Flex Head choices

[sleepy127]

So, if you could only buy one type of flex head wrench, what type would you buy?
The socket head type

or just plain box end?


Bottom line, which would serve a automotive mechanic better? I am thinking the biggest factor would be the socket end providing offset and the box end having a slimmer profile, ability to reach fasteners that have a loger bolt sticking out (think deepwell), and of course the ratcheting prortion.

I think I have answered my own question but maybe looking for some feedback. I know for a long time the socket head type were the stuff that everyone wanted but that was years ago.

 

[General Geoff]

the socket head wrenches appear to be more redundant in relation to sockets and extensions.

 

[defektes]

I do not like flex head wrenches, IMO they are too bulky near the box end. I have found sometimes the fastener if it is in a hard to reach spot does not have enough room to compensate for the portion of the box that doesn't flex. I have a assortment of flex ended Snap On's that have a pinned socket on one end like pictured above and a open end on the other. I use these when I cant get a pivoting socket in.

the socket head wrenches appear to be more redundant in relation to sockets and extensions.

requires less clearance.

 

[qctech]

Never saw the need for these

 

[General Geoff]

requires less clearance.

It looks like they would require more clearance in most situations.

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

It looks like they would require more clearance in most situations.

Are you comparing to a box end? He was comparing to a socket and ratchet. I would agree with him on that, even though I've never owned any of these. I can clearly see that if you don't need an extension and you don't need the ratchet, these flex "socket heads" could definitely get into more places because you don't have the large head of a ratchet in the way.

 

[TT54l32v]

Belts! Timing belts, drive belts, torque converter bolts. I love my "socket head wrenches. There are just some spots nothing else will fit.

I wish I could find a 21 mm. Spent quite a few hours online trying to find one and they all seem to stop at 19. Found a couple of 13/16 which is close, just not close enough.

To answer your question though. If it were a permanent only one thing, I would probably get the ratchet wrench and would get them first if not.

 

[General Geoff]

Are you comparing to a box end? He was comparing to a socket and ratchet. I would agree with him on that, even though I've never owned any of these. I can clearly see that if you don't need an extension and you don't need the ratchet, these flex "socket heads" could definitely get into more places because you don't have the large head of a ratchet in the way.

I guess that's theoretically true, but there are small, low profile ratchets which would seemingly eliminate any advantage that socket flex head wrenches might have. *shrug*

 

[sleepy127]

Thanks for the input. I think I may get the ratcheting box ends. Still not sure though. I can see needing the socket style inside a blind hole that you cannot get a socket and ratchet in because of space.