Hinged Socket Spanners / Wrench

[Robbie UK]

A friend had a set of hinged socket spanners in his box and I found myself using them quite a bit today. Never used them before but being able to break the fastener whilst keeping my knuckles skim free and then using it akin to a spinner was a great help.

Clearly they can only augment regular sockets, wrenches and special access tools but are they worth having or was I just enjoying the novelty today?

 

[Hesketh]

I have used these type before, but find them very annoying as it can be hard to place the "socket" end on a bolt and repeating this one handed.

As with many tools there is always a time and a place that they will be worth their weight in gold.

 

[Monte]

buy a set and see how often you use it

http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Stahlwille/29_7.html

 

[mvptrukin]

Monte, recently there was a similar thread about this type of wrench and you listed a German company's
website by the name of Saltus---did they originally invent this type of wrench? These were always called Saltus wrenches in the U.S. --at least in the '70's.

 

[jzt]

This thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158293

 

[Monte]

Monte, recently there was a similar thread about this type of wrench and you listed a German company's
website by the name of Saltus---did they originally invent this type of wrench? These were always called Saltus wrenches in the U.S. --at least in the '70's.

yes the company "Saltus" invented the "saltus wrench" in 1953 (open end wrench with swivel socket). Dunno if they also invented the wrenches with 2 sockets though. The version with 2 sockets is popular in nordic countries.

www.saltus-werk.de

 

[mvptrukin]

Jzt: Yes, I couldn't find it since you were the OP you knew where to find it! I never
bought a set of these but I did my apprenticeship under a native German mechanic and he thought they were the best.Thanx Monte!

 

[richfinn]

I use them all the time on front drive European cars, great for cracking bolts loose in tight spots when a ratchet and socket is too bulky when changing front end engine parts like timing belts/aux belt adjuster bolts, the flex head is big help.

Go for the ones with a different size socket on each end and avoid the ones with an open end if you want the best value for money.

I prefer the 12 point as they are more versatile and give better access.

 

[metaldad]

Yep, I bought a set. Armstrong. Great finish and fit.
Saw them in my buddy's tool bag, and, no, I haven't used them (yet).
http://www.mcmaster.com/#socket-wrenches-with-attached-sockets/=iozbdk