Teardown and Comparison of the New Snap On Locking Flex Head Ratchet. My favorite, but am I alone?

[@WalkerKlondyke]

No way! I love the old style locking flex with the button on the shaft. I’ve seen guys claim that the button gets in the way but I’ve never had that happen. Also, I love how you can just reach up and slide the button back and quickly reposition the head. It’s like a momentary disengagement. I hope they’re not gonna force this new design on you if you have to warranty your old locking flex heads.

[@markm0000]

Those old Craftsman ratchets won’t give up. I use 2 of them in the shop and they’re still in good shape. I can always get new ones but that forged American steel is what I feel every time I pick one up. You can’t get that anywhere nowadays for any amount of money.

[@rwbishop]

Hmmmm... your Craftsman experience/s differ _significantly_ from mine. I started buying that stuff c.late 60's & had given up on them (in disgust) by mid/late 70's or so.

[@lsumaniac2485]

I still have a few myself and can't tell you how many turns I've made with them, the older craftsman stuff is very hard to beat for the price

[@Bass4LifeBro]

Still using a 1/2 Craftsman V Ratchet from 1975 😎

[@deltahawk1001]

I would have to try it, but I don't like the look of it. The wide part of the head extends much farther, and the anvil is farther from the hinge (may or may not matter) I think the main reason for the design is because they wanted to avoid using the Apex/Matco mechanism which is probably the best around for locking flex heads.

[@ajonesumcane]

I have several versions of each as well as the Matco. I like you enjoy trying different ones. I fine the head on this one a little more cumbersome than the locking button but I love the feel of the handle and the overall feel

[@Libzors]

I really like mine so far. I have the 3/8 drive, 13 inch long one. I find the ease of use of both switches and the close proximity of them to each other very nice. I use it for day to day stuff in the shop. If I really gotta torque on something I’ll grab a longer ratchet in either a non-flex or non-locking flex head so that could be why stripping out the locking teeth hasn’t been a problem for me

[@scottyee707]

Do you know the part number?Ive been looking for that one

[@Libzors]

@@scottyee707 I believe it’s FLX80B

[@itsatoolthing6323]

I've got the 3/8 extra long new style locking flex head. Overall I do prefer the new lock design Overall over the older buttons style. That being said the lock still dose not stay locked all the time at it dose add some bulk. The ball detent is what works for me keeps the ratchet head from getting too loos and floppy. Thanks for your review.

[@free2chasehappy]

I have the previous generation of the snap on locking flexhead. Not much complaints except mine doesn’t stay unlocked anymore. That’s when my Koken non-locking come into play. And I think the socket lock should be on most ratchets.

[@tool.follower2813]

Interesting lock. What I strongly don't like is that the head is thicker than the normal flex. They introduced this new lock first on the super long 3/8 that uses the reverse yoke and thicker head on the standard flex. I was hoping they'd use a standard thickness head when they brought the lock into the shorter length ratchets. Nope, they saved themselves a penny by reusing the thick head.

[@gtcam723]

I actually really like the sliding button. So much easier than the Gearwrench 120xp button. I actually have the slide button version with the quick release in 1/2 and 1/4, inbound. Haven’t found a 3/8 yet. I will eventually.

[@TylerSnyder305]

I prefer an indexing flex head over a locked flex head, but my old PROTO flex heads have grooves worn in the teeth and don't hold position so well. The way WRIGHT does it is better with dimples and a detent ball that don't have hard edges to wear out, but you don't get as many positions. I think there's gotta be some kind of balance between the number of positions and a detent / locking type that isn't going to wear out.

[@drive-channel1834]

KTC flex head ratchets use some type of detent system with nylon, non-locking, but holds the head tight enough, not sloppy at all

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@drive-channel1834 sure, but I still prefer locking or detents.

[@AdamMGTF]

I wish we could get matco tools here in England. They seem a brilliant cheaper option. I love my snap on. But sometimes you dont need the best. Just good enough.

[@HiFiInsider]

the new 100th snap-on ratchets looks to be sealed. Does that mean it cannot be user repaired via repair kit like the 80?

[@niallcosgrove5596]

You can flip the locking switch to the back of the ratchet. Just ondo the main screw take the locking switch out insall is the other way around. Works much better

[@TrackstarBR]

Just picked up a new flx80b and so far loving it. Also when leaving it unlocked its not floppy because of the little detent. Won't replace my matco but I do like it better then the old locking style and it will probably replace the old style one for me.

[@manpig1991]

Bought mine yesterday and I like it but I like my matco ratchets more

[@mousey7789]

I own both but prefer the old style, but did they ever make an extra long 3/8 with the locking flex button? The new one the switch doesn't lock in place, so you can knock it loose easily. Havent had it long and hope it doesn't get much looser over time

[@garrisong]

I have a f841 handle that has the lock button down farther on the handle, with a dual 80 3/8 ratchet head and I never have a problem with the button. I even have a lock mechanism repair kit in case this one wears out. The perfect ratchet in my opinion. But yea the new design I don’t think I will like that one.

[@jdm_mike91_90]

hey doc I just got my Snap on catalog.. they do have the flex head ratchet in there but I could only see it in 3/8 extra long ratchet in the catalog..

[@chiphill4856]

In the discussion of ball vs detent design, I believe the detent material strength or detent hardness may be too low. The reason I don't blame the ball, is because ball bearings are usually manufactured to high hardness and tight dimensional tolerances. So - the ball is likely quite harder than the detent material.

[@RedShiftedDollar]

That’s the same as what LBT said. Saying the ball is to hard is the same as saying the body material is too soft.

[@Callelle6251]

Of course you like the Snap On, in your eyes they do no wrong. The Matco and Milwaukee designs are currently the best in terms of locking flexheads.

[@bradvanwolde4970]

Love your videos. I truly appreciate your opinion. If you ever look up James May, Reassembled, he calls the like of us tool perverts. P.S. We don't when to stop buying tools.😂

[@foxwood67]

I think I would have to put through a couple weeks of use to decide. By visual observation it does look bulky and awkward to use. Idk. Thanks doc

[@hayden199516]

Whats the part number for this doc? I have been a fan of this style since its released. I have the 20" or so soft grip, and recently acquired the 12" soft grip, both 3/8. I love this versus the button style, but have those too.

[@jakewaters5563]

I’m not sure if it’s just my area but my snap on guy could only get the super long 3/8” with that new style lock. Personally I really like it, still not as good as the Matco lock, but with the inverted flex joint the handle has much less deflection under heavy torque. Because I only have that style in a nearly 2 foot long ratchet I don’t notice the big head getting in the way, but I’ll stick to my non locking flex for the shorter handles that get used in tighter areas.

[@jakewaters5563]

Also when they come out with that style I’m 1/2” I’ll be switching

[@MrTian1212]

The new one is way better than the old one in my eyes.... The old button frequently locks itself in my hand. And some other times, when I want to lock it, it's hard to push...

[@zarajoe1]

I dont loke the bakl detent part. I prefer how the other style flexes smooth when unlocked. You could just factory delete the ball so it rotates smooth when unlocked

[@hadin101]

I bought the super long 3/8 and that lock is really starting to get annoying having it up on the head that far and it keeps unlocking on me. Im just going to stick to the matco for locking flex head ratchets

[@FahimibnDawud]

I truly dont understand the obsession with Snap-On! I'm not saying i havent spent too much on their tools too, but i eventually learned that i didnt need Snap-On. I do like my Snap-On ratchets but all of their other stuff is no big deal and tbh im just as happy using my 40 y/o Craftsman, Capri, Tekton, Gearwrench, Williams, Matco, etc.. (i collect them. I even own some Icons and Pittsburgh Pro ratchets and have abused the hell out of those to save my nicer ones, and theyve held up fine, even though i like the PittPro better than the Icons! I think the obsession with Snap-On nowdays comes from young guys wanting to "flex" how cool they are because they own certain brands. Its really really cringey and embarrassing.

[@kota3233]

With locking flex head the only option to me is matco. Wish I had a dealer.

[@DownHillgamer]

Was thinking about getting the chrome handle version of that ratchet but I just ain't the biggest fan of locking flex heads lol, I might get that long quick release one you were comparing with though, those are always handy

[@cblack1863]

Seems to me the ears on the head would break first in the new design, not the handle?

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Theres 2 different soft grip sizes in 3/8 they both work the same.

[@wrenchtheroo6557]

what i dont like with the new flex head is that there is no detent for the locking lever

[@ecleveland1]

The way Gearwrench does their locking flex head ratchet is by far the best design. Snap-On is terrible with theirs. I never did like the old way but this new version is just as bad. If you have never tried the push button on the Slim head design Gearwrench flex heads you are in for a good surprise. It just makes sense and is easy to manipulate even if you have on thick winter gloves.

[@myz06rocks]

Seeing that ratchet reaffirmed for me the MATCO is they way to go, and cheaper

[@_P0tat07_]

I think it would have been better if they didn’t have the reversed yolk head. I don’t know why snap on changed them. I know they said it’s stronger but I don’t see how. I’ll pass on these. Even thought I like collecting different styles of snap on ratchets.

[@rwbishop]

I'm not a big fan of locking heads, never have been. Far as ratchets go, I've now almost completely transitioned to Koken.

[@donaldaudi]

It's for strength. The y on the handle is weaker

[@chiphill4856]

How?

[@SimplyStreetClothing]

Staying matco for my locking flex heads........ try again snap on. Just my opinion

[@mn4a15]

Yeah, this design really throws off the sleek aesthetics. They need to re-design this in my opinion.

[@NoNo-uy2bq]

Not a big fan of this design, I’ve always preferred the non locking.

[@platoscavealum902]

👍

[@joeyallen7927]

Use that new Snap On ratchet as a hammer. It is huge.

[@drengskap]

I haven't handled it or used it, but for what it's worth, just going on what I can see in the video, that new locking flex-head design looks thick, bulky, clunky and front-heavy. It is lacking in grace, and I can well understand it being controversial. I don't think this one will be around for long.

[@markifi]

i don't understand the appeal of an articulated head but i'm not working on cars so maybe that's it

[@svn5994]

You just answered your own question.

[@cblack1863]

...I've yet to see a locking flex that everyone likes? Regardless, that thing seems very bulky

[@ecleveland1]

Have you tried the new Gearwrench Slim head 120XP locking flex head ratchet? I got a couple last year to try out and love them. The push button lock for the flex head is the best option for me. I can easily manipulate it with my heavy gloves on without any problems. The ratchet is smooth also. I put a little Super Lube grease in mine which is what I used in my Snap On’s and it works great.

[@aussiehardwood6196]

Snap On should have given this ratchet design to seasoned pros, taken their feedback and come up with a better locking design. Its crucial, get it right and ratchets will SELL, get it wrong & they won't. SO got it wrong, its as simple as that. Pro's are looking at other TT brands now for this tool. SnapOn HAS to get this stuff right, ratchets are their specialty. Huge fail IMO. These ratchets can cost upwards of $300 they need to be a 'tool of joy' to use and hold in ones hand.

[@jasonn2284]

Hmmm I think this new ratchet is trash 🚮 🗑️ never was a fan of locking flex. I’m old school I like the permanent fixed or flexible. None of this locking option. I suggest buying two ratchets, so all techs wont have to deal with this new crap. A flexible ratchet is better than a locking flexible ratchet, because sometimes when you loosen or tighten something you need it to stay flexible at all times without the locking button in the way.

[@markm0000]

On the bigger size Snap-On flex you can pull and slide the switch to the side and it stays unlocked.

[@jasonn2284]

@@markm0000 true but it may be heavier or a bit bulkier. Nonetheless you can never have too many ratchets. Like most people, I find a lot of techs use their 3 favourite hand ratchets and the rest just collects dust in the tool box.

[@svn5994]

Or you can just buy a locking flex head that has unlocked and locked. Far better than those garbage flex head ratchets without a lock.

[@thommykent7785]

That`s horrible! Of all the ways it could be designed, Snapon chose the worst.

[@forteandblues]

How, explain exactly why with examples.

[@dinomares5697]

Right on

[@lsumaniac2485]

I disagree completely, and all the while keep in mind it's guaranteed for life. I personally like the design with my only complaint being the head design is a bit bulky but overall the functionality of this excellent

[@chrissatterwhite711]

The worst design was the sliding button on the shaft. I just got one of these new ones and I do like it but I believe the best design is the one Mac makes. All that said I still prefer a regular flex head ratchet over a locking flex head

[@JDTech850]

This new mechanism is garbage. Have several old style and love them and once locked it stays locked. Have one new style and it might aswell not have the lock as it gets knocked to unlocked easily or vibrates itself unlocked. Would trade it for an old style one tomorrow. May even replace it with a Mac or gear wrench.

[@ecleveland1]

If you try the Gearwrench flex head with the push button you will not regret it. Even when I’m wearing my thick Mechanix gloves in the winter it is easy to manipulate the flex button. The Slim 120xp ratchets are very nice. Honestly I think they are the best out there right now. Olsa Tools has a similar design if you want another brand. I’m not hating on Snap-On , I just don’t like their style of locking flex head ratchet.

[@jimmyfreeze3782]

SMH! Another video that fails to display the previous style locking flex head with the button on the shaft. The new donkas lever added to the head and the overall larger head size works fine, but the old design is smaller and works much better in tight areas. The new design is simply a way for snap on to save $ on warranty repair due to idiots breaking tools/not understanding how to use the right tool for the job. "I don't care, lifetime warranty"

[@ZGoddessLola]

Horrible design specially if the tech is wearing gloves and trying to change the direction

[@LabiaLicker]

Is there really any reason not to have a locking socket detent on a ratchet?