Stubby Reversible Ratcheting 12 point Wrenches

bfenne · Dec 29, 2017

Hello all, I am struggling a bit and need the tool gods help. I have searched posts and internet with no luck. I know it must exist.

I am an airline technician in search of Stubby Reversible Ratcheting 12 point combination wrench set with sizes 1/4" through 3/4". Flex head would be fine also if only way to get all sizes included.

I am not brand loyal but need a quality and reliable brand preferably. Thank you in advance for your guidance.

LXCam · Dec 29, 2017

Welp I can't help ya out on the reversible request. But I can say I've got zero complaints about my gearwrench ones. I've got the same collection in metric as well and to date never had one single problem. After all it's not like you can get much torque out of these things anyhow.

But if what you're asking exists, you came to the right place to ask.

dutchgray · Dec 29, 2017

Facom does reversible stubbies
Facom 467S.3/4
Thats the PN for the 3/4", I don't know if they do them in a set, most likely available under other other Stanley brands, try Proto or MAC.

Proto has them
http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...ubby-Reversible-Ratcheting-Wrenches---Spline/

As does MAC
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Wren...tubby-Reversible-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-12-PT-

okie18 · Dec 29, 2017

Proto/blackhawk and maybe williams.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Empty Pockets · Dec 29, 2017

Try these from Mac

https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Expert/Wrenches/E111105/7-PC-SAE-Stubby-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-12-PT-

BFHtime · Dec 29, 2017

I have a nice blue point set, that flex. They also make a non-flex set. BOERS708 and BOERSF708.

bfenne · Dec 29, 2017

Thank you all. Some great suggestions. Looks like the Proto and Proto industrial brand BLACKHAWK are the only ones that are Stubby, Rev Ratch, 12pt. with 1/4" through 3/4" sizes. Looks like stubby 1/4" is the usual missing size in most brands.

I am curious about the proto black chrome spline set. I have zero experience with a spline style wrench. Since everything in aviation is 12 point, how well does this spline style work on 12 point hardware? Is there a slipping/stripping possibility?

Is proto a quality brand and where are they made - USA / Taiwan or China?

Thanks again for all the great feedback.

BIG BACCHUS · Dec 29, 2017

bfenne said:
Thank you all. Some great suggestions. Looks like the Proto and Proto industrial brand BLACKHAWK are the only ones that are Stubby, Rev Ratch, 12pt. with 1/4" through 3/4" sizes. Looks like stubby 1/4" is the usual missing size in most brands.

I am curious about the proto black chrome spline set. I have zero experience with a spline style wrench. Since everything in aviation is 12 point, how well does this spline style work on 12 point hardware? Is there a slipping/stripping possibility?

Is proto a quality brand and where are they made - USA / Taiwan or China?

Thanks again for all the great feedback.

This particular product is made in Taiwan however a lot of Proto is still made in USA I think.

The Proto I have used has never let me down however I can't say I've used these wrenches.

How long have you been an airline technician?

bfenne · Dec 29, 2017

Going on 28 years. Combination of technician / maintenance control for major airline.

Ign · Dec 29, 2017

START here at post #48
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=347331

PARAMOUNT/MSC is your answer!

Ign · Dec 29, 2017

Finky198 · Dec 30, 2017

BFHtime said:
I have a nice blue point set, that flex. They also make a non-flex set. BOERS708 and BOERSF708.

I’ll second that... I have flex head sets As well and they are very handy wrench’s...

VRStrickland · Dec 30, 2017

I have Blackhawk in SAE and Metric. Use them every day. Love them.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Mikeske · Dec 30, 2017

bfenne said:
Going on 28 years. Combination of technician / maintenance control for major airline.

I did 30 years at Ma Boeing myself and I had a set of Blue Point stubs that worked great for the first 20 odd years then Ma Boeing started to provide the tools and I took my sets home. I took my sets home and I gave my set to my son.

gdocktor3 · Dec 30, 2017

bfenne said:
Thank you all. Some great suggestions. Looks like the Proto and Proto industrial brand BLACKHAWK are the only ones that are Stubby, Rev Ratch, 12pt. with 1/4" through 3/4" sizes. Looks like stubby 1/4" is the usual missing size in most brands.

I am curious about the proto black chrome spline set. I have zero experience with a spline style wrench. Since everything in aviation is 12 point, how well does this spline style work on 12 point hardware? Is there a slipping/stripping possibility?

Is proto a quality brand and where are they made - USA / Taiwan or China?

Thanks again for all the great feedback.

I have a set of the black chrome spline Proto's and have zero complaints. If it didn't say Taiwan on them, I wouldn't know the difference. Had them about 3 years now. I personally like the spline design. I feel they fit better than 12 point's and because of the design, they actually act like 6 points by gripping the flats of the nut/bolt. They work just as well on 12 points. There is always a chance of stripping a 12 point, but its based more on the condition of the fastener to begin with, not necessarily the tool. These wrenches also have the ASD (anti slip design) open ends. Basically their version of flank drive. The exact same design as the Mac Knuckle Savers have on their open ends. Mac and Proto both fall under the Stanley umbrella. I have Matco, Proto, SK, and Expert (Mac) ratchet wrenches with spline box ends. No complaints with any of them.

I personally would go with the black Proto's over chrome Blackhawks. While Blackhawk wrenches, sockets, etc are fine, their ratchets are sloppy and clunky. I could only assume the ratchet wrenches are the same. Williams offers reversible stubbies, but I would also go with the black chrome Proto's over them.

KnurledNut · Dec 30, 2017

Mac Tools SRWS210PT
10 pc.
1/4"-3-4"

https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Wrenches/Ratcheting-Wrenches/SRWS210PT/10-PC-SAE-Stubby-Offset-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-12-PT-

Fedwrench · Dec 30, 2017

gdocktor3 said:
I personally would go with the black Proto's over chrome Blackhawks. While Blackhawk wrenches, sockets, etc are fine, their ratchets are sloppy and clunky. I could only assume the ratchet wrenches are the same.

This is an example of a brand sucking in one category and excelling in another. Actually, I've found Blackhawk ratcheting wrenches to have crisp ratcheting action and to be very precise.
It might be a case of apples and oranges. Blackhawk square drive ratchets do leave a lot to be desired but, their fine toothed ratcheting wrenches are very good.
People on here usually ***** about Taiwan made tools but, Taiwan definitely makes ratcheting wrenches quite well and regardless of the name stamped on the ratcheting wrench, it was most likely made in Taiwan. There are a few exceptions. :beer:

Ign · Dec 30, 2017

The Paramounts are really nice. Just sayin'

I got BOTH sets delivered for $150 but they were on sale in one of the sale flyers. I just went thru the sale flyers and don't see them at the moment. Glad I trusted my instinct at the time that the price(s) were good.

The generic sales dry up on the weekends but check back on Tuesday and every day of the week after that at mscdirect.com. Right on the top banner they'll do something like 25% off orders over $199, which it would be if you ordered both the fractional (~$100) and the metric (~$150). They'll probably throw in free shipping, too.

The metric goes all the way down to 6mm which I think is cool, and runs up to 19mm. It does skip 7mm and it's surprisingly difficult to get a 7mm stubby ratcheting reversible in the States (I recently started a separate thread on this)

Mr_B · Dec 30, 2017

facom ratchet wrenches are superb and cheaper than mac versions .
Only ones I use in shop is the facom, got stubby and standards and all going strong .
Have cheaper taiwan in the truck mobile tools and while decent enough the slimmer size and smoother mechanism make the facom far more usable/enjoyable ...

bfenne · Dec 30, 2017

Thank you all for sharing. Certainly many brands to consider and few that I never heard of.

While I am not brand loyal it is imperitive the quality can with Stand daily professional use. Not just have an appearance of quality or just occasional use capabilities.

I would consider Williams or Blue point but I did not see sets that were complete. If I missed something please share.

I will certainly take closer look at the Mac set and Paramount but I am also very intrigued by the Proto spline Set.

Can someone present a case to not try spline drive???...lol

Thanks again everyone!

Mr_B · Dec 30, 2017

12 point way better fit than spline drive .
Can't go wrong with facom, about some of best pro ratchet wrenches currently made .

zeke markham · Dec 30, 2017

bfenne said:
I am curious about the proto black chrome spline set. I have zero experience with a spline style wrench. Since everything in aviation is 12 point, how well does this spline style work on 12 point hardware? Is there a slipping/stripping possibility?

The spline style will not slip or strip. I'm also in aviation, never had any problems, frequently have to use my spline stuff on bolts others have mucked up. Plus you are prepared for when you do run across the occasional spline bolt.

gdocktor3 · Dec 31, 2017

bfenne said:
Can someone present a case to not try spline drive???...lol

Put it this way, if it didn't work, I don't think Snap On, Matco, SK, Wright and Proto would offer spline sockets and wrenches. If only Craftsman and Husky sold them, I would be leery, but if those companies sell them, they work.

dutchgray · Dec 31, 2017

Mr_B said:
12 point way better fit than spline drive .
Can't go wrong with facom, about some of best pro ratchet wrenches currently made .

Would agree with this, but whilst they are different in details, the Facom, Proto and MAC options will be the same ratchet mechanism and will be coming out of the same factory.

Mr_B · Dec 31, 2017

but not same price . facom can be found at very good prices .

cesski · Jan 2, 2018

I work on planes as well and I have the Blackhawk by Proto set. They're stubby, reversible, and chrome (so I can see them in the dark or when it has fallen into the abyss). I absolutely love them! Ratcheting action is better and way smoother than my flex-head non-reversible Gearwrenches. Part number for mine is BW-2250R.

I really wanted to get the gearwrench, blue-point, williams or snap-on, since I have more experience with those brands, but their sets didn't have 1/4", the heads were thicker, and the switch/lever stuck out more. The Blackhawk's switch/lever sits more flush and doesn't get in the way, and the heads are the thinnest out of all my wrenches. They are perfect for what I need... Tons of clearance and fits tiny areas!

dutchgray · Jan 2, 2018

Mr_B said:
but not same price . facom can be found at very good prices .

For us yes but Facom is much less available for the Americans, so good prices would be much harder to get, Proto much more commonly sold in the USA.
Most common Facom items can be got for well under list here all the time.

Ign · Jan 2, 2018

Ok, as I said -- today MSC149 gets you "up to 30%" on orders over $149

When I added both sets to my cart and applied the total was $180 before shipping. You can select Next Day Air Saver and have it all tomorrow via ground rates ($11.60 for me) if you order by 8pm EST

Ign · Jan 2, 2018

zeke markham said:
The spline style will not slip or strip. I'm also in aviation, never had any problems, frequently have to use my spline stuff on bolts others have mucked up. Plus you are prepared for when you do run across the occasional spline bolt.

In fairness, many things such as stripping or rounding fasteners is likely not a concern w stubbies. However your point of "mucked up" makes sense.

Nothing against spline drive - I don't have enough experience to form a valid argument - - just sayin'

VinceG · Jan 2, 2018

Proto Black Spline style. http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...-Reversible-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set---Spline-/#

Stubby Reversible Ratcheting 12 point Wrenches

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