flex head ratchet wrenches vs non flex

[kenc184]

I had the itch to upgrade something, and having just replaced 14 hoses/pipes/water pump etc on my wife's car where a flex head wrench or two would've been very handy I decided to upgrade my old gearwrench SAE double box ratchet wrenches with some Tekton flex head double box. I tried them out a little, but don't immediately have a real project to use them on (yes, I'm always buying tools AFTER I need them)

So to those who have both, do you find you use the non flex head ratchet wrenches more or less than the flex heads? Asking, because I'm considering doing the same with my metric ones. I like one aspect of the Tektons - the 6 point heads but you could argue that's only useful on a high torque tool, and that maybe 12 point is a better choice for a ratcheting wrench?

 

[Fedwrench]

Flexhead ratcheting wrenches definitely have their place in your arsenal to defeat automotive fasteners in difficult to access areas.

I have a strange set from SP tools that has a locking flex head on one end and a fixed boxed end on the other end. They're also standard length which is a plus. I prefer these because, I feel that an open end on a ratcheting wrench is a waste of an end.

As for the whole 6 point versus 12 point debate, I feel it's a non issue on a ratcheting boxed end wrench, as the 72-100 or more tooth ratcheting action provides for quick fastener engagement but, that's just me. People will argue this to death.

I would pick up the Tekton metric flex head set when time, funds, permit. It's better to have the tools on hand before a need presents itself, then to suffer through a repair wishing you had them

 

[lardy1]

Those Tekton flex metrics are coming up soon on my list. I have the fixed reversibles in fractional. I kinda wish I had went with flex. My inexperience worked against me there.

 

[demarpaint]

I could be wrong but, IIRC the Tekton wrenches you're referring to have 6 points. I'd look for something with 12 points, especially for working in tight places.

 

[kenc184]

I feel that an open end on a ratcheting wrench is a waste of an end.

Couldn't agree more, I have enough open and wrenches to sink a battleship, I don't need to pay for another half set. That's why I bought the double box end.
Save some space in the SAE wrench drawer.

 

[kenc184]

I could be wrong but, IIRC the Tekton wrenches you're referring to have 6 points. I'd look for something with 12 points, especially for working in tight places.

Yes, they're 6 point but they're 72 tooth, so plenty adjustable. I agree that on a ratchet wrench which is inherently a low torque tool, 6 point is not the advantage it would be on a socket.

One issue is finding non Chicom tools of a reasonable price, Tekton was about all I could find that fit the bill.

 

[anavrinIV]

All my ratcheting wrenches are flex head, a around versatile tool. Only issue is they are not reversible and every once in a while you can wrench yourself into a corner and get the tool stuck, almost has this happen takinh off caliper bolts once

 

[Ton ton]

I use 12 point ratchet wrenches with a flexhead on one end.

 

[Wamsutta]

To me, the most useful would be an extra long double box end with one of the ends flexing, and the other end fixed.

 

[Fedwrench]

To me, the most useful would be an extra long double box end with one of the ends flexing, and the other end fixed.

There are several of those type available. However, in many applications, they're simply too long to use. However, it's great to have options

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I have both personally and use both quite frequently when I am doing repairs and not inspections. The bad thing is the flex heads start to wear out and flop freely quite soon luckily I just emailed them and they sent new ones and said if it happens again let them know and they will send more free ones so I can’t complain about the warranty on them I have both Gearwrench and Tekton and both are great.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[demarpaint]

Yes, they're 6 point but they're 72 tooth, so plenty adjustable. I agree that on a ratchet wrench which is inherently a low torque tool, 6 point is not the advantage it would be on a socket.

One issue is finding non Chicom tools of a reasonable price, Tekton was about all I could find that fit the bill.

I hear ya, but I found in tight places the 6 point defeats the purpose. I wish Tekton would make them in 12 point, 90 tooth, they'd have a winner. Tekton are you listening?

 

[lardy1]

After I bought my 6 point Tektons I went through a short period of regret because of the same concerns. The few times the wrench didn't line up I did have to adjust the ring a click or two. After awhile it became a non issue. When I get ready to buy flex version I will likely buy Tekton again unless I can go with Proto or Blackhawk. For the money, they're pretty hard to beat and the 6 or 12 point comparison, while it is a difference, I personally don't see it as a deal breaker.

 

[MarineScott]

I won't buy a fixed head ratchet. I prefer a locking flex head.

 

[Tduby]

After I bought my 6 point Tektons I went through a short period of regret because of the same concerns. The few times the wrench didn't line up I did have to adjust the ring a click or two. After awhile it became a non issue. When I get ready to buy flex version I will likely buy Tekton again unless I can go with Proto or Blackhawk. For the money, they're pretty hard to beat and the 6 or 12 point comparison, while it is a difference, I personally don't see it as a deal breaker.

Yeah I never saw the point in 12 point ratcheting wrenches if it doesn’t line up give it a few clicks I rather have the grip of a 6 point. My guess tekton does it because 6 points are cheaper to broach I like their tools but they are all about doing things as cheaply as possible.

 

[Citation]

I've really wanted a set of these after watching The Wizard (The Wizard's Shop on Youtube) talk about them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDO1DPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
They are extended, flex head, reversing ratcheting wrenches with an offset end. The offset is one of the parts I really like since often automotive bolts/nuts need just a bit of offset for clearance reasons.

At $130 I haven't been able to justify them. As a shade tree who hasn't had to do too much car work in recent years, the time saved isn't quite enough to justify their purchase. That and I bought some rotohead ratchets which, while not quite a good in some cases, actually address many of the same situations for me.

 

[Ton ton]

I have seen those Mountain brand for $144 in the auto parts store catalog.

 

[BK13]

I have a strange set from SP tools that has a locking flex head on one end and a fixed boxed end on the other end. They're also standard length which is a plus. I prefer these because, I feel that an open end on a ratcheting wrench is a waste of an end.

You, sir, ****. I may need to order up a set or four. Do you find the zero-offset fixed end a hindrance?

As for the whole 6 point versus 12 point debate, I feel it's a non issue on a ratcheting boxed end wrench, as the 72-100 or more tooth ratcheting action provides for quick fastener engagement but, that's just me. People will argue this to death.

Not to mention the guts of the ratcheting end are likely to let go before the flats of the fastener round off.

 

[Ton ton]

Lol on 6 pt. versus 12 pt. Ratchet wrench discussion. I agree with what has been posted.

 

[kenc184]

I've really wanted a set of these after watching The Wizard (The Wizard's Shop on Youtube) talk about them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDO1DPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
They are extended, flex head, reversing ratcheting wrenches with an offset end. The offset is one of the parts I really like since often automotive bolts/nuts need just a bit of offset for clearance reasons.

At $130 I haven't been able to justify them. As a shade tree who hasn't had to do too much car work in recent years, the time saved isn't quite enough to justify their purchase. That and I bought some rotohead ratchets which, while not quite a good in some cases, actually address many of the same situations for me.

They're splines though, which I'm not keen on, and Chicom which I'm really not keen on.
And do you really want that extra leverage on a ratchet wrench? Seems like it might put the mechanism in danger?

 

[kenc184]

Anyone with flex heads ever wish they had locking flex heads?

 

[Citation]

They're splines though, which I'm not keen on, and Chicom which I'm really not keen on.
And do you really want that extra leverage on a ratchet wrench? Seems like it might put the mechanism in danger?

I have a set of spline ratcheting wrenches. I've had no issues with them. Chinese (I thought they were Taiwan, not China) isn't an issue if they are well made at least if the concern is quality (no comment on the political aspects).

The length isn't so much for leverage as reach. With a long wrench you can often keep your hands clear of obstructions. I'm thinking of the belt side of a transverse engine.

If the Car Wizard loves them I figure there is a reason to like them.

 

[SeisMec]

Anyone with flex heads ever wish they had locking flex heads?

I know there are locking flex head ratchets, but does anyone even make a locking flex head ratcheting wrench?

 

[nsc]

I know there are locking flex head ratchets, but does anyone even make a locking flex head ratcheting wrench?

It looks like proto/blackhawk, gearwrench, husky, and craftsman all do.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I've really wanted a set of these after watching The Wizard (The Wizard's Shop on Youtube) talk about them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDO1DPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
They are extended, flex head, reversing ratcheting wrenches with an offset end. The offset is one of the parts I really like since often automotive bolts/nuts need just a bit of offset for clearance reasons.

At $130 I haven't been able to justify them. As a shade tree who hasn't had to do too much car work in recent years, the time saved isn't quite enough to justify their purchase. That and I bought some rotohead ratchets which, while not quite a good in some cases, actually address many of the same situations for me.

I have a set of those, and in the right situation they are fantastic. Not the first wrench I reach for but still very useful.

 

[kenc184]

I have a set of those, and in the right situation they are fantastic. Not the first wrench I reach for but still very useful.

Why do those have the extended black spline section? Looks like it doubles the thickness of the head which can't be good in tight situations?

 

[Citation]

Why do those have the extended black spline section? Looks like it doubles the thickness of the head which can't be good in tight situations?

The advantage is that often a flat wrench is too big to fit down around a bolt head. Often the bolt head only has enough clearance for the thickness of a socket wall, or a box end wall, not the extra thickness of a ratcheting wrench. So that offset allows it to get bolt heads that otherwise are slightly recessed or have shallow obstructions around them. One example would be say the 3-4 bolts that hold a pulley onto a water pump. The lip around the diameter of the pulley creates a slight recess that a flat box end wrench can't reach. This can.

The same thinking explains wrenches like these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3G98Z6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
(shown for example, no personal experience nor a recommendation).

 

[ike]

I bought a set of gearwrench flex heads back around 2005. I still have them, and they are one of my favorite tools. A few years later, I bought a set of the non-flex ratcheting wrenches and I've hardly ever used them. I always reach for the flex heads first.

 

[kenc184]

I think these Tektons are going to annoy me, I was hoping they'd have a couple of detents for the flex head, but no. I'm thinking locking might be a better idea if there are no flex heads that use something - a spring and ball bearing or whatever to keep the head kind of where you want it.

Is there such a thing as a double box locking ratcheting flex head - not with a simple ring wrench at one end but two different sized locking flexs? These certainly exist in fixed form.

 

[Tbird22]

I have an Armstrong non flex ratcheting kit. At work we have a flex head kit and someone lost a 12mm flex head and I had to use a non flex one until the replacement came. That’s when I realized how much I loved the flex head. I decided to take a dive on Capri tools 100 tooth flex ratchet because they are on sale for 70 bucks 10-19. Don’t know quality but I wanted 12 point. Oddly, I wanted an 8mm and they were sold out, so I bought a tekton 8mm flex head wrench. I guess I’ll compare based on that. I’ll try and write a review on them when they do come. Too few situations that a locking flex will help imo so I didn’t go crazy for that feature




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[c5greg]

I have both flex and non flex Gearwrench. I bought a set of non-flex years ago when they came out and liked them enough that when the flex heads came out i bought them as well. Like Ike, I always reach for the flex heads.

One thing to remember on the Gearwrench (at least the ones i have) is there is not a reverse lever, you have to flip the wrench. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.