lost my trusty snap-on FHLF80A in the junkyard 
a new one is $150, used closer to $100.
what quality tool should i replace it with?
a new one is $150, used closer to $100. what quality tool should i replace it with?
3/8 flex head, long handle with grip
- Thread starter 2EHA
- Start date
JHZR2
Staff member
Another one of the same?
Quality tool?? Snap-on!
That’s a good one. If you really liked it, I would just bite the bullet and get another. Sometimes new on ebay can save a few $$.
The ratchet is one of their best in my opinion, although I prefer the plain handle FLF80A.
If that is out of the question and you are ok with Taiwan made tools, I would suggest the Carlyle R38NLFL from Napa, around $70 although sometimes cheaper if on sale.
The ratchet is one of their best in my opinion, although I prefer the plain handle FLF80A.
If that is out of the question and you are ok with Taiwan made tools, I would suggest the Carlyle R38NLFL from Napa, around $70 although sometimes cheaper if on sale.
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This is a great alternative but still not cheap. I would probably just buy another Snap on.
www.jensputzier.com
Stahlwille 452QR 3/8" Flexible Joint Fine Tooth Ratchet with QuickRelease
Buy your German Stahlwille 3/8“ ratchets right here ✅ Authorized Stahlwille dealer ✅ We are engineers ✅ Fair prices ✅ Large stock ✅ Fast shipping from Germany ✅
www.jensputzier.com
You've owned a SO flex head; you are spolied beyond repair.
And just think; someone found a great birthday present!
And just think; someone found a great birthday present!
i bought it 10 years ago when i got into truck repair. i no longer need the convenience of the white and red breadvan, so if there’s comparable quality at a lower price i’ll take it
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2021
- Messages
- 109
Lol, just bust’in. Actually, I’ve seen flex heads in harbor freight that look almost identical to my SO, so it might not be a half bad idea. At least they’ll take it back if you don’t like it
I have the Gearwrench 3/8 90 tooth 11 inch long flex head ratchet that works very well. They also offer a comfort grip version like Snap-On. Also don't bring your fancy tools to the junkyard because no matter how hard you try you'll always end up loosing tools there. I once found a nice set of Snap-On needle nose pliers at the junkyard only to loose them at the junkyard a few years latter.
I love my Snap-On dual 80 ratchets, but this HF unit is a shockingly good knockoff:
www.harborfreight.com
3/8 in. Drive Flex-Head Long Handle Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Flex Head Long Handle Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
I don't have any suggestions for the SO replacement but it would be worth getting the HF version for the junk yard visits (or any time you leave the garage).
Seriously...you can buy 5-6 of them for the price of your Snapon, and leave them where ever you want...I am yet to have one fail me.
www.harborfreight.com
www.harborfreight.com
Although I will never use a flex head, but this is by far my favorite of all time. I have abused the living he!! out of it, but it is still the best ratchet I have ever owned. I have a Snap-on, craftsman, bostitch, Stanley, and several other brand ratchets, but the Harbor Freight is the first I reach for every time. Stop hating, and give it a try.
www.harborfreight.com
3/8 in. Drive Flex Head Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
3/8 in. Drive Flex-Head Long Handle Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Flex Head Long Handle Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
Although I will never use a flex head, but this is by far my favorite of all time. I have abused the living he!! out of it, but it is still the best ratchet I have ever owned. I have a Snap-on, craftsman, bostitch, Stanley, and several other brand ratchets, but the Harbor Freight is the first I reach for every time. Stop hating, and give it a try.
3/8 in. Drive Teardrop Composite Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Composite Tear Drop Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
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Williams B-52EHFB. 3/8” Drive Flex Enclosed Head Ratchet. About $50. Snap On quality because it’s made by Snap On. The smooth (not a grip, but a nice shape) handle is very comfortable.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2020
- Messages
- 20
I would be lost without my 3/8 flex head ..good luck
I have the first one in 1/2". I do not recommend it. It's way too droopy to be useful. I've tightened it up and it still droops. It would be real annoying if I used it more than a few times a year.Seriously...you can buy 5-6 of them for the price of your Snapon, and leave them where ever you want...I am yet to have one fail me.
3/8 in. Drive Flex Head Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
3/8 in. Drive Flex-Head Long Handle Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Flex Head Long Handle Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
Although I will never use a flex head, but this is by far my favorite of all time. I have abused the living he!! out of it, but it is still the best ratchet I have ever owned. I have a Snap-on, craftsman, bostitch, Stanley, and several other brand ratchets, but the Harbor Freight is the first I reach for every time. Stop hating, and give it a try.
3/8 in. Drive Teardrop Composite Ratchet
Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Composite Tear Drop Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
The composite ratchet is very good.
That looks like a nice wrench of the money.
The Williams is a great recommendation but be aware it is a lower tooth count than 80, personally it doesn't bother me but others it may.
There are not many that compare in dimension, tooth count and most of all quality, the HF is okay but nothing earth shaking, you cannot buy a rebuild kit or a replacement grip like the Snap on. They replace the whole ratchet which for me sucks the big bag.
The Carlyle is really decent and is serviceable, it fill a gap between high end and box store stuff. I have read you can use a Snap on grip if you want to replace it but I cant confirm.
Napa has them on sale sometimes for short money so if you can get one at a good price, use it till you want to throw the long dollar or find one with box rash used for the Snap on if you don't want to buy it now.
There are not many that compare in dimension, tooth count and most of all quality, the HF is okay but nothing earth shaking, you cannot buy a rebuild kit or a replacement grip like the Snap on. They replace the whole ratchet which for me sucks the big bag.
The Carlyle is really decent and is serviceable, it fill a gap between high end and box store stuff. I have read you can use a Snap on grip if you want to replace it but I cant confirm.
Napa has them on sale sometimes for short money so if you can get one at a good price, use it till you want to throw the long dollar or find one with box rash used for the Snap on if you don't want to buy it now.
