Snap On Ratcheting Wrenches--- low quality???

[Nch209]

Just a home gamer here, and needed a set of standard ratcheting wrenches. Have a set of USA craftsman metric, but ended up pulling the trigger on some snap on reversible sets; soexrm710 and soexr707. Love the length and finish, but the ratcheting mechanism seems cheap and a bit sloppy... Especially for the price. My craftsman are wayyy tighter, albeit not as fine toothed. Do these smooth up over time? I assume they are from across the pond since no USA on them??? Just feeling let down by them... The ratcheting ends feel junky

Any opinions?

 

[Ign]

Plopping down with a big bucket o' popcorn.....

 

[Bluejoe]

I thought there was an updated version of these wrenches with repair ability. Two screws access for easy repair.

 

[unslow1]

I'm sure the fans will be here shortly to tell you it's in some way your fault. I have singles and sets from probably 8 different brands. Some off the tool truck. My favorite ones are the Gearwrench.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Can't speak for the Snap-On's, but I have the "cheap" Blue-Point versions (BOER07 & BOERM12) and absolutely love them. Reversible and appear to have Dual-80 technology ratchet system.

 

[T45]

The ratcheting ends feel junky

Any opinions?

If they are new, send them back for a new set. Snap on also just re-released new models in both 0 and 15 degree offset/reversible so you may want to try those. The latest ones I believe are marked USA.

If you bought used off ebay they may be lemons or rejects, waranty returs etc. Those are really the two main options.

Snap on will refund you 100% if you actualy bought from them so its not really an issue.

As an aside, it is weird that the [old] ratcheting wrenches are not stamped USA. Its also weird that the ratcheting models are likely built to slightly different spec (than the combos and true aerospace wrenches), at least some of them seem build different from what I've seen.

But its also true good copies seem to be still among the best wrenches out there. Ratcheting wrenches are a bit of a tricky business because they are expensive and fragile, and the armstrong/matco etc alternatives are similarly prices with similar limitations.

If you are happy with a cheaper option, you may be better off buying snap on regular combos if you like the shape. If you don't like the shape and handling of cheaper ratcheting wrenches, the truck brands are all expensive and have similar tradeoffs...YMMv

 

[T45]

latest ones

 

[Firebrick43]

I really like the snap on soexr wrenches. Yes they smooth out. Do take the screw that holds the selector out and reinstall with a drop purple locktite or fingernail polish as they loosen over time. Occasionally the little tab will break but mine are carriered in a bag with other tools around an industrial plant. I use the 9/16 the most and it really used a lot. The Armstrong equivalents are just as nice but they are killing off that brand now

I tried a blue point in 1/2 inch and really hated it due to its short length and non torque plus or whatever they call the soex open jaw design.

 

[countryroad82]

I have a set of 15 degree SO. Personally, I'm not a fan of them. I like my Gearwrenches just fine and ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY SK's. The Snap On's were one of those buy one get one deals and came with something else that I wanted (don't remember what at the moment). For the most part, they have wasted tool box space as I really wasn't all that impressed with them.

 

[Nch209]

Thanks for the responses everyone! These were new/sealed from eBay and should work fine for home garaging, but if I were a pro I think I'd look elsewhere. Perhaps the new updated version are better- I just didn't like the bigger (at least appears bigger) head

 

[IMStuner]

I would have purchased the SK frame ones instead.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[firworks]

I have a set of 15 degree SO. Personally, I'm not a fan of them. I like my Gearwrenches just fine and ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY SK's. The Snap On's were one of those buy one get one deals and came with something else that I wanted (don't remember what at the moment). For the most part, they have wasted tool box space as I really wasn't all that impressed with them.

X-Frames?

 

[Loscaldazar]

I've heard plenty of complaints about the older design Snap On's having rather sloppy mechanisms, no info available on the new ones

 

[IMStuner]

X-Frames?

Sorry, yes I mean the X-frame.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SQ4GD8K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[aczr2k]

I just bought a set of the new style ones...haven't used them yet but seem nice, very low profile around the head.

 

[bixxjs]

I posted a thread over the weekend about my Bluepoint stubby SAE ratchet wrenches,I was surprised at how big the ring end was.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think I'd try submerging the ratchet end in some WD-40 type lube and working the box end back and forth. Maybe even transmission fluid.

 

[tripplejl]

I have a new set of standard and metrics with the low profile heads which can be rebuilt. A couple of them felt a little notchy at first but after using them a little that has gone away. They are nice wrenches but so are all the other makes. Depends what you want. I am happy with my wrenches and unfortunately unhappy with my wallet after buying them.

 

[Nch209]

For all the more I use them, they will be fine. Guess I'm just disappointed because when I do spring for snap on I expect it to be top of the line and no worries. These are a letdown for sure. Buyers beware, the soexr reversible wrenches are a bit lousy for the $$$

 

[T45]

For all the more I use them, they will be fine. Guess I'm just disappointed because when I do spring for snap on I expect it to be top of the line and no worries. These are a letdown for sure. Buyers beware, the soexr reversible wrenches are a bit lousy for the $$$

These tools have been in the market for 10 years, they have a long track record of service. If you have a bad lot, send them back to the manufacturer.

Ratcheting wrenches are discussed on GJ endlessly and its one of the few snap-on tools people recommend to buy NEW, to avoid any issues during the life of the tool.

If your trying to buy these tools used or thru ebay, caveat emptor. That's still alot of money to waste so make sure you have some kind of return option.

(There also obsolete SKUs so this OPs warning also applies only to obsolete stock.)

 

[Gmonkee]

OP, I had some Wurth flex/flip ratcheting wrenches.

Great quality made in Japan and for a few years they were used a lot. But always as the 2nd set because the thicker ring didn't always fit.

As I went toward minimaist tendencies they got left in storage. Looked great, never failed to function but didn't want the extra weight.
I sold them to the first acceptable offer.

Brand aside these are still a tool in the evolutionary process and have not displaced the regular wrench set in all aspects yet. For the bulk factor mainly.

Live and learn, still decent tools but not the wand of Harry Potter were he a mechanic. I found a better all around style in the L socket wrenches for versatility.
Still not perfect but more versatile by far.

 

[Sugarfryz]

I use mine daily at work with no issue. Never noticed a sloppiness, it's a great buy for the pro who uses them daily. I don't regret my purchase at all.

I haven't experienced the sloppiness, I know they do have their off corner engagement featured in their 12 points. Is this maybe what you're feeling? I've never had an issue with them rounding anything.

 

[countryroad82]

X-Frames?

Yup. They're freaking awesome. If SK ever makes more sizes I'll have them in my box pronto!

 

[redwrench60]

I don't know fellas, mine have been great. I have the first design Snap On reversible FD+ wrenches in metric and SAE. They are nice and smooth with a fine ratcheting action and low backdrag. They are nice and long for leverage/reach and have the proven FD+ open end. I've had no failures and I use them professionally 5-6 days a week. I'd buy them all over again in a second.

 

[Sugarfryz]

I don't know fellas, mine have been great. I have the first design Snap On reversible FD+ wrenches in metric and SAE. They are nice and smooth with a fine ratcheting action and low backdrag. They are nice and long for leverage/reach and have the proven FD+ open end. I've had no failures and I use them professionally 5-6 days a week. I'd buy them all over again in a second.

This.

 

[xjfish]

I have a new set of standard and metrics with the low profile heads which can be rebuilt. A couple of them felt a little notchy at first but after using them a little that has gone away. They are nice wrenches but so are all the other makes. Depends what you want. I am happy with my wrenches and unfortunately unhappy with my wallet after buying them.

x2 Same experience.

 

[Skin]

No problems here either. The design is literally a miniaturized dual 80 so its well proven. My only complaints with them have been with the thickness of the box end and the finger friendly levers are aimed up so they can break off (repairable). As far as ratcheting action I have no complaints.

That said i'd have a hard time recommending them over other brands simply due to the price. They're nice but not worth the premium. Im a bit of a hoarder of ratcheting wrenches but if I had any economic sense i'd of never of kept them.

 

[winchman]

I rarely buy Snap On now as we have no local dealer, but I do feel some of the items are of lesser quality than 20 years ago.
I have a set or Gearwrench ratchet spanners and can't fault them, I use them daily and after 5 years they are all fine, cost less than half of the snap on price.

 

[Bagherra]

Send those wrenches to me...

 

[ToolNuttt]

Only thing I dislike about the snap on ratcheting wrenches are their weak levers. Had to warranty two so far with the same problem. My spare set is a Proto anti slip ratcheting wrench and I can tell its designed better. Proto's lever is flush with the head while snap on sort of pops up with the retaining screw.

 

[shockwave]

I was looking at these newer ones the other day they are quite ice and smooth but not worth the extra imo and too fat compared to others
Gedore make a nice set too but very difficult to get in the states

Also check out napa Carlyle line same as matco made by Kabo

 

[Nch209]

Well just got in from the garage. Maybe my two sets are lemons???? Who knows, but these things are a joke! My chineeseium lobster claw crapsman have tighter clearances than the flank drives! No kidding! That said, these are my first flank drive set.... are they suppose to nearly round off a head before they grip and remove???? I mean my 10mm is looser than....

I need to add some pics, because I'm not trolling... just way disappointed!