Flex vs. non-flex - Which long ratcheting wrenches would you pick?
- Thread starter 308guru
- Start date
Jon h
Well-known member
The flex…those 0 degree angle ones have limited use……
Agreed, in comparison to flex anyway, but I was thinking the non-ratcheting end would be sturdy for breaking a fastener loose and then the ratcheting end for finishing.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
I almost pulled the trigger on some Vim ratcheting wrenches that are the best of both worlds this weekend. 0 degree offset fixed box end on one end and flex head reversible ratcheting on the other end.
You can get them for around $230 online at other retailers so dont be scared by the official retail price. Here's why I didn't buy them:
1) The ratcheting end is spline and Vim's rationale sounded like BS. If spline is done on purpose, then why isn't the fixed box end also spline? It's because they are outsourcing from Kabo and Kabo only has the tooling for the spline ratchet end and this was cheaper. I dont like to buy tools built out of convenience for the manufacturer unless they are dirt cheap, and these are not cheap.
2) The ratcheting lever looks kind of big and might get in the way and also looks cheap but I never held one in my hands.
3) I dont trust that Vim is going to have this wrench around for the long term. I dont want to buy a set, have one break (whichever is my most used one will break first), and then for warranty they tell me "sorry we discontinued this style of wrench, here's a $20 voucher that you can only use on our site (which overcharges by 50% compared to online retailers) to buy any other tool you want. Then I'll be stuck with an incomplete set of the sizes I use less often.
People complain that the set is of incomplete sizes and Vim has said they will release a dfxl150 in the near future that has the other sizes. You can now buy a 19mm separately from this set. I dont mind the missing sizes since I mostly need 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 for Japanese cars and all but 19 are in this set, and 19 is available separate.
If Snap On released a wrench like this, I'd be on them in a heartbeat, but I think Vim is the only place making this style I've seen. Snap On would charge $60 to $80 per wrench which is not that bad compared to the $55 each Vim is asking retail or $40 you can get them for from other online retailers. And if Snap On puts them out you know they'll have the same one to replace it with in 10 years probably, whereas Vim I'm skeptical.
You can get them for around $230 online at other retailers so dont be scared by the official retail price. Here's why I didn't buy them:
1) The ratcheting end is spline and Vim's rationale sounded like BS. If spline is done on purpose, then why isn't the fixed box end also spline? It's because they are outsourcing from Kabo and Kabo only has the tooling for the spline ratchet end and this was cheaper. I dont like to buy tools built out of convenience for the manufacturer unless they are dirt cheap, and these are not cheap.
2) The ratcheting lever looks kind of big and might get in the way and also looks cheap but I never held one in my hands.
3) I dont trust that Vim is going to have this wrench around for the long term. I dont want to buy a set, have one break (whichever is my most used one will break first), and then for warranty they tell me "sorry we discontinued this style of wrench, here's a $20 voucher that you can only use on our site (which overcharges by 50% compared to online retailers) to buy any other tool you want. Then I'll be stuck with an incomplete set of the sizes I use less often.
People complain that the set is of incomplete sizes and Vim has said they will release a dfxl150 in the near future that has the other sizes. You can now buy a 19mm separately from this set. I dont mind the missing sizes since I mostly need 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 for Japanese cars and all but 19 are in this set, and 19 is available separate.
If Snap On released a wrench like this, I'd be on them in a heartbeat, but I think Vim is the only place making this style I've seen. Snap On would charge $60 to $80 per wrench which is not that bad compared to the $55 each Vim is asking retail or $40 you can get them for from other online retailers. And if Snap On puts them out you know they'll have the same one to replace it with in 10 years probably, whereas Vim I'm skeptical.
General Geoff
Well-known member
I personally chose both!
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I'd get the reversible flex with the protrusion 12-point.
Sounds like a great idea. Do you have examples?
The only ones I’ve seen are the Craftsman V series. No reverse lever though (I would prefer one).
V-Series™ XXL Metric Ratcheting Single Flex Head Double Box End Wrench
High-grade performance is at your fingertips with the V-SERIES® XXL Metric Ratcheting Single Flex Head Double Box End Wrench. The 72-tooth design on one box end provides a quick and durable ratcheting solution for professionals on the job. The other end features a 6-point extended box end, which...
www.craftsman.com
What are those? Details please!I'd get the reversible flex with the protrusion 12-point.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Nevermind, you don't need those.
That doesn’t help.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
Who makes those? Vim is the only ones I've seen that come close, fixed side 12 point box and ratcheting spline flex end.
swsman
Well-known member
I went with DBE Capri 8-19mm set.
0 degree offset.
Didn't want ratcheting function, these are used for leverage and getting hardware loose.
Then I get after it with my Craftsman ratcheting combo wrenches or ratchet-socket combo.
Thus far I like Capri's, my first tool purchase from them.
0 degree offset.
Didn't want ratcheting function, these are used for leverage and getting hardware loose.
Then I get after it with my Craftsman ratcheting combo wrenches or ratchet-socket combo.
Thus far I like Capri's, my first tool purchase from them.
techkelly
Well-known member
Snap-on XFRRM705. Last time I was on the truck they were about $800 for the set.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I could probably use me an 18mm non-flex too.
Last edited:
clientgraphics
Member
I have both the ICON and Carlyle Double Box End Wrench Set reversible ratcheting flex as well as the Capri Double Box End Wrench Set and a Carlyle long double box ratcheting 6pt set.
I almost exclusively grab for Double Box End Wrench reversible ratcheting flex if I need something long and strong. The flex just adds that accessibility because most times it’s not a 100% straight shot with enough room.
All things considered if this Craftsmans V-series set has the sizes you want (10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm and 19mm) it’s not a bad start as you get the fixed and flex box end on each side in a 7pc metric set for $129 when it’s on sale.
www.acehardware.com
I almost exclusively grab for Double Box End Wrench reversible ratcheting flex if I need something long and strong. The flex just adds that accessibility because most times it’s not a 100% straight shot with enough room.
All things considered if this Craftsmans V-series set has the sizes you want (10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm and 19mm) it’s not a bad start as you get the fixed and flex box end on each side in a 7pc metric set for $129 when it’s on sale.
Craftsman V-Series Metric Extra Long Flex Head Box Wrench Set 7 pc Mfr# CMMT87410V - Ace Hardware
High-grade performance is at your fingertips with the V-Series XXL Metric Ratcheting Single Flex Head Double Box End Wrench. The 72-tooth design on one box end provides a quick and durable ratcheting solution for professionals on the job. The other end features a 6-point extended box end, which...
www.acehardware.com
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
I was looking at those recently. Way overkill for me, but pretty. And I was wondering how needed those are if you already have Koken Nano sockets and an XL Flex Head ratchet. At first I thought, it's just for convenience to be able to grab one thing, rather than mess with tiny sockets that are hard to come off.
But as I think about it, the nano sockets have much less engagement on the fastener than these wrenches.
pl_silverado
Well-known member
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
Unless you buy on credit then you're crying every month for a long time!
Sweet collection though!
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Each wrench has its own individual part number. Not necessary to buy the whole set. You can't use all the different sizes at one time anyway.
I'd rather have one real wrench in the size I use most than have a whole set of fake ones that don't work nearly as well.
I have gearwrench, snap-on, tekton flex wrenches.
Know that none of them are designed for high torque. If I had to have "one set" I would get non flex. Out of the three, the snap-ons are noticeably better at 4x the price. But even the snap ons when used for breaking stuff loose, the head will loosen up.
Also as far as ratcheting, the "better" brands have SIGNIFICANTLY larger heads. Yes they are 90/120 tooth, but I prefer blue point and the old craftsman for ratcheting as they have smaller heads and are more useful
Know that none of them are designed for high torque. If I had to have "one set" I would get non flex. Out of the three, the snap-ons are noticeably better at 4x the price. But even the snap ons when used for breaking stuff loose, the head will loosen up.
Also as far as ratcheting, the "better" brands have SIGNIFICANTLY larger heads. Yes they are 90/120 tooth, but I prefer blue point and the old craftsman for ratcheting as they have smaller heads and are more useful
Exactly. I own both. I love the flex, and use them fairly regularly. I've barely used the non-flex.
The flex also have the reverse switch, which is absolutely critical for this type of tool IMHO.
pl_silverado
Well-known member
Unless you buy on credit then you're crying every month for a long time!
Sweet collection though!
I don’t finance tools.
chevy.stroker
Well-known member
I have these which are good, are reversible, but no real warranty
ATD platinum ratcheting wrenches - https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.c...-Wrench-Set-with-10-Metric-Sizes-P165350.aspx
Platinum XL SAE ratcheting wrenches - https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/mobile/4-Pc-XL-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-P165356.aspx
If you want a warranty then Harbor Freight when on sale for $189.99
VIM is suppose to be coming out with ones in August that are very short flex heads where you choose your own length by sticking a 3/8 extension in the end. No idea on price, but if you download their catalog they are listed. J.B. Tools will probably be the least expensive on them.
ATD platinum ratcheting wrenches - https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.c...-Wrench-Set-with-10-Metric-Sizes-P165350.aspx
Platinum XL SAE ratcheting wrenches - https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/mobile/4-Pc-XL-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-P165356.aspx
If you want a warranty then Harbor Freight when on sale for $189.99
VIM is suppose to be coming out with ones in August that are very short flex heads where you choose your own length by sticking a 3/8 extension in the end. No idea on price, but if you download their catalog they are listed. J.B. Tools will probably be the least expensive on them.
ThePostman
Well-known member
Gearwrench 86126. No extra protrusions on the flex ratchet end. The bigger ones are 72t true 12 point. For cars, they are Frank's red hot sauce for so many applications.