Ratcheting Wrench vs Ratchet - Which One Should I Get?

[boba7523]

Hi all,

I'm a home DIY mechanic and already have my standard ratchet, breaker bar, torque wrench, and open box set.

My next tool to get is a low profile socket set for hard to reach areas such as around the brakes.

I've been doing research and have been debating whether to get a flex head ratchet or a flex head ratchet wrench paired with slim sockets. It seems like both would achieve the same result, and it just boils down to their breakaway torque before failure, arc angle, and tooth count.

Am I right to assume that if my primary goal is smallest profile, then I should go with the tool that has that? Or am I comparing apples to oranges here?

 

[Komet]

The nano sockets rock, so you should hook yourself up with that setup.

Get a normal length swivel head like:

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/ratchets/38-in-drive-flex-head-ratchet-70150.html

And then that reach might do something different than the long Astro one.

 

[Firebrick43]

Hi all,

I'm a home DIY mechanic and already have my standard ratchet, breaker bar, torque wrench, and open box set.

My next tool to get is a low profile socket set for hard to reach areas such as around the brakes.

I've been doing research and have been debating whether to get a flex head ratchet or a flex head ratchet wrench paired with slim sockets. It seems like both would achieve the same result, and it just boils down to their breakaway torque before failure, arc angle, and tooth count.

Am I right to assume that if my primary goal is smallest profile, then I should go with the tool that has that? Or am I comparing apples to oranges here?

Hard to reach around brakes? All my ratchets fit fine on any car or pickup I have done?

And since the hardware tends to be crusty and high torques you definitely don't want a ratcheting wrench.

Get a long handled ratchet so you can skip the breaker bar.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

It's not clear to me why having a nano socket + nano ratchet with sockets in sizes 10mm to 19mm would be superior to having a reversible ratcheting flex head wrench set. It seems to me that once you attach the nano socket to the nano ratchet you have a similar profile, similar strength, similar function tool.

I haven't used either for any period of time to form a useful opinion though.

 

[boba7523]

I think cost is also a factor. A set of ratcheting wrench would be more expensive than nano socket + the nano ratcheting wrench.

But my original question was really about the breakaway torque before they fail, and since I'll be working around rusty bolts, it sounds like a normal flex head ratchet will be less prone to break than a ratcheting wrench?

 

[f121]

It's not clear to me why having a nano socket + nano ratchet with sockets in sizes 10mm to 19mm would be superior to having a reversible ratcheting flex head wrench set. It seems to me that once you attach the nano socket to the nano ratchet you have a similar profile, similar strength, similar function tool.

I haven't used either for any period of time to form a useful opinion though.

Offset.

I think cost is also a factor. A set of ratcheting wrench would be more expensive than nano socket + the nano ratcheting wrench.

But my original question was really about the breakaway torque before they fail, and since I'll be working around rusty bolts, it sounds like a normal flex head ratchet will be less prone to break than a ratcheting wrench?

Get a long flex ratchet. Never needed a nano socket on brakes and usually a wrench won’t fit because you need offset to clear the caliper. The exception is slider bolts, but I usually use a 3/8” impact.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Offset.

Some ratcheting wrenches have the offset extension that, at least to my novice eyes, looks like the same overall profile/shape that you'd get with a nano socket on a ratchet.

Now, granted, these are an $800 ratcheting wrench set from Snap On (XFRRM model) but I assume some other lower cost ratcheting wrenches have a similar shape to them.

I assume if you have $800 and can get away with only needing 8mm through 19mm skipping 9mm and 11m, then this should be as good or better than a nano socket plus ratchet even if it's beyond the budget and financial reach of most people. But just my assumption I haven't used either for any length of time.

 

[milky2k]

Get the flex head ratchet first before the flex head ratcheting wrenches. The flex head ratchet is more versatile in my opinion. I’ve had a Craftsman bent handle for years (both USA and Asian made) and they’ve been great. I recently bought a Gearwrench 84T bent handle as an upgrade for $38. With a flex head ratchet once you break the fastener you can swing the handle out and then use it as a sort of speeder handle. It’s the first ratchet I reach for. I’ve had my ratcheting wrenches for years and hardly ever touch them. If you do decide to get the ratcheting flex head ratchets, do yourself a favor and get the Williams since they are the only ones that are reversible. You don’t want to black hole yourself trying to back out a stupid bolt.

 

[Citation]

As an alternative to the flex head you also might consider a roto head. They are similar but I prefer the rotohead because the flex joint intersects the axis of the socket. It seems like you can apply more torque without the handle wanting to flex under the load. Either way, a flex head/roto head ratchet might be all you need. For a while you could get a Crescent branded 1/4 + 3/8 set on ebay for something like $35. These were, other than branding, identical to a set sold by Gearwrench. I think that deal is now dead so I can't suggest a specific set.

 

[f121]

Some ratcheting wrenches have the offset extension that, at least to my novice eyes, looks like the same overall profile/shape that you'd get with a nano socket on a ratchet.

Now, granted, these are an $800 ratcheting wrench set from Snap On (XFRRM model) but I assume some other lower cost ratcheting wrenches have a similar shape to them.

I assume if you have $800 and can get away with only needing 8mm through 19mm skipping 9mm and 11m, then this should be as good or better than a nano socket plus ratchet even if it's beyond the budget and financial reach of most people. But just my assumption I haven't used either for any length of time.

You’re right, they’re similar profile to a nano socket, maybe a touch lower. I’m no stranger to eye-wateringly expensive wrench sets (I’m quite attached to my XDLRM’s) but would need a very good reason to buy those and brakes isn’t it. My low profile 3/8 set is probably my least used tool. Looks nice though.

Typically with a brake, you have a slider pin, which a regular wrench or a socket on an impact does nicely, and a caliper bolt, which is tucked in and a wrench won’t get to. Sometimes you can get an impact in, other times you need a flex ratchet.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm a home DIY mechanic and already have my standard ratchet, breaker bar, torque wrench, and open box set.

My next tool to get is a low profile socket set for hard to reach areas such as around the brakes.

I have been twisting wrenches under the old shade tree for longer that most of you have been alive ! (55 years) I have done my fair share of brake jobs in that time. (Just did rear brakes on the wife's Ford Edge last year. Not bad for a septuagenarian !)

I still do not own low profile sockets or ratcheting wrenches ! Flex head, 3/8" Craftsman ratchet is over 30 years old !

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I have been twisting wrenches under the old shade tree for longer that most of you have been alive ! (55 years) I have done my fair share of brake jobs in that time. (Just did rear brakes on the wife's Ford Edge last year. Not bad for a septuagenarian !)

I still do not own low profile sockets or ratcheting wrenches ! Flex head, 3/8" Craftsman ratchet is over 30 years old !

I dont mean this in a disrespectful way, You probably turned 10,000x more fasteners than me. I think that just because something worked a certain way for 50 years, doesnt mean it still works today. Cars of the last 50 years have changed quite a bit from what I understand.

Due to EPA regulations, cars have to meet emissions standards and in order to squeeze that extra 0.5 MPG out of it, they'll make the car 1% more aerodynamic while simultaneously making it 100x harder to work on.

So maybe back in 1970 you could take an entire car apart with 7 wrenches, 7 sockets, and 1 ratchet, but that doesnt mean you can do that today to a modern car. Again, no disrespect intended, I'm sure you'd do better working on a modern car with 7 wrenches than I could do with 300 wrenches of every weird size, experience matters.

Just saying that just because you didn't need a certain tool for 50 years in the past doesnt mean you won't need it today.

 

[bobg03]

Analytics has entered the room, or maybe it's AI...

Flex head, 3/8" Craftsman ratchet is over 30 years old !

I have that same ratchet w/bent handle, same vintage and most times it's my first grab.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Analytics has entered the room, or maybe it's AI...

ChatGPT is trying to figure out how to put together the optimal tool set so it can start assembling these:

 

[whateg01]

I have been twisting wrenches under the old shade tree for longer that most of you have been alive ! (55 years) I have done my fair share of brake jobs in that time. (Just did rear brakes on the wife's Ford Edge last year. Not bad for a septuagenarian !)

I still do not own low profile sockets or ratcheting wrenches ! Flex head, 3/8" Craftsman ratchet is over 30 years old !

Congrats, I guess?

 

[whateg01]

Hi all,

I'm a home DIY mechanic and already have my standard ratchet, breaker bar, torque wrench, and open box set.

My next tool to get is a low profile socket set for hard to reach areas such as around the brakes.

I've been doing research and have been debating whether to get a flex head ratchet or a flex head ratchet wrench paired with slim sockets. It seems like both would achieve the same result, and it just boils down to their breakaway torque before failure, arc angle, and tooth count.

Am I right to assume that if my primary goal is smallest profile, then I should go with the tool that has that? Or am I comparing apples to oranges here?

Different tools. Different applications. Sometimes you need one. Sometimes you need the other. If I had to pick one, I would pick a socket set with a ratchet. I can usually use a regular wrench where a ratcheting wrench would be preferable.

 

[Mandres]

I use my ratcheting wrenches constantly. Get an inexpensive set from HF or gearwrench. They're like $30 for the common metric sizes, less on sale.

While you're there grab a flex head ratchet too. You'll use them both. That nano thing seems like a gimmick to me

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I use my ratcheting wrenches constantly. Get an inexpensive set from HF or gearwrench. They're like $30 for the common metric sizes, less on sale.

The thing that discouraged me from buying my first ratcheting wrenches is that most of them are made in Taiwan and have garbage open end wrenches. Since all of us should have at least one good combination wrench, before getting combination, our good US-made combination wrenches probably have decent open end sides, such that we now have duplicative lessor useless tools on the open end side of the ratcheting wrenches.

And US-made ratcheting wrenches are pretty rare these days and also expensive. A single one of them is about as expensive as a full set of Taiwan wrenches. I'd feel less bad about double sided ratcheting wrenches.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I'm a home DIY mechanic and already have my standard ratchet, breaker bar, torque wrench, and open box set.

My next tool to get is a low profile socket set for hard to reach areas such as around the brakes.

I've been doing research and have been debating whether to get a flex head ratchet or a flex head ratchet wrench paired with slim sockets. It seems like both would achieve the same result, and it just boils down to their breakaway torque before failure, arc angle, and tooth count.

Am I right to assume that if my primary goal is smallest profile, then I should go with the tool that has that? Or am I comparing apples to oranges here?

I am a fan of the Nano socket sets. I am also a roto ratchet homer and go to those with a shallow socket for clearance issues a good bit. I never have wished I had (more) flex ratchet(s) when I already had a roto.

Would I honestly add a roto and chrome sockets first, if utility were truly needed, over the nanos/nano ratchet? Probably. You're at a point where 3/8 chrome and 1/2 impacts would probably carry you far.

Have I run into a place where an extra long, extra low profile setup was needed? No, because an extension, socket, and reg. long ratchet probably takes care of it. So the nano ratchet isn't a "need" for me.

Will I eventually get nano sockets for my self (gifted some in the past), yes. Are they a quality no skips set that will serve you many years? Yes. Are the size range, impact use, and low profile details you can't live without? Doubt it.

It's a safe bet you can do brakes on light duty with new wrenches and what you have.

But a nano/nano set up will cover easy tight fastener removal where shallow suits access. And they're reasonably priced. The Astro 3/8 extended set has more sizes than others and is a great product.

I think cost is also a factor. A set of ratcheting wrench would be more expensive than nano socket + the nano ratcheting wrench.

But my original question was really about the breakaway torque before they fail, and since I'll be working around rusty bolts, it sounds like a normal flex head ratchet will be less prone to break than a ratcheting wrench?

Use wrenches and breaker bar/chrome if they're that awful rusty. We're not sure how 1st world your problems are.

 

[Mandres]

By far the most useful recent tool for me, as a home/farm machanic and homeowner, has been a 3/8" battery impact driver. It speeds up every job and I use it over a ratchet or screwdriver wherever possible. If you don't have one It's money well spent compared to any set of specialty sockets imo

 

[Hakeem]

I dont mean this in a disrespectful way, You probably turned 10,000x more fasteners than me. I think that just because something worked a certain way for 50 years, doesnt mean it still works today. Cars of the last 50 years have changed quite a bit from what I understand.

Due to EPA regulations, cars have to meet emissions standards and in order to squeeze that extra 0.5 MPG out of it, they'll make the car 1% more aerodynamic while simultaneously making it 100x harder to work on.

So maybe back in 1970 you could take an entire car apart with 7 wrenches, 7 sockets, and 1 ratchet, but that doesnt mean you can do that today to a modern car. Again, no disrespect intended, I'm sure you'd do better working on a modern car with 7 wrenches than I could do with 300 wrenches of every weird size, experience matters.

Just saying that just because you didn't need a certain tool for 50 years in the past doesnt mean you won't need it today.

I dunno, I think the guy with 50 years experience of working on cars probably has a good idea of what he’s talking about. It’s not like he’s only working on classic cars, he just did the brakes on his wife’s Ford Edge.

How many brake jobs have you done?

 

[dchawk81]

I usually forget that I own ratcheting wrenches.

 

[ohhimark]

I'd get a flex head ratchet first. I have and use low profile/nano sockets, harbor freight has a Quinn branded version that has worked well so far. One of those sockets and an extension actually cleared slightly better than a swivel socket I was using to remove wheel hub/bearing bolts.

 

[zendriver]

Using a ratchet or ratchet wrench on rusted or super tight fasteners, is misuse of a tool IMO.

Bust them loose with something else first.

I have HF fixed and flex head ratchet wrenches. They work great with proper use.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I dont mean this in a disrespectful way, You probably turned 10,000x more fasteners than me. I think that just because something worked a certain way for 50 years, doesnt mean it still works today. Cars of the last 50 years have changed quite a bit from what I understand.

Due to EPA regulations, cars have to meet emissions standards and in order to squeeze that extra 0.5 MPG out of it, they'll make the car 1% more aerodynamic while simultaneously making it 100x harder to work on.

So maybe back in 1970 you could take an entire car apart with 7 wrenches, 7 sockets, and 1 ratchet, but that doesnt mean you can do that today to a modern car. Again, no disrespect intended, I'm sure you'd do better working on a modern car with 7 wrenches than I could do with 300 wrenches of every weird size, experience matters.

Just saying that just because you didn't need a certain tool for 50 years in the past doesnt mean you won't need it today.

You been asking about how to do bare-basic stuff on cars in multiple threads and do not seem to have any practical repair experience with cars. That is not a bad thing; we all have to start somewhere. The thing that I find a bit amusing is that you ask for advice to learn, yet, you seem to have no issues with poo-pooing the opinions of someone with experience, if his/her opinion does not reinforce your preexisting notions. You just implied that this guy was a boomer who only knew about old stuff, so his opinion is meritless.

The highlighted part in your quote above highlights your lack of practical knowledge. Complexity is tied more to other factors (weight reduction, electronic controls, fuel efficiency, safety mechanisms, convenience features, etc.) than it is to aerodynamics.

Sometimes it is good to listen to those who have actually done something.

 

[dchawk81]

I dont mean this in a disrespectful way, You probably turned 10,000x more fasteners than me. I think that just because something worked a certain way for 50 years, doesnt mean it still works today. Cars of the last 50 years have changed quite a bit from what I understand.

Due to EPA regulations, cars have to meet emissions standards and in order to squeeze that extra 0.5 MPG out of it, they'll make the car 1% more aerodynamic while simultaneously making it 100x harder to work on.

So maybe back in 1970 you could take an entire car apart with 7 wrenches, 7 sockets, and 1 ratchet, but that doesnt mean you can do that today to a modern car. Again, no disrespect intended, I'm sure you'd do better working on a modern car with 7 wrenches than I could do with 300 wrenches of every weird size, experience matters.

Just saying that just because you didn't need a certain tool for 50 years in the past doesnt mean you won't need it today.

Aerodynamics don't make ratcheting wrenches necessary.

 

[Jon h]

A lot of jobs can be done with the standard tools a home mechanic has in his tool box. My $200 Sears basic mechanic set circa 1994 got me through a lot of cars and I still have them in my tool box. One gets used to doing jobs with the tools at hand. So you think you don't need different tools to do the same job because you've been doing it the same way with the same tools for years/decades.

My son was between jobs and he had his toolbox at the house for about a month and I tell ya, I was constantly using his long handle flex head ratchet. It's so nice to use. I never thought I needed one. After he went back to work I bought one and now I use it all the time. I also own Flank drive ratcheting wrenches and use those all time as well. The more tool options you have can make jobs go a lot easier. But if your tool options are limited you'll still get the job done. That's what we do as home mechanics, we just figure it out.......

Regards'
Jon h.

 

[908Jim]

I think cost is also a factor. A set of ratcheting wrench would be more expensive than nano socket + the nano ratcheting wrench.

But my original question was really about the breakaway torque before they fail, and since I'll be working around rusty bolts, it sounds like a normal flex head ratchet will be less prone to break than a ratcheting wrench?

Ratcheting wrenches are generally nowhere near as strong as equivalent quality ratchets.

I dont mean this in a disrespectful way, You probably turned 10,000x more fasteners than me. I think that just because something worked a certain way for 50 years, doesnt mean it still works today. Cars of the last 50 years have changed quite a bit from what I understand.

Due to EPA regulations, cars have to meet emissions standards and in order to squeeze that extra 0.5 MPG out of it, they'll make the car 1% more aerodynamic while simultaneously making it 100x harder to work on.

So maybe back in 1970 you could take an entire car apart with 7 wrenches, 7 sockets, and 1 ratchet, but that doesnt mean you can do that today to a modern car. Again, no disrespect intended, I'm sure you'd do better working on a modern car with 7 wrenches than I could do with 300 wrenches of every weird size, experience matters.

Just saying that just because you didn't need a certain tool for 50 years in the past doesnt mean you won't need it today.

It's interesting that you would opine on this given how every one of your posts is prefaced with "I don't do much work on my cars but I'm looking to buy a bunch of tools in case I ever do". These old timers around here know their stuff and I've learned a lot from them. In terms of clearance and access, you have to realize that cars of "today" really aren't much different than cars of 20 years ago. Heck, half of them are using the same engine and transmission castings! Ratcheting wrenches are almost always a tool of convenience (even this is debatable), never a tool of necessity.

If you look at hard-line tools over the last 20-30 years, there really hasn't been much innovation in tool form. Ratchet mechanisms have advanced, impact swivels have gone pinless, and you're seeing new versions of stubby sockets, but everyone is essentially still selling the exact same products they did in the 90s.

 

[Benny Franklin]

Get it all. I have a set of short handle flex head ratchets (1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive) and a 10” piece of EMT conduit for a handle extension- way more useful than a long handle ratchet

Quinn (HF) has a nice set of low profile 6pt impact sockets

I bought a cheap set of metric flex head ratchet wrenches off Amazon- the only difference between them and the Gearwrench I had was the engraving

Anyone who says there isn’t a need for flex head ratchets, low profile sockets, ratchet wrenches, and flex head ratchet wrenches hasn’t done much work on diesels newer than ‘03… or ATVs for that matter. Not everyone can pull the cab for routine maintenance

 

[mikedodge]

There are only a very few times I've done a job where they would have been handy to have and none that i couldn't have done without them. There are lots of more useful tools to blow money on.

 

[boba7523]

Believe me guys, I wish I could get all the tools if I could (don't we all).

I guess I was just trying to buy the nano sockets in case there are certain cases where it's impossible to reach when working on cars. I guess doing brake job was a bad example. I just don't want to be stuck with a non-functioning car on jackstands because I don't have the right tools since this is my only car.

Are there instances where nano sockets would be beneficial when on a car?

 

[whateg01]

It sounds like you really just want to buy a set of nano sockets. So buy them. If you have them, I'm sure you'll find a use for them. If you truly wanted to never be wanting for a specific tool because that's the one you need when your car in inop, you'd have to buy one of everything.

 

[joel63]

It sounds like you really just want to buy a set of nano sockets. So buy them. If you have them, I'm sure you'll find a use for them. If you truly wanted to never be wanting for a specific tool because that's the one you need when your car in inop, you'd have to buy one of everything.

I've been guilty of this. Several times.
The result is I now have the tools, but still waiting for an opportunity to use them.
Oh well, those tools sure looked useful.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I dont mean this in a disrespectful way, You probably turned 10,000x more fasteners than me. I think that just because something worked a certain way for 50 years, doesnt mean it still works today. Cars of the last 50 years have changed quite a bit from what I understand.

I guess you missed this.

(Just did rear brakes on the wife's Ford Edge last year. Not bad for a septuagenarian !)

FYI - I bought a set of 3/8" metric swivel impact sockets about 2 years ago (because I WANTED them, but certainly did not NEED them). Still have not used them. Beside the Edge, my son by the brakes on his Flex last year.

 

[zendriver]

Believe me guys, I wish I could get all the tools if I could (don't we all).

I guess I was just trying to buy the nano sockets in case there are certain cases where it's impossible to reach when working on cars. I guess doing brake job was a bad example. I just don't want to be stuck with a non-functioning car on jackstands because I don't have the right tools since this is my only car.

Are there instances where nano sockets would be beneficial when on a car?

I thought I knew everything , but this is the first I recall of even hearing "nano sockets". Worked on all kinds of **** over the decades, guess I got by ok without them.

Would they make some jobs easier? Sure

Most people just start with a decent selection of the basics - combo wrenches, short/deep sockets, ratchets, breaker bars, impacts screwdrivers hammers, etc.

If one needs something special get it as needed. IMO

 

[f121]

Are there instances where nano sockets would be beneficial when on a car?

In my experience, almost never. I’ve got the Snap On low profile 3/8 set. Saw a mates, thought it looked really handy. He said ‘I thought that, but I never use it’. He was right, it’s a really nice set that I’ve barely used.

Much better things to spend money on.

 

[Steve_P]

I guess you missed this.


FYI - I bought a set of 3/8" metric swivel impact sockets about 2 years ago (because I WANTED them, but certainly did not NEED them). Still have not used them. Beside the Edge, my son by the brakes on his Flex last year.

Cool. Let me know when you do a timing belt on a 2006 Lancer Evolution with your 1970s toolset. You won't be able to, because it won't fit. But you could work on a 2009 4 cylinder Tacoma all day with your same old tools you have. It all depends on what you work on and what work you do.

 

[dchawk81]

I thought I knew everything , but this is the first I recall of even hearing "nano sockets". Worked on all kinds of **** over the decades, guess I got by ok without them.

Would they make some jobs easier? Sure

Most people just start with a decent selection of the basics - combo wrenches, short/deep sockets, ratchets, breaker bars, impacts screwdrivers hammers, etc.

If one needs something special get it as needed. IMO

I have a nano socket set of sae and metric each and I think I used one socket once.

They're really only useful on the bolt side because only the head fits, which isn't really the one you're supposed to spin unless it's a capture (or no choice).

 

[snickers muncher]

I have a set of the Astro nano sockets and really like them and use them a lot. To be honest though, I've had more situations where the big booty of the nano socket meant it wouldn't fit where it needed to when a standard socket had no trouble. I have also come across the nanos not having enough mass to break a bolt loose when a deep well takes it right out. They really shine in a situation like moving the tensioner on a serpentine belt because you can put the socket on it and a large wrench on the outside of the socket when in tight spaces.

I'm long handle flex head ratchet all the way. 3/8 is I think 12 inches and 1/2 is 18 inches.

 

[Jon h]

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