V shape open end （always with anti slip jaws）VS normal open end

[bryant 24]

15 offset with reverse on box end ，about open end, would you prefer V shape( left )or normal one(right)?

 

[Fedwrench]

Back in the day before manufacturers started to radius the v throat corners, I saw open ends crack at at the base of the V. I think the Torque Test channel tested open end slippage and found no real advantage for the v throat over a regular open end. I have some really old Matco, Carlyle, and Sunex with the V throat and I haven't managed to beak any of them but, I don't feel they offer anything extra over a regular U shaped open end. I like the non slip open ends on wrightgrips, PROTO ASD, MAC Precision Torque series, and early gearwrench to name a few.

 

[tamaraw]

Material and forging aside, a V shape is inherently weaker than a rounded design because it creates a stress point for the jaw to crack on. Whether this matters in practice depends upon just how much force you are putting on an open end to begin with (hopefully not a ton).

Some manufacturers claim that the V creates additional contact points on the nut but I think this is bogus in practice. If you want additional contact, go with the convex ASD design from Proto/Facom.

V does get style points though!

 

[dnschmidt]

No advantage to the V that I have seen. TOPTUL actually makes what amounts to a double V version of the Super Torque which they call the Super Torque Dynamic and I see no advantage to this design either. Here's a link to check this design out: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-3...mic-Combination-Wrench-15°-Offset-METRIC.html

 

[tamaraw]

TOPTUL actually makes what amounts to a double V version of the Super Torque which they call the Super Torque Dynamic and I see no advantage to this design either.

That's different because it's a 12 point. The extra engagement angle might be useful in certain situations and it's kind of a flare nut at some angles (albeit a weak one). Reminds me of the Wera Joker wrenches which some people seem to really like. Don't think I would have much use for them myself though.

 

[CobraRed]

The V shape was not thought up in any office with engineers or people with access to 3D modeling programs like SolidWorks and Fusion 360. To grip something you needs two sides, like a thumb and fingers. And for animals without those, two hands to clamp.

The V is completely empty on the opposing side unless it's a flarenut wrench design. Which is why you see the V on every flarenut wrench, and you dont on most name brand open end wrenches like Snap-On with brands like mac moving away from it.

I dont think it's likely much to its detriment as far as jaw spread, but at best is a makreting gimmick that no doubt has paid for itself many times over.

 

[Steve_P]

The V does nothing other than to create a stress riser.

 

[F-22]

you see the V on every flarenut wrench

Stahlwille seems to use a flat side there instead.

But I agree it is just a gimmick. Even a century ago I'm quite certain engineers were well aware of that.