Ratcheting Double Box End Flex Wrench
- Thread starter Ralf11
- Start date
GrantCee
Well-known member
I've had a set of the Tekton double box flex head ratcheting wrenches for a few years now, and I'd describe the quality as very good. They've handled everything I've thrown at them with zero issues.
I've not used the SO version, only handled a friend's, but fit and finish are surprisingly comparable. The biggest difference I see is that the SO is 12-point, and the Tekton is 6-point. This can make the Tekton a little more "fiddly" to get onto a fastener in close quarters; sometimes I have to rotate the ratchet a couple of clicks to enable it to line up with the bolts. If I were wrenching for a living that little bit of time spent might reduce productivity just a tad, and for that reason I can see insisting on the 12-point. Since I'm not in that position, it doesn't bother me.
My only actual complaint is that the joints will occasionally get a touch loose with use and wear, allowing the head move a little more easily than I would like. I just retighten the Torx screw and it's good for another year or so. (Truth be told, I've only had to do that to the 12mm, which is the one I seem to use most.)
I've not used the SO version, only handled a friend's, but fit and finish are surprisingly comparable. The biggest difference I see is that the SO is 12-point, and the Tekton is 6-point. This can make the Tekton a little more "fiddly" to get onto a fastener in close quarters; sometimes I have to rotate the ratchet a couple of clicks to enable it to line up with the bolts. If I were wrenching for a living that little bit of time spent might reduce productivity just a tad, and for that reason I can see insisting on the 12-point. Since I'm not in that position, it doesn't bother me.
My only actual complaint is that the joints will occasionally get a touch loose with use and wear, allowing the head move a little more easily than I would like. I just retighten the Torx screw and it's good for another year or so. (Truth be told, I've only had to do that to the 12mm, which is the one I seem to use most.)
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Lucid Moments
Well-known member
Look at the Mountain/Platinum/Carlyle long format DBE ratcheting. They are really handy. The warranty might be a little problematic but they aren't all that expensive either, and you can buy individual ones too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DDO1DPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DDO1DPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Chevy-SS
Well-known member
Good comments, but I will add that a 6-point wrench is MUCH less prone to rounding a tight/rusted fastener than a 12-point. And since you can actually rotate the tool, then I'd favor the 6-point. JMHO
GrantCee
Well-known member
I completely agree, which is why my sockets are all 6-point. However, I tend to use the ratcheting box ends when I encounter clearance issues without high torque demands, so the 6-point is just a little less convenient while having largely unnecessary (for my usual application) surface contact.
Then again, out here in Oregon we don't commonly see the heavily rusted components like you do back east, so region may have something to do with the preference.
Of course, the ideal solution is to buy a set of each!
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Tekton quality is outstanding if you're buying from their current line up. Some of their earlier endeavors left a bit to be desired.
I think where Tekton shines is in their customer service. Register online at Tekton.com and you get free shipping in the USA and 10% back in reward points that spend like cash on future orders in addition to their great warranty service, visit their web site for more info.
You can't compare apples to oranges so, don't try to compare a tool costing a fraction of of the tool truck brand version to the tool truck version
Besides, the best ratcheting wrenches are made in Taiwan
I have Tekton's standard length ratcheting flex head boxed end wrench set and I like it. You might run into a clearance issue rarely depending on what you work on.
