Ratchet flex joint locking mechanism

A tool 100, such as a flex-type joint tool or ratchet tool, includes a locking mechanism to selectively retain the angle of a head 105 relative to a handle 101. The locking mechanism includes a locking lever 102 rotatably coupled to the handle to retain the head in one of either locked or unlocked positions using two detent balls 104, 107, disposed at opposite ends of a bias member 103. The bias member and balls may be disposed in a through hole (120, Figure 2B) in the locking lever, with one detent ball engaging teeth 118 of a joint tang 110 on the head. The other detent ball is for engaging a first detent (122, Figure 2D) or a second detent 123, disposed in the tool handle. The locking lever rotates between the locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the head is prevented from rotating relative to the handle. In the unlocked position, the head rotates relative to the handle. The detent balls may provide a tactile response to a user. A pin 106 may pivotably couple the joint tang to the handle. The lever and joint tang may be coupled to the handle with a yoke 115.