flex head ratchets worth it?

[e9999]

just did a job where I had to struggle with difficult access and where a flex head ratchet or flex head ratcheting wrench might have made things a bit easier.
So I was wondering whether I should invest in a set of flex head ratcheting wrenches- or maybe better, a good flex head ratchet.
Admittedly, it is pretty rare that the day would have been saved with a flex head. Can't say I saw a strong need for those very often.
And I already have too many sets of wrenches and sockets, with which I can make do usually without too much trouble.
In fact, I do have a set of fixed head ratcheting wrenches but I rarely use them. Most of the time, the head is too big to fit where I need it to. So, I'm leaning more towards a couple of good ratchets.
But, it seems like I am always dealing with tightly wound bolts and I wonder if a flexhead when bent some does not detract a fair amount from the torque you can apply and gives less control.
Of course, it may probably only takes an hour or 2 struggle to make one wish one had bought one. May be worth the limited cost. Plus Christmas is coming...

I'm talking mostly vehicle work. So, what say you? Worth having around in general or a good idea on paper but less so in the shop?

 

[fj40charles]

If you don't have several flex head ratchets, then you're not very well stocked when it comes to tools.

Snap on and Mac make nice ratchets.

 

[e9999]

Can they be used reasonably well straight on or do they tend to flop around when you pull hard?

One thing I did find a limitation in some recent jobs was ratchets with too coarse (in degrees) an engagement. I would want finer if I go that route.

 

[fj40charles]

Can they be used reasonably well straight on or do they tend to flop around when you pull hard?

One thing I did find a limitation in some recent jobs was ratchets with too coarse (in degrees) an engagement. I would want finer if I go that route.

Depends. Some ratchets have detents (ball bearing) that allows the ratchet to stay in position. Some have none. They don't flop around at all. The one I use most often is an 11" Mac.

Like this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAC-TOOLS-D..._Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item2566b78ab2

 

[e9999]

Depends. Some ratchets have detents (ball bearing) that allows the ratchet to stay in position. Some have none. They don't flop around at all. The one I use most often is an 11" Mac.

Like this one.
MAC TOOLS ⅜" DRIVE 11 ⅞" 180° FLEX HEAD SPARK PLUG RATCHET XR11FPA | eBay

thanks. Yes 10"-12" or so is a good length on average. Although often when I need to do wrench acrobatics where the flex head would help, I have had to use a short handle.

I don't know that I'd go Snap or Mac though. Surely good quality but probably not worth the extra money for a backyard DIYer like me. Some mid-range with a lifetime warranty will do fine given how rarely I'd use those anyway. Never had any trouble with the 7 or 8 mid-range straight ones I already have. I do think I really want fine teeth, though, so that is a consideration and may limit choices.



added: had a look at ratchets while I was at Home Depot. They had a flex head one but I have to say it looked pretty cheesy. Interestingly, though, it has a clever system of extendible handle that I had not seen before. Handle also didn't seem very sturdy but clever concept.

 

[wxm]

My Snap on flex ratchet has a hex socket screw at the joint, which can be used to tightened the head if too loose. Though, I haven't had a need to do so.

[Edited for wrenches]
You probably will need both wrenches and sockets. It's quite often that the ratchet/socket just does fit in the tight space and the wrenches become the better alternative. (PHH being one ) The only problem is the long flex head ratcheting wrench are very expensive. Beno had mentioned one here on this board (https://forum.ih8mud.com/tools-fabrication/309585-snap-tools-vs-mac-vs-matco-3.html#post6548706), and I have seen good review about it. But I just can justify the price yet. For now, I have been using GearWrench, they seems to be all right.

 

[Ebag333]

In fact, I do have a set of fixed head ratcheting wrenches but I rarely use them. Most of the time, the head is too big to fit where I need it to. So, I'm leaning more towards a couple of good ratchets.

I use my Craftsman ratcheting box end's a lot for this exact reason. I still use my regular ratchets far more, but I've got my money's worth out of the ratcheting box ends.

But, it seems like I am always dealing with tightly wound bolts and I wonder if a flexhead when bent some does not detract a fair amount from the torque you can apply and gives less control.
Of course, it may probably only takes an hour or 2 struggle to make one wish one had bought one. May be worth the limited cost. Plus Christmas is coming...

I'm talking mostly vehicle work. So, what say you? Worth having around in general or a good idea on paper but less so in the shop?

I prefer a wobbly or two if there is room, but if there isn't I'll grab my flexable ratchet. I have a knuckle but generally don't like using it, too floppy and gets bound up too easy.

This is the flexible ratchet that I have, I can honestly say I have abused the crap out of it and it has outlasted two other (non-flexible) ratchets I've had in the same time span.

Being flexible is nice sometimes, but you have to be careful to apply force in the correct direction, if you get off even a few degrees you can have the handle move/adjust instead of the force going to the bolt. Can be annoying, but sometimes there is nothing else that fits. Also something to be aware of is that the more you adjust the handle, the shorter it is, and the less force you can apply. I have wished more than once that the handle was longer for this exact reason.

I've used that one to remove the starter and lower rear shock mount bolts. I swore I was going to destroy it when removing the starter, literally laying on my back pushing up with as much force as possible before the bolt broke free. Should have been using a breaker bar, impact, or cheater, but this one got the job done.

It still sits in my toolbox, have since gotten a pretty decent (also HF) non-adjustable ratchet, and haven't needed the flexible head. There really aren't too many jobs where this comes in handy, but when you need it....you generally really need it. So it stays in the toolbox I keep in the truck.

 

[Tapage]

My Snap on flex ratchet has a hex socket screw at the joint, which can be used to tightened the head if too loose. Though, I haven't had a need to do so.

I have a small 1/4 and 3/8 that have the same feature .. never need to adjust it yet tho .. but I found my self using much more flex wrenches than flex ratchet ..

 

[2mbb]

you can never have enough tools...that being said, you can do a lot with the open end wrenches provided in the OEM tool kit.

the ratcheting box end wrenches do have large heads, and the heads are larger if you get the reversible type. I have some of these, and use them, but sometimes the conventional box end is needed.

I have a few flex ratchet drives. Two are 3/8". One is a shorty and one is a long(y). And I have a 1/2" with a long handle. If I am breaking tight bolts loose, then I usually go for one of my breaker bars, all which have a "flex" head. I find the 3/8" drive flex ratchets the most useful (once the fastener has been broken loose). I have adapters that will take them down to 1/4" or up to 1/2" drive, if needed.

 

[Jetboy]

IMO this is THE ratchet to have:

It's almost all I'll ever use anymore. I've abused my Snap-on and never had an issue. I've used a cheater pipe on it as well. They are about $100 IIRC, but if you want a cheaper version, Harbor Freight has a cheapo option for under $20. I have a set of the HF ones in my mobile tool kit. They are less refined fore sure, but they do work.

 

[haryv]

jetboy, same here. purchased mine in 1995 but now, its getting a little sticky to turn the dial.

 

[e9999]

IMO this is THE ratchet to have:

It's almost all I'll ever use anymore. I've abused my Snap-on and never had an issue. I've used a cheater pipe on it as well. They are about $100 IIRC, but if you want a cheaper version, Harbor Freight has a cheapo option for under $20. I have a set of the HF ones in my mobile tool kit. They are less refined fore sure, but they do work.

that design does seem to make more sense than the usual "hinge" type. Seems like it should be more controllable.

 

[Devilmans Hand]

i just picked up a craftsman 3/8" drive flex head stubby handle and i love it. very much worth the $ and i've been using it with drive adapters with pretty good success.

flex head stubby ratchet combo wrenches are pretty sweet too. 10mm, 12mm, 13mm

 

[KillerPea]

The only ratchets that I use are my Snap-On flex head ratchets. 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. The only one that has a locking feature is my 1/2. Once you get accustomed to using them, you probably won't ever reach for a fixed ratchet again...in my opinion.

 

[Spike Strip]

Love this baby -
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Most useful I've ever owned and I've got two drawers full of Snap on over-priced crap.

Just bought another one for trail tool kit.