Proto 3/8" long handle flex head ratchet

[NJC]

I borrowed a Proto 5257A 3/8" drive flex head ratchet from work .. first decent flex head I've used.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108000

It's too long (11") and hard to navigate - I don't like it. I see that Proto has shortened this model to 8 1/2"

J5257F

 

[bowlofturtle]

Well handle lengths are all for different purposes.

Ive heard decent things about proto, I've still been using average ratchets. But i've lost my MAC flex handle 11 inch. So i'm stuck using HF/Gearwrench/Kobalt 72teeth flex ratchets. So far i'm loving the finer teeth.

 

[nitehawk55]

Finer teeth are nice for those tight spots !

 

[NJC]

After reading lots of enthusiastic reviews of flex-heads ratchets, I was expecting to find this and hidden gem to add to my toolbox. Maybe the shorter ones are better? Certainly the finer tooth models would be an asset.

 

[Merkava_4]

That new model has the Facom head on it. I bet it's sweet.

 

[Vikas]

You guys missed the dirt cheap deal from Lowes on 3/8 flex ratchet with two spark plug sockets. You could have had it for under $10. It is smooth 72 teeth ratchet with decent quality.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
You guys missed the dirt cheap deal from Lowes on 3/8 flex ratchet with two spark plug sockets. You could have had it for under $10. It is smooth 72 teeth ratchet with decent quality.


Decent quality don't cut it for some of us hardcore tool aficionados.

 

[Gabe]

I don't like the round head and the flex part. When I am using a ratchet, I have the tendency to put my hand behind the head to prevent the socket from slipping off - something that doesn't work well with a round head.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: Gabe
I don't like the round head and the flex part. When I am using a ratchet, I have the tendency to put my hand behind the head to prevent the socket from slipping off - something that doesn't work well with a round head.


On some of the Facom-based round heads the silver disk on the top is free spinning for this exact reason.

I've owned these Proto ratchets (and the Mac-branded versions) but I can't remember if the disk spins on this model.