Looking to Add some Versatile Wrenches

[dmparksa]

TL;DR: Looking for recommendation on a versatile set of wrenches for a home gamer. Already have a set of regular metric combination wrenches 6mm-22mm. Under $150 if possible. Thank you!

Background
I'm a home gamer, working on mostly Japanese cars. Wife and I recently bought a new car, so I haven't had much to work on, but I've done oil changes, brakes, CV axles, head gaskets, timing belt, serpentine belt, radiator, alternator, wheel bearings, sway bars, tie rods, and just about almost everything else except for a full engine rebuild on my previous cars.

I've been upgrading my socket collection for the most part over the past year or so, going from mostly Pittsburgh Pro sockets to Koken, Gearwrench, and Sunex.

Also added a M12 Milwaukee 3/8" stubby impact as my first impact wrench, and it has been very helpful the couple times I've needed it.

Question
I'm looking to add some more metric wrenches to my collection, but I'm having a hard time finding a decent setup for a decent price. I'm hoping to be able to add some versatile setup for about $150.

My current primary set of metric wrenches are the Tekton wrenches from 6mm-22mm no skips. They've been good, but I've wished for more reach in some cases deep inside the engine bay, or wished for a ratcheting function in some other tight scenarios, or wished for a stubby set too.

It seems that the most recommended wrench sets to add after a standard combination wrenches are the Kabo/Mountain/Icon/Matco double box end flex reversible ratcheting wrenches($150+), but I'm thinking I could achieve similar results with a Tekton 17x19 Flex double box end($32) + Astro Nano Socket set(6mm-19mm, with a 17mm hex drive, $37).

I've also thought about just getting non-ratcheting double box ends KTC M1603($60-$80) or the Genius Double Box end set($85).

Also thought about the Gearwrench XL double box end($120), which I would give up the flex, but would get decent warranty(in my experience), ratcheting side, and a non-skip set from 8-19mm unlike the KTC or Genius DBE sets.

I could also go with a regular reversible ratcheting combination wrenches first, then pickup a few sizes of the double box ends instead as needed for specific uses, as I'm sure most belt tensioner bolts that I see are 12mm or 14mm heads, most drain plug bolts are 14mm or 17mm, most suspension bolts are 17mm and 19mm.

I know the answer is always to get all of them, but I'm trying not to spend too much while adding as much functionality as possible. Any thoughts and suggestions within my price range would be greatly appreciated!

 

[bigfunwmu]

There is a Gearwrench 10-19 set that is double box end, extra long, flex & ratcheting on one end and fixed non-ratchet on the other. Those are very handy. Matco has their version that goes up to 25mm also.

 

[dmparksa]

There is a Gearwrench 10-19 set that is double box end, extra long, flex & ratcheting on one end and fixed non-ratchet on the other. Those are very handy. Matco has their version that goes up to 25mm also.

Those would have been perfect, but they're $250-$300 for the set, which was my reason for trying to figure out a wrench to pair with the Astro Nano Socket set.

 

[Fedwrench]

If you're looking for more reach, I would recommend the Capri tool XL Zero offset wrench set.

Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-24 mm

Enhance your toolkit with our Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-24 mm. Ideal for precision and versatility in various applications.

capritools.com

Wide range of sizes, nicely finished, excellent customer service.

If you're looking to add length with a ratchet boxed end. I's go with this gearwrench set:

Gearwrench 86126 10 Piece Metric Gearbox Flex Spline 120Xp Xl Ratcheting

Buy Gearwrench 86126 10 Piece Metric Gearbox Flex Spline 120Xp Xl Ratcheting with an everyday low price and fast shipping!

www.jbtools.com

I understand that its price blows your budget out of the water but, this set gives you the versatility of a fine toothed ratcheting flex boxed end with the strength of a fixed boxed end on the opposite side. This deign will greatly reduce warranty claims because, you can break fasteners loose or perform final tightening with the fixed end and speed fasteners off and on with the ratcheting end. However, you might not like the spline boxed end.

Astro offers a flex wrench to use with their Nano sockets now and are coming out with a long handle version later this year. I's wait if you're not in a hurry. It's in the forefront of the picture below.

 

[assassin10000]

Having used tekton 6pt double flex, gearwrench xl single flex and kabo's...

Get the Kabo in a lifetime warranty flavor.

 

[ecotec]

Having used tekton 6pt double flex, gearwrench xl single flex and kabo's...

Get the Kabo in a lifetime warranty flavor.

The ICON version is really nice.

 

[Steve_P]

To me, the problem with the Gearwrench long combo set is that the ratcheting end doesn't have a flex; that's a dealbreaker for me. I have the Genius DBE set and it's great. And I also have a bunch of the KTC that I bought from Amazon.jp- they're also great. I started with the Genius set, then over time I added: flex end long ratcheting (Ez red and Mountain- one of the two is reversible and has the extended ring which is sometimes great to have), then standard length Tekton flex end ratcheting, and finally KTC DBE for duplicates to compliment the Genius set.
Obviously the above is overkill, but I'd start with your choice of a long DBE (Genius, Capri, etc) and a set of ratcheting wrenches with flex ends.

 

[DIYNY]

If you wanna go cheap way, here is the way:

Buy this astro nano set and then get this wrench and this adapter set.

now you have 6mm-24mm sizes on super long flex head wrench. Imo much better option than buying Kabo set which skips sizes, is flimsy and has questionable warranty (except Icon).

there is similar setup for slim long wrench with 1/4 sockets but i think the above setup will suffice,

 

[KnurledNut]

If you wanna go cheap way, here is the way:

Buy this astro nano set and then get this wrench and this adapter set.

now you have 6mm-24mm sizes on super long flex head wrench. Imo much better option than buying Kabo set which skips sizes, is flimsy and has questionable warranty (except Icon).

there is similar setup for slim long wrench with 1/4 sockets but i think the above setup will suffice,

...until you need to change direction.

 

[Fedwrench]

...until you need to change direction.

The current wrenches Astro sells for use with the nano sockets are reversible. the picture of the handle I posted above was from SEMA. It's a prototype. I think the final version will (hope) be reversible.

 

[dmparksa]

Seems like the consensus is to get a setup that provides a regular double box end for breaking bolts loose and a flexible and/or reversible ratcheting end for running it out.

I'm in no rush, so I'm leaning towards picking up the Astro Nanos now(I don't have any 3/8 shallow impact sockets anyways) and maybe wait a bit for the Astro's new ratchet.

If I don't like the Astro ratchet's functionality or price, I can pickup a set of KTC/Capri/Genius DBEs and a regular reversible ratcheting wrench set for better functionality.

I've done work without DBEs or ratcheting wrenches anyways and I don't foresee too much wrenching in the near future. I'm doing a radiator and a front grille for a friend's Toyota next weekend and a break-in differential oil change on my own car in the next few months, neither one of those jobs should require too much reach. If I find out that my friend's Toyota needs a new serpentine belt though... I might end up buying those DBEs a bit sooner.

Thanks everyone!

 

[GeoBruin]

To me, the problem with the Gearwrench long combo set is that the ratcheting end doesn't have a flex; that's a dealbreaker for me. I have the Genius DBE set and it's great. And I also have a bunch of the KTC that I bought from Amazon.jp- they're also great. I started with the Genius set, then over time I added: flex end long ratcheting (Ez red and Mountain- one of the two is reversible and has the extended ring which is sometimes great to have), then standard length Tekton flex end ratcheting, and finally KTC DBE for duplicates to compliment the Genius set.
Obviously the above is overkill, but I'd start with your choice of a long DBE (Genius, Capri, etc) and a set of ratcheting wrenches with flex ends.

Gearwrench now has flex head double box with one ratcheting end.

86133 1/2" 120XP™ Universal Spline XL GearBox™ Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 86133 1/2" 120XP™ Universal Spline XL GearBox™ Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench here.

www.gearwrench.com

 

[dnschmidt]

The current wrenches Astro sells for use with the nano sockets are reversible. the picture of the handle I posted above was from SEMA. It's a prototype. I think the final version will (hope) be reversible.

I don't think so Fed. It reverses by you putting the socket on the other side just like the short wrench they currently sell for this purpose. There is no button or lever like on a true reversible combination wrench.

 

[ike]

I recently got the Kabo Icon/Mountain wrenches. I hate the spline instead of a normal 12 point. It gets locked up on things easily. I also hate the direction lever. I was using one today in a tight spot and with each ratcheting movement, it would hit the lever and change the direction on it. Lastly, I hate the offset, because it makes the wrenches too thick for many places I would use them. Very disappointed overall with them. I'm surprised so many people praise them, considering how frustrating I find them to be.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Fedwrench @dnschmidt
I might look into getting a set of those nano sockets to go with my old Monster magnetic stop-ring wrench.



Looks like K-Tool International #KTI43517 is the equivalent now that Monster is gone.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ratchet-Dr...d12f7e8047a8&epid=12056055725&redirect=mobile

 

[dmparksa]

I don't think so Fed. It reverses by you putting the socket on the other side just like the short wrench they currently sell for this purpose. There is no button or lever like on a true reversible combination wrench.

Well, that's sad. I hope the new one is reversible. Otherwise I might pickup the regular DBEs, then pickup a separate flexible reversible wrench in 17mm. Seems like the only one readily available nowadays is a Williams 1217MRCF

 

[F-22]

Since you say you'll work on Japanese cars... Get a KTC (Kyoto tool company) wrench set. It's the tools Honda and Toyota and the rest use at the factory. They offer everything from stubby ratchet wrenches to all kinds of box end offsets...

Here is the catalog. Wrenches start at page 120. In my opinion, the regular ones also have a very pleasant shape, kind of like a Stahlwille.
Also, they're not overpriced, a regular set is some 50-80$ on amazon.

 

[midorix]

It seems that the most recommended wrench sets to add after a standard combination wrenches are the Kabo/Mountain/Icon/Matco double box end flex reversible ratcheting wrenches($150+), but I'm thinking I could achieve similar results with a Tekton 17x19 Flex double box end($32) + Astro Nano Socket set(6mm-19mm, with a 17mm hex drive, $37).

You would think, right? I used the Gearwrench XL double box end wrench (non-flex) for many years without issues but I came across a situation where only way to access the bolt was using the ICON double box end flex wrenches (same as Mountain, Kabo as you noted). That small offset on these wrenches can catch nuts/bolts where others can't due to lack of clearance. I got ICON (vs Mountain or Kabo) so that I can use the warranty. Others had mix or no warranty based on some review and these will break over time.

BTW, if anyone is wondering, situation was replacing starter on 1998 Lexus LS400 without taking off the coolant bridge.

My vote is on ICON double box end flex wrench for versatility but I also understand if you go different route as this is bit expensive.

 

[GeoBruin]

Does anyone know where to get a square drive adapter like this one from stahlwille but with a ball detent to hold the socket instead of magnets? I realize this one is supposed to adapt a 1/4" to 3/8" drive so it has the hole for the ball on the 1/4" square drive to set in but I don't think it has a ball for a 3/8 socket to snap on to.

Stahlwille Square Drive Adaptor, 28mm - 11030010

Upgrade your toolkit today with our reliable Square Drive Adaptor. Experience efficiency and versatility in every project!

palmac.net

There's these from OEM but they look unnecessarily thick:

Amazon.com: OEMTOOLS 22535 Low Profile Adapter Set, 3 Piece Set, Converts Ratchet Sizes, 1/2", 1/4", and 3/8" Drive Socket Adapter Set, Designed to Fit Tight Spaces : Automotive

Buy OEMTOOLS 22535 Low Profile Adapter Set, 3 Piece Set, Converts Ratchet Sizes, 1/2", 1/4", and 3/8" Drive Socket Adapter Set, Designed to Fit Tight Spaces: Tools & Equipment - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

The idea would be to use the Astro nano sockets with a standard ratcheting wrench and use one of these to retain the socket.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think so Fed. It reverses by you putting the socket on the other side just like the short wrench they currently sell for this purpose. There is no button or lever like on a true reversible combination wrench.

My bad. I was thinking of the reversible ratcheting wrench VIM sells (RW1113) for their hex based sockets. Oh well, another tool company will have the opportunity to improve upon the design then.

 

[Fedwrench]

@Fedwrench @dnschmidt
I might look into getting a set of those nano sockets to go with my old Monster magnetic stop-ring wrench.



Looks like K-Tool International #KTI43517 is the equivalent now that Monster is gone.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ratchet-Dr...d12f7e8047a8&epid=12056055725&redirect=mobile

Interesting find!! I wonder if the capstop ring will prevent the nano socket from fully seating. Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[DIYNY]

The idea would be to use the Astro nano sockets with a standard ratcheting wrench and use one of these to retain the socket.

either buy titan set i linked above or do what this guy did.

 

[F-22]

Does anyone know where to get a square drive adapter like this one from stahlwille but with a ball detent to hold the socket instead of magnets? I realize this one is supposed to adapt a 1/4" to 3/8" drive so it has the hole for the ball on the 1/4" square drive to set in but I don't think it has a ball for a 3/8 socket to snap on to.

Stahlwille Square Drive Adaptor, 28mm - 11030010

Upgrade your toolkit today with our reliable Square Drive Adaptor. Experience efficiency and versatility in every project!

palmac.net

There's these from OEM but they look unnecessarily thick:

Amazon.com: OEMTOOLS 22535 Low Profile Adapter Set, 3 Piece Set, Converts Ratchet Sizes, 1/2", 1/4", and 3/8" Drive Socket Adapter Set, Designed to Fit Tight Spaces : Automotive

Buy OEMTOOLS 22535 Low Profile Adapter Set, 3 Piece Set, Converts Ratchet Sizes, 1/2", 1/4", and 3/8" Drive Socket Adapter Set, Designed to Fit Tight Spaces: Tools & Equipment - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

The idea would be to use the Astro nano sockets with a standard ratcheting wrench and use one of these to retain the socket.

Koken makes nice ones.


Nepros too...



And KTC also adds a simple angle meter so it can be used a bit more accurately for those torque angle settings.

 

[DIYNY]

Koken makes nice ones.


Nepros too...



And KTC also adds a simple angle meter so it can be used a bit more accurately for those torque angle settings.

none of these will work for the purpose he wants, they are not flat where 3/8 drive tang begins.

 

[GeoBruin]

either buy titan set i linked above or do what this guy did.

Thanks, I saw the titans but they still look like they add unnecessary thickness. The DIY method actually looks like the way to go. I'll give it a shot.

 

[F-22]

none of these will work for the purpose he wants, they are not flat where 3/8 drive tang begins.

Sorry, don't quite understand what he needs

 

[DIYNY]

Sorry, don't quite understand what he needs

Basically he needs something like this but with a detent ball instead of a magnet.



I have been using 17mm wrench with nano sockets for over two years now and I find that I rarely need any socket retention. And it's easier to switch sockets or remove a wrench and spin socket off by hand when there is no retention. When I need socket to stay firmly in the wrench I just put a piece of paper towel between socket and wrench.

 

[Tools4Me]

I'm the one who posted the DIY 1/4" drive version in the other thread, by cutting down a 3/8 female to 1/4 male socket adapter.

low profile sockets to use with ratcheting wrench

I don't need a ratchet, extensions, etc, just looking for a socket set like this to use with ratcheting wrenches...

www.garagejournal.com

Since then, I have made a couple more in 3/8" drive (for my 3/8" drive nano sockets) by using the guts out of vintage round head ratchets I had laying around. The ratchets can't have socket quick release buttons, and the ones with the circular spring clip that holds the guts in work the best. A ratchet built similar to a Thorsen 77JC is perfect.

I removed the ratchet guts and then took a metal saw and slowly cut straight through the guts where the circular retaining spring clip fits into the groove of the ratchet guts. Then I manually reduced the diameter of the circular disc part (that's still attached to the male square drive) until it worked well with all the wrenches and ratchet wrenches I have without causing any overhang or interference issues. The vintage ratchet guts DIY solution might be a better option for many here, because most probably already have an old round head ratchet or two laying around that's functionally obsolete or broken.

 

[GeoBruin]

I'm the one who posted the DIY 1/4" drive version in the other thread, by cutting down a 3/8 female to 1/4 male socket adapter.

low profile sockets to use with ratcheting wrench

I don't need a ratchet, extensions, etc, just looking for a socket set like this to use with ratcheting wrenches...

www.garagejournal.com

Since then, I have made a couple more in 3/8" drive (for my 3/8" drive nano sockets) by using the guts out of vintage round head ratchets I had laying around. The ratchets can't have socket quick release buttons, and the ones with the circular spring clip that holds the guts in work the best. A ratchet built similar to a Thorsen 77JC is perfect.

I removed the ratchet guts and then took a metal saw and slowly cut straight through the guts where the circular retaining spring clip fits into the groove of the ratchet guts. Then I manually reduced the diameter of the circular disc part (that's still attached to the male square drive) until it worked well with all the wrenches and ratchet wrenches I have without causing any overhang or interference issues. The vintage ratchet guts DIY solution might be a better option for many here, because most probably already have an old round head ratchet or two laying around that's functionally obsolete or broken.

Thanks! What low profile sockets are you using that are chrome?

 

[richfinn]

I would honestly just buy the Mountain set (Kabo), and a Gearwrench serpentine belt kit (the flexhead version) if your working on metric stuff, both have served me very well working on cars professionally.

The serp belt kit offers a lot of the same benefits as the Kabo wrenches just not quite as convenient as you have to change bits and it's not reversible unless you flip them over.

Most of the pro mechanics use these two kits, they aren't perfect by any means but they are both fairly affordable and make life a bit easier for jobbing mechanics.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSMUUCS/?tag=atomicindustr-21

The pass through sockets make for a nice compact package with lots of leverage thanks to the extra handle, but you would want some Kabos for the smaller sizes.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Wright, there big set is under $250

ICON has S wrenches and half moons

EDIT: After re reading your post I'd go ICON, EZ warranty, get the double box end ratcheting and some stubbys.

 

[dmparksa]

Interesting find!! I wonder if the capstop ring will prevent the nano socket from fully seating. Thanks for sharing!!!

This is now the top contender for a stand in while I wait for Astro to release their long flex ratchet since it's affordable to boot! I wonder what the warranty is like, but looks decent enough for me to give it a try with the nano sockets.

I have been using 17mm wrench with nano sockets for over two years now and I find that I rarely need any socket retention. And it's easier to switch sockets or remove a wrench and spin socket off by hand when there is no retention. When I need socket to stay firmly in the wrench I just put a piece of paper towel between socket and wrench.

Stuffing a piece of paper or some thin plastic was my plan for getting the socket to stay in the wrench as well.

 

[Odd-job]

Of the choices above the Mountain/Kabo wrenches are the most flexible when it comes to access issues and will get into narrower places than nano sockets. I think this was my second purchase after regular combination wrenches.

The main Achilles heal of these wrenches is that you have to think twice when using them as breaker bars. There are times nothing else will work that being said.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Well, that's sad. I hope the new one is reversible. Otherwise I might pickup the regular DBEs, then pickup a separate flexible reversible wrench in 17mm. Seems like the only one readily available nowadays is a Williams 1217MRCF

Is that Williams made in the USA? I went down a rabbithole looking for USA made FLEX HEAD ratcheting wrenches and couldn't find any and was going to go with Canadian Gray tools set

Since you say you'll work on Japanese cars... Get a KTC (Kyoto tool company) wrench set. It's the tools Honda and Toyota and the rest use at the factory. They offer everything from stubby ratchet wrenches to all kinds of box end offsets...

Here is the catalog. Wrenches start at page 120. In my opinion, the regular ones also have a very pleasant shape, kind of like a Stahlwille.
Also, they're not overpriced, a regular set is some 50-80$ on amazon.

Do you know where to score a set thats labeled Toyota?

 

[dmparksa]

Is that Williams made in the USA? I went down a rabbithole looking for USA made FLEX HEAD ratcheting wrenches and couldn't find any and was going to go with Canadian Gray tools set

I believe that Williams wrench and the bigger set is made in Taiwan. Most decent ratcheting wrenches are made in Taiwan, with a few ratcheting wrenches made in the USA by Snap-On and SK. Although I'm sure some of that stuff is "Made in USA with Global Supplied Parts" situation.

Even most of the Japanese ratcheting wrenches seem to be made in Taiwan from KTC or Tone. I'm not sure about European brands(Stahlwille, Hazet, and etc.) though.

 

[ecotec]

My Williams ratcheting wrenches came with hang tags that said Made in USA.

Supposedly, the bodies of the wrenches were forged in USA and the other parts are imported from Taiwan.

I would guess that a content law does not allow them to be stamped Made in USA.

The Snap-on ones are stamped USA, but they average $90 a wrench vs $16 a wrench for Williams. I could not justify spending the money for DIY. The Dual80 ones are really nice if you can spend the money. The only chance I have of ever having them are if I find them used cheap.

The bigger 4pc set 21, 22, 24, 25 are made in Taiwan. I have the CATERPILLAR 22mm. It is etched Taiwan.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

My Williams ratcheting wrenches came with hang tags that said Made in USA.

Supposedly, the bodies of the wrenches were forged in USA and the other parts are imported from Taiwan.

I would guess that a content law does not allow them to be stamped Made in USA.

The Snap-on ones are stamped USA, but they average $90 a wrench vs $16 a wrench for Williams. I could not justify spending the money for DIY. The Dual80 ones are really nice if you can spend the money. The only chance I have of ever having them are if I find them used cheap.

The bigger 4pc set 21, 22, 24, 25 are made in Taiwan. I have the CATERPILLAR 22mm. It is etched Taiwan.

Snap-On doesn't make flex head ratcheting combination wrenches only the single ended ones that are blue point, so Taiwan.

These should be fully made in Canada from what I understand https://shopgraytools.com/collectio...ination-flex-head-multigear-geared-wrench-set

 

[Hohn]

Sorry to bump this old thread, but I'm similar situation as OP and wanted to put my request in a similar context.

I DiY a lot. We have three vehicles with a combined 550k miles and they need somewhat regular attention. Because they are two toyota-made vehicles and one Honda, it's metric all the way down and my SAE tools basically sit in the neglected archive/sentimental Dad's tools drawer. Heck, I get miffed now if I have to fish through my SAE stuff because someone hasn't gotten with the program.

So I'm basically only considering metric now.

I have the following wrench sets:

• Combination wrench: Wrightgrip 2.0 and I find these to be everything I ever wanted in a basic combo wrench.
• Combination wrench: Gearwrench ratcheting flex box end.
• Double box: Gearwrench ratcheting.

I also acquired over the summer the Nano metric sets in 1/2 and 3/8.

What I feel like I'm missing is good double box wrenches. I picked up a lone double box offset of reputable brand (Snappy?) and every time I use that thing I keep telling myself I need double box offsets at least.

I find that when you have a tight fastener in a tight space, a flex end isn't great for breaking something loose. Yes, it's strong enough, but the flex that gives you more movement is giving movement when you don't want it. Movement is bad when trying to break something loose without killing the fastener. Moving slightly to a sub-optimal position on the hex is exactly how you kill many fasteners.

Here's the options I'm considering, what my initial thoughts are, and where you can critique my logic or make recommendations:

1. Astro Nano flex head ratchet. This works well with my Nano sockets, but I think it might be the worst of two worlds. The flex end defeats the utility as a bolt-break-loose tool and the nano sockets, while being compact, are still thicker than a box end wrench. So, this option is not as strong and not as compact, and seems not a great help to the specific case of tight bolts in tight places. Besides, slipping a 17mm gearwrench ratcheting flex wrench over the back of the socket basically does the same thing, only worth a shorter handle. My conclusion: this doesn't really do much for me in terms of additional capability.
2. Astro double flex box end for Nanos-- see #1. The only advantage here is that you get both 17mm and 22mm interfaces to use both 3/8 and 1/2 Nano sockets, but again, I don't think this really does anything in terms of making me more capable.
3. Tekton offset double box set. This really appeals to me because of my past favorable experience with offset double boxes. I feel like this would be a legit upgrade in capability and utility. I find the offsets generally more useful than straight double box.
4. Gearwrench double box with one-end flex ratchet. This is an intriguing option because it lets you break loose a fastener with the fixed end and ratchet it loose with the other. But the fixed end isn't offset, I think that's potentially a big deal.

I big part of the appeal to double box wrenches is having to carry fewer tools back and forth from box to work. It's pretty dang useful to be able to cover quite a wide range of sizes with just a couple tools, especially when you aren't sure if that's 14mm or 15mm, for example.

I'm leaning toward the Tekton double box offset set because I already have ratcheting box end capability two ways, both flex and not flex. Yes, they're separate tools, but that's moot at this point. The ratcheting ends are unavoidably much larger than a normal box end.

At some point I will likely add a Mountain-wrench style ratcheting flex set, they're super popular for a reason I suppose (perhaps the reason is groupthink?).

For me though, I think the Tekton offset double box really moves the needle.

Unless I'm missing something?

 

[assassin10000]

I used to use the old craftsman raised panel double box wrenches. I then tried the tekton 6pt double box flex, gear wrench single flex double box and lastly the Kabo style. I've also held the newer Matco double box flex ratcheting.

I've bought 2 sets of the mountain branded ones and they are used daily. If the HF icon were available when I bought mine, I would have gotten those.

 

[Hohn]

I think I'm going to grab the Icon double box end offsets and then think on the pricey ratcheted versions for a bit and see just how useful that might be in light of already having the double box ratcheting gearwrench models.