Hazet flank drive plus

[ClineWrench]

So it just occurred to me that while I think Hazet wrenches are likely the best wrenches out there, I have never seen any kind of serrated teeth or grabbers so to speak on the open end of their wrenches like the snap-on flank drive plus.

I wonder why they haven't done anything like that yet. It seems to me it would be a good way for them to put to bed any possible debate to their top rank status.

 

[Fedwrench]

They would just continue to be another tool brand even if they had a modified open end. What makes a Hazet wrench perfect and in your mind the leader of the pack?

 

[ClineWrench]

Good question Fed. Here's my reasoning; Back in the early 90's when I worked at a dealership, I worked for a great boss who let me use his tools from time to time.

When i started, I had a set of the typical craftsman raised panel wrenches, which were fine for a starter set. On occasion I'd use his Hazet wrenches any they just felt so solid and heavy by comparison. Not knowing where I could buy them, I settled on a set of Snap-On Flank Drive wrenches.

Now the FDP's are fantastic wrenches, but to this day, I would still prefer to use a Hazet (which I don't own any) over the Snap-On, or Cornwell wrenches that I actually own.

I know that my response presents no scientific or cause an effect reasoning behind it; but all the same, the Hazet wrenches just felt better in my hands than anything else I've ever picked up.

 

[Fedwrench]

No, I fully understand that it's all about how it feels in a users hand. I've always considered the Hazet/Stahlwille lines to be stout tools that seem a bit on the heavy side. Like the satin finish though. I think you should head over to samstagsales.com and get yourself some Hazet.

 

[Wakefield]

Are today's Snap On thinner than the ones of ,say,50 years ago?
Might that have something to do with making sure that they can fit into tight spaces on today's cars such as the front wheel drive Chrysler Sebring/Intrepid stuff?

 

[espyking83]

I'd really like to try some Hazet wrenches. Can't beat German engineering and refining.

 

[ClineWrench]

One of these days I'm going to make that first Hazet purchase. The tough part is that I already have so many wrenches it makes it difficult to find a need to buy another set.

Maybe someday I'll sell one of my snap-on sets and replace it with Hazet.

 

[Skin]

Other than excellent forgings the only thing of note about them I can say is they're very light combo wrenches. In the end I moved the Hazets along.

 

[ADSR]

One of these days I'm going to make that first Hazet purchase. The tough part is that I already have so many wrenches it makes it difficult to find a need to buy another set.

Maybe someday I'll sell one of my snap-on sets and replace it with Hazet.

One guy on here sold all his snappy and replaced with Wright. The Wrightgrip wrenches are flank and are beautiful!

 

[ADSR]

Had to add my favorite pic....

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4034926&postcount=20

 

[Monte]

So it just occurred to me that while I think Hazet wrenches are likely the best wrenches out there, I have never seen any kind of serrated teeth or grabbers so to speak on the open end of their wrenches like the snap-on flank drive plus.

I wonder why they haven't done anything like that yet. It seems to me it would be a good way for them to put to bed any possible debate to their top rank status.

There is no german company who make open end wrenches with flank drive. Why ? I don´t know. I guess they think it´s not necessary since their wrenches work like they are since ever...

 

[platform389]

There is no german company who make open end wrenches with flank drive. Why ? I don´t know. I guess they think it´s not necessary since their wrenches work like they are since ever...

Could have a little something to do with patent infringement. SO would not take kindly to appropriation one of their premium ideas.

 

[Dave455]

I don't particularly like those teeth on the open end! I work on classics a lot, and they will mark the fastener! At least Snap On give you the option of having them or not!

To be honest, going in to a situation where you will really need those serrations on an open ender is a bit like going into a situation where you will really need a .45 and a dozen mags! Better to find another way!!

I sometimes find tools that are not particularly flashy, and don't have any gimmicky features, but for some reason or other are very 'usable'. Those Hazet combination wrenches are in that category!

 

[abvw]

Could have a little something to do with patent infringement. SO would not take kindly to appropriation one of their premium ideas.

I believe its more because of quality fasteners than anything else. I've never rounded a German fastener, ever. Can't say the same with American or Japanese.

 

[ClineWrench]

@ platform: hadn't thought about the patent angle,but if that's thier reasoning then I wonder how wright got around it. They use a nearly identical system on thier wright grip wrenches.

@ Dave: I can certainly understand when working on classics or cars where that marking is a problem the reason to not use the FDP wrenches. I have a set of non FDP for that specific reason. For the record I have been in situations where I truly was able to make quick work of a rounded off nut using the FDP wrenches where otherwise a vise grip wouldn't reach. There's always other ways, but it's nice to have the answer in your hand already.

@Abvw: for the most part your statement is probably true. I have on occasion come across a rounded off nut on VWs but it's certainly not the fault of the nut. More the fault of the guy turning the wrench before me.

 

[Monte]

Could have a little something to do with patent infringement. SO would not take kindly to appropriation one of their premium ideas.

a patent is valid 20 years so maybe it is not yet expired. But personally i never understood why you need a flank drive at the open end.

 

[jim1987]

a patent is valid 20 years so maybe it is not yet expired. But personally i never understood why you need a flank drive at the open end.

I don't believe patent has anything to do with it. Carlyle wrenches have pretty much the EXACT same open end available on their long pattern wrenches.

 

[ClineWrench]

@ Jim: thats kinda where I was going with it too. Wright has their WrightGrips which are almost exactly the same. You mentioned Carlyle, so theres another nearly exact replica of the technology. So I doubt its a patent thing.

I imagine the patent may be expired. I bought my FDP wrenches back in 1994, so 2014 is 20 years.

Back to my original point - I really wish Hazet would produce some FDP style wrenches. I'd buy in a heartbeat.