Eclectic Ratcheting Wrench Set

[velorider562]

For the OCD types this thread isn't for you . I've decided to build a set of 0° non-reversible ratcheting wrench with different brands. With so many tool brands available, I've decided to "sleep around" and compare brands. The only requirement is from a decent quality brand. I'm also not looking at tool truck brands, unless I can find used.



Looking for suggestions??



So far:

9mm -

10mm - Proto

11mm -

12mm -

13mm - Milwaukee

14mm -

15mm - Gearwrench

16mm - Blackhawk

17mm - Williams

18mm - Tekton (6 point version)

19mm - Carlyle

 

[Komet]

I'd sleep around with a Snap-on in the 13mm slot. Also 8mm is pretty useful at times, I'd rather have an 8mm than 9mm honestly.

 

[velorider562]

I'd sleep around with a Snap-on in the 13mm slot. Also 8mm is pretty useful at times, I'd rather have an 8mm than 9mm honestly.

I might add 8mm as another "brandy count"

 

[KnurledNut]

That 14mm void is desperately begging for a Stahlwille...

 

[JradM]

I've got a set like this! I wanted to test out various wrenches and kept buying singles in different sizes. I actually ended up using that "set"... it's kind of fun to work with and admire the differences as you go.

 

[velorider562]

Currently, the Milwaukee, Carlyle, Proto, and Williams are on-order, something I did before I started this thread. They should start arriving sometime next week. In hindsight I should have skipped the Williams since I have a complete Williams reversible offset set.

For now the set looks pretty sad.

 

[Fedwrench]

I recommend an Advance Auto parts 12mm just for you to tell us about its open end.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/diehard-12mm-ratcheting-wrench-dhp55016/12409021-P?searchTerm=ratcheting+wrench

People seem to be asking about those Wera Joker ratcheting wrenches so, perhaps a 14 mm joker would be interesting.

Wera 073274 Joker Combination Wrench - 14mm

Wera Joker Combination Wrench - 14mm - best deals on German tools and high quality engineering. Free same day shipping available.

www.kctool.com

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I vote for Facom! Have a couple and really like them.

 

[velorider562]

So here is the finally list. The wrenches with * haven't arrived yet. Once they all arrive I'll share my initial thoughts.


I liked @Fedwrench suggestion about Advanced Auto, it got me thinking about other auto store brands. They are easily available and we've all used them in a pinch when you're missing that T50 socket halfway through a repair. So I included Duralast in the list. Unfortunately, I could not find the O'Reilly's Power Torque brand in the sizes I was looking for.

Continuing with easily available concept, I included a Husky. My Lowes has a terrible selection of Kobalt individual wrenches and online I could only find "universal" ratchet wrench in the sizes I was looking for.

Finally Craftsman, after shopping for a variety of wrenches I found Craftsman wrenches to be on the more expensive end. I have no personal experience with the new Craftsman but felt like they may not be worth it. Instead I squeezed in the DeWalt, still a SBD brand and $5 less then Craftsman.

I included @KnurledNut Stahlwille suggestion out of curiosity. A lot of European brands, Facom included, have an Atlantic ocean tax. The same wrench from a UK site was half the price.

And thanks to @Komet there is now an 8mm spot.

8mm - Duralast (AutoZone)

9mm - Husky*

10mm - Proto

11mm - DeWalt*

12mm - Diehard (Advanced Auto)

13mm - Milwaukee

14mm - Stahlwille*

15mm - Gearwrench

16mm - Blackhawk

17mm - Williams*

18mm - Tekton (6 point version)

19mm - Carlyle


I should have switched the Diehard for the DeWalt because 11mm isn't a popular size and I would preferred the "questionable" quality brands in less popular sizes.

 

[Pinemarten]

Will the losers get "voted off the island" and replaced with other brands? That would be cool, to see what brands rose to the top.

 

[KnurledNut]

I included @KnurledNut Stahlwille suggestion out of curiosity.

I think you will really like it. The backdrag is very light on mine. Reliable Kabo-sourced ratchet mechanism. Good length. Comfortable handle and tolerances Stahlwille is known for. One-of-a-kind finish.

 

[velorider562]

Will the losers get "voted off the island" and replaced with other brands? That would be cool, to see what brands rose to the top.

Ha!! Maybe!!