Gearwrench flex wrench's

[MTNSleder]

Were do you use them the most?

 

[WWheeler]

I prefer a non-flex reversible ratcheting wrench when they'll fit, so I only break out the flex when I need it, but that happens quite a bit. Used one last weekend when doing a clutch-job for that one hard to get-to starter bolt and had that thing off in less than half the time it's taken me before without one. The older I get the higher value I place on any tool that cuts my time laying on my back under a vehicle

 

[ocloc24]

Anywhere I can't fit a 0 or 15° offset, which is alot of places. I used to use them as my go to, but I tend to reach for my reversibles now if I know there aren't obstructions. They're good if you only want to own one style, they're the most versatile I'd say

 

[potato]

the non locking flex aggravate me when they walk off the fastener.i have to keep my thumb on them to keep them seated.

 

[Tallpilot]

Anywhere I can't fit a 0 or 15° offset, which is alot of places. I used to use them as my go to, but I tend to reach for my reversibles now if I know there aren't obstructions. They're good if you only want to own one style, they're the most versatile I'd say

I agree. I also started with flex for that reason and used them for almost everything except breaking tight stuff loose. Now that I have extra long 0 offset and 15 degree reversibles I pick one of those first.

It is kind of a joke around here but very much true that each type of tool has its place and once you have that type you will find even more situations where it is the most useful.

If I didn't own any wrenches I would buy them in this order:
1) Standard combination (longer pattern)
2) Stubby ratcheting combination
3) Ratcheting flex (the double box end style saves space since you don't need more open ends at this point but get the shorter length)
4) Extra long 0 offset with both a fixed and ratcheting box end (the longer the better)
5) Reversible ratcheting (this is a good time to get open ends with teeth; you will eventually need them but don't want to use them for everything)

Thoughts?

 

[Tallpilot]

the non locking flex aggravate me when they walk off the fastener.i have to keep my thumb on them to keep them seated.

Takes a little getting used to it but it is just like having a floppy head ratchet. Keep your finger on it while you spin. Safety people would probably tell us we're supposed to be doing that anyway with any hand tool.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Takes a little getting used to it but it is just like having a floppy head ratchet. Keep your finger on it while you spin. Safety people would probably tell us we're supposed to be doing that anyway with any hand tool.

How do you always have access to have your thumb on it?

No way.

 

[M6erfan]

Were do you use them the most?

After the gears inevitably fail, the returns counter...

 

[WittHay]

Use the flexhead Mastercraft Maximums with the GearWrench on the other side of the wrench all the time. Weird equipment purposes and for thread restoring taps and dies.

When the Chinese Maximum/GearWrench get worn out, I replace them with the Gray Multigear flex-heads. Stainless steel and made in Taiwan.

Last automotive type purpose was the top nut on a transfer case in a Dodge Cummins diesel. Reached in with the Gray flex and at almost a 90° angle removed it

 

[Yarpo]

After the gears inevitably fail, the returns counter...

I think you have bad luck or are misusing them

My most used (9/16th) ratching wrench has been replaced once in the 4~ years I've been wrenching. The other sizes have never been replaced as they're used less often and it was a cheap set