I’m going to add a long handle ratchet to my tool box. At least a 3/8” drive and possibly a 1/2” drive also. I have always used my Craftsman ratchets from the late 80s. None of them have anything other than just the steel grip.

Having arthritis in my dominant hand, I thought maybe a soft grip or hard plastic grip would be more comfortable. Are the soft grips worth it? Or does oil, grease, and chemicals just turn them into a sticky mess?

As long as I’m on the subject, are locking flex heads stable and worth it? I’ve used flex head ratchets that did not lock and they are garbage.

Soft grip material wears out over time, steel will not.

Have you tried wearing gloves? They make a difference for me. Just a bit of cushion makes the difference, it takes a bit to get used to wearing gloves but worth the effort.

I recommend Matco 88 locking flex head ratchets. FANTASIC quality and low profile for the price. Look on Ebay, there are a few very well regarded exclusive Matco sellers, who sell brand new Matco tools for half of the tool truck price. I think they secure their inventory by buying out Matco franchisees who are going out of business, and sell for great prices. I have a three of them in various sizes, and couldn't be happier. For ratchets I'm sold on Matco, and they are my favorites above my other 70's and 80's Craftsman and Proto professional grade ratchets. You just can't beat Matco for the price.

I don't use the soft handles but with your situation they would be recommended. Don't worry about wearing out the handle covering, Matco can put on a new one probably for pretty cheap if not free. I use gloves when needed to avoid hand damage or when cold, but the soft handle will give you a better result over gloves because with the soft handle cover you won't lose any hand/finger dexterity compared with gloves.

Mechanix gloves for sure. No need to purchase all new tools without the USA quality we desire. Some would say deserve.

I’m not looking to replace. I’ve never owned long handled ratchets. It’s time I add some.

I used to use Mechanix gloves, but they don't hold up for me, though they can be less money if you find a deal. I've found a pair of thin leather deerskin work gloves work better, with better dexterity and feel. Those don't last long either, but longer than the fabric fingers on the Mechanix brand.

quote:

Are the soft grips worth it? Or does oil, grease, and chemicals just turn them into a sticky mess?

What the hell kind of engineer would use a material that would do such a thing?

I say get a grippy one, or just put a grip on the steel shank one.

I have a Snap-On 3/8 drive long handle flex head ratchet with a hard plastic handle. The flex head does not lock, but it stays in place because the tension is adjustable. It is my go to ratchet when I have to do an oil change in case the drain plug is stubborn. The plastic handle is an advantage for gripping and not having to hold cold steel in winter. It does not get permanently dirty. If it does get nasty, they are easy to replace. For a more affordable tool, look at Tekton. Several of my other ratchets are Tekton and they are very nice.

Tekton is the brand I was looking at.

quote:

Originally posted by 400m:
Tekton is the brand I was looking at.

I'm a fan.

I also feel that soft grips wear out. They can also be difficult to put a cheater bar on when you are having one of those days.

I prefer the semi-disposable work gloves like these. You can still wash them a few times, but they fit better than leather. Work gloves will wear out, so I don't really spend the coin on more "durable" types.

Both.
Larger ones, steel. Heavier, easier to damage the soft parts when dropped. Plus you might need to add a cheater bar to it. (though you really should be using a breaker bar for that)

My soft handle ratchet is the "twist handle" design. Harder to find these days but worth their weight in gold.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYM7JXC8?th=1

I got this set about 6 months ago and kick myself for not coming off my wallet and getting it sooner. Non locking but they don't flop around either. Don't care for the rubber or plastic handles. Hray

quote:

Originally posted by 400m:
Having arthritis in my dominant hand...

It's time to get a battery powered ratchet such as this one:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hu...8CPRAT34PC/305332588

For stuck bolts, use a battery-powered impact driver along w/ impact sockets. If you don't want to get separate impact sockets, then use a breaker bar to remove and torque wrench to fasten the final turns.

I’ve never thought about anything other than steel, but I just had a thought. Get some tennis racquet grips. They literally just wrap, and tape off at the end. Inexpensive too. If they get too worn or nasty just pull it off and do it again.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ten...t-pd-ops-ranker_3_19

I'd say stick with the ones you have and find some grippy gloves.

I have some of the ratchets like yours and can no longer find a 24" flex head ratchet like what Craftsman had outside of a Snap-on truck.

Seems like most rubber coated tools I have had end up get sticky & mushy.

I've got a set of Snap On screwdriver handle ratchets I generally reach for but I find that sometimes the fatter handle can cause clearance issues in tight sports.

I think I've still got a Snap On soft handle ratchet in my box as well and the handle is getting a bit chewed up.

I think everyone has convinced me that getting a steel handle is the way to go as I can always wrap the handle if needed. The arthritis comes and goes and the cortisone keeps it at bay for several months at a time but when it does flare up it can be rough.

As far as the flex head, I’m still on the fence. Locking flex may be okay but I know that if I buy a non locking head, it will eventually move on me when I’m in no mood and I’ll be looking to throw it at something.