looking for a new flex ratchet. already have a few of the common 3/8 flex chrome handle ratchets at 11 inches long or so. looking for another that is longer 13-15 inches. hard plastic handle or chome if possible, not a huge fan of the soft grip rubber
XL 3/8 flex ratchet suggestions
- Thread starter reptilezs
- Start date
oldldh
Well-known member
I'll second that one, my ez's have become my favorite rats. I bought a Armstrong a couple years back that will not hold a position which is the only reason I bought the damn thing. I won't even use it anymore.
You might check out the Stanly extendable flex head ratchet. Walmart sells it for $20. It was the ratchet that won this comparison (sold as Husky at the time)
http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1210tr-truckin-tough-3-8-inch-ratchet-test/
The flex joint lock is a nice feature but it's somewhat limited by the fact you can only lock at 45* steps and it has a rather aggressive detente when in unlocked mode.
http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1210tr-truckin-tough-3-8-inch-ratchet-test/
The flex joint lock is a nice feature but it's somewhat limited by the fact you can only lock at 45* steps and it has a rather aggressive detente when in unlocked mode.
Mecha
Well-known member
I have an old (vintage I guess) Blackhawk ratchet that would fit this requirement, my favorite tool I own.
However if I needed to buy a new one it maybe this:
https://www.napaonline.com/p/CHQR38FL90
or this:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFLQR?searchCategory=800.8008&searchIndex=Prod+Tools
Both are like $75-ish. Both just under 14".
However if I needed to buy a new one it maybe this:
https://www.napaonline.com/p/CHQR38FL90
or this:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR38LFLQR?searchCategory=800.8008&searchIndex=Prod+Tools
Both are like $75-ish. Both just under 14".
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I have the 1/4" version of this ratchet, I like it a lot.
I've heard pretty bad reviews on the EZ Reds, YMMV...
pelletman
Well-known member
That EZ Red ratchet has horrible reviews on Amazon
1) As a reference, the snap-on with the grip, its like +2 inches (so from 11.x to 13.x), meanwhile the XL snap on is gonna be 18+ inches long (maybe too long for OP). They made some hardhandle versions as well if that helps.
2) Most modern 3/8 drive is getting pretty strong these days, so this is a budget call. if you are relying on it, one needs to consider the money. For just occasional use maybe not worth $100+ investment.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Those Carlyles are very highly regarded around here. I have been eyeing the locking flex head with qr myself. Won't find many with that combo configuration.
If you're on a budget, I once Frankensteined a Kobalt flex ratchet head (that I already had) onto a Harbor Freight 17" breaker bar handle. About seven bucks for the handle with a coupon. Worked great for the task at hand and I still have it in my truck box. I can post pics if anyone wants to see it.
I'd like to see that if you don't mind. Might be useful for hard to reach fasteners that requires some torque to get off.
maintguy
Well-known member
I would like to see it. I snapped one of the kobalts at work
jerseykat1
Well-known member
This is the ez red 1/2" version. I like it a lot, I just picked up ez red locking flex head ratcheting wrenches and 2 out of 5 have very difficult to move direction levers.. However I called ez red and they said to email a picture of the 2 wrenches and my info for a replacment, it was ez.. Pun intended.. Lol.. Anyway I have nothing but good things to say about the ratchet in my review. More pictures in the links in the video description.
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BIG BACCHUS
Well-known member
I'll be the third to say it, I definitely wanna see that beast.
jerseykat1
Well-known member
Is there a Frankenstein tool post somewhere around here? I'm going to make one. Would be awesome to see that ratchet posted there.
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gdocktor3
Well-known member
I made a Custom Tool thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325955
Didn't someone take a Harbor Freight flex ratchet head and put it on the breaker bar?
Didn't someone take a Harbor Freight flex ratchet head and put it on the breaker bar?
Yes the 3 point flex ratchet fits on the ratcheting breaker bar since they both use the detent
Here it is. Actually, my memory failed me. The original plan was to use a Kobalt ratchet. But it appears that I used the head from a HF double flex. I used the handle portion of the double flex and the drive square of the long breaker bar to make a shorty "breaker". I use it with a bit socket to hold the head side of screws while tightening the nut side.
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Ratchet Guy
Well-known member
I have the stanley one, craftsman, hazet, harbor freight flex and rotating head, the best one I like is the rotating head by hf, it feels more grab and more solid in turning tight bolts, and very manuverable and can make it like screwdriver, the best version i like is the 3/8stubby one, even my brother that doesn't care about which brand, I always finding him grabbing the rotating head first before any other ones.
MrJason
Well-known member
I built the very same Frankenratchet.... excessive use in a variety of situations and not a single problem yet.
Jason
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