Double Box end what degree of offset do you prefer?

[brooksdr]

I was wondering what degree off set you guys prefer on your DBE if you only had 1 set?

 

[bonneyman]

For long DBE's, 15 degree offset.
For shorty DBE's, more like 45 or 60 degrees.

I find that too much of an offset on longer wrenches tends to allow too much twisting off center when alot of torque is applied. On short wrenches, not so much torque is used, so a hefty offset doesn't cause problems. JMHO.

 

[larry_g]

I think I actually prefer the offset box vs the angled.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Olafur]

The left one in the picture is just right in my opinion.

 

[bob15]

The left one in the picture is just right in my opinion.

For me, I prefer the one on the far right. I like the knuckle clearance and the ability to get into recessed areas better. But, depending on what you are working on, the left ones (15° offset) might work better.

 

[bobcatdan]

I only have the 0° "high performance " DBE. Never saw a single reason to ever consider buying any other offset.

 

[rockinacummins]

Zero.

 

[Wakefield]

The left one in the picture is just right in my opinion.

If you can have 2, a set of the deep offset and a set of the completely flat ones like Snap On XDHFM1719 <<>> XDHFM1516 ? !
might be like bobcatdan has
reach in behind a power steering pump?

 

[gdocktor3]

I own a few of a each, but prefer 0 degree. The deep offset wrenches are difficult to hold tight to the base of nut/bolt with one hand and tend to slip off or bite the fastener at an angle when I apply heavy force, potentially ruining that nut/bolt. There are times when they are needed, but generally a socket and ratchet will work just the same. My most used dbe wrenches are XL ratchet wrenches and the short Snap On boxocket wrenches. I love those boxocket wrenches so much I own 3 sets.

 

[blown94conv]

Zero here.

 

[PelicanPines]

I was wondering what degree off set you guys prefer on your DBE if you only had 1 set?

Zero with a flex head.

 

[Finky198]

zero for DBE (+1 for snappy) when I need an offset I'd use a std combo wrench...

Flex is really nice, so are ratcheting wrenches, but I feel like their more of a want than a NEED in most cases... I have both so who am I to judge lol...

 

[Loscaldazar]

Zero Offset is my favorite.

Love my Snap On high performance DBE- by far my most used wrench.

 

[jhelrey]

Zero

 

[L.Cheapo]

I only have the 0° "high performance " DBE. Never saw a single reason to ever consider buying any other offset.

This. The Snappys are works of art.

 

[pi_guy]

What I was taught the proper tool for the job.
You maybe can get by with the wrong wrench but using the correct wrench you reduce the possibility of damage to bolt/nut and any other items in the area.
I look at my hi performance wrenches with 0 offset and think there is a dozen jobs that they would not work.

 

[bobcatdan]

What I was taught the proper tool for the job.
You maybe can get by with the wrong wrench but using the correct wrench you reduce the possibility of damage to bolt/nut and any other items in the area.
I look at my hi performance wrenches with 0 offset and think there is a dozen jobs that they would not work.

That's why they invented sockets. Never once found a bolt that a deep offset DBE was the only option. Only reason I have 0° DBE is because they were too cheap to pass. I use them because I have them, not because I need them.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Never once found a bolt that a deep offset DBE was the only.

No air / impact, alternator pulley w/ Allen/ torx in the shaft and a nut retaining the pulley. Sorry, that's all I got.

 

[TheFarmer]

Zero.

 

[Wamsutta]

The deep offset is made for clearing obstructions. If the nut you're after is down in a recess and the space above it is obstructed so that you can't use a socket, the deep offset box wrench is your hero.

 

[Derek420]

I prefer the 0° offset best Mac and snap on.

 

[Olafur]

For me, I prefer the one on the far right. I like the knuckle clearance and the ability to get into recessed areas better. But, depending on what you are working on, the left ones (15° offset) might work better.

Both is better!
The left one (Stahlwille Corona 23) gives decent knuckle clearance but you can still lean on it hard without problems. Great all around wrenches. Since I got them my combination wrenches see much less use. The deep offset are nice to have -they can save the day sometimes - but they see less than 5% of use vs the others.

IMO zero offset only makes sense for very long wrenches.

 

[bob15]

That's why they invented sockets. Never once found a bolt that a deep offset DBE was the only option. Only reason I have 0° DBE is because they were too cheap to pass. I use them because I have them, not because I need them.

You can use a socket, but the deep offset box end wrench works much easier on the McCulloch clutch cover nuts, especially if it is a PM800/805/8200/DE80 with a full wrap handle and you are tightening the bar nut.

A socket will work if you have a swivel extension, but the wrench is quicker and easier to use; not to mention only one wrench to carry in the woods, and not a socket, extension and a handle of some sorts (and more stuff to lose).

 

[pi_guy]

That's why they invented sockets. Never once found a bolt that a deep offset DBE was the only option. Only reason I have 0° DBE is because they were too cheap to pass. I use them because I have them, not because I need them.

Well some of us work on things that are smaller and often a wrench is the only option. Yes a socket will work but in order to use that you must take off bodywork and a host of other parts. Just not time efficient.
Plus the 1/4 - 5/6 hi performance wrench will not fit half the time where I would need it. I use the short handle box 95% of the time the biggest nut is 1/2 inch. With the exception of the gearbox and wheel nut.

 

[wombat31x]

The offset I prefer and have done for the past thirty years are these Sidchrome(Australian Made).Sadly they are no longer made in this country and the new ones have a much shallower offset.The wrench(spanner) shown is a 1/2"x9/16"

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[winlinmac]

What's the one on the far left? I have 60-degrees offset, but would like something lesser too, thanks

For me, I prefer the one on the far right. I like the knuckle clearance and the ability to get into recessed areas better. But, depending on what you are working on, the left ones (15° offset) might work better.

 

[gigamel]

Reg size DBE - 60 degree
Super long DBE - 0 degree
You get the 15 degree for free on your combination wrench box end.

Only one set? - Reg size DBE 60 degree

 

[winlinmac]

What's the cheapest zero offset wrenches available?

 

[Monte]

the one one the right:

 

[winlinmac]

Oh, but isn't that 60 degrees offset? Was hoping to come across zero degrees, but they seem rather expensive, even on eBay

 

[Jo Diesel]

If you wrench much you will find you need all 3. The one I use most and is what I call my pocket wrench caus it is always in my pocket is the one on the left 1/2 -9/16 if I am working on something that is metric it is my 13-15. Both in Snap-on. The other 2 sets are Craftsman and SK. Have HF at home and haven't broke one yet as you usually are not reefing on the longer offset.

 

[Finky198]

Reg size DBE - 60 degree
Super long DBE - 0 degree
You get the 15 degree for free on your combination wrench box end.

Only one set? - Reg size DBE 60 degree

This ^^^

Then you add some flex, ratcheting, stubbies and some line wrenches
(4ways angles and crows feet if you need them ) and your Golden ...