shampoop
Well-known member
So, I'm having a really hard time deciding which set of flex head ratcheting wrenches to get. There are 3 different sets that i like for different reasons.
1. Gearwrench XL locking flex head ratcheting wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAIUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Pros- Can lock into position or go free flex. Longer length. Surface drive plus (like snapon's flank drive plus).
Cons - I don't like the design of the lock mechanism. It seems like it would decrease clearance and that the switch would easily get moved while in use.
2. Gearwrench standard flex head ratcheting wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBC7U8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Pros - No bulky locking mechanism to get in the way. Surface drive open end.
Cons - Short (i like my wrenches longer). Only surface drive, not surface drive plus
3. Blackhawk Locking flex ratcheting wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWOQNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Pros - Love the flex lock design, does not interfere at all. The mechanism can barely be seen about half way down through this page http://www.stanleyproto.com/xhtml/LITERATURE/137-146_BHBP_RATCHETING.PDF
It's the tiny little button on the side.
Cons - Not even surface drive open end. Short. Probably harder to get a replacement if i break one
They are listed in the order of my interest so far. So far what i'm thinking is that i can deal with the locking mechanism on the gearwrench XL's because of the fact that i really like the extra length (that's what she said
) And because of the flank drive plus. Using the open end of a wrench is always a last resort, meaning that I have no other options. If that is the case, i want to make damn sure it's not gonna slip and round off the fastener and a surface drive plus design is the best way to achieve that.
Any input? Are there any other brands that have the features that i desire?
1. Gearwrench XL locking flex head ratcheting wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAIUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Pros- Can lock into position or go free flex. Longer length. Surface drive plus (like snapon's flank drive plus).
Cons - I don't like the design of the lock mechanism. It seems like it would decrease clearance and that the switch would easily get moved while in use.
2. Gearwrench standard flex head ratcheting wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBC7U8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Pros - No bulky locking mechanism to get in the way. Surface drive open end.
Cons - Short (i like my wrenches longer). Only surface drive, not surface drive plus
3. Blackhawk Locking flex ratcheting wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWOQNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Pros - Love the flex lock design, does not interfere at all. The mechanism can barely be seen about half way down through this page http://www.stanleyproto.com/xhtml/LITERATURE/137-146_BHBP_RATCHETING.PDF
It's the tiny little button on the side.
Cons - Not even surface drive open end. Short. Probably harder to get a replacement if i break one
They are listed in the order of my interest so far. So far what i'm thinking is that i can deal with the locking mechanism on the gearwrench XL's because of the fact that i really like the extra length (that's what she said
) And because of the flank drive plus. Using the open end of a wrench is always a last resort, meaning that I have no other options. If that is the case, i want to make damn sure it's not gonna slip and round off the fastener and a surface drive plus design is the best way to achieve that.Any input? Are there any other brands that have the features that i desire?