Who makes the best ratcheting wrench??
- Thread starter T45
- Start date
Jeepster425
Well-known member
Don't get the ez red, personally I think they ****, my mac xperts have treated me well, but I'd say snappy
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
anndel
Well-known member
I love my Snap On combo ratcheting wrenches!
I dunno about best, but I'd kinda like to get a set of DeWalt. I'd also like a set of the Proto USA ratcheting wrenches. The ultimate for me would be a complete set of Gedores, but these fine German made tools are unlikely to grace my garage due to cost.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I have Gearwrench, Craftsman, 10 year old Husky, Proto, Matco. The majority of my stuff is Gearwremch, but I think the Matco ratchet wrenches with spline box end are superb. The Proto's are spline drive also, but the Matco takes the cake. However, Gearwrench quality and price cannot be beat.
Here's an awesome deal on some Gearwrench metric reversibles. You might also be able to slap a promo code on top to get them cheaper or free shipping. Check around http://m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_200658512_200658512?hotline=false
Here's an awesome deal on some Gearwrench metric reversibles. You might also be able to slap a promo code on top to get them cheaper or free shipping. Check around http://m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_200658512_200658512?hotline=false
Last edited:
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Best is up to the person using it
However, new to market would the Tekton ratcheting wrenches.
I picked up a set of their standard length metric double box end flex ratcheting wrenches. I like them. They do come in a red wrench rack which is the wrong color for metric wrenches but, maybe Tekton will figure that out one day
I rarely ever use the open end on a flex head combination ratcheting wrench so, these are almost perfect for me. They have nice 6 point ratcheting boxed ends with off corner engagement, crisp 72 tooth action, nice chrome, & balance. The only downside to these wrenches is that on the smaller sizes like 8 & 10mm, the boxed end wall seem a little thick but, that might be my eyes just playing tricks on me. What I like about these wrenches is that they aren't too long. Many models of ratcheting boxed end wrenches are in the extra long length category. There's nothing wrong with that but, sometimes those wrenches are too long to use in some situations. These Tekton standard length flex head box end wrenches are the perfect length for most applications.
Now if Tekton was to make this length wrench with a fixed box end on one end and a fine tooth ratcheting boxed end on the other end, they would have the perfect ratcheting wrench in my opinion.
Yes, other brands make this wrench in extra long versions, and I own most versions but, no one makes a standard length version
http://www.tekton.com/Ratcheting_Wrenches
However, new to market would the Tekton ratcheting wrenches.
I picked up a set of their standard length metric double box end flex ratcheting wrenches. I like them. They do come in a red wrench rack which is the wrong color for metric wrenches but, maybe Tekton will figure that out one day
I rarely ever use the open end on a flex head combination ratcheting wrench so, these are almost perfect for me. They have nice 6 point ratcheting boxed ends with off corner engagement, crisp 72 tooth action, nice chrome, & balance. The only downside to these wrenches is that on the smaller sizes like 8 & 10mm, the boxed end wall seem a little thick but, that might be my eyes just playing tricks on me. What I like about these wrenches is that they aren't too long. Many models of ratcheting boxed end wrenches are in the extra long length category. There's nothing wrong with that but, sometimes those wrenches are too long to use in some situations. These Tekton standard length flex head box end wrenches are the perfect length for most applications.
Now if Tekton was to make this length wrench with a fixed box end on one end and a fine tooth ratcheting boxed end on the other end, they would have the perfect ratcheting wrench in my opinion.
Yes, other brands make this wrench in extra long versions, and I own most versions but, no one makes a standard length version
http://www.tekton.com/Ratcheting_Wrenches
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I like the USA Armstrong. Also the Kabo made Carlyle,Matco and Cornwell are very nice. The cheaper route would be Carlyle.
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
I have a flex set of Gearwrench that aren't to bad. A set of the zero degree GW that work. They just do not seem to ratchet as well. I guess low tooth count could be to blame.
I have a set of double box Armstrong that I really like. They have a zero degree ratcheting side and a standard 15 degree box end side. The only thing about them I have a problem with is that they're longer. But that's only for close quarters I don't like that. They seem to ratchet smoother and better than either sets of Gearwrench.
I have a set of double box Armstrong that I really like. They have a zero degree ratcheting side and a standard 15 degree box end side. The only thing about them I have a problem with is that they're longer. But that's only for close quarters I don't like that. They seem to ratchet smoother and better than either sets of Gearwrench.
countryroad82
Well-known member
I've had Gearwrench for almost 20 years. They've served me well. However I recently got a set of SKs. Omg they are awesome. 6pt, fine tooth, just ******** awesome! I've never liked reversible ratcheting wrenches so I'm good with them not being reversible. I just wish they made more sizes, but the major ones are covered.
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
These steelman pro ones are pretty cools (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AAKJ2F4/?tag=atomicindus08-20). They are similar to the Ez red/mountain/platinum XL DBE ratcheting wrench, but the reverse lever is on top (so you don't auto reverse while ratcheting between two obstructions) and the box end offset/extension is much thinner. Plus they have torx screws, not pins!
Oh buddy do I like that feature. I'm very very happy with my mountains with that one problem being a real cuss point. I bought a set of the steel man ratchets last year and all though they seem well made the back drag kills it for me and I never use them. I wonder if these are like those or more like the mountains which I have no complaints about.
My first set of GW flex heads I bought better then 20yrs ago I have loved to death. Last year I bought I new set to replace them and they aren't the same, matter of fact I'm pretty disappointed and now rarely use them.
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
Impossible to answer the headline question, different strokes and all...
I had a set of the original Gearwrench many years ago and found that the box ends were too large in many situations, so they sat mostly unused, I eventually sold them.
Currently the Facom 64/65 series are my favorite, they're really nice.
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_61_1062&products_id=7582
What would be great is a comparison of the width and thickness of the brands you list above
I had a set of the original Gearwrench many years ago and found that the box ends were too large in many situations, so they sat mostly unused, I eventually sold them.
Currently the Facom 64/65 series are my favorite, they're really nice.
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_61_1062&products_id=7582
What would be great is a comparison of the width and thickness of the brands you list above
Last edited:
PapaGrande
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2016
- Messages
- 74
Anyone know the tooth count on new Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches, both reversible and non?
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Gearwrench invented it so they got to get some votes.
A while back there apparently was a fire sale on the Dewalt reversibles and that was the hot smokin' deal of all time as these are top quality made by KABO in Taiwan. Think that deal is dead.
The Proto made in USA reversibles are really nice.
A while back there apparently was a fire sale on the Dewalt reversibles and that was the hot smokin' deal of all time as these are top quality made by KABO in Taiwan. Think that deal is dead.
The Proto made in USA reversibles are really nice.
Last edited:
Yeah, I like those facoms. I'm thinking about DBE is also nice / the next form factor. Any feed back on strength/reliability? I was dissapointed to hear some people having trouble with protos.
KM223
Well-known member
I have an older Gearwrench set that has worked well for years but my Snap On set is by far the better quality. The Snap Ons just have a tighter gear set with no off axis wobble, better fastener fit with no round offs or marring of fasteners. My Snap On set is the speed open end version.
Yeah, it's DBE only for me, having an open end/combo would be redundant in my inventory.
I saw a post recently where someone had a Proto fail. I've had no problems with the Facoms. Keep in mind that I am a home shop user and frankly I don't use a ratcheting wrench very often. I find that a socket/ratchet is faster unless there's a reason one wouldn't fit. With the auto/motorcycle resto/tinkering, homeowner repair etc. I do, I don't find a use for a ratcheting wrench very often. They're nice when you can use them though...
Edit: I've never had to use Facom warranty but it may be a concern for some. I emailed Stanley a year or so ago inquiring about Facom warranty in the U.S. and they never replied. I also emailed Steve @Ultimate Garage with the same question and I believe he said that any Facom warranty request would have to be sent to France! Maybe Ultgar will chime in to clarify...
Last edited:
Lets do a post of ring-end width. We will use 10mm as the test.
Hazet (606) - 18.9mm (+4.9 over normal socket)
Armstrong USA 54-510 - 19.36mm
SK - 19.5mm (+5.5 over normal socket)
KTC MSR2A-10 = 20mm (+6.0 over normal socket)
Facom - 20.2 (+6.2 over normal socket) [Zero offset]
Snap on (FD+) - 21.5 (+7.5 over normal socket), SOERXM, OXIRM is also 21.5
GW - 21.65mm (+7.65 over normal socket)
Bluepoint (BXORM) - 21.8 (+7.8 over normal socket)
Gedore (7R) - 22.1mm (+8.1 over normal socket)
[will update the post if people can post up more measurements]
*** For comparison, A 10mm socket is normal dimensions 14.0mm at external wall (give or take 0.1mm).
Hazet (606) - 18.9mm (+4.9 over normal socket)
Armstrong USA 54-510 - 19.36mm
SK - 19.5mm (+5.5 over normal socket)
KTC MSR2A-10 = 20mm (+6.0 over normal socket)
Facom - 20.2 (+6.2 over normal socket) [Zero offset]
Snap on (FD+) - 21.5 (+7.5 over normal socket), SOERXM, OXIRM is also 21.5
GW - 21.65mm (+7.65 over normal socket)
Bluepoint (BXORM) - 21.8 (+7.8 over normal socket)
Gedore (7R) - 22.1mm (+8.1 over normal socket)
[will update the post if people can post up more measurements]
*** For comparison, A 10mm socket is normal dimensions 14.0mm at external wall (give or take 0.1mm).
Last edited:
dutchgray
Well-known member
Hazet 606 is 18.9mm I really like these but only have a 10mm at this point.
Gedore 7R is 22.1mm this is the German made non reversible.
Gedore 7R is 22.1mm this is the German made non reversible.
Last edited:
Hazet is in my top liked wrench/socket tool brands. I wish they weren't so damned expensive here!
BTW, in no particular order: Hazet, Koken, Snap On, Facom are all up there for me
Last edited:
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
72 tooth unless it's a 120xp ratcheting spline wrench, those have 120 positions using the double pawl gear.
visit www.gearwrench.com for more info.
PapaGrande
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2016
- Messages
- 74
OK, thanks
Finky198
Well-known member
I really like Snappys XDHR(M) zero offset double box wrench!!!
I have the Bluepoints reversible Stubby flex heads as well they are a nice quality wrench and seem very strong i have yet to break one in 4 years...
I have the Bluepoints reversible Stubby flex heads as well they are a nice quality wrench and seem very strong i have yet to break one in 4 years...
Last edited:
I just wish Hazet's ratcheting wrenches weren't built on Taiwanese mechanisms.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Why?
Taiwan makes the best ratchet wrenches, every one I have ever liked has turned out to be Taiwanese made mechanism. I will say I haven't tried the new SK ones yet and I have never used a Snap On, but have tried them on a trade stand.
Finky198
Well-known member
I actually prefer the Blue point (Taiwan) reversible mechanism, over the Snap On High performance Line up not due to the lack reverse feature but just in terms of smoothness. I like both and use them daily, but Blue point has the edge in my opinion.
Itinerant
Well-known member
I've got a GW set that I hardly ever use and the last time I tried to use one was two weeks ago while disconnecting a sway bar link from a strut. There wasn't enough clearance to get the ratcheting box on the nut so I had to use the open end.
The 10mm measures 21.65mm wide and 7.75mm thick.
The 10mm measures 21.65mm wide and 7.75mm thick.
wafrederick
Well-known member
SK now,I purchased their x frame sets in Febuary and are my go to sets now.They are the lowest swing with a 1.7 degree swing using 6 pawls instead of one pawl.
I think I'd like the Bluepoints best for the features, but boy oh boy the price...
https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-25-Offset-Reversible-mm-Blue-Point-174--6-pc-12-Point-25-Offset-Reversible-Standard-Metric-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set-8-19-mm-Blue-Point-P644339.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-25-Offset-Reversible-inches-Blue-Point-174--4-pc-12-Point-25-Offset-Reversible-Standard-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set-5-16-3-4-Blue-Point--P644333.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-25-Offset-Reversible-mm-Blue-Point-174--6-pc-12-Point-25-Offset-Reversible-Standard-Metric-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set-8-19-mm-Blue-Point-P644339.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-25-Offset-Reversible-inches-Blue-Point-174--4-pc-12-Point-25-Offset-Reversible-Standard-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set-5-16-3-4-Blue-Point--P644333.aspx
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have been using the 467 set 6 to 34 for the last 3 years and i think they are the best ratchet spanners ive ever had
+1 for me I Love my Facom, easy to clean, good feel in the hand during usage, nice finish stays looking new much better than high polish.
You are paying a pretty hefty premium (at least here in the US) for German tools, and to have the most important part of a ratcheting wrench manufactured someplace else chaps my hide. I'm sure they are perfectly adequate tools but the Gedore ARE German made.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
dutchgray
Well-known member
Not such a premium for German made here in Europe, the German Gedore are not better the the Taiwan internals in the Hazat or even the older non German Gedore ones.
Okay, thanks. Hazet is my favorite European tool brand. But I don't have a huge use for ratcheting combos right now, so I'll likely just make do with my existing Husky/Gearwrench mix.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I think that 6 pawl design is absolutely genius. Though I've never used one, I could only assume how smooth and strong they are as well as how reliable they will be as time goes on. Much like the round head Williams Supperratchets with their 4 pawl design have proven to be. Do any other brands use a 4 pawl design ratchet? A 100 tooth ratchet with 4 pawls would be pretty awesome.