Ratcheting wrenches or Super Short sockets?

[Toolman Taylor]

I have a full setup of normal size and deep sockets as well as a full combo wrench setup.

I'm not a pro by any means but end up working on family and friend cars quite a bit. I run into trouble all the time with not enough space to fit the normal socket and ratchet into a small area, and it ***** trying to reseat the wrench on a bolt every 1/4 turn.


In your experience, which would be more useful to me?

1) Ratcheting wrenches (flat)
2) Super Short Sockets


Also, what disadvantages are there to having 2 sets of sockets (Proto Super Short + deep set) over having all 3 sets (one for each depth)?

Thanks for your help!

 

[jethro29]

ratcheting wrenches,and stubby ratcheting wrenches.

 

[vga]

It all depends on what you are working on. My cars have at times req'd me to use all 3 choices while working on the same repair just to be able to remove or reinstall a part due to a total lack of space/ room / working angle. You just never know until you start the repair.

 

[Toolman Taylor]

Is there really much that a ratcheting wrench can't do that a short socket can?

 

[Altec]

It all depends on what you are working on. My cars have at times req'd me to use all 3 choices while working on the same repair just to be able to remove ar reinstall a part due to a total lack of space/ room / working angle. You just never know until you start the repair.

I agree. I used ratchet wrenches, a Snap-on Low-Profile ratchet/socket, and a deep socket on a flex head ratchet on one job. That was a Caddy water crossover piece.

Personally, this is my priority order...

1. Straight ratchet Wrenches (They are cheap, and can do a couple jobs the others can't...)
2. Flex ratchet Wrench Set
3. Reversible Ratchet Wrench Set
4. Super Shallow Sockets (Useless without a ratchet to go with it)

For sockets. Deep, and "Standard" depth sockets cover it for me on normal sockets. Mid depth sockets have a couple use, and so do super shallow ones. I'd call them a luxury item though...

 

[Toolman Taylor]

I pulled the trigger and bought the Craftsman (USA) double-box end ratcheting wrenches.

I'm going to try and find some stubby ratcheting in Metric now.



I am worried about picking up the Gearwrench type as I don't know that the Taiwan stuff is worth owning.


What are some brand recommendations on a budget? Is my distrust of these misplaced?

 

[moronmountain]

Is there really much that a ratcheting wrench can't do that a short socket can?

Yes.

 

[moronmountain]

I pulled the trigger and bought the Craftsman (USA) double-box end ratcheting wrenches.

I'm going to try and find some stubby ratcheting in Metric now.



I am worried about picking up the Gearwrench type as I don't know that the Taiwan stuff is worth owning.


What are some brand recommendations on a budget? Is my distrust of these misplaced?

I have Snap on and Cornwell combo wrenches, but I still went with Gearwrench for ratcheting wrenches.

 

[Obie]

Armstrong makes outstanding ratcheting wrenches. Also, if you are interested in low profile sockets, the Armstrong Eliminator set is a great buy. They've been discontinued, but you can find them on ebay pretty cheap. I got the 19pc 3/8" drive and 22pc 1/2" drive sets for $125 together. I've heard that you can warranty them through Matco, but I can't confirm that. They're also pass through design, which is great for shock/strut work. Made in the USA too.

 

[skeletonizer]

I bought the reversing Craftsman's a while back. The socket inserts were on clearance. They have come in handy a few times. Not sure if they are still available but is a possible option for you.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I'd go with the ratcheting wrenches. Sometimes you can get a standard 1/4" ratchet and socket in where a 3/8" won't fit. Just break the bolt or nut loose with a wrench or ratchet first. I don't think the ratcheting wrenches will take that much abuse.

 

[Toolman Taylor]

I have Snap on and Cornwell combo wrenches, but I still went with Gearwrench for ratcheting wrenches.

Do you use them alot?

Are you happy with them?

Thanks...

I bought the reversing Craftsman's a while back. The socket inserts were on clearance. They have come in handy a few times. Not sure if they are still available but is a possible option for you.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb217/skeletonized/1274665690.jpg[/MG]

[IMG]http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb217/skeletonized/1274665689.jpg[/MG][/QUOTE]
That socket insert is pretty cool. Never seen them before.

 

[Jason280]

The Craftsman socket inserts would have been very useful to me the other day, didn't know they were even available!

 

[iroc409]

I'd go with the ratcheting wrenches. Sometimes you can get a standard 1/4" ratchet and socket in where a 3/8" won't fit. Just break the bolt or nut loose with a wrench or ratchet first. I don't think the ratcheting wrenches will take that much abuse.

I keep hearing this, which makes me wonder how useful they'd really be if you can't put much effort on them. Do you have to use two wrenches, one to break it loose and then the ratchet to pull it off. does it save much time then?

 

[Toolman Taylor]

I keep hearing this, which makes me wonder how useful they'd really be if you can't put much effort on them. Do you have to use two wrenches, one to break it loose and then the ratchet to pull it off. does it save much time then?

Good Q.

I plan on using the hell out of whatever I buy...my tools better be able to keep up.

 

[DodgeZ]

I have some flex plate bolts that are a pain to get to. 12pt wrenches strip them out. Since I have a bunch of random sockets laying around I ground one down for the job.

 

[Outlawmws]

I pulled the trigger and bought the Craftsman (USA) double-box end ratcheting wrenches.


I am worried about picking up the Gearwrench type as I don't know that the Taiwan stuff is worth owning.

I was under the impression both are Taiwan, and that Gearwrench made Craftsman anyway. Am I confused?

I have a couple of older (4 years?) Craftsman in metric and a set of SAE in Gearwrench and see no real difference in them as to quality.

 

[Toolman Taylor]

I was under the impression both are Taiwan, and that Gearwrench made Craftsman anyway. Am I confused?

I have a couple of older (4 years?) Craftsman in metric and a set of SAE in Gearwrench and see no real difference in them as to quality.

The newer Craftsman I believe are Taiwanese, but the NOS ones I found are USA stamped.

Not sure about the manufacturing companies of each though.

 

[booya719]

I keep hearing this, which makes me wonder how useful they'd really be if you can't put much effort on them. Do you have to use two wrenches, one to break it loose and then the ratchet to pull it off. does it save much time then?

As one poster said it depends what you're working on. I've only used flat ratcheting combo open end wrenches from Taiwan -- Titan brand. They work fine for brand new nuts and bolts and what have you, but I would never bring them out or use them on anything that requires big torque or heavy tightening. You're taking your chances to tighten something with the ratchet end of the wrench.

 

[Skin]

they make ratcheting wrenches that accept adapters so you can put sockets on them. Accomplishes the exact same thing as a through profile socket set except you dont need an extra socket set that you might pull out a few times a year. This is a 14mm 3/8 drive on a 13mm ratcheting wrench.



Snap-On also makes low profile sockets for ratchets.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682845&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682939&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[JasonTX]

My Gearwrenches have never let me down, and I have used them with a hammer to break loose stubborn fasteners (don't tell anyone.)

 

[monster1]

My Gearwrenches have never let me down, and I have used them with a hammer to break loose stubborn fasteners (don't tell anyone.)

I would think that a quality ratcheting wrench would hold up to hand force only well. Cheater? But still I don't like to use my cman USA ones because if I break one we all know what it will be replaced with.