I have been keeping my eyes open for a long-pattern flex ratchet for a while. I’m just a DIY’er, so I cannot justify spending big bucks for a brand like Snap-On or MATCO, but I still wanted something USA-made and good quality. I picked up this Armstrong Maxx 11-994 ⅜”-drive ratchet because it appeared to have the specs I was looking for. Plus, it was priced at around $60 (via Harry Epstein), placing it within my budget.

The first thing that struck me about this ratchet is its length; the ratchet is quite long at 11.5 inches.

Taking closer look at the ratchet head, you can see that the joint is held together with an adjustable machine screw. Some people prefer a screw to a pressed pin, as it allows you to tighten the joint if it starts to loosen up. You can also see the locking lever in this picture. You can lock the ratchet head in a total of nine different positions.

The handle has an hourglass shape that fits the contour of your hand. I found it to be quite comfortable.

This ratchet has a 60-tooth mechanism that is held in place with a snap ring. The ratchet head also has a seal around the gear which helps prevent dirt from entering the ratchet.

The mechanism features a single pawl that engages 11 teeth at a time. This is one of the designs used by Apex Tool Group, the parent company of Armstrong. You’ll find a nearly identical design used in other ratchets made by Apex, such as the Craftsman thin-profile ratchets and certain GearWrench ratchets.

The head of the Armstrong ratchet is pretty thin (left), especially compared to another one of my favorite ratchets, the Wright 3490 (right). The Armstrong is about 1 inch thick. At ~1.33 inches tall, the Wright is considerably thicker.

The longer length of the Armstrong ratchet provides extra leverage that allows you to apply a lot of torque when needed. I had no problem removing the lug nuts on my truck, which are torqued to 100 ft-lbs.

The flex-head mechanism comes in handy when you need to access fasteners in tight spaces. I’m not a huge fan of normal flex ratchets without locking mechanisms. I find such ratchets to be too hard to control when I’m really pulling on the handle – a sure recipe for busted knuckles. The locking mechanism on the Armstrong completely fixes that issue. It securely holds the head at the set angle, so you don’t have to worry about the ratchet flexing and slipping when you don’t want it to. You can also unlock the mechanism and use the ratchet like a standard free-flexing head if you prefer it that way.

I used the ratchet while replacing the serpentine belt tensioner on my girlfriend’s VW Beetle. The tensioner is located in a very cramped area in the engine bay of this vehicle, exactly the type of use I bought the ratchet for. The locking flex mechanism made it easy to remove the bolts holding the tensioner to the engine.

The locking mechanism seems quite strong. I was not able to overpower it and slip the joint to the next angle position. A few times I did bump the locking lever on something and unlock the head unexpectedly, but this was a pretty rare occurrence.

The locking mechanism does allow for a small amount of movement back and forth. I made a video to show the movement in the flex mechanism when it’s locked.

At around $60, this is the most expensive ratchet I’ve purchased to date. It has some impressive qualities, including a 60-tooth design, and a sturdy locking mechanism. I think the Armstrong offers a lot of value.  From what I can tell, you’ll likely have to spend considerably more money to find the same quality and features in another brand.

Buy Now (via Harry Epstein Co)
Buy Now (via Amazon)

Comparable locking flex head ratchets

• Matco 88-tooth – $136
• Snap-on FX80 – $133

Note: We searched for but couldn’t find locking flex head ratchets by Blackhawk, Cornwell, Proto, Wright, or Williams.

Ed. Note: Stephen noticed is a bit of play in the flex head, even when locked. We asked Armstrong about this, and they told us that the grooves are machined and that a bit of play is normal. There is a brief discussion about the movements, measurements included, over at the Garage Gazette forum, and it looks like some copies of the ratchet have less play in the joint than the one reviewed. Does a bit of play detract the quality or performance of the ratchet? In our opinion, absolutely not.

Gearwrench is coming out with a whole slew of new low-profile ratchets with 84-tooth gearing. The new models are said to be upgrades from their current 60-tooth ratchets, with the new tooth count providing a 4.3° return swing angle vs. 6°. A Gearwrench rep also makes mention of a 25% increase in strength. This sounds good to us, although we’ve already found Gearwrench ratchets to be quite strong and durable.

We wonder if these new ratchets will be built with the same mechanism as the Craftsman premium ratchets we tested last year. Possibly not, otherwise why take so long to come out with the Gearwrench redesigns?

This also possibly explains the recent fire-sale Sears seems to have had on Gearwrench ratchets, offering huge discounts of 70% and up. If the new ratchets are upgrades, it makes sense that Apex Tool Group/Gearwrench would want to clear out old stock in a hurry.

Also on the way to market are new ratcheting line wrenches and crowfoot wrenches.

Everyday Commentary is a very informative review site about EDC gear. EDC, or everyday carry, entails all the sorts of tools, products, and supplies you might carry around to use on a daily basis. This includes knives, multi-tools, flashlights, and can go way beyond that.

I started subscribing to Everyday Commentary’s RSS feed a couple of months ago, and I really enjoy Tony’s EDC reviews. They’re very detailed, very helpful, well written, and very lean with no BS. He tells it to you straight.

So when Tony asked if he could interview me for the site, I jumped at the chance. I don’t often like talking about myself, but I love talking about gear!

ToolGuyd Interview via Everyday Commentary

You should definitely check out the interview and the rest of what Everyday Commentary has to offer. You’ll find out what I carry and use on a regular basis, which gear I’m pining for, and some of my tool and gear preferences.

(We’ve also got quite a few EDC-related tool and knife reviews here on ToolGuyd, and recently launched EDC Guyd as a net for some of the more off-topic coverage and product discussions.)

Kobalt has come out with a new line of one-size-fits-all universal sockets and wrenches, called Xtreme Access. What’s so special about the Xtreme Access tools? To start, each wrench and socket size has a dual-functional spline profile that fits both SAE inch and metric fasteners. Add on the sockets’ low-profile and go-through design, and you’ve got extreme access capabilities.

There are two 7-piece Xtreme Access wrench sets – metric and SAE. Both wrench sets feature universal combination box ends and differ in that the metric set has metric-sized open-ends and the SAE has inch-sized open-ends.

Each socket and wrench box size fits the following fastener types:

• 6pt (mm)
• 6pt (inch)
• 12pt (mm)
• 12pt (inch)
• spline
• star
• square
• most rounded (damaged)

Plus, the sockets’ pass-through design gives them the reach of shallow and deep sockets. The range includes 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ sizes.

I plan to test one of the pass-through Xtreme Access socket sets in a week or two, and will report back with the results. It will be especially interesting to see how it fares compared to Craftsman’s Max Axess pass-thru socket set.

Buy Now(via Lowes)

Personal Bias and First Impressions

I typically stay away from “universal” type sockets and wrenches. During the winter 2011 holiday season I picked up a Craftsman universal wrench set and a Kobalt Multifit wrench set. The prices were great and I thought that reviews of both sets, and possibly a comparison, would be interesting. However, I never reach for any of these wrenches, and so the reviews have been back-burnered.

What about universal inch-metric combination tools? I absolutely loathe them. Tools like the Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench - which is currently marketed as the Kobalt 15-piece Wrench Multi-Tool - really soured me towards such designs.

First – how many DIYers and homeowners commonly come across 12pt fasteners? Spline? External Torx? Square?

Second – I still cannot see how a combination wrench or socket size can fit any inch or metric fastener all that well. True, paired sizes are not too dissimilar in dimensions, but separate inch and metric tools will always fit fasteners better.

That all said, the new tools do appear to be reasonably well built. Peeking into the 27pc Xtreme Access socket set that our friends at Lowes just sent over, I feel that the tools and accessories are very well designed. The geometries seem well thought out, and unlike other universal tools I’ve seen in the past few years (*cough* Husky Rotary Wrench *cough*), I don’t think that Lowes rushed to bring these tools to market.

I inherently believe that separate tools are best – 6pt sockets and 12pt wrenches in separate inch and metric flavors to be precise – but am surprisingly not as dismissive of the Xtreme Access tools as I expected to be. While I’m not a fan of the universal one-size-fits-all socket design, I’ll still give the set a fair review. I might even pick up or borrow one of the new wrench sets as well.

Update: Quick video review of the 27pc Xtreme Access socket set

FastCap’s Handle on Demand and Double HOD are single and double suction cup handles that you can use in a variety of ways.

FastCap designed these handles to make it easier to lift and carry non-porous surfaces. Think sheets of glass, plastic, metal, coated plywood, and maybe even smooth-surfaced furniture. Each suction cup offers about 100-lbs of load capacity.

I sometimes need to move tool and supply cabinets around on rollers, but don’t want to install permanent protruding fixtures on most of the units. The double handle looks to be perfect for the job, and for $11 it’s an inexpensive risk if I’m wrong.

I’ve seen these handles used in random other ways, such as mounting points for clamp-on camera arms and such. Maybe FastCap will pick up on this and get creative with the next version of the HOD.

Buy Now(via Amazon)
Single Cup Version

Yes, these are usually considered DIY brands, but there are a couple of decent tools and accessories suited for all users.

Stanley Promo Details
Black & Decker Promo Details

What will we be picking up? Possibly a couple of more Stanley 25-compartment organizers.

Sales end May 31st, 2012.

Klein recently announced a new stubby multi-bit screwdriver (model 32562) that features #1 and #2 square recess, 3/16″ slotted, and #2 Phillips bits, as well as 1/4″ and 5/16″ nut drivers. The new driver has a 1-1/4″ shaft and stubby handle to facilitate access in tight work areas.

Klein says that the screwdriver is made from the highest quality tempered steel with a torque-proof anchor in the handle.

I have a number of Klein multi-bit drivers scattered around, and have given quite a few drivers as gifts. For the most part they’re well made, although some of the bits, most notably #2 Phillips, have worn or deformed a little too easily at times. Hopefully the bits on newer batches of drivers are hardened a bit better.

If you don’t give a hoot about square recess bits but still need a compact driver, stubby driver model 32561 is readily available for about $12-14. In this model, the square bits are swapped for 1/4″ slotted and #1 Phillips bits.

Over at Amazon, Gearwrench 7-piece combination ratcheting wrench sets are on sale for $40 each. I’m pretty fond of these wrenches, although they see less use than my reversible Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. $40 with free super saver or Prime shipping is a great price and is about what I paid for these sets a while back via a Sears deal.

Metric Set
Standard Set

Stanley’s FatMax push-lock slip joint pliers look like ordinary slip joint pliers, but feature an easier to use button adjustment. There are also 3 opening width settings instead of just 2.

I tried these out in-store, and the pliers were smooth to adjust and operate. The effect of the 3 push-lock opening width settings is a bit underwhelming, and the middle setting was a little difficult to dial in on. Even so, while the FatMax pliers weren’t mind-blowingly amazing, I was awfully tempted to buy the 2-piece slip joint and groove-lock set. Ultimately, reality set in and I realized I really didn’t need more pliers.

If I did need another pair of slip joint pliers, I would be more inclined to go with a more traditional design, such as Wilde’s flush-joint pliers. That’s not to say that the FatMax push-lock design doesn’t have its merits, but I personally don’t see much benefit in having 3 adjustment settings.

These pliers are available in 6-inch and 8-inch sizes, and are priced from $12-14.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Wiha has just come out with a new battery-powered micro bit screwdriver (model 75989). The driver is powered by 3 AAA batteries and comes with 38 micro screwdriver bits, a manual slim static dissipating handle, and a metal storage case.

There are a couple of battery-powered micro-bit drivers already on the market, but their designs don’t really engender a sense of quality. Granted I haven’t tried any of them out, but there’s something I really don’t like about tools that are only promoted around major tool-gift-giving holidays. Once the holidays pass, such tools always disappear from store shelves.

Wiha is quite possibly the top name in precision screwdrivers, so I’m more inclined to take their battery-powered micro bit driver a little more seriously. Unfortunately, it also comes with a serious price of $95-$120.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Included Bits:

• Slotted bits: .8, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4mm
• Phillips bits: #000, #00, #0, #1
• Torx bits: T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15
• Hex bits (inch): .050, 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32″
• Hex bits (metric): .71, .89, 1.27, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4mm

The other day someone challenged me to find precision screwdrivers that don’t suck and are made in the USA. Oh, that’s easy – Moody screwdrivers easily fit both criteria.

Set 58-0390 comes with 8 screwdrivers and is well configured for general-purpose use. If you don’t know which tip sizes you need, this is a good place to start. Moody’s catalog features many additional sizes and tip styles.

This set includes: slotted .080″, .100″, .125″, .141″, .156″; Phillips #00, #0, #1; and a vinyl storage pouch.

ESD-safe handles ensure that you won’t fry sensitive electronic components while working on computer parts or devices. The handles are also grooved for improved finger-tip gripping.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Moody is not exactly a household name, but their tools are well-known among industrial users and some DIYers. We have had good experiences with Moody tools, except for a diamond scribe that broke after a couple of months of light use. Moody does have a “no-hassle lifetime replacement warranty,” but that doesn’t help if we cannot find the broken tool.

Over at Amazon, there’s a month-long 20%-off sale on Irwin levels. All varieties of levels, about 50 styles and sizes, are included in the sale. The discount is applied automatically at checkout.

Deal ends April 30th. One warning – levels are flying off the shelves. Backorders are being accepted, but some of the popular sizes and styles now have a 3-4 week lead time.

Amazon Irwin level 20%-off sale details

Mora knives are made in Sweden, and although extremely inexpensive, they are reasonably well made. These knives feature few embellishments and won’t win any beauty or innovation contests. But they’re strong, durable, they hold an edge, and are easily sharpened and honed.

Fixed-blade knives are no substitutes for replaceable-blade utility knives, but they have their uses and do come in handy. Mora knives can also be used for outdoors or survival cutting and slicing tasks, but they won’t hold up to batoning.

We picked up a couple of Mora knives to try out, and thus far our favorite is the Mora Companion knife. The Companion knife offers a very nice balance between versatility, handle comfort, and price.

Buy now (via Amazon)
Other Mora Knife Styles (via Amazon)

Any other Mora knife fans out there? If so, which one(s) would you recommend?

I am a huge fan of Felo’s Ergonic screwdrivers. The handles are squishy, grippy, and insanely comfortable. The last time I mentioned this 9-pc Felo Ergonic screwdriver set, I thought $35 was a good buy. 6-piece sets are currently $30-40 via Amazon.

Right now, Rockler is offering a 9-piece set for $19. The set includes a 6-piece standard driver set (4 slotted and 2 Phillips), and a 3-piece Torx set (T10, T15, T20).

Buy Now (via Rockler)

Use coupon code 2R101 for free shipping thru 4/6/12.

Note: In case you’re wondering, I will be ordering a set for personal use. I don’t need more drivers, but the deal’s too good to pass up!

Kobalt’s Double Drive screwdriver was hugely popular during the 2011 winter holiday shopping season. The way it works is quite neat, and there’s even a medical version on its way to market.

True Value now has their own version of the Double Driver, which they’re calling the Master Mechanic Swift Driver. It comes in a similar 29-piece package, and features two improvements over the Kobalt version – a soft-grip ergonomic handle, and a magnetic bit holder.

MSRP is $25, and ETA is May 2012. Model number is 150081.