Do you like flex head ratchets?

[crashz]

I hate flex head ratchets. Until I need one.

I'm in this crowd. I've been burned by the flex head getting a little off kilter on a stuck nut and rounding off as I gave it some force. My fault for not thinking it through, but I only use the flex head when needed.

My other issue is the flex ratchet I have is a parts store brand and is constantly getting loose enough to flop around. I tighten up the joint every use. But I don't use it often, so its fine.

 

[Lenny5160]

You want one that flexs thru center of head not behind head in handle, much better to use!!

I believe you are referring to a 'swivel head' ratchet. I find more and more that I just grab my swivel head first, even though it's probably the lowest quality 3/8" ratchet.

 

[wtd]

I have both and use both. In some situations, a flex head is the only thing that is going to work.

 

[D60]

I believe you are referring to a 'swivel head' ratchet. I find more and more that I just grab my swivel head first, even though it's probably the lowest quality 3/8" ratchet.

Roto head. The yoke is huge and I find them too unwieldy in most situations for 3/8" and 1/2" drive

 

[Propflux01]

I have 2 flex ratchets. Both Snap-On. a 3/8 and 1/2. I find myself using the 3/8 flex more than its sister 3/8 straight ratchet. Just a matter of preference for everyday use, and a must when you get in a situation where you need one. The 1/2 helps me get around obstacles when I need to tighten something down that a 3/8 simply won't do.

 

[GMBoy]

Flex head is a must in your tool box as it has its uses. I don't like using them when the situation doesn't call for it as the head flopping all around annoys me. With that I do keep both styles of flex head - the locking and non locking as they also each serve a purpose. The ICON locking flex is a great option as it allows free motion and lockable for the best of both worlds and its a top quality tool at a great price.

 

[Opelman]

For me a flex head is a necessity. Finding a good one is tough though.

 

[paulo57509]

I prefer a flex head with a bent handle. Used with an extension, it can be used as a speed handle.

 

[Auto tech]

All I use every day all day are locking flex heads. Can't remember the last time I used my straight fixed head ratchets.

 

[Timmastertech]

Snapon FLF80A flex head has been my most used 3/8 ratchet for many many years. That said there are times that a straight non flex ratchet works better. Its the reason that pros have a drawer full of drive tools. I thought indexing head ratchets were the dumbest thing ever until I used one.

 

[indium_gray_49]

High tooth flex-heads with low back drag are clutch when you need them. There's a few suspension jobs I do regularly that they can be kinda tiresome on, but a set of plain ratcheting wrenches isn't expensive.

 

[D60]

Snapon FLF80A flex head has been my most used 3/8 ratchet for many many years. That said there are times that a straight non flex ratchet works better. Its the reason that pros have a drawer full of drive tools. I thought indexing head ratchets were the dumbest thing ever until I used one.

Indexing good for the ol' reach around!!

I've got the Craftsman XL ratcheting wrenches that index, too

 

[JWC86]

I went probably 15 years doing a lot of wrenching without even owing a flex head ratchet. Then I decided to try them, had all different types, locking, detents, roto, etc

Now I use a flex head 99% of the time. My preference if a non locking, non-detent. I do keep a couple locking ones though because when you need a locking flex head you need it.

Few company’s seem to be able to pull off a good free moving flex head that doesn't get loose quickly. Nepros and snap-on work well. I’m sure there’s others.

 

[GaryMX5]

My kids bought me a Craftsman 3/8ths one about 35 years ago as a Christmas present. I can't recall ever using it....sad because it was a thoughtful gift!

 

[Motu]

This is my latest, a Wurth flex head to replace my old Hazet one. It's a locking head and extendable too...a bit too useful as I used it too much extended and damaged the ratchet. Should've taken the abuse I know, but it's not made for full time use like that, there are other tools for the job.

My other flex head is an SK, it was originally a Champion Sparkplug ratchet, which was stolen and then replaced with the SK. 50 years of everyday use it's a bit like Grandfather's axe - I've replaced the head, and then the handle.

 

[D60]

This is my latest, a Wurth flex head to replace my old Hazet one. It's a locking head and extendable too...a bit too useful as I used it too much extended and damaged the ratchet. Should've taken the abuse I know, but it's not made for full time use like that, there are other tools for the job.

View attachment 322138View attachment 322139

My other flex head is an SK, it was originally a Champion Sparkplug ratchet, which was stolen and then replaced with the SK. 50 years of everyday use it's a bit like Grandfather's axe - I've replaced the head, and then the handle.

That Wurth looks a bit like the chunky imports we get here? What's COO?
https://www.amazon.com/FIRSTINFO-Locking-Flexible-Extendable-72-Tooth/dp/B07R46Y2GR

EZ Red is another ubiquitous distributor of something like the link above.

 

[billt460]

IMO flex-head ratchets come in handy in a lot of instances.

I have a couple of them. I even have one that you twist the handle to make it ratchet. I haven't used it yet.

 

[demarpaint]

I have a couple of them. I even have one that you twist the handle to make it ratchet. I haven't used it yet.

I have that ratchet you twist the handle to make it work. I used it once or twice since I bought it about five years ago. Both times I was glad I bought it, especially if you lose dexterity in your fingers and are working on getting a nut or bolt started in a tight spot and your fingers aren't cooperating.

 

[RyanY]

I have a vintage extended handle Craftsman 3/8 flex, newer Craftsman 3/8 bent handle flex, Pittsburgh multi flex (not shown), and 1/4 Capri flex. I have never used the Pittsburgh but I certainly wish I had it last year! The vintage Craftsman is great and has the notched flex with just the right amount of stiffness. The newer Craftsman is very nice and works well but the head is huge. The Capri is okay but I have not really needed the flex feature yet on a 1/4 size so I can't say much. But whenever possible in prefer the Pittsburgh swivels; hands down, these are the best ratchets for the money! Identical to Tekton except for the handle color.

 

[D60]

Few company’s seem to be able to pull off a good free moving flex head that doesn't get loose quickly. Nepros and snap-on work well. I’m sure there’s others.

I think this is so much of it. If guys try a low quality flex, they may falsely assume they're more trouble than they're worth.

I'm not saying tool truck stuff is mandatory, but cheap flex head ratchets don't pay IME