4-way Angle Head Open Wrenches, Flank Drive Plus or Not?

[NugeConstruction]

Friends,

I once heard from "a wise member of a distinguished tool blog" that 4-way angle head open wrenches were very good to obtain after one obtains a basic wrench set.

So what would be the relative advantages and disadvantages of the 4-way angle head open end wrenches

(a) with the standard head:

(b) and with Flank Drive Plus (or some variant thereof, if there is or ever was such an animal):

And any thoughts (assuming I have the story correct) as to why Snap-on is or may be discontinuing the Flank Drive Plus version of its 4-way angle head open end wrenches would also be interesting.

Much obliged,

NC

 

[nissan_crawler]

I don't know if they were ever flank drive or not. I have the standard ones, and love them. The benefit is places where you can't get a box end on, and don't have enough swing for a standard wrench.

 

[garfunkle24]

I have a full set of metric 4-ways with the flankdrive and they're some of my favorite tools. One of those things where you think 'I can't believe I got by for so long without these'. They are definitely my most used 'tight spot wrenches' even more so than my half-moons, stubbies, deep offsets etc.

The other techs in my shop all bought some after using mine. The last one couldn't get the flankdrives (already discontinued) but he's happy with his and it doesn't seem to make much difference.

IMHO, although they're pricey, they're worth their weight in gold (which would probably be cheaper than Snap-on tools, oz for oz....).

Also, the angles (which are exclusive to Snappy) really do work better than any other angle wrenches I've ever used.

 

[shamrock12]

The first wrench set I bought was Snap-on standard combo. They get used daily. But for the occusional tight spots I bought SK stubby wrench set. But then I found out that sometime I still cannot get them to fit in tight areas and even if I did, it would be difficult to turn by hand. One day it was so difficult that I finally had to ask my coworker if I could borrow his Snap-on standard 4-way angle and I fell in love with it. I couldn't believe how long I've went on without them. Needless to say, I bought set of them in SAE and metric. I found that they not only are great for tight spots, but also as a secondard set of wrench to work along with combo. So they get used alot more often than I thought. Very well worth the money.

 

[NugeConstruction]

Guys, thank you for all your insights, not to mention the "positive reinforcement" of the fair bit of coin I did just lay down on this technology.

My biggest wonder at this point is what ever does Snap-on do with the castings in which they once manufactured discontinued items such as the Flank Drive Plus 4-way angle head open end wrenches.

It's a terrible thing if those have gone to waste!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Aircraft mechanics use "angle wrenches" all the time. Very necessary where you have little swing room for the wrench.

Charles

 

[Merkava_4]

I wouldn't want the flankdrive+ on the 30/60 angle wrenches because they could mark up the nice anodized hydraulic fittings. Some of the guys that work in Aviation aren't allowed to use any of the flankdrive+ wrenches for the same reason.

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

I have a set of the std angle wrenches. As far as angle wrenches go, this is one place where I say Snap-On or nothing. Like the other's have said, they are the only ones with 30* and 60* angles. Most others are 15* and 60*, but since most combo wrenches already have a 15* angle on them, then you really are only getting 2 extra angles with those vs the Snap-Ons. I love mine, and hope you get your use of yours.

 

[Art From De Leon]

They are great for getting at the hydralic line fittings on JD ag equipment. I have a full set of SAE and Metric Snap On angle head wrenches.

 

[bchee]

I have a set of the std angle wrenches. As far as angle wrenches go, this is one place where I say Snap-On or nothing. Like the other's have said, they are the only ones with 30* and 60* angles. Most others are 15* and 60*, but since most combo wrenches already have a 15* angle on them, then you really are only getting 2 extra angles with those vs the Snap-Ons. I love mine, and hope you get your use of yours.

I was searching for these angle wrenches and this post confirms what I've been noticing. Good info to know.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have a set of the std angle wrenches. As far as angle wrenches go, this is one place where I say Snap-On or nothing. Like the other's have said, they are the only ones with 30* and 60* angles. Most others are 15* and 60*, but since most combo wrenches already have a 15* angle on them, then you really are only getting 2 extra angles with those vs the Snap-Ons. I love mine, and hope you get your use of yours.

agreed, on the * thing. Snap-On is the only one with the right angles.

NOw, if you're a cheap ******* like I was until a found a cheap Snap-On set, and happen to know somebody with the Snap-On's...

I used a HF set for 5 years. I clamped them in a vise, heated them with a torch, and bent them to match a co-worker's Snap-On's. I polished up the chrome, never had one flake, never broke one. I only have Snap-On up to 3/4", the larger sizes are still the HF ones, something to think about, anyway.

 

[NugeConstruction]

Nisaan_Crawler, I think you just took the cake in the "necessity being the mother of invention" cookie bake!

 

[paramudduck]

Nissan is the master of improvisation.

 

[Hawk321]

Don't own a 4 way angle head...but I have my normal wrenches with Snap-Ons Flank Drive Plus.

Work sometimes on chrysler cars....and when I MUST use the open end side of my wrenches it will turn/grap even rounded fasteners. Tested it on a nut of a ball joint...my Snap-On worked but not my Hazet (without FlankDrivePlus).

 

[ProGun3400]

They're a life saver when working on hydraulics, pumps, etc., but gosh are they expensive.

 

[joenero]

they're nice, I managed to live without an 18mm and a 19mm angle head wrenches for a while. Bought them, used them, worth the investment personally but could have skipped them. I bought the small 7 piece metric S/O set cheap a few months ago and haven't removed the packaging yet (keep it new until you HAVE to use it).

 

[Danglerb]

Would a crowsfoot substitute for an angle head?

 

[nissan_crawler]

often, no.

 

[Merkava_4]

Would a crowsfoot substitute for an angle head?

You're not getting off that easy.

 

[NugeConstruction]

How's this for using a crowfoot in a pinch?

Man I want his job so bad, I can taste it...

 

[MrSnicks]

Old post I know, but some one please explain to me what "flank drive" is.

Thanks,
Patrick

 

[muddyjoe15]

Old post I know, but some one please explain to me what "flank drive" is.

Thanks,
Patrick

"Flank Drive" is snap on's name for their design of their box end of a 12 point wrench.

"Flank Drive Plus" Is snap on's name for their design of the cutting, or "teeth" in the open end of their wrenchs.

All 12 point snap on wrenchs are "Flank Drive", but not every wrench is "Flank Drive Plus"