I put a 1/2 inch drive in each car with sockets if ever a tire change was needed away from home and a have two more in the tool boxes. Yesterday I bought a 3/8 drive while at HF. I love these ratchets. With some fasteners that are 80 LBS and above these make it easy.
Anyone else like the expandable ratchets?
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I put a 1/2 inch drive in each car with sockets if ever a tire change was needed away from home and a have two more in the tool boxes. Yesterday I bought a 3/8 drive while at HF. I love these ratchets. With some fasteners that are 80 LBS and above these make it easy.
I haven't tried one yet. I've worried that the handle would flex too much for my liking, when it is extended. What is your experience with this?
Not me. I am very fussy with my ratchets. When you use a ratchet all day you get used to a certain feel. They just dont feel right in my hand and the ratchet mechanisms dont feel right.
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- Jul 28, 2024
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yes love mine 1/4 one side the other 3/8''
Not for me. They feel janky
The other day I removed bolts torqued to 110lbs. No idea of the break away torque. I've never noticed any flex, but at some point there surely would be flex. Another thing the 1/2 drive appeared to do well was on the belt tensioner the FJ and Tacoma from underneath.
JHZR2
Staff member
I’ve been gifted two. A 3/8 flex head husky, and a 1/2” HF.
The husky one I like a lot. I keep it in my oil change toolbox. It’s short and flexible most of the time, and if a plug is stuck tight for whatever reason, extending it gives me a lot more torque.
The 1/2 I use for turning over MB diesel engines for valve adjustments and other repairs. For that it’s fine. Don’t really need an extendible for that, but it does the job.
For anything else I have a range of Snap-on 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets, and a few other old USA made craftsman.
The husky one I like a lot. I keep it in my oil change toolbox. It’s short and flexible most of the time, and if a plug is stuck tight for whatever reason, extending it gives me a lot more torque.
The 1/2 I use for turning over MB diesel engines for valve adjustments and other repairs. For that it’s fine. Don’t really need an extendible for that, but it does the job.
For anything else I have a range of Snap-on 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets, and a few other old USA made craftsman.
Got two extendable ratchet wrenches. Love my HF combination 3/8 and 1/4 drive ratchet wrench and the separate HF 1/2” drive. It’s like having several tools in one since you can extend the handle to break the fastener free, then shorten the handle to clear obstructions and run the handle thru a larger swing to get the job done faster. No issues, flexing, or janky feeling with these Harbor Freight products. Nice and solid.
For keeping in the car (lugnut's) I have an expandable breaker-bar.
Many years ago I liked them a lot, esp in 3/8" dr. It was like having two ratchets in one: break the fastener with it extended, then collapse it for faster removal.
I've since gotten used to Dual 80 flex heads and the telescoping versions just don't feel right anymore. But if you have limited tool storage and/or are on a limited budget they make a lot of sense.
I've since gotten used to Dual 80 flex heads and the telescoping versions just don't feel right anymore. But if you have limited tool storage and/or are on a limited budget they make a lot of sense.
I always thought they were kinda Mickey Mouse... Maybe I was wrong?
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
I have expanded a few sockets 
I have one and like it, mine additionally rotates the handle to rotate the socket too; so along with instant leverage it can rotate a socket in a tight area that would not allow me much swing. Funny thing is it was a cheapo in a gift set and has yet to bend or show any signs of breaking.
