Wrenches: ratcheting or regular?

[PepperCrab]

If given a choice to buy a set with your own money, and you can only choose one, which would you choose to own, a set of ratcheting wrenches, or regular old-school wrenches? Why?

6 point or 12 point? Why?

Your views please.

 

[Avgas]

12 point ratcheting, no angle
The open end can still be used as a regular wrench,
The 12 point can still be used on 6 point.

 

[tw33k2514]

Non ratcheting 12-point.

And that is because you can use them on everything. A ratcheting wrench may not be strong enough to withstand breaking certain things free. and 6-point can be a PITA to use in tight places.

That said, at some point a 6-point wrench is going to come in handy. So I would buy both 12 and 6 point non-ratcheting wrenches.

As far as ratcheting wrenches go, you do not really ever need one. They just make life a little less sucky.

 

[Case IH]

If given a choice to buy a set with your own money, and you can only choose one, which would you choose to own, a set of ratcheting wrenches, or regular old-school wrenches? Why?

6 point or 12 point? Why?

Your views please.

It depends on what your using them for.....I would prolly go for the regular 12 point cause they are simple and have less to go wrong inside

 

[Quik208]

12 point no ratcheting.

On the stubby wrenches I like to have them ratcheting.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would buy these,, the best of both worlds, fixed and ratcheting. I rarely use an open end wrench. You can find variations from armstrong, matco, and gearwrench (really long).
http://cgi.ebay.com/MATCO-NEW-12mm-...560?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb41d4088

 

[matthew]

A complete set of 12 point non-ratcheting combos, reasonably long length. They're simply the most versatile.

I love my flex Gearwrenches, and there are places I've used them where there was nothing else that would work, but in general it's the basic combos that are what I really need and Gearwrenches are just the 'candy' in my toolbox.

 

[idoitproject]

12 point non ratcheting standard length. Ratching ones will not fit in some places and they are a luxury. Don't get me wrong, I have that luxury in standard length and stubby now just looking for flex. Cover your bases first.

12 pt standard
12 pt long
12 pt stubby

Then

12 pt ratching in same order as above minus long

Then lastly

6 pt in standard length only non ratching or just get flare wrenches.

 

[Shipfittin]

Have to go with the non ratcheting wrenches, regular combos are a lot more versatile.

I would say that regular combos are a must have, while ratcheting wrenches are a convenience.

 

[TireTracks]

12point standards.

I like simple.

 

[Scout Driver]

12 point standard. They will be the most versatile. Ratcheting wrenches may not withstand breaking loose stubborn fasteners. 6 point wrenches have their place when fasteners may round off, but they can only be "indexed" a few ways, making them un-handy in a tight spot.

Scott

 

[Simplespeed]

I have to disagree with most people in this thread. I use my 12point flex ratcheting/open end for everything. There has never been a time where i wished i had a standard wrench over the good stuff. I mean, you can break bolts loose with the ratcheting end. If its too much for the wrench then you probably need a different tool anyway. Iv never had a problem linking a fixed wrench onto the the open end of the ratchet wrench for leverage. Get the good stuff, buy the old stuff in a pawn shop.

My next set will be the matco double box ratcheting.

 

[shampoop]

Both!

 

[BowtieGuy]

Good info. I was just looking at the Blue Point set. I just might,...

 

[dan1120]

Ive been using my gearwrech ratcheting x-beam xl wrenches day in and day out professionally. And I REALLY beat on them Never broken one yet, and if I do I can get it warrantied by either sears or my matco guy. The xbeam is sooo nice when you have a tight bolt, hitting the flat face of the wrench is so much more comfortable. Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches have changed my life and thinking. I own 3 sets, and want alot more.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

If you can only buy one, go with the majority here and get the 12 point standards.

 

[Tavy]

As far as ratcheting wrenches go, you do not really ever need one.

I used to be able to say that. Got a set for Christmas a long time ago now. They were nice, but not real handy.

But with what I seem to be sticking my greasy paws into now, the ratchet wrenches have become indispensable little instruments, so I'd go with them. 12pt, of course, 6pt wrenches are when you should get yourself a socket setup. Never seen a good use for 'em.

 

[cdseven95]

BTW.....I was looking at the back of a gear wrench ratcheting wrench set I have and it says "These are precision tools and not meant to break loose frozen fasteners".. or something to that extent.

 

[Honda guy]

12 point standard. They will be the most versatile. Ratcheting wrenches may not withstand breaking loose stubborn fasteners. 6 point wrenches have their place when fasteners may round off, but they can only be "indexed" a few ways, making them un-handy in a tight spot.

Scott

Ditto that.

 

[dan1120]

BTW.....I was looking at the back of a gear wrench ratcheting wrench set I have and it says "These are precision tools and not meant to break loose frozen fasteners".. or something to that extent.

I sure skipped over that disclaimer. I constantly break open fasteners with mine. Not a problem yet. Only problem with them ive had was my own fault. I used the ratcheting end to hold a bolt while I impacted out the nut. Stripped a tooth or two but it stills works good enough to not warranty. I really cant say enough good things about gearwrench, get as many sets as you can.

 

[PepperCrab]

Has anyone had any problems ever (stripping or damaging a nut/bolt) with breaking loose a tight fasterner with a 12-point wrench? This is the reason I wanted 6 pt but I don't know if I'm just being unrealistically paranoid.

 

[DodgeZ]

Ratcheting wrench are one of my most used tools. I hate it when I cant use them.

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=85-998

 

[spongerich]

There's no excuse for not owning both. Nice USA made 12 point combination wrenches can be head for a dollar or two each. If you look around, you can complete a decent set for $30-$40. Buy some ratcheting ones in the sizes you use most and fill out the rest as you find good deals.

 

[SMKS]

If you want a 6-point wrench set, I don't think you can beat this deal.

Craftsman 28 piece wrench set.

I used to own this set, but I ended up selling it. Now I only have 12-point wrenches.

 

[dirtrider]

I would buy these,, the best of both worlds, fixed and ratcheting. I rarely use an open end wrench. You can find variations from armstrong, matco, and gearwrench (really long).
http://cgi.ebay.com/MATCO-NEW-12mm-...560?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb41d4088

I really like these as well ^^. If I had to choose between owning one set either ratcheting or standard I would pick the non ratcheting 12 points. My reasoning is like other's have said ratcheting wrenches are somewhat of a luxury and traditionally ratcheting mechanisms were built for speed not so much for breaking fasteners loose even though they are largely used for that today. I usually don't use my Gearwrench's for breaking fastener's loose especially if they are really tight. Even though the ratcheting wrenches MIGHT be able to handle the abuse of breaking tight fasteners loose, I can almost guarantee there longevity would be noticeably reduced by using them in this manner and if you only have one set of wrenches this would be a problem. And I wan't my tools to last without having to constantly warranty them. Now a day's I think ratcheting wrench's are a key component to any mechanic's tool arsenal, but I would start with the basics first and then buy the extra stuff. I have never had a problem stripping heads with 12 point's especially on the larger sizes and with a wrench I think 12 point's have an advantage of being easier to mount on the fastener especially in tight spaces. Plus they work on 12 point fastener's as well. The exception would be really small heads where I think a 6 point would be the ideal choice but even so a 12 point should work fine in most cases.

 

[PepperCrab]

There's no excuse for not owning both. Nice USA made 12 point combination wrenches can be head for a dollar or two each. If you look around, you can complete a decent set for $30-$40.

What brands do you have in mind for this price range?

Buy some ratcheting ones in the sizes you use most and fill out the rest as you find good deals.

What do most people do? Break a fastener free with a regular wrench, then reach for a ratcheting wrench? So 2 wrenches for one bolt?

 

[Gmonkee]

I would have to ask what you work on.
While in late model auto GW was king. If the bolt was too tight to loosen it without risking a GW, I chose another tool to loosen it.
Now back in heavy equiptment repairs the basic 12 pt combos are back in front.
They cost a ton less to replace if damaged and I can use them on the toughest bolts by doubling on them if need be. To date only one of my old faithful India made combos has been damaged. In five years of use.
I would think thats a pretty good set of wrenches.

 

[idoitproject]

Has anyone had any problems ever (stripping or damaging a nut/bolt) with breaking loose a tight fasterner with a 12-point wrench? This is the reason I wanted 6 pt but I don't know if I'm just being unrealistically paranoid.

In some instances, yes you can strip/round a nut/bolt with 12 pt, example would be exhaust bolts. With that said, if you are paranoid, any rusted bolt you encounter should be handled with a 6 pt, be it socket or wrench. I don't use 12 pt sockets at all unless it's a 12 pt bolt now a days. In my early days I saw a lot of stripped/rounded nut/bolts using 12 pt but that may have been due to using the incorrect size, or standard vs metric. Those were fun times. If you go the 6 pt route you will quickly see why they aren't common in wrenches.

I have the 6 pt in CM from 6mm-19mm and maybe have only used the 8mm and 10mm for brake bleeding.

I'm gonna get heat for this but I also like the CM Evolve 14 pc for $19.99, really wish they went bigger in size. Not everyone can afford the Snappys.

 

[MattT]

Has anyone had any problems ever (stripping or damaging a nut/bolt) with breaking loose a tight fasterner with a 12-point wrench? This is the reason I wanted 6 pt but I don't know if I'm just being unrealistically paranoid.

Back in the day before flank drive yeah. Now the patent has expired and everyone has a version of it you'll gain little to nothing with a 6 point.

Between access to tight areas and backing up impacts you want combo wrenches with conventional 12 point box ends first. From there expand your collection with what you find will make the jobs you tackle easier.

 

[usdemt]

I would go for the ratcheting. I have had Gearwrench since the beginning and the warranty has been good to me at least. So I do not hesitate to put them to the test, therefore they are like the standard and the ratcheting all in one to me. Also the longer the better (depends on what you are working on)

 

[PepperCrab]

If you go the 6 pt route you will quickly see why they aren't common in wrenches.

Please don't keep me waiting.... Why?

 

[MattT]

Please don't keep me waiting.... Why?

Because a lot of times 60 degrees of swing isn't available on late model vehicles. The mostly theoretical reduced risk of rounding don't do you any good if you can't get the 6 point box on the fastener.

 

[treasureseeker]

I mostly use the Snapon set XBM605A which are the standard length double Box wrenches, 10° Offset, 12-Points. I use them and a set of short combinations and now hitting middle age finally added a full size combination set, less hand strain with the longer wrenches. My first job as a mechanic was a small garage doing old American cars(year 1980 to 86). With the combination of old rusted vehicles and the 12 point wrenches of the time we relied heavily on a set of 6 point double boxes in the smaller sizes 3/8” to 5/8”. My next job was imports and I never used a 6 point wrench again. Six points are great for fasteners that had shrunk like exhaust manifolds to a cylinder head.

 

[idoitproject]

Because a lot of times 60 degrees of swing isn't available on late model vehicles. The mostly theoretical reduced risk of rounding don't do you any good if you can't get the 6 point box on the fastener.

What he said. 6 pt equals 6 angles, 12 pt equals 12 angles. You will have more options of how the wrench goes on, which means more turning radius.

 

[idoitproject]

What will you be using these said wrenches for?

 

[magnusk750]

12 point regulars, no doubt. Neat, versatile. When I want to 'ratchet' I use the socket set and ratchet handle.

 

[pl_silverado]

If I had to sell all my wrenches and keep only one set, it would be my snap-on ratcheting combo wrenches. Best $$ I ever spent.

 

[TAftw]

I sure skipped over that disclaimer. I constantly break open fasteners with mine. Not a problem yet. Only problem with them ive had was my own fault. I used the ratcheting end to hold a bolt while I impacted out the nut. Stripped a tooth or two but it stills works good enough to not warranty. I really cant say enough good things about gearwrench, get as many sets as you can.

Maybe its just me, but I always feel like I'm gonna break the ratcheting end apart and cause havoc to my hands. I had a Gearwrench slip on me once, and after that I just don't like to use ratcheting wrenches.

My vote is for 12 point standard wrenches. There's no **** inside to break on you, and they're simple.

 

[mrholeshot]

12 point non-ratcheting combo wrenches. Little slower but much more reliable. If you know how to use them you can get pretty fast with them.

 

[PepperCrab]

Maybe its just me, but I always feel like I'm gonna break the ratcheting end apart and cause havoc to my hands. I had a Gearwrench slip on me once, and after that I just don't like to use ratcheting wrenches.

My vote is for 12 point standard wrenches. There's no **** inside to break on you, and they're simple.

Just a question. If the ratchets on the wrench can break, then doesn't it also mean that regular ratchets can also break? I've always used ratchets to break loose fasteners, never had any problems so far...

but then i only work on motorcycles