Ratcheting wrench type

[Jlipton]

Hi guys. First post, though I've been checking out this forum for awhile.

I'm building a big-block Cobra kit with my kids, and I'm also using the project as an opportunity/excuse to buy some new tools to make my life easier. I don't have any ratcheting wrenches and I want to buy some (probably Williams after reading some posts here). Of course I already have standard open end and socket wrenches. So my question is: do I want (1) reversible, (2) flex head, and/or (3) stubby? I'm thinking reversible stubby may complement what I already have, but not sure. Thanks.

 

[shoturtle]

well reversible is very useful, if the fastener get stuck to the wrench. It is pretty easy to get off. So I would get a standard set of reversible. Flex head comes in handy in certain places. It comes in handy to have a set of stubby ratcheting, reversible is a plus. But not a deal breaker with stubbies.

Think you need to get 3 sets of ratcheting wrenches, standard, flex and stubby. This will makes things easier.

 

[dirtmister16]

my personal taste is non reversible,flex and straight. don't have any stubbies. for a my home shop they do the job well.

 

[xbeatles4x]

Don't overlook gear wrench.

 

[transittech]

Reversing for your first set. They will do almost everything, and have the same offset and therefore clearance as a regular combination wrench. The second set to buy is a flex wrench set.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

If I only had one set it'd be standard length flex head (non reversing). I really suggest taking a look at the Blackhawks. My set from 5/16"-1¼" has never given me any problems.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

if I bought flex it would be the locking flex. I don't own any but I have used my brothers.

I have craftsman industrial reversible Sae and metric. I really like them, I wanted my ratchet wrenches made in the USA. I have an older set of craftsman reversible ratchet wrenches that I put.through hell. They never let me down and I wanted some for the house. I bought the made in China lobster claws and decided to sell them on Craigslist and get some made in the USA.

 

[Skin]

I had a GW locking flex set in STD. Sold them, didn't find the locking feature very helpful and unlocked the ratcheting box end would flop all over. The beams were incredibly thin too. Very nice product otherwise as far as fit and finish goes. My most used these days is my 15* offset reversible though i'm not opposed to the regular old 0*.

 

[camarotoolman]

I buy to stubies one at a time as I need them, imo a hole set will never be used if you have the other set. I only have the 1/2, 12, 13mm and I'm covered.

 

[air]

I prefer my Gearwrench non reversible flex to my reversible fixed Blue Points. YMMV.

 

[egnorant]

If you have never used ratcheting wrenches before, you will love them.
This might be a good start!

http://slickdeals.net/f/5709190-SEA...man-4-way-screwdriver-0-72-Reg-0-99-40-88-tax

Last day for this deal is today 12-24-2012, but you can do in store pickup.

Bruce

 

[saturdaymechanic]

Reversibles first, then flex heads. You will be surprised how quickly you reach for them.

 

[metaldad]

I think I would get them all. sae and metric
2 sets. one for the house, one for the garage.
eeeeeeerr........ 3 sets. one for the truck

 

[Chadwilliam1]

is there a good place to buy individual Williams stubby ratchet wrenches?

 

[Outlawmws]

I started with individual sizes for what I had a lot of use for. In my case it was 10, 12, & 14 mm. I went YEARS before feeling like i needed more than that, and even then it was because I found a set of SAE NOS at a yard sale.

What wrenches do you find yourself reaching for all the time, and does that use require flex head or stubby? I'd think based on your description the reversible would be the order of the day, but you are the one using them...

Cautionary note; they are for speed use not heavy torque, (or you will be excersizing the warranty if any...

 

[ihateminimumwage]

is there a good place to buy individual Williams stubby ratchet wrenches?

MRO Center
www.mroCenter.com

Great prices, but their website is **** and if they don't have something in stock, it can take a while for them to get it from Snap-On and ship it to you. But for the prices, and their excellent customer service over the phone, it's worth the wait. They'll ship stuff separately if something is on back order.

The individual Williams reversible ratcheting stubbies seem to run $7-$12 each depending on size. You'll need the part numbers to ever find them on the site, as the search function is garbage, as well as the almost non-existent descriptions.

12**MRCS - Metrics '**' is size (08 is 8mm, 09 is 9mm, 10 is 10mm, etc. 1208-1219)
12**RCS - Standard '**' is done by 2s (10 is 5/16, 12 is 3/8, 14 is 7/16, 24 is 3/4, etc. 1210-1224)

 

[Chadwilliam1]

thanks I have a 12 but I want to get a 12 and 14 Too.

 

[RV77]

I bought lightly used sets of blackhawk in SAE/Metric and they are damn nice but the coo is taiwan.I would prefer USA but I dont use them often enough.

I like these because of the flex head w/o the lever.Just simply flip them over to change direction.

 

[crewchief888]

i have non rev combos, blackhawk & stanley
double box end, non rev, std & MM from snapon

couple of the stanley's are holding up to daily "pro" abuse

 

[dirtmister16]

word of advice careful on locking flex. i used to assemble new mower units and attachments. the craftsmans i was using at work i had to be very very careful not to let the lock lever catch paint and scratch what i was working on. its just something to keep in mind about locking flex wrenches.

i don't think id buy the craftsman ones personally, but just thought i would put that out there.

 

[F-Bobby]

In my experiance you should ALWAYS get reversible wrenches. I honestly can't think of a reason not to. But If you ever aren't paying attention with a non reversible one and you back a bolt out against something then have fun cutting the bolt off or breaking the wrench to keep working.
I would start with a Reversible set, then a Flex reversible set, then if you really feel the need, grab the stubby wrenches that you need. Or if you can get a good deal on a Metric and SAE set then go that route.

 

[jrlp]

I've tried quite a few and flex non-reversible gw are my favorite. They ends are still tight and don't flop everywhere. They're my go to unless the fastener is over 1"

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[the1nonlyjl]

I prefer my Gearwrench non reversible flex to my reversible fixed Blue Points. YMMV.

Yuuuuuup!!!

 

[Agentwho]

May I suggest that as long as you are looking at so many sets that you consider a set of xl (extra long) as well. Like http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-12-...p-00944547000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

A friend of mine has a set and they do come in handy. If I ever run across a good deal I'll surely pick myself up some.

On a side note I would skip the stubby gear wrench set. For a lot of the times I find the need for a stubby it is in a tight area and the extra space the gear mech takes up can just prove to be in the way. Then again thats just my thoughts. good luck to you