Dakotadadv8
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Also thinking about buying additional ratcheting wrenches but don't use them often, prefer my SO standard combo wrenches. May buy a few SO ones to supplement them.
Ratcheting Wrenches - quality levels?
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Especially for non-professional use, I agree with this.
JOE.G
Well-known member
I have GW, the 8 MM broke while bleeding the brakes on one of my vehicles, that was the only thing I had used it for and it broke ( used on 2 cars ) . GW did warranty it with little trouble but it did take 3 weeks to get replacement.
The following is just my $0.02 about ratcheting wrench sets. 
As for "quality level" on ratcheting wrench sets, I've got three different brands that I feel are worth the money $ spent for each set.
The first set show below, USAG, did cost a bit more but overall is very durable IMO.
This second one below, Stanley, is a well made set and handles well and can take a punishment.
The third set is really from a not so well known brand, Birzman (widely known and mostly used by bike enthusiast) that is a good brand for the price and seems like it can handle well and was the lowest priced set out of the three sets.
As for "quality level" on ratcheting wrench sets, I've got three different brands that I feel are worth the money $ spent for each set.
The first set show below, USAG, did cost a bit more but overall is very durable IMO.
This second one below, Stanley, is a well made set and handles well and can take a punishment.
The third set is really from a not so well known brand, Birzman (widely known and mostly used by bike enthusiast) that is a good brand for the price and seems like it can handle well and was the lowest priced set out of the three sets.
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Paco Pena
Well-known member
I find the GearWrench brand on sale to be good value for a decent product. Never had an issue with mine but I never use them for a high torque fastener. I bust them loose with a standard box end then use the ratcheting wrench to back them out.
Paco
Paco
GrantCee
Well-known member
Question: does anyone other than Blue Point sell a double box end (DBE) offset, say around 15-20 degrees? I have a DBE set with 0 deg offset, but there are times I really could use the clearance.
(I do have flex ratcheting wrenches, but frankly don't like them all that much.)
(I do have flex ratcheting wrenches, but frankly don't like them all that much.)
BarrelRoll
Well-known member
Who makes ratcheting wrenches bigger than 1" and 24mm? At work I use a lot of 15/16", 1 1/8", and 1 1/4", 24mm, and 27mm stuff, a 36mm would be really nice for 1 particular job we do. I have a 2 year old set of non reversible standard gear wrenches to 1 1/8" and an O'Riley set of metrics that skips a lot of sizes. I haven't broken one yet though the internet claims they are garbage. My wrenches get filled with slurry and usually a good wd40 bath gets them functioning again. Being able to take them apart and clean them would be really nice.
If I was to upgrade there aren't many professional brand options. It looks like snapon stops at 1" and is the only tool truck for 500 miles. Proto is the one professional brand I know of making bigger ratcheting wrenches. Does anyone know of another higher end brand offering bigger ratcheting wrenches?
If I was to upgrade there aren't many professional brand options. It looks like snapon stops at 1" and is the only tool truck for 500 miles. Proto is the one professional brand I know of making bigger ratcheting wrenches. Does anyone know of another higher end brand offering bigger ratcheting wrenches?
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Westward (Graingers house brand)
Sets:
(1 1/16, 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1 5/16, 1 3/8, 1 7/16, 1-1/2)
https://www.grainger.com/product/WESTWARD-Combination-Wrench-Set-Alloy-54DG23
(21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 30, 32mm)
https://www.grainger.com/product/WESTWARD-Combination-Wrench-Set-Alloy-54DG25
Singles:
https://www.grainger.com/category/t...wrenches?brandName=WESTWARD&filters=brandName
All these sizes are also available from Gearwrench.
https://www.paperturn-view.com/us/apex-tool-group-naht/gw-catalog-book?pid=NjY66929&p=227&v=9.50
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BarrelRoll
Well-known member
Thanks
I already have cheap import gear wrenches. Looking for options if I decide to upgrade to something "pro grade". I haven't killed the so called garbage gear wrenches in 2 years using them to make a living though might upgrade if I break one or they get too rocked up with rock dust or slurry from gold bearing ore. The tools we use in the mining world are a lot bigger than automotive or your average hobbyist and can be pretty hard to find bigger sizes of things. Most of the higher end ratcheting wrenches stop at 1"
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Been there done that...10-4.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
@BarrelRoll
Hazet does a set with 21/22/24/27/30/32.
https://www.hazet.de/en/products/ha...rtment/3595/ratcheting-combination-wrench-set
I dont know if there are Harbor Freights in AK, but these ICON's would probably be good wrenches with easy warranty:
https://www.harborfreight.com/profe...MIlMeii9Hl-QIVMciUCR0y5QwkEAQYASABEgJnvPD_BwE
You Could save some coin not getting a full SAE set.
24 covers 15/16
27 covers 1-1/16
30 covers 1-3/16
32 covers 1-1/4
Basically only leaves needing 1-1/8.
Hazet does a set with 21/22/24/27/30/32.
https://www.hazet.de/en/products/ha...rtment/3595/ratcheting-combination-wrench-set
I dont know if there are Harbor Freights in AK, but these ICON's would probably be good wrenches with easy warranty:
https://www.harborfreight.com/profe...MIlMeii9Hl-QIVMciUCR0y5QwkEAQYASABEgJnvPD_BwE
You Could save some coin not getting a full SAE set.
24 covers 15/16
27 covers 1-1/16
30 covers 1-3/16
32 covers 1-1/4
Basically only leaves needing 1-1/8.
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Ton ton
Well-known member
Too bad there is not some industrial supply houses in Alaska.
From what I’ve seen, ratcheting wrench’s mostly fall into one of 3 categories, and within that category there is almost nothing to distinguish between brands, other than pricing/finish/warranty.
- reversible with 15* offset
- non-reversible with no offset
- flex-head
The only ratchet wrench’s that stand out as different from the long list of Taiwanese rebrands, are the snap on dual 80s, because they have a much thinner wall width at the ratcheting end, so allow you to use a ratchet wrench in tighter spots.
It’s a matter of personal preference/what you’re used to. Personally I don’t like the straight non-reversible ones, that bit of offset helps access, and don’t like flex heads because I don’t want it to flex when I’m leaning on it at an angle. For me, my 20yo bluepoints work great, and I don’t find the thickness an issue often enough to spend $700 on the dual 80.
- reversible with 15* offset
- non-reversible with no offset
- flex-head
The only ratchet wrench’s that stand out as different from the long list of Taiwanese rebrands, are the snap on dual 80s, because they have a much thinner wall width at the ratcheting end, so allow you to use a ratchet wrench in tighter spots.
It’s a matter of personal preference/what you’re used to. Personally I don’t like the straight non-reversible ones, that bit of offset helps access, and don’t like flex heads because I don’t want it to flex when I’m leaning on it at an angle. For me, my 20yo bluepoints work great, and I don’t find the thickness an issue often enough to spend $700 on the dual 80.
I grabbed a set of these used at fair money off local marketplace as liked the design effort in screw assembled head.From what I’ve seen, ratcheting wrench’s mostly fall into one of 3 categories, and within that category there is almost nothing to distinguish between brands, other than pricing/finish/warranty.
- reversible with 15* offset
- non-reversible with no offset
- flex-head
The only ratchet wrench’s that stand out as different from the long list of Taiwanese rebrands, are the snap on dual 80s, because they have a much thinner wall width at the ratcheting end, so allow you to use a ratchet wrench in tighter spots.
It’s a matter of personal preference/what you’re used to. Personally I don’t like the straight non-reversible ones, that bit of offset helps access, and don’t like flex heads because I don’t want it to flex when I’m leaning on it at an angle. For me, my 20yo bluepoints work great, and I don’t find the thickness an issue often enough to spend $700 on the dual 80.
While the ring looks thin what I have found with them is in tight spots the head bulk where the screws are drastically reduces your arc swing and my facom perform best in tight scenarios by a big margin and pre covid the facom could be had around 170 bucks 12 piece set(was like 100 bucks direct in Europe) . The long patern HF ICONS made by high-five manufacturing partners is a nice set of reversible wrenches and was under 100bucks in early release days, can be seen pretty cheap on eBay at times, not an everyday set but is a nice handy tool with the extra reach/leverage .
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Let’s see a picture of the two wrenches side by side for comparison I’m having a hard time seeing the disadvantage here.
The v profile of the standard ratchet style head gives more obstacle clearance space close to fastener for tight arc swing space ability .
Just picked up this set NOS set. DeWalt 10 Piece Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set Metric DWMT72168. Looking forward to trying them. One of those purchases I regret not making years ago when they were like $40 a set.
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Dakotadadv8
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Looking at Craftsman V series V-Series 7PC. XXL Metric Ratcheting Single Flex Head Double Box End Wrench, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19mm. Skip sizes but may be nice to supplement a good set of standard combo wrenches. Appears to be a quality set.
CRAFTSMAN V-series 7-Piece Set 6-point Metric Flexible Head Ratchet Wrench Set
$170 at Lowes.Also missing 25mm/1" ? I wish HF sold these individually so I could mix/match SAE/Metric and leave out the ones that are "close enough." As is it is I'm not willing to pay for both sets.
In the smaller sizes, I like the US-made Williams ones, metric set is p/n MWS-10RCU. Not cheap, tho.
That Williams set is identical to the last gen snap-on set I had before the dual 80s came out.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Not 100%. The wrenches are forged and assembled in the USA.
Correct… and they are not stamped USA. They have little paper tags tied to the open end of each one that say made in USA.
They are really nice, but I would prefer if they were made in USA and stamped as such.
The new Snap-on are stamped USA… but one or two of those cost what my 10pc Supercombo set cost on sale…
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What's a good brand of flex head ratcheting stubby wrenches?
I have the Icon flex head regular length (Kabo?) and like them a lot. The Icon flex head ratcheting stubbies are fairly long for stubbies, I think.
There are Gearwrench flex head stubby ratcheting wrenches, and though I think they've remained a Taiwanese mfgd wrench even till now, they're actually kinda expensive, I think.
Given that the Icon flex heads are reasonably cheap and abundant in offerup/Craigslist here, I was considering buying a set and cutting them down to stubby length - I certainly don't need yet another set of open ends...
Although 25 mm and 1" aren't standard head sizes for any common fastener series. Only would come up in oddball stuff where some designer picked their own arbitrary size.
Wrench97
Well-known member
6 pt can be a pita at times if they fit too tight they get stuck on takes extra to get them off.
Speaking of... I had to purchase a 21mm 12 point wrench to remove my SCR straps. An open end won't fit and the stud is on too sharp of an angle with its own hardware to slide a socket over and hit the nut. There isn't enough swing clearance with a 6 point to move the nut enough to reattach.
I usually despise the 12 points but this time it saved my ****.
xOccupantx
Well-known member
I’ve used Blue Point everyday for years now and I love them. Same ones as the Williams branded.
There was a guy in the classifieds here selling a Williams set for a smoking deal about a week ago or so.
There was a guy in the classifieds here selling a Williams set for a smoking deal about a week ago or so.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I've had an old gearwrench flex head stubby set for several years. I'm not sure on the quality of current versions. The Icon short flex head ratcheting wrenches are short but, not really stubby. Dewalt also offers a short handled flex head wrench set that seems good. Vim makes those super stubby ratcheting boxed end but, they more like a toy than a real tool.
Craftsman sold locking flex head stubby ratcheting wrenches awhile back but, I thought they were really bulky. I recommend the Dewalt or ICON sets.
Xcursion88
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SK X-frame are the best IMO.
I don't know the tooth count but I've yet to come across a ratcheting wrench that will ratchet with such a minute swing as the X-frames. SO, Mac, included...SK hit these out the park.
That said you do have to think a moment before going crazy with them or you could find yourself in a jam where you've backed the fastener out so far you can't remove the wrench and you can't run fastener back in.
Aside from that little think before you go cat go they are excellent.
The open end side is almost identical to the SO flank drive plus. As good IMO for gripping with the open end.
The wrench is a bit thicker too and doesn't dig into your hand like many thinner wrenches (Snap-on as example)
Facom sells a Series 65 DBE wrench
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I think so yes. They make their own ratcheting mechanism and forge their own wrench body.
HannibalLecter
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I second that. Facom are impeccable. Regarding the backdrag they are normal. Lifetime warranty and excellent design. They are not rebuildable but they won't need it. Regarding the Snap ons, the box end is imho huge. The thickness between the stem and the ratcheting end is too much, it hinders the swing. I don't have them though
HannibalLecter
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I think facom goes up to 41mm.not sure if SAE wrenches are available
I have snap on and very rarely use them. I think I just don’t love ratchet wrenches. They can be convenient. These would be the last tools I add to my automotive box. Actually, kinda convenient for household stuff - but I dont need snap wrenches in my junk drawer. There are already snap on screwdrivers and cobras in there!
If I were wrenching on a track car and wanted the smallest toolkit I could get away with, maybe I’d be more interested in ratchet wrenches. At this point, for incidental use, I hate to say it, I think I’d buy icon. They are copying Snap On’s form factors and designs which are very good. Just lower quality for a much lower price.
If I were wrenching on a track car and wanted the smallest toolkit I could get away with, maybe I’d be more interested in ratchet wrenches. At this point, for incidental use, I hate to say it, I think I’d buy icon. They are copying Snap On’s form factors and designs which are very good. Just lower quality for a much lower price.
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infinite97
Well-known member
One year old thread 
Love my snap-on reversible ratcheting sets. No issues with them.
I also have Wurth branded non-reversible, flexible ratcheting wrenches. I like them too.
Love my snap-on reversible ratcheting sets. No issues with them.
I also have Wurth branded non-reversible, flexible ratcheting wrenches. I like them too.
WAID
Well-known member
Thats relatively fresh for a zombie thread here at least. Sometimes it's interesting to see how the replies shift over the years or even decades on these.One year old thread
Love my snap-on reversible ratcheting sets. No issues with them.
I also have Wurth branded non-reversible, flexible ratcheting wrenches. I like them too.
I have a set of tawain Williams that are way too big on the ratcheting end and the craftsman v series that are much better, though will probably be lightly used since they are my SAE set and mostly just for saving some time on small equipment and my truck.
Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Packard V8
Well-known member
For true, Adam. I've been wrenching for sixty-three years now and don't own the modern ratcheting box ends. How did we git 'er done all those years?
jack vines