Ratcheting Wrenches - which styles do you use?

[KnurledNut]

As of late, the Icon long pattern reversible combos. Without the anti-slip open end.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...ng-combination-wrench-set-10-piece-64841.html

 

[lardy1]

I just bought some of those old style long Tektons from their bargain bin. No particular need but the price is right until they're gone.

 

[51dueller]

I started with a metric Mac set (Kabo) free from trade school, bought a sae/metric Gearwrench set which I later expanded to 1 1/4 and 32mm. Picked up an metric Westward set (Infar) that was on clearance because they were longer than stubby but shorter than a standard wrench.

I found with flex head ones they got floppy and the longer head would get in the way when you truly needed it. Never found the need for a reversible offset ones. Ratcheting half moon were useless as you always needed a smaller head otherwise you would use a normal wrench.

 

[ChevyEFI]

As of late, the Icon long pattern reversible combos. Without the anti-slip open end.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...ng-combination-wrench-set-10-piece-64841.html

Those look nice. Are there singles down to 8mm?

 

[bryant 24]

Those look nice. Are there singles down to 8mm?

Found this on amazon，single sizes and No skip set,bang for the buck.

https://www.amazon.com/Kraftek-combination-ratcheting-wrench-1pc/dp/B0CP1NKGBQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[KnurledNut]

Those look nice. Are there singles down to 8mm?

Not that I’m aware of.
I really like all the Icon ratcheting wrenches. This is one category I feel they nailed. The length of these in particular sets them apart from the crowd. The short flex are a standout too.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

My primary sets are the old Armstrong-USA made Craftsman reversible wrenches. I have them in a mix of Craftsman Pro and Industrial. (Same thing different branding). I've filled in gaps with Blackhawk reversibles as they resemble the craftsman units the closest and I have a few gearwrench fill ins. I recently picked up a set of the Mountain XL in metric and look forward to using them soon.

 

[liliysdad]

Those look nice. Are there singles down to 8mm?

With ICON there are no singles...and this is the single biggest reason they will never be a player in the real tool world. I have some Icon stuff, and its pretty good, but their lack of open stock kills it for me.

 

[bcradio]

With ICON there are no singles...and this is the single biggest reason they will never be a player in the real tool world. I have some Icon stuff, and its pretty good, but their lack of open stock kills it for me.

ICON does offer singles for sale online, but only in the sizes offered in the sets. If you need a wide range of sizes, you are out of luck with ICON.

 

[liliysdad]

ICON does offer singles for sale online, but only in the sizes offered in the sets. If you need a wide range of sizes, you are out of luck with ICON.

Failing to offer open stock in the store is the same thing as not offering it at all.

They had a decent idea….and killed it in execution.

 

[Beerhippie]

Since buying my V-series set, that's the one I use most (basically Facom wrenches), followed closely by my Proto reversible ratcheting spline wrenches.

I definitely prefer offset REVERSIBLE ratchet wrenches.

Proto:

XL box-end wrenches though, would be my third-most used. The deep socket non-ratcheting end and XL length is great for grip when you need to bust something loose - and the ratcheting end makes these wrenches still usable to run the fastener out afterwards.

Now I now what my first purchases will be when I win the lottery!

Oh, wait... I don't buy lottery tickets....

 

[KnurledNut]

With ICON there are no singles...and this is the single biggest reason they will never be a player in the real tool world. I have some Icon stuff, and its pretty good, but their lack of open stock kills it for me.

Failing to offer open stock in the store is the same thing as not offering it at all.

They had a decent idea….and killed it in execution.

Harbor Freight has 27 different ratcheting wrench sets.
If I did my math right, thats 181 open stock individual wrenches. If they kept 5 of each size, thats 905 pieces.
I agree open stock would be nice, but its just not reasonable with the limited floor space.
Id rather have all the options available to me as sets, than just one or two mediocre sets sold piecemeal.
I cant think of one other store where you can walk in and have the same wide variety of styles, choices and quality sourced from reputable Taiwanese manufacturers like Kabo.
And as mentioned, they went as far as to have an option available to buy singles.
Add in the easy warranty to the above, and they have made themselves “a player in the real tool world,” with sales prove it.
Im glad to have them around.

 

[dscheidt]

Ok, related question. I need a 19mm single. 15 degree offset, reversable, standard length. Not gearwrench (or a rebrand). Not willing to spend snap-on money on it, but will do that before I buy a gearwrench. What are the options?

 

[Nutria]

I have several options:
- Craftsman Industrial (2015) reversing metric
- Craftsman Industrial locking flex, non-reversing SAE
- Gearwrench reversing SAE
- Mountain ratcheting long DBE metric
- Blackhawk reversing metric stubbies (anyone know about how old these are?)

 

[Hakeem]

Not that I’m aware of.
I really like all the Icon ratcheting wrenches. This is one category I feel they nailed. The length of these in particular sets them apart from the crowd. The short flex are a standout too.

Yes, agreed. I have both the long handled ratcheting wrenches and the stubby flex ratcheting wrenches and I like them both very much. The stubby flex get the most use from me, they might not be the smallest stubbies on the market but the size is just right for the wrench to conform to my hand in a comfortable way.

Failing to offer open stock in the store is the same thing as not offering it at all.

They had a decent idea….and killed it in execution.

I see your point of view but which other flex-head wrenches can be bought from the store individually? Carlyle is the only brand I can think of, and I suspect that’s one of the reasons their tools are so pricey.

Ok, related question. I need a 19mm single. 15 degree offset, reversable, standard length. Not gearwrench (or a rebrand). Not willing to spend snap-on money on it, but will do that before I buy a gearwrench. What are the options?

Only thing I found was this Carlyle which is pretty much at Snapon pricing:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTRWR019M

 

[bryant 24]

https://www.amazon.com/Kraftek-combination-ratcheting-wrench-1pc/dp/B0CP1MKBNP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Lifetime warranty/anti slip/15 offset reverse/18 bucks

Ok, related question. I need a 19mm single. 15 degree offset, reversable, standard length. Not gearwrench (or a rebrand). Not willing to spend snap-on money on it, but will do that before I buy a gearwrench. What are the options?

 

[toolenthusiast]

a 10” 14mm wrench simply wont fit

Just curious, what are you working on?

 

[Hohn]

I have had a set of standard Gearwrenches forever-- since early 2000s or 90s whenever it was they were first a bigger splash in the market.

Mostly they have sat in a drawer and seen little use. Why? No offset. It turns out that a box end with no offset at all is of very limited use in any real world situation. And in those rare cases where a non-offset wrench fits just fine, and non-ratcheting tool is often quite adequate while allowing a stronger tool.

It wasn't until I got my flex-end DBE Tektons that I started using ratcheting wrenches with any regularity, and now I use them as much if not more than sockets.

I've only had the Tektons a year but they have been a game changer for me. That said with a lot of wrenching last year, I did learn a couple things about what I prefer for ratcheting wrenches for automotive work:

1. Reversibility is overrated. In tight spaces, you're more likely to accidentally move the reversing lever (bumping against something) than you are to actually need that ability to get you out of a tight spot. (the mythical "trapped wrench" that is easily avoided with a brief moment of forethought). I almost never grab my reversibles and always reach for the non-reversibles. When I grab the tool, I verify I'm using the tool orientation (size and ratcheting direction) reflexively and it never changes on the way to the fastener.
2. Flex is useful at times, but mostly it's offset that's useful, and flex is just infinitely adjustable offset. A flex end with detents or locks is more useful than a flex end that just pivots in place. Especially if the ends get floppy and loose, a flex end can be rather frustrating. (Hasn't happened to me yet).
3. The tight fastener fit and excellent grip of the older 6pt Tekton makes them a bit of a hassle to get on and (especially) off the hex. I've even had to use a pick to help get the wrench off a rusty nut that was loosened. I can see why Tekton went to a 12pt design and even on the rusty cars I own, this would be preferable for a ratcheting wrench with a flex end that has no detents. That said, I really do like how these 6pt Tektons are very secure and will stay on the hex. There's just a tradeoff between this security and speed/convenience of off-and-on the hex.
4. The shallow "socket" on a Kabo/Mountain style wrench can be very useful, but I find that my nanosockets with the Astro ratchet covers this essentially the same for me.

 

[liliysdad]

I see your point of view but which other flex-head wrenches can be bought from the store individually? Carlyle is the only brand I can think of, and I suspect that’s one of the reasons their tools are so pricey.

You are right, no one else is doing it either, and that's a shame.

For me, Icon is neither fish nor fowl. They want to compare themselves with tool truck brands, yet they have a fairly limited selection with no open stock. What you get in the sets is all their is. If you lose one you are relegated to ordering one, maybe, online. Even Craftsman, which so many claim has been replaced with Harbor Freight, had extensive open stock and additional offering in individual form.

Too limited to be a one stop tool truck alternative, and too expensive to be a cheap tool brand.

 

[Hakeem]

Just curious, what are you working on?

2014 Chevy Cruze, 2007 Honda odyssey, 2019 Honda Odyssey, 2006 Scion Tc.

It could totally be a skill issue, I am a newcomer to automotive work compared to most here, but the biggest challenge I face is working within the tight engine bays.

You are right, no one else is doing it either, and that's a shame.

For me, Icon is neither fish nor fowl. They want to compare themselves with tool truck brands, yet they have a fairly limited selection with no open stock. What you get in the sets is all their is. If you lose one you are relegated to ordering one, maybe, online. Even Craftsman, which so many claim has been replaced with Harbor Freight, had extensive open stock and additional offering in individual form.

Too limited to be a one stop tool truck alternative, and too expensive to be a cheap tool brand.

I agree. The “Compare to SnapOn!” nonsense from the marketing department is a shame, as it overshadows what is otherwise a solid lineup of midrange Taiwanese tools.

I think Icon is positioned well as a competitor to other midrange brands like Capri, Tekton, or Gearwrench. Great for the serious hobbyist or as a supplement to the professional but likely never a replacement for the tool trucks.

 

[Shoreline_]

I don't use many. Mac flex head 6 pts are my usual if I use any.

 

[dscheidt]

Yes, agreed. I have both the long handled ratcheting wrenches and the stubby flex ratcheting wrenches and I like them both very much. The stubby flex get the most use from me, they might not be the smallest stubbies on the market but the size is just right for the wrench to conform to my hand in a comfortable way.

I see your point of view but which other flex-head wrenches can be bought from the store individually? Carlyle is the only brand I can think of, and I suspect that’s one of the reasons their tools are so pricey.

Parts stores have singles of most things, because there are lots of people who discover they need a particular size tool to do the job they're doing, and don't subscribe the garage journal solution of 'buy 'em all!'. home depot also has single flex ratchet wrenches. so do some of the better hardware stores near me.

Only thing I found was this Carlyle which is pretty much at Snapon pricing:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTRWR019M

yeah, that's stupid money for that. maybe i'll track down the snapon guy.

 

[Radio Flyer]

I am too stupid to use one with out a reverse lever.

Matco guy came by when the spline drive long ones came out. I used it once. It got jammed in the pump house of a fire engine. Had to pry it out since I couldn‘t reverse it.

Now I know my limitations.

 

[Shoreline_]

I am too stupid to use one with out a reverse lever.

Matco guy came by when the spline drive long ones came out. I used it once. It got jammed in the pump house of a fire engine. Had to pry it out since I couldn‘t reverse it.

Now I know my limitations.

I hate spline. I always get it jammed up too. I won't buy the mountain Matcos because of that. I bought the ATD.

 

[The Critic]

I hate spline. I always get it jammed up too. I won't buy the mountain Matcos because of that. I bought the ATD.

Thought the ATD’s were the same?

 

[Shoreline_]

Thought the ATD’s were the same?

They weren't splined when I got them.

 

[Hohn]

As of late, the Icon long pattern reversible combos. Without the anti-slip open end.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...ng-combination-wrench-set-10-piece-64841.html

I just wish you had more selection in ratcheting DBEs because I don't need 6 variants of open end wrench. I'm not buying another combo wrench to get a variant of a ratcheting config. Yet it seems that that's exactly what they are expecting us to do.

I want to see ratcheting DBEs setup more like the Gearbox. Say, a fixed reversible on a 15 degree offset at one end, and maybe a flex non reversing at the other.

 

[lardy1]

I think there's an incredible variety of configurations available. It's hard for me to keep up with what's out there. I do, however, totally agree that I don't need to buy any more combos. No need for open ends.

 

[Hohn]

I think there's an incredible variety of configurations available. It's hard for me to keep up with what's out there. I do, however, totally agree that I don't need to buy any more combos. No need for open ends.

Yes, lots of variety available. I just wish some specific blends were offered for choices, especially as DBEs with no open end. OH well, at some point you have enough spices in the rack and you still have to learn to cook.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

My favorite ratcheting wrench of all time is the Matco Proswing series made in the USA by Armstrong back in the day. It's a standard length set of wrenches that have a zero offset 72 tooth (later 90 tooth) 12 point (later spline) ratcheting boxed end on one side, and a fixed 15 degree offset boxed end on the other side. Unlike all of those long and extra long versions on the market today, the Proswing with its standard length was much more useful.

For anyone interested in these, there’s a partial set on eBay now:

Armstrong Tools 54-Series Metric Ratcheting Combination Set 15,13,12,11 & 10mm | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Armstrong Tools 54-Series Metric Ratcheting Combination Set 15,13,12,11 & 10mm at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[shakenfake]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-20-Piece-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-SAE-Metric/5001994741

I use these. No complaints they are awesome. Only one mishap where I dropped the 18mm and the ratcheting mechanism quit working. Could not fix it so drove all the way to Lowe's to exchange. As I was standing there idling for customer service I was spinning the wrench in my hand, dropped it and suddenly the mechanism started working again...
And yes I did bang on it at the house.

 

[Toold_up]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-20-Piece-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-SAE-Metric/5001994741

I use these. No complaints they are awesome. Only one mishap where I dropped the 18mm and the ratcheting mechanism quit working. Could not fix it so drove all the way to Lowe's to exchange. As I was standing there idling for customer service I was spinning the wrench in my hand, dropped it and suddenly the mechanism started working again...
And yes I did bang on it at the house.

I had that same thing happen to me with a Matco 9mm. You had to smack it on the concrete for it to start working again. Matco replaced it with a new one.

 

[threewood]

Double box end flex heads and regular box end reversible with open end.

 

[Hakeem]

What is the purpose of the retaining clip on the Falcon wrenches? It seems like it would be a hindrance. I don’t often use my offset ratchet wrenches upside down but I’m glad to have the option.

 

[KnurledNut]

What is the purpose of the retaining clip on the Falcon wrenches? It seems like it would be a hindrance. I don’t often use my offset ratchet wrenches upside down but I’m glad to have the option.

It's a stop ring to keep the wrench on the fastener.
Intentionally pushing it down will still allow it to expand for times you need to slide past (i.e. double nuts) and doubles as somewhat of a holding feature.

 

[Hakeem]

It's a stop ring to keep the wrench on the fastener.
Intentionally pushing it down will still allow it to expand for times you need to slide past (i.e. double nuts) and doubles as somewhat of a holding feature.

Fascinating! Glad to see hand tool companies still innovating like this.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I’ve been running with these guys. 15* offset with no flex is my favorite.

 

[LordLupulin]

I think im going to have to order this DEEN set, with the exchange rate should be less than 200 after shipping through blackship

DEEN　新型ラチェットメガネレンチ 5pc SET　DNM05FGWSET

ec.f-gear.co.jp

 

[Toold_up]

I think im going to have to order this DEEN set, with the exchange rate should be less than 200 after shipping through blackship

DEEN　新型ラチェットメガネレンチ 5pc SET　DNM05FGWSET

ec.f-gear.co.jp

The corners look really sharp on those!

 

[nicks78camaro]

Most used - reversible offset combo ratcheting

Also use
-flat non reversible
-flex non reversible

I'd like to add extra long flex reversible to the mix