3/8 flex head, long handle with grip

[2EHA]

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.

i had a standard length SO that had a locking switch on it, no play at all. loved that feature

i may have to get the stahlwille now that i think of it

 

[Job]

I bought a 3/8 Tekton swivel ratchet, seems very nice. Amaz has the set of three 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 for $58, or Tekton directly for $60 with a $6 future credit. Maybe not as long handle as the lost one. I don’t see HF selling the whole set now.

https://www.tekton.com/swivel-ratchet-set-91804

 

[2EHA]

I bought a 3/8 Tekton swivel ratchet, seems very nice. Amaz has the set of three 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 for $58, or Tekton directly for $60 with a $6 future credit. Maybe not as long handle as the lost one. I don’t see HF selling the whole set now.

https://www.tekton.com/swivel-ratchet-set-91804

i have some 1/4 and 3/8 swivels with super worn out grips, probably were from HF. they’re fine for what they are but i prefer a flex head.

 

[Job]

i have some 1/4 and 3/8 swivels with super worn out grips, probably were from HF. they’re fine for what they are but i prefer a flex head.

Here are some from Capri. They say they are longer handle.
https://capritools.com/shop/premium-flex-head-ratchets/

 

[clinebarger]

I would be lost without my 3/8 flex head ..good luck

View attachment 55607

Those "bent handle" flex heads have always been controversial among mechanics, Some hate them.....I love my Snap-on one as I can use it as a speed handle when needed.

2EHA, You may want to search for some used Mac, Matco, & Cornwell ratchets as they don't usually demand the Snap-on premium. While I love all my SO ratchets....Probably wouldn't be as picky if I didn't have to use them everyday, I have a flex head Cornwell for use at home & it's a decent ratchet.

 

[4WD]

Never owned one … have stuck two wobble extensions together and got around stuff like that …
Most often just one …

 

[demarpaint]

i may have to get the stahlwille now that i think of it

I ordered one this morning, from Mister Worker. I wanted something good, so I decided to give it a try, it came out less than a Snap-on. @Trav and I spoke about it a while back, it got his two thumbs up rating, that was enough for me.

 

[atikovi]

lost my trusty snap-on FHLF80A in the junkyard

From what I see, that's not a LOCKING flex head. Do yourself a favor and be sure your next one IS locking. I use this 3/8" drive Gearwrench and haven't touched my non-locking wrench since.

 

[2EHA]

From what I see, that's not a LOCKING flex head. Do yourself a favor and be sure your next one IS locking. I use this 3/8" drive Gearwrench and haven't touched my non-locking wrench since.

i had an FHX80A locking standard length, didn’t use it nearly as much as the long handle i just donated. zero play comes in handy for sure. i’m probably gonna go with the stahlwille

 

[drtyler]

i had an FHX80A locking standard length, didn’t use it nearly as much as the long handle i just donated. zero play comes in handy for sure. i’m probably gonna go with the stahlwille

Looks like the Stahlwille ratchet locks in 4 positions: straight, 30 deg up, 60 deg up, & 30 deg down. I'm not sure if it can operate unlocked without locking into one of those positions. I prefer the non-locking flex heads also, but I could see where a locking flex head could useful.

https://www.stahlwille.de/products/de_en/12261010-12261010.html

I've used the standard 3/8 and 1/2 fine tooth QR Stahlwille ratchets, and the mechanism is durable.

 

[tyman]

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.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-flex-head-ratchet-62321.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-flex-head-long-handle-ratchet-62333.html

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.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-composite-tear-drop-ratchet-62318.html

I absolutely love my composite 3/8" drive. It's my first go-to I grab.

 

[dlundblad]

I have a long handled GW 120XP flex head. It’s my go to for sure. I use it all the time.

Bought the 4 pc set back in 2017 from Tool Topia for around $75 iirc.

Came with the 1/4 version as well as a 3/8” stubby and 1/2” breaker bar style. The 2 former have their places when needed, but that 1/2” is about worthless since it doesn’t lock IMO. Sure it works, just don’t use it on anything high torque and any less conveniently located than lug nuts. Almost a waste of space.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I love my Capri ratchet. I bought one just to try since I could not look at it in person and now they will be my go to ratchets. My Matco locking flex head is also another go to. Honestly the Snap-on ratchets I’ve used I haven’t been really impressed with but that’s a matter of preference. A ratchet is something that needs to feel good to you. The Capri also has a good warranty too. Those Harbor Freight ones aren’t bad except the selector switch is switched around so what’s normally tighten is loosen and what’s normally loosen is tighten.

 

[demarpaint]

Looks like the Stahlwille ratchet locks in 4 positions: straight, 30 deg up, 60 deg up, & 30 deg down. I'm not sure if it can operate unlocked without locking into one of those positions. I prefer the non-locking flex heads also, but I could see where a locking flex head could useful.

https://www.stahlwille.de/products/de_en/12261010-12261010.html

I've used the standard 3/8 and 1/2 fine tooth QR Stahlwille ratchets, and the mechanism is durable.

It locks firmly in 4 positions but can be used unlocked in its full range of travel.