MAC Open End Flex Socket Wrenches

[mixerfixer]

Craftsman used to call them Saltus wrenches. I have always wanted a set since I was a kid. I have been kind of passively looking for a set for a few years. I found a lightly used 15 piece MAC set local that goes up to 1 1/8". He wants $250 for the set. He has sent me pictures and all look to be in order. The owner said they were his late fathers. We are meeting tomorrow.

What do you think? Good deal?

 

[Jbullfrog]

Too much. The sizes above 3/4 are no longer serviced for warranty.

 

[mixerfixer]

I have never seen this type of wrench offered bigger than 3/4" in SAE before.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have never seen this type of wrench offered bigger than 3/4" in SAE before.

I hadn't either, until I asked on another thread similar to this and people had all sorts of different sizes over 1". I have 2 Craftsman saltus wrenches and never used them. They just don't seem beneficial to me.

 

[Fedwrench]

Saltus wrenches have always been a bit of an enigma to me.

I can maybe justify their use in maybe 8-19mm or 5/16-3/4 but, I'm not sure how useful they'd be over those sizes but, that's just me. Unless you needed the standoff of a socket for access, without the benefit of a ratcheting handle, I don't see the real benefit with there being so many different ratcheting wrenches on the market today.

If you want them, like them, and can afford them, then by all means enjoy your new wrenches. However, if you asking the journal to talk you out of them, maybe you should hold off. I think SK still makes them.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have some Snappys that came with a used box that I bought 30+ years ago. While they look nice, I rarely use them

 

[mixerfixer]

Yes sir Fedwrench, several companies still make them. I had been looking for a simple Craftsman set and kind of figured out my limit I would go to price wise.
I never realized anyone made a bigger set. I am not looking to get talked out of the purchase, was just looking for some idea if the price was in the ballpark for the big set. Price per wrench for this set works out to about $16 to $17 which seems reasonable enough.
I'll let you know if I end up with them. I appreciate the comments.

 

[Mr_B]

I have a snapon set that had about 25yrs, not something used much but can get you out of trouble.
If really want some buy them but 250 is quite a price ...

 

[Chief919]

I find myself reaching for them on fasteners that have overhead clearance too tight to get a ratchet and socket on, but that somebody has started rounding off the head with a wrench and I need something to grab the flats that haven't been buggered up.

 

[bonneyman]

I have a snapon set that had about 25yrs, not something used much but can get you out of trouble.
If really want some buy them but 250 is quite a price ...

Agreed. I put together a mutt set just in case.

 

[mixerfixer]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I ended up passing on the MAC set. The search continues for the Craftsman set I have wanted since a kid. I probably won't use them much either

 

[jo4gj]

craftsman getting bought out no warranties due to weird sizes just buy a few pieces at a time of sk. now thats just me, for nostalgia reason buy what makes you happy.

 

[bob15]

Snap On still makes them up to 7/8". I use my Snappy's, but wouldn't pay $250 for that set, I would probably go 100-150.

OP, if you want them, start with an ebay search of "flex head wrench".

 

[barrybeefburger]

What about these http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Wrenches/Flex-Head-Wrench-Sets/FM-66A.JE9T_Facom%C2%AE-9-Piece-Double-Flex-Head-Socket-Wrench-Set-/

 

[KnurledNut]

The elusive Cornwell CWX series are my personal favorite.

 

[RM209]

I have several Saltus wrenches. They look cool, but for the most part, aren't very useful. If you buy one or two, you might use them for a while and determine if it's worth buying a set. Whenever I pick them up in group purchases, I trade them away.

RM209

 

[rhandwor]

 

[rhandwor]

 

[bob15]

What about these http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Wrenches/Flex-Head-Wrench-Sets/FM-66A.JE9T_Facom%C2%AE-9-Piece-Double-Flex-Head-Socket-Wrench-Set-/

OTC used to make those as well. We have a 1/2 x 9/16 wrench in the chainsaw field bag that works well with McCulluch bar nuts.

 

[fritzgorbach]

I had a set of protos up to 7/8. Loved em. Work on a lot of motors and pumps. Only regularly used to 3/4, but they are awesome in tight pump and motor housings, and general industrial work. Unfortunately, I lost all of them up to 3/4 when a toolbag went "overboard"
Replaced them with a set of Mac ratcheting combo wrenches. Also very happy with those. Not room in the bag for two sets of wrenches, but I'd still like to replace the ones I lost.