Ratcheting wrenches

[a***nc83]

So i was recently changing an alternator and was stuck using a wrench and found myself wishing it had a ratcheting mechanism, luckily Canadian tire had a few on sale this week. However they have several different sets, so i was wondering which you guys think would be most useful. They have the 12 pc double end ratcheting set for $79, and the 7 pc flex ratcheting set for $49. Which would you guys suggest?

http://m.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-maximum-7-pc-double-ratcheting-combo-flex-0581256p.html
http://m.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-maximum-12-pc-double-ratcheting-combo-0581258p.html


Thanks.

 

[kossuth]

I have both a set of the flexible head wrenches and a set of fixed head with reversing mechanisms and I find myself reaching for the fixed head wrenches 95% of the time. The flexible head is nice for something's but the fixed head is to me more desirable most of the time.

 

[dale500]

For me I'd go with the 12 piece set. It has every size you will need for most jobs and they store in a smaller space than if you have the 24 different size combination wrenches to make a similar set. I don't remember ever using the open end on any of my ratcheting wrenches.

 

[dnschmidt]

If it were REVERSIBLE as Kossuth states then your much better off with the fixed head. The reason for this is that they have a 15 degree offset. The wrenches shown in the picture are flat. They have no offset. These in my opinion ****.

Given the two choices you have provided you're better off with the flex head set but will soon by praying for a locking flex head set once the heads start flopping around.

 

[SASORacing]

Reversible fixed offset combo (open end and boxed) here, mix of old craftsman and old Stanley.

If I were in the market for a new set I would get a combo set like above but with a flank drive plus (snapon) style open end. Matco makes them and thier version is opti torque pro, it has little lines on the open end that grab and prevents it from rounding off bolts.

For a second set I want double box flex like this matco set.

 

[phikshin]

The flex head ones are awesome. I probably use them everyday. I have a set of open ended ratcheting ones that I've probably used twice since I bought them. They were a sears clearance item and I paid next to nothing for them. Good thing as they never seem to come in handy.

 

[Two Speed]

If I could go back in time, I would only the flex head set. It lets you, in situations like you want to use it, get the handle out of the way of obstacles. I do not use them for the heavy duty breaking loose duties, mostly in cramped spaces to run something on or off.

Alex.

 

[justme-]

I have been using Gearwrench sets for more years than I can remember. My first set was the standard 0* flip over style - never again. Too many times tightening into a corner I had a dickens of a time getting the wrench off and out of.
Second set (metric) was reversible - love them to death.
My father bought the reversible flex head ones for the first set of his and promptly went for regular reversible for the second set. Flex is great in theory, but in practice (like many other inventions) doesn't always work the way you hoped. Flex has it's place, but it's often a knuckle buster when you pull or push into a fastener and the flex flexes your knuckles into something.
Coworker just bought a long handle 3/8 dual 80 flex ratchet off the truck last week. Let me christen it on some rusted bolts yesterday and reminded me exactly why I hardly use my Craftsman RP long flex - made turning much easier than a standard length handle but the flex was a PITA and took 2x as long as a straight long handle would have.

Long story short - if you're only going to buy one set buy non flex, add flex variations for those circumstances that require them when you actually need them.

 

[Dcampbell98xj]

Ez red makes the same set as the matco ones but call it spline drive. They work well and are about 120 a set.

 

[a***nc83]

Just to clarify, when i said it is double ratcheting end, each wrench is one size, however the open and and closed end of the wrench has a ratcheting mechanism. I am not sure if the open end ratcheting mechanism is a gimmick or not, so not really sold on that bit, but was wondering more about the flex.

I was worried, as dnschmidt said, if after time the flex, loses it's tension and just flops around the place, would be quite useless. While i know it's mastercraft, so not many guys would have experience with them, have you found the flex heads to lose tension over time and just flop around, with whatever respective brands you have experience with?

 

[justme-]

They don't need to wear and get loose to flop, the brand new Snapon ratchet I mentioned wouldn't hold straight with any real force on it... brand new. Same for the gearwrenches my ol man bought - unless it's a locking flex it will flex on you when you don't want it to. To directly answer your question - yes they will wear and get loose and floppy just like universal joints and universal joint sockets do.

 

[SASORacing]

If i were getting a new set i would get reversible, offset (for knuckle clearance), with lines in the open end commonly known as flankdrive, optitorque etc. This setup is the most versitiale for a tech.


Matco has Opti-torque pro, same style/ flankdrive, they have a long version too! They are super nice, and 90 tooth. Thanks to Skin for these Matco pictures!
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...LONG-METRIC-REVERSIBLE-RATCHETING-WRENCH-SET/

These Protos look great too, they have "ASD" anti slip design on the open end.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ7GM0S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shockwave]

Get the mountain 5 piece deep spline flex they are my go to wrench for everything.
They are about 100 for set

 

[bcradio]

Almost $70 for one proto ratcheting wrench is insane

 

[rusty65]

They don't need to wear and get loose to flop, the brand new Snapon ratchet I mentioned wouldn't hold straight with any real force on it... brand new. Same for the gearwrenches my ol man bought - unless it's a locking flex it will flex on you when you don't want it to. To directly answer your question - yes they will wear and get loose and floppy just like universal joints and universal joint sockets do.

Snap on has a torx screw for adjusting the tension on the head. So if it's to loose for your taste from the factory just tighten it up.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[Ruger_556]

Almost $70 for one proto ratcheting wrench is insane

Where on earth did you come up with that price? It's like $150 for a set...

 

[bcradio]

Where on earth did you come up with that price? It's like $150 for a set...

My math may be a little rusty, but $52.91 + $8.58 is $61.49 for 1 wrench.

From the link above:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ7GM0S/ref=asc_df_B00BQ7GM0S3363851?smid=A3Q2VXEY0TU9NI&tag=pgmp-820-44-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B00BQ7GM0S

 

[Ruger_556]

My math may be a little rusty, but $52.91 + $8.58 is $61.49 for 1 wrench.

From the link above:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ7GM0S/ref=asc_df_B00BQ7GM0S3363851?smid=A3Q2VXEY0TU9NI&tag=pgmp-820-44-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B00BQ7GM0S

Hmm, maybe don't buy them individually then...

http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-too...CVT-9S&srccode=cii_14453986&cpncode=45-565642

http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-too...MT-13S&srccode=cii_14453986&cpncode=45-565684

 

[dnschmidt]

Ruger, these aren't the same Proto wrenches. Look at the design.

 

[Ruger_556]

Ruger, these aren't the same Proto wrenches. Look at the design.

I stand corrected, those are more expensive... Interesting

 

[JDSV]

My math may be a little rusty, but $52.91 + $8.58 is $61.49 for 1 wrench.

From the link above:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ7GM0S/ref=asc_df_B00BQ7GM0S3363851?smid=A3Q2VXEY0TU9NI&tag=pgmp-820-44-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B00BQ7GM0S

Do not shop at Amazon, for individuals, head to Trident. Same wrench at Trident is $34.98: http://www.trident-supply.com/Proto_Full_Polish_Combination_Reversible_p/jscvm19a.htm

Do not forget the Trident GJ code for additional 10% off...shipping to my location was about $7 and change.

Snap-on Online: $53.30 + Shipping http://store.snapon.com/Ratcheting-...eting-Box-Open-End-19mm-12-Point-P642409.aspx (with the understanding you probably would not pay retail depending on your dealer)

And some comparisions for the Proto 14-piece metric set from a few vendors:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BVTXFDI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Trident: http://www.trident-supply.com/product_p/jscvm-14sa.htm

Tools Plus: http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-jscvm-14sa.html

 

[FMC1959]

To the OP, I live in Canada as you do, with a Cdn Tire on almost every corner. When it says Mastercraft on the wrench, no questions asked, easiest exchange if anything goes wrong. Their Mastercraft & Maximum are decent quality and suspect they are made by the import division of the Apex group.

Between the double box and flex head? My preference is reversing combo before either of these, but either is good, you need to decide what compliments what's already in your box. You can get both sets for less than the Proto's.

If you want top quality made in the US, shop around for Proto, Armstrong, Wright..a couple of others also.

These look real nice, but I could never justify this price over the other US industrial brands
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...LONG-METRIC-REVERSIBLE-RATCHETING-WRENCH-SET/

 

[a***nc83]

I wish i could justify buying snap on or matco, i'm just an occasional weekend warrior and masquerade as a doctor during the day, and right now i am splurging on woodworking and welding equipment (i curse the Gods for giving me an interest in any and everything under the sun and for giving me insane desire of buying quality tools even if i can't weld...lol), coupled with expected baby, and new house expenses, just can't do it. So will stick with mastercraft. I will check for reversible offset ones. Thanks for the input guys.

I do have a long term plan than involves snap on, i already started collecting, have a full set of snap on ratchets. In time...in time.

 

[90zcar]

The first set of ratcheting wrenches I bought were the gearwrench flex head
I thought....why not it's the best of both worlds. Until I bought a set of reversible 15*angled fixed head ones

I seldom use my flex head ones anymore unless it's mandatory to do so


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