deep offset box end wrench application?

[throwaway723]

I've heard people here say "I don't use this tool often, but sometimes it's the only thing that will work." I'm wondering if that's the case with deep offset box end wrenches because I'm trying to think of a scenario where a deep offset box end wrench would work, but a ratchet and shallow socket wouldn't. I should mention that I'm just a DIY guy - I don't use these tools for my work - so that's why I'm asking here. Are the deep offset wrenches preferable over a ratchet and shallow socket just in certain low-clearance situations? Or is there some other reason that I'm not thinking of that would make the deep offset box end wrench the tool of choice?

 

[unslow1]

They work great for carb holddown nuts/bolts on older cars. I've used them for some shocks and struts where they need to be held to keep from spinning.

 

[Super Mech]

I just used a 17mm one on a strut the other day. I have a full set. I don’t use them often but when I do I’m glad I have them.

 

[bigfunwmu]

I've heard people here say "I don't use this tool often, but sometimes it's the only thing that will work." I'm wondering if that's the case with deep offset box end wrenches because I'm trying to think of a scenario where a deep offset box end wrench would work, but a ratchet and shallow socket wouldn't. I should mention that I'm just a DIY guy - I don't use these tools for my work - so that's why I'm asking here. Are the deep offset wrenches preferable over a ratchet and shallow socket just in certain low-clearance situations? Or is there some other reason that I'm not thinking of that would make the deep offset box end wrench the tool of choice?

Recessed jam nuts on set screws for various adjusters. Use them daily on the test stand for hydraulic units. Min volume stop, max volume stop, regulation begin, neutral, pressure relief valves, POR valves.

Can't stick an allen wrench through the ratchet, regular combo wrench box end won't fit down in the recess.

 

[throwaway723]

Recessed jam nuts on set screws for various adjusters. Use them daily on the test stand for hydraulic units. Min volume stop, max volume stop, regulation begin, neutral, pressure relief valves, POR valves.

Can't stick an allen wrench through the ratchet, regular combo wrench box end won't fit down in the recess.

I hadn't thought about needing to stick an allen wrench through the opening in the box end.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Struts

 

[47chevy COE]

I just used one on a 5/8 bolt going through a truck frame. Fuel lines and battery cables prohibited the use of a ratchet. Couldn’t get a combo wrench on it. But the offset double box end worked well.

 

[Fedwrench]

Struts

 

[richfinn]

Stahlwille 20 series, cheap enough and awesome

 

[throwaway723]

Stahlwille 20 series, cheap enough and awesome

Thanks for the recommendation. I was looking at some Protos, but they seem like overkill for a weekend mechanic like me. Stahlwille seems more reasonable if I decide to get any.

 

[georgiadave]

They are useful on driveshaft fasterners.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Recessed jam nuts on set screws for various adjusters. Use them daily on the test stand for hydraulic units. Min volume stop, max volume stop, regulation begin, neutral, pressure relief valves, POR valves.

Can't stick an allen wrench through the ratchet, regular combo wrench box end won't fit down in the recess.

that technique works well running valve adjustments on engines as well.

 

[General Geoff]

I've heard people here say "I don't use this tool often, but sometimes it's the only thing that will work." I'm wondering if that's the case with deep offset box end wrenches because I'm trying to think of a scenario where a deep offset box end wrench would work, but a ratchet and shallow socket wouldn't.

 

[cherrybomb]

Back in the'old days'before metric took over, my Dad and lots of the old timers had more simpler tool selection.Combo wrenches weren't as popular as they are today.Many had sockets, shorts and deeps,d.o.e,tappet wrenches and the offset box end wrench like your mentioning.They thought it can't get any better than this, how times have changed,get a few of some popular sizes you will find a need for them

 

[throwaway723]

Great example! Thanks.

 

[nadogail]

Shallow depth sockets will not remove spark plugs, off set box wrenches can if there is room to swing them.

 

[johninct]

When I was a kid, all we had were double open ends and deep offset box wrenches. I started to use combo's most of the time until recently, and had forgot what deep offset box wrenches can do. I am going to start using them more again. I bought some from Snap-On.

 

[cherrybomb]

When I was a kid, all we had were double open ends and deep offset box wrenches. I started to use combo's most of the time until recently, and had forgot what deep offset box wrenches can do. I am going to start using them more again. I bought some from Snap-On.

Thats probably what my Dad,growing up on a farm,working on machinery, driving truck reached for,makes sense

 

[Ricky Joe]

Shallow depth sockets will not remove spark plugs, off set box wrenches can if there is room to swing them.

Not exactly the same thing, but this is actually a spark plug wrench, for Oldsmobile and Cadillac, by Herbrand

 

[dnschmidt]

I put them into the same category as an angled socket wrench. Not commonly necessary but another arrow in the quiver for special occasions. Motorcycle struts, shocks or whatever bikers call their suspension pieces is one place where my friends with bikes like to use them.

 

[vwpieces]

I have the Hazet sets and use them all the time. Also have a couple with special combos like 10x13 and 13x17.
They are second to the flex head Gearwrenches.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

A ratchet is a messy pita on a brake bleeder.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Exhaust manifold bolts on motorcycles, spark plugs, …..

 

[469 runner]

Automobile door hinges.

 

[F-22]

I have way too many of them. Always buy them on flea markets... Mainly Unior, some USAG, some Elora, some Stahlwille (branded Garant), some long forgotten brands... They hang on a rack, but I really rarely reach out for them. Though every couple years there is a rare case where they just work best. They also give a bit more leverage than an average combination wrench. Sometimes a ratchet or a socket is just too bulky, the offset wrench goes far to the side so it takes no space directly above the fastener, while a socket just has to go straight...

Back in the day, these were used by mechanics cause sockets and ratchets were more rare and more expensive. It's relatively straightforward to make a wrench, while socketry tools require more standardised parts that are harder to make and ratchets need mechanisms, and you can't use a socket on its own without some kind of a handle or a ratchet while the wrench is a "done deal"... You just drop forge the wrench, push a broach through the hole and have it heat treated and it's a perfectly usable tool.

Even when ratchets became more common in the 70's, mechanics around here would use these to do the final torque to "save" the more expensive tools from high torque failures (which, for many 70's ratchets that didn't survive until today, were an issue).

I was looking at some Protos, but they seem like overkill for a weekend mechanic like me. Stahlwille seems more reasonable if I decide to get any.

Makes it sound as if there's something wrong with Stahlwille They're most famous for their offset box end wrenches, and they are on pair in quality to Proto or any other top brands, they may just be less overpriced (though still not cheap).

 

[Farleyfan]

I use one to replace spark plugs on my 8N tractor.
fuel tank is just above the plugs

 

[ecotec]

It seems like I use offset double boxes less every year. I just used a SAE one on some casters, though.

I bought the Stahlwille metric set up to 22 when everyone on GJ was… so of course I am using them less. Before I had these, I had a hodgepodge of MAC, Barcalo, Lakeside, Blackhawk, Williams Superwrench…

The Stahwille are nice, but my Blackhawk ones are my favorites. The Lakeside ones are the worst.

 

[Garcky]

They're sort of old school wrenches. In times past, not everyone had extensive socket sets with flex ratchets, a drawer full of extensions, etc. Those deep offset DBE wrenches had many uses where we grab a ratchet and extension automatically. Now, they're most useful when you cant get that socket on the fastener, due to an obstruction or whatever. The offset 12 point box on those wrenches will get in there, and can be used even when you have a limited arc you can move it in.

Mostly, though, we use what we're used to using. So a lot of guys don't have deep offset DBEs in their tool set. Or they have one of them for a specific job they encounter from time to time.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Recessed jam nuts on set screws for various adjusters. Use them daily on the test stand for hydraulic units. Min volume stop, max volume stop, regulation begin, neutral, pressure relief valves, POR valves.

Can't stick an allen wrench through the ratchet, regular combo wrench box end won't fit down in the recess.

You can if it's a pass through ratchet. I use both my off set wrenches and pass through sets for this type of work. Situation depicts on which on I'll use. I also use the off sets for obstructions.

 

[DAustin]

I have the Hazet sets and use them all the time. Also have a couple with special combos like 10x13 and 13x17.
They are second to the flex head Gearwrenches.

8x10 is handy size also. I've got open end wrenches in the 8x10, 10x13 and 13x17 also. I picked up some 10x12 and 12x17 for working on Japanese cars and bikes.

 

[vwpieces]

8x10 is handy size also. I've got open end wrenches in the 8x10, 10x13 and 13x17 also. I picked up some 10x12 and 12x17 for working on Japanese cars and bikes.

It may have been Baum Tools, but 20+ years ago there were enough of these combos getting out there in the VW crowd that they stocked the combos.

 

[DAustin]

I think you're right. I remember ordering from Baum. Elora still carries a lot of different mixed sizes.

DEEP OFFSET BOX END WRENCH - Made in Germany - Metric & Fractional

Elora Geman made Deep Offset Box End Wrenches are available for purchase online at www.BloomerTool.com.

www.bloomertool.com

DIN 895 Open End Wrenches - Made in Germany

Elora double open end wrenches are manufactured to DIN 895 standards, with a black oxide finish. They are available in metric sizes from 6mm to 80mm. Made in Germany

www.bloomertool.com

 

[texasprd]

EGR valve nuts on '88 & '95 (and every year between and likely some either side) Chevy/GM 350 engines. Cheapy 45* Westward DBE was just what I needed - works better than standard DBE as it gives better clearance over all the stuff behind the throttle body.

 

[mike14_07]

I use them for Harley clutch adjustment jam nuts

 

[teagueo]

Valve adjustment on a Honda XR400

 

[F-22]

Valve adjustment on a Honda XR400

Yep TBH any locknut adjustment is a lot nicer to do with such a wrench (though offset combination wrenches are really nice too).