Ohio Andy
Well-known member
You have significantly more wrenches than I do, but I do have an extended length flexible ratcheting set... And you are correct in this. But sometimes that extra length is really nice...
Ratcheting wrenches options
- Thread starter AJHD
- Start date
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Nice find on the hex bits. Please post up a review of the swivel sockets when you get some miles on them. I don't think I've seen any in-use opinions on them. The length on those wrenches is impressive. Almost as though its take some inspiration from the long offset wrench style.
IMO around 24mm the head of a ratcheting wrench is so big it no longer fits versus a socket. Although I know brands make up to 32mm for industry/building type stuff, or for driving other tools. I have a long 1" ratcheting wrench for my power steering pump pulley puller (say that 3 times). Lots of tools and equipment for automotive still are in SAE.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Solid choice. HF did right and sourced all their various style ICON ratcheting wrenches from high quality manufacturers. These are a standout in the ICON line. I do wish they would stop with the overkill packaging and apply the savings to the product cost. If you decide these arent what you need, they should re-sell quickly and seem to hold their value.
I have the set you bought, but with the smooth non-modified open ends. The long length can be a help but also a hinderance. Lots to love about them though, and there's not too many other decent priced options for a reversible long pattern. They are a good compromise between standard length and extra-long. I was going to recommend those when I read this thread initially but decided to sit it out and see what others had to say first.
Also, check out the ICON stubby flex. I have them as well and they are more of a short pattern versus full stubby. They would be a good complement to your set for limited access and quick speeding. I have the regular ICON flex too but would recommend the short in your case.
The Williams flex reversible @Drunkonunleaded mentioned above are great but spendy. I keep some of the smaller sizes of those within reach.
I could ramble on about ratcheting wrenches for much longer than any of you guys want to hear. I'll stop here.
I have that same set of ratcheting wrenches. They are comically long, possibly the longest ratcheting combo wrench on the market. The ratchet mechanism, by InFar I believe, is little more “clicky” than the Kabo ratchet mechanisms but still works well.
The ASD was an unexpected bright spot. It really does work, not as well as the flankdrive+ style wrenches with teeth in the open end, but it won’t mar fasteners, either. the looser fitment of the open end is helpful for rusted or otherwise swollen fasteners.
Let us know what you think after some use! I like my icon stuff but I’m just a hobbyist. I’m interested to hear what an experienced (former) pro thinks.
Yes, my thoughts exactly. The ratchet wrenches are the best offerings at HF. Good quality, reasonable prices, and most importantly for ratchet wrenches: very good warranty.Solid choice. HF did right and sourced all their various style ICON ratcheting wrenches from high quality manufacturers. These are a standout in the ICON line. I do wish they would stop with the overkill packaging and apply the savings to the product cost. If you decide these arent what you need, they should re-sell quickly and seem to hold their value.
I have the set you bought, but with the smooth non-modified open ends. The long length can be a help but also a hinderance. Lots to love about them though, and there's not too many other decent priced options for a reversible long pattern. They are a good compromise between standard length and extra-long. I was going to recommend those when I read this thread initially but decided to sit it out and see what others had to say first.
Also, check out the ICON stubby flex. I have them as well and they are more of a short pattern versus full stubby. They would be a good complement to your set for limited access and quick speeding. I have the regular ICON flex too but would recommend the short in your case.
The Williams flex reversible @Drunkonunleaded mentioned above are great but spendy. I keep some of the smaller sizes of those within reach.
I could ramble on about ratcheting wrenches for much longer than any of you guys want to hear. I'll stop here.
I, too, have the stubby flex ratchets and would also recommend them. The length is ideal to me: short enough to fit most places but still long enough to where I can grab the shank with most or all of my hand. The really short stubby models from Gearwrench or Olsa might fit more places but the ultra-short shanks make them less versatile.
I can’t speak for others but I’d love to hear your ramblings on ratchet wrenches
I have the long pattern reversible ICON set as well as the non reversible flex head set. I just used the long pattern yesterday on a rusty suspension and was very impressed with them. Put a fair amount of torque on them both directions and they worked great, operated smoothly and felt good in my hand. Definitely like them. I got the flexible wrench stuck first time I used it on a different project and wound up bending the handle in order to free it up. Harbor Freight replaced it even after telling them what happened so warranty wasn't a problem but just the fact that I was able to bend the handle has me a little put off with them. They work fine just need to be careful when using the non reversible head. I'd like them better if they were reversible and may replace set in future.
Only time will tell if the extra length will pose any issues. My guess is a combination of both pro and con just depending on the situation (what I'm using them for at any given time).
In the future, I will pick up a shorter or stubby variant. But for now, I'm happy.
In the future, I will pick up a shorter or stubby variant. But for now, I'm happy.
Zebu Fellenz
Well-known member
For ratcheting wrenches I have sets of flex head gearwrench combos, stubby gearwrench non-flex, and armstrong zero degree non-reversable combos.
Armstrong are the nicest wrenches by far, flex head gearwrench get the most use and the flex head comes in handy all the time, stubby gearwrench are super nice for tight spaces and loosening fasteners that are almost loose enough to remove by hand.
Armstrong are the nicest wrenches by far, flex head gearwrench get the most use and the flex head comes in handy all the time, stubby gearwrench are super nice for tight spaces and loosening fasteners that are almost loose enough to remove by hand.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
If they sold singles at HF it wouldn't matter as much. Chop one in half if need be, buy a replacement later.
The NOS Blackhawk ratcheting wrench sets are often found for quite cheap. I would place them at a little longer than short pattern, though, not stubby.
The set that I have is not complete. It is only 10-16mm. It was so cheap, though, that I could not pass it up. I paid closer to $15 than $20 about 10 years ago.
They are another option.
I still don’t have a stubby ratcheting wrench set. I shall put it on my list.
#1 all day for ease of warranty alone. They remind me of the USA made craftsman/Armstrong reversibles that I regret not buying in metric.
I have flex head metric gear wrenches that I paid extra for and I can't recall the last time I thought "Wow, I'm glad I have the flex head!"
I have flex head metric gear wrenches that I paid extra for and I can't recall the last time I thought "Wow, I'm glad I have the flex head!"
Odd-job
Well-known member
Oh man this thread made me just realize I am a classic GJ member tool hoarder as I have all 3 options + Option #4 = Mountains.
OP made a good choice with the Icons/Kabos which probably cover the widest use cases of the original 3 options. #2 works well in stubby form when needing to get a something in a tight place where turning a traditional combination wrench *****, but hopefully one doesn't have to use this every day. #3 zero offsets really have more limited use cases, if one were to invest in these would consider these more in the larger sizes for let's say suspension work.
Only value added comment I have is that the 8mm that is not included in the standard 10-19mm sets might be worth getting at some point.
OP made a good choice with the Icons/Kabos which probably cover the widest use cases of the original 3 options. #2 works well in stubby form when needing to get a something in a tight place where turning a traditional combination wrench *****, but hopefully one doesn't have to use this every day. #3 zero offsets really have more limited use cases, if one were to invest in these would consider these more in the larger sizes for let's say suspension work.
Only value added comment I have is that the 8mm that is not included in the standard 10-19mm sets might be worth getting at some point.
I still have them, but I haven’t used those since the original Gearwrench came out.Am I the only one using these?
This is the only type of ratcheting wrench that I use.
I actually had a set of the Mountain wrenches at one time. I ended up selling them a few years ago. I found them to be awkward and difficult (or impossible) to fit into most spaces. I've also had the Snap On double box end zero degree offset wrenches but sold those too.
Hopefully this Icon set doesn't give me the same issues I had with those sets. Although as previously stated, I will likely pick up a shorter/stubby variant of some kind later on either way.
I know from experience having longer wrenches can be both a hinderance at times but also necessary at other times. I can't reminder make/model it was, but one example was replacing the front upper control arms on a pickup truck. The passenger side had clear access to the bolts above the wheel beyond the fender. But the driver side had some brake lines and ABS **** in the way. I could not have done that job without a longer ratcheting wrench. Even a ratchet and stubby socket would not have fit.
Anyway... I'd like to pick up an 8mm, 21mm and 22mm reversible ratcheting wrench to compliant the Icon set. I don't use those sizes as much, especially ratcheting, but they will be good to have on hand. I just need to decide on what brand/option best compliments the Icons.
Do you have the part number for the CAT wrench? I can't seem to find them in the catalog. I only see the 10mm-19mm set.
Odd-job
Well-known member
100% agree on the Mountain wrenches. I reserve them for special situations. Usually when I need some leverage, but have some slight access issues where the flex head is convenient and there is enough space to swing it. This being said am also scared of breaking them.
363-7466
Am I the only one using these?
This is the only type of ratcheting wrench that I use.
I use these but they're not great for automotive applications due to the low tooth count. Very good for industrial purposes.
Wrench97
Well-known member
I use long and regular 21 and 22 all the time in suspension work.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
Am I the only one using these?
This is the only type of ratcheting wrench that I use.
I thought about old ratcheting wrenches last night while I was reading the thread. I have a few sets of those old style in standard and metric. The metric set is in my Ford Expedition.
Then I have some assorted oldies but, I mostly use; power tools, ratchets and then wrenches.
The long double flex SK ratcheting wrenches get used the most out of the ratcheting wrenches.
There are a couple of stubby sets in a different garage.
Here is a representative sample of some of the sets that I have.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Am I the only one using these?
This is the only type of ratcheting wrench that I use.
I'm sorry you have to live that way my friend. There is help, if you will accept it.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Platinum Tools 99652
21/22 and 24/somehow 25mm for an unknown reason - offset reversible XL flex head. Don't use them often, but man are they nice when I do.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Check out the new VIM NORA150 and NORA150XL.
https://vimtools.com/product/nora150/
https://vimtools.com/product/nora150xl/
I own a set. I keep them in a dirty cardboard box under my toolbox with the other misfit tools. Can't bare to throw away tools, for fear that *something * might come up where it's the only thing that will work.Am I the only one using these?
This is the only type of ratcheting wrench that I use.
I have a bunch of ratcheting wrenches that have accumulated over the years, but I use them so seldom I couldn't even tell you what brands they are. Much of my work has fasteners too close to components for the bulk of
those wrenches to fit, so they just take up space in my box.
I also have an aversion to reversing wrenches: I worked on large power transformers for decades as the mechanical guy, but as a contractor my advice on tools was "optional" to some people. We didn't allow (or weren't supposed to use) anything inside of the tank that could fall apart - as retrieving something inside could be extremely difficult and 100% HAD to be found and removed. An enterprising CEET figured that a ratcheting box on a tether would meet that requirement. I often criticized these guys for buying cheap tools that weren't appropriate on multi-million dollar equipment and this time the cheapo ratcheting reverse switch fell apart while working inside a "shell wound" transformer (winding on horizontal axis instead of usual vertical. Those little bits of steel shut down a significant portion of a large city utility for two full extra days until some megabux rental high resolution inspection cameras finally found the detritus. Using a cheap tool meant probably fifty grand losses to the utility and cost of 2 non billable crew days probably another 20k to us.
those wrenches to fit, so they just take up space in my box.
I also have an aversion to reversing wrenches: I worked on large power transformers for decades as the mechanical guy, but as a contractor my advice on tools was "optional" to some people. We didn't allow (or weren't supposed to use) anything inside of the tank that could fall apart - as retrieving something inside could be extremely difficult and 100% HAD to be found and removed. An enterprising CEET figured that a ratcheting box on a tether would meet that requirement. I often criticized these guys for buying cheap tools that weren't appropriate on multi-million dollar equipment and this time the cheapo ratcheting reverse switch fell apart while working inside a "shell wound" transformer (winding on horizontal axis instead of usual vertical. Those little bits of steel shut down a significant portion of a large city utility for two full extra days until some megabux rental high resolution inspection cameras finally found the detritus. Using a cheap tool meant probably fifty grand losses to the utility and cost of 2 non billable crew days probably another 20k to us.
I actually like them FAR better than modern alternatives.
What about the design makes them better to you? Just curious.
Wrench97
Well-known member
I cheat on the 24's with a 15/16 I used on brake chambers in a previous life....
I’ve had numerous modern ratcheting wrenches “jump” and skip teeth under load. Never happened to me with the original designs with the same and even with greater loads. Modern gear wrenches have also came apart completely during use. Never with the originals. I have many of the originals that have decades of abuse and continue to perform like new. I also like the serviceability of the originals. Easy to clean and lubricate. The modern gear wrenches are not serviceable or at the very least not as serviceable. I also like the coolness factor of the originals and I like how the mechanical components are visible.
Hmm... Interestingly enough, Snap On seems to still make them and sell them.
As I said, I don't think I've ever actually used that style/design before, but it'd be interesting to buy a commonly used size (maybe 10mm) and see how I like it.
Metric - https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Standard-Handle,-0°-Offset,-mm-(Ratcheting-Box)/675012
SAE - https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Standard-Handle,-0°-Offset,-inches-(Ratcheting-Box)/675011
As I said, I don't think I've ever actually used that style/design before, but it'd be interesting to buy a commonly used size (maybe 10mm) and see how I like it.
Metric - https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Standard-Handle,-0°-Offset,-mm-(Ratcheting-Box)/675012
SAE - https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Standard-Handle,-0°-Offset,-inches-(Ratcheting-Box)/675011
I think Lang might make these for all the big brands (Wright, Klein, etc.).
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I used a laminated Snap-on 3/4 & 7/8 for J-bolts in hard to reach locations. It was great because those two sizes covered standard and heavy hex nuts which are both used on 1/2 bolts. The open gear design was easy to keep clean; it was always dusty, wet, muddy, sandy. I had one lock up from years of use which Snap-on warrantied. Overall, good wrenches for suited applications, not so much for confined spaces of automotive.
I also had a Mac 6 point 1/2 & 9/16 that saw a fair amount of use and never failed to work.
Craftsman sold some that were kind of unique having a screwdriver handle. I believe they were called Ez-Grip. I have a single 10mm. Cool but limited use. Whats not to like when you can have both stinky and coarse tooth in one dedicated tool?
I also had a Mac 6 point 1/2 & 9/16 that saw a fair amount of use and never failed to work.
Craftsman sold some that were kind of unique having a screwdriver handle. I believe they were called Ez-Grip. I have a single 10mm. Cool but limited use. Whats not to like when you can have both stinky and coarse tooth in one dedicated tool?
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SkinnyG
Well-known member
If I had to pick from those 3 options, I'd chose the flex head without a second thought. The flex head allows for so many angles for clearing obstructions. I'm the same with ratchets - I typically won't even use one if it's not a flex had. And none of that locking bs either. I want to be able to pivot the head as I'm moving throughout the swing. I know that seems to be a problem for some that insist on using locking flex heads. I can't get it through my head how or why it's a problem without a lock.
You specifically state "non reversible flex head" but there are reversible options. My go to ratcheting wrench set is a Blue-Point reversible flex head. Another neat feature of that wrench is the ratcheting portion is 12 point but one side of the box has a thin 6 point edge. That way, you can set it on top of a nut or bolt and it the 6 point edge prevents it from slipping down. It's handy on some rare occasions.
It seems the price on these things has gone up (or doubled) since I got mine 15 or so years ago.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Combination-Standard-Handle%2C-15°-Offset%2C-mm-(Blue-Point)/12-pc-12-Point-Metric-15°-Offset-Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Box-Open-End-Wrench-Set-(8–19-mm)-(Blue-Point)/BOERMF712A
Edit: Well pasting the link didn't work...
You specifically state "non reversible flex head" but there are reversible options. My go to ratcheting wrench set is a Blue-Point reversible flex head. Another neat feature of that wrench is the ratcheting portion is 12 point but one side of the box has a thin 6 point edge. That way, you can set it on top of a nut or bolt and it the 6 point edge prevents it from slipping down. It's handy on some rare occasions.
It seems the price on these things has gone up (or doubled) since I got mine 15 or so years ago.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Combination-Standard-Handle%2C-15°-Offset%2C-mm-(Blue-Point)/12-pc-12-Point-Metric-15°-Offset-Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Box-Open-End-Wrench-Set-(8–19-mm)-(Blue-Point)/BOERMF712A
Edit: Well pasting the link didn't work...
Kurt4440
Well-known member
I used a laminated Snap-on 3/4 & 7/8 for J-bolts in hard to reach locations. It was great because those two sizes covered standard and heavy hex nuts which are both used on 1/2 bolts. The open gear design was easy to keep clean; it was always dusty, wet, muddy, sandy. I had one lock up from years of use which Snap-on warrantied. Overall, good wrenches for suited applications, not so much for confined spaces of automotive.
I also had a Mac 6 point 1/2 & 9/16 that saw a fair amount of use and never failed to work.
Craftsman sold some that were kind of unique having a screwdriver handle. I believe they were called Ez-Grip. I have a single 10mm. Cool but limited use. Whats not to like when you can have both stinky and coarse tooth in one dedicated tool?
I occasionally use the 7/8", I keep one with my Astro Nano 1/2" drive sockets.
