Which SO ratchet should I buy?

[suss427]

SF80 or SX80A???

I have never had a locking flex before, any thoughts one way vs the other??

 

[ToolGuy89]

Sf80.

 

[diesel research]

I have not yet ever found a reason to own a non locking flex.

SLX80A or SX80B (add other letter prefixes if you are into comfort handles)

 

[muddyjoe15]

Dont own one personally but ive heard snap on has has trouble with ther locking flex mechanisms in the past. That being said i have a SHLF80A witch is non locking and love it!!!

 

[suss427]

What problems can you have with a locking flex... does it slip or something?

 

[canuckian]

I have both Snap On and Matco locking flex ratchets and prefer them over a regular flex any day. that being said, I do like the locking mechanism in the SO a little better. Just seems a little more solid. that, and you have the option of using the locking flex as a regular flex head ratchet.

 

[RhodesSpeedShop]

Dont own one personally but ive heard snap on has has trouble with ther locking flex mechanisms in the past. That being said i have a SHLF80A witch is non locking and love it!!!

I second the SHLF80! But I got the locking one too and its nice. My guy sold me a locking for the price of a non locking since he didn't have a non locking on the truck.

So in short....get them all!

 

[89GLH]

I just got the Matco equivalent, to replace all my craftsmans. It's like 2 ratchets in one; and I hated always having to pull the ratchet out to reset the angle I was using. Locking is a godsend.

 

[suss427]

so locking it is then? the price difference is not too bad, but I cant buy both.

 

[RhodesSpeedShop]

so locking it is then? the price difference is not too bad, but I cant buy both.

Buying from the truck or online?

 

[suss427]

online SEP

 

[napatoolguy6908]

i've had so macto and cornwell i'll stick with my matco and cornwell before the so flex head

 

[usdemt]

Go with the locking. I had the 3/8ths flex and traded it in on a locking. I like it much better.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Everyone has their own taste.

I am not a fan of locking head also.

 

[suss427]

Ok, It seems like people are pretty split on this. Can you give an example when locking is useful, or a PITA?

 

[muddyjoe15]

What problems can you have with a locking flex... does it slip or something?

IVe heard that the locking mchanisms jam up, this could be on the older ones. Maybe they are better now a days.

Ok, It seems like people are pretty split on this. Can you give an example when locking is useful, or a PITA?

Locking is nice becuase you have a solid ratchet when you dont need a flex head. Never had a situation where a locking is a PITA

 

[tbobbo]

I resisted a locking flex head for a few years, now that I have one I love it! Snap on all the way. It has the option to not lock as well. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tbobbo]

Having both in one is a win win