Combination wrenches with Rachet - suggestions requested

[Andrew Vanis]

Luxury tool - your suggestions requested



Ratcheting combination wrenches

While loving the Craftsman non-ratcheting combination wrenches for the last 35+ years I've tried a number of ratcheting type which I have not loved.

One feature I love about the Craftsman which doesn't show up until it's used is the relatively thin head and jaw diameters since it 1) allows for getting to nuts that are close to other things and 2) allows for more swing arc on the open end side..... Actually, if the existing ratcheting ones I've tried had the smaller diameter heads I probably wouldn't be making this post inquiry.

Which ratcheting combination wrenches would have these features -

1) small head around ratcheting part. Seems like the less expensive ones have a fat head perimeter so can't be used on nuts close to other things

2) flex head - just way more usable.

3) ratchet toggle / reverse (vs. flipping the wrench) - practically, nice to be able to reverse action while already on the nut. Imperative if loosening the nut results in wrench becoming stuck/can't be removed if moved up against something. Could be a calamity since removing a wrench stick in that manner could make the machine inoperable.

4) lifetime warranty from a brand that is likely to be around - if I'm afraid to use them they won't get used. If I'm afraid I'd I break one and not be able to replace it this resulting in a gap in the set, I'm less likely to use it.

5) thin jaws in the open end part. I've found on the less expensive combination wrenches the jaws are fatter resulting in less swing arc when nut is close to something else (similar to 1 on the closed end side)

 

[HannibalLecter]

Facom 467B, my favorite ones

 

[Andrew Vanis]

Facom 467B

Thanks for sharing....close but not quite there, non-swivel and the C jaws look fat/wide.

7 - 19mm Reversible Ratchet Wrench Set With Holder (12 Pc) | FACOM

www.facom.com

 

[KnurledNut]

That’s a lot of boxes to check. I’d recommend Blue-Point.

 

[milkovich]

Williams has some that check most of the boxes, but I'm not sure on the "fatness" of the open end.

 

[KnurledNut]

Williams has some that check most of the boxes, but I'm not sure on the "fatness" of the open end.

Same as Blue-Point but may be more hassle to warranty w/o an industrial rep.

4) lifetime warranty from a brand that is likely to be around - if I'm afraid to use them they won't get used. If I'm afraid I'd I break one and not be able to replace it this resulting in a gap in the set, I'm less likely to use it.

 

[Andrew Vanis]

Williams has some that check most of the boxes, but I'm not sure on the "fatness" of the open end.

I'll see if I can get a pic of something in my tool box...For now, look at the Bluepoint vs the Facom - look at the ends of the open end. The Facom is more like a circle/thick at the ends and the Bluepoint ends come more to a point (thinner at the ends). That thinness allows them to reach in deeper when the nut is close to something else.

That’s a lot of boxes to check. I’d recommend Blue-Point.

NICE lead on the Bluepoint! At $50+/wrench or $550 for 12 (8–19 mm) - a luxury buy but a cry-once scenario.

I wonder if there are other manufacturers now that its been show that something like this actually exists.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[VolvoRyan]

I'd recommend you try something before making a list of "must-haves".

What's more important than the thickness of the open end? The thickness of the ratcheting end! That's the whole point of the wrench. Lots of these tools have thick ratcheting ends that keeps them from getting into lots of places. Facom excels here at their price point.

Lifetime warranty. Meh. You'll spend more sending tools back and forth than just buying a new tool from Amazon. GearWrench is so cheap now. Though, GearWrench kinda ***** at the paragraph above.

-Ryan

 

[Andrew Vanis]

Thanks to this GJ thread, it pointed me to Williams - "Look into Williams Taiwan made wrenches. Same thing as Blue Point but at a much better price"

Blue point wrenches?

Anyone used them? Like them? I currently use craftsman raised panels made in china so anything is an upgrade im sure. But hows the length etc of them compared to cm

www.garagejournal.com

Though the Williams' look to be 6-point vs. Snap-On 12-point.

Available on Amazon at $209 for the same sizes as the $550 Snap-On https://www.amazon.com/Williams-MWS...mbination/dp/B002N7V4VM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

the Williams warranty is not super clear but may be easier than Home-Garage-Guy Snap-On https://www.williams-industrial.com/us_en/warranties

12 Piece MM Flex Head Reversible Ratcheting Comb Wrench 12 Point

{ "1": "12 Piece MM Flex Head Reversible Ratcheting Comb Wrench 12 Point" }

www.williams-industrial.com

 

[matthew]

non-pro opinion, but fwiw -

I have non-locking flex (mixed set of two brands). I’m happy enough with them. Locking is significantly more money, and I may not own any if it wasn’t for the more economical version being there.

However, if I was doing it again, I’d try to buy ones without open end. Either a fixed box end plus flex ratcheting, or with flex ratcheting on both ends Like these (link). (Better brands do exist…link is just to show what I mean)

I pretty much never flip between open and ratcheting. Fixed box to break a fastener loose is useful. Fewer pieces to store is useful.

I’d like a set of thinner open ends. But I’d buy a set of thin double open ends for that.

 

[Andrew Vanis]

this GJ post covers the same Williams / Snap-On wrenches in 2022 https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...het-combination-wrenches.496493/#post-9544543

This GJ thread is 2013 https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...rench-set-flex-head-reversible-8-19mm.227711/

 

[Andrew Vanis]

non-pro opinion, but fwiw -
........

I pretty much never flip between open and ratcheting. Fixed box to break a fastener loose is useful. Fewer pieces to store is useful.

......

I hear ya. I do like the open/box combo because sometimes you need one AND the other on the same job so a 17mm is a 17mm as needed.

Nice link to the double end box ratchets. Now if they were had a reversible lever they'd be even cooler.

 

[Zewnten]

Icon is reversible double box end swivel and lifetime warranty.

 

[Steve_P]

Not sure why you don't consider a set of double box ends in some configuration. You already have open ends. How often to you actually use the open end of a wrench? As far as warranty, if you look at the destruction tests, these wrenches are surprisingly strong. I personally focus on the actual tool quality and not the warranty unlike some here. If I could easily afford a Lexus, I'd drive one, and not a Hyundai because it has a longer warranty

 

[milkovich]

Same as Blue-Point but may be more hassle to warranty w/o an industrial rep.

Same parent company, if the blue points aren't "USA" they're likely very similar. The Williams won't have a truck come by to warranty it, but that convenience is probably wasted on a home gamer like me.

 

[Andrew Vanis]

Icon is reversible double box end swivel and lifetime warranty.

Clever reversing lever ...I wonder if it ever self-switches if ratcheted to an obstruction that would press the button.

Missing 11mm which I find I actually use 8mm x 10mm, 12mm x 14mm, 13mm x 15mm, 16mm x 18mm, 17mm x 19mm

Reviews compare it to the Carlisle brand.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/wrenches/extra-long-professional-double-box-flex-ratcheting-wrench-set-5-piece-56694.html

 

[Jtels85]

I don’t believe OEM Tools makes flex head ratcheting wrenches, but they do have a reversible set who’s open ends are literally the same size and thickness as the old Craftsman USA raised panels. It wouldn’t surprise me if OEM copied the size and thickness from the old Craftsman’s. I don’t remember how I discovered that, but I too pay attention to the open ends on my wrenches.

Thick open ends is one reason I refuse to buy GearWrench. Too many manufacturers nowadays make this **** the cheapest way possible.

 

[KnurledNut]

Same parent company, if the blue points aren't "USA" they're likely very similar. The Williams won't have a truck come by to warranty it, but that convenience is probably wasted on a home gamer like me.

Both are made in Taiwan by Cendai. Even the Williams Supercombos that are forged/assembled in USA use the same Taiwanese mechanism. Same for CAT.

 

[mixerfixer]

I have all the different configurations. For the thinnest head. This…..

 

[tiredoldironworker]

The Duratechs ****. broke the 17x19 2 days after arrival and their warranty is a LIE! I could not get any response from them at all even going thru the proper Amazon channels. But to be fair, the other wrenches have held up well over 2 years.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have all the different configurations. For the thinnest head. This…..

Tekton just released these

Fixed/Flex Ratcheting Wrench Set with Organizer (34-Piece) | TEKTON

34-piece set includes 1/4–1 inch (SAE), 6–24 mm (metric) fixed/flex head long 12-point ratcheting box end wrenches with organizers. No skipped sizes. WRB95306.

www.tekton.com

This is what I have similar to those above

13-Piece Long Flex Ratcheting Box End Wrench Set with Holder | TEKTON

Set Includes 1/4 - 13/16 inch (SAE), 6 - 19 mm (metric) long flex head 12-point ratcheting double box end wrenches. No skipped sizes. WRB96202.

www.tekton.com

 

[FigN⋅m]

Not sure why you don't consider a set of double box ends in some configuration. You already have open ends. How often to you actually use the open end of a wrench? As far as warranty, if you look at the destruction tests, these wrenches are surprisingly strong. I personally focus on the actual tool quality and not the warranty unlike some here. If I could easily afford a Lexus, I'd drive one, and not a Hyundai because it has a longer warranty

True, but I'm pretty ok with driving a Toyota that I could break, swing by the dealership and exchange it for a brand new one. For life.

 

[Andrew Vanis]

Tekton just released these

Fixed/Flex Ratcheting Wrench Set with Organizer (34-Piece) | TEKTON

34-piece set includes 1/4–1 inch (SAE), 6–24 mm (metric) fixed/flex head long 12-point ratcheting box end wrenches with organizers. No skipped sizes. WRB95306.

www.tekton.com

This is what I have similar to those above

13-Piece Long Flex Ratcheting Box End Wrench Set with Holder | TEKTON

Set Includes 1/4 - 13/16 inch (SAE), 6 - 19 mm (metric) long flex head 12-point ratcheting double box end wrenches. No skipped sizes. WRB96202.

www.tekton.com

The Icon ones have a reversing lever. The Tekton do not.

 

[mike93lx]

I'd gladly give up a great warranty to check all the other boxes. Hell, grind away the open end to do what you need.

Assuming you are not wrenching professionally, I bet you will never break one. And if you do, use it as a chance to find an option that fits your needs at that point even better

 

[KnurledNut]

I'd gladly give up a great warranty to check all the other boxes. Hell, grind away the open end to do what you need.

Assuming you are not wrenching professionally, I bet you will never break one. And if you do, use it as a chance to find an option that fits your needs at that point even better

Warranty aside, there just aren't many open+ratcheting rev. flex box wrench options out there.

 

[Andrew Vanis]

Warranty aside, there just aren't many open+ratcheting rev. flex box wrench options out there.

yeah :-( ... I ordered the Williams ones off Amazon and will compare to the Craftsman ones I've had.

Ideally the Williams would become my go-to and use the Craftsman just when busting stuck fasters.

...One nice thing about the open ends its easy to put another wrench on for extra leverage.

 

[Ohio Andy]

yeah :-( ... I ordered the Williams ones off Amazon and will compare to the Craftsman ones I've had.

Ideally the Williams would become my go-to and use the Craftsman just when busting stuck fasters.

...One nice thing about the open ends its easy to put another wrench on for extra leverage.

My Craftsman overdrive wrenched are really tight...

 

[Andrew Vanis]

My Craftsman overdrive wrenched are really tight...

I found Craftsman Overdrive on the internet - https://www.craftsman.com/collections/overdrive

.....what does really tight mean in your context?

 

[VolvoRyan]

I'd gladly give up a great warranty to check all the other boxes. Hell, grind away the open end to do what you need.

Assuming you are not wrenching professionally, I bet you will never break one. And if you do, use it as a chance to find an option that fits your needs at that point even better

Agree. I actually think a lifetime warranty is a (very) false economy here if you aren't swinging wrenches for a living.

-Ryan

 

[VolvoRyan]

...One nice thing about the open ends its easy to put another wrench on for extra leverage.

I guess that's a good way to see how good the warranty is, I suppose.

-Ryan

 

[Ohio Andy]

I found Craftsman Overdrive on the internet - https://www.craftsman.com/collections/overdrive

.....what does really tight mean in your context?

The wrench is not a loose fit. I was doing an awkward overhead fasteners and I had to align carefully to the fastener. It was a water line connection. I did not mic the fastener to see if it was a bit oversize

 

[Andrew Vanis]

The wrench is not a loose fit. I was doing an awkward overhead fasteners and I had to align carefully to the fastener. It was a water line connection. I did not mic the fastener to see if it was a bit oversize

Saw that on the website the Overdrive are 6 point which is my experience tend to fit tighter - or tolerate variance, deformities less.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Saw that on the website the Overdrive are 6 point which is my experience tend to fit tighter - or tolerate variance, deformities less.

This was the open end on the wrench. A closed end would not fit with my tools. Ratcheting action would have made this much easier. If I did a lot of these I would buy a different tool...

Similar to an O2 wrench.

 

[Ohio Andy]

This was the open end on the wrench. A closed end would not fit with my tools. Ratcheting action would have made this much easier. If I did a lot of these I would buy a different tool...

Similar to an O2 wrench.

So I was using the open end of a wrench maybe like this

11pc OVERDRIVE™ SAE Wrench Set

Official website for CRAFTSMAN®. Explore power tools, outdoor equipment, hand tools, storage products and more.

www.craftsman.com

Pretty sure I was not using my v series ratcheting wrenches

V-Series™ Metric Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set (8 pc)

Quick, durable, and reliable ratcheting solutions are always on hand when you own the V-SERIES® Metric Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set. Engineered for professionals, these wrenches feature a durable 72-tooth design on the box end. The handles lightweight I-beam design enhances...

www.craftsman.com

But even if I was, I would not be using the ratcheting end because it wouldn't fit on over the pipe.

Maybe hose is a better term.

The fittings were more like this hose

GUOFIS 5 FT Refrigerator Water Line,Stainless Steel Braided Ice Maker Hose with 1/4" Comp X 1/4"Compression Fittings(1PCS,5 Foot)

Amazon.com

But it was not going to a refrigerator.

 

[kbeefy]

I prefer double box ends, which most of my ratcheting wrenches are.

Plain flat non reversible ones are my most used, and mountain XL double w/ reversible flex heads are a close second.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I prefer double box ends, which most of my ratcheting wrenches are.

Plain flat non reversible ones are my most used, and mountain XL double w/ reversible flex heads are a close second.

Nice setup. If I'm going to use a ratcheting wrench, first thing I grab is usually my double-ended flex heads. My only other set of ratcheting wrenches would be the Craftsman v-series

 

[Steve_P]

I guess that's a good way to see how good the warranty is, I suppose.

-Ryan

Williams' warranty is defects in materials and workmanship. Not, "I broke it, and you owe me a new one for as long as I live" as desired by so many here.

Agree on the false economy on a warranty. For me it's almost an hour round trip to HF and I can only go at very specific times to avoid traffic hell. I'm not going to invest $4 in gas and an hour of my time to make a special trip to exchange a $7 socket or even a $25 wrench. Yeah, I know, now everyone will say, "I live right next to HF, or I pass by it every day...." Fine. I just want to buy a new tool online if I break one, not get a free one. Obviously if I have a $200 power tool that fails for no reason after a few uses, that's different.

 

[cherrybomb]

yeah :-( ... I ordered the Williams ones off Amazon and will compare to the Craftsman ones I've had.

Ideally the Williams would become my go-to and use the Craftsman just when busting stuck fasters.

...One nice thing about the open ends its easy to put another wrench on for extra leverage.

Isn't their better options for breaking fasteners loose than a ratcheting wrench?

 

[kbeefy]

Isn't their better options for breaking fasteners loose than a ratcheting wrench?

Yes, a box end or a 6pt socket.

 

[kbeefy]

Nice setup. If I'm going to use a ratcheting wrench, first thing I grab is usually my double-ended flex heads. My only other set of ratcheting wrenches would be the Craftsman v-series

I have alot of ratcheting wrenches, and alot that don't get used. When they do they are a godsend.

After the two styles I mentioned the next most used is probably stubby flex wrenches.

I have a couple combination gearwrench sets and they only get used if I don't have anything else available....