Ratcheting wrenches

[SC-AW11]

I was thinking about pulling the trigger on some ratcheting wrenches finally, and then it seems sears is having a decent sale on gearwrenches. might be a sign that I really should go get a set. could've used the 10mm at the junkyard last weekend lol.

Do you use them as much as you thought you would?

Which type do you prefer? 0 offest, 15 degree offset reversible switch, non locking flex head, locking flex head, or the twist beam styles?

I think Im leaning towards 15 degree reversible (about 40/45 at sears this weekend), or the non locking flex heads (about 50/55 on ebay)

 

[Piles]

I was thinking about pulling the trigger on some ratcheting wrenches finally, and then it seems sears is having a decent sale on gearwrenches. might be a sign that I really should go get a set. could've used the 10mm at the junkyard last weekend lol.

Do you use them as much as you thought you would?

Which type do you prefer? 0 offest, 15 degree offset reversible switch, non locking flex head, locking flex head, or the twist beam styles?

I think Im leaning towards 15 degree reversible (about 40/45 at sears this weekend), or the non locking flex heads (about 50/55 on ebay)

I would definitely get the 15 degree reversibles. The other straight ones that you flip kinda **** if you are using them on anything flat cause you scrape your knuckles to **** I find.

I used mine alot more when my tool collection was smaller. Now that I have all sorts of different impacts and swivels and extensions and what not I definitely use them less. Although I went from mostly automotive work to heavy duty so that could be the cause as well.

I would grab a set for sure though because they are really awesome when nothing else will work.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I've got the non-locking flexes, love 'em. I'm glad to have the flex more often than I'm cursing it. They've been problem free aside from busting the guts out of the 15mm, and the head getting loose on the 10mm.

 

[Stooge]

I have a set of the gear wrench metric non locking flex head combination wrenches as well as few double ended SK XXL metric non flex ratchets. I use the gear wrench ones pretty often, and a hell of a lot more than I thought I ever would, to the point that unless I need a long pattern wrench, they are my first go to. The longer SK wrenches are larger sizes, (19-27mm) and don't get used as often but are huge time savers for some confined spaces where you might not be able to fit an impact or even a ratchet that will give as much leverage, ( some shock bolts, sway bars etc)
Not sure but I think gearwrench might offer a long pattern ratcheting wrench but I don't remember.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy either again

 

[blackz26]

These a must have. 15* is the must. If you find locking flex for cheap, thats cool too. But new, offset reversible is the only option. Imo. Also, with my semi large collection, I use them any chance I can. Easier on the hands then ratchet. I love my duralast sets. Goings kobalt or GW to fill the gaps.

 

[Chuck122]

I have a set of Mac I got off of eBay and I love them. The action is muck nicer than the gearwrench ones and the flex is godsent(really). You may think " well my regular wrenches don't flex and I get away with it" but you will find that when you have it, it makes everything easier. They are 6 points.
I'm not trying to sell these but if they are within your budget... Get them

 

[Chuck122]

For some reason I could not upload a closeup of the box end in my first post

 

[cburnscrx]

I love my Gearwrench flexheads and they'd be one of the first things I'd buy if I had to replace my tools.

 

[bonneyman]

It's hard to go wrong with Gear Wrenches. I have a set of GW combos (non-flex) that I've had for YEARS, and they just always work. Have never wore out or broke any - not even the small ones.
For my ratcheting box needs, I've assembled a set of old Dunlap DBE's. 0 degrees - and not a fine action - but bulletproof steel and home repairable (a must for me). There will come a day when the local Chinese-supplied tool store won't be open. Non-flex and SAE only, but, for my needs, they are excellent.

 

[HTGTS350]

Ive got the gearwrench (Kincrome brand out here) ratcheting in long, short, flex head, reverseable. non reverseable etc etc, I love them and use them daily, the only weakness I have found is they don't like to be over torqued like when breaking out a bolt but apart from that I think they are great.

 

[rmsg0040]

I prefer the non locking flex

Doesnt the 15 degree offset reversible switch have an anti fall through design?

I have a 19mm one that has that design and the wrench can only go onto a bolt 1 way

 

[[email protected]]

When you need them there the best thing since sliced bread.

You them daily at work.

Have a few sets of gearwrench and craftsman. Never saw the need to spend the big money on Snap On ones.

 

[sberry]

I just bought a set. Simple 0 offset and 20 pcs for 604 at Sears. They have a few that will likely never get used but at that price it made the couple 3 or 4 I might use a deal. I used one the other day just to use it, ok and have used them a dozen or so times in a year where they were an easy solution. That stuff that came with Sears years ago is about useless but I am with some other guys here that I am proficient with more common tools there is not such an advantage.

I did a bunch of wrench work today, a ratchet would have saved a couple minutes but it would have been more difficult to tote around and the beauty of it was we had what we needed when needed, convenience was everything. I wouldn't hesitate to get something if it was involving production or it really caught my eye but I am not getting every one they ever invented in every size.

 

[86k10]

The 0 degree is my least favorite, flex has its place but my preferred is 15 degree reversible. All mine are Gearwrench from Sears on sale. I only had to warranty one so far. The chrome is flaking on some of the box ends but for the price I don't care.

 

[86k10]

I prefer the non locking flex

Doesnt the 15 degree offset reversible switch have an anti fall through design?

I have a 19mm one that has that design and the wrench can only go onto a bolt 1 way

All mine 15 deg. have the anti-fall design except the warranty one does not. I asked about that and they said they are not popular and are not making those no more. I had to call Apex for warranty because Sears wouldn't do it.

 

[sberry]

The above post is part of the reason I dont have all that stuff.

 

[yjWrangler]

I have a Blue Point set in metric and Williams in standard (the same wrenches, wish I knew before I got the Blue Points off the truck.) They're 15* reversible and I love them.

 

[Fastbird]

I live by my (US made 8 year old now) Craftsman Reversible ratcheting wrenches. Use them ALL the time and never had an issue.

 

[MikeF2316]

I prefer the 15 degree offset reversible type too. I prefer them over a ratchet and socket in situations were either would work. It's a bit of a bummer that the don't go on "upside down," sometimes that gives you the clearance you need.

 

[anthonyfilice]

ive got the 15* reversible matco 90 teath ratcheting wrenches and love the **** out of them. there super smooth and are tough, never broke one of them.

 

[Rico.]

I have four sets of Facom ratchet spanners...

6mm to 24mm 15* reversables
6mm to 19mm 0* fixed
8mm to 19mm Flex heads
8mm to 17mm 15* reversable stubbies

Quality wise the Facoms are better than anything else I have seen or used,
and I mean anything... Bit pricey though.

For a first set I would advise getting a set of flex heads. You can use them at 0 degrees or
15 degrees or 90 degress... So they multi task very well. For a second set though, I would
definitely get the 15 degree offset reversable ones.

 

[SC-AW11]

Thank you guys, went ahead and felt confident pulling the trigger. especially at the sale price of only $40. I think I'm gonna go back tomorrow and get another set actually lol pretty good deal, I like them.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sum41bitches7/media/gearwrench_zps29e2d27c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/sum41bitches7/gearwrench_zps29e2d27c.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo gearwrench_zps29e2d27c.jpg"/></a>

 

[SC-AW11]

Now the questions is flex heads. If you were to get non locking flex heads, would you get gearwrench or harbor freight?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item41728b0238&vxp=mtr

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-flex-head-combo-wrench-set-60592.html

 

[toolaholic]

Now the questions is flex heads. If you were to get non locking flex heads, would you get gearwrench or harbor freight?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item41728b0238&vxp=mtr

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-flex-head-combo-wrench-set-60592.html

As much as I love harbor freights ratchets,I must say I do not care for harbor freight wrenchs. Never looked at the ratcheting wrenchs but the chrome on the harbor freight regular wrenches looks like a
plastic finish. Very cheap looking. I have a slew of gearwrench non locking flex heads bought on clearance at lowes about 2 years ago. They are very nice

 

[Monte]

i like these

 

[sparky5982]

I have the gearwrench reversibles in both metric and SAE. While I do like them and I use them frequently, I do have a few beefs:

#1: The beams on these wrenches are thin, thin, thin, and sharp! Maybe it speaks volumes of the quality of the steel, but these are not comfortable wrenches for me- especially in the smaller sizes.

#2: The ratcheting mechanism tends to 'stick,' making it so that you can't reverse the wrench without jiggling it around a bit. It's not a deal breaker, but it does get annoying in tight spots.

#3: The box end is huge. There, I said it. It's huge and clumsy. Unless the fastener is wide open, don't bother reaching for a gearwrench. If you think it might just fit, save your effort. It won't.

#4: Finish- I much prefer a satin finish. Full polish is lame.

That being said, I still like these and enjoy using them in spite of these things. I just would have like to have known what to expect. For all my complaints, these things really are pretty awesome.

Those Gedores look NICE!!!!! Thicker beam- check. Smaller box end- check. Satin finish- check. Should've bought those!

 

[Monte]

Should've bought those!

yes

 

[nitropowered]

I have Snap on 15 degree reversibles and a few flat flip ones (non-flex) in select sizes for what I do.

 

[BK13]

i like these

Drooling...

 

[cburnscrx]

Now the questions is flex heads. If you were to get non locking flex heads, would you get gearwrench or harbor freight?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item41728b0238&vxp=mtr

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-flex-head-combo-wrench-set-60592.html

I have compared the two, and I would say the Gearwrench wins in this case. One of the things I like about the Gearwrench flexheads is the length. They're just longer than the HF version. Don't misunderstand, I really like a lot of things from HF, but I would recommend the Gearwrench first.

 

[Kev442]

I have a set of Mac I got off of eBay and I love them. The action is muck nicer than the gearwrench ones and the flex is godsent(really). You may think " well my regular wrenches don't flex and I get away with it" but you will find that when you have it, it makes everything easier. They are 6 points.
I'm not trying to sell these but if they are within your budget... Get them

If I was a pro wrench, I think these would be pretty high on my must have list, even without reversing.

 

[adamsredlines]

The above post is part of the reason I dont have all that stuff.

The onesbf on Sears are the ones with that feature...and only on the 15* offset. Get the "same" set at another retailer and its a pass through design.

 

[SC-AW11]

If I got the reversible ones, how much do I need the flex heads?

If you were to get non locking flex heads, would you get gearwrench or harbor freight?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-7...8b0238&vxp=mtr

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...set-60592.html

 

[bonneyman]

i like these

Dang, those sure look nice!

 

[blackz26]

If I got the reversible ones, how much do I need the flex heads?

If you were to get non locking flex heads, would you get gearwrench or harbor freight?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-7...8b0238&vxp=mtr

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...set-60592.html

If you have offset reversible I wouldn't seem The need for flex type. Some people have them all though. GW also has indexable too.

 

[SC-AW11]

Alright cool. I think thats a smart answer. I think I'll hold off til next time. I need a $130 jack from HF so its probably smart to wait. (The 2 ton T handle model)

 

[blackz26]

Alright cool. I think thats a smart answer. I think I'll hold off til next time. I need a $130 jack from HF so its probably smart to wait. (The 2 ton T handle model)

Like I said that's just me. I'm sure someone has been in a spot where they used one and preferred it. Just like some people like the flat ones. Where me I wouldn't ever buy a set. I would recommend deep offset wrenches though. Those things are the cats ***! So, would you post some pics of that mr2?

 

[SC-AW11]

Like I said that's just me. I'm sure someone has been in a spot where they used one and preferred it. Just like some people like the flat ones. Where me I wouldn't ever buy a set. I would recommend deep offset wrenches though. Those things are the cats ***! So, would you post some pics of that mr2?

Ok cool. I understand. I might get a set in near future and like them more than the reversibles, you never know. but I think I got the perfect set. I dont like the flats at all, I think the reversibles are the best ones, at least to start out with. I think locking flexes are probably the best? Id like to have those lol. Yaa, those deep offset 60 degree, perfect for brakes. I want a set of those and really want a set of flare nuts.

haha! of course sir! I actually have 2, a 88SC with HKS Intake, TRD header, and custom magnaflow muffler. and a 86 with gze swap Ive been building for about 3 years on and off. Never ever driven it, and Im about to get it running so Im very excited.
I just dyno'd my 88 at school on thursday actually. I have low compression (130, 60, 130, 130) so I thought I wasnt gonna do so well. 145hp flywheel factory rating, 17% drive train loss puts it at 120. So i figured 110 maybe 100hp at the wheels. Here are the results lol:
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sum41bitches7/media/88mr2Dyno42513_zpse70b784e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/sum41bitches7/88mr2Dyno42513_zpse70b784e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 88mr2Dyno42513_zpse70b784e.jpg"/></a>
**Red is 3rd gear, blue is 4th**

 

[SC-AW11]

Heres my cardomain, you can check out both. http://www.cardomain.com/id/red_sc_a-dub/
I havent updated the white 86 gze much if at all, but it doesnt look much different. just been working on engine. Prolly gonna swap the goodies from the 88 onto the 86 as well lol. I want to dyno the 86 without anything first. All it would have is a custom intake. then slap on the TRD header and Magnaflow exhaust see how much gain there is.

Heres one just to catch your, and everybody else's eye lol jk.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sum41bitches7/media/speed2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/sum41bitches7/speed2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo speed2.jpg"/></a>

 

[blackz26]

Ok cool. I understand. I might get a set in near future and like them more than the reversibles, you never know. but I think I got the perfect set. I dont like the flats at all, I think the reversibles are the best ones, at least to start out with. I think locking flexes are probably the best? Id like to have those lol. Yaa, those deep offset 60 degree, perfect for brakes. I want a set of those and really want a set of flare nuts.

If I was going to buy flex, I'd go non locking. That way you have unlimited positions to work with, instead of 5. A tip when you get flare nut, I'd go flare nut crows foot wrenches. Then you don't have to get wrenches then crowfoot.