Flex combination wrenches

[SK-Mike]

Do you guys use them much? I have a super nice set of SK both metric and SAE but rarely find that I need them. Seems like I hardly ever reach for them in the tool drawer.

Only 1 time I can remember of actually needing one when another wrench or socket wouldn't do the job.


** Edit: in the title I meant to use: Flex socket Combination Wrenches. That have the swivel socket on one end and the open combination wrench on the opposite end.

 

[toolaholic]

I have the gearwrench flex head in sae and metric. I used the 9/16 gearwrench to tighten a accessory bracket bolt on my 99 Dakota r/t. The metal coolant line was in the way. I also have craftsman made in USA locking flex head metric stubby wrenches. Used the 15mm to hold the nut on the back of the alternator(99 Chevy lumina). Those are the only 2 times I used flex head wrenches.

 

[woody 73]

Kind of like the Dodo bird or the RA saw not many people use them these days because better wrench designs are out in the market place. I myself like them very much but working under very tight spaces under the hood they do not see much use. I use mine when working with on wood working machines where spaces are more open.

 

[Hiball]

I have a full set of snap on/Armstrong saltus wrenches, I normally throw them in the "to go" bag. If I hadn't picked them up on the cheap, I wouldn't own them, they carry a fairly good $$$, even used.

 

[shoggoth80]

I can think if a couple specific applications where I wished my employer would issue me some. Lol.

A long pattern flex (and preferably ratcheting) would be awesome for getting alternators off of Caravans. Same would go for releasing the belt tensioner too (though I do not know the size offhand)... no space to wedge our tensioner tool down in there to get one the pulley.

I've got flex line wrenches... and they have saved my *** more than once. In general, options are good?

 

[Dave455]

There are a couple of applications where they work better than anything else - removing and refitting doors, especially on smaller vehicles, comes to mind.

Other than that, I find that I tend to use 'em if I have them with me, but that's not often!

Would never get rid of 'em though! Generally, access is getting harder not easier, and you never know when you might need 'em!

 

[gsingh]

I still have 2 gearwrench sets. Gets used everyday at work.

 

[franzdom]

Most of the people in this thread think it's about ratcheting wrenches. It is not.

It is about these:

I don't have any, but I think they are cool!

 

[rapid robert]

Always thought these were cool...but never bought a set because felt they would have very limited use.

 

[shoggoth80]

Interesting. It sounded like flexible end combo wrenches, rather than wrenches with a socket on the end. If those were made with super shallows...I could see them being an asset...just for reach and accessibility.

 

[defektes]

Honestly I have some Snappys that I have rarely used. I tend to use them to hold nuts when I am tightening a bolt, but only if the nut is in a hard to get to spot where the flex makes it easy.

They are good to have, but not essential.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Useless for me. They are a one ended wrench and a one ended ratchet. Far outdated unfortunately.

 

[SK-Mike]

In case anyone would be interested, I would be willing to part with both sets (Metric 10-19MM & SAE 3/8-3/4") like new condition, for $250 TYD. can text or email pics.

 

[1950mercury]

Those style wrenches are out dated have next to no resale value.

 

[LXCam]

Most of the people in this thread think it's about ratcheting wrenches. It is not.

It is about these:

I don't have any, but I think they are cool!

I bought a set of those 35yrs ago when I wrenched on bikes for a living. I can't think of anytime since then I've pulled them out, but I still got'em.

 

[royesses]

I used them for adjusting the valves on chevy small blocks and pontiacs. Other than that there were a few places they were used, manifolds etc.

 

[JBradley500]

I use those to back nuts when I'm using an impact and sometimes on stuff like torque converter bolts when space is tight.

 

[Farmall 1066]

I use the hell out of my SAE ones. Among the first tools I bought myself.

 

[heytrid]

I bought a set of those 35yrs ago when I wrenched on bikes for a living. I can't think of anytime since then I've pulled them out, but I still got'em.

super handy on bikes, but then you only need a few sizes and normally only for a few certain bike models now. I do want a set but could never justify the cost.

 

[shockwave]

I use these all the time great on timing belt jobs

 

[1foxracing]

I have the SK models in metric and I work on motorcycles, choice is good!

 

[cowboy73]

Aren't those also called Saltus wrenches?

 

[franzdom]

Aren't those also called Saltus wrenches?

Yes, mentioned in post #4.

 

[littleponderosa]

Use them more than once per week. Finding them to be very handy on the JD garden tractor project. I'm probably a fan since my Father used them often in the garage.
Bill

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Those style wrenches are out dated have next to no resale value.

The gentleman right above you begs to differ!