Where do YOU use your bent handle flexhead?
- Thread starter ssentt
- Start date
redwrench60
Well-known member
Hard to explain, I'd have to show you but use it anywhere you need the ratchet handle to be parallel with the plane of the bolt. It helps keep the flex head from slipping off the bolt. Examples: spark plugs or brake caliper bolts.
shocksandstrutz
Well-known member
rear plugs ona late 90's lumina/early 2000's grand am
anywhere i need the handle to flex, works like a charm
anywhere i need the handle to flex, works like a charm
SlowPoke-Canada
Well-known member
I just have a cheapie but it's my go-to ratchet.
Longer handle is nice and when the nut/bolt is loose, I use it like a speed handle.
That said, I should upgrade it so I don't have to keep pushing the pin back in.
Longer handle is nice and when the nut/bolt is loose, I use it like a speed handle.
That said, I should upgrade it so I don't have to keep pushing the pin back in.
billymade
Well-known member
Spark Plugs, brakes, suspension, tight areas in the engine compartment: it is like MANY tools you don't have. You don't know you need it; because, you have never experienced having it and realizing, what a difference the tool can make to your working process. Get one and you probably will wonder how you have worked without it all these years! While we all seem to be addicted tools around here; give yourself options with different type of tools, ratchets to tackle different types of jobs... as the saying goes.. work smarter, not harder! 
(there is a reason, there are so many different types of ratchets out there!)
(there is a reason, there are so many different types of ratchets out there!)Drew_flux
Well-known member
Transaxel fill plug, didnt want to take off the covers.
Free swiveling head. The detents can be annoying.
redwrench60
Well-known member
I prefer free range of flex motion
Many areas that are servicable with a traditional ratchet are 10x easier with a flex. Sure you don't NEED it, just a simple please.
Other times you absolutely must have it for clearance issues.
But if you really cannot see a use for it you either only work on old and big cars or your are not very imaginative.
Other times you absolutely must have it for clearance issues.
But if you really cannot see a use for it you either only work on old and big cars or your are not very imaginative.
I'm with you on this one... Having flex head ratchets of different lengths is an absolute must
for making your life easier, but I haven't, in my 25 years of fiddling arond with cars and bikes,
ever wished that my flex head ratchets had a bent handle.
In fact, the places I have used my flex head ratchets, if the handle was bent it would have
made it more awkward... Judging by the amount of people that love theirs, I am obviously
missing something.
redwrench60
Well-known member
I'm with you on this one... Having flex head ratchets of different lengths is an absolute must
for making your life easier, but I haven't, in my 25 years of fiddling arond with cars and bikes,
ever wished that my flex head ratchets had a bent handle.
In fact, the places I have used my flex head ratchets, if the handle was bent it would have
made it more awkward... Judging by the amount of people that love theirs, I am obviously
missing something.
I was with you too until some kind soul showed me the advantages of one and let me try it. Now I have one everywhere I keep tools.
TheGrooveking
Well-known member
So what brand do you prefer, I have my old SK but has there been any improvements since?
TheGrooveking
TheGrooveking
alpinewhite
Well-known member
This is the same reason I use mine. I use it by default even if a straight fixed head one will do.
Mine is an older Snap On attached to a wobble extension.
Mine's an F852.
Red_Bull
Well-known member
I saw my dads friend using a snap on flex bent handle and asked him if he liked it...he said once you use one youll never go back...so I bought the exact one he had and he was right...its my go to rat...its one of those things you just gotta try it to understand it
NHBandit
Well-known member
Agreed. Been wrenching professionally for 40 years and ever since buying my first one it's pretty much the only ratchet I use anymore unless I need a short one due to a clearance issue. If someone told me I had to throw away all my ratchets except for one it's the one I'd keep. In 3/8 drive I have an older Snap On with the plain chrome handle & an SK. Call me crazy but I prefer the SK.
ken w.
Well-known member
I have a Snap On bent handle flex head.It's my first ratchet to reach for.A friend of mine hates it and it's funny to watch him use it. It works awesome for spark plugs.Once you break them loose,you can spin them right out with the bent handle.Kinda like a speed ratchet.
RCStocker
Well-known member
I have several of them. One of the Snappies I picked up in the middle of the road with other tools. There was a bucket full. No one in site so I picked them up. I have never used them in 40 yaears. Now I am going to try using it but I can't think for the life of me why I would ever have a use for it. I drive a F250, Escursion and 2 Linclon Town cars. There is not a tight fit on anything. My tractors are all easy to wrok on and small engines are simple. I am not saying that there is not a purpose for them but I have been using ratches sense the early 50's and still have had no use for one not even in construction.
Glad I dont need to go out and buy one but now I am going to try it. I don't think I will like the swive swing in the pull or push mode. LOL I do my own repairs including the AC but I can't see where they are needed. I guess if you work on these little puddle jumpers with engines in a tight space you might need one to clear but then I would think an extention would do the same thing.
Glad I dont need to go out and buy one but now I am going to try it. I don't think I will like the swive swing in the pull or push mode. LOL I do my own repairs including the AC but I can't see where they are needed. I guess if you work on these little puddle jumpers with engines in a tight space you might need one to clear but then I would think an extention would do the same thing.
Red_Bull
Well-known member
Pumpman1968
Well-known member
I have an old S-K bent handle..........great old rat. Here's the same one that can be had for $25.00 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-S-K-Tool..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item3381a98e65&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-S-K-Tool..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item3381a98e65&vxp=mtr
A kid saw me using mine, and asked the same question, basically, why I use such a strange rat. The answer wasnt hard to come up with.. I told him, "If I was a soldier, this would be my rifle." I use mine all the time. 
Last edited:
I revived this thread because I just got a bent handle ratchet (FHBF80 w/quick release head) and I'm thinking it might make my flex head (FRLF80) somewhat obselete...other than for certain obstructed situations where the bent handle would be less than functional it will all but replace it. If you use either type ratchet please offer an opinion. Thank You
Ign
Well-known member
I'm with you on this one... Having flex head ratchets of different lengths is an absolute must
for making your life easier, but I haven't, in my 25 years of fiddling arond with cars and bikes,
ever wished that my flex head ratchets had a bent handle.
In fact, the places I have used my flex head ratchets, if the handle was bent it would have
made it more awkward... Judging by the amount of people that love theirs, I am obviously
missing something.
This. Apparently I'm missing something too. Agree the bent handle only amplifies off-axis force, making it more awkward and increasing odds of socket leaning/popping off.
Askme42
Well-known member
Great. Looks like I need a new ratchet......
heres a pic of what he is talking about
That's the best explanation anyone has ever given me. Thanks.
(And thanks for making me spend more money! Guess i'll have to get one now.)
rodsnratfinks
Well-known member
I use mine mostly when a car is on the lift. Like someone else mentioned, I use mine mostly like a speed handle once I've broken the bolt. It's good for bench work, too. I use my straight flex for the rest, as it has a longer handle and 88 teeth.
Askme42
Well-known member
http://m.rakuten.com/product/271903...9963&sclid=pla_google_GoldenStateToolsandMore
Im sure there are others.
Wayfastwhitie440
Well-known member
oldldh
Well-known member
GearWrench 81230F---84 tooth Flex Head Ratchet Set---$ 87.66
GearWrench 81230P---120 tooth Flex head Ratchet Set---$ 94.97
www.tooldiscounter.com
I have the 120 tooth set (photo), and I love them...
GearWrench 81230P---120 tooth Flex head Ratchet Set---$ 94.97
www.tooldiscounter.com
I have the 120 tooth set (photo), and I love them...
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Wayfastwhitie440
Well-known member
heres a pic of what he is talking about
I actually flipped my handle around from factory position and that helps me out.
logikal
Well-known member
Porsche 944 turbo to downpipe bolts...makes the job much less painful...still painful though.