ratcheting wrench help?

[Shana1991]

So here is my problem.

I got a full set of Proto anti slips.

I want a set of ratcheting wrenches but I don't see the purpose of having an open end of them since on the rare occasion I need it gonna pull the Proto's out.

Double box ends seems like a good idea and would also save a ton of space. Problem is I've been looking everywhere and can only find straight double box. No flex heads or reversible offset. Matco makes a single flex box end with handle but I'm not so sure about them.

Suggestions?

 

[Trans1998am]

it is not a bad idea to use the open end to initially break the bolt or nut loose first this way you do not break the ratcheting mechanism in the wrench.

 

[Skin]

it is not a bad idea to use the open end to initially break the bolt or nut loose first this way you do not break the ratcheting mechanism in the wrench.

great way to round some corners.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

The only way I'd go with a double box end is if you already have a second set of open ends. There are some tasks in which a second open end is necessary; i.e., loosening a jam nut. The only real benefit to a double box end is to cut down on the number of wrenches in a set. If you're concerned about breaking the ratcheting end, just grab a standard box end wrench. I have long handled ratchets, but I often chose to reach for a breaker bar to bust a stubborn nut loose; why strain a ratchet even if it's warrantied? It takes less time to grab a proper tool than it does to deal with a warranty.

 

[Rico.]

why strain a ratchet even if it's warrantied? It takes less time to grab a proper tool than it does to deal with a warranty.

I will never understand the mentality of people that abuse tools and break them
when they have the "propper" tools sitting in their toolbox a few feet away.

I would feel guilty claiming a warranty on a tool I had knowingly abused and the
rare time I have had to "abuse" a tool to get job done, because there was no
other way, if the tool had broken I would have bought a new one and not claimed
a warranty.

 

[Adam.C]

I have really beautiful ratchets and I'm not sure I love them. If I had to do it all over again, I think I would choose either:
Snap On long pattern combos (which are super long, longer than everyone else's)
or
Some form of "hi performance" 15 degree double box wrenches (which are very long)
or both.

THEN add cheap stubby ratchets, or any short cheap ratchet wrenches.

Idea is to get it broken free with a long wrench, then zing it off with something short and ratcheting.

 

[ez-duzit]

Combination wrenches seem the handiest and an ideal setup, to me. You already know what size you need for the fastener you are r&r-ing. You shouldn't need 2 sizes to try on a double box or double open. The open end can be fastest in very tight quarters. And necessary where box-ends cannot be used (flare nut, cable adjuster, ...) I avoid dedicated box-ends or open-ends, except for the compact emergency tool kit on my Harley.