Box end flex head offset ratcheting wrenches

[Uncle Ben]

Hey everyone. I'm trying to see if a lower cost option exists for offset flexhead, box end ratcheting wrenches. There is an Icon set at Harbor Freight for $230 and two VIM Tools sets that come out to about $240 combined (2 sets in order to cover the size range), but both of these are way over my price range. I've already got fixed end ratcheting box end wrenches, as well as flex head ratcheting wrenches, but the more I work on vehicles (and other things) the more I'm realizing that in tight spots, an offset flex head with more depth to the ratchet end would still be shallow enough to get into most tight spots, but the extra box end depth stays on the bolt head much easier.

I really like the concept of the VIM tools heads, because they go on any extension, which would make them extremely versitile, because you could use the head by itself as an ultra stubby option, or use anything from a little 3" extension to a 24" extension to get the flex head ratchet to be any length you could possibly want...and it would take up very little space in the tool box. But $240 is not going to be too much for me. Anyway, I wanted to see if there are other options out there that I don't know about.

Thanks!

 

[ecotec]

My take on the ICON wrenches is that they are the same Kabo wrenches as the Platinum, Mountain, Carlyle, ATD… and about five other brands. They might have different finishes… but, they are basically the same.

By the way, they have been terrific so far.

For me, paying a little more for the ICON set was worth it. There is a Harbor Freight a mile from my house. The easy warranty is, in my opinion, worth paying more. If you are hundreds of miles from a Harbor Freight, the warranty would not be as convenient. If that is the case, I would recommend getting the cheapest set, or the set that is easiest for you to warranty.

If you are not in a hurry, you could wait until they have a decent percentage off sale on ICON wrenches.

The VIM set, I have no real opinion on. I don’t have it, and I couldn’t justify buying it.

 

[richfinn]

I have the Mountain 5 piece XL set, and some 3/8" Astro Nano sockets and both sizes of Astro handles (different lengths), and the Gearwrench Serpentine belt kit that pretty much covers what I need these type of tools for to be honest.

 

[shoggoth80]

I don't personally own a set yet. I have bought them for the guys at work. Mountain will cost a little less, as well the Platinum and ATD branded ones. However, while none have been problematic, we've decided (we being mostly me, with management agreeing) that the ability to warranty locally if we do run into any failures is worth the few extra bucks. So we've standardized on the Icon set.

While a little spendy from an average person point of view, they're nothing price wise to the rebrands sold on trucks... And they are quite nice wrenches according to pretty much everyone at the shop who has used them. They're on my personal wish list as well. Lol. Just other things keep taking priority.

 

[Twisted Sid]

What about getting the Astro nano sockets and ratchets? It would pretty much give you the same profile as an offset ratcheting wrench. Would be much cheaper
You could also get the olsa retainers to put the sockets on just a normal wrench.

 

[Uncle Ben]

I actually have the Astra nano sockets, but figured thought the offset ratcheting wrenches would be lower clearance. I did not know about the olsa retainers...is that item on Amazon?

 

[stonesfan68]

What about getting the Astro nano sockets and ratchets? It would pretty much give you the same profile as an offset ratcheting wrench. Would be much cheaper
You could also get the olsa retainers to put the sockets on just a normal wrench.

This is what I did. The size range is great and they have different length flex-head handles for different applications.

 

[Twisted Sid]

I actually have the Astra nano sockets, but figured thought the offset ratcheting wrenches would be lower clearance. I did not know about the olsa retainers...is that item on Amazon?

https://olsatools.com/products/clip-for-stubby-impact?variant=43475978682419&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOorN2GcqnD6lKDtl1Wuqqt7GAjfDtv2kqvFerbWMihJegLkJLjlztQM

Olsa is also a vendor on this forum

 

[Toold_up]

Matco had a 3/8 pass through flex head ratchet once upon a time. Made by Armstrong, and I belive only offered by Matco:

 

[Pinne]

FWIW the Icon set seems to go on sale for ~40% off a couple of times a year. I bought them earlier this year for just under $140 before tax.

 

[mikey03]

Honestly I hope tekton makes these Ratcheting heads you can put on extensions. I’d buy me some individuals like 10mm 12mm 13mm. Would actually like them with 1/4 drive

 

[ecotec]

FWIW the Icon set seems to go on sale for ~40% off a couple of times a year. I bought them earlier this year for just under $140 before tax.

This… do this.

 

[FigN⋅m]

This… do this.

So much this!
I actually bought the Mountain set and sold it during the HF sale just to have the local convenience in case I get a little too rowdy.

 

[Uncle Ben]

Ok, then I will plan to wait for a 40% off sale for the HF set. Thanks!

 

[Chipm]

Another vote for Icon.