Curious about this socket end wrench

[FigureItOut]

I picked this up today for the heck of it. From another thread I think it was made between '74-'89. The socket end has a very different finish (smoother) and is held in by a roll pin. I wondered if it hadn't been repaired at some point.
I'm guessing these aren't made anymore and have been replaced by ratcheting wrenches, but I may be way off on that.

 

[neophyte]

That type of wrench is usually called a Saltus wrench. Saltus is a German tool manufacturer. A bunch of other companies also made them and still do. The socket part is likely original. I don't know whether the roll pin is but I would guess so if its chrome plated.

 

[abvw]

Maybe Craftsman stopped carrying these but Snap-on still makes them. They can sometimes get into places where a deep offset box wrench or ratchet/breaker bar won't fit.

One of those "saves my ***" tools.

Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk

 

[stonesfan68]

SK still calls their version a flex combination wrench. I've also seen them referred to as Saltus wrenches.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I bought a Mac top box from a mechanic who was retiring over 30 years. It had 7 or 8 Snap On saltus wrenches in it, and a number of other tools. All for $100. Those wrenches saved my backside more than a few times

 

[FigureItOut]

Forgive my ignorance, but what would they do that a roto head ratchet or flex head ratcheting wrench wouldn't do?

 

[bonneyman]

Forgive my ignorance, but what would they do that a roto head ratchet or flex head ratcheting wrench wouldn't do?

For reaching recessed fasteners where one doesn't have alot of clearance on top. Such as motorcycle head bolts.

I've got a "mutt" set of various manufacturers. SK, Proto, Tru-Craft, Bonney. Got them cheap, and you never know.

 

[FigureItOut]

For reaching recessed fasteners where one doesn't have alot of clearance on top. Such as motorcycle head bolts.

I've got a "mutt" set of various manufacturers. SK, Proto, Tru-Craft, Bonney. Got them cheap, and you never know.

Makes sense. I'll keep an eye out for more. I see yours are all SAE. I Wouldn't mind having 10-15 mm around. I'll bet now I'll have a need on my very next job and go "a saltus wrench would be nice".

 

[LB-1911]

Makes sense. I'll keep an eye out for more. I see yours are all SAE. I Wouldn't mind having 10-15 mm around. I'll bet now I'll have a need on my very next job and go "a saltus wrench would be nice".

SK Hand Tools 86142 - 12 Pt Flex Metric Combination Wrench Set

10 piece set is made in the U.S.A., featuring SK's high polish SuperKrome® finish, which protects the tools from the harsh working environments found in today's workplace, while providing long life and maximum corrosion resistance. SureGrip® hex design drives the side of the fastener, not the corner Made in the USA 12 Point SuperKrome® Flex Combination Wrenches - 10MM, 11MM, 12MM, 13MM, 14MM, 15MM, 16MM, 17MM, 18MM, 19MM

 

[FigureItOut]

Those look nice. I can think of a couple spots I've been recently where it'd been handy. Thanks for the info all.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Forgive my ignorance, but what would they do that a roto head ratchet or flex head ratcheting wrench wouldn't do?

Clearance, when a roto ratchet or ratcheting wrench is too wide.
That said, I own 0 Saltus wrenches and roto ratchets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

 

[sha]

I used one of theses to tighten down an electrical cable the other day. I grabbed it instead of a ratchet wrench because of the clearance the socket end provided and I like the feel.

 

[bonneyman]

Makes sense. I'll keep an eye out for more. I see yours are all SAE. I Wouldn't mind having 10-15 mm around. I'll bet now I'll have a need on my very next job and go "a saltus wrench would be nice".

Aside from my SAE set, I've found two metrics. A Tru-Craft 10mm, and a MAC 15mm. Prolly use those on my bicycle repairs.