0 Degree Offset Wrench Usefulness?

[oldschoolcraft]

How useful do you find 0 degree offset wrenches? I think the default box offset is 15 degrees to provide clearance for you to put your hand on it and be able to turn the wrench.

I also think that any angle offset results in loss of torque. I dont understand the physics of it, but I think you can generate more force with a 0 degree offset.

What are the scenarios where you find 0 degree offset most useful, and what length wrenches make the most sense for those jobs?

Do we really all need to own 0 degree offsets in stubby, regular, and XL lengths?

How about 0 degree ratcheting wrenches? What's the use case for those? As compared to using a 15 degree offset or flex ratcheting wrench, or even using a socket/ratchet?

 

[Firebrick43]

I have found them to be almost never useful. Almost always where they would be a ratchet with short socket will do the job as well.

I relieved myself of all my 0 offset ratcheting wrenches years ago.

 

[WWheeler]

My 0° flip-to-reverse ratcheting wrenches were the first set I bought, and I quickly learned that without the offset they were not knuckle-friendly in many if not most use situations.

I still have them in metric and SAE but I can't remember the last time I used one of them. When I do need a ratcheting wrench, my reversibles with an offset or flex ratcheting wrenches always get grabbed instead.

 

[LWB]

I use zero offset primarily for alignments and suspension.

 

[Wamsutta]

Do we really all need to own 0 degree offsets in stubby, regular, and XL lengths?

I've got an 18mm on my list of tools to get. I need one for engine mounts. I'd be getting an XL with fixed box on one end and ratcheting box on the other end. I need to go up through a narrow space where the normal 15 degree offset of a combination wrench won't allow me to use the box end.

 

[whateg01]

It's a tool that most often serves no distinct purpose, but when it's needed, it's really needed.

 

[KnurledNut]

0° in XL pattern = reach and leverage.
They'll free hang vertical off a bolt.
Good for backing up too.

 

[Snapped-off]

I've only got the XL fixed/ratcheting. I do use them often.

 

[johninct]

I have been using 0 degree box offset on my IH tractor clutch job. Very useful for me. On this job I have been also using an indexing head ratchet and 1/2 moon wrench too. Like someone said, they are not useful until you need them, you need them.

 

[junkyardwarrior]

there are times when they're useful. I have a few, thought not many.

 

[richfinn]

How useful do you find 0 degree offset wrenches? I think the default box offset is 15 degrees to provide clearance for you to put your hand on it and be able to turn the wrench.

I also think that any angle offset results in loss of torque. I dont understand the physics of it, but I think you can generate more force with a 0 degree offset.

What are the scenarios where you find 0 degree offset most useful, and what length wrenches make the most sense for those jobs?

Do we really all need to own 0 degree offsets in stubby, regular, and XL lengths?

How about 0 degree ratcheting wrenches? What's the use case for those? As compared to using a 15 degree offset or flex ratcheting wrench, or even using a socket/ratchet?

Serpentine belts and wheel alignment, unless your dealing with really high torque fasteners I would just go with the Kabo XL DBE flex-head ratchet wrenches, way more versatile

 

[swsman]

Bought a Capri set, non ratcheting.
Good for caliper and caliper bracket bolts, getting to belt auto tensioner pulleys, and elsewhere where their length/leverage is needed.

Getting a stubborn oil drain pan bolt comes to mind as well.

One can control torque by switching their hand position on the wrench as to not break stuff.

I have my Craftsman combination ratcheting wrenches to use in tandem with Capri XLs.

 

[Beerhippie]

How useful do you find 0 degree offset wrenches? I think the default box offset is 15 degrees to provide clearance for you to put your hand on it and be able to turn the wrench.

I also think that any angle offset results in loss of torque. I dont understand the physics of it, but I think you can generate more force with a 0 degree offset.

What are the scenarios where you find 0 degree offset most useful, and what length wrenches make the most sense for those jobs?

Do we really all need to own 0 degree offsets in stubby, regular, and XL lengths?

How about 0 degree ratcheting wrenches? What's the use case for those? As compared to using a 15 degree offset or flex ratcheting wrench, or even using a socket/ratchet?

Look at the wrench in plan view--the shadow of the wrench on a bolt from directly above. An angled wrench will be shorter, and that's where your torque comes from.

But in most real-life situations, it's so negligible as to not exist. I mean, they make torque wrenches with pivoting heads....

 

[plinker]

I use these wrenches quite a lot. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KQ4M7BK?tag=atomicindus08-20 ,
Also have a set of DBE style as well, they dont get used near as much, but not much else can do what they do when needed.

If the wrench is long enough to clear whatever you're working on, an offset (like 15*) isnt always necessary IMO.

 

[seber]

I had both SAE and metric sets in my box for many years. Finally tossed them in the trash. Without an offset they just don't work for anything in my world.

 

[MovingAlong]

What are the scenarios where you find 0 degree offset most useful, and what length wrenches make the most sense for those jobs?

Where it's too tight to allow for the angle of another wrench. Whatever you have room for..

Do we really all need to own 0 degree offsets in stubby, regular, and XL lengths?

No.

How about 0 degree ratcheting wrenches? What's the use case for those?

When you need them, you'll know.

As compared to using a 15 degree offset or flex ratcheting wrench, or even using a socket/ratchet?

Best to use the tool that fits. Sometimes the opportunity allows for a choice between styles, sometimes it doesn't...

 

[bonneyman]

I bought my first set of GearWrenches in 1996. 0 degree offset, non-reversible. Never had any issues, heck I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. My socket use plummeted until I got my first set of ratcheting box adapters. Still have them, all still function fine.

 

[ThePostman]

Alignments, suspension, brake work where there are obstructions to where a ratchet won't even fit to get hanger bolts, drive belts, the list goes on for the usefulness of XL zero offset box end with a flex head non reversible ratcheting head on the other side. GW86126. I have a set of stubbies that rarely come out of the box, but they have had their moments too

 

[oldschoolcraft]

XL zero offset box end with a flex head non reversible ratcheting head on the other side. GW86126.

That looks really useful. While most here say they hate non-reversible ratcheting wrenches, I like the idea of them because they are lower profile than the reversibles, and there might be a limited access scenario where it's a better fit, and if you're careful, you won't get locked in.

That would turn this XL 0 degree fixed + non-reversible ratcheting into a rarely used lifesaver. Then you get reversible ratcheting DBE wrenches for more common use.

Do you know where those GWs are made? I can't find COO online. I'm fine with Taiwan, but I think a lot of GW is made in China these days. I dont want my lifesaver tools to be made in China and break on me the rare times they are needed to save my ****.

Is there any other company making XL 0 degree offset fixed end, with flex non-reversible ratcheting on other end? I've only been able to find GW making these. Everyone else is pairing 0 degree offset fixed with a non-flex 0 degree ratcheting end.

 

[plinker]

That looks really useful. While most here say they hate non-reversible ratcheting wrenches, I like the idea of them because they are lower profile than the reversibles, and there might be a limited access scenario where it's a better fit, and if you're careful, you won't get locked in.

That would turn this XL 0 degree fixed + non-reversible ratcheting into a rarely used lifesaver. Then you get reversible ratcheting DBE wrenches for more common use.

Do you know where those GWs are made? I can't find COO online. I'm fine with Taiwan, but I think a lot of GW is made in China these days. I dont want my lifesaver tools to be made in China and break on me the rare times they are needed to save my ****.

Is there any other company making XL 0 degree offset fixed end, with flex non-reversible ratcheting on other end? I've only been able to find GW making these. Everyone else is pairing 0 degree offset fixed with a non-flex 0 degree ratcheting end.

Taiwan COO, I had to replace a 14mm recently and that's what was listed on the tag. Matco offers them as well (Kabo OE), priced accordingly (as in ouch). I have a few and the spline is better then the spline on the Gearwrench as far as how it fits the nut/bolt, I'd be happy with plain old 12pt not that it's offered. Matco is 72 tooth vs. 120 for GW. Cant really go wrong with the GW for the money.

 

[DGersic]

How useful do you find 0 degree offset wrenches? I think the default box offset is 15 degrees to provide clearance for you to put your hand on it and be able to turn the wrench.

I also think that any angle offset results in loss of torque. I dont understand the physics of it, but I think you can generate more force with a 0 degree offset.

What are the scenarios where you find 0 degree offset most useful, and what length wrenches make the most sense for those jobs?

Do we really all need to own 0 degree offsets in stubby, regular, and XL lengths?

How about 0 degree ratcheting wrenches? What's the use case for those? As compared to using a 15 degree offset or flex ratcheting wrench, or even using a socket/ratchet?

The belt tensioner bolts on my snowblower are down inside the body where the only thing I can get on them AND be able to turn the wrench is a 0* ratcheting box, the kind you flip to reverse.

If it wasn’t for those, I‘d have to use the open end, which would be a lot more difficult.

 

[terrific]

No offset can be kind of rough, but I really dislike that even the larger size wrenches have a 15 degree offset. You do not need anywhere close to a 15 degree bend to make space for fingers while using a 22 mm wrench, etc. Sometimes, I almost prefer to use the open end of a combination wrench so that my hand isn't half a foot off center.

 

[isb cornbinder]

How useful do you find 0 degree offset wrenches? I think the default box offset is 15 degrees to provide clearance for you to put your hand on it and be able to turn the wrench.

I also think that any angle offset results in loss of torque. I don't understand the physics of it, but I think you can generate more force with a 0 degree offset.

What are the scenarios where you find 0 degree offset most useful, and what length wrenches make the most sense for those jobs?

Do we really all need to own 0 degree offsets in stubby, regular, and XL lengths?

How about 0 degree ratcheting wrenches? What's the use case for those? As compared to using a 15 degree offset or flex ratcheting wrench, or even using a socket/ratchet?

There is no loss of torque.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I have a set of these:

Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-19 mm

Upgrade your toolkit with our Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-19 mm. Perfect for precise and versatile work in tight spaces.

capritools.com

When you need them, you need them. If you don't, you don't. I've plenty of use cases on cars that hit showrooms 50 years ago this fall.

-Ryan

 

[ThePostman]

That looks really useful. While most here say they hate non-reversible ratcheting wrenches, I like the idea of them because they are lower profile than the reversibles, and there might be a limited access scenario where it's a better fit, and if you're careful, you won't get locked in.

That would turn this XL 0 degree fixed + non-reversible ratcheting into a rarely used lifesaver. Then you get reversible ratcheting DBE wrenches for more common use.

Do you know where those GWs are made? I can't find COO online. I'm fine with Taiwan, but I think a lot of GW is made in China these days. I dont want my lifesaver tools to be made in China and break on me the rare times they are needed to save my ****.

Is there any other company making XL 0 degree offset fixed end, with flex non-reversible ratcheting on other end? I've only been able to find GW making these. Everyone else is pairing 0 degree offset fixed with a non-flex 0 degree ratcheting end.

Mine are from Taiwan, I bought them some years ago and I believe the price has gone up by about a third. I also have 21,22, and 24mm of the same flavor, however, they are 12 point versus spline, and 72 tooth. Those 3 really get a workout when it comes to alignments.

 

[mikey03]

I used some zero degree XL box end wrenches recently in 22x24 to do oxygen sensors. The extension lip from the end gives some offset. Worked great. Never owned any ratcheting versions though. Tbh I don’t see the benefit, I got long flex head ratcheting wrenches and they are basically the same as a zero degree when they are fully straight to be honest and you shouldn’t be breaking with them anyway. So I could break with my zero degree box end wrench and switch to the flex ratcheting wrench And if it’s still too tight I could go back to the zero degree and do another half turn or so on there.

 

[seber]

I also think that any angle offset results in loss of torque. I dont understand the physics of it, but I think you can generate more force with a 0 degree offset.

Cos of 15 degrees is .966 so you lose 3.4% torque with the offset. I don't think that will bother anyone.

 

[cherrybomb]

I have a set of 0° double box ends,I also have some double deeps in some most used sizes.With my normal 15° combos I feel the 0° completed my sets so I have a lot of versatility..Not used often like some previous said ,but I actually use the smaller sizes more often on my snow blower

 

[308guru]

I bought my first set of GearWrenches in 1996. 0 degree offset, non-reversible. Never had any issues, heck I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. My socket use plummeted until I got my first set of ratcheting box adapters. Still have them, all still function fine.

What is a "ratcheting box adapter"? Some new tool I didn't know about and need?

 

[Komet]

I have had a few times where the 15 degree offset was obstructed, but the 0 degree wrench could slip in. Usually very tight quarters, like disassembling power seat brackets. The 0 degree isn't my go-to wrench, and I think the disadvantages of not having the bend make them less useful as an all-purpose wrench, but I don't mind having my metric non-reversible ratcheting wrenches in 0 offset since the ratcheting wrenches are also situational tools for me. I did choose 15 degree reversible when I got my SAE set later though.

 

[Rockable]

I recently needed a zero offset box end wrench that was 1 1/16" and I didn't have a flat ratchet wrench that size. So, I went to HF and bought a set of their cheap, long handle wrenches for about 30 bucks. Using my torch ans vise, I heated the wrench and straightened it. Got the job done and put the extra ste of wrenches in my travel kit.

Oh yeah, I was doing alignment work on my 61 buick. The upper control arm bolts are such that I couldn't get a std 15 degree box end on it. I find myself using my Gearwrench fast ratchets quite often. My set stops at 7/8.