Best flex head ratchet style?

[454cid]

I've never had a flex head ratchet. I always thought they were kinda gimicky, and then one day I was thinking of one of the greatest annoyances with working on my truck. Getting a ratchet (or wrench) on a bolt and having no room to swing it. I've also seen a couple of Youtube videos where guys are using them for clearance.

I'm thinking I've been an idiot for not getting a flex head sooner. I'll probably start out with 3/8", but I notice there are a couple different styles.

Which do you find to be better.... or do they each have their place/purpose?

3/8 in. Drive Flex Head Ratchet

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3/8 in. Drive Quick-Release Swivel Head Ratchet

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Then there is also the indexing head, which isn't quite the same thing:

3/8 in. Drive Indexable Head Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Indexable Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

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Also there are some with more than one joint:

3/8 in. Drive Dual Flex Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 3/8In Dr Dual Flex Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

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For now, I'll probably stay with HF, or maybe Tekton.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Back in the 70s SK Wayne was about the only one that made the "Plug" ratchet wrench (still have it) like the 2nd one you posted. The advantage is you're centering your torque on the head which will reduce the chance of slipping the socket off the bolt head. Plus, you can swing it vertical and speed twist them on/off. It has an extra long handle, fairly fine teeth, and the tension on the head is adjustable

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[GoToGuy]

I've looked at alot but i do have alot of obstruction, offset wrenches open end or box, some with half or three eighths drive, so i haven't got one yet. Except this Snapon flexhead bent handle that i got in '73 when we did alot more and tuneups. It worked well.

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[stutaeng]

The flex-head ratchets are my go-to ratchets. I've got the HF 1/4 and I like the plastic handle on it.

The 3/8" is the one I use the most. I got it at Advanced Auto and the brand is TEQ, which I think is rebranded Gearwrench. It says 84T.

The 1/2 is a Kobalt. I don't use that one that much, unless I'm doing suspension or brakes.

 

[454cid]

The flex-head ratchets are my go-to ratchets.

That's kind of what I'm expecting, although I do like my Harbor Freight Composite ratchets.

 

[454cid]

I finally made it to Tekton's website, and they differentiate the style by calling one a flex head, and the other a swivel head. Taking another look at the HF website they use the same terminology. I had no idea. I've never paid attention to anything but fixed handle ratchets. Probably because that's all my dad used.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

I looked around, IIRC I paid ~$45 for mine back then. Here used ones are going for up to ~$74, ha ha.

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[skylark]

I personally like the style of the first one that you listed. I also like the quick release. I only have one non flex head ratchet at work. It is a short fine tooth Snap On that I like for tight places. I also like metal handles because I've lost a lot of strength and the ability to put a cheater pipe on and torque to the moon without destroying a soft handle sure is nice. I only buy fine tooth ratchets.

 

[bigfutz]

Not a flex head, but I found these Klutch (Northern Tool) micro toothless rachets handy on occasion. For instance, I used it to get my brake booster out without removing the steering column.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200811197_200811197

 

[TechNova]

Flex head Blackhawk 3/8" ratchets are all I have used in shops and at home since the 80's. I bought two identical when a store closed and only recently bought a MATCO straight ratchet which I don't use.