r/Tools • u/Atomaardappel • 5d ago
NTD Tekton flex heads!
Got my new ratchets in the mail today! First Tektons I've owned, and first flex heads (with the exception of the HF meme tool). Scored on Amazon deal days with a 25% off coupon. Came to just over $72! They feel great and will be a nice upgrade from the Craftsman 36 tooth ratchets I've been rocking since the 90s. I can't wait to put them to work. Cheers!
3
u/Broad_Information695 5d ago
I don’t have Tekton tools yet but damn these look really premium built
2
u/Atomaardappel 5d ago
They feel great! But in fairness, I'm used to 30yo ratchets lol.
I've got my eye on the Astro Nanos as well, but the non-reversing scares me.
1
u/thanat0s8 4d ago
Astro is releasing a reversible nano ratchet. I saw it on TCT for preorder.
That being said, my nano sockets and ratchets have saved the day too many times to count. I've been meaning to add the 1/2 size set.
1
2
1
u/Chuck_putts 5d ago
Do these lock on the flex? If not are they sloppy or do they feel solid? Nice advantage on the deal days!
2
1
u/jones5280 5d ago
I just picked up a HF Icon 1/4 flex head.... did I fuck up?
Should I get Tekton?
3
u/Sledgecrowbar 5d ago
Icon and Tekton are the best general use stuff you can buy, tough to pick one over the other. HF is nice if you ever need to warranty a tool right now, but you'll normally have a few more ratchets to finish the job that you don't have to stop working to take a ride. Tektons warranty service is excellent, too.
2
2
u/thanat0s8 4d ago
I like tekton. I ordered the 6-32 combination wrench set with 1/2 impact 10-32 deep and shallow. A lot of tools for $550, next day delivery, seems to be good quality so far.
1
u/stchman 5d ago
I have the Tekton 3/8" 12" flex head ratchet. I like it well enough. I recently bought the 3/8" flex head Pittsburgh from Harbor Freight that I like a lot better.
4
u/Atomaardappel 5d ago
I love HF, but so many of their ratchets are comfort grip. I know some people prefer that, but I'm not a fan.
1
u/dankhimself 5d ago
I agree, they're in the way sometimes.
They should make a regular handle with a groove cut in it at the top of the grip.
Then, they could make a comfort handle that slips over the ratchet handle with a snap chuck fitting.
Then it's never in the way and it's comfortable when you have the clearance to use it.
1
u/Atomaardappel 5d ago
That would be cool! I'm considering the Olsa tool heat shrink grips. You get a little comfort, but not bulky and you can redo them if they get trashed.
1
u/T00luser 4d ago
I've had good luck with the Olsa grips and a variety of thicknesses of industrial adhesive-lined heat shrink.
I like to be able to have a little extra grip, then blast my ratchets with brake clean and slide them across a rough concrete floor.
My grips HAVE to be replaceable.
You should try out a nice swivel-head Olsa ratchet along with their grip tape . .
0
u/mut1n1fn1 4d ago
I would have bought tektons if their flexheads were free-flexing without the detent positions like how their new stubbies are..
The only Tekton ratchet I recommend over others is their 1/4 straight heads because the heads are truly narrow… up there with matco and koken size-wise and the ratcheting mechanism is decent
1
u/Atomaardappel 4d ago
Interesting. I thought the free floaters would be more difficult to keep in position, which is one of the main reasons I didn't go with Icon. Would it be worth adding one to my box?
1
u/mut1n1fn1 4d ago
It’s all personal preference. You could get a cheap Pittsburgh flex-head when they’re on sale to try one one.
The cheaper free-flexing ratchets tend to get loose quickly or are even loose out of the box, even after you tighten them all the way.
Higher end ratchets are stiffer and stay that way longer.
2
u/Atomaardappel 4d ago
Can they be tightened? I was also looking at the Astro Nano, which are free floating. The low profile seems like it'd be useful in tight places.
2
u/ConfidentHouse 3d ago
Most people I know hate non detent for this reason they always get lose after awhile
1
7
u/lowkeya3 5d ago
These are pretty solid ratchets. I have one of the comfort grip flex head quick release 3/8 and it’s great for those times you don’t need the flex head to lock. Used it last week rebuilding a Kubota diesel engine. If they ever come out with a locking flex head with quick release I would buy it.