Midget/stubby wrenches: any feedback on them?

[skernv99]

Stubby, a.k.a. midget, wrenches...well some tool brands call these type of wrenches stubby while others call them midgets. Whatever the name that's used, I wanted to get some updated feedback from folks on board on the usefulness of them, particularly the ratcheting versions.

Yes, I know the ratcheting head makes them a little thicker but overall, do people find stubby/midget wrenches useful? This would be for mainly automotive use, no small engine or big diesel stuff. I only started to get more involved in being a serious hack and doing more and more of my own automotive repairs and tinkering.

 

[Fedwrench]

actually, the stubbys are usually longer than the midget series but, that's another thread. Yes, stubby ratcheting wrenches can be quite handy at times, I like the stubby flex head set from gearwrench. The flex head allows better access in some situations, and they seem to be just the right length for me at least.

 

[Two Speed]

They all have their place. Unless your work is out in the open and fully exposed, you'll probably find a stubby wrench used more often than not. I have not had to cut any regular wrenches down in size since adding a set of stubbies to the arsenal.

Alex.

 

[Tallpilot]

Midget wrenches are tiny in 2-10mm type size ranges. Stubbies are normal sizes 8-19mm. I prefer ratcheting. If you are using a stubby it's probably because there is barely any room and the ratcheting action will speed up the job.

Gearwrench flex heads are nice as are the Tekton. As far as I can tell there isn't anything to be gained here by spending big money.

 

[marineman]

I would never be without stubbies. I have both ratcheting and non ratcheting. I use non ratcheting the most because all my wrenches are usually backing up an impact but for normal uses I would get ratcheting only

Sent from my SM-G970U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Gearwrench flex heads are nice as are the Tekton. As far as I can tell there isn't anything to be gained here by spending big money.

I agree, at the length of these wrenches you will never put enough torque to either break or spread the jaws. I had a metric set of Snap on stubby wrenches for years and when I needed a 9/16 for GM truck brake lines I picked up a set of Kobalt wrenches and they are in every way as usable as their SO counterparts, but at a fraction of the price.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Stubby wrenches really speed things up when you're in a really tight spot.

 

[johninct]

Can be the difference between a 1/2 hour job or 4 hour job because can get into places.

 

[ex-x-fire]

One of my tricks on the stubby wrenches is to file the open end a little. It'll never round a bolt anyways and makes using them easier/quicker.

 

[kythri]

Yeah, stubbies and midget wrenches are two totally different things.

My stubbies have helped out on a number of jobs.

Right now, shopping around for the GearWrench Stubby Flex Head sets in Metric and SAE - hoping to find another GW BOGO deal for them, but not having much luck...

 

[pbon]

I find stubbies useful. I have ratcheting as well but the bigger head often does not fit where I need it to go.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I think the question is, have you found yourself in a situation where you needed a stubby wrench? If not, then they probably won't be that useful. As a reasonably serious DIYer, I can't think of a time in the last 50 years where I wished I had one.

 

[KnurledNut]

The comments have pretty well answered your question, but i will add that i have found the S.O. SHORT wrenches to be a VERY useful size. These are longer than the midget but shorter than standard. I.E. a 10mm wrench is 133mm vs. a midget at 98mm.

 

[Qualitytools]

They come in handy In tight spaces but other wise you can’t get enough leverage on them to break a fastener loose. I have a set I hardly ever use it and most of my work is on automotive

 

[jsaw]

I use my stubby flexhead gearwrenches every now and then. Real timesavers sometimes.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Stubbys yes ratcheting stubby no. The problem with ratcheting wrenches in general is the ratcheting heads are too large and this is doubly so with a wrench meant for tight quarters

 

[Onefastgsx]

The thing I realized with stubby wrenches is you dont realize how incredibly useful and handy they are until you have a set. I got by for years never really giving them much thought. But then I was given a set for Christmas that are ratcheting with swivel heads, and they have become some of my most used wrenches.
I would encourage anyone that doesnt own a set to buy them

 

[Ton ton]

I appreciate my stubby Craftsman wrenches. I think they are actually USA made.