VIM FRW11 1/4 drive NANO Socket Wrench

[Fedwrench]

Here is your 1/4 drive NANO socket's best friend, the VIM FRW11. It's a 6 inch long 11 mm boxed end wrench with a fixed boxed end on one side and a reversible 72 tooth flex head ratcheting boxed end wrench on the other side. Both boxed ends have a built-in retaining ring the hold the Nano or dual drive sockets. The flex head doesn't lock but, there are detents to assist in keeping it in one of 12 different positions. Speaking of those detents, they are unusual in that, they only cover half of the flex head base. The only other place I've seen this design besides on Vim wrenches, is on TONE wrenches. Wonder if Tone is making some items for VIM like their new mini ratchets Satin finish for the win. ASTRO should get TONE to make a 17 mm version for the 3/8 drive Nano sockets. Not real long, 10-12 inches. Did I mention that I really like having both fixed and ratcheting sides on one tool? and it's reversible. Off to work it goes tomorrow to see what's what. Someone needs to make a 17mm version STAT. Anyone listening? Lastly, this came from the crazy peeps at Jersey Discount Tools. They might be hard to watch but, no sales tax and shipping included in the price convinced me to give them a shot.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yup, gonna have to buy this. 3/8 around 10-12" would be nice.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Didn't even know Astro made 1/4" nano sockets, my wife is cursing you right now since I'm ordering, thanks!

 

[308guru]

I realize you wouldn't want to be applying crazy amounts of torque to 1/4" drive, but the edges of that handle look very square. Is it comfy in hand?

 

[Steve_P]

Thanks, I ordered one of these today; it's an ideal design for me.

Hopefully they'll do a 10-12" 17mm as you said. I don't really need either, I have plenty of ratcheting wrenches, but the retaining ring makes it worth it at the price....

 

[mreisner]

Just got mine today, the ratcheting end is a little stiff but the little bit I used it already I can feel it loosening up. Pretty happy with it and I also agree they need to make a 17 mm one about a foot long.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Wonder if Tone is making some items for VIM like their new mini ratchets

TONE HRM311F looks a lot like a recent VIM release, NORA150XL.

 

[WhataTool]

the retaining ring looks like its in the wrong spot, do the sockets fit in either direction? How well does it retain?

 

[GeoBruin]

the retaining ring looks like its in the wrong spot, do the sockets fit in either direction? How well does it retain?

Good catch. I'm with you. It doesn't look like they would match up from both sides. That said, it has a reversing switch, so maybe not as big a deal.

 

[mreisner]

I have one and you don't need to flip it over because it's reversible and it retains the sockets very well. I'm happy with it.

 

[KnurledNut]

I don’t have the VIM ratchet or the quarter Nanos to compare, but I grabbed this set to have a low profile option in my arsenal. 4-19mm no skips.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...+low+profile&selectedFulfillment=store_pickup

 

[autobon7]

View attachment 2281316I don’t have the VIM ratchet or the quarter Nanos to compare, but I grabbed this set to have a low profile option in my arsenal. 4-19mm no skips.

Link?

 

[Hohn]

That reminds me of the pass-through Gearwrench set I bought when gearwrench was just a gimmicky import brand and I didn't know better.

I still use them as my "inside the house" ratchet and socket set.

 

[dede2897234]

View attachment 2281316

I don’t have the VIM ratchet or the quarter Nanos to compare, but I grabbed this set to have a low profile option in my arsenal. 4-19mm no skips.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...+low+profile&selectedFulfillment=store_pickup

Hi KnurledNut,

How much did you pay for your set?

Right now, AdvanceAutoParts supposedly has it on sale for $42.49.

Thanks,
David

 

[mikey03]

View attachment 2281316

do you use the fixed end just to hang it up on the wall and use the ratcheting end to break like God intended?

 

[KnurledNut]

Hi KnurledNut,

How much did you pay for your set?

Right now, AdvanceAutoParts supposedly has it on sale for $42.49.

Thanks,
David

I had a gift card balance and some perks so I got it for next to nothing.
The current online discount requires a $50 min. Would need to get something else to make up for that penny.

I don't know if you saw it mentioned but AA cleared out some of their Diehard tools and have been replacing them with new versions and adding additional tools, like this low profile set.

do you use the fixed end just to hang it up on the wall and use the ratcheting end to break like God intended?

You'll have to take that up with @2ndGearRubber. I only break vises and anvils. And occasionally hearts.

 

[stonesfan68]

Link?

Die Hard DHP55309

 

[ChevyEFI]

That no-skips with 4.5 and 5 5 is nice and all, but my socket organizer goes to 15mm.

And I don't see an SAE version.