Switched from a standard 3/8 ratchet to a stubby flex-head for those tight spots behind the avionics bay on a Citation, and it saved me at least 45 minutes on a simple alternator belt change last Tuesday.

I always thought a stubby wrench was just for show, but my lead told me to try his Snap-on FLF80, and it fit perfectly where my regular ratchet kept binding on a bracket.

3 comments

3 Comments

cole_robinson1mo ago

Close, but the FLF80 is actually a long handle flex head, not a stubby. The stubby version is the SFLF80.

the_mary3mo ago

Took you long enough to see the light. I've had guys fight me on stubby ratchets for years, like I'm trying to sell them snake oil. Then they actually use one in a real jam and their whole world view changes. That bracket binding is the universal sign you need the right tool, not more muscle. Bet you're eyeballing the rest of your kit now, wondering what else is slowing you down.

lily3603mo ago

It's funny how a single stuck bolt can make you rethink your whole toolbox. You start noticing all the little fights you have with your regular length tools in tight spots.