which style do you prefer and why? i have a set of flip over style at work and dont really like them. when i put the wrench down on the bench i dont know which way the ratcheting end is turning. i have a set of duralast flex ones with arrows but have not used them extensively to compare. im looking to get a personal set so im trying to weigh the options
ratcheting wrenches flip over vs reverse lever
- Thread starter reptilezs
- Start date
2drx4
Well-known member
The flip over ones have smaller heads, or at least the snap-on ones did at the time that I bought mine (I only have 4 ratcheting wrenches). Which was a big factor for me since I'm in aviation, and the design engineers do their very best to ensure that nothing is easily accessible or in an area that a large tool will fit.
Downside is that I can get them 'trapped' on things if I am not cautious, as if you back off a nut and pinch the wrench against something, you can't just flip it to tighten to run the nut back down to get the wrench off.
For anything else, I'd buy the lever type...
Downside is that I can get them 'trapped' on things if I am not cautious, as if you back off a nut and pinch the wrench against something, you can't just flip it to tighten to run the nut back down to get the wrench off.
For anything else, I'd buy the lever type...
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
Same...you just have to pay attention. The lever ones are bulkier, and always flip on me, I can use for 30 minutes on the same nut, and still have it in the original spot.
RbrtAWhyt
Well-known member
I prefer the reversibles, but cant see not having sets of both...
atari
Well-known member
I have the non-reversible units, I got them cause there cheaper and I thought they would be a little bit stronger. I have not broken one yet and I hate to actually type it but I have not gotten one stuck any were yet.
tonydanzah
Well-known member
flip type all the way
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
As with all tool purchases, it's a matter of personal preference. I have several types and shapes. I think the reversibles are handy as long as they don't have that stupid capstop feature. The 15 degree offset can be useful for knuckle or other clearance. I like the flip type or zero offset on my extra long Gearbox wrenches. They're especially handy for belt tensioners and some engine mount bolts. To compound your choices, my favorite ratcheting wrench is the Matco proswing version that has a fixed boxed end with 15 degree offset on one end and a ratcheting zero offset on the other end.
kythri
Well-known member
Don't knock the capstop until you've tried it - Fedwrench hates it, I love it - I seem to remember in the past that there was about a 50/50 love/hate on the capstops.
Bolster
Well-known member
Flip, 0-offset, due to compactness.
I put red stickers on the "loosen" side; if I see red it means "off."
I put red stickers on the "loosen" side; if I see red it means "off."
mkirkpatrick
Well-known member
peter_x
Well-known member
I have learned to look at the way the open end is "pointing" to know what the "on" side is on the box end.
mrholeshot
MEMBER EMERITUS
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I like the non rev ones (have a good bit of both. I like them because the wrench is flat with no offset. This comes in real handy on many tight applications such as caliper bolts on the rear of many cars. I don't worry about wrench direction as I grab the wrench and move to what I'm doing I just give it a quick feel. If I grab one up one handed I stand a 50% chance of getting it right. If I'm wrong it take about one second to flip it over. I use them constanly. I rarely use the rev ones.
I have a set of flip-over Gearwrench combos- never had any complaints. Although I can see how a "trapped" situation could develop.
The problem I have with lever's is they always seem to tap or smack something and reverse direction. Then you have to reach in and flip it back.
The protrusion catches on things - like the pockets of the tool pouch - plus there's another potential point of infiltration for dirt and grit that flip-overs don't have.
So, I guess you have my vote.
The problem I have with lever's is they always seem to tap or smack something and reverse direction. Then you have to reach in and flip it back.
The protrusion catches on things - like the pockets of the tool pouch - plus there's another potential point of infiltration for dirt and grit that flip-overs don't have.
So, I guess you have my vote.
jimexcursion
Well-known member
I like the reverse lever just because I always know which I'm going. All of my reverse levers are Snap On's. I have recently bought the flip type GearWrenches. The heads are smaller but are a pain in the **** to figure out which way is which. Once in a while the Snap On's will reverse directions under a lot of torque.
On my flipover set,I engraved a plus on one side of the head,and a minus on the other,so I can see which way I want to go with it.
I misplaced my 10 mm Gearwrench brand reversible wrench,so I was going to get one at Sears today.They were out of stock,so I bought the CM version.I didn't like it..the lever is way smaller,and really pointed like a triangle.The end was like razor sharp.It was so hard to shift it,I showed it to the salesguy and he agreed it felt junky.He tested the other ones in stock,same stiff,notchy action,so I took it back before leaving the store.
BTW,It's a major pain to get a single wrench at this Sears,as every wrench has a lock on the display rack,so you need to chase down a salesperson to get a single wrench unlocked.
Another case of how shoplifters wrecked it for everyone else.
Steve
I misplaced my 10 mm Gearwrench brand reversible wrench,so I was going to get one at Sears today.They were out of stock,so I bought the CM version.I didn't like it..the lever is way smaller,and really pointed like a triangle.The end was like razor sharp.It was so hard to shift it,I showed it to the salesguy and he agreed it felt junky.He tested the other ones in stock,same stiff,notchy action,so I took it back before leaving the store.
BTW,It's a major pain to get a single wrench at this Sears,as every wrench has a lock on the display rack,so you need to chase down a salesperson to get a single wrench unlocked.
Another case of how shoplifters wrecked it for everyone else.
Steve
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chevytrucks91
Member
i like my flip-style. the size is engraved on one side and painted on the other so i never have any trouble with knowing which direction im going
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
With some of you posting about not knowing which way the wrench ratchets after laying it down, reminds me that I've always wondered why gearwrench marks the edge of the beam of their flex head wrenches with serrations so you know th drive direction of the wrench. However, that's the only style of wrench they do that on. Maybe an arrow on each side of the boxed ratcheting would help.
bradleykd
Well-known member
maybe you can look at the way the open end of the wrench faces... its the same on every single type of wrench, based on the company. I know cman and gearwrench are opposite, but if you have the same type, it's easy... no marking required... flip-over ftw...
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rocco
Well-known member
i've only ever used the flip type and honestly, i've never run into a problem where i wanted a reverseable set.