Ratchet wrenches - one way or reversible?

[Old Donn]

Both!

That what I wound up doing, but my reversibles get most of the work.

 

[defy]

Some socket sets, probably 1/4" & 3/8", I only have crappy powerbuilt sockets in those sizes from when I got my apprenticeship starter kit, I'd like to move these to a home set and have some good ones for work. Thinking koken cause I like having different brands of tools, to mix it up and try other stuff. Also from what I read here they are up there with snap on quality, I don't really want to pay snap on price, have plenty of their other stuff.

 

[Sick Puppy]

From memory, I got a 1/4 metric socket set from Agripower for about $145, but Trademe come up with a few new socket sets that were unused - one 3/8 set that normally has a price of $320 went for $160, and it looked unused. Most of my stuff has come from Trademe, although I have purchased a few bits from elsewhere. Your best bet would be is contacting Bay Engineers on L Hutt Rd and hope for a discount, especially if you are in a trade.

I remember being in Waitemata Hydraulics and trying the ratchets made by Powerbuilt, King Tony and Koken. The Powerbuilt ones felt like they were made of cheese, so I think you will love the Koken ones!

 

[Sick Puppy]

I think at this stage I will be going for reversible wrenches w/offset, both stubby and normal size, metric only. Anyone have recommendations on brand to go for?

Gedore - probably waaaaaay to expensive, but German made, and I'd imagine the same goes for the other German brands.


US made ones
* Snap on - as above, but US made lol
* Mac, Matco, Armstrong (what are these like, and are they any good?)

Taiwanese - well, most of em:
* Gearwrench - brand leaders in terms of prominence, mixed reviews. Now selling China stuff too though.
* Blue Point - who makes these? Are they any good?
* Williams - same parent company as BP, are they any good?
* Others - Teng (horrible finish), Kinchrome, Genius (apparently pretty good), Jonnesway (not common here), Proto, Blackhawk (not here at all - good quality if price is right)
* King Tony - apparently they make everything they sell themselves since they have their own foundry, and they are establishing a good reputation here in NZ.
* Toptul - still emerging here, their ratchet wrenches are hard to find and I think one way only.
* Powerbuilt - their stuff feels like it will fall apart in my hand, and I baby my tools, so not an option!
* Craftsman - simply not available in NZ, but gets very mixed reviews?

Chinese
Husky, newer Gearwrench. Avoid like the plague! lol

 

[Skin]

MAC are imported from Taiwan but they're designed for them and have the MAC boxy beams and some really thin ratcheting box ends. Some [most?] of Matco is imported too. Armstrong is all USA but lacks some variety. Not sure i've ever seen Armstrong brand reversibles or ones with offset box ends either.

Husky is chinese. Proto and Blackhawk are Taiwan [and of good quality provided the price is right].

Gearwrench is all China unless you find old stock and have gotten a bit bulky.

I will say i was looking at Toptul non-reversibles, if their picture is accurate they've got one of the lowest profile ratcheting box ends i've ever seen.

Compared to a GW or SO its paper thin.

People rave about the Blue-Point [Taiwan]. My only problem with the imported truck brands [Cornwell/MAC/Matco/Blue-Point] is the sets can go for really stupid money. For example

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-on-Blu..._Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item3a6e31b739

Someone paid $200 for a BP set when the Snap-On sets go for $200-$250 pretty regularly.

Heres a more realistic price [although still high for me-i'd say ~$100 would be about right].

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Point-..._Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item43abd8a09b

 

[Sick Puppy]

Skin, thanks heaps! (I'l amend my above post accordingly too for future reference)

It's a pity about the Toptul ones, I like their finish and they look/feel good, but at this time, I really want reversible ones. If at the right price though...

I agree about the price for the blue points, there was a set today that went for about $50, but was missing two sizes... having said that, the set that went for $200 was pretty mint looking. Even stubby ones are going for $100+... I will have to be patient!

 

[marruss]

I've got Armstrong in reversable and non reversable and rate them highly.
They feel good, look good and are tough as. I tend to reach for the non reversables first though.

Also own Cornwell non reversable stubbys which are good. These and heaps of others were bought out of the States at a fraction of the cost of what we pay for similar quality here in Oz.

Look up the Snap On catalogue in the USA then Australia and compare prices for the same tool. Someone down here is making bucket load of money

 

[WhiteLX]

Wife picked up a set of Craftsman ratcheting wrenches from my Christmas list. I wasn't aware at the time they were made in china. Are there any USA made craftsman ratcheting wrenches? Should I exchange them for the Gearwrench brand? I'm not a professional by any means where my income depends on my tools, but I have built 2 cars in my cramped 2 car garage.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Don't know if there are/were any Craftsman ratcheting wrenches, but bear in mind the patents for ratcheting wrenches are mainly Taiwanese, which is why most of these are Taiwanese in origin - there are a few US made ones, and Gedore in Germany make their own too. Gearwrench are Taiwanese, although apparently they have moved production to China too.

 

[Skin]

It's a pity about the Toptul ones, I like their finish and they look/feel good, but at this time, I really want reversible ones. If at the right price though...

Toptul make reversibles as well, the box ends just appear to be of a more standard thickness instead of wafer thin like their non-reversibles.

Wife picked up a set of Craftsman ratcheting wrenches from my Christmas list. I wasn't aware at the time they were made in china. Are there any USA made craftsman ratcheting wrenches? Should I exchange them for the Gearwrench brand? I'm not a professional by any means where my income depends on my tools, but I have built 2 cars in my cramped 2 car garage.

Armstrong stopped supplying Craftsman with ratcheting wrenches years ago so unless your store has some really dusty old stock you're out of luck. At the moment Craftsman ratcheting and GW ratcheting are largely the same thing just sold under different brands at different price tags. Unless your wife paid significantly more than what you can find an equivalent GW set for i'd just assume keep the Cman.

If it was the non-reversibles she got you the going rate for Gearwrench brand is about $30-$35 for a 10pc.

 

[38Chevy454]

I have the reversible and it seems the offset is more convenient. I also have the straight one-way version, and flex head one-way. Mine are all Gearwrench branded. I find the reversible is the ones I use most. I love the ratcheting wrenches, great time savers when a socket and ratchet driver don't fit.

 

[Jim85IROC]

Don't know if there are/were any Craftsman ratcheting wrenches, but bear in mind the patents for ratcheting wrenches are mainly Taiwanese, which is why most of these are Taiwanese in origin - there are a few US made ones, and Gedore in Germany make their own too. Gearwrench are Taiwanese, although apparently they have moved production to China too.

There were Craftsman ratcheting wrenches that were made in the USA. My SAE ratcheting wrenches are USA-made Craftsman.

 

[demographic]

Let's say that you're pulling out some accessory bolt at the front of the motor where you've barely got any room. There isn't enough room for a socket & ratchet, which is why you're using the wrench in the first place. You back it 7/8 of the way out, only to discover that now there isn't enough room left for you to take the wrench off the bolt. You have to tighten it up a little bit so that you can gain the clearance to get the ratchet off, and come the rest of the way with the open end. If you're using the non-reversible style ratcheting wrench, you're beat. You can't reverse it to tighten the bolt back up, and you don't have room to get the ratchet off. You'd better hope you can get in there with some pliers to tighten it back up or you're in trouble.

I've had a number of situations where I got carried away and went too far loosening my fastener and got into that situation. Fortunately, all I've had to do is snug the bolt back up and get my tool off.

That^ is the reason I think that reversible are better.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Toptul make reversibles as well, the box ends just appear to be of a more standard thickness instead of wafer thin like their non-reversibles.

Thanks for that - I think at the time I was looking for stubby ratchet wrenches only, which were only available as one way ones, I didn't even see the reversible ones... of course, I'm only looking at the Wren Hand Tools site, so there probably are some in existence! lol Dunno why they insist on putting them in blow moulded cases though, what, they think these are the only tools we'll ever buy?!

Armstrong stopped supplying Craftsman with ratcheting wrenches years ago so unless your store has some really dusty old stock you're out of luck.

There were Craftsman ratcheting wrenches that were made in the USA. My SAE ratcheting wrenches are USA-made Craftsman.

Thanks guys, we know now.

So what are peoples opinions on the best to buy new and used? If I can, I will get some normal size and stubby in reversible - armstrong new, and blue point used (can't afford them new! lol)

 

[Sick Puppy]

And one more question - Snap on have Williams and Blue Point as part of their 'group' as it were - if both are imported anyway, which are better?

 

[Skin]

wouldnt surprise me if both were the same.

 

[uart]

Hi Sick Puppy. Here's some cheap ones I got here in Australia.

The first ones were bought at an Aldi supermarket. I didn't buy them, they were given to me as a present, but they work well enough. I think they were $20 for the set. The only real gripe is the stupid size selection to miss 12mm (they are 8,10,11,13,14,17 mm).

I got the second set from SCA (supercheap auto). I went in to try and get a 12mm and 15mm to help fill out the above set and they were going to cost over $45 for just the two. Then I noticed they had a home brand "SCA" set on sale for $20 that had the 12 and 15 mm that I needed, so I snapped it up. It also had a 19mm so it gave me three new sizes. These must be pretty cheap spanners, the box says that just the ratchet and insert are Cr-V so I think the body is just carbon steel. That's probably why they're a bit more chunky than my other set, I've got to say that they work pretty good though.

The last was the cheapest of all. I was down at a Repco store picking up some oil when I spotted them in a 1/2 price bin for about $14. Since my others weren't reversible or offset I grabbed them. I like that they're reversible and the double box end gives a lot more sizes for a given set. These ones go from 6mm through to 22mm, so again I got a couple of new sizes. They do look pretty cheap though, two pieces of pressed steel sandwiching a plastic insert that houses the ratchet spring. The package on this one only list "carbon steel" so it would appear that not even the business end is alloy steel here. Oh well, I've used them a few times and I cant notice any wear or marking on those black metal inserts, what ever it is seems plenty hard.

BTW. I know you have Repco stores over in NZ, what about SCA?

 

[Sick Puppy]

Hi Sick Puppy. Here's some cheap ones I got here in Australia.
[...]
I got the second set from SCA (supercheap auto).
[...]

The last was the cheapest of all.
[..]
BTW. I know you have Repco stores over in NZ, what about SCA?

Thanks for that. Yeah, we have SCA stores here - apparently their tools are good value for money, although I tend to give them a wide berth for two reasons - one - they have 'cheap' in their name and two, their axle stands had a few recalls in a short space of time. Makes me weary about their quality control!

The repco own brand gets good reviews, although their prices need some work! lol Powerbuilt is junk though - they are similar prices to King Tony, but hte KT stuff looks and feels better, whereas the PB stuff feels like it's made of cheese.

How solid does your stuff feel using it? At this point, I'm leaning towards the King Tony stuff, although I'm waiting for someone to get back to me about some Armstrong stuff...

 

[uart]

Thanks for that. Yeah, we have SCA stores here - apparently their tools are good value for money, although I tend to give them a wide berth for two reasons - one - they have 'cheap' in their name and two, their axle stands had a few recalls in a short space of time. Makes me weary about their quality control!

LOL I know what you mean. I went there to get a trolley jack and they had a great big recall on their window for you guessed it, a trolley jack. Needless to say I passed on that. I think the problem with SCA is their quality is not very uniform. They've got some tools that look like they're top quality and others that look like they belong in a $2 junk shop. Still the few SCA tools that I have bought seem pretty good.

The repco own brand gets good reviews, although their prices need some work!

Yeah the repco branded stuff seems good, but you're definitely paying top dollar. I don't have any experience with powerbuilt, is that one of repco's cheaper lines?

How solid does your stuff feel using it?

To tell the truth the SCA set actually feels the best to use. They feel nice and solid and their open ends fit a bit tighter than the Aldi ones. The "GV tools" double box ends probably feel the cheapest, but I think it's just that they've got so much offset (about 25 degrees) that makes it feel like you wouldn't want give them too much shove. Anyway I think they'll all be fine for what I'm likely to use them for, working on my car and bikes.

At this point, I'm leaning towards the King Tony stuff, although I'm waiting for someone to get back to me about some Armstrong stuff...

I've never used either, but googling them they look both look good. The KT stuff looks really well made for Taiwan. I get a feeling that Taiwan is soon to become a much more respected manufacturer than they have been in the past, kind of like what happened with Japan way back when - I guess it was around 1970's or something.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Powerbuilt is an import line, Taiwanese tools, lower end of the branded market. Sold quite widely, repco, engineering supply places, I think a few of the DIY chain stores too, like placemakers - I vaguely remember seeing some of their koken style VDE screwdrivers that Lancer license the handle design for.

Ratchets and power / breaker bars are rubbish, apparently the rest of their gear is okay. As I said before, I tried a Koken, PB and KT ratchet, and while the Koken was by far the best, it was also twice the price of the KT. PB was simply garbage IMO.

KT according to their website have their own foundry, and make all their own tools. Toptul are emerging players in this market, but without the name yet.

I think Taiwan's reputation will improve, although I do have to wonder how many brands the market in general can take, especially since China manufacturers seek to undercut everyone through their pricing. They simply won't reach the level Japan has gotten to, since their drive isn't that strong and the reach of China will be too strong. Just my 2c however, and I am writing this very late at night.

I don't want to go for a budget option - I know I can pick this tooling up for cheap from SCA and repco for around $50, but like everything else I have, I want my gear to last and be relied upon for regular usage. I just don't want to pay $300NZ for the privilege! lol

I already have a set of the Bluepoint ones of the offset ones too!

 

[uart]

I don't want to go for a budget option - I know I can pick this tooling up for cheap from SCA and repco for around $50, but like everything else I have, I want my gear to last and be relied upon for regular usage.

I know what you mean, but I'm not a mechanic so I'm not really using them daily. I think the ones I've got will hold up pretty good for the routine stuff I use them for on my bikes and car.

I just don't want to pay $300NZ for the privilege! lol

Yeah I think NZ prices are even worse than here in Aus.

I already have a set of the Bluepoint ones of the offset ones too!

Are these the ones you've got? http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...6&group_ID=541&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

They're the 25 degree offset one like the cheap set I've got (but much better finish of course). How do you find these one to use? I find it feels a bit funny with that much offset, like you're applying a fair bit of sideways torque as well the axial torque that you're trying to apply. I haven't yet used mine in a location where I really need the offset, but I'm sure they will be pretty useful when I do need this.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Those are the ones, and ironically I've never used them! My project has been a non-starter due to the earthquakes (and in fact may never start ), and every time I've tried to use them, something's in the way! Grrr! lol

 

[bryant 24]

Let's say that you're pulling out some accessory bolt at the front of the motor where you've barely got any room. There isn't enough room for a socket & ratchet, which is why you're using the wrench in the first place. You back it 7/8 of the way out, only to discover that now there isn't enough room left for you to take the wrench off the bolt. You have to tighten it up a little bit so that you can gain the clearance to get the ratchet off, and come the rest of the way with the open end. If you're using the non-reversible style ratcheting wrench, you're beat. You can't reverse it to tighten the bolt back up, and you don't have room to get the ratchet off. You'd better hope you can get in there with some pliers to tighten it back up or you're in trouble.

I've had a number of situations where I got carried away and went too far loosening my fastener and got into that situation. Fortunately, all I've had to do is snug the bolt back up and get my tool off.

could you please upload a picture for this situation,i can't imaging how this occurs,thank you

 

[milky2k]

Are you for real? That was posted 12 years ago and the person that posted that hasn’t been seen since 2016 and you’re asking for a picture?

 

[bryant 24]

Are you for real? That was posted 12 years ago and the person that posted that hasn’t been seen since 2016 and you’re asking for a picture?

，just couldn't find this picture in google to prove the point

 

[milky2k]

，just couldn't find this picture in google to prove the point

Not even 30 seconds on google. Search for “ratcheting wrench stuck”. Top image search links to article below. Took longer to type this than search.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/jy5hmx

 

[bryant 24]

Not even 30 seconds on google. Search for “ratcheting wrench stuck”. Top image search links to article below. Took longer to type this than search.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/jy5hmx

LOVE YOU Milky

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I don't like the 1-way style. Not only do I never seem to have room for my hands, but usually I'm using them in tight areas where ratchets won't fit. In those situations, it's not uncommon for me to run out of room when I'm backing bolts out. Go a little too far with the non-reversable jobs and you're stuck.

Yeah, if you're not paying attention you can get yourself into a pickle. I almost did that while trying to loosen a trans pan bolt on my old Caprice and was quickly getting too close to the crossmember. I was able to make enough room to slide it out and then sold the car so it was someone else's problem.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I have one way on the sideline to standard combo wrenches.

 

[threewood]

If you can swing it, get both. I have reversible box end wrenches for more of the easily accessible fasteners and I have a set of long handle flex head ratcheting wrenches for tighter spots. Both are useful.

 

[dnschmidt]

Skin, thanks heaps! (I'l amend my above post accordingly too for future reference)

It's a pity about the Toptul ones, I like their finish and they look/feel good, but at this time, I really want reversible ones. If at the right price though...

I agree about the price for the blue points, there was a set today that went for about $50, but was missing two sizes... having said that, the set that went for $200 was pretty mint looking. Even stubby ones are going for $100+... I will have to be patient!

Wrong! TOPTUL definitely makes reversible ratcheting wrenches as I've got two sets in my garage. Here's the link: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-c114375/Pro-Series-Reversible-Ratchet-Combination-Wrench.html