Need advise on ratcheting wrenches

[PavelK313]

I am looking into buying some offset ratcheting wrenches and will be going one of these routes.

Option A is to get Snap-On flank drive reversible 10-19mm set for $250.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/192039...7290-0%26rvr_id%3D1155097488123&ul_noapp=true

Option B would be to get Gearwrench 8-25mm reversible set for $150

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBDWSY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Tools will be used in my home garage, however I use my tools 5-7 days a week. So close to proffecional usage.

What would you do in my situation?

 

[M6erfan]

Hard to answer, lots of options. You've picked quality/price points pretty far apart already...

First, do you really need combos? Have you considered fixed box/ratcheting box? I'm assuming you dont need flex ends. Do you have a preference for reversable/non-reversable? Is length a consideration (extra long)? Are you in an area that causes a lot of corrosion on fasteners? Something like FD+ might come in handy...

 

[dopod]

Here's a BOGO on the gearwrench if you need the SAE as well: http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-9602NW.html

I have both gearwrench and blue points at work. I will say I've had a gearwrench lock up on me if I pull really hard on them, but a ratcheting wrench isn't really for busting tough fasteners loose anyway. Overall I am happy with them, and would buy them again.

The SO seem very nice, just like their other wrenches. But I haven't had the chance to try the ratcheting end. I'd be interested to hear how they compare

 

[gdocktor3]

If you can afford/justify Snap On, go for it, but many techs use Gearwrench professionally every day and get along just fine. I have multiple Gearwrench ratchet wrench sets up to 1" and 25mm. I also have Proto and Matco ratchet wrenches and can't say any are that much better than the Gearwrench. Now, the open end on the other hand of the Gearwrench aren't anything special...

That Snap On set reads $309 when I click link. Is that the difference in "free shipping" ?

 

[T45]

What is your standard in combo wrenches?

If I was looking today, there is no doubt the snap on is pricy. But you get a better wrench design. The real issues is you might be better with snap on combo and box/box or a cheaper set like dewalt or facom if you already own higher quality combos.

I've been happier with other taiwan tools, frankly than GW. But I have only seen the cheap retail **** on the store shelves, others here say there is taiwan production available in the more professional skus and sales channel.

 

[PavelK313]

Hard to answer, lots of options. You've picked quality/price points pretty far apart already...

First, do you really need combos? Have you considered fixed box/ratcheting box? I'm assuming you dont need flex ends. Do you have a preference for reversable/non-reversable? Is length a consideration (extra long)? Are you in an area that causes a lot of corrosion on fasteners? Something like FD+ might come in handy...

I don't really need combo wrenches, many just looking for offset & revisable ratcheting wrench. Regular length is fine since I already have extra long flex heads. I live in california so no rust issues, plus i would only use them to turn nuts/bolts after braking them loose with another wrench and when socket doesn't fit. I already own 0 offset gear wrench set but want offset.

 

[PavelK313]

Here's a BOGO on the gearwrench if you need the SAE as well: http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-9602NW.html

I have both gearwrench and blue points at work. I will say I've had a gearwrench lock up on me if I pull really hard on them, but a ratcheting wrench isn't really for busting tough fasteners loose anyway. Overall I am happy with them, and would buy them again.

The SO seem very nice, just like their other wrenches. But I haven't had the chance to try the ratcheting end. I'd be interested to hear how they compare

Don't have any use for standard sizes. What makes it difficult to decide are the extra very useful sizes that come in GW set, such as 8,21,22,24.

If you can afford/justify Snap On, go for it, but many techs use Gearwrench professionally every day and get along just fine. I have multiple Gearwrench ratchet wrench sets up to 1" and 25mm. I also have Proto and Matco ratchet wrenches and can't say any are that much better than the Gearwrench. Now, the open end on the other hand of the Gearwrench aren't anything special...

That Snap On set reads $309 when I click link. Is that the difference in "free shipping" ?

I posted link so everyone can see which exact set i am talking about. Local to me guy is selling brand new set for $250.

What is your standard in combo wrenches?

If I was looking today, there is no doubt the snap on is pricy. But you get a better wrench design. The real issues is you might be better with snap on combo and box/box or a cheaper set like dewalt or facom if you already own higher quality combos.

I've been happier with other taiwan tools, frankly than GW. But I have only seen the cheap retail **** on the store shelves, others here say there is taiwan production available in the more professional skus and sales channel.

My go to wrenches are SO extra long 10-19 set.

I am completely open to other brands besides GW or SO. Just MUST have 10-19 and 8,21,22,24 would be a great bonus.

 

[Climatecreator]

Hard to answer, lots of options. You've picked quality/price points pretty far apart already...

First, do you really need combos? Have you considered fixed box/ratcheting box? I'm assuming you dont need flex ends. Do you have a preference for reversable/non-reversable? Is length a consideration (extra long)? Are you in an area that causes a lot of corrosion on fasteners? Something like FD+ might come in handy...

Why not get the flex head combos? Better to have it and not need it. I started with the regular strait gearwrench sets and ended up buying the flex, now I use the flex for most everything. If you're going to carry one wrench, a flex head combo beats a double box, and I found gearwrench to be thinnest which mattered to me. Just my 02


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[PavelK313]

Why not get the flex head combos? Better to have it and not need it. I started with the regular strait gearwrench sets and ended up buying the flex, now I use the flex for most everything. If you're going to carry one wrench, a flex head combo beats a double box, and I found gearwrench to be thinnest which mattered to me. Just my 02


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Already own flex head set.

 

[Climatecreator]

Already own flex head set.

Awesome, which brand?

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[jp828108]

Amazon has similar bogo on the flex heads as well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012P7VVUI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

pay a little more for the metric set than I had found it for, but by the time you take into account the standard set for free, I thought it is a pretty good deal. If you need standard of course. I don't personally own much standard, but figured it would be nice to have if ever need it.

EDIT
took to long to post see you already have flex heads maybe useful for someone who doesnt though

 

[PavelK313]

Awesome, which brand?

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FXN0VK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[L.Cheapo]

My GearWrench (Taiwan) ratcheting wrenches are a disappointment. Yes, they're old, probably late 90s/early 2000s, but I bought them new, and have probably used them less than a dozen times. The last two times I used them, I got a handful of chrome flakes from one, and another wrench refused to ratchet. GW gets a lot of praise on here, but my experience has been less than impressive.

 

[yjWrangler]

I've got a Williams set, same as the Bluepoint set but a bit cheaper

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N7ORNE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PavelK313]

I've got a Williams set, same as the Bluepoint set but a bit cheaper

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N7ORNE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Great suggestion!

 

[nbpt100]

I have the flex head gear wrench set and I am satisfied with it.

I also have a Craftsman flex head ratcheting set and I like those better. The craftsman can lock the flex head in place at a given angle which is more user friendly. The GW has a set screw that controls the tension on the flex head joint but it can move when you don't want it to. The CM was a bit more money than the GW but I would go with that design if I was available at a reasonable price from a reputable MFG.

Here is a link to the CM locking flexhead ratcheting box wrench so those who are not familiar can see it. I am sure someone else makes this design too but not off the top of my head.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-7-pc...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7

 

[VRStrickland]

No doubt I would go with the SO set, but not the used ones. With the new thinner heads they just came out with at SFC as well as fdp, you can't go wrong. GW offers a "fill in" set with 4 larger sizes that work pretty darn well, but mine will be for sell as soon as those sizes are available in the new SO design. Like many here I have or have had all the different ratcheting wrench designs out there and my reversing offset are the only ones left in my work box.


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[T45]

My go to wrenches are SO extra long 10-19 set.

I am completely open to other brands besides GW or SO. Just MUST have 10-19 and 8,21,22,24 would be a great bonus.

I'd take a good look at Facom. Also look into something called King Tony.

http://www.kingtony.com/products/products_search.asp?keyword=speed+wrench

 

[PureLeaf]

Another option for Offset reversible ratcheting wrenches is Proto. They have a USA made version and a cheaper Taiwanese version

 

[potato]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAIUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jo4gj]

BUY THE SNAP ON TODAY IF THEY ARE NEW. the quality versus price can't be beat when buying at 50 off retail.

Now if they are not available at that price buy what you can easily exchange/warranty....

 

[jo4gj]

Hey guys I know this will sound dumb but why not brake bolts free with ratchet wrenchs. Especially if they are snap on or truck brands. If I spent top dollar why baby the damn tool?

Now I am also in the market for some new wrenchs in general. All I have are GW flex ratchets. I want something like the SO fd+ ratchet wrench. Since I wanted to buy a offset reversible ratcheting set and a set of good open end. Would it be best to just buy them separate like a snap on regular combo and gw offset ratcheting wrench?

 

[slow_mow]

Hey guys I know this will sound dumb but why not brake bolts free with ratchet wrenchs. Especially if they are snap on or truck brands. If I spent top dollar why baby the damn tool?

Now I am also in the market for some new wrenchs in general. All I have are GW flex ratchets. I want something like the SO fd+ ratchet wrench. Since I wanted to buy a offset reversible ratcheting set and a set of good open end. Would it be best to just buy them separate like a snap on regular combo and gw offset ratcheting wrench?

I constantly break things loose with my gearwrenches. If you have to break loose with a standard wrench, then switch to a ratchet wrench you're wasting valuable time. I have yet to have a problem, and I do this for a living. I know I'm not the only one doing it...

 

[jo4gj]

I constantly break things loose with my gearwrenches. If you have to break loose with a standard wrench, then switch to a ratchet wrench you're wasting valuable time. I have yet to have a problem, and I do this for a living. I know I'm not the only one doing it...

Thank you I do to as my other wrenches are cman raised panel. So would you spring for the snap on ratchet wrench with flank drive plus?

 

[Adam.C]

I own Snap On ratchet combos, minis, and the long zero offsets. I use the minis the most, zero offsets rarely, and the std combos never. I almost always use sockets for automotive. A lot of the tricky fasteners I encounter where I might want a special wrench, don't have hex heads. If you already have a ratcheting DBE set, I'd put my money elsewhere.

Given the choice between a set of Snap On flankdrive combos and Snap On ratcheting combos, I'd pick the non-ratcheting for the smaller stronger box end. I find very few instances where a ratcheting wrench will work, but a socket will not.

 

[Finky198]

Hey guys I know this will sound dumb but why not brake bolts free with ratchet wrenchs. Especially if they are snap on or truck brands. If I spent top dollar why baby the damn tool?

You must be talking about those damn tool polishers...
I have the Blue point stubby flex and I break stuff loose all the time. I have yet to break one, and with the kind of coin I've spent on tools I agree with you I buy them to use and if they break they'll be warrantied.

Adam is very correct in his words 9/10 time a socket can and will work with the right combination and your wrenches get used when nothing else will suffice in that instance...

I like the BP stubby flex And snap on 0 deg dbl box ratcheting.

 

[jo4gj]

Thanks guys for your in puts. So would you say buy the longer fd+ set or regular length? Can't buy both but I use the cheater bar or add a wrench technique when I need more leverage? Obviously you can't just cut off a pice or shorten a wrench with much ease

 

[Adam.C]

Thanks guys for your in puts. So would you say buy the longer fd+ set or regular length? Can't buy both but I use the cheater bar or add a wrench technique when I need more leverage? Obviously you can't just cut off a pice or shorten a wrench with much ease

I use stubby ratchet wrenches when doing interior work when I can't get on a screw with a socket or screwdriver and they are too tight to loosen by hand. In that case, I need very little leverage, just something quick and easy to help me remove a screw. I have Snap On, but I think I'd be happy with any stubby ratchet wrench.

The scenario above almost never happens under the car or under the hood (for me). Most times, I can ratchet bolts all the way out. Maybe this is more than you wanted to know, but in my experience, having a ratchet with low back drag that will allow you to ratchet something out far enough to finish the job with your fingers is a big deal. Only the best ratchets can do this. And they have to be greased correctly etc. Otherwise, that's when guys reach for some other tool, start talking about the knurling on their extensions etc. These are solutions to problems a good ratchet solves. We don't talk enough about back drag. Low back drag keeps a one handed job one handed.

So fundamentally, I don't see much use for short wrenches.

Snap On's FD+ are already some of the longest combos on the market. I think they are the longest regular length?? (I think Armstrong's XL are comparable in length to Snap On XLs but not quality). If you need a long open end wrench, buy the Snap On XL or Armstrong XL.

Otherwise, just about every mechanic I know loves the Snap On high performance DBE wrenches (XDH...) which are inches longer than even the longest combo.

I use open ends infrequently - like only when I have no other option. So if I'm reaching for a box end wrench to crack something free I pick the longest model in the drawer. Therefore, I would start with a set of those high performance DBE. 99% of the time I use a combo, I'm using the box end. And the XDH wrenches are longer and better in just about every measurable way.

Once you have those, then think about combos. I would just get std length combos. But be sure to do some homework. Snap On's regular length are longer than Stahlwile or SK's long pattern. They are way longer than their competitors regular length.

 

[Finky198]

Well said ^^^

 

[dopod]

Hey guys I know this will sound dumb but why not brake bolts free with ratchet wrenchs.

No problem breaking your typical fastener free with them. Rusty, seized up bolts are what I've had issues with. Needed the flex head to get at the bolt though.

 

[M6erfan]

...but in my experience, having a ratchet with low back drag that will allow you to ratchet something out far enough to finish the job with your fingers is a big deal. Only the best ratchets can do this. And they have to be greased correctly etc. Otherwise, that's when guys reach for some other tool, start talking about the knurling on their extensions etc. These are solutions to problems a good ratchet solves. We don't talk enough about back drag. Low back drag keeps a one handed job one handed.

Truth! I am a convert since discovering low backdrag ratchets. Everyone seems to concentrate on high tooth count, which can be important, but low backdrag trumps tooth count 9 times out of 10, IMO...

 

[jo4gj]

I own no good combo wrenches. SO FD+ metric regular are 400 the long are 600 and the ratcheting are 500. Also the ratcheting are in the middle for total length. So if I was to but the combos regular length and a cheap dewalt set of reversible ratcheting wrenchs it would be the same as just buying the snap on reversible with FD+ open ends. Would you guys suggest buying the snap on reversible wrenchs or two wrench sets?

 

[Revelations]

I've always had good results with Gear Wrench

Sent from a Galaxy far far away.

 

[PavelK313]

I ended up ordering this set of Hazet wrenches. Hazet seems to be making slimmest profile ratcheting wrenches.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8VL6PG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Adam.C]

I own no good combo wrenches. SO FD+ metric regular are 400 the long are 600 and the ratcheting are 500. Also the ratcheting are in the middle for total length. So if I was to but the combos regular length and a cheap dewalt set of reversible ratcheting wrenchs it would be the same as just buying the snap on reversible with FD+ open ends. Would you guys suggest buying the snap on reversible wrenchs or two wrench sets?

Pretty sure the Snap On ratchet wrenches I have are the same lengths as regular flank drive wrenches. I bought mine on eBay in brand new condition for $250. This is probably more than someone paid on the truck.

I'm revamping my tiny machine shop. I bought a Bridgeport mill a few weeks ago. In that shop I have a Kennedy roll cab. I wanted to have some Snap On tools for that shop, which is not really near my garage. I bought black industrial finish Snap On. That helps me keep them separated too. People don't talk about them here much. You can buy a set of black industrial Snap On wrenches for sometimes as little as $100. I bought a huge set of inch sizes a few years back. I just refinished them. This is easy to do.

Don't go buying $600 wrench sets.

 

[jo4gj]

Pretty sure the Snap On ratchet wrenches I have are the same lengths as regular flank drive wrenches. I bought mine on eBay in brand new condition for $250. This is probably more than someone paid on the truck.

I'm revamping my tiny machine shop. I bought a Bridgeport mill a few weeks ago. In that shop I have a Kennedy roll cab. I wanted to have some Snap On tools for that shop, which is not really near my garage. I bought black industrial finish Snap On. That helps me keep them separated too. People don't talk about them here much. You can buy a set of black industrial Snap On wrenches for sometimes as little as $100. I bought a huge set of inch sizes a few years back. I just refinished them. This is easy to do.

Don't go buying $600 wrench sets.

I won't buy $600 or any wrench set for retail. on eBay the prices should be about half but still in that order of ascending cost. The ratcheting SO are just a little longer then the regular fd+. According to there web site.

Sorry to thread hijack talking about all these non ratchet wrenches.

 

[TacomaJD]

Another Gear Wrench set owner here, never had a problem with mine. All fixed head.

If I remember correctly, I gave $60 shipped on ebay for my 20 pc set, and just happened to walk in Advance Auto Parts the next week and noticed something like an 8 pc set same brand for something crazy like $79. Haha. Ripoffs. Mine were new without box, check ebay, you may be able to save a lot of money.

 

[jo4gj]

Back on subject, dose any one own or used both the Carlyle ratchet wrenches and gearwrench 120xp that can compare them?

 

[T45]

I ended up ordering this set of Hazet wrenches. Hazet seems to be making slimmest profile ratcheting wrenches.

Note on european pricing...

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B009H0I4S4/

 

[skruft]

For myself, I do not have these except a set of Gearwrench short ones. I make do with regular non-ratcheting wrenches, flat and offset ratcheting box ends, and some very old OTC and SK wrenches that have pivoting sockets. I have not found myself using any of these wrenches enough to need more variations. Maybe because I am old, I tend to reach for sockets in most cases.