Fedwrench's SEMA 2022 TOOL Observations

[Fedwrench]

I have been using gearwrench 86117 with your 3/8 nano sockets. it's 17 something inches and DBE with 120xp flex ratcheting head. it's a perfect wrench for nano sockets except one thing: it doesn't have retaining ring for those 5% of cases when I needed socket to stay firm in a ratcheting head. No big problem as I use paper towel or put spinner on top of socket. So I would suggest to take into account three things:
1. Double box end - fixed end to break fastener loose and then put socket into ratcheting end to spin it off;
2. 17-18 inches for XL wrench is sweet spot;
3. there should be also a set of 3 wrenches like the one above - XL, regular (11"-12") and stubby (5").

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UBCHNE8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I mentioned the idea of a fixed boxed end instead of the tapered handle to the Astro Rep. He preferred the tapered handle. I like your idea for the three different length wrenches.

 

[DIYNY]

nvm

 

[DIYNY]

I mentioned the idea of a fixed boxed end instead of the tapered handle to the Astro Rep. He preferred the tapered handle. I like your idea for the three different length wrenches.

well if they plan keep replacing that wrench on warranty after folks use it to break free 22mm strut bolts let be it. their 3/8" set goes to 24mm. i don't see how that ratcheting wrench can handle those big sizes.

 

[dnschmidt]

KABO's do, and have been out for years, and Astro's testing indicates that it can. Now it you put a three foot pipe on the end of it that's likely another story but at 18" using human power it should be good. The three foot pipe I'm sure would be considered abuse.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

well if they plan keep replacing that wrench on warranty after folks use it to break free 22mm strut bolts let be it. their 3/8" set goes to 24mm. i don't see how that ratcheting wrench can handle those big sizes.

I really think the whole "don't break things free with a ratcheting tool" is overblown.


Impacting against a ratcheting mechanism might be a different story, but time and time again ratchet mechanisms prove to be competitive in strength with static breaker bar designs with consistant loading. If it's an heirloom ratchet which is out of production with no spares available you shouldn't be using it. If you're using it as a tool to get the job done, use it.

 

[sweet victory]

KABO's do, and have been out for years, and Astro's testing indicates that it can. Now it you put a three foot pipe no the end of it that's likely another story but at 18" using human power it should be good. The three foot pipe I'm sure would be considered abuse.

FWIW, my Snap On dealer probably has a pile of 20+ dead mountain wrenches every Monday I get on his truck. (They're the wrenches he warranties on his route) Not saying Kabo makes junk, but I am saying I've personally seen a **** ton of destroyed Kabos just on my SO dealer's route. Is this going to be a larger/stronger ratcheting mechanism than we've seen in the XL Kabo wrenches?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

FWIW, my Snap On dealer probably has a pile of 20+ dead mountain wrenches every Monday I get on his truck. (They're the wrenches he warranties on his route) Not saying Kabo makes junk, but I am saying I've personally seen a **** ton of destroyed Kabos just on my SO dealer's route. Is this going to be a larger/stronger ratcheting mechanism than we've seen in the XL Kabo wrenches?

The mountain mechaism is kind of ****** and weak. I had one bad out of the box they wouldn't warranty, constantly skipping and slipping.

Conversely one can take a 8.99 harbor freight composite ratchet and beat it with a hammer. The jiffy lube next door just abuses those beyond belief.


IMO that is more of an issue with that specific tool, than ratchet mechanisms themselves. They are also very frequently used, which will increase their failure rate. As a reference, I have gearwrench XL, and mountain wrenches on my cart. 3ish years on the mountains, I've had 2 failure. Nearly 10 on the XLs including holding a fastener with the ratcheting end while impacting. I would never even consider doing that with the mountain wrenches. Only the 17mm got crunchy and skipped. I bought another, that tool gave me its all. I use the XLs more, and I can 100% tell you I know the mountains are weaker, and I won't put my knuckles in harms way if the wrench may fail. I don't even think about the XL gearwrenches.

I did break a ring end on an 8mm and maybe the 14?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

What we showed at SEMA is a handmade sample without a model number, so obviously we're still working on it to meet our goals. But as it is torque to failure wise we're already above an equivalent KABO ratcheting wrench, though speaking just for myself that's not a bar to aim for. But hey, if you got patents and everyone's buying, why mess with a good thing

 

[m6z]

I remember VIM mentioning, probably a year ago, that they were going to offer sockets that were going to be a direct fit (1/4 male hex) to their bit ratchet. Any news on that?

Vim Products RFB400K $33.59 3 pc. 1/4" Mini Flex Bit/Socket Ratchet and T-Handle | Zoro.com

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[Ton ton]

Thank you for the report, Fedwrench.

 

[daithi]

I'm a Tekton fan, and have multiple of their 90T ratchets, and like them, but their ratchet selection *****. Most of it seems to be driven by warranty concerns; but they have a short 3/8 drive, 8"?, and a super long 3/8 drive, but not a 9.5-10" 3/8 drive which is the sweet spot to me- more leverage than an 8", but not crazy long so that you can still use it 95% of the time. Besides missing that size, the easy solution would be to offer longer length flex heads and just stamp them "no warranty"; I'd be fine with that since I'm not paying Snap On prices

I have the 4 piece Tekton ratchet set and the only thing I don't like about them is that the flex heads don't lock. Sometimes I have the socket on an awkward fastener and it's rage inducing when I try to turn it but the head just flops.

 

[daithi]

I have been using gearwrench 86117 with your 3/8 nano sockets. it's 17 something inches and DBE with 120xp flex ratcheting head. it's a perfect wrench for nano sockets except one thing: it doesn't have retaining ring for those 5% of cases when I needed socket to stay firm in a ratcheting head. No big problem as I use paper towel or put spinner on top of socket. So I would suggest to take into account three things:
1. Double box end - fixed end to break fastener loose and then put socket into ratcheting end to spin it off;
2. 17-18 inches for XL wrench is sweet spot;
3. there should be also a set of 3 wrenches like the one above - XL, regular (11"-12") and stubby (5").

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UBCHNE8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

@DIYNY curious what you use the wrench/socket combo for where a ratchet/breaker bar wouldn't suffice?

 

[Snapped-off]

As a reference, I have gearwrench XL, and mountain wrenches on my cart. 3ish years on the mountains, I've had 2 failure. Nearly 10 on the XLs ...

Are the Gearwrench subpar or do you just use them way more? It sounds like you grab the Gearwrench for everything.

 

[DIYNY]

@DIYNY curious what you use the wrench/socket combo for where a ratchet/breaker bar wouldn't suffice?

Look at attached pic. On the left is a socket with ratchet , same socket with a wrench is on the right. Difference in clearance is huge.

 

[daithi]

Look at attached pic. On the left is a socket with ratchet , same socket with a wrench is on the right. Difference in clearance is huge.

Difference in clearance is impressive. I'm just trying to think of something where that clearance is important but also allows a 17mm ratcheting wrench head in there...

 

[DIYNY]

Difference in clearance is impressive. I'm just trying to think of something where that clearance is important but also allows a 17mm ratcheting wrench head in there...

belt tensioner pulley, rear caliper mount bolts, etc

advantage is also in leverage it gives (wrench is 17") and availability of non-ratcheting box end to break loose really big fasteners.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Are the Gearwrench subpar or do you just use them way more? It sounds like you grab the Gearwrench for everything.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I've had the gearwrench 10 years, with lower failures than the mountain. And I use then all the time. They're my go-to box wrench.

One broken ring end, sort of abuse. And a crunchy 14 and 17mm. 3 failures in 10 years, where I could probably break a mountain for fun.

 

[DIYNY]

We can make the wrench as long at about 18.25-18.3" with current forge works in Taiwan, so that's what we'll do.
Under $30

Please consider including 3/8" drive adapter so ratchet can be used with regular sockets and extensions