Do you reach for a spanner (wrench) or a socket when either would suffice..?

[Rico.]

After being here for a short while now, I am starting to wonder if I am in the
minority. I tend to use a socket and ratchet on everything and only use a
spanner when a socket won't fit.

It did make me smile as I was writing this post thinking about how many
spanner sets I actually have, but I guess that's why I joined this forum...

So Chaps, What do you prefer to use when either would do...?


Cheers,
Rico.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

If I can use a ratchet I will. I'll only use a wrench when the ratchet won't work.

 

[superautobacs]

Depends on the situation. If I'm able to see the bolt/nut and I have good control of the ratchet, I'd use a socket as it's faster. On the other hand, if I can't see the nut/bolt or it's in a awkward position, where I can get a good control/handle of the ratchet, I'd go with a spanner or ratcheting wrench.

 

[rsanter]

ratchet first

wrench if there is a good reason for it

bob

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I'll toss a wrench in to your question by saying I would use a ratcheting wrench.

But really for every situation there is a right tool even if others would work.

 

[Danglerb]

First choice power tool.
second choice ratchet.
Third choice ratcheting wrench.
Last choice regular wrench.

Except for shorter tasks I tend to keep working with whatever tool is in my hand, or on my rolling stool's tool tray.

 

[back2class]

I often go for a combo wrench first unless I have a several fasteners to remove.

 

[Rico.]

First choice power tool.
second choice ratchet.
Third choice ratcheting wrench.
Last choice regular wrench.

Actually, I'll probably go along with this...



Cheers,
Rico.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

ratchet and socket when space, if not wrench....

 

[Moose-LandTran]

If i'm not in any rush, i'll often use a spanner for many jobs.

 

[Vinko]

Wrench. But that's because until I got a proper box with drawers, everything was jammed into a small metal Proto tool box or in other crates of tools. So getting a socket was a pain.

 

[krooser]

Socket with an air ratchet or impact. I'm a former "line mechanic" (before there were "technicians") and I worked on flat rate 50/50. You only made $$$ when you worked fast.

 

[-B-]

At work it is pretty much cut and drive as to what type of tool to use though an outsider may not see it that way. The only real questionable one is bolt on axle nuts the proper tool to get the right TQ is a wrench so as to not over tighten and compromise the bearings. Looking at it you would initlly thing a socket would be best and often time removal is facilitated by a socket as they are often time was over TQ'd at the factory.

 

[speed bump]

Air tool impact or ratchet.

Ratchet or Gearwrench depending on the application

Combination wrench

 

[Merkava_4]

The combination wrench is what I grab first.

And by that I mean NON-ratcheting.

I'm not one of those guys who uses a Makita drill/driver to remove carburetor screws either.

 

[fordracing200]

impact gun, air ratchet if i dont have much space but usually impact, ratchet/socket, combinaton wrench. I don't own any ratcheting wrenchs. :-(

 

[Rico.]

The combination wrench is what I grab first.

And by that I mean NON-ratcheting.

I'm not one of those guys who uses a Makita drill/driver to remove carburetor screws either.

Ahh... The old Carburetor, Oh how I miss thee....

 

[johnny1290]

I agree with the above order of preference.

That said, it's usually quicker for me to just use whatever is at hand rather than doing the whole compressor thing.

Basically wrenches are for use when I can't get a socket on something.

 

[Rico.]

I thought I'd dig this old thread up to see if any new members would give their
opinion on what they like to use. I'm still in the ratchet and socket camp, even
though I have added loads of spanners to my kit since I started this thread.
I guess thats probably why I'm still here, or more likely... because I'm still here..

It would seem that ratchet/socket combo is always going to win this.

 

[TheGrease]

I use both I'm not to picky when it comes to the job.

 

[jetmech09]

Time is money. Ratchet.

 

[richfinn]

I often use a spanner on electrical studs and battery posts

 

[HaroRider]

First choice power tool.
second choice ratchet.
Third choice ratcheting wrench.
Last choice regular wrench.

Except for shorter tasks I tend to keep working with whatever tool is in my hand, or on my rolling stool's tool tray.

I generall go with this.

But many times for example like stated above many post syle things I will grab a wrench rather then a deep socket. (I dont know why its just habbit)

For small jobs like brakes I try to use ratcheting wrenches and ratchet/sockets to avoid having to start up the compressor.

If I am doing something big, I usually have everything out, and it starts getting messy.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

ratchet and socket when space, if not wrench....

Update,
I use wrench for the oil drain plugs..
Ratchet and socket, maybe once in while. I like air ratchet better..... and impact gun with a swiel sockets

 

[shampoop]

first choice power tool.
Second choice ratchet.
Third choice ratcheting wrench.
Last choice regular wrench.

Except for shorter tasks i tend to keep working with whatever tool is in my hand, or on my rolling stool's tool tray.

+111

 

[1stblack97ZJ]

For easy to get to, common sized bolts and nuts I use ratchet wrenches. For most everything else I use a ratchet. For stuff I can't get to with the ratchet, and space is too limited for the ratchet wrenches' slightly larger head, I grab a regular spanner. I also use regular spanners for holding a bolt while I tighten the nut, or vice versa, like on control arms, trackbars, etc.

 

[HaroRider]

Yeah I forgot about that, using a wrench to hold something while you loosen/tighten the nut or bolt.