Lets talk best ratcheting wrenches

[tdijunkie]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm looking to buy some 12pt, 15° offset reversible ratcheting combination wrenches. My cheap sae set is disappointing and my metric matcos are going in the service truck since we no longer have a rep.

If money was no object, which ones would you choose? My first choice is snap on but they don't offer anything bigger than 3/4, the Mac precision torque would match my combo wrenches, but only 72t. If I'm going to go blue point I'll buy them from caterpillar for the sake of novelty. Looked very hard at the sk x frames but reversible and a 15° offset isn't offered. I did see gearwrench is releasing a 90t reversible option but I'm not sure when they'll be released. I'm open to any and all opinions/brands. It seems that the usa made options are very slim, otherwise that would be my choice. Thanks

 

[Jtels85]

The Expert set off of the MAC truck is phenomenal. Slim design, 72 teeth, no bulky open ends like GearWrench has… you can often find a set for half the price on eBay.

 

[ecotec]

The Williams ones are really nice so far.

The deals are definitely not as good as 2-3 years ago.

 

[tdijunkie]

The Williams ones are really nice so far.

The deals are definitely not as good as 2-3 years ago.

If I decide to go that route, the caterpillars are rebranded williams/blue point and I'll likely get them that way.

 

[ecotec]

If I decide to go that route, the caterpillars are rebranded williams/blue point and I'll likely get them that way.

Okay.

There are 2 or 3 different Williams ratcheting wrench styles.

I have not used mine enough to give a good review yet. Our work tools are only insured for a certain dollar amount, so I use my old Gearwrench at work. The Williams are in my toolbox at home. They are not stamped USA. Some of their content is imported. They came with paper hang tags that said made in USA.

Here is the Williams set and one of another style of SUPERCOMBO ratcheting wrench.

I was buying a lot of CATERPILLAR tools at the time I bought this set. You would order them at parts.cat.com and pick them up at a local CAT dealership parts counter. This Williams set was a lot cheaper than through CATERPILLAR. I still contend, that at that time, CAT was the best deal in retail tools. You could buy sets of CAT rebranded Snap-on socket sets for what 2-3 sockets would cost from Snap-on… and they look just like Snap-on other than the stamping.

 

[ecotec]

The reversible style on the bottom is better.

 

[cavalry]

I use Snapon and Armstrong ratcheting reversible. They are on par with each other, but Armstrong is now a collectors item. When my Armstongs die I will replace with Snapon

 

[NUTTSGT]

My thoughts, chances are, they are going to be reversible first and foremost.

Secondly, to me, use them after a bolt/nut is broke loose and not a lot of torque applied to them.

So I have been happy with my USA CMan and you're not likely to find those anymore. I'm not sure if those are 15° either.

 

[LXCam]

My blackhawks in that exact style have been solid performers.

 

[ecotec]

My blackhawks in that exact style have been solid performers.

My Blackhawks have been fine. They are too short to be my main ratcheting wrenches. They are between my main ratcheting wrenches and my stubby ratcheting wrenches… like shorts in combination wrenches.

 

[wreckdiver1321]

I've used a lot of ratcheting wrenches. Williams and Snap-On are pretty tough to argue with but for the cost. I'm going to try out a set of Stahlwille at some point. I've used Tekton and really like them for the money, they're seriously good. I've used the S-K and liked them as a tool more than just about anything else I had my hands on.

The set I spent my money on was GearWrench to be honest. Nice light back drag and not a bad arc to move bolts. Plus it's real hard to argue with the cost. I've used them for years and never broke one, even using them to break loose bolts.

That said, I'm on the same page now as @NUTTSGT in that I break bolts loose with a regular wrench and then use the ratchet wrenches from there. Way easier on the tools.

One last thought: I'm different from most people here and hate the reversible designs. I've always felt they were too bulky and too easy to flip the switch. I much prefer the flat designs and I've never come across a situation where I wished I had the reversible ones.

 

[LXCam]

My Blackhawks have been fine. They are too short to be my main ratcheting wrenches. They are between my main ratcheting wrenches and my stubby ratcheting wrenches… like shorts in combination wrenches.

You’re right about them being just a tad short.

Btw, I forgot to mention my go-too’s are my toptul set. But it’s only in metric, I wish I’d purchased the SAE stuff when it was readily available.

 

[dnschmidt]

Btw, I forgot to mention my go-too’s are my toptul set. But it’s only in metric, I wish I’d purchased the SAE stuff when it was readily available.

You snooze you lose Cam. Just sayin'

 

[LXCam]

You snooze you lose Cam. Just sayin'

Ya-ya. a day late and a pecker short.....

 

[ecotec]

tdijunkie, what website are you using where you have easy access to CATERPILLAR tools?

The hand tool category of parts.cat.com fell apart a long time ago.

 

[tdijunkie]

tdijunkie, what website are you using where you have easy access to CATERPILLAR tools?

The hand tool category of parts.cat.com fell apart a long time ago.

I have to drive to the dealer walk my *** to the parts counter because online support of tools is mostly nonexistent for some reason

 

[drtyler]

I've used a lot of ratcheting wrenches. Williams and Snap-On are pretty tough to argue with but for the cost. I'm going to try out a set of Stahlwille at some point. I've used Tekton and really like them for the money, they're seriously good. I've used the S-K and liked them as a tool more than just about anything else I had my hands on.

The set I spent my money on was GearWrench to be honest. Nice light back drag and not a bad arc to move bolts. Plus it's real hard to argue with the cost. I've used them for years and never broke one, even using them to break loose bolts.

That said, I'm on the same page now as @NUTTSGT in that I break bolts loose with a regular wrench and then use the ratchet wrenches from there. Way easier on the tools.

One last thought: I'm different from most people here and hate the reversible designs. I've always felt they were too bulky and too easy to flip the switch. I much prefer the flat designs and I've never come across a situation where I wished I had the reversible ones.

Just an fyi, but Stahlwille (and Hazet as well) use Taiwan manufacturers for their ratcheting wrenches.

 

[Lt CHEG]

SnapOn dual 80 is the best reversible ratcheting wrench I’ve used bar none. The only real downside to them in my opinion is cost. They would be my recommendation.

 

[tdijunkie]

SnapOn dual 80 is the best reversible ratcheting wrench I’ve used bar none. The only real downside to them in my opinion is cost. They would be my recommendation.

I'm trying to 'upgrade' everything since I now essentially have a second tool box to fill, and I Intend to do it with a more premium product. I'll likely purchase snap on for the metrics, but I'd like an sae set to 1" and they don't offer any larger than 3/4"

 

[Zewnten]

I personally like the Icon. Taiwan made, smooth and strong. I also liked my Blue Point/Willaims. And I've borrowed Snap On's before, also good of course.

 

[F-22]

I'm going to try out a set of Stahlwille at some point.

Just an fyi, but Stahlwille (and Hazet as well) use Taiwan manufacturers for their ratcheting wrenches.

I'm quite certain both are top notch though, and the reason why their made in Taiwan is because they can make such good ones that it made little sense (except for pride) to make them in Germany. However, Gedore does make them in Europe (not sure if in Germany or Austria), and is probably worth checking out just due to that. I don't think anyone else manufactures them in Europe.

 

[Fedwrench]

There are so many choices. Proto, Icon (probably the longest reversible ratcheting wrench set on the market, 1st Gen Dewalt with the anti slip open end. The Craftsman V Series are FACOM/USAG clones at a discount but, they skip too many sizes. OEM if you like satin finished, and gearwrench. Then, there's always the truck brands. Best is in the eye of the user.

 

[F-22]

Makes me wonder, are the KTC wrenches made in Japan?

Probably Taiwan, right?

 

[shawhite]

I'm trying to 'upgrade' everything since I now essentially have a second tool box to fill, and I Intend to do it with a more premium product. I'll likely purchase snap on for the metrics, but I'd like an sae set to 1" and they don't offer any larger than 3/4"

You can always buy the snap-on 7 piece sae set then the Williams/blue point 3 piece large set. Also snap-on have the larger wrenches in zero offset non reversible never understood why they don’t make the reversibles in the larger sizes

 

[KnurledNut]

Ive had my eye on the Steelman Pro 78964.
They seem like a long pattern version of the Milwaukees.
I love the 144t mechanism they use.
I really dont need more ratcheting wrenches.

 

[ecotec]

The ICON cost more than the Williams used to go on sale for.

 

[tdijunkie]

You can always buy the snap-on 7 piece sae set then the Williams/blue point 3 piece large set. Also snap-on have the larger wrenches in zero offset non reversible never understood why they don’t make the reversibles in the larger sizes

Considered this, but I'm not sure my drawer ocd will allow this

 

[ecotec]

Williams makes a 4pc large size set (21,22,24,25). I have not pulled the trigger on buying this… I am thinking about it, though.

I already have the 22mm from Caterpillar.

I don’t see why you would buy the ICON over the Williams. Price the 12pc Williams set on Amazon… and price the ICON 10pc of the same style… even with a 30% off coupon, the price is close enough that I would go Williams over the ICON. That said… I do get it in a way… HF is less than 5 minutes away… so impulse purchase… easier warranty…

 

[jsmeece]

It is really a shame that Armstrong Tools is no longer in business. I really like my Armstrong reversible ratcheting wrenches. Since they have closed, I have been stock plying some extras in case I have some that break in the future. So far have two complete sets of metric 8 to 19mm, almost a third set missing 4 wrenches (8, 10, 16, and 19), in SAE have one complete set 3/8 to 3/4, the 1/2 in the second set has a cracked gear.

A few months ago, got lucky on ebay got 20 piece metric and sae set for around $100. They were gummed up pretty bad and the 1/2 had a cracked gear. Cleaned them up, let the soak in Mystery Oil for several months taking them out and rinsing them out ever so often, then putting them back in to soak so more. All are functional now, a few are still a little tight when tying to use the reverse lever, have to slightly move the gear backwards to get the reverse lever to move.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I've been eyeballing the Williams reversible SuperCombo set too, but I've wondered if anyone ran into the box head being too thick to fit into places? Can someone directly compare them with others? Ecotec thanks for your photos comparing the Super Combos to Blackhawk.

I agree on the SO Dual 80s looking like they'd be the best performer but cheese and crackers they are expensive.

Before the Williams set I looked at Protos and I liked their design. They are more expensive than the Williams. But seem to have a narrower box end. Can anyone compare their lengths?

 

[drtyler]

The Craftsman V-series, Facom, and USAG reversible ratcheting wrenches are very good (and very likely the same).

 

[jsmeece]

I do have Gearwrench reversible ratcheting wrenches in both sae and metric (bought these about 8 years ago long before I got my Armstrong sets). The GW metric set skipped sizes so I purchased some Blackhawk (11 and 16mm) to fill in the gaps. The Blackhawks are differently shorter than the GW but they seem better built and are nicer in overall quality.

Not sure if this will help you OP, but the Blackhawk 11mm wrench is 6.5 inches in overall length while the 16mm is 8.25.

I don't have any Williams reversible ratcheting wrenches but I have one of there catalogs and in that the 1211MRC (1mm) is listed as 6-5/8 long while the 1216MRC is 8-3/16 inches long. That Williams catalog is dated March 2017 (CAT4).

I am not sure if the wrenches in this 2017 catalog are still the same version available today.

 

[Ricky Joe]

I've used a lot of ratcheting wrenches. Williams and Snap-On are pretty tough to argue with but for the cost. I'm going to try out a set of Stahlwille at some point. I've used Tekton and really like them for the money, they're seriously good. I've used the S-K and liked them as a tool more than just about anything else I had my hands on.

The set I spent my money on was GearWrench to be honest. Nice light back drag and not a bad arc to move bolts. Plus it's real hard to argue with the cost. I've used them for years and never broke one, even using them to break loose bolts.

That said, I'm on the same page now as @NUTTSGT in that I break bolts loose with a regular wrench and then use the ratchet wrenches from there. Way easier on the tools.

One last thought: I'm different from most people here and hate the reversible designs. I've always felt they were too bulky and too easy to flip the switch. I much prefer the flat designs and I've never come across a situation where I wished I had the reversible ones.

I have run into one instance where the reversible was nice, because the wrench was in a tight spot and got stuck. It was on a Toyota Avalon steering

 

[Zeus36]

I have a few varities, but I usually end up reaching for my Cornwell ratchets.

 

[TBEVO]

Following as I am down this rabbitt hole of research too. I would like the snapon but I dont have the truck stop by my house that often and warranty is of concern. Has anyone ever warrantied right through the snap on website?

I have a few year old gearwrench set that has multiple broken ratcheting mechanisms and they flop around. Tried to get them warrantied. I did not have the original receipt and they declined the warranty.

 

[ecotec]

I have a few varities, but I usually end up reaching for my Cornwell ratchets.

Wrong thread.

 

[moon_tanner]

I have put my Gearwrench and Harbor Freight ratcheting wrenches through a lot and they are holding up very well.

I am a home user and don't use them daily.

 

[Lt CHEG]

Has anyone ever warrantied right through the snap on website?

I have done so on 2 or 3 occasions, as I’m not a pro either and sometimes I feel bad just reaching out to my SnapOn guy just to warranty a tool. I will add that he tells me to please reach out and that servicing a warranty for me is NEVER an issue, but I have reached out directly to SnapOn about 3 times. Each time was COMPLETELY trouble free. I find SnapOn to have outstanding customer service and they’ve always made me feel like they value me as a customer. Part of why I’ve switched over to SnapOn as much as possible is because their customer service is so good, and I feel confident that they will be able to honor their warranty for the rest of my life. Don’t hesitate to buy from SnapOn just because you aren’t a regular stop on their route.

 

[KnurledNut]

I'm going to try out a set of Stahlwille at some point.

Made by Kabo. Taiwan. High quality.

 

[tdijunkie]

Made by Kabo. Taiwan. High quality.

From what I've found, icon and matco are also made by kabo, and they are of good quality