Looking for some new tools and can’t decide on the brand

[quickfarms]

Most of my hand tools are craftsman. I really like the older U.S.A. stuff. Not a fan of the newer stuff especially the wrenches.

Also the Sears website is so horrible that I hate it.

So I have been picking up tools from multiple other places and now have some snap on, proto and Williams.

Now I have come to realize that some new tools would greatly simplify some of the stuff I work on

I am looking for recommendations on brands for the following items

Flexible head ratchets (1/4” and 3/8”, 1/2” would be nice, locking or detent by must be fine tooth)

Flex head sockets (1/4” drive is first, 3/8” is nice)

Flex head wrenches (locking or detent, I prefer reversible)

1/4” drive bit set Allen and torx

You can see a pattern here because I have been working in some tight spaces lately

 

[Zewnten]

Locking flex ratchets? What size drive flex sockets? Locking flex wrenches? Reversible flex wrenches? Last one is easy though, VIM master kit

 

[quickfarms]

Locking flex ratchets? What size drive flex sockets? Locking flex wrenches? Reversible flex wrenches? Last one is easy though, VIM master kit

I updated the original post

I was just looking at tekten ratchets, Williams are not fine tooth

Williams flex wrenches don’t appear to lock or have a detent

 

[four.cycle]

The Tekton 1/4" drive ratchets - at least the few models I own (none of which are flex-heads) - seem to be pretty nice quality units.

See: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274232729777
or: https://www.ebay.com/itm/313457250160

I am of a different persuasion than many members here, in that I believe "bits" (whether hex or torx or whatever) are "consumables" - they break, they wear out, they get twisted. I don't spend a lot of money on them.
That said, VIM is known to make a good product.

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you mean by "flex head sockets" or "flex head wrenches".

If you're referring to "universal joint" type sockets - in 1/4" drive metric - check Astro Pneumatic:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/190581592042

 

[Zewnten]

Locking flex fine tooth ratchets I have 3 brands gearwrench long and carlyle short in 1/4, carlyle long in 3/8, and ez red in 1/2.

Flex sockets in 1/4 are snap on. Got a good deal on a used set haven't found any others that come close, sorry not much help there.

I like ez red double box end wrenches for a locking reversible flex head wrench, metric only though

 

[jptbay]

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collections/pro-tech-ratchets-accessories

Pro tech ratchets from Powerbuilt are awesome for the money. Very compact heads, fine tooth, detent flex, long handles.

 

[930dreamer]

I'd look for used vintage USA made items.

 

[Fly YX]

I like Wright or SK most of my flex is Snap On though. If On Budget Tekton or Powerbuilt as far as wrenches if you like the old stuff try the Wrights I like them better then Snap On.

 

[Fedwrench]

The problem with searching for vintage made in the USA stuff is that the tools will lack modern features like fine toothed ratcheting actions, thin ratchet heads, or off corner engagement etc.

Flex head ratchets: Tekton 90 tooth series in all three drive sizes. Unless you want super long, then opt for Powerbuilt Pro versions. Gearwrench 90 tooth is another good choice but higher priced.

Chrome 1/4 universal sockets: Astro makes some nice sets that are durable and budget friendly. Ko-Ken nut grip universal sockets would get my vote for simply retaining the fastener in difficult situations. The price of admission is definitely worth not dropping and then searching for the fastener.

How many reversible flex head ratcheting wrench sets are there on the market?
My personal favorite flex head ratcheting wrench set is this one from SPtoolsusa.com
https://sptoolsusa.com/collections/...g-gear-drive-wrench-sets-flex-head-metric-8pc
It's not perfect since it skips 18 mm, it's on the pricy side, and I could live without the locking feature on the ratcheting boxed end but on the other hand, I really like having a fixed boxed end instead of another open end. I also like that they aren't real long.

1/4 Torx/hex bits: if you want short overall length, look at VIM halfcut series.

You may not like any of my suggestions and that's ok because, they're your tools. Good luck in your quest

 

[Citation]

I would suggest looking into roto head ratchets instead of or in addition to flex head. A lock seems less important on a roto head as putting the pivot axis through the socket axis tends to avoid the tenancy of flex head ratchets to fold under load.

 

[Audiman]

I have been real happy with my Snap On F80 Flexible head ratchets.

 

[ForrestT]

Another Astro flex socket supporter! Love them. Great bang for the buck.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[richfinn]

Most of my hand tools are craftsman. I really like the older U.S.A. stuff. Not a fan of the newer stuff especially the wrenches.

Also the Sears website is so horrible that I hate it.

So I have been picking up tools from multiple other places and now have some snap on, proto and Williams.

Now I have come to realize that some new tools would greatly simplify some of the stuff I work on

I am looking for recommendations on brands for the following items

Flexible head ratchets (1/4” and 3/8”, 1/2” would be nice, locking or detent by must be fine tooth)

Flex head sockets (1/4” drive is first, 3/8” is nice)

Flex head wrenches (locking or detent, I prefer reversible)

1/4” drive bit set Allen and torx

You can see a pattern here because I have been working in some tight spaces lately

Ratchets and Sockets, look at Ko-ken (they now sell fine tooth ratchets)

Flexhead ratchet wrenches, Tekton might be a good idea???

Hex and Torx sockets bits, look at VIM

 

[Citation]

Following up on my roto ratchet suggestion, via ebay Cripe Distributing has this set
https://cripedistributing.com/products/crescent-crw17-2-piece-1-4-3-8-roto-ratchet-set
for just over $30 after shipping. It's a Crescent branded 1/4 and 3/8 roto ratchet with the plastic handles. The website price is the same but ebay shipping appears cheaper.

Lots of people have had great things to say about these and this is a great price for what it is. These are now my go to ratchets (I'm a shade tree, not a pro). Certainly worth the investment even if you later decide to change brands.

 

[Ralf11]

I have (mostly) switched from SnapOn to Ko-ken.

You really need to try some out.

 

[quickfarms]

I have finally received my Astro pneumatic sockets today. The first order from JB tool was a cf, and then they stoped answering emails and just canceled the order so I reordered them from Amazon



I tried to order the gear wrench flex ratchets but they are back ordered so I ordered the Tekton ones from Home Depot