Recommendations on flex head wrench set?

[Billgluckman]

Update: I ended up but 2 Williams reversible wrenches. They both failed in the last 2 weeks. Looking at their website it doesn’t sound like they will warranty them.




I need another set of metric flex head wrenches. I would love if they were reversible and included a 21mm but I’m trying to keep it under $200.

I’m strongly considering Icon (no 21mm, no reverse) because Harbor Freight is 30 minutes from my house and warranty is fast and easy. I own icon ratchets and sockets and have been very happy with them. I’ve only had 1 issue (1/4ratchet) and they replaced it without any hassle.

I’ve looked at other brands. I almost ordered a set of Williams wrenches but that harbor freight warranty just keeps pulling at me.

Are there any good sales going on? Any excellent deals I need to know about?

 

[M635_Guy]

Honestly, I'd have no issues with a Williams set if they're similar in price to Icon. I don't think tools fail very often in general, and I'd trust Williams.

That said, I have a variety of Icon tools, and they've been absolutely fine.

 

[Billgluckman]

I agree, tool failure is less common than you’d think by reading online. Icon and Williams are similar price.

Icon=no hassle warranty, good luck so far with the brand

Williams=reversible, not available locally so warranty would be more trouble

 

[Poolshark314]

There was a great deal on GearWrench set a few weeks ago but no reversible switch and didn't go up to 21. Every other deal I have heard of is in the same boat

 

[Zewnten]

I don't recommend gearwrench ratcheting wrenches, they feel full of sand or something. I'd get the Icon and order the 21mm from Williams. But they're not reversible so if you're ok with double box end EZ Red has reversible locking flex.

 

[M635_Guy]

I agree, tool failure is less common than you’d think by reading online. Icon and Williams are similar price.

Icon=no hassle warranty, good luck so far with the brand

Williams=reversible, not available locally so warranty would be more trouble

You're going to have nice tools either way. I do like the ability to reverse, but it's not a deal-breaker for me for the mainly auto-related stuff I do.

 

[Mr_B]

The ICON is Kabo made so pretty decent, I'd wait for a ICON coupon to save 20 to 40 bucks then buy a 21mm to compliment the set and be in your budget.
I not generally bothered on cheap hand tool warranty but this style of tool you'll likely get benefit from usable warranty if using them fairly hard as joint or ratchet mechanism can develop issues, the Kabo uses pressed pin so can't tighten flex joint easily like style that uses a threaded machine screw pin .

 

[2Busy]

I’ve never had a warranty claim with Williams but I’ve had two sockets replaced when they arrived with scratched chrome. In both cases Williams customer service (through the distributor) was great and sent replacements without me sending the originals back. I don’t think you’d have any problems with warranty issues, if you ever have one that is.

 

[ElusiveKandyDC]

I can only comment on the Williams/Blue Point

I've used the Metric set (MWS-12RCF) for years and just recently added the SAE

Function well and have not destroyed any ratchet mechanisms yet. Worth noting I use the ratchet within reason. Always have regardless of brand


But I would not hesitate to purchase the Icon set either. I don't think the lack of a reverse switch would bother me at all on a flex head design

 

[Billgluckman]

Update: I ended up but 2 Williams reversible wrenches. They both failed in the last 2 weeks. Looking at their website it doesn’t sound like they will warranty them.

 

[nicks78camaro]

How did the wrenches fail? Breaking fasteners loose that probably should've been cracked loose with a regular wrench first? To be clear, I use ratcheting wrenches to break loose all but super tight fasteners.

 

[Ton ton]

I would simply go to the local auto parts store or pawn shop and see what they have on the shelf. Generally I use a combo wrench to break stuff loose. But I definitely have used ratcheting wrenches too.

 

[iamhomeless]

Update: I ended up but 2 Williams reversible wrenches. They both failed in the last 2 weeks. Looking at their website it doesn’t sound like they will warranty them.

Why do you think Williams won't warranty the wrenches? They are a sister company to SnapOn standing by their tools and providing a side warranty is how they built their name.

Pretty much as long as it isn't a case of obvious abuse, or you yell them you bought the wrenches at a flea market, they should take care of you. I've had SnapOn corporate /Williams warranty tools that I inherited from my Grandfather and Father in law, even after telling them how I got them, their response is usually "don't tell me that" or "usually we don't warranty inherited tools, but..."

Shoot corporate an email or give them a call on Monday and see what they say.

 

[39CAMC]

I have both Gearwrench and Kobalts and use the heck out of them, plenty of times in situations where I probably should grab a regular wrench. After about 3 years, I finally broke my 17mm Kobalt and the downside to them is while they have a warranty, there is no easy way to actually use it. Lowe's stores don't carry individual flex heads and when I called them, they issued a warranty code to use at a store....????

I used that for excuse to replace all my Kobalt with a set of 90t Gearwrench. The new GW are a little rough on the first use, I dripped oil on them and spun them a few times by hand and they felt fine after.

DaveW

 

[VolvoRyan]

Why do you think Williams won't warranty the wrenches? They are a sister company to SnapOn standing by their tools and providing a side warranty is how they built their name.

Pretty much as long as it isn't a case of obvious abuse, or you yell them you bought the wrenches at a flea market, they should take care of you. I've had SnapOn corporate /Williams warranty tools that I inherited from my Grandfather and Father in law, even after telling them how I got them, their response is usually "don't tell me that" or "usually we don't warranty inherited tools, but..."

Shoot corporate an email or give them a call on Monday and see what they say.

I'd be interested to hear how the warranty goes. Snap-On is incredible, but the industrial brands aren't necessarily Snap-On.

-Ryan

 

[Billgluckman]

Why do you think Williams won't warranty the wrenches? They are a sister company to SnapOn standing by their tools and providing a side warranty is how they built their name.

Pretty much as long as it isn't a case of obvious abuse, or you yell them you bought the wrenches at a flea market, they should take care of you. I've had SnapOn corporate /Williams warranty tools that I inherited from my Grandfather and Father in law, even after telling them how I got them, their response is usually "don't tell me that" or "usually we don't warranty inherited tools, but..."

Shoot corporate an email or give them a call on Monday and see what they say.

I’m going to email them. The wording in their warranty faq made me think you needed to buy the tools from one of their certified (?) retailers.

I’ll update when they give me an answer. Pretty disappointed with how long they lasted though. I’ve had my gearwrench set for years, and I’m a daily harbor freight tool user. None of these tools have broken.