Which longer 1/4" flex ratchet?

[jptbay]

Thinking about springing for the Nepros 90 tooth NBR290F.

Already have a Gearwrench 120xp and a Carlyle comfort grip locking flex.

The quick release on the Nepros appeals to me. Locking flex I can live without in 1/4 drive.

Also considering the Proto J4750HTCF, and the Matco AFR98LF.

SK is out because it is too short for my liking.

For some reason the Snap-on dual 80 is not speaking to me.

Anything else worth considering?

 

[visionguru]

Thinking about springing for the Nepros 90 tooth NBR290F.....

SK is out because it is too short for my liking.
....

Isn't NBR290F even shorter than SK?

 

[jptbay]

^^ pretty damn close, but has QR which is a plus for me.

 

[HFlashman]

Although I have never handled one, on paper (& photo) the Proto J4750HTCF seems like it checks most of the boxes: long, great handle in terms of being thicker than most and knurling, think pear shaped head, but most of all, real expensive.

 

[visionguru]

So, you are not exactly looking for "long", just "QR", because the Nepros is less than 6".

The Snap On has long, and extra long at 8+" and 12+", with QR option as well. Among the brands you mentioned, none is comparable to Snap On in terms of the variety in length and features offered. Well, I'm partial to Snap On ratchets. The only Nepros that interests me is the extra stubby 1/4", nothing in the "long" department.

 

[ChevyEFI]

6.3" SK roundhead flex.

 

[Rabid Badger]

You already have two 1/4 flex heads. If you want something different maybe you should check out swivel heads?

 

[lardy1]

I'm curious if there's anything you don't like about the Carlyle. I have one and I really like it. The Proto does look attractive. But I'm not sure if you would gain anything other than 3/4" of handle and I'm pretty sure you aren't going to find a smaller head size than what you already have.

I'm not trying to spend your money. Believe me, if cost wasn't a factor, I would already own that Proto so I do understand.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Snap on makes a stupid long flex head. Tllf72. That and koken zeal make me a lot of money.

 

[JBH]

Stahlwille’s is quite nice.

In Nepros I would get the stubby and 1/4” drive breaker instead of flex. Effectively that gives you an indexing flex head.

 

[DadsTools]

Don't neglect the used tool market either. Check on eBay for what you might want. Rather than scrolling multiple tool company sites, it's all there in one place. You can always see something contemporary and if you want, buy it new elsewhere.

 

[M6erfan]

I have the Carlyle comfort grip in locking flex and QR (Carlyle CHT R14LFQR). I's my go to 1/4" ratchet.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306902

 

[lardy1]

I have it in 1/4" and 3/8". I think eventually I'll get the 1/2".

 

[jptbay]

I'm curious if there's anything you don't like about the Carlyle. I have one and I really like it.

I was stupid and used it on some brake bleeder screws when bleeding the brakes. I guess it got filled with brake fluid and I neglected to clean it up. The old brake fluid had enough moisture in it I guess that it corroded the internals a bit. I have fought to loosen it up again and it mostly works smoothly except for the quick release. Still jams up all the time. I have found I don't like the locking swivel in that small of a ratchet.

Snap on makes a stupid long flex head. Tllf72.

I was looking at that one and Matco has a similar extra long one. They both seem really long, and I wonder if I would find them too long?

 

[jptbay]

You already have two 1/4 flex heads. If you want something different maybe you should check out swivel heads?

Like a roto ratchet? Had not thought of that. Are the heads not as compact? Wonder if they have less head clearance? Really looking to maximise access in tight quarters. I just got some Koken Zeal super short 1/4 sockets, so this has me looking at ratchets.

I do quite like the 120 XP, but miss the quick release.

 

[M6erfan]

120xp is not my first thought when I think about compact ratchets. Those heads are ludicrous big, though not so much on their 1/4". You say you don't like locking flex for 1/4" but are considering the Matco AFR98LF That Carlyle has about the most compact head made (not sure how it compares to the Nepros).

Unless your working in an environment that requires really long reach for access, 1/4" ratchets over 8"-9" in length become more of a hinderance than a help, IMO.

Powerbuilt Pro Tech makes one that uses the same head as the Carlyle but not locking...
https://www.powerbuilt.com/collections/pro-tech-ratchets-accessories/products/pro-tech-1-4-dr-7-long-reach-flex-head-ratchet

Tone (Japan) makes a non locking flex version too, with a different handle

 

[jptbay]

I see that Napa Canada has their Ultra-pro version of Carlyle on sale now. Funny the Canadian ratchets seem to offer slightly different versions than available in USA.

90 tooth, sealed head, non-locking flex, comfort grip. For $38 CAD going to have to get one.

https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/UHTP14FX90

 

[M6erfan]

I have it in 1/4" and 3/8". I think eventually I'll get the 1/2".

Yup, very good ratchets and a great value when on sale. I prefer them over the Carlyle 90t.

 

[jptbay]

I apologise for being a bit all over the place.

I guess the unicorn is long handle, flex, quick release, compact head, and smooth high tooth count.

Carlyle has CHT R14NLF which looks pretty good.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR14NLF?searchCategory=c68.s12&searchIndex=Universal

 

[65k10]

If you liked the 72 tooth Carlyle, I'm pretty sure the Powerbuilt ProTech ratchets are the same ratchet with a different handle and selector. The 1/4" flex head can be had in 7 and 9 inch lengths. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WGMLLP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

A possible downside if you don't like locking heads is I'm guessing the ProTech has a non-locking detent system to hold the head in certain places. At least the 3/8 and 1/2 versions I have have that feature.

 

[jptbay]

Thanks for the recommendations. Detents don't bother me.

 

[Fedwrench]

Carlyle discontinued some of their best 90 tooth ratchets like the 1/4 inch non locking, non quick release flex head ratchet pictured above in NAPA Ultra trim above. Same ratchet with a different handle.

As for a longer flex head ratchet, you have already listed some excellent options like the Proto Precision 90 tooth model but, you may be able to grab a MAC version off of the truck cheaper. Although both models' heads are thicker than Matco's.

You could get one of these fairly cheap off of ebay:
https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/1-4dr-long-reach-flex-head-ratchet

You'll find that it has the same 72 tooth quick release ratchet head that's found on Carlyle.

Good luck in your quest

 

[M6erfan]

Carlyle discontinued some of their best 90 tooth ratchets like the 1/4 inch non locking, non quick release flex head ratchet pictured above in NAPA Ultra trim above. Same ratchet with a different handle.

Do you own one Fed? I ask because I handled several of them on various trips to my local Napa and found each one rough in the mechanism. Interesting that they were discontinued. But i feel the same way about their 100t roto ratchets and others like them a lot

 

[woody6904]

Adding to Fedwrench's post, cant go wrong with these Powerbuilts.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt...788272&hash=item3f69fbb5e5:g:JxUAAOSwJ71aYDeP

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt...038118&hash=item41aa1ef63a:g:hvUAAOSwWMhaaKfL

 

[lardy1]

Set of four on Amazon for a hundred bucks.

 

[Fedwrench]

Do you own one Fed? I ask because I handled several of them on various trips to my local Napa and found each one rough in the mechanism. Interesting that they were discontinued. But i feel the same way about their 100t roto ratchets and others like them a lot

Yes, i have one. As I recall, it was a little rough off of the hang tag but, a couple of drops of tool box buddy oil later, made all things right

 

[plinker]

I've got the 12" version of the Matco, does nicely for my needs. Only thing slimmer/smaller that I've found is a Vim bit ratchet w/ 1/4 drive adapter HBR12 (not sure it'd be as durable though). It can get into some places a bit better, but it's not as smooth. Still worth having IMO.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AFR128LF/1-4-DRIVE-12-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-CHROME-RATCHET/

 

[vssjim]

I was stupid and used it on some brake bleeder screws when bleeding the brakes. I guess it got filled with brake fluid and I neglected to clean it up. The old brake fluid had enough moisture in it I guess that it corroded the internals a bit. I have fought to loosen it up again and it mostly works smoothly except for the quick release. Still jams up all the time. I have found I don't like the locking swivel in that small of a ratchet.



I was looking at that one and Matco has a similar extra long one. They both seem really long, and I wonder if I would find them too long?

Why don't you continue with the Carlyle and just get your NAPA dealer to warranty out a head kit so it's like new again. At least the ratchet part will good even if the lock still is problem sometimes.

 

[Skin]

Snap on makes a stupid long flex head. Tllf72. That and koken zeal make me a lot of money.

The Matco one is slightly longer, locks, and can take a 3/8" kit.

 

[Tallpilot]

The Matco one is slightly longer, locks, and can take a 3/8" kit.

I was scrolling down to see when this would finally get suggested. Matco eats Snap-on's lunch in 1/4". I love my 12" locking flex.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The Matco one is slightly longer, locks, and can take a 3/8" kit.

I'm pretty sure the snap on can take the 3/8 in a 1/4 body kit as well. I remember considering building one, but I don't need to be blowing it up weekly.

 

[Skin]

I'm pretty sure the snap on can take the 3/8 in a 1/4 body kit as well. I remember considering building one, but I don't need to be blowing it up weekly.

No, the Snap-on TLLF cant since its the only 1/4 ratchet head with the cover plate screws put in through the back of the head. You'd have to swap the entire head out for a regular TF72 or FCF72 to make it a 3/8".

 

[jptbay]

Why don't you continue with the Carlyle and just get your NAPA dealer to warranty out a head kit so it's like new again. At least the ratchet part will good even if the lock still is problem sometimes.

Going to have to wait a while unfortunately, due to the US/Can border closure. I live very close, and used to cross all the time.

 

[lardy1]

I bought my Carlyle ratchets on eBay from the UK. I'm sure I have no warranty because the NAPA's around here ****. But they were the best price.

 

[dmaxfireman]

No, the Snap-on TLLF cant since its the only 1/4 ratchet head with the cover plate screws put in through the back of the head. You'd have to swap the entire head out for a regular TF72 or FCF72 to make it a 3/8".

Correct.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458589

 

[Wamsutta]

Williams has one that's 7 inches long.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YREAF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M6erfan]

Williams has one that's 7 inches long.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YREAF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't think that will meet the OP's high tooth count criteria

 

[Verg]

For the SO selection, the addition of hard or soft handles adds a good bit of extra length. I find the so hard handle 1/4 flex works best for me with the non handled version next. Both flex ratchets used much more then the longer ones/any other size. Had the proto 90tooth 1/4 flex, but had problems(3/8 is amazing). A friend I worked with used the extra long SO soft handle as his go to 1/4~ 2” longer then my standard handle one. It’s what’s works for you. For length reference:



Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[jptbay]

^^Thanks. Nice collection!

 

[visionguru]

Speaking of "long", the short one is like 5". The good thing about Snap On is that they have QR, locking flex varieties to tailor to your needs.