Swivel Head Ratchet VS Flex head Ratchet: A Full Guide
The ratchets are very useful when you are dealing with nuts or bolts in a complicated position. You can smoothly perform different kinds of the job by using a ratchet. There are various kinds of ratchet you can find in the market, but two types are popular nowadays. One is swivel head ratchet, and another one is flex head ratchet. And you may confuse which one to choose swivel head ratchet VS flex head ratchet.
In this article, we try to find everything about these two types of the ratchet. We explain the advantage and disadvantages of these ratchets and which one is better for your works. By reading this full article, you can find out everything about swivel head and flex head ratchet. And I hope we can clear your doubts and confusion about flex head ratchet VS fixed.
What is Ratchet?
A ratchet is a tool that lets the user rotate a nut or bolt in only one direction and prevent opposite direction motion. Ratchet comes with a round gear or a linear rack with teeth, and a built-in pawl makes sure the ratchet moves in one direction. However, you can go in the opposite direction a bit in some situations.
A ratchet is a convenient tool if you know how to use it properly. This tool has a wide range of use, and it can make your daily job more comfortable than before. By using a ratchet wrench, you can do various kinds of work like cable ties, capstans, caulking guns, clocks, freewheel, and other jobs.
Now let’s find out about two common ratchet tools you probably use, or you are going to use in your daily job.
Swivel head ratchet
A swivel head ratchet is usually called roto head ratchet and comes with a thick and wide head ratchet. This type of ratchet has so many advantages, and you can use it in different situations. Swivel head ratchet can reach complex locations, and you can use it at intermediate angles. By using this kind of ratchet, you can reach fasteners in tight spaces or over obstructions.
Another plus is you can use different sockets and bit sockets as a spinner. Different socket sizes let you use the ratchet on various nut sizes. You can use swivel head ratchet in a different angle and use it as a screwdriver and remove loose fasteners. The ratchet can move to a 90-degree angle, and you use this for different sizes of nuts or bolts by changing the sockets without buying new tools.
Flex head ratchet
A flex head ratchet allows the ratcheting mechanism to move up and down. The head of the ratchet can move a 90-degree angle and reach where the regular ratchet cannot go. Flex head can use for hard work where other ratchets give up. The flex head has a lock switch to fix the position of ratchet head.
You can also switch the rotation direction by changing the rotate switch. You can also use a ratchet wrench set with your flex head ratchet. By using a flex head ratchet set, you can make your daily work easy. The flex head is easy to use, and you can get a perfect grip during working.
Swivel Head Ratchet Vs Flex Head Ratchet
Here is some ratcheting wrench set that you can use for your relevant jobs.
GEARWRENCH 2 Pc 1/4″, 3/8″ Drive 90 Tooth Full Polish Flex Head Ratchet
This is one of the best flex head ratchets you can find in the market. The Gearwrench has 90 tooth gears, and it can swing 4 degrees to make the fastener tight. This can provide six positional angles for easy adjustment. It also can perfect on/off the mark on the head, and it is super visible.
- 90 tooth gear delivers a 4° swing arc to turn a fastener in tight confines
- 6-Position flex-head for adjustable access angle
- Precision engineered high strength pawl for increased durability
- Highly visible on/off markings on the head
- Teardrop low profile head and flush mounted on/off switch allow better access in tight spaces
By using teardrop low profile head and flush mounted on/off switch, let you go in a tight position to do your work. This ratchet is oil and solvent resistant and super easy to clean. It also has a large handle for a better grip, and you can move it as you want for lightweight. And this two 3/6” and 1/4 locking flex head ratchet is suitable for various kinds of work.
TEKTON 3/8-Inch Drive by 9-Inch Quick-Release Swivel Head Ratchet
This swivel head wrench can position up to a 270-degree angle in various directions. It also comes with 72 tooth round head and 5-degree swing arc. The Tekton ratchet wrenches have a lock on, push-button, and quick release drive tang to prevent sockets dropped. This ratchet made by chrome-molybdenum steel, and it resistant to rust.
- 270-degree swivel head lets you approach your work from any angle
- 72-tooth gear produces a working swing arc of just 5 degrees
- Quick-release drive tang locks securely on to sockets so they won't accidentally fall off
- Comfortable molded handle with soft, nonslip grip
The ratchet has a perfect handle with non-slip design. You can comfortably use this tool for your daily jobs. It can reach in tight location to make your job easier. You can also easily clean this after use, and ANSI standards test the ratchet performance.
Silverline Fixed Head Ratchet Spanner 8mm
If you are looking for a low budget ratchet, then this item is the best match for you. Silverline is a dual-head ratchet, and you can do various kinds of work by using it. The ratchet comes with 12 point ring, and 15 degrees offset open end drive style. It also has 5-degree engagement teeth to make your work easier.
- Hardened and tempered chrome vanadium
- Chrome plated for corrosion resistance
- Mirror-polished finish
- 5° ratchet action
- Provides easy access in tight spaces
This open end ratchet wrench is made of sintered alloy pawl and CRV gear head. And the chrome-plated for resistant rust and oil. By using this ratchet, you can easily reach in tight location to do your job done. The mirror-polished finish gives a perfect grip and proper operation.
GEARWRENCH 2 Pc. 1/4″ and 3/8″ Drive 120XP Dual Material Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet Set
This is a dual material flex head ratcheting wrench that has 60 tooth pawls, and it can provide a 3-degree swing arc for easy access. The double-stacked pawls alternately engage the tooth gear and give more strength. This ratchet, flexible head can reach difficult places and can provide powerful performance.
- 120XP ratchets have 2 double stacked 60-tooth pawls (120 positions) providing a 3° swing arc so you can turn fasteners in tighter confines
- Double-stacked pawls alternately engage the 60 tooth gear, providing exceptional strength
- Flexible head provides access for hard to reach fasteners
- Enclosed head design for extreme resistance to dirt infiltration
- Highly visible markings on the head
- Longer reach handle to access hard-to-reach fasteners
- Bright, full polish chrome finish easily wipes clean and resists corrosion
- Dual material comfort grip handle
- Meets or exceeds ASME specifications
The ratchet has a long handle to reach the location where other ratchets cannot go. You can get a better grip by using this ratchet because of the design. It has clearly visible marking on the head to control the rotation. The body metal of this ratchet is dirt and rust-resistant, and you do not have to do to mush clearing after use.
TEKTON 1/4-Inch Drive by 5-Inch Quick-Release Swivel Head Ratchet
This is one of the best 1/4 swivel ratchet from the Tekton company. The round head of this ratchet can rotate 270 degrees to any drive angle and let you work from any angle of your position that you feel comfortable. It also comes with 72 tooth gear and can provide a 5-degree swing arc. This swivel head socket wrench comes with a quick-release drive system to engage and release sockets quickly.
- 270-degree swivel head lets you approach your work from any angle
- 72-tooth gear produces a working swing arc of just 5 degrees
- Quick-release drive tang locks securely on to sockets so they won't accidentally fall off
- Comfortable molded handle with soft, nonslip grip
The design of the handle of this ratchet can provide perfect grips during working. You can get a better grip even your hand is greasy. This ratchet comes with lock-on, push-button, and quick-release drive systems to prevent dropped sockets. And the chrome-molybdenum steel body makes it rust and dirt resistant.
GEARWRENCH 2 Pc. 1/4″ & 3/8″ Drive 72 Tooth Dual Material Roto Ratchet
These are the best roto head ratchet you can find in the store. The head of these ratchets can rotate 360 degrees at maximum speed and gives you easy access in every corner of your workplace. By using these ratchets, you can reach to the narrow, hard location to do what you want.
- 120XP ratchets have 2 double stacked 60-tooth pawls (120 positions) providing a 3° swing arc so you can turn fasteners in tighter confines
- Double-stacked pawls alternately engage the 60 tooth gear, providing exceptional strength
- Flexible head provides access for hard to reach fasteners
- Enclosed head design for extreme resistance to dirt infiltration
- Highly visible markings on the head
- Longer reach handle to access hard-to-reach fasteners
- Bright, full polish chrome finish easily wipes clean and resists corrosion
- Dual material comfort grip handle
- Meets or exceeds ASME specifications
It also has 72 tooth gear and 5-degree swing arc for fasteners turns. You can easily change sockets and the lock-on, the push-button system will hold the sockets correctly. These socket wrenches have a round head and work well around obstacles. The handle is made of dual materials to give you a perfect grip while working. It also dirt and rust-resistant and stays clean after use.
Astro 9719 1/4-Inch Drive Wobble Head Ratchet and 3/8-Inch Drive Wobble Head Ratchet
This wobble head ratchets design to get access to a difficult location where traditional ratchet cannot reach. The head of this ratchet can provide a 30-degree angle, and it can go up 15 degrees and down 15 degrees. You can comfortably use this ratchet at your workplace at a different angle.
- Patented wobble head design allows access into hard to reach areas where traditional ratchets cannot reach. ^ 1/4" Drive Wobble Head Ratchet AND 3/8" Drive Wobble Head Ratchet Set. ^ Special wobble head design provides 30 Degree handle movement (up: 15 Degree; down: 15 Degree). ^ Made of SCM440 Steel. ^ This kit comes with 2 Pieces.
- Patented wobble head design allows access into hard to reach areas where traditional ratchets cannot reach
- 1/4" Drive Wobble Head Ratchet AND 3/8" Drive Wobble Head Richet Set
- Special wobble head design provides 30 Degree handle movement (up: 15 Degree; down: 15 Degree)
- Made of SCM440 Steel
- This kit comes with 2 Pieces
This ratchet made of steel and the handle design can provide perfect grip during working. By using this ratchet, you can apply powerful force on nuts and bolts to loosen. The body metal is dust, and rust proves, and you can easily clean this ratchet after using it.
TEKTON 14967 3/8-Inch Drive x 13-Inch Flex Head Bent Handle Ratchet
This Tekton flex head ratchet design to reach all over the places you want it to use. The head of this ratchet can rotate 180 degrees at seven different angles to give you access to tight areas. It also comes with an extra 11 inches long bent handle with 25 degrees offset and let you go far than other ratchets.
- Ultimate all-access design reaches around whatever is in the way
- 180 degree flex head can be positioned at 7 different angles
- Extra long 11 in. bent handle features a 25 degree offset
- Fine 72-tooth ratchet needs only 5-degree swing arc
- High-strength chrome vanadium steel handle and chrome moly steel ratchet gear
This bent handle ratchet can provide you with perfect grips during working. It also comes with 72 tooth gear and 5-degree swing arc design to change direction quickly. This ratchet made of chrome vanadium steel and chrome-moly steel ratchet gear. The ratchet is dust and rustproof and easy to clean after use.
