Ratcheting Wrench with O degree offset

[aretstudent]

I am starting to look into getting some new ratcheting combination wrenches. I currently have a set of Craftsman reversible wrenches with a slight offset. In some situations I find that I would rather have a 0 degree offset. Does anyone other than the Tool truck companies make them without an offset? Which would you recommend buying? Does Armstrong or Williams make a ratcheting wrench without an offset?

 

[SKAutomotive]

Get the GearWrench XL box ratcheting wrenches.

 

[wise]

I have a set of 0* offset (gearwrench) that I don't use very often. I use the flex head ones (Mastercraft, made by gearwrench, overseas) quite a bit, and all the sizes I use often are extremely sloppy on the flex portion, and the 18mm only ratchets when really strong force is applied (so it nearly defeats the purpose of having it). I love the flex head though, I just wish they didn't fall apart.

 

[blackz26]

May I ask why you would ever want a 0° ratchet wrench? I would personally never buy one that wasn't or wasn't reversible. To each there own I suppose.

 

[Murphy4570]

May I ask why you would ever want a 0° ratchet wrench? I would personally never buy one that wasn't or wasn't reversible. To each there own I suppose.

Comes in handy for tight access fasteners. If you work on Jap cars a lot, you'll use them.


I have a set of Craftsman ones like that, but doubt they make them anymore. Old USA made stuff.

 

[MPOWERD]

They have these sets on sale at searsoutlet if you are lucky enough to catch their site when it actually works and ships the item... $22.88 Metric. USA Made Industrial. I am not 100% positive these are 0 degrees offset but they look like they could be...

http://www.searsoutlet.com/Craftsma...id=7054&mode=buyNewOnly&itemSelectionType=all

 

[70NOVA]

I have a set from Matco which I was told were made by Armstrong. I would imagine you could find a set of Armstrongs.

 

[lilscorpion]

I have a set of 0* offset (gearwrench) that I don't use very often. I use the flex head ones (Mastercraft, made by gearwrench, overseas) quite a bit, and all the sizes I use often are extremely sloppy on the flex portion, and the 18mm only ratchets when really strong force is applied (so it nearly defeats the purpose of having it). I love the flex head though, I just wish they didn't fall apart.

Yep ditto all this. 0-degree only works rarely and flex heads became loose. My first set was the offset Craftsman years ago and I still use them the most out off all of the sets. The flex heads would likely be the most versatile if they didn't get sloppy. If the MFG put a detent ball in them it would solve the problem.

 

[ken w.]

Napa had the Gearwrench 0 degree ratcheting combo wrenches on sale a while back. I bought both metric and ase. I hate them. I have found very few places that I have found them usefull.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

I have the 0 degree Gearwrenches at work. They are useful on occasion but you will hate them if you try to use them on everything.

 

[aretstudent]

Wow! I was surprised to get the reaction that I did. It does not sound like many people like the 0 degree offset. A lot of the guys at work like them. I work as a mechanic on packaging machinery. I still may try a couple of the standard sizes I generally use on a daily basis and see how I like them.

 

[Gotmayhem]

While we're talking zero degree here, what are some companies other than Matco that make a nice double box end 0 degree wrench (non ratchet)?

 

[blackz26]

If you get a couple usually the third one will out you at or very close to a set. I feel a pass through set would serve better if clearance isn't am issue but I'm sure you have a socket set..lol

 

[SKAutomotive]

I use my XL ratcheting box end set daily. Completely worth it. Has 0 degree offset on both the ratcheting and non-ratcheting side, plus the extra length gives you a nice bolster to your torque outputs. They actually are my choice of wrenches for bleeding brakes too.

 

[Jawn]

Armstrong makes some nice double box 0 offset non reversible ratcheting wrenches. Not cheap new, but watch the used market and you might get a deal.

 

[3xpendable]

I have a set of 0 degree gw my wife got me when they first came out. I hate them I want some reversible off set so very bad. If your not working on something that the wrench can be open on both sides you will bust your knuckles up or just hold it with the tips of your fingers. They just ****

 

[bry@n]

I have the Matcos and use the when possible. I also have the Snapon offsets and use then when needed. There is no perfect solution.

 

[Gotmayhem]

Armstrong makes some nice double box 0 offset non reversible ratcheting wrenches. Not cheap new, but watch the used market and you might get a deal.

Pretty pricey but nice looking nonetheless. But for the cost I'd be tempted to just give Matco a couple bills for their set. I thought of asking because I've read the Matco set is Taiwanese. Which isn't meant to bash Taiwan tools but what's the point of buying a Matco wrench if I could get a GW for half the price and the same COO. Well, other than the warranty and the fantastic look of the Matco set. And supporting my local franchisee.

Guess I do have reasons to get the Matco after all

 

[rlitman]

Yep ditto all this. 0-degree only works rarely and flex heads became loose. My first set was the offset Craftsman years ago and I still use them the most out off all of the sets. The flex heads would likely be the most versatile if they didn't get sloppy. If the MFG put a detent ball in them it would solve the problem.

I have a set of 0-degree Gearwrenches. I almost never use them, but there have been several occasions that nothing but a 0-degree ratcheting wrench would fit. For those alone, they were a lifesaver. Also, without the reversing mechanism, these sets are cheaper.

I don't use ratcheting wrenches much. I have a Gearwrench with a locking flex head that I need to get replaced. Too much force, and the lock mechanism fell apart. I wouldn't even consider a flex-head that doesn't lock.

I don't even really have a need for a fixed angle ratcheting set. I find that I prefer a normal wrench in most cases, and for when I need to do a lot of turning, either the 0-degree is just fine, or a ratchet will suit me better anyway.