken Z-Series 3726Z-280 | Flexible Ratchet, Reversible- 3/8" Sq. Dr.

Palmac Tool Company offers the Koken Z-Series 3726Z-280 | Flexible Ratchet, Reversible- 3/8" Sq. Dr. to order online with a best Price Guarantee. Fast Shipping Available.

palmac.net

@FuzzyTiger,

that 3/8" 45 tooth swivel head koken (3776N) in my pic in my post above is also 280mm
i think page 83 of their catalog http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/KOKEN_201908ENSP.pdf

but did you want 1/4" or 3/8" drive? and how long is the mac you like? tried googling just to get a look at it, but i wasn't sure which one it was.

 

[M635_Guy]

I should really know better than to complain about not being able to find my perfect tool on here.

 

[M635_Guy]

Is there a reason I wouldn't want the FOD version of the ratchet? How can I identify one vs regular if I am looking on Ebay?

Thank you for the link!

Personally, I wouldn't get a FOD-model as they're non-serviceable. They're made that way so in sensitive environments (aircraft, various warships, power plants, etc.) where a screw dropping out of the faceplate is a potential disaster. Outside of that it's a novelty that requires you sending it to SO if you ever have a problem. Not a biggie for a home-gamer, but not something I'd be interested in for myself.

 

[Marc Voorhees]

Personally, I wouldn't get a FOD-model as they're non-serviceable. They're made that way so in sensitive environments (aircraft, various warships, power plants, etc.) where a screw dropping out of the faceplate is a potential disaster. Outside of that it's a novelty that requires you sending it to SO if you ever have a problem. Not a biggie for a home-gamer, but not something I'd be interested in for myself.

makes sense! To be honest though, In 34 years I have never serviced a ratchet yet But this makes sense!

So I did a bit of "shopping" today

paid $68.90 ($65+$3.90 Tax, +$0 Shipping) for a used F80 ratchet
paid $190.78 ($169.99 + $10.80 Tax +9.99 Shipping) for a used FLF80 and TF72 together


New F80 were going for ~$95 Shipped on ebay
New FLF80A were going for ~$135 Shipped
New TF72 were going for ~85 Shipped

There are several brand new 100th anniversary sets of the FLF80A and TF72 going for roughly $240 Shipped

All in all, I am pretty happy, seemed like a decent use of $250, even if, worst case scenario, I have to rebuild all three ratchets, I am in for a total of $285.

**Pricing included for future reference and hope that it helps someone else!

 

[KnurledNut]

^^^^^
Help us all. Looks like we lost another one to the rabbit hole.

 

[Fly YX]

Do you know if they will rebuild one if you send it back.

I had a SO FOD and they sent me a new one. That was a few years ago

 

[Marc Voorhees]

^^^^^
Help us all. Looks like we lost another one to the rabbit hole.

God I hope I am just dipping my toes in the water, I have enough expensive hobbies as it is!

 

[KnurledNut]

@Marc Voorhees
Confucius say, “One doesnt just dip their toes in the Snap-on water...”

 

[FuzzyTiger]

@FuzzyTiger,

that 3/8" 45 tooth swivel head koken (3776N) in my pic in my post above is also 280mm
i think page 83 of their catalog http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/KOKEN_201908ENSP.pdf

but did you want 1/4" or 3/8" drive? and how long is the mac you like? tried googling just to get a look at it, but i wasn't sure which one it was.

3/8". I ordered the one Ralf11 linked. Got it from Frank's tools for a lot cheaper than Palmac too.

The 1/4" Mac ratchet I like is a MR990LFPA 1U

1/4" Drive Axis 90-Tooth Locking Flex-Head Comfort-Handle Ratchet - 9"

Compact pear-head design and 4° swing arc provides users access in even the tightest working areas .Choice of either metal-handle, or ergonomic comfort-handle providing ultimate grip and low fatigue during use .High-Polish finish .Locking flex-head has 11 positions with approximate 180° of flex...

www.mactools.com