Flex Combination Wrenches

[Joe B.]

Does anyone actually use these things anymore? I saw an SK set for sale in the clearance part of Sears.com and it made me wonder if anyone actually still uses them. I don't think I have even see one in a number of years.

SK 10 Pc SuperKrome Flex Metric Combination Wrench Set (pic from Sears.com)

A Bonney example from Ebay. ($11.95 BIN)

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I have a set of saltus wrenches, they don't see much use but can be very helpful for holding the nut on the back side of something. Its just another specialty wrench that can be invaluable when you need them even if that is not every day.

 

[john w]

I bought a set of the double socket end wrenches from Mike at Toptul after having a real go-around with removing some accessory drive stuff from a Subaru at school. There wasn't enough room to maneuver a ratchet and socket so, I bought these for the next time.

I am assuming you already have a set of combination wrenches, so, why get any more open-ends? I think the list price on the set was around $55 - a steal in my book!

I received a little camera for x-mas and am learning how to post photos now - will put some up by tomorrow I hope.

 

[Stuey]

I wouldn't mind a few of those in select sizes, but for the most part I have not (yet) come across any situations where this type of tool was the only suitable one to use.

 

[vssjim]

This is another one of those tool designs that are in the catagory of when you need them they are a must have.

 

[GDA]

I dont have a set so obviously haven't seen the need or use for them. I would think for the uses these are designed for that a crowfoot/breaker bar or short socket/bbar would work just the same.

 

[Fedwrench]

Any clearance advantage these wrenches once enjoyed is probably gone with the introduction of those Gearwrench pass through vortex socket sets.

 

[rhandwor]

I purchased a few used but never had a use for them.

 

[davestlouis]

I use mine once in a while...Snap On, by the way.

 

[rsanter]

this is an old style of wrench that has been partly superseeded by all the newer designs of flex ratchets and flex end ratcheting wrenches.
I still like them and still use them a bit.
if you are not used to using them you may or may no like them

bob

 

[jay50]

Why wouldn't a small socket/ratchet combination work instead?

 

[davestlouis]

I guess Jay's idea would work, but there are times that even a fairly shallow socket would be too tall on the ratchet, and have a clearance issue. The last time I used mine, was removing bolted-on fog lamp brackets on an E28 BMW...I stuck the wrench on the bolt head, up under the aluminum bumper bar, and turned the nut below with a socket on a ratchet, and didn't have to even hold onto the wrench on top, it was wedged in place. I'm not sure if there was enough room for a socket and ratchet above.

 

[vssjim]

I know I already posted on this but I'm telling you I've got alot of tools and sometimes this style is the only thing that will fit.

 

[davestlouis]

I initially bought mine because my Snappy guy was trying to clear some inventory off the truck and cut me a deal...glad I have them now because they really do come in handy now and then.

 

[Joe B.]

Thanks for all of the responses. They were about what I expected It sounds like there is no critical need for these that I did not think of so I'll hold off and wait for a good deal to come along.

Cheers!

 

[Danglerb]

I bought a cheap 17mm along with some other tools, never used it, but suspect I would buy more in other sizes at the right price to have in my box.

OTOH I'm not seeing where one of these would do something a socket on a small swivel breaker bar could do.

 

[autoace]

I've never had any of these, maybe they could have been useful a few times.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have had a set for over 20 years. I like them simply because of their design, and mine are the low line Proto brand Challengers. I will not part with them, but I must admit I would not tell anyone there are times I really need them. In all my years of owning them I do not recall once where they saved my heiney or anything like that. I have not used every single size, and those I have used, I did not use more than a few times. I just never developed the habit of reaching for them and I doubt I will. I still like having them in my box though. I always figure something might come up one a job down the road where those wrenches will save the day or something. Anyway, if you do not have them, don't worry. I do not think you are really missing out on a must have tool or something like that.

 

[81Seca]

Dont have a set, but was looking at this awhile back:
http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Prod-22-1-2805/11920_12_Drive_Ratchets_and_Accessories.htm
It has both 3/8 and 1/2" drives, but is not low profile like the designated socket wrenches.

 

[a390st]

Most ratchets with a swivel socket on them are a longer than these. They are all wider. There are many times these will outdo a flex head ratchet, as well. I'm not saying they are a necessity, but when you need them, they will be a lifesaver. I have a PS pump I need to take off that won't come off with anything else. I just don't have a set anymore. I had a set of Asian junkers a long time ago and got rid of them. They didn't fit a fastener very well, but they sure would do this job.

 

[cruiser808]

Most ratchets with a swivel socket on them are a longer than these. They are all wider. There are many times these will outdo a flex head ratchet, as well. I'm not saying they are a necessity, but when you need them, they will be a lifesaver. I have a PS pump I need to take off that won't come off with anything else. I just don't have a set anymore. I had a set of Asian junkers a long time ago and got rid of them. They didn't fit a fastener very well, but they sure would do this job.

+1 on that. Change a starter on a 89' Electra Wagon (with a frickin V-8) and you'll see what I mean.