Extra Long Flex Box-end Spline Ratchet Wrenches

[Lynyrd_USA]

Hello Garage Journal.
I am new to this Website and look forward to everyone's expertise. Not sure why it took me so long to come on board, but nonetheless, here I am.

I am Pro USA, and where the tool comes from matters to me; 1. USA, 2. Canada, 3. W.Europe, 4. Taiwan/E.Europe, 5. Mexico/SE Asia/S. Am/World, 6. China. Not saying I'm right, it's just how I feel.

So for my first question or advice I seek; I am going to invest into a set of Extra-Long Flex Spline Box-end Ratchet Wrenches. The advice I need is less about the brand and more about the style and use.

I am a hobbyist who works on many things and likes to fix things myself. Woodworking/Metal/Welding/Auto/Home/HVAC/Electrical and on and on.

As I am not a full-time Auto Mechanic, but I am the type who hates needing something, and not having, yet at the same time I don't want to waste $$$ . . . So my three questions;

1. Should I go with (Spline Only);
A. 10-11pc set with flex and fixed box end wrenches?
B. 5-6pc set of flex end at both ends?
C. 10-11pc set with Non-flex and only fixed box end wrenches?
D. 5-6pc set of Non-flex only fixed at both ends?

2. It seems most people use Metric, even those who work on late model American autos. Is it worthwhile to invest in SAE? I do work on older vehicles but access wise there is less of a need for those type wrenches.

3. Many brands are actually manufactured by the same foundries (Taiwan and China). Matco/Old SK/Gearwrench appear to be the same made by Apex's Taiwan plant. I am a tool nut, I've thoroughly researched manufacturers, and know that if it is not stamped USA, it is not fully Made in the USA. That said, what is you favorite brand and why?

I thank you in advance for your advice and input.
Lynyrd_USA

 

[gdocktor3]

Well, since no one else has answered, I guess I'll take a stab at it. There are 100 threads just like this FYI.
#1. You get what you pay for.
#2. In the world of GJ, you need one set of each you have listed above (flex, non flex, spline, 6 point, fixed, double ratchet, etc) in SAE and Metric.
#3. Matco, pre-Ideal SK, and Carlyle are all made by Kabo. Very good quality and my favorite out of those which I own. I'll take them over any Canadian made ratchet wrenches.
Lastly, I own Kabo made Matco and SK, USA made Matco, Expert, Proto Taiwan, at least 6 sets of different style Gearwrench, Craftsman and 2 sets of early 2000's Husky ratchet wrenches. They're all made overseas and work just fine for myself and many pro/DIY mechanics around the world. The Kabo made stuff is the best IMO. They're smooth, strong, fine teeth, spline box ends, comfortable in the hand, and all around nice to use. The Proto's, Kabo's and Experts all have spline box ends and I like them a lot. The only XL set I have are the Experts with fixed one end, ratchet box end the other. Never wished I had flex heads on them. I have come to really like spline box ends though. I also have a lot of SK spline sockets.

In the end. the decision is entirely up to you and how deep your pockets are. I don't think you need to spend the money on a truck brand though. I'd go with Gearwrench IMHO. The 120xp's are the new hot item. Either way, they're great quality, affordable, and easy to warranty. I don't think a DIY homeowner needs any more than that.

 

[Lynyrd_USA]

Thanks for the input. I agree with the Kabo Taiwan made stuff. Whether it is a Grizzly Table Saw made in Taiwan or a ratchet made in Taiwan, the quality of their ISO certified factories is great. You may have a point abouit Canadian made hand tools, I do like their woodworking equipment and tool storage; General and SPG International respectively.

 

[oldldh]

In the end. the decision is entirely up to you and how deep your pockets are. I don't think you need to spend the money on a truck brand though. I'd go with Gearwrench IMHO. The 120xp's are the new hot item. Either way, they're great quality, affordable, and easy to warranty. I don't think a DIY homeowner needs any more than that.

What he said...

 

[MDK22]

As someone that turns wrenches for a living and is constantly asked for advice on them by other co workers. I say 1 set of Metric Flex Head Gearwrench and 1 set of Metric Mountain splines. The metrics will fit most of the standard bolts you run into outside of mechanics.

In all honesty I have used SO, Matco, Expert, Blue Point, Craftsman, Gearwrench, Mountain, EZ-Red, Carlyle, etc. They are pretty much the same. The quality trends with price. Gearwrench I have only ever had an issue with 13mm flex and the first one my boss broke and the 2nd one i stripped the torx tightening pin out of.

I use Mountains and Gearwrench at work. The cost of any of the "pro" brands is over rated. SK is the only "pro" one that would be worth it and that is for the x beam ones. Even then in most cases you do not have the room to get straight on a fastener so.....

So in the end Mountain (MTNRM6) 5 Piece Metric Double Box Universal Spline Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set and GearWrench 9901 12 Piece Metric Flex-Head Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set

If you work on farm equipment there is a larger set GearWrench 9902D 16 Piece Flex-Head Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set Metric .

If you want to get standards I would once again point you to GearWrench 9702 13 Piece Flex-Head Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set SAE. I do not recommend splines for standard fasteners because outside of mechanics they are normally not a good enough grade of bolt and will round. I run into standards that do not fit metric that I need ratcheting wrenches for so rarely that I just use straight style Craftsman but, were I to spend the money again it would be Gearwrench. Iw you still wanted to get spline standards it would be Mountain 4 PC SAE FLEXIBLE REVERSIBLE RATCHETING WRENCH

As for stubbies I use Gearwrench non ratcheting combinations because, normally you do not have a lot of room and often you are not taking a lot of bolts or nuts loose in a small area where you need a stubby that a flex regular wrench will not fit.

For those that say you have to buy xyz brand I have yet to break a Mountain wrench. I also have used and abused my ratcheting wrenches and normally gearwrench only stops working when it is so full of dirt or you are an idiot and use it on an extremely tight fastener instead of breaking it loose with the open end or a non ratcheting wrench.

I tend to like the 12pt though I have always wondered would 6pt actually be better for ratcheting wrenches.

 

[gdocktor3]

I do not recommend splines for standard fasteners because outside of mechanics they are normally not a good enough grade of bolt and will round.

That's where spline box ends shine. When you use the correct size, it will grip a rounded head no problem. The problem arises when you use the wrong size wrench, or a metric instead of standard, and it just rounds the points right off the bolt head. I don't care what anyone says, I will always have metric and sae wrenches, sockets, drivers, etc...

Check this out. Says Mountain and EZ Red long wrenches are Kabo made http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-295214.html

 

[Lynyrd_USA]

I probably should have clarified better. I am only looking for the Extra Long wrenches that have become so popular.
I own every version of Craftsman Made In USA ratchet wrenches that were ever made. Professional Polished, Pebble finish, Cross Force Polished, and so on and only USA made.
I have attached a pic to help understand what I'm looking for. I would be interested in the same type wrench in 12pt, I just haven't seen those.