revtothelimit - motorbike forum

I need a new set of ratchet spanners. My last set were halfords pros and I've lost a couple and a couple are a bit crunchy so I thought I'd treat myself to some... although I guess I could just replace the ones I've lost and get them to replace the crunchy ones... Anyway, the question is, is it worth buying the flex ratchets? I can see how they'd be useful on occasions but can they also be annoying to use when they flex when you don't want them to?

Thanks.

i use the Halfords ones with the flexy head... but in truth i say 'use', i probably use them about twice a year.

I have one in the toolkit. I find them annoying to use for the reason you mention,so it never gets deployed unless it's a very specific job.

If it was lost,I'd probably not replace it.

Edit..I do use a couple of these a lot.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/127095384236 ... R9TQ9dnUZQ

Another Halfords Pro user of thier flex head ratchet spanners.

Them being flex head causes me less grief than them not being flex for those times when I need a flex head, had mine years with no bother, if they went' tits up I'd get them replaced like for like

I've got the flex head ones, use it quite a bit

Ok, thanks. I may get a couple to see how I get on with them.

it’s always better to have them and not need them than need……well you know the score. I’m sure you have normal spanners to use 99% of the time.

I have one flex-head spanner - a 13mm that I bought it for a very specific need, long forgotten!

I got a cheapie set from Aldi a few years ago and are very good. Just don't use the ratchet end to break free stubborn bolts (same with a ratchet) and they'll serve you well.
I clean out the ratchet with carb cleaner or dunk in petrol, then blow out with the compressor.
I tend not to oil them, because that just seems to trap dust and grit (making them crunchy...)

I have flex and rigid ratchet spanners....all get used.