Ratcheting Wrench Set (Metric)

[wlai]

Started to fix my Toyota and I need a set of metric wrenches. Thinking about ratcheting combo wrenches as they are sure convenient when I used them at a friend's. From what I've researched on here, I'd like:

- Reversible Ratcheting mechanism
- Offset wrenches
- 72 teeth
- 12 points
- Trying to keep it around $100 or so.

I found this via another post: www.mobiledistributorsupply.com/23988-12-piece-ringstop-reversible-ratcheting-wrench-set-metric-oem, which has the benefit of some bonus metric sockets which I can certainly use.

Is it a quality set? What's the reputation on OEMTools?

FWIW my socket set is 80's Craftsman "EE" US-made, which I know isn't possible at my price range. But hoping for something that will last me a good while as I don't like buying the same tool more than once.

Thanks for any recommendation?

 

[ChrisLS8]

I'm glad these threads only come up 4 times a day. Do a quick search

 

[Shane6377]

I'm glad these threads only come up 4 times a day. Do a quick search

Lighten up... he's a new member.

There are several threads on ratcheting wrenches that might give you more info but the search function doesn't always yield good results.

I have not used OEM ratcheting wrenches myself but have reviews seem mostly good. You can find that set cheaper on Amazon.

GearWrench reversible ratcheting wrenches are generally well liked and are in that same price range. I have used them at my brother's and they worked well but have limited use so other owners may give you better info.


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[ChrisLS8]

The pro on them is they have a ring on the box end that keeps bolts and nuts from going all the way through

 

[wlai]

I'm glad these threads only come up 4 times a day. Do a quick search

Thanks for the nice greeting...as I wrote in the post, I did search on here and read thru them but didn't find exactly what I was looking for. Some of the threads are quite old as well.

Also, if you had read my post you'd notice I put a link to a set that I found via another post. But hey thanks for your help.

 

[lardy1]

Welcome to the site. I'm no help for your query other than to also say there is some good info from some folks I've come to respect in another current thread.

 

[16again]

Look at TEKTON! I don’t own them, but they are making some nice tools right now. Imported with warranty support here in the USA


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[BrandoJames]

I own two Toyotas, and I highly recommend the Tekton Flex Ratcheting Box set. You can get the set via Amazon for $95. These wrenches can access fasteners anywhere on my vehicles: tight clearance + sharp angles = no problem.

Note: I hate the gimmicky "OEM Tools" brand--they've taken an industry wide acronym for a brand name. Nothing illegal about it, but it's just sleazy.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-WRN76164-Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Wrench/dp/B01F512CB8/ref=sr_1_6?crid=NJQTEJ7IN63M&keywords=tekton+ratcheting+wrench+set&qid=1580386289&sprefix=tekton+rat%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-6

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the OEM tools metric ratcheting wrench set you linked. They're nice wrenches. Taiwan made like most fine toothed ratcheting wrenches. Satin finish, crisp ratcheting action. They're very similar to Facom wrenches.
One good feature about the OEM capstop design is that it is a simple wire spring. I am not a fan of most capstop designs because, normally it's a flat washer installed on the the top side of the boxed end, that keeps you from using a reverse grip in case you need a different angle on your wrench to avoid something. The OEM design allows you to push past the spring if needed so, you can use the wrench either way. the spring is also replaceable if needed.
In addition to the OEM Tools you linked, you may want to consider Dewalt, Gearwrench, or Sunex (may have spline boxed ends). There are also offerings from parts stores such as Advance or Autozone, that have decent sales from time to time. Although NAPA's carlyle brand may be outside of your budget, they have some nice ratcheting wrenches, as does Proto.
Tekton is also a great choice but, they only have six point ratcheting wrenches.
Good luck in your quest

 

[jgromada]

I really like these from Gearwrech since they are offset. Haven't bought them yet but probably will. I have a non-ratcheting set like this from Astro and I love the feel in the hand.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIAKGI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Shane6377]

Thanks for the nice greeting...as I wrote in the post, I did search on here and read thru them but didn't find exactly what I was looking for. Some of the threads are quite old as well.

Also, if you had read my post you'd notice I put a link to a set that I found via another post. But hey thanks for your help.

Some people don't know how to stay out of forums they aren't interested in. This is a nice community but we have a few rude ones.

I use the mobile app to view GJ and you are correct, the search is poor at best. I sometimes have better luck Google searching my question then looking for the GJ posts.


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[Nineeightyone]

I've got the OEM ones and I'm a fan, I try to avoid putting a ton of load on the ratcheting end but they've been good to me. For a while OEM was also offering the passthrough sockets for a freebie with purchase, they're handy to have as well.

I've dealt with the non-reversible ratcheting wrenches as well, and I cannot emphasize enough that I wouldn't waste the money. They require extra forethought as you can easily enough get a wrench stuck loosening a fastener. I have a set of HF ones, but they mostly sit in a drawer as 99% of the time I'll grab the OEM ones now.

I compared Icon, Tekton, GearWrench, and OEM when looking. I wound up purchasing the OEM offering because of the freebies, and generally positive reviews. If I had more money, I would've bought Tekton due to excellent experiences with their regular wrenches, followed by Icon due to how close HF is to me. But for ~$60 difference, OEM was worth the risk.

I will mention, I've not had an excellent experience dealing with OEM for warranty (I bought a 3/8" metric socket set that had two 9mm and no 10mm), but your experience may differ if you call them. I contacted them via email twice and did not get a response. Tekton's warranty is well-reknowned around here, and might be worth the extra coin if you're willing to spend a bit more.

 

[RKA]

In the GJ spirit of offering something way beyond the OP's stated budget, I found these proto's discussed the other day pretty appealing. Made in the USA! Aside from price, they have a spline drive, so not exactly a 12 pt. If you're dealing with chrome bolts on your harley you might not be happy with the witness marks left behind, but under the hood of a non-collectible car...it won't matter. You'll use these wrenches a lot, so maybe you can justify getting a nice set? Anyway, with a commonly available zoro coupon code of 20% off, you should be able to bring it down to $230.

In your budget, you're looking at chinese or taiwan made. Taiwan made are plenty good. The Tekton warranty would be a huge sell in case you put a little too much oomph into them. But I think they are only offered in 6 pt which would be a nuisance to me. The chinese made gearwrench and husky wrenches I have have worked without issue, but I'm only a DIYer, not using them daily. I am careful not to use them for breaking bolts free though. And one thing I really hate about them is the skipped sizes in the less expensive sets. I have german and japanese cars and invariably do need the size they skip from time to time (I've since added other USA made wrenches so I have all sizes and some dups).

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=441609

 

[Jagmandave]

I'm not a fan of the Gearwrench set I have, but mostly because they are straight, and you can't always get on a nut or bolt straight on. However I've had them for 20 years now and only had one fail. The other issue is that the ratcheting end is fairly large, so you can't get on a nut or bolt if the clearance is tight. However unlike the offset heads, these being non reversible you don't have the little lever to flip to change directions - I guess that's both good and not so good. Mine you have to flip over to change directions....

Lastly, the chrome on them is not the best, it doesn't flake off or anything, it's just not shiny like it was, even if I polish it up with chrome polish it doesn't look great. I'm sure there are better made wrenches out there now than 20-25 years ago when I bought mine......but I would def get some with either a 15* angled head or flex ends

 

[mr.lemons]

Lighten up... he's a new member.

Join Date: Dec 2010

Op has been a member more than 10 years if the join date is correct

 

[wlai]

Quite right! Also, as you can see I don't post willy nilly, i.e. I research more than I ask

Thanks for all the great feedback!

 

[ptgarcia]

I have that OEM set. Paid about $60 and got the free GoThru sockets with them. I haven't used them a lot, but when I have they've worked like they should. I love the satin finish and they feel great in the hand.

 

[bastage]

I own two Toyotas, and I highly recommend the Tekton Flex Ratcheting Box set. You can get the set via Amazon for $95. These wrenches can access fasteners anywhere on my vehicles: tight clearance + sharp angles = no problem.

Note: I hate the gimmicky "OEM Tools" brand--they've taken an industry wide acronym for a brand name. Nothing illegal about it, but it's just sleazy.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-WRN76164-Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Wrench/dp/B01F512CB8/ref=sr_1_6?crid=NJQTEJ7IN63M&keywords=tekton+ratcheting+wrench+set&qid=1580386289&sprefix=tekton+rat%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-6

I have these & like them. But they arent what the OP is looking for.

The dewalt 12 piece metric set can be had for about 85 bucks at home depot & checks all the box's I believe OP is looking for. I own them as well (actually just replaced them with the Tekton set, but they are still sitting in my garage waiting to get sold) and they have all held up fine. I only replaced them because I dont use the ratcheting wrench's often & the Tekton set's being double ended takes up less space in my little garage.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...eting-Wrench-Set-12-Piece-DWMT19230/301868435

 

[groundcoat]

I just bought a set of Tekton reversible ratchet wrenches and am very satisfied with their performance and overall quality.

 

[Mr_B]

oem ones OP linked pretty good buy with the bonus sockets, nicely mae with soft satin chrome and good usable design.
other option could be ICON as the ratchet wrenches by hi-five are decent .
facom real nice but currently likely twice budget .

 

[jasonphelps]

http://www.infar.com.tw/product-REVERSIBLE-GEARTECHS-DOUBLE-BOX-WRENCH-2-4-1-2.html

 

[Mr_B]

^
I had a gedore brand carolus set that basically infar geartech and they not that great .
Hi-five kabo and rotar make nicer ratchet wrenches .

 

[Yarpo]

^
I had a gedore brand carolus set that basically infar geartech and they not that great .
Hi-five kabo and rotar make nicer ratchet wrenches .

Yeah I've got the carolus branded set, no complaints but I wasn't super impressed either. The satin finish is good and the mechanism feels nice, but I haven't had much use for them as they're like my....5th set of ratchet wrenches. I'd almost give them to you OP, selling **** is impossible.

 

[BBDartCA]

I am also looking for my first complete set of ratcheting combo wrenches. But with flex head. This Gearwrench model has decent reviews and a guy locally has one for $110 new. A good choice? Just using for DIY auto repair. Thanks.

https://www.gearwrench.com/gearwren...ratcheting-metric-combination-wrench-set.html

 

[Mr_B]

Yeah I've got the carolus branded set, no complaints but I wasn't super impressed either. The satin finish is good and the mechanism feels nice, but I haven't had much use for them as they're like my....5th set of ratchet wrenches. I'd almost give them to you OP, selling **** is impossible.

They high lash mechanisms with quite high drag and the smaller sizes are not 72 tooth .
satin finish was ideal and fine enough for a diy set but poor show for what gedore retailed them for under carolus branding .
I gave mine to a deserving neighbour .

 

[Citation]

If I did more car work I would be tempted by a set of these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDO1DPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Mountain brand, long pattern, reversible with an offset to give a bit of reach. The car wizard on YouTube was a big fan.

Personally I have a set of husky 100T non reversing wrenches. I do like that the box end is rather thin.

 

[RKA]

The mountain wrenches are fantastic, but I would hesitate to recommend them as a first and only set of ratcheting wrenches. They are so long that you'll need a lot of clearance for the beam (16" for a 13mm). And even with a 5 degree swing, at 16" out, that's quite a bit of distance to swing the wrench. But in your case citation, you should definitely get them! And since your existing wrenches don't reverse, that's your justification!

 

[Mr_B]

OP's best options are either his linked OEM set or ICON as size coverage, spec, price, ease of purchase, warranty all sensible and they both a little above average mid range options .

 

[Citation]

The mountain wrenches are fantastic, but I would hesitate to recommend them as a first and only set of ratcheting wrenches. They are so long that you'll need a lot of clearance for the beam (16" for a 13mm). And even with a 5 degree swing, at 16" out, that's quite a bit of distance to swing the wrench. But in your case citation, you should definitely get them! And since your existing wrenches don't reverse, that's your justification!

Like I need this place to encourage me to get any more hand tools!

I just bought that Husky 200 pc sock set because well I had perhaps a few holes in my current set... like missing a 21mm I likely won't need for another 5 years

 

[wlai]

Thanks all. I still think the OEM set is at or near the top of my list. Need to look at the DeWalts as well.

One question: If you can only have one set of wrenches for now, would flex head be desirable? Understand that I'd have to give up reversible...

 

[crasher98]

Thanks all. I still think the OEM set is at or near the top of my list. Need to look at the DeWalts as well.

One question: If you can only have one set of wrenches for now, would flex head be desirable? Understand that I'd have to give up reversible...

Just me but...ever since I got some locking flex ratcheting wrenches I haven't touched my non-flex ratcheting wrenches. The locking aspect is important, because sometimes you don't want it flopping around; but if they lock they can do it all: locked straight (i.e., like a regular ratcheting wrench), flex, and locked at a flexed angle.

 

[matthew]

I wonder how large of a batch the OEM would require to supply a Garage Journal privately branded version...

 

[Mr_B]

One question: If you can only have one set of wrenches for now, would flex head be desirable? Understand that I'd have to give up reversible...

decent slim reversible is best .
Don't overlook the ICON set, I been using them 2 months professionally and they very decent and longer pattern very handy .
flex heads can be useful but I nut using them every day and indeed locking type more usable and decent ones not cheap.
OEM set is decent spec with same stop ring design as Facoms, not a bad deal if like the pass through socket bonus .

 

[RKA]

Wlai, For me the reversing mech is more valuable than the flex head. Without it I suspect I would paint myself into a corner pretty quick. I don’t use the flex heads much, but when I do, they save a lot of aggravation by sneaking into spots my other wrenches won’t go. So my progression was standard reversible 15 degree ratcheting wrench, then flex head, then stubby, then long pattern zero degree.

 

[John in OH]

I can't really help you with your original question regarding the OEM set, but I can pop-in with my opinion ... I don't like the straight, flip-to-reverse ratcheting wrenches. The 15 deg off-set style with reversing lever is preferable IMHO.

Regarding searching ... the search function on this GJ site *****! It's far better to search GJ via Google using the search format: site:garagejournal.com - (search subject)
For example, use: site:garagejournal.com - ratcheting wrench set (metric)

 

[bobemmerich]

I have these:
https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/wrenches/2108983[/url]
I've have had them for a while. They're pretty good, but not reversible. Only thing I had to do was buy extras to fill in the set. I have them up to 22mm. Mine have Ace Professional on one side and Gearwrench on the other. They've taken everything I've thrown at them and still hold up.

I may get flogged here, but I also have a set of these HD Husky:
not bad either, but again you'll have to fill out the set. For most things I just prefer the non reversible ones.

 

[wlai]

OEM set is decent spec with same stop ring design as Facoms, not a bad deal if like the pass through socket bonus .

Thanks. Can you explain what the pass through sockets do? I haven't seen/used these before.

 

[wlai]

Regarding searching ... the search function on this GJ site *****! It's far better to search GJ via Google using the search format: site:garagejournal.com - (search subject)
For example, use: site:garagejournal.com - ratcheting wrench set (metric)

Thanks, that is a helpful tip!

 

[M6erfan]

Thanks. Can you explain what the pass through sockets do? I haven't seen/used these before.

A 2 second Google search will answer your question

 

[Batscat]

I have Bluepoint and Icon. And since I have bought the Icon the Bluepoint just gather dust. The long reach is my friend and others in my shop ask to use them from time to time.