Ratcheting wrench - combinations or double boxes?

[gdpolk]

Last question as I upgrade my ratcheting wrenches selection. Should I go with combination wrenches or double boxed ends? Either way, I'll be getting flex heads on them. I have a rather comprehensive selection of standard 12-pt combination wrenches, tappets, and flare nut wrenches. I tend to use the box ends the most when I can, but sometimes open ends are best. I already have a small set of SAE/metric ratcheting wrenches, but I'm looking to add more sizes and go from fixed heads to flex heads when I do it. I'll sell the small sets when I make the upgrade - I really don't need two sets of these as a DIY guy.

Combination wrenches, flex head, ratcheting have the advantage of giving an open end to break bolts loose then switch to the ratcheting box end to make quick work of them.

Double box ends have the advantage of cramming more tools in less space and paying only for the parts that I'm actually seeking (flex head ratcheting box ends). I could always default to my standard wrenches on stubborn bolts to break them free.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

If I had to do it over I'd do just get double boxes.


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[gdpolk]

If I had to do it over I'd do just get double boxes.


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I've never owned double boxes but I use the ratcheting box ends for everything I can. I'm not sure if really miss the open ends on them if I had a full set of combinations hanging out there next to them anyway.

I'm almost leaning towards double boxes on the ratcheting ones.

 

[1950mercury]

Both....

 

[Greg85mcss]

I started with the regular gearwrench sae/metric set then got some long handle non ratcheting & finally the ez red long flex double box. I don't use the gearwrench set for anything except the occasional sae bolt since getting the new ones. You're right about taking up less space. Most of the sets are spline instead of 12 points & they dig into softer bolts & have to be pried off with a screwdriver. I'd recommend reversing to avoid this.


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[lightning02]

both

 

[gdocktor3]

Depends what brand you're looking to buy? Gearwrench combination flex heads, I'd say no because of the lobster claw open ends. Proto ASD or Matco with anti slip jaws and spline box ends, I'd say yes. Double box end's are nice, but I think a regular combination flex head ratchet wrench is more important. The double box ends you buy later on since they're more of a luxury item IMO.

 

[M6erfan]

DBE's, but I have a set of DOE's, sooooo

 

[toolmutt]

Double box.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Double box. I have an Armstrong set. One side ratcheting, one side non. I really like them. My only complaint is I think they're kind of long. They are shorter then the Gearwrench set everyone at GJ likes so much.

 

[dnschmidt]

The answer to this question has changed with TEKTON's introduction of double box ends with six point box ends. To me this is the compelling advantage that pushes me over the top for going with the double box. I seldom use open end wrenches for anything anyway. Why chance an open end when you've got a box. If you have to use an open end (say a flare fitting) use a flare nut wrench. I'm heavily socket biased anyway. One man's opinion.

 

[chrisnazzy]

The answer to this question has changed with TEKTON's introduction of double box ends with six point box ends. To me this is the compelling advantage that pushes me over the top for going with the double box. I seldom use open end wrenches for anything anyway. Why chance an open end when you've got a box. If you have to use an open end (say a flare fitting) use a flare nut wrench. I'm heavily socket biased anyway. One man's opinion.

Great.....6 point ratcheting double box end flex head Tekton wrenches. I hadn't seen these yet but they look pretty bitchin. I haven't bitten the bullet just yet and clicked order over @ Trusty Cook.com and now I'm gonna need to make space in my wrench drawers soon also.

 

[Bobioz1]

Anybody on here own these new Tekton wrenches? I don't own anything Tekton but I would like some 6 point, regular length, ratcheting DBE.

 

[CamarosRus]

I'm a fan of the MATCO Pro-Swing with fixed box on one end and same size ratchet box on the other...............Spendy off the truck so I found mine on EBAY!!!!!!

 

[dreamspeed]

double box for ratcheting wrenches, you will most likely have a regular set of combo wrenches already if you need the open end

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have combo ratcheting wrenches that are 12 point. I would much rather have the new 6 point versions!

 

[zoomieport]

SK X-Frame Wrenches!!!

 

[Adam.C]

I think these are the perfect ratchet wrench design. Regular box on one end, ratchet on the other. If one or both were flex, that would be even better. You just can't have it all.

I personally don't like cracking stuff free with a ratchet wrench. I just don't trust them.

 

[gdpolk]

The two I was debating between were the Tekton flex double box ends and some Gearwrench flex combinations. Price is similar. Gearwrench has the open end, takes up more space, and are 12pt which could be handy for that occasional odd fitting. Tekton would take up half the space in my box and likely be a better choice for the standard bolt being 6pt ends. I could always grab a regular combination wrench to break free stuck bolts.

 

[Fedwrench]

Anybody on here own these new Tekton wrenches? I don't own anything Tekton but I would like some 6 point, regular length, ratcheting DBE.

I have their metric standard length ratcheting flex head box end wrench set. They're quite nice and a great value.

 

[Ctkelly]

Are the tekton racheting wrenches China or Taiwan for the COO?

 

[lightning02]

Are the tekton racheting wrenches China or Taiwan for the COO?

Taiwan

all there tools coo are listed on there site which is nice

 

[Finky198]

I think these are the perfect ratchet wrench design. Regular box on one end, ratchet on the other. If one or both were flex, that would be even better. You just can't have it all.

I personally don't like cracking stuff free with a ratchet wrench. I just don't trust them.

I have to agree. I use SO XDHRM as well and big +1. They are my one of my favorite wrenches... The same goes here I crack em loose and then flip it for ratcheting action... It's a big time saver. Flex would be nice, but I have the blue points for that need.

 

[Bobioz1]

I have their metric standard length ratcheting flex head box end wrench set. They're quite nice and a great value.

Thanks. Looking forward to using them.