To my surprise... there really isn't much on the net that I could find with the disadvantages to a non locking flex head ratchet. I am looking at a new 1/2" ratchet and can't decide on the flex head or not. I think the flex head might come in handy when wrenching to an extent, but I also think it can hurt too. If you get too far off center in either direction, I find that you really don't get a good pull and some times get that swinging motion if your really trying to break a bolt free lol. I also find that I have a tendency to put both hands on the handle on a straight ratchet for a hard pull, where I feel I need to have one hand holding the ratchet head on the bolt with a flex design. What are your experiences with a non locking flex head ratchet?

 

You hit the nail right on the head, on a hard pull if the force comes off center things can get ugly. That said I never used 1/2" but have several 3/8" straight handle and bent, and use them for 90% of everything I do. They are not quite as strong either because of the pin in the handle.

 

I have used both and still do. Never had a problem with either..

 

My experience with a flexing half-inch drive: Busted knuckles a few times, a split lip once, and a badly bruised cheek once. If I find I can't use my straight 1/2" ratchet in a particular location I haul out my breaker bar. It's never punched me in the face.

 

I use my brothers flex head everyonce in awhile because its longer than my regular ratchet, at first I had busted knuckles everytime I looked at it wrong, now I have the hang of it and its no harder to use than a straight ratchet.

Flex heads are good for gettin to stuff your normally cant and a little bit of use you get the hang of it

 

Thanks for the input guys.

 

I know for a fact, just talking about flex heads can get you into more work.

 

Hahahaha, guess I'll have to choose my topics more carefully next time :P.

 

SK makes this ratchet, their "Roto" head design. The best "flex" type I've ever used. My dad had one when I was growing up, finally bought one for myself about 10 years ago....

I think it only comes in 3/8 drive though....