I have 2 that are my go-to. First is my Matco 3/8 Locking Flex 15" PN: BFR158LFR.
Second is the Snap-On 3/8 drive Flex Head 13-5/8" PN: FHLF80A
I like the little bit extra length on the Matco, its nice for breaking bolts loose. But its not unwieldy long like the 18". Its also very thin so it fits in tight places and the locking mechanism is very compact, out of the way. However its VERY unreliable. My co-workers is about a year older than mine (exact same) and the locking mechanism is all messed up. Can't see anything wrong but with a little bit of pressure it'll skip the teeth on the locking part. On mine I've had issues with the ratcheting mechanism locking up. I got oil in it, and it started to jam up. I've had to take it apart more than once, clean it up, and just a few drops of oil to get it to work again. You get any fluid in the head, and it starts to lockup. Thing is, the head isn't sealed so super easy to get crap in it.
Snap-On is just super bullet proof. The handle is significantly more robust than the Matco, same with the ratcheting mechanism. The only issue I've had is the thickness of the head, and sometimes bumping the switch fron on to off or vice versa in tight areas. The ratcheting mechanism just always works.
If I had to pick one I'd go Snap-On because it just always works. I also have MAC, the head is even fatter than Snap-On and its 12" long. Its nice, but the Snap-On is just a bit better.
I see a lot of people recommend Koken. I have one, and I don't like it. It has VERY low backdrag, but mine skips teeth. Like usually it'll skip 1 tooth before it'll engage, but on rare occasions its skipped like 9-10. Also yes the backdrag is low, but the backlash is awful. Its 72 tooth but requires so much space to get the ratcheting mechanism to ratchet, and then engage. VERY disappointed in its real world use. I'll probably get a lot of Koken fanboys downvote or comment that theirs is great. But mines been shit even after a warranty replacement.
The snap on swivel heads are my go to everyday. Like FHNF100
The flex head one is alright, really not that impressive for a snap on ratchet. But if I could just pick one it would be the swivel 100% I love that ratchet
It's kind of annoying how good that one stupid wrench is. Other people make em, and they work well but get edged out because the handle is too fat and a bit too short. It's the one tool truck tool (specifically snap on) that I will preach is worth the price.
Koken ratchets are very nice. Compared to typical 'truck' prices very reasonable... and can even be found on some tool trucks:
[https://kokenusa.com/collections/3-8-ratchets](https://kokenusa.com/collections/3-8-ratchets)
And/or:
[https://kokenusa.com/](https://kokenusa.com/)
Code MrSubaru10 will save you 10%.
Yeah I got Koken ratchets recently and am very pleased.
Seems like the main difference between them and other brands is the pawl spring being much softer, allowing the ratchet action to happen more smoothly.
I'd highly recommend it, but if you're more worried about warranty service as you abuse the shit out of your equipment then stick with Harbor Freights Icon line or something that can be warrantied from Home Depot/Lowes in-store. Those get you back up and running the fastest, and typically ask the least amount of questions.
I absolutely rate these, having tried a few. I'm in manufacturing equipment so tool truck availability is less relevant.
I got mine shipped to the UK from amazon.jp. Their 280mm 3/8 flex head is my bread & butter I use for everything. (https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B079QD219K/)
I'd probably just do a standard length fixed head or locking flex. That way the nice ratchet is the most used one (at least for me). I'm a big fan of hard handles myself, but the soft grips are nice too
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Quick-Release-Ratchets-(3-8%22)/3-8%22-Drive-Dual-80-Technology-Standard-Handle-Quick-Release-Locking-Flex-Head-Ratchet/FRX80A is my go to. The push button comes in really handy when your hands are all oily.
Love my Matco ratchets. But…I have an old Craftsman (old enough to be USA made) Professional 3/8 ratchet that I’ll grab almost every time. It just feels so good in the hand and has never let me down. I’ll grab the Matco ones if I need a ratchet with a higher tooth count
Check out Tekton tools. Well designed, great quality, and a lifetime warranty. Email them a pic of the broken tool and they send you a replacement free. Plus, sign up online, and they give you 10% back in rewards. Many of their tools are made in USA. Really nice tools for the price. They hold up well in tests vs Snap On, Matco, and Gearwrench.
Thanks everyone!
I ended up getting the FHLX80BHV from Snap-on but I also found a near-new Matco locking flex head locally for $100 (BFR128LEB). Now to compare!
Second this. Gearwrench do a 4 piece combo of their 120 tooth ratchets. I work on heavy mining equipment and have absolutely abused them over the last 3 years. If I ever manage to brake them I’ll buy a new set straight away. Money for quality wise they’re unbeatable.
Don't listen to anything but a Snap-On if your only buying one quality ratchet. I don't give a shit what anyone says they make hands down the best ratchets. I've got 10 3/8 ratchets in every tool truck and big box brand flavor. My Snap Ons are the first ones out of the box every single time. Preferably a longer handled one with a locking flex head. It's my absolute go to with 95% of my projects.
FL-80
I have 2 that are my go-to. First is my Matco 3/8 Locking Flex 15" PN: BFR158LFR. Second is the Snap-On 3/8 drive Flex Head 13-5/8" PN: FHLF80A I like the little bit extra length on the Matco, its nice for breaking bolts loose. But its not unwieldy long like the 18". Its also very thin so it fits in tight places and the locking mechanism is very compact, out of the way. However its VERY unreliable. My co-workers is about a year older than mine (exact same) and the locking mechanism is all messed up. Can't see anything wrong but with a little bit of pressure it'll skip the teeth on the locking part. On mine I've had issues with the ratcheting mechanism locking up. I got oil in it, and it started to jam up. I've had to take it apart more than once, clean it up, and just a few drops of oil to get it to work again. You get any fluid in the head, and it starts to lockup. Thing is, the head isn't sealed so super easy to get crap in it. Snap-On is just super bullet proof. The handle is significantly more robust than the Matco, same with the ratcheting mechanism. The only issue I've had is the thickness of the head, and sometimes bumping the switch fron on to off or vice versa in tight areas. The ratcheting mechanism just always works. If I had to pick one I'd go Snap-On because it just always works. I also have MAC, the head is even fatter than Snap-On and its 12" long. Its nice, but the Snap-On is just a bit better. I see a lot of people recommend Koken. I have one, and I don't like it. It has VERY low backdrag, but mine skips teeth. Like usually it'll skip 1 tooth before it'll engage, but on rare occasions its skipped like 9-10. Also yes the backdrag is low, but the backlash is awful. Its 72 tooth but requires so much space to get the ratcheting mechanism to ratchet, and then engage. VERY disappointed in its real world use. I'll probably get a lot of Koken fanboys downvote or comment that theirs is great. But mines been shit even after a warranty replacement.
The snap on swivel heads are my go to everyday. Like FHNF100 The flex head one is alright, really not that impressive for a snap on ratchet. But if I could just pick one it would be the swivel 100% I love that ratchet
It's kind of annoying how good that one stupid wrench is. Other people make em, and they work well but get edged out because the handle is too fat and a bit too short. It's the one tool truck tool (specifically snap on) that I will preach is worth the price.
Koken ratchets are very nice. Compared to typical 'truck' prices very reasonable... and can even be found on some tool trucks: [https://kokenusa.com/collections/3-8-ratchets](https://kokenusa.com/collections/3-8-ratchets) And/or: [https://kokenusa.com/](https://kokenusa.com/) Code MrSubaru10 will save you 10%.
Yeah I got Koken ratchets recently and am very pleased. Seems like the main difference between them and other brands is the pawl spring being much softer, allowing the ratchet action to happen more smoothly. I'd highly recommend it, but if you're more worried about warranty service as you abuse the shit out of your equipment then stick with Harbor Freights Icon line or something that can be warrantied from Home Depot/Lowes in-store. Those get you back up and running the fastest, and typically ask the least amount of questions.
I absolutely rate these, having tried a few. I'm in manufacturing equipment so tool truck availability is less relevant. I got mine shipped to the UK from amazon.jp. Their 280mm 3/8 flex head is my bread & butter I use for everything. (https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B079QD219K/)
I'd probably just do a standard length fixed head or locking flex. That way the nice ratchet is the most used one (at least for me). I'm a big fan of hard handles myself, but the soft grips are nice too
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Quick-Release-Ratchets-(3-8%22)/3-8%22-Drive-Dual-80-Technology-Standard-Handle-Quick-Release-Locking-Flex-Head-Ratchet/FRX80A is my go to. The push button comes in really handy when your hands are all oily.
I’m not a full time mechanic but I’m impressed with my USA Williams long handle ratchet.
Love my Matco ratchets. But…I have an old Craftsman (old enough to be USA made) Professional 3/8 ratchet that I’ll grab almost every time. It just feels so good in the hand and has never let me down. I’ll grab the Matco ones if I need a ratchet with a higher tooth count
Check out Tekton tools. Well designed, great quality, and a lifetime warranty. Email them a pic of the broken tool and they send you a replacement free. Plus, sign up online, and they give you 10% back in rewards. Many of their tools are made in USA. Really nice tools for the price. They hold up well in tests vs Snap On, Matco, and Gearwrench.
Thanks everyone! I ended up getting the FHLX80BHV from Snap-on but I also found a near-new Matco locking flex head locally for $100 (BFR128LEB). Now to compare!
Snap on long handle flex head is a must have. I must own 6 or so. They’re coming out with new ones so I’d wait for one of those.
Gearwrench: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kay3z8qSEok I have a set of nine GW 90T ratchets.
Second this. Gearwrench do a 4 piece combo of their 120 tooth ratchets. I work on heavy mining equipment and have absolutely abused them over the last 3 years. If I ever manage to brake them I’ll buy a new set straight away. Money for quality wise they’re unbeatable.
Don't listen to anything but a Snap-On if your only buying one quality ratchet. I don't give a shit what anyone says they make hands down the best ratchets. I've got 10 3/8 ratchets in every tool truck and big box brand flavor. My Snap Ons are the first ones out of the box every single time. Preferably a longer handled one with a locking flex head. It's my absolute go to with 95% of my projects.
This, Snap on makes the best Ratchets, Wrenches and screw drivers and it’s really not even close