Recommend me some ratcheting wrenches

[Fedwrench]

Not all ratcheting wrenches have the same number of teeth. Most of the danaher gang uses 72 teeth (except for those god awful Armstrong Maxx, Craftsman raised panel and the Kobalts which have 36 teeth). Some of the SK versions use 90 teeth. Kabo makes wrenches with 72, 90, or 125 teeth. I'm happy with 72 teeth and about 4 degrees per tooth engagement. The 36 tooth models may be sturdier and resistent to dirt but, 12 degrees just doesn't cut it for me.

 

[Monte]

Where are the Hazet ratcheting wrenches made? They sure feel different than the taiwan ones.

click here

 

[CamarosRus]

I gather that having a reversable (small handle that causes mechanism to reverse) racheting wrench is better than having to flop tool over to reverse.

Are the X (twisted) beam GEARWRENCHES the only GW model that has this reversing (small switch/handle) function ???

Thanks,

 

[Jononon]

I gather that having a reversable (small handle that causes mechanism to reverse) racheting wrench is better than having to flop tool over to reverse.

Depends on the situation. You can back yourself into a corner with a non-reverser, but it'll fit into a much shallower space.

Are the X (twisted) beam GEARWRENCHES the only GW model that has this reversing (small switch/handle) function ???

No (link).

 

[nyrapscalion]

I look around the flea market for my wratcheting wrenches. Normally Craftsman works well, they just need to be kept clean and oiled. Snap On is beyond my budget. Mac seems to be very good quality, used is how I get these. I've seen some Gear Wrench strip out, leaving a worthless tool. Not sure of warranty with any of them. I think as long as you work at keeping the stuff clean oiled and free from debris, you'll be in luck. Inside is the best place for tools. Good luck.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've seen some Gear Wrench strip out, leaving a worthless tool. Not sure of warranty with any of them.

There's no such thing as a worthless Gearwrench tool. If a Gearwrench tool breaks, go to their website and call the customer service number listed under the warranty tab. Explain to them what the part number of the item is, what's wrong with it, and they'll send you a new one. It just takes a little time and effort on your part to get a replacement.

 

[ATTappman]

You can easily simulate this with your own wrenches at home. Look to see how much "free-swing" there is before you engage that next gear. I find that every brand out there that I've touched (Lea Way/SATA (GearWrench), Easco Craftsman, Hi-Five (Stanley family), Infar (HF), Chang Loon (Princess Auto), RareStar (Gray/Princess Auto) has more backlash than a product that was manufactured by Kabo (escpecially the non-reversible models).

I may be wrong, so please correct me if I am.

I don't think you're wrong, I was just wondering if there was any other way to reduce backlash other than increasing the number of teeth.

Where do you get Kabo wrenches? The first hit from a Google search is Endeavour Tools - the web site mentions 120-tooth wrenches.

 

[Mustanger]

Have full polished Craftsman in SAE and metric - moderate use over last few years with no complaints. Had a neighbor with same, striped one and Sears replaced no questions asked.

 

[superautobacs]

I don't think you're wrong, I was just wondering if there was any other way to reduce backlash other than increasing the number of teeth.

Where do you get Kabo wrenches? The first hit from a Google search is Endeavour Tools - the web site mentions 120-tooth wrenches.

Other than increasing the number of teeth, play needs to be kept to a minimum in the pawl mechanism that engages the teeth's surface. Say for example, you have two wrenches: one's a 100-tooth; another is a 72-tooth. If there's a lot of play in the gear pawl mechanism for the 100-tooth, the working angle (the degree of swing arc required to engage the next ratcheting motion) could end up being high, making it close to a standard 72-tooth.

I think the 120-tooth only applies to their spline models (but I think it might only apply to the larger sizes...they also have 90-tooth and the standard 72-tooth for the rest of their lineup). You can find them relabled under the following names: Matco, Mac (Mac Edge), SK, Blue-point, Pedros, EZ-red, Cooper, KTC, Tone.

 

[tonydanzah]

yeah i have the kabo rebadged matco xl spline set, i don't think its over 72 tooth.

 

[Wes28376]

This seems like a pretty good deal to me:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Williams-Flex-H...ltDomain_0?hash=item5639ed6f3b#ht_3584wt_1167

 

[BackTracker]

I have 6 sets of ratcheting wrenches. They are priceless. I have the Gearwrench flex heads, I have the husky stubby flex heads, I have 3 sets of Craftsman pro full polish non flex head, and t0day I ordered the SK spline gpro xxl double box flex heads. The gearwrench "feels" cheaper, and is. The Husky set feels like ****...but I haven't broken one yet, and they have gotten me out of some stick situations where just nothing else would work. The craftsman pro's are my "GO TO's" ...Probably the best tool I own, and most frequently used. I have one powerbuilt (POS). I also bought, and returned the raised panel cman ratcheting wrenches. They are the biggest piles of horse $h!t I have ever used.

The locking flex head has such a fat head that I never bothered with them. I always like to have an open end on my wrenches as well. I double wrench (for reach) on the Cmans regularly (hence why I bought the XXL SK's for $109). Also, generally I really like the fixed head nothing annoys me more than having to hold the floppy headed ratcheting wrench head on the bolt.

My .02 cents