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ratching wrenches

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shoturtle

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Just want to know if people prefer the reversing type, the pivoting type or the fixed type with the box head on the other end?

I am considering getting a set.

Armstrong and SO has USA made ones. Craftsmen are mixed between US and Taiwan. Gearwrench and proxxon and william/bp are Taiwan. Any preference on which brand or style works better? Any other options out there.
 
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Syndicate

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I personally prefer the fixed snap on ones. The switchable ones tend to get reversed while working in tight spots. I have used both the craftsman and gearwrench brands and both seem to be of the same quality IMHO. Blue point also makes a decent set as well.
 
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lotsoftools

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I prefer the switched ones. I got a non-reversing one stuck once. I was wrenching in a tight spot and when it made that last click I realized I was screwed. It couldn't go any tighter, I couldn't loosen it, and I couldn't get a pry bar in there to get it off the bolt. I think it is still under my truck.
 
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volvo420coupe

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swivel head reversing, lotsoftools pointed out the best reason for making a choice, the non reversing ones will eventually get stuck in a tight spot. The flex head is my personal preference.
 
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sdguy55

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I have a set of the gearwrench ones. They have the lip running around one of the edges. Makes it so you cant flip it the opposite 10 degrees. It has the reversing lever. I like the reversing lever, sometimes that lips annoying other times it really comes in handy. Im going to get another set thats no offset.
 
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JASTECH

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I have Snap-On w/o switch non-flex, Mac w/switch Off-set non-flex and Kstar that are same as Mac, Cornwell like Snap-On.


They each have their place, but I use switchable non-flex the most. My Dad still has Alltrade from many years ago, they skip and run knuckles into parts, then lock-up when they get tired.
 
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cotjocky

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yjWrangler said:
I love my Blue Point reversible ratcheting wrenches.
Click to expand...

+1

I have to agree with some of the other posters. Non-reversing ones get stuck on a bolt/nut from time to time and it can be a real pain to get it off.

If you only go with one set, go with flex head. Great if you can have both though.
 
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shoturtle

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Okay, I went off the beaten path with my choice of a ratcheting wrench. I got this german made one that is 4 in 1. It is by matador. So far I have to say, the gearing with 72t is very smooth. And the size is pretty useful for Europe 10,13,17 and 19mm. Here is the link.

http://www.matador.de/fileadmin/images/container/NEUHEITEN/Web_184_E.pdf

I will see how this works. If I need more sizes, I will look at the armstrong and the matador ones ratcheting wrench sets.
 
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diggerrick

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We recently outfitted a Great Dane trailer with load/unload conveyors for a customer. There is a non-reversing ratcheting wrench still in there under the bottom set of conveyors that the owner of our company got stuck.:bounce:
 
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shoturtle

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Thanks everyone, keep the pros and cons of each type coming. I may still get a set and the more pros and cons will help out.
 
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tbobbo

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I have 3 different styles of the gearwrench brand. Regular fixed head, crossforce style and also flex heads. I do not have any reversible ones. I can honestly say I have never gotten any stuck? I would like the offset of the reversible style, but around here I have only found them with the stupid cap stop, making the offset useless for one side. I will get them, but not cause I got anything stuck. No knocking anybody either btw.....it just has not happend to me yet. All of the gearwrench branded ratcheting wrenches I have have served me very well, well enough that all my chrome sockets are gearwrench, and I also have regular combo wrenches in long and stubbie as well. I will say that the other stuff has not performed to the same level as the ratcheting wrenches.
 
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spity

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I have a set of of each type, some are more apealing depending on the situation. All mine are gearwrench brand(for ease of warranty everyone sells these).
My go to set is the non off set non reversibles. They work in more situations for me.
 
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tbobbo

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Oh, I forgot my go to ones are the flex head......I use em multiple times a day. The crossforce or whatever its called are second most handy.
 
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cotjocky

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Matador makes a lot of factory VW tools. Although I have never owned any of their ratcheting wrenches, I would assume they should be of a decent quality.

Good luck with them. ;-)
 
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back2class

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it is rare for me to go for the flex heads. I may use the basic offset reverse ones I have 95 to 1 compaired the the flexes. I also have the plain old non reversing....but saldom use them. I simply like the basic offset reversing ones best by a country mile.
 
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Scout Driver

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Lovin' my Blue Point reversibles. Like others have stated, its possible to get a non-reversible wrench "stuck" behind a part or backed into a spot that it can't be pulled out of.

My Blue Point sets were bought used. Nice discount compared to "new" price. They have a little bit more heft and feel a more precise than the GearWrench wrenches. But...I know people that have the GearWrench sets too and have had nothing but good luck with them.

Scott
 
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Hammer1963

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I prefer Matco ratchet wrenches. I just think they are more durable than many of the other brands.

I have reversible fixed head, flex-head double box end, flex-head sline drive (my favorite) and reversible ergo-handle and use them all. Just depends on what the job requires
 
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CamarosRus

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I just want to exercise my right to offer the statement............

Why oh why must there be one after another after another ratcheting combo wrench thread ?????

I'd contribute $5.00 toward a fund to pay someone to come to a conclusion, build a spread sheet or whatever that 1) calls out the best regardless of price 2) the best $$ value 3) USA mfg vs offshore mfg.......

It's hopeless................

VentOver!!!!!!!!!!
 
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Sick Puppy

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lol, though I'd love to see the results of such a wrench out, especially since I've subscribed to about four of these threads... to be fair, since I haven't got any, and am looking at spending over $300 on two sets, it's worth it! lol
 
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uart

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lotsoftools said:
I prefer the switched ones. I got a non-reversing one stuck once. I was wrenching in a tight spot and when it made that last click I realized I was screwed. It couldn't go any tighter, I couldn't loosen it, and I couldn't get a pry bar in there to get it off the bolt. I think it is still under my truck.
Click to expand...

diggerrick said:
We recently outfitted a Great Dane trailer with load/unload conveyors for a customer. There is a non-reversing ratcheting wrench still in there under the bottom set of conveyors that the owner of our company got stuck.:bounce:
Click to expand...

A question for the guys who have got wrenches stuck. I can easily understand how you could get one stuck when you're backing out, but I cant really see how you can get one stuck while tightening? So if you've got a wrench stuck somewhere does that mean that you've also have a loose bolt there as well?

Or is there a way to get one stuck while tightening that I"m not thinking of?

EDIT: Ok, I just thought about it a bit more. I think I now understand how you <i>could</i> also get one stuck while tightening.
 
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rocklobster

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I've got the GW flex heads, straight non-reversing, and 4 in 1 box ends. Have not tried anything else.

I mostly use the flex heads for automotive uses, although it would be nice to have a locking flex head as sometimes it is a pain to get the flex head onto a fastener in a tight space when the head wants to pivot. No biggie though you just need to guide the box end over the fastener with your hand on it.

I have momentarily got the non-reversing wrenches stuck before and now I dont put them into tight spaces.

IMHO the GW brand are more than adequate for the back yard machanic, never had a problem... Sometimes the ratcheting mechanism will seize up but if you just whack the end firmly on a bench or floor they reset themselves.
 
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BHH

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I have a set of the Snap-On SOEXRM710. In my opinion they are the best wrenches I have ever used. The angle keeps your knuckles safe, and they just feel great to use. Are they perfect for every situation? Maybe not, but no wrench is. If I could only have one set forever these would be it.

1263605876_l2
 
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shoturtle

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Would you get a set that has a 8,10,11,13,17 and 19 or a set that is 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 and 19.

8MM is very useful
 
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gtlaw

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JASTECH said:
Seems like a QC is a issue with GearWrench tools across the board.
Click to expand...

I got mine about 4 years ago Ive had no problems yet, but these aren't sears black friday specials they have proven to be a high quality tool
 
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Scout Driver

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gtlaw said:
I got mine about 4 years ago Ive had no problems yet, but these aren't sears black friday specials they have proven to be a high quality tool
Click to expand...

This right here^^^^^^. I've heard many people talk about their older (Taiwan) Gearwrench tools being of better quality. Heard bad things about the Sears sale sets of Gearwrenchs too.

Scott
 
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nateplumb

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Jan 29, 2012
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I have a old set of gearwrenches i got for christmas when they first came out non reversible type. I have gotten 1 stuck and used the hell out of em. Non reversible wasnt an issue for me after I learned my lesson. FWIW a sawsall or wizz wheel makes quick work of the pesky bolt that teaches you your lesson on non reversing type wrenches. I do wish I could afford a qaulity American set to replace mine but to be fair they work and have worked great!
 
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