Which 3/8 flex head ratchet?

[Hako86]

I'm planning to buy my first flex head ratchet in 3/8 size and I want your opinion about which ratchet is the best. I already have 8 standard ratchets, so my next one will be a flex. As I live in Europe, I will most likely order from Amazon. I prefer USA made, but if it isn't it's not a total disaster
Here are the four I have in mind:
- Gearwrench 120xp full polish - $47.31
- Gearwrench 84T comfort handle - $58.29
- Williams B52 full polish - $41.88 (I read some good things about them, although they are only 36 tooth. And it's made in USA!)
- Armstrong Maxx 60 tooth USA made - $62.23

Tooth count doesn't really matter to me, although I like fine teeth. The most important thing for me is the turning power that's needed to go from tooth to tooth has to be really low. I hate it when you break a bolt loose, you immediately have to hold the socket with your fingers for the ratchet to click...

I'm just a DIY'er, so I don't want to spend a whole lot of money, so I'm leaning towards the Williams.
Please give your opinion

 

[u118224]

I'm not a professional wrench but I very much prefer a bent handle flex over a straight handle flex. This is the ratchet I usually reach for first;

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00061SMWG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[DTB]

Armstrong Maxx or Matco 88 off ebay...

 

[Stooge]

i vote for the armstrong if its the locking flex head, i absolutely love mine... although i have never handled the gearwrench 120, the other gearwrench ratchets ive used have been good though.

 

[healing]

This one or the one linked to above.

http://www.amazon.com/SK-45183-Professional-11-Inch-Ratchet/dp/B00061SN84/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400601016&sr=8-2&keywords=sk+3%2F8+ratchet

Armstrong maxx locking is nice also the SO dual 80 hard handle is hard to beat but pricey

 

[OxJaw]

I've got the Armstrong Maxx 3/8" (1/4" and 1/2" as well) that I put an 88 tooth kit in. It is quickly becoming the ratchet I grab most often even if I don't need a flex head for the particular job. I have a couple other flex head ratchet and do not care for them since they don't have the locking feature. I've busted my knuckles a few times when the handle flexed on me and caused the socket to slip. I don't think I would buy another flex head that doesn't lock.

I would go with the Armstrong. I'm very happy with all three.

 

[85FourEyedGT]

Id vote for the Armstrong, although I've read that the Williams is wonderful

 

[DSM21]

I'm planning to buy my first flex head ratchet in 3/8 size and I want your opinion about which ratchet is the best. I already have 8 standard ratchets, so my next one will be a flex. As I live in Europe, I will most likely order from Amazon. I prefer USA made, but if it isn't it's not a total disaster
Here are the four I have in mind:
- Gearwrench 120xp full polish - $47.31
- Gearwrench 84T comfort handle - $58.29
- Williams B52 full polish - $41.88 (I read some good things about them, although they are only 36 tooth. And it's made in USA!)
- Armstrong Maxx 60 tooth USA made - $62.23

I don't want to spend a whole lot of money, so I'm leaning towards the Williams.
Please give your opinion

Gear Wrench is not made in the USA.
I don't turn a wrench professional, but the one ratchet I always reach for without hesitation is my Snap-on 80 tooth long handle flex head. I went from using a standard tooth straight ratchet to this fine tooth flex head and it makes a world of difference I think you will be happy with either a Snap-on 80 or Matco 88 tooth flex head ratchets.

 

[cgv69]

I'd vote for the Matco BFR128LFT. I prefer mine over everything else (even my SO Dual 80's). Keep and eye out for them on eBay where they can be had for the $75-$80 range.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I don't want to spend a whole lot of money...

I think you will be happy with either a Snap-on 80 or Matco 88 tooth flex head ratchets.

These two things do not go together.

OP:
I can say from personal experience the Gearwrench flex-heads are very nice, and I just recently bought the Williams, which has quickly become my favorite ratchet (smoothest low tooth count I've ever felt). The biggest difference between the two (besides tooth count) is the Gearwrench uses a detent ball to hold the head in set positions while the Williams uses a tension screw so and doesn't have set positions.

You'll be happy with any of the ratchets you listed.

 

[OxJaw]

I'd vote for the Matco BFR128LFT. I prefer mine over everything else (even my SO Dual 80's). Keep and eye out for them on eBay where they can be had for the $75-$80 range.

Or buy the Armstrong and put a Matco 88 (or Armstrong 88), and basically have the same ratchet (brand new for about the price of a used Matco) except for the handle which I prefer over Matco anyway. Plus I like the Armstrong reversing lever better than the one on the Matco.

 

[MatcoDave]

Gearwrench, armstrong and matco all accept the same head kits (60,84,88,120). You didnt hear this from me BUT you could put a GW-120 tooth kit in a matco ratchet and have both ultra fine teeth and an awesome grip with the locking flex head If you prefer name brand and quality go with the matco, if you're a more price conscious shopper, go with the gearwrench.

 

[OxJaw]

Gearwrench, armstrong and matco all accept the same head kits (60,84,88,120). You didnt hear this from me BUT you could put a GW-120 tooth kit in a matco ratchet and have both ultra fine teeth and an awesome grip with the locking flex head If you prefer name brand and quality go with the matco, if you're a more price conscious shopper, go with the gearwrench.

That's interesting, I thought the 120xp gear set was thicker than those in the 60,84,88 tooth ratchets and wouldn't fit.

 

[jsharpphoto]

I'd get the 120xp set. It comes with a regular 3/8 and a stubby 3/8. I love mine.

 

[exmaxima1]

I have the 1/2 drive version of the Proto/Facom J5257F, and it is a really slick ratchet. Very smooth operation.

The 3/8 model looks like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M84PL8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But you can get it for less than $40 from Zoro Tools using discount codes.

 

[MatcoDave]

That's interesting, I thought the 120xp gear set was thicker than those in the 60,84,88 tooth ratchets and wouldn't fit.

Hmm... I'll have to check on that one. It appears to be the same. I have a few coming to me so i'll do some experimenting when i get them and post my findings.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Hmm... I'll have to check on that one. It appears to be the same. I have a few coming to me so i'll do some experimenting when i get them and post my findings.

The 60T, 84T and 88T kits can all be swapped around, but not the 120. The head sizes and mechanisms are completely different.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I love my Gearwrench 84 tooth flex head; and even prefer it to my FL80 in it's motion. It has a touch more back drag, in my opinion due to the flex mechanism. But I've put some serious torque through it, and it has yet to complain, or skip a tooth. Occasionally, I've had it reverse on my, but I've managed that with basically every ratchet or ratcheting wrench I've ever used.


For the <$50 price range, it's a great buy.



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OC8S86/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wvrailroader]

I have the 1/2 drive version of the Proto/Facom J5257F, and it is a really slick ratchet. Very smooth operation.

The 3/8 model looks like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M84PL8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But you can get it for less than $40 from Zoro Tools using discount codes.

I have the 5257F and it is very nice flex head ratchet. Smooth as silk.

 

[BK13]

Gear Wrench is not made in the USA.

I'm honestly not trying to be a smart ***, but I wonder how much that matters to a Dutch dude...

 

[js289]

heard gear wrench 120xp is nice. i dont have one tho

 

[cheechi]

Which is going to be easiest for you to warranty? Doesn't Bahco make a version of the flex head SO ratchet you could get locally?

Out of the 4 you linked I would go with the 120xp

 

[JBradley500]

I'm honestly not trying to be a smart ***, but I wonder how much that matters to a Dutch dude...

I wondered that too. I wonder if other countries look at US made tools like we look at German tools.

I'd look for the Armstrong maxx ratchet. I have them and theyre great and not too much money if you find a deal.

 

[DSLTRK]

I like the Gearwrench ratcheting gear, but I don't care for the wide flex hinge or the tabbed locking positions.

If your considering cost, I'd go with any Danaher flex or a Duralast flex head. The only gripe about the Danaher flex is the press fit pin, with heavy use the hinge loosens up over time.

The Duralast is only $23 and has a screw to keep the hinge tight, very nice product from Taiwan, and the hinge is non tabbed so you can set it at any angle.

-Hunter

 

[tbaggz]

120xps are nice.

 

[DSLTRK]

Also, noticed your overseas. Any of the 72 tooth Taiwan flex ratchets are very nice too. I think they sell those everywhere, you may source one locally?

They have a head style like this one and are commonly rebranded:

 

[Bocefus]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_436178-2232...&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-1319015-_-1189274-_-11259695

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have the 5257F and it is very nice flex head ratchet. Smooth as silk.

X3

I have the ProTo 3/8"drive J5257F,, one of my long time pets.

Recent purchase was the J5457F in 1/2"drive...
the new 1/2" drive came in a wrapper that stated: made in Italy..

 

[d.mcfarland]

I would vote for the locking armstrong maxx. Most expensive of the ones you picked, but the locking part may pay for itself sometime.

 

[bobcatdan]

If I was looking for a new ratchet on a budget, I'd go Armstrong maxx. As much as 36 tooth SO are my go to ratchets and Williams is the same, I find per spec the Williams short. Of coarse there is always good old SK too.

 

[OxJaw]

I'm honestly not trying to be a smart ***, but I wonder how much that matters to a Dutch dude...

I wondered that too.

Answer is in the first post:

I prefer USA made, but if it isn't it's not a total disaster

 

[ttpete]

S-K came out with their yoke type ratchet in the mid 1960s, and I bought one. I liked it because once the bolt was loose, I could flip the handle up vertical and spin it out. Used it for years, put 2 kits in it, and someone swiped it. Got another one and still have it along with two similar snap-ons in 1/4 and 3/8.

 

[bobcatdan]

S-K came out with their yoke type ratchet in the mid 1960s, and I bought one. I liked it because once the bolt was loose, I could flip the handle up vertical and spin it out. Used it for years, put 2 kits in it, and someone swiped it. Got another one and still have it along with two similar snap-ons in 1/4 and 3/8.

The new SK has to get their head out of their *** and reintroduce that ratchets. I love roto ratchetes and the SK was the first and still the best.

 

[Hako86]

Thanks for all the replies guys, they're really helpful

One thing I forgot to mention is this. Tooth count doesn't really matter to me, although I like fine teeth. The most important thing for me is the turning power that's needed to go from tooth to tooth has to be really low. I hate it when you break a bolt loose, you immediately have to hold the socket with your fingers for the ratchet to click...

 

[treblarefils]

I recently bought the 120xp flex in 3/8 and 1/4. The 1/4 had terrible build quality but the 3/8 was acceptable to me. I was unimpressed and they will be up for sale. I ended up just getting the TF72 and an FLF80 wich i should have just bought in the first place. I got a TF72 and the FLF80 both for 150 brand new on ebay. I love gearwrench tools but for some reason i just dont like their ratchets much. id probably get the armstrong or the williams out of the choices you have listed. Ive learned that sometimes i waste money on something knowing better and i learn my lesson every time lol.

 

[BK13]

Answer is in the first post:

Doh!

 

[Wamsutta]

The most important thing for me is the turning power that's needed to go from tooth to tooth has to be really low. I hate it when you break a bolt loose, you immediately have to hold the socket with your fingers for the ratchet to click...

That's called back drag and the Cornwell JRF36 has zero back drag. It's so smooth, it feels like a gearless ratchet. But it's way out of your price range unless you find one on eBay.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I'm planning to buy my first flex head ratchet in 3/8 size and I want your opinion about which ratchet is the best. I already have 8 standard ratchets, so my next one will be a flex. As I live in Europe, I will most likely order from Amazon. I prefer USA made, but if it isn't it's not a total disaster
Here are the four I have in mind:
- Gearwrench 120xp full polish - $47.31
- Gearwrench 84T comfort handle - $58.29
- Williams B52 full polish - $41.88 (I read some good things about them, although they are only 36 tooth. And it's made in USA!)
- Armstrong Maxx 60 tooth USA made - $62.23

Tooth count doesn't really matter to me, although I like fine teeth. The most important thing for me is the turning power that's needed to go from tooth to tooth has to be really low. I hate it when you break a bolt loose, you immediately have to hold the socket with your fingers for the ratchet to click...

I'm just a DIY'er, so I don't want to spend a whole lot of money, so I'm leaning towards the Williams.
Please give your opinion

Kobalt or pittsburgh pro (under 30). Ez red if you want something more expensive but not necessarily better (30-35). Could also get a husky under 25 but I don't know how good they are.

They don't have those teeth but no one needs that many teeth. I could make a snarky comment about it but I won't, just know that paying for "convenience" when dealing with machinery usually ends up in misery.

Someone else can add why not to buy a 50 dollar gearwrench ratchet, I'm sick of doing it.

 

[JDon99]

I'll +1 on the Armstrong Maxx Flex.

 

[monomach]

That's interesting, I thought the 120xp gear set was thicker than those in the 60,84,88 tooth ratchets and wouldn't fit.

You're right. He's wrong.