Why Flex-Head Over Roto Ratchets?

[BQuicksilver]

I know many/most prefer the roto head ratchets, but there still are a good half here that seem to lean to the flex head units. I'm just curious what the reasoning is to purchase flex over roto?

 

[Fedwrench]

Most Flex head ratchets have a narrower head than a roto ratchet. In some circumstances this could offer improved access.

I guess my question would be why not flex head over rotoratchet?

I have both styles and easily prefer the regular flex head over the rotoratchet. To me the rotoratchet shines when you have room to use it as a nut driver.

 

[dwm]

Fedwrench has it right. I prefer my Wera Zyklops ratchets over flexheads when space allows them, but when I can't get a Zyklops head in a tight space, I reach for a flexhead.

Ideally you own both, of course.

 

[Rickster]

I always reach for the roto-heads first. I have a Snap-on in 3/8 & 1/4 and two SK's in 3/8.

 

[Sterff]

I can't stand the roto ratchets and don't like how they won't stay in one position. That's why I use Matco locking flex heads.

 

[aspera]

Zyklop locks into position, FYI.

 

[otis66]

Fedwrench is correct. I always go for my Snap On roto ratchet first but somtimes there is not enough clearance thats when I'll grab my reg flex ratchet.

 

[Stuey]

I can't stand the roto ratchets and don't like how they won't stay in one position. That's why I use Matco locking flex heads.

I'm the opposite. I use my Gearwrench flex-head when I don't want it locked, and my Wera Zyklop when I do want a locked position ratchet.

 

[PT Doc]

How is the so locking flex (fhx80)? Good locking, reliable? Might have to add it to the drawer if its a good locking flex. Thanks

 

[reptilezs]

i like my roto ratchets but the head is quite big and doesnt fit in tight spots

 

[Sterff]

How is the so locking flex (fhx80)? Good locking, reliable? Might have to add it to the drawer if its a good locking flex. Thanks

I wouldn't buy it. Its great if you want to only use it in the locking positions. If you want to use it unlocked the locking mechanism does not stay in the unlocked position. I don't want to turn this into a Snap-on vs. Matco war, but the Matco 88s are far superior when it comes to locking flex heads.

 

[Sh1thead]

i have a 1/4 roto i use for interior work and small stuff like hose clamps and stuff but my 3/8 and 1/2 are locking flex matco 88's ... no real reason just preference

 

[LincolnCont.]

How is the so locking flex (fhx80)? Good locking, reliable? Might have to add it to the drawer if its a good locking flex. Thanks

Before you jump on board with the snappy locker you might want to look at the matco locker. I have the Snap On and it locks into place just fine but its not designed to be used as both a locking and or free flexing ratchet, Ive heard that Matco's will do both.

 

[Seanbev24]

Before you jump on board with the snappy locker you might want to look at the matco locker. I have the Snap On and it locks into place just fine but its not designed to be used as both a locking and or free flexing ratchet, Ive heard that Matco's will do both.

It IS designed to do both. Pulling the lever down and to the right makes it a regular flex head, but some people complain that it's too easy to knock the lever back into the locking position. I happen to like the snap-on design, but the matcos are nice too.

 

[Lotek]

I dont like the roto heads o the locking flex heads either. I use bent handle flex head ratchets. You can tilt the handle up to spin a bolt out like a speed handle, and if it sticks, you still have a bit of leverage with the hinge offset to keep the bolt moving.

 

[ibedayank]

JMHO rotohead looks like a childs/gimmicky tool i will stick with my flex heads

 

[Mugenlude]

I reach for my rotoheads first, I rarely use my flex heads now.

 

[shampoop]

Roto ratchets seem pretty gimmicky to me too. I just go straight to my locking flex head. If it doesn't fit, no ratchet will.

 

[SMKS]

JMHO rotohead looks like a childs/gimmicky tool i will stick with my flex heads

I used to think that, until I bought one of the HF rotos. Made in Taiwan, good quality and I think I only paid around $11.

Pretty handy in some situations.

 

[BQuicksilver]

Yeah, I sold off my flex heads b/c they just don't work as well. The flexed arm on a flex head puts your force at a point about 1" off to the side of the head which makes the ratchet seat worse/come off when you're putting some muscle into it from an angle.

The rotos put that side force directly over the fastener. That's what converted me to roto only. Of course using them as a nut driver once the fastener is loose is just a very nice bonus.

 

[shampoop]

And to add to what I said, if there's enough room to use a roto ratchet as a nut driver, there's probably also enough room for me to use my impact driver. (which i use a LOT) Plus It probably only costs around 2x what a SO roto ratchet sells for. (i'm guessing roughly $100)

 

[ibedayank]

I used to think that, until I bought one of the HF rotos. Made in Taiwan, good quality and I think I only paid around $11.

Pretty handy in some situations.

alot of places on the stuff i work on the flexhead barely fits so really wouldnt do me any good
now wobble extenshions....i gotta buy more

 

[MattT]

I use pear head flex ratchets because I don't like the PITA direction change with no visual indication on round heads.

It IS designed to do both. Pulling the lever down and to the right makes it a regular flex head, but some people complain that it's too easy to knock the lever back into the locking position.

I'm one of those people. If the Snap-on locking flex ratchets were really intended to be used unlocked it's a bad design. If I buy another locking flex it will be Matco.

And to add to what I said, if there's enough room to use a roto ratchet as a nut driver, there's probably also enough room for me to use my impact driver. (which i use a LOT)

Pretty much how I feel. If there's room for any kind of manual speeding then there's room for a power tool.