Flex head vs normal wrenches. Which is best?

[Bennylava]

I'm debating whether to buy the Gearwrench flex head ratcheting wrenches, or just the normal, non-flex ratcheting wrenches.

Should I bother to own both?

If I buy the flex head ones, do I ever really need the normal ones? What are the pros and cons? Only thing I can really think of, would be that the flex head ones should be somewhat weaker than the non flex head, because of that joint. Then again, does it even matter?

 

[1950mercury]

The flex heads can be to big and bulky

 

[z28ke]

I would start with regular ratcheting wrenches and go from there. They will be a huge improvement to standard and should be owned as a base, then expand to flex and stubby ratcheting. I got a set of gearwrench flex for Christmas, hopefully stubbys next year lol.

 

[bcradio]

Locking flex will do the trick

 

[d.mcfarland]

I got the non flex first and just added a set of flex. You won't need the flex all that often, but when you do it's nice to have them. Wait and search out a deal on them.

 

[TK-421]

I'm starting out the regular non-flex version because Northern Tool had them on sale, and with a coupon I basically got $25 worth of stuff for free. That set included some non-flex stubby wrenches as well. I've fleshed out my regular set, so next I'll flesh out the non-flex stubby set, and then I'll do regular flex, and finally I'll end with stubby flex.

I have a bad habit of collecting complete sets, so I imagine I'll need several tool chests by the time I die.

 

[jsaw]

If I had to choose 1 or the other, it would be locking flex head

 

[Greg85mcss]

I've had the basic gearwrench set for a few years & have been completely satisfied... Until I got some ez red double box xl flex & those things are awesome. Imo those & a set of regular combination wrenches is the way to go. If you want one set then ratcheting combination is the way to go. Flex or not is up to you. I've borrowed flex ones I hated before so see if you can try out what you're looking at first. Never seen locking flex but that should be worth a look.


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[Bighead38]

I would get the flex first especially if you already own standard wrenches. I always grab my flex wrenches first. It's very rare I grab the regular gear wrench. The flex can do 99% of what the regular gear wrenches can do. I also vote for non locking. I use flex because I want the ability to move and change angles.

 

[SVTDice]

Gearwrench 120XP. Depending on your budget they are the best flex head ratcheting wrenches I've ever owned. They have a 3 degree arc swing, 25% longer, have surface drive plus (Gearwrenches version of flank drive plus) and have a much thinner head when you're on a bolt that is slammed right up against something. Almost zero backdrag and feel silky smooth, makes my old Kobalt set feel pathetic in comparison.

 

[chrisnazzy]

I got the 6 pc. flex GW sets from Sears when they were on sale recently for $27.99 each. The metric is just the most used 10,12,13,14,15,17 and I added the 19mm.

They will come in handy often but you do have to flip them over to reverse directions. My favorite GW set that I own are the Reversible ratcheting 8-25mm. I like them better than my 1/4-1" SAE set that is flat and non-reversible. Realistically though it never hurts to have multiple options so watch for deals to expand your wrench drawer.

 

[drink]

I'm just an end user that works on stuff sometimes and I like to assemble tool sets for the fun of it. So far I think a locking flex head ratchet would be more economical than a full set of wrenches. You don't have to worry about taking up too much storage space with just a ratchet. The only thing I can quickly think of that might be of concern is the sockets might not fit in places the flex ratcheting wreches will. It seems like no matter how many tools you have you always end up needing more tools.

 

[unslow1]

Whichever you decide on if you have an Advance Auto Parts near check there. They have been running their sets at 50% off. I was there tonight and the 20 piece non-flex set was $50. Personally I would start with the non-flex sets. I have both and the stubbies also.

 

[chrisnazzy]

It seems like no matter how many tools you have you always end up needing more tools.

And so sums up all of the time we all spend here on GJ. Sure is fun though!

 

[TK-421]

Whichever you decide on if you have an Advance Auto Parts near check there. They have been running their sets at 50% off. I was there tonight and the 20 piece non-flex set was $50. Personally I would start with the non-flex sets. I have both and the stubbies also.

TRT30 will get you 30% off $50+, with a maximum savings of $50 per order. Unfortunately they apparently won't let you use it on those wrenches.

 

[Phantom552]

I'm debating whether to buy the Gearwrench flex head ratcheting wrenches, or just the norma, non-flex ratcheting wrenches.

Should I bother to own both?

If I buy the flex head ones, do I ever really need the normal ones? What are the pros and cons? Only thing I can really think of, would be that the flex head ones should be somewhat weaker than the non flex head, because of that joint. Then again, does it even matter?

First question, how much time do you spend with a wrench in your hand on average? The standard ratcheting wrenches are great 90% of the time, but when you need the ones that flex, you need 'em lol. If your a pro, or serious DIY, I'd get both. If you're more of a hobbyist or as-needed DIY, I'd start with the standard ratcheting wrenches, and use those till you find something that calls for the flex-head ones.

 

[Bennylava]

First question, how much time do you spend with a wrench in your hand on average? The standard ratcheting wrenches are great 90% of the time, but when you need the ones that flex, you need 'em lol. If your a pro, or serious DIY, I'd get both. If you're more of a hobbyist or as-needed DIY, I'd start with the standard ratcheting wrenches, and use those till you find something that calls for the flex-head ones.

After thinking about it for awhile, and reading this thread, it seems I should have asked a different question. Which is:

Should I just skip the regular ratcheting wrenches completely, and just buy the flex head ones? Is there any reason to have both? I've spent thousands on tools and garage equipment lately lol. It would be nice if I could skip a few things that weren't really necessary.

 

[WheelsNT]

In a word, "yes".

I have owned the flex wrenches for a bunch of years and just got the reversible wrenches. I would -definitely- start with the flex wrenches and then go from there. The flexes will do absolutely everything the non-reversible gearwrenches will do.

 

[DBendr]

I agree. Go flex just in case. I'm beginning to feel if I had all this to do over I'd also start(and probably stay) with flex head ratchets too.
It's like 4wd. Once you have it anything else is simply lacking ability.

 

[mrjaw14]

Only thing I'll say is if you don't get the kind with reverse switch be careful you don't back yourself in a position where you can't get the wrench off and flip it to reverse it in low clearance situations. That majorly *****! Not something you really think about with a ratcheting anything because you're used to being able to reverse it!

I have non-reversible flex-head gear wrenches and like them a lot, but I also have regular reversible non-flex as well. both are indispensable at times. FYI sears usually has killer black Friday deals on the flex heads. That's when I got both my sets...so if you don't have to have them right now might be worth the wait

 

[Bennylava]

Everyone seems to think that gearwrench flex heads are pretty close to the best you can get. I'll give 'em a try.

But what about breaking things loose with ratcheting flex heads? At what point, should I stop gorilla arming it, and use a regular wrench? Or do yall just always break it loose with a regular wrench first, and then put the flex head on? Anyone ever run into any trouble putting too much torque on the flex heads? I've never owned any, so I thought I'd ask. I have a tendency to try and brute force stuff, before I try finesse.

 

[TheMadMech]

I see I'm late to the party but if I may add my 2 cents to the conversation:

Gear Wrench Set
http://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches/ratcheting/gearwrench-9533n-8-pc-reversible-combination-ratcheting-wrench-set-sae.html

I'm an industrial mechanic and often have to work on fasteners which have been impact gun torqued into place and often in tight spaces. This is the first set of wrenches I got which ratcheted and it's still a set that I have and use as my main wrenches. I never bother worrying about breaking them, I've even used other combo wrenches as cheater extensions to break fasteners loose (other gear wrench ratcheting wrenches) and in my 8 years of having these tools I've broken the 1/2" twice and the 9/16" once. That's it. For each instance I just had the local fastenal branch swap them out and life was good.

I picked up a proto 3/4" and 1/2" of the same style and I don't use them unless I absolutely have to because they are junk. They look great and seem like they will work but are worthless.

You really can't go wrong with these wrenches.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In 3/8 drive, you need both.

 

[bry@n]

Would anybody recommend getting the spline version if price was close?

Would seem logical since the spline seems to do almost every bolt design but I've never used them.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I just got some spline wrences & the only drawback I've seen so far is sometimes they dig into mangled bolt heads & are hard to get off. As far as gearwrenches breaking the only problem I've had in 3 years of pretty tough use is the 8mm & that's mostly from bleeding brakes.


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[gdocktor3]

I have flex and reversible in sae and mm. The flex are nice for odd, tight spots and you can use them as a spinner type handle if you know what I mean. The reversible's hardly ever get used, but are nice to have as they have the cap stop feature. And fyi you can buy the reversible ones from Advance Auto for $59 and use the trt30 discount code and get them for $42 and go pick them up. I got mine for $35 a few years ago on sale. Then I have GW stubby ratchet wrenches I bought off Ebay for $26 or something.

I also have a set of Proto Taiwan spline ratchet wrenches which are nice, but over priced. Then I have a few Craftsman ratchet wrenches which are same as GW. I have some XL double box end Expert ratchet wrenches by Mac which are complete garbage. I also have some Husky ratchet wrenches I've had for almost 10 years that have worked each and every time with no problem what so ever. Lastly I have a few Matco spline ratchet wrenches which are the cats pajamas. The Matco and Proto have anti slip jaws.

 

[Easyeddystrees]

Use your money on some brand that's more worthwhile. Gearwrench is popular because of the affordable pricing. I have seen countless gearwrench ratcheting wrench mechanisms ruined by normal use. To me the best warranty on a tool is the guarantee it won't break while I'm using it. Or rust out while sitting on the workbench. SK all the way baby! (SK doesn't make ratcheting flex wrenches, but get you some Mac or snap on or at least American made and you'll thank yourself.)

 

[Two Speed]

I'm debating whether to buy the Gearwrench flex head ratcheting wrenches, or just the normal, non-flex ratcheting wrenches.

Should I bother to own both?

Flex is more versatile. I original bought a non-flex set, that turned out to be a bigger annoyance than I anticipated as the places I end up using them most are either recessed in a panel a bit leaving no room to hold the wrench, or have other obstructions around that a flex head lets you swing out of the way and save your knuckles. I very rarely use the "normal" ratcheting wrenches, pretty much reserved for flat work or where bolts are out in the open.

Alex.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Just go with the 15 degree reversible offset ones. Eliminates the risk of backing yourself into trouble.

 

[pbon]

I find the flex head very useful. I have killed a couple of 13s and a 14, and the lifetime warranty does not seem worth pursuing due to the cost. You can buy new wrenches, though not gearwrench brand, for less shipped than the warranty cost.

 

[may0naise]

I honestly wounder if it would be better to just get something like these double flex head ratchet ends (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F512CB8/?tag=atomicindus08-20) since the open end seems kind of pointless. how often do people use the open end on their ratchet wrenches?

 

[Onefastgsx]

I have sets of both and would definitely go with the flex heads I'd I had to choose between the two.
It's nice to have the flexibility if I need it. And I dont understand why people say the flex heads are more bulky, because my flex and nonflex head wrenches are literally the exact same size and thickness

 

[bryant 24]

Locking flex will do the trick

price too high

 

[rockettauto]

I can think of one time recently I was happy to have non reversing, straight ones.

Trunk latch was stuck, I got through the backseat by unbolting the latch that keeps it folded up. The head need to be small and it needed not to swivel to get it on the bolts. Actually, had I not had two sets I would have had to loosen each a little at a time.

 

[bcradio]

price too high

Get second job

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Well you need a regular non-flex because they’re less bulky.
but from non-flex you need both reversible and non-reversible. The reversible are even less bulky but have no offset which is great for some fasteners but terrible for others so you need the reversible with offset.

And then for flex you need locking and non locking. Because maybe you have a weird angle that you need the flex to flex during the movement but maybe the flex is too flex and you need locking to secure the exact angle.

And also for each of the styles above get regular length and also extra long.

And on the extra long, get double box end with one end fixed so you can break with fixed, switch to other side for ratcheting.

So really, about 12 different sets should cover you.

 

[F-22]

I'd say standard fixed non-ratcheting combination wrenches are better complemented with flex head ratcheting wrenches. You can use the flex head ratcheting wrenches for 80% of your needs. Where you don't get close, you use the regular fixed wrenches instead and cover everything.

With the fixed ratcheting wrenches, they're still a bit bulky. I'd sooner say the flex heads get you in areas where the regular fixed ratcheting wrenches can't be used, meanwhile if there's not a lot of space around the ratchet head then neither will work well.....

Fixed+flex ratcheting wrench sets would e.g. cover 85-90% of needs but you'd still need the classic non ratcheting wrenches in some cases.

If you want to go a bit against the "mainstream" tools, maybe check out the cles-a-pipe L-key style wrenches. They can be as fast as a ratcheting wrench and often have just enough clearance. I recently got some and really love them.

 

[AEAdam]

What did the torque test channel say about GW open ends? I would buy strong ratchets, if they were long and had capable open ends. If not, I’d advise double box ends where one end is fixed, other ratcheting. Or is that what you guys are talking about?

 

[bonneyman]

I can't speak for the GW open ends as I don't use them - and for my job the non-flex styles worked fine - but the ratcheting box ends are tough as nails. I've used my 5/16" ratcheting box end for over 20 years on tight and stuck cabinet screws and it's never failed. And I pull on the wrench HARD!

Plus, with the newer wrench to socket adaptors I rarely used ratchets on the job much. The length and thinness of the GW wrench makes them so nice for tight work.

9230D 3 Piece Metric Ratcheting Wrench to Square Drive Adapter Set - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 9230D 3 Piece Metric Ratcheting Wrench to Square Drive Adapter Set here.

www.gearwrench.com

 

[WWheeler]

I have sets of just about all styles of ratcheting wrenches in metric and SAE.

I have sets of 0 deg offset (flip-to-reverse), flex head (stubbies, standard, and xtra long) and locking flex (all my flex are also flip-to-reverse), and multiple sets of reversibles (with offset ratcheting ends). Most of mine are Gearwrench, a couple sets are Tekton, and one (my most used nowadays) is Williams.

BY FAR the most used are my reversibles. It's not even close. They just work in the most instances like a normal wrench without the extra worry of getting it trapped like you can (I have) with any flip-to-reverse style.

The 0 deg offset (flip to reverse knuckle scrapers) were the first set of ratcheting wrenches I ever got, more than 20 years ago, and I don't recall ever using a single one of them since getting my first sets of flex heads. They just take up precious space in my drawers. There simply is never an instance where I don't prefer to grab a reversible or flex instead.