Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches vs non-ratcheting

[rick carpenter]

I'm working on acquiring a set of Toyota-specific Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches and impact sockets for my Tacoma and I wanna keep it minimal since I have plenty of other general dicking around tools in the garage. I know my go-to setup will be sockets driven by my socket wrenches or my guns, but sometimes I will need to use the wrenches. I should only ever need 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, & 30 mm wrenches. The smaller size wrenches should be rats but at which size should I go with non-rats? And any specific smaller non-rats as supplements? Maybe the 10 mm.

There is nothing wrong with my Tacoma right now and I'll always let a shop do the major work if needed, but I want to get ready for whatever I'll hafta do myself since the warranty is running out.

 

[moon_tanner]

I have the Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches paired with the Harbor Freight flex head racheting wrenches. I have abused both sets since 2013/2014 and they are still holding up.

 

[Ton ton]

Definitely go with the ratcheting version, doesn't necessarily have to be gearwrench brand though. Some of the other brand of ratcheting wrenches may have an easier warranty.

 

[qqzj]

Definitely get a whole set. Buying individual pieces won't save you money. The large ones are especially expensive. I recom the 16 piece flex head set at $188 now at Amazon. You can wait for a deal though since you are not in a hurry.

 

[dstblj52]

id be inclined just to go get the hf ones then

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm not sure if I would pop for ratcheting wrenches over 24 mm. I use a 22mm ratcheting wrench often but, I think I would opt for regular combination wrenches for the 27 & 30 mm since are pretty large sizes. However, I don't work on Tacomas or Toyotas in general.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’d have both non ratcheting and ratcheting. Sometimes the box end of a ratchet wrench is too big to fit somewhere a regular wrench will. Working on a Tacoma or Toyota in general you will need a 21mm also. I don’t see a reason to buy a 27 or 30 in ratcheting

 

[VolvoRyan]

I’d have both non ratcheting and ratcheting. Sometimes the box end of a ratchet wrench is too big to fit somewhere a regular wrench will. Working on a Tacoma or Toyota in general you will need a 21mm also. I don’t see a reason to buy a 27 or 30 in ratcheting

My thoughts exactly. Ratcheting box wrenches fit in fewer and fewer places it seems. The thickness in my Gearwrenches seems to jump up a big step around 17mm.

-Ryan

 

[Old Donn]

I’d have both non ratcheting and ratcheting. Sometimes the box end of a ratchet wrench is too big to fit somewhere a regular wrench will.

What Blake said. Found that out this past summer removing/installing the fan bolts on my old Chevy. Ratcheting box was too big, regular did the trick.

 

[KnurledNut]

I should only ever need 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, & 30 mm wrenches.

IIRC, some of those taco battery terminals might be 11mm.

 

[sk farmer]

i don't care the application. if you don't have any wrenches, standard combo wrenches are what you need. end of discussion.

when you have the basics covered with a combo wrench then supplement your capabilities with ratcheting, stubby or whatever your needs may be. a ratcheting wrench is almost always bulkier and weaker than a standard combo wrench which means they should not be your first line tool.

don't get me wrong, ratcheting wrenches are fine and i have plenty of them but when the choice is either or, the standard combo wins. it is simply a stronger tool that fits in more places.

 

[qqzj]

I am not a fan of so called standard wrenches because they are 12 points. For any hex fastener, I start with 6 point sockets. If that doesn't work, I either go to low profile sockets/wrench or serpentine belt tool because they are all six points. If they still don't work, I go for tekton 6 point long double flex head wrenches, if that still don't work, I pick up my 6 point wrenches. A standard wrench is about the last thing I would touch. I honestly feel a flex head ratcheting wrench is a lot more useful when the fastener is not tough but in an awkward position.

 

[goforbroke]

I own a Tacoma along with other cars and 9 times out of 10 I use my ratcheting wrenches on whatever car I’m working on.

 

[qqzj]

Hi OP, if you are feeling adventurous, you can try these. Probably won't be great. But it does not cost anything anyways

Amazon.com

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Definitely get a whole set. Buying individual pieces won't save you money. The large ones are especially expensive. I recom the 16 piece flex head set at $188 now at Amazon. You can wait for a deal though since you are not in a hurry.

Yes, especially with Gearwrench. The sets will inevitably be cheaper than building a partial set. I find them on sale everywhere.

i don't care the application. if you don't have any wrenches, standard combo wrenches are what you need. end of discussion.

when you have the basics covered with a combo wrench then supplement your capabilities with ratcheting, stubby or whatever your needs may be. a ratcheting wrench is almost always bulkier and weaker than a standard combo wrench which means they should not be your first line tool.

don't get me wrong, ratcheting wrenches are fine and i have plenty of them but when the choice is either or, the standard combo wins. it is simply a stronger tool that fits in more places.

I use my regular combo wrenches way more than my ratcheting ones. Generally if I can get a ratcheting box end on something I can fit a socket and ratchet on it too. But I am not in auto but manufacturing so my experience is a little different.

 

[Handyandy23]

I agree with the others saying just buy a set. There's no value in buying singles when you're already listing 10 sizes.

Standard combo wrenches are still the best I think if all you can have is one type. But then that's why there's so many different kinds of wrenches, because some are ideal in certain situations, while others are terrible. If you get short sockets like Astro Nano's, then the need for ratcheting wrenches goes down quite a bit.

I only use wrenches when nothing else will fit. Combos give you the best chance at being "useful" in any situation with an open and box end, straight and offset ends, thinner than ratcheting, etc. But if you can fit a ratcheting then a regular combo wrench is going to be slower.
You also have flex head wrenches that can be useful depending on the situation, but I also find them a bit of a pain to use, so I don't use them unless it's a last resort.

My favorite wrenches are the GearWrench XL ratcheting wrenches that are a straight beam, regular 12-point box on one end, ratcheting 12-point box on the other. They are probably what I use most. But again, they aren't applicable all the time, because sometimes you need the open end, sometimes and offset, sometimes they are too long, etc.

So you either accept that you are trying to build a tool kit on a budget with the most flexibility in what you can fix and just go combo wrenches, or you embrace the different types and the benefits they offer and go wild with it.

 

[rick carpenter]

Thanks, y'all. Probably I'll start off with a set of rats which typically go up to 19mm, then fill in up to 32mm with single non-rats. So now, 6pt or 12pt in the larger non-rats?

 

[charbar]

I would never trust that a ratcheting wrench is going to fit where it needs to or not strip out if that was my only wrench (say if you are making an emergency tool bag for the truck or something like that)

If they are going to hang in the shop wall, or are add-ons to regular combo wrenches then yes, go for it.

Also I would stick with 6 pt. on anything bigger than 19mm if that is your cutoff size. Its pretty hard to round off a fastener with a 12 pt wrench on anything that size. Also, when you are using bigger wrenches in smaller spaces like on a vehicle it can be pretty hard or impossible to have the nut/bolt indexed correctly to get the wrench on it......6 pt. doesn't give you a whole lot of options on where you can get a wrench on, 12 pt will.

 

[Citation]

What is the intent here? Is this a set of tools to leave in the truck? If this is something you are going to leave in the garage do you already have a good set of tools?

My recall of Toyotas is basically everything you need to get at is an 8, 10, 12, 14, or 17mm. There are some bigger fasteners but they are likely rarely used so if you already have them covered, why bother? Also, the last Toyota head I pulled (which was a long time ago) used 12pt, 10mm bolts if I recall. The exhaust studs required a reverse Torx. A lot of interior stuff needed a screwdriver.

If the intent is to assembly a carry around tool kit then I would focus on the jobs you could actually do on the road side/drive way. That likely rules out things that require pulling axle nuts etc.

If this is a set of tools for the garage then I would start with the basics. A set of combo wrenches and sockets that cover your range then things like a flex head/roto head ratchet and perhaps a 3/8 drive 1" extension (it works nicely if you don't have a full set of deep well sockets). Ratcheting wrenches are nice and a time saver but if time isn't money then traditional wrenches can almost always get the job done if more slowly.

 

[finn]

6 point combination wrenches are useless. Sockets, yes, wrenches no.

You live in Texas, so it’s unlikely you will ever see a corroded fastener anyway.

Get regular combination wrenches before the ratchets. I use my ratcheting wrenches frequently, but sometimes the just are too bulky to fit space challenged fasteners.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I used to be a 6-point-only guy... but 6-points require 60 degrees of turn before you can get the "next set of flats". 12-points half that. When you consider the off corner loading design (AKA Snap-On's Flank-Drive) that all wrenches have nowadays. 6-point is not getting you *that* much more of a bite than a 12-pt. Consequently, I grab a 12-pt wrench first.

I use ratcheting box wrenches very infrequently nowadays. You can't live without them, but there are too many places where they just don't fit. Usually if I can get one to fit, a 1/4" ratchet/socket will also fit and save my knuckles.

-Ryan

 

[ajchien]

I would try to find a set that covers 8-19. For larger than 19 I would buy only when needed. I would suspect that most of your 22-30mm needs are going to be in locations where a socket +/- universal / wobble would work.

 

[rick carpenter]

OK, so I'm now planning on a set of rats covering the smaller two-thirds of the wrench sizes needed and 12 pt non-rats covering the larger two-thirds, with overlap in the mid range. I've got shallow & deep 3/8 impact sockets up to 19 mm and the larger sizes in deep 1/2 impact sockets with no overlap coming at the end of this month . The wrenches will come after that. Then I'll fill in anything else when needed.

The intent is a dedicated set for the Tacoma that will live in their own cart/box in the garage. I've got a lot of SAE stuff on my wall and in my box, with some but not enough metric.

 

[RTM]

I’ve got an 06 Tacoma, and have rarely worked on it, changed the cabin fan, and the condenser. Paid the shop to do the front wheel bearings. Brakes etc, no special tools required.

Save the $$ for other toys.

 

[Ton ton]

12 point ratcheting wrenches is what I grab first. Yes I do have the 6 point ratcheting wrenches in SAE.

 

[f121]

Buy a full set of metric non-ratcheting wrenches. Then maybe buy a set of 10-19mm ratcheting wrenchs.

 

[bbsjetta92]

Just wanted to chime in here. I have an '03 Toyota Solara, and so I do a lot (i.e., all) of my own maintenance/upkeep. I've had good luck with this DURATECH set, believe it or not. I wouldn't be using the ratchet end to break anything remotely mid to high torque lose, but they're holding up well, especially given their price. Just my $.02 and experience thus far, after ~4 months of light/mid DIY usage.

Amazon.com

 

[Steve_P]

I have a 2009 Tacoma 4X4, 4 cylinder, 5 speed MT, with almost 150K miles. I've unfortunately had to do a lot of work to it: transmission, clutch (only because the trans was out), front diff LH output bearing, front wheel bearings, rear wheel bearings, water pump, spark plugs, driveshaft support bearing, front pads, rear shoes, oil/gear oil changes,..... Except for the last 6 items, items which I consider acceptable, and obviously the last item is required, it's been a real POS. I've never needed a ratcheting wrench. Never needed a wrench above 19 mm and maybe even 17 mm. The front wheel hub takes something like a 35 mm, but you'll want to use a socket on it so you can torque it. Wheel nuts are 21 mm. I can't remember what size the drain plugs are, but 6 point sockets and hex bit socket on them.
So, buy a set of 12 point wrenches thru at least 19 mm, and a full set of chrome sockets and you're set. The front differential drain uses a hex bit to remove and it's tough, so plan on a hex bit socket on an impact.

 

[Badgerstate]

I'm working on acquiring a set of Toyota-specific Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches and impact sockets for my Tacoma and I wanna keep it minimal since I have plenty of other general dicking around tools in the garage. I know my go-to setup will be sockets driven by my socket wrenches or my guns, but sometimes I will need to use the wrenches. I should only ever need 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, & 30 mm wrenches. The smaller size wrenches should be rats but at which size should I go with non-rats? And any specific smaller non-rats as supplements? Maybe the 10 mm.

There is nothing wrong with my Tacoma right now and I'll always let a shop do the major work if needed, but I want to get ready for whatever I'll hafta do myself since the warranty is running out.

Id go rat for everything unless HF doesnt make it. Besides, you drive a Tacoma. Chances are your tools will rust away before that truck needs to be fixed.

 

[Paco Pena]

I find the small ratcheting wrenchs handy but havent found much use for the larger ones. Great for small low torque fasteners. I use standard wrenches and sockets far more often.

Paco

 

[Steve_P]

Id go rat for everything unless HF doesnt make it. Besides, you drive a Tacoma. Chances are your tools will rust away before that truck needs to be fixed.

Do you actually own a Tacoma?? I'm guessing not, because the front wheel bearings consistently fail before 150K; and around 100K. I consider this unacceptable, but Toyota is fine with it as they still use the same design on the new model. And same with the driveshaft support bearing rubber support. I consider that ok, but not wheel bearings, transmissions....

 

[joseywales]

Here's where I ended up on this. Stubby wrenches are most times for tight spaces. Tight spaces don't have much room to wrench, so they should likely be ratcheting, correct? So, I ordered the Icon ratcheting stubby wrenches.

 

[jhelrey]

Wait until you buy Gearwrench XL Gearbox Double Box Ratcheting Wrenches. You'll wonder how you survived so long without them!

​

 

[dstblj52]

Wait until you buy Gearwrench XL Gearbox Double Box Ratcheting Wrenches. You'll wonder how you survived so long without them!

​

imho skip those for the kabo made ones their even better

 

[cjarvis]

Thanks, y'all. Probably I'll start off with a set of rats which typically go up to 19mm, then fill in up to 32mm with single non-rats. So now, 6pt or 12pt in the larger non-rats?

This is a good idea. I’ve had 2 Tacomas over the last 21 years and a combined total of about 600k miles. The only place I’ve needed anything over a 19mm wrench is for suspension and steering work. Even then, it was to back up a ratchet or impact wrench. 27mm and up will be for your tie rod ends, where you won’t be able to use a ratcheting wrench anyway.

The Tacoma is pretty easy to work on and the only place I’ve ever felt that a ratcheting wrench was almost a necessity was the nut at the top of the front shock. There’s not quite enough room there to get a ratchet and socket on it.

 

[BFHtime]

i don't care the application. if you don't have any wrenches, standard combo wrenches are what you need. end of discussion.

when you have the basics covered with a combo wrench then supplement your capabilities with ratcheting, stubby or whatever your needs may be. a ratcheting wrench is almost always bulkier and weaker than a standard combo wrench which means they should not be your first line tool.

don't get me wrong, ratcheting wrenches are fine and i have plenty of them but when the choice is either or, the standard combo wins. it is simply a stronger tool that fits in more places.

Great advice.!!!

 

[BFHtime]

Thanks, y'all. Probably I'll start off with a set of rats which typically go up to 19mm, then fill in up to 32mm with single non-rats. So now, 6pt or 12pt in the larger non-rats?

In my opinion at about 17mm 6pt vs 12 pt does not matter anymore other than the 12 will be more convenient, and sometimes depending on the situation one can have more bite than the other, kind of funny how that is.

 

[rick carpenter]

Buy a full set of metric non-ratcheting wrenches. Then maybe buy a set of 10-19mm ratcheting wrenchs.

This is now the direction I'm in. I realize I've bounced all over the place here and I truly thank y'all for and value y'all's responses, so I've recently bought a set of 8-30mm 12-pt standard combos to start with... except by Capri. Prices were nice and lots of good reviews here for Capri. Next will come a few Capri 15 degree fixed head 6-pt reversible ratcheting wrenches up through 19mm. I've always been less than 100% pleased using the few 8-12mm GW zero degree fixed head rats and 10-14mm Husky detentless non-locking flex rats that I have when two-handed wrenching.

Thanks again, y'all!

 

[WWheeler]

i don't care the application. if you don't have any wrenches, standard combo wrenches are what you need. end of discussion.

This 100%

I have Gearwrench ratcheting combo wrenches in flex and non-flex and reversible and non-reversible and flex stubbies in SAE and Metric. Here's the pic I posted in the 'show your new tools' thread back in 2016 when I bought most of them.



And from the same thread here's the pics I posted when I picked up Gearwrench non-ratcheting combo wrenches in a 44pc 12pt metric & SAE set and I have a 28pc 6pt metric & SAE set back in 2017 and 2018 respectively.



I use all of them all the time BUT if I had to choose between the ratcheting or non-ratcheting I'd definitely pick the non-ratcheting. I wouldn't even need to think twice about it. There's waaaay too many times I run into places where the ratcheting wrenches won't fit and a standard combo wrench will. I got by just fine and so did everyone else long before the very first Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches showed up on the scene in the mid/late 1990s.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm a ratcheting wrench guy but if it's not reversible I don't want it. You need the offset the reversible ratcheting wrenches provide. Obviously I have TOPTUL's reversible ratcheting wrench set but my fave is the set by Gearwrench that has the twisted beams so that your palm is against something 1/2" thick instead of 1/8" thick. This one here: https://www.gearwrench.com/products...2-pc-72-tooth-12-point-reversible-xl-x-beamtm