Where do YOU use your bent handle flexhead?

[Bigblue&Goldie]

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

I've got both and I wouldn't say it makes the regular flex head obsolete. You can never have too many ratchet variants!

 

[rodsnratfinks]

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

Trust me. You'll still have a use for both. These are my three most used ratchets:

I use the straight handle for mostly in the engine compartment, the bent handle for mostly under car stuff, and fat head Proto is great for bench work and stuff that doesn't require a lot of clearance or torque. The large head is bad for tight spaces, but good palm ratchet type use and it has a great mechanism feel.

 

[splicer64]

I thank everyone kindly for the comments...I expect the thought of making a flex head straight handle obsolete was just me not thinking about what I was writing...anybody else care to chime in?

 

[BFHtime]

I can see how a bent handle could be good in some situations, but I do not see much of a difference compared to a straight flex handle.

I do not have a bent handle ratchet, I have used them a few times and they felt a little awkward, but honestly did not give it enough time, as I was using it at someone else' place and for a brief time.

Maybe someone could post some pics showing the advantages of the bent handle. I think that may help with understanding the advantages.

 

[Swan]

I have been eyeing the new Craftsman 3/8" flex-head, bent handle ratchet for a couple of weeks. It is full polish, made in Taiwan, (Apex?) feels good and has decent reviews. I have been using regular flex head ratchets more and more lately and like them. At $31, I may just buy one.

 

[LUKE221]

I use mine on spark plugs, rear end diff drain plugs, and other really tight places. I just a Craftsman professional full polish, it works ok. If i used it more, then i probably upgrade to snap on

 

[splicer64]

I've had mine a couple months now...use it all the time...its a substantial addition to anyones ratchet lineup. As has been said don't know why I didn't get one sooner

 

[toplessHO]

My go to one is a Husky(made in USA)
a while back I was in a bind with a flat tire on a trailer and friend had misplaced the thin wall 1/2 drive socket needed when he borrowed the trailer. Only thing I could find in the tool box was a 3/8 drive thin walled spark plug socket . So I used the only 3/8 ratchet I had.
Of course it broke,took back to HD for warranty and they didnt have that anymore.
I got an identical straight ratchet that happened to be now made in China,but the guts swapped out fine,took the straight one back with the broken drive and got a refund. Now only problem is the new drive is quick release vs the old one that wasnt.
wont be able to put as much torque on it as the old one.

 

[poorboy87]

I use a bent flex head no detent everyday. Mines a snappy and he just upgraded the head of mine. My dad bought it and brought it home and I cobbed onto it and haven't layed it down since.

I use it a straight flex 1/4 inch and a straight flex 1/2 inch On a daily basis.

 

[michiganman18]

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!)

Agreed. Its like a nice ratchet from youre very first ratchet

 

[bsaint]

Yea I use mine everywhere too. A specific example where I dont know how to get another tool in there is front ball joint nut on E30 and E36/5 front control arms.

 

[Tim37]

My flexhead bent handle is my go to ratchet. Been that way for atleast 15 years.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

I bend my down boy in the Missy Hut

 

[bsaint]

I bend my down boy in the Missy Hut

wut 00 0 0

 

[d.mcfarland]

Could have used one yesterday on Jeep Liberty brake caliper bolts. They were in there tight even with anti seize on the threads! It would have pulled the handle out of the wheel well for better leverage.

 

[michiganman18]

I should pick another one up all this talk lol.

 

[ABADWILLYS]

I know this an old thread but i just seen it too..
My snappy bent flex head is my go to ratchet for almost everything, when im using a ratchet. Ive used them as long as i can remember and i have been 35 years wrenching..in the bizz. Im not bragging, just sayin, Its probably the Number 1 tool in my box

 

[Rico.]

Could have used one yesterday on Jeep Liberty brake caliper bolts. It would have pulled the handle out of the wheel well for better leverage.

Would have just turning the steering achieved the same thing, or are you
reffering to the rear brakes..?

Also don't the handles on these type of ratchets bend the wrong way
to aid in clearing wheel wells when working on brake calipers..?

 

[rayh91]

Rarely touch mine. Only thing I use it on are spark plugs and that's if I feel like grabbing it. Then again, mine is a C-Man and I hate coarse feeling ratchets.

 

[zkling]

Handy at times but not all that. A standard length ratchet, followed by a short and long, straight flex are the most used for me.

 

[bigcaddy]

Another vote for the spark plugs and brakes on a 2004 Silverado. I've changed enough spark plugs to know that I need to brush on swearing before I start the job. With this ratchet, I didn't have to even swear!!

I've even used it around the house for hard to reach areas. Even if you only own one bent handle ratchet, it will make some projects tremendously easier and worth every dollar

 

[ChrisLS8]

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!)

This. When I branched into flex, roto, indexing and other types of ratchets it was like I just discovered the secrets of the universe. I now hardly ever use a standard ratchet nowadays

 

[GTO]

Spark Plugs

 

[Jim C.]

I'm certainly no expert, but I think those types of ratchets were designed for spark plug service. My opinion is based on absolutely zero scientific fact, but more on my own very limited experience. That being said, I find myself using an old Craftsman 3/8" drive, long straight (not bent) handle, flex head ratchet on spark plugs. Admittedly, I think my old Craftsman would provide a little more utility if its handle was bent, that way, the lower portion of the handle, closest to the socket, would remain somewhat perpendicular to the work (in my case the side of the engine block). Consequently there would be less flexing of the ratchet's head and less of a chance that the socket would slip off the plug, thus damaging it. Having a bent upper handle would provide me with a little more knuckle/hand clearance too. I keep saying I'm going to buy a bent handle ratchet, but find myself resorting back to my old Craftsman instead. For the couple times per year (at most) that I find myself servicing spark plugs, it's just easier to use what I have. If I was a pro, I'd most likey have one. Still, if I ever came across a good used one, I'd jump on it.

Jim C.

 

[winlinmac]

Someone in an ancient thread (2008) mentioned how it was important in certain situations for the ratchet handle to be parallel to the end of a socket to ensure the flex head wouldn't slip. Should be useful though in the removal of Brake Caliper Bolts and Spark plugs.

 

[1950mercury]

There are some nice gearwrench 3/8 drive flex head bent handle ratchets in the classified section for sale cheap

 

[gdocktor3]

I use my SK bent handle for spark plugs, brake work, any job with obstructions that could mess my hands up. It was originally designed to be used for removing spark plugs on V8s. With that said, I use my flex head dual 80 ratchet 9 out of 10 times. I prefer non locking with out detents. The only thing I regret is not getting the quick release model.

 

[Wamsutta]

Should be useful though in the removal of Brake Caliper Bolts and Spark plugs.

How'd you know that? Took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[MarkWilliams60]

I'm so **** I'd probably put it in the press and straighten it !
I bought my first clicker with paper route funds...back when Charlie Chip was rocking ! I'll guess 100 ratchets later I bent a couple. Never bough one that way tho.

 

[Pancho_Vanilla]

After I picked up my SK at a swap meet for 5 bucks, I haven't been able to put that ratchet down. It's great when you can line up the handle to the tip of the socket and practically hang in the end of the ratchet knowing it's not gonna slip. You can also use it as a makeshift speed handle as well when you don't want to reach for a power tool.

It's one of those things that you have to use before you dismiss it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[scooby074]

I have never seen a 1/2" bent handle before. Wonder why nobody makes one in that size?

SnapOn just launched a 1/2" bent handle. Saw it on the truck a week ago and the driver said it was brand new. I checked online and from what I can see, its not even listed on the 1/2 page yet.

Didnt ask price, but Id expect it to be up there. I can see the bend helping when you need a ratcheting breaker bar but just are a little short on clearance for a straight handle one.