_brian_
Well-known member
I am looking for opinions on a brand for long flex head ratcheting wrenches. I am not really looking for any certain style, such as having a flex ratcheting end on each side with a different side, having the flex head on one end and a regular box on other of same size, having a flex ratcheting box on one end and an open on the other, etc... as long as they are long pattern wrenches and there is a side for each size that is a ratcheting box end.
I am looking at 10-19mm at a minimum, would like to get a 21mm in there, but from what I see, that is either not possible or is very expensive. I do not want locking flex heads, nice feature to have, but all of them are problematic and weaken the wrench. Reversible is another feature I don't have interest in. I would consider it though if somehow there was no extra cost to the set for it.
I am aware that Gearwrench is a popular set like this and has a generally good warranty, but at a cost of $300, pass. I simply cannot justify that high of a cost unless my need increases. I have needed a set like this (wanted and preferred really) very few times, as I am generally able to work fairly well with the tool assortment I have. For the same reason, I have no interest in brands like Snap-On, Matco, etc that charge the $300 Gearwrench wants for the whole set for one wrench. I exaggerate a bit there but their prices are 2-3x higher from Gearwrench usually.
I have done a good amount of research. I know there is Mountain, which seems to either not be selling them anymore (just NOS), is out of supply due to the supply chain issues, or something. ATD is another brand coming in at $200. Craftsman has a set at $180, but there are missing sizes (like 15, 16, 18mm) so I pass there. Amazon has numerous brands, Orion, ABN, some weird brand names and others, but the reviews stop me quickly. Many complaints, but in fairness, I cannot tell for sure if those complains are user error or abuse... or are they real complains. Just because the wrench is long does not mean the wrench can handle the 2x+ more torque you can generate, even by hand only. This is something I want to be clear on, abuse like that will break even the most expensive wrench. I would also prefer a warranty, but again with this type of wrench, I expect a warranty to about double the cost of the generic Amazon brands, because they need to honor that warranty on a high abuse tool.
My query is too see what others use on the non tool truck brands and what the experiences are. I dont really care what the brand name is or where it was made, I only care that it is a good and proper tool that does not break or fail under proper use.
I am looking at 10-19mm at a minimum, would like to get a 21mm in there, but from what I see, that is either not possible or is very expensive. I do not want locking flex heads, nice feature to have, but all of them are problematic and weaken the wrench. Reversible is another feature I don't have interest in. I would consider it though if somehow there was no extra cost to the set for it.
I am aware that Gearwrench is a popular set like this and has a generally good warranty, but at a cost of $300, pass. I simply cannot justify that high of a cost unless my need increases. I have needed a set like this (wanted and preferred really) very few times, as I am generally able to work fairly well with the tool assortment I have. For the same reason, I have no interest in brands like Snap-On, Matco, etc that charge the $300 Gearwrench wants for the whole set for one wrench. I exaggerate a bit there but their prices are 2-3x higher from Gearwrench usually.
I have done a good amount of research. I know there is Mountain, which seems to either not be selling them anymore (just NOS), is out of supply due to the supply chain issues, or something. ATD is another brand coming in at $200. Craftsman has a set at $180, but there are missing sizes (like 15, 16, 18mm) so I pass there. Amazon has numerous brands, Orion, ABN, some weird brand names and others, but the reviews stop me quickly. Many complaints, but in fairness, I cannot tell for sure if those complains are user error or abuse... or are they real complains. Just because the wrench is long does not mean the wrench can handle the 2x+ more torque you can generate, even by hand only. This is something I want to be clear on, abuse like that will break even the most expensive wrench. I would also prefer a warranty, but again with this type of wrench, I expect a warranty to about double the cost of the generic Amazon brands, because they need to honor that warranty on a high abuse tool.
My query is too see what others use on the non tool truck brands and what the experiences are. I dont really care what the brand name is or where it was made, I only care that it is a good and proper tool that does not break or fail under proper use.
