This month’s Tool of the Month is a little different from ones we’ve done in the past. In previous installments, we’ve covered everything from profilometers to valve spring testers, highlighting some of the specialty tools available to take engine building to the next level.

While those specialty tools accomplish specific tasks very well, they only get used for one purpose, and then get put away. The unsung hero of any shop is the simple ratchet. Barely 100 years old, the detachable-socket ratcheting wrench absolutely transformed the world of mechanics. Ratchets are used all day, every day in automotive shops, and because of that, a lot of people form attachments to their ratchets.

If you’ve paid attention to EngineLabs at all, you know we’re absolute suckers for a good ratchet. There are currently 31 various ratchets in this shop alone — that’s not counting torque wrenches or ratcheting open-end wrenches, either. Those range in price (and quality) from $5.00 TradesPro that I got on my 18th birthday, to an over $300 Snap-On that is more like a ratcheting breaker bar. The fact that I still have them all should tell you that I have a bit of an affinity for these invaluable tools.

Capri Tools’ Extra Long Locking Flex-Head Ratchets

This month, we’re going to look at a new extra-long locking flex-head ratchet set from Capri Tools. When I saw the announcement on these, I immediately reached out to Capri Tools asking for a set to try out. I sure am glad I did, because not only are they numbers 32, 33, and 34 in my collection, they are now some of my favorite ratchets in the shop. That’s a pretty subjective statement to make, so let’s talk about some objective facts about these cool tools.

The first, and most noticeable feature of these ratchets is their length. With “extra-long” in the title, there are some promises being made, and these deliver. The smallest of the trio, the quarter-inch, comes in at 12.5 inches long. The 3/8th-inch ratchet comes in at an impressive 20.5 inches, and the half-inch ratchet measures at a whopping 25 inches in length.

Combined with the extended length, the low-profile ratchet head allows you to get into deep recesses in an engine bay — like the number 8 spark plug in a C5 Corvette. Besides reach, the extra length brings with it additional leverage. That leverage comes in handy both in breaking free tight bolts — like when you’re measuring rod bearing clearance in a rod vise, and rotating the engine over with a minimum of effort, like when you’re degreeing a camshaft, and trying to turn the engine over while sitting down and watching the degree wheel.

The low-profile ratchet head flexes 90 degrees fore and aft of center, and is locked in place with a push-button locking mechanism

The flex-head design positively locks into 9 positions over 180 degrees of travel — 90 degrees in either direction of center. The ability to angle the heads of these wrenches from zero to 90 degrees forward and rearward adds another dimension of versatility. Add in the easy-to-use and secure push-button locking mechanism, and if you don’t want any angle, you have a solid standard ratchet. Subjectively, the push-button mechanism is one of my favorite types of flex locks on a ratchet. It works similarly to the leg extention button on an EZ-up: push it in, and it stays down between detents, and then snaps into place when you reach one of the nine angles machined into the ratchet head.

The ratcheting mechanism is a 90-tooth, single pawl design. That balances ratcheting mechanism strength, with a tight four-degree arc swing. Anyone who has used a ratchet knows that the smoothness of the ratcheting mechanism and its overall feel, are highly subjective. Personally, the 72- to 90-tooth range seems to be my personal sweet spot for a ratchet, combining tooth strength and that oh so pleasing high-tooth-count ratcheting, while minimizing swing arc. Then there is the backdrag — or the amount of force it takes to ratchet the mechanism. On these Capri ratchets, the backdrag is light, and feels really smooth.

Then, there is the handle. The ratchets are available in both standard chrome handle and soft-grip-handle variants. Obviously we opted for the soft-grip ergonomic handle option. While I typically prefer square hard handles on my ratchets, the Capri soft-grips are quite pleasing in the hand, both ergonomically and to the touch, feeling reminiscent of a modern GearWrench “dual-material” handle, and not as soft as Snap-On’s soft grip. While they are “soft,” they don’t hold an abnormal amount of grease or oil, and they easily wipe clean at the end of the day. Plus, they are blue, and that’s my favorite color.

The ergonomic soft-grip option not only looks good, but it feels good in the hand. It’s also surprisingly easy to clean off. There is a standard chrome grip available as well, if that’s your jam.

Our Take On The Capri Ratchets

Since we can’t objectively test a ratchet like we can a torque wrench, all we have is our subjective opinion. In the few weeks I’ve been using these ratchets, they have become some of my favorites. In fact, I’m willing to go so far as to say the quarter-inch extra-long flex-head Capri ratchet is now my favorite quarter-inch ratchet in the shop. Full stop.

One thing to consider, if you are OCD about your tool storage like me, these are LONG. I still haven’t figured out quite how to redesign my top drawer to hold these. But, if you’re a normal human being with normal toolbox organization habits, you’ll appreciate the nice molded poly tray the ratchets come in. In fact, I still have the poly tray the Capri sockets I bought last year came with, even though they live in my custom-designed 3D-printed socket tray. The poly tray just seems too nice to throw away. I know, I have a problem. Don’t judge me.

These Capri Tools’ extra-long locking flex-head ratchets not only fill a gap in my ratchet collection in the shop, but they will fill quite a number of roles in the shop beyond just loosening and tightening bolts, from engine turner to spark-plug changer. With their quality construction and pleasing ratcheting, we expect them to be in the catbird seat when it comes to our ratchet collection.

While the ratchets’ length is a selling point, it can also make storing them a bit tricky.