Reversible ratcheting wrench sets

[Nezil]

Hi everyone... first post, but decided to join the forum because every search I did about tools seemed to end up here!

I recently did some work that required a 16mm box end wrench, and a ratcheting version would have made things a hell of a lot quicker, so I decided to look for a set to add to the tool collection.

Unfortunately with lots of time trapped at home, I'm starting to get tempted to replace and update my entire tool collection, but that's another story...

I'm a weekend warrior rather than a full time professional, so I guess I'm looking at mid range products rather than very high end. I also only really work on modern European and Japanese cars, so I only need metric tools. The shortlist I have so far is:

• Dewalt 13 peice (8-19mm)
• Tekton 12 peice (8-19mm)
• Williams 12 piece (8-19mm)
• Husky Master 13 piece (8-19 + 21mm)

The Tekton and Williams are fairly similar in price, the Husky set is quite a bit cheaper and includes a 21mm as well, and the Dewalt set is about in between.

I'm also considering Carlyle, but they're slightly out of the price range I want to spend.

I've had a chance to take a look at the Dewalt, Tekton and Williams first hand, and had the following thoughts:

Dewalt
Pros: lower cost
Cons: Reversible, but direction cannot be changed under load or when pushed into a corner (not much better than non-reversible), no open end features

Tekton
Pros: 6 point box end, great reputation for customer service, value, could go with Tekton for other tools and unify brand, direction changes under load, great chrome quality
Cons: No open end features

Williams
Pros: Beautiful dark chrome plating, user serviceable, laser markings
Cons: Dark chrome doesn't match anything else in the tool box

Husky
Pros: Low cost, images look like GearWrench copies, 21mm included in the set
Cons: Unknown quality

At this point, I'm leaning towards the Tekton set, but the Williams is also interesting. Williams is user serviceable, but I'm not sure that's actually a benefit. If the wrenches are guaranteed anyway, why would I need to service them?

It does look to me that the Dewalt, with its smaller head is a single pawl design, whereas the Williams is definitely dual pawl. The Tekton heads are very similar in size to the Williams, so may be dual pawl as well. Maybe that's what's causing the reversing under load problem that the Dewalt have?

Any thoughts from you guys?

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would just go with the Husky ones which are most likely sourced from China by Apex tool group. The other three options are made in Taiwan. If the Williams ones are the same as the Blue point ones, being able to service it makes a difference when there's limited space on the tool truck for storing new wrenches. Ratcheting wrenches are consumables at the end of the day and I'd be more concerned about ease of warranty.

 

[Odd-job]

After buying an older metric Dewalt set with ASD and then getting a newer SAE non ASD set am actually wishing I held out for the Icons in terms of value and features or grabbed Carlyles when they were on a massive sale Q1 last year.

Dewalt after the craftsman acquisition definitely had their lineup cheapened up as they were once patterned after the protos. Anyways my two cents.

 

[Nezil]

After buying an older metric Dewalt set with ASD and then getting a newer SAE non ASD set am actually wishing I held out for the Icons in terms of value and features or grabbed Carlyles when they were on a massive sale Q1 last year.

Dewalt after the craftsman acquisition definitely had their lineup cheapened up as they were once patterned after the protos. Anyways my two cents.

Ah, this does explain some of what I found with the Dewalt set. I found some YouTube videos with a Dewalt set that looked good, but the part number stamped on one of the wrenches in the video now refers to a non reversible Dewalt part and as you say, the quality seems to have dropped on the newer sets. The set in the YouTube video did have ASD.

 

[Odd-job]

Ah, this does explain some of what I found with the Dewalt set. I found some YouTube videos with a Dewalt set that looked good, but the part number stamped on one of the wrenches in the video now refers to a non reversible Dewalt part and as you say, the quality seems to have dropped on the newer sets. The set in the YouTube video did have ASD.

Unfortunately these days would put them at maybe one level above Gearwrench. Only because they are Taiwan made and I hear most of new Gearwrench and Husky sets are coming from China.

They used to be on par with the Williams and for the money were a great value before the folks at SBD realized they were giving too good of a value.

 

[Nezil]

Unfortunately these days would put them at maybe one level above Gearwrench. Only because they are Taiwan made and I hear most of new Gearwrench and Husky sets are coming from China.

They used to be on par with the Williams and for the money were a great value before the folks at SBD realized they were giving too good of a value.

So if, as I suspect, the Dewalt and Husky are going to be of similar (lower) quality, that leaves the decision with Williams vs Tekton, with Carlyle and Icon being outliers.

Carlyle is currently quite a bit more expensive. Icon is a little more expensive for a smaller set (10pc vs 12).

 

[garfunkle24]

Laser Markings as a "Pro"?! Each to their own!

 

[Skin]

The Icon ones are really nice and have the Matco/Armstrong/Gearwrench non-slip open ends which work great in my experience. They're also amongst some of the longest combos of any type you can get. If I were starting over today I'd have a set no questions asked. There is still an 20% off anything Icon coupon until Wed too. $120 for what you're getting is a no brainer. I just wish the stores supported warranty replacements with open stock but that's a small complaint unless you abuse the tools regularly.

 

[d.mcfarland]

My Gearwrench sets work fine. I've never abused them. I have heard the warranty is a pain.

For that sake, may want to go Tekton.

 

[Skin]

My Gearwrench sets work fine. I've never abused them. I have heard the warranty is a pain.

For that sake, may want to go Tekton.

Gearwrench has different tiers too. The original pre-2010 product was much nicer in terms of beam forgings. The sets these days with the wrenches priced at $1-1.50/ea are kind of crude (and made in China instead of Taiwan). The 120XP by comparison are more reminiscent of the original product that built the brand. If I were going to get a set i'd get those. Problem is they're Apex and funnel money into Bain Capital which was so kind to shutter all US based tool manufacturing in favor of China. I wouldn't willingly give them a dime if I can help it so no GW or Husky here if I have a choice.

Harbor Freight may not make anything but they're at least an American company that employs tens of thousands of people through their distribution chain. I don't think anyone can argue that they haven't seriously stepped up their game in the quality department over the last half decade either.

 

[lardy1]

I have the Tekton reversible. I also asked for feedback and advice much like this thread. Tekton was at the top of the heap in everything I wanted except being six point. So far, that hasn't been an issue. Nor has reversing under load.

 

[Toold_up]

Blackhawk:

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/46024295

 

[Mr_B]

The Icon ones are really nice and have the Matco/Armstrong/Gearwrench non-slip open ends which work great in my experience. They're also amongst some of the longest combos of any type you can get. If I were starting over today I'd have a set no questions asked. There is still an 20% off anything Icon coupon until Wed too. $120 for what you're getting is a no brainer. I just wish the stores supported warranty replacements with open stock but that's a small complaint unless you abuse the tools regularly.

+1
I bought ICON ones purely as wanted long pattern and I liked the design/features .
price with coupon and usable warranty makes it good value, I only got warranty 1 or 2 popular sizes in few years to make it incredible value .
They look to be made by high-five, ratchet end is great, strong and slim.
Open end not going be best performer but it not feature I really buying them for .
I been using them hard daily for months and perfectly decent .
One of very few items under ICON brand that actually pretty good buy .

 

[pbon]

Most of my tools are not expensive fancy ones but get the job done. If I was a pro who used them every day or I had an unlimited budget for my home shop, I would spend more on better ones. Buy the Husky.

 

[javyLSU]

I was going to do it over again, I'd buy this Husky set from Home Depot:

$149 gets you every Metric and SAE reversible ratcheting wrench with no skips. These Husky wrenches are very obviously the same as Gearwrench. I have a complete Gearwrench set, and they are exactly the same, down to the font used on the size markings.

On a related note, I keep reading people posting that they "heard Gearwrench warranty is a pain," but I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about their warranty. I've had to warranty two wrenches over the past 15 years of ownership, and both times I called, sent them a picture of the wrench, and they mailed me a replacement. Not sure what more you could ask from a warranty - aside from having a tool truck come swap it out (if they have it, my Snap-on guy would have to order reversible ratcheting singles) or having a physical store to walk in and exchange.

 

[thr3squared]

My Gearwrench sets work fine. I've never abused them. I have heard the warranty is a pain.

For that sake, may want to go Tekton.

I can't speak to the warranty, but I use their metric and standard reversible ratcheting wrenches at work & home and have found them to be good products.

OP- keep an eye out on Tool Topia and Amazon and you can find good prices.

 

[VolvoRyan]

GearWrench flex heads! Not reversible, you just flip the wrench.

I got a Tekton 10mm last week to try out. The fit on the fastener is stellar.... the ratcheting mechanism is "meh" at best. Really gronchy. Brand new tool. I was not impressed.

-Ryan

 

[dimichele]

Advance auto ocasionally has gearwrench sets for 1/2 off. I picked up an 8 piece set a month or 2 ago for $35.

 

[Fedwrench]

Which Williams ratchet set are you looking at? You mentioned laser etching so, I'm guessing you're looking at the Taiwan made set. I wish someone would pick up the US made supercombo ratcheting set and review it.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/williams-mws-12rc-ratcheting-combination-wrench-set-12-pc-8-19mm

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/will...ing-supercombo-combination-wrench-set-10-19mm

I know you can replace the selector switch on these but, i think that's as far as operator maintenance goes.

You seem to have the usual choices listed but, I would add Proto to the mix. Proto offers you a few types black spline reversible, fully polished reversible (Taiwan made), and the eye beam US made version with spline boxed ends.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[SteveCh]

Williams

Cons: Dark chrome doesn't match anything else in the tool box

Extreme bummer.

Ok, seriously, I don't have those wrenches from Williams, but I have a numberr of other Williams wrenches, and they are some of my favorites. Very nice tools.

 

[terrapinwheeler]

To each their own, but I would skip the chinesium stuff and go USA Made Proto:

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/...n-Reversible-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set---Spline-/

 

[Professional Tool User]

+1
I bought ICON ones purely as wanted long pattern and I liked the design/features .
price with coupon and usable warranty makes it good value, I only got warranty 1 or 2 popular sizes in few years to make it incredible value .
They look to be made by high-five, ratchet end is great, strong and slim.
Open end not going be best performer but it not feature I really buying them for .
I been using them hard daily for months and perfectly decent .
One of very few items under ICON brand that actually pretty good buy .

If I were to buy long pattern ones, I'd skip all the combination wrenches and buy those long double box end flex head ones from either Tekton or Gearwrench. Shorter ratcheting wrenches definitely help in tight spaces.

 

[Professional Tool User]

To each their own, but I would skip the chinesium stuff and go USA Made Proto:

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/...n-Reversible-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set---Spline-/

You are better off buying a made in China set and spend the savings on cordless and air tools. That will improve your productivity far more than a set of expensive ratcheting wrenches.

 

[Formerjeeper]

To each their own, but I would skip the chinesium stuff and go USA Made Proto:

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/...n-Reversible-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set---Spline-/

Not OP but I have looked hard at those (my non-ratch combo wrenches are all Proto and I love them) and if they were 12-point I would probably own them already. Just can't get excited about the spline or paying that much without knowing if I'll like the spline.

 

[woody6904]

Blackhawk is my vote. They have smaller box ends compared to the Tektons and taiwan Williams.

 

[Formerjeeper]

Sending you a PM. I have several assorted new 9/16" ratcheting wrenches I bought when trying to make the same decision. Happy to pass them along to you or someone else trying to make the same decision for minimal cost.

 

[Formerjeeper]

Which Williams ratchet set are you looking at? You mentioned laser etching so, I'm guessing you're looking at the Taiwan made set. I wish someone would pick up the US made supercombo ratcheting set and review it.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/williams-mws-12rc-ratcheting-combination-wrench-set-12-pc-8-19mm

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/will...ing-supercombo-combination-wrench-set-10-19mm

Fedwrench I'm 99% sure the sets linked to are Taiwan.

Edit: Sorry - first set is Taiwan - just saw second link is USA. Did not know those existed.

 

[Ton ton]

My local Napa had reversible ratchet wrenches in stock the last time I was in there. If my memory serves me correctly. Gear wrench brand.

 

[Shane6377]

Of the choices you listed I would go Williams, no question. The Dewalt and Husky are not near as good IMO.


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[Skin]

If I were to buy long pattern ones, I'd skip all the combination wrenches and buy those long double box end flex head ones from either Tekton or Gearwrench. Shorter ratcheting wrenches definitely help in tight spaces.

If its your first set a combo with a functioning anti-slip open end is pretty handy. Doesn't matter if its on a basic combo or ratcheting but if the OP is lacking in that department also its not a bad time to put both in the tool box by way of a good set of ratcheting combos.

 

[Nezil]

Thanks for all the feedback so far. Based on what I've read, I'm going to take a look at Icon before the coupon runs out, and Blackhawk.

Right now I'm still torn between Williams (yes Taiwan = Blue Point) and Tekton. I don't think I'm going to like the Icon set because they're long pattern. Blackhawk is a new interesting option.

 

[Nezil]

The Williams is totally user serviceable by the way. It has a Torx screw for the direction lever, and a spring clip holding the geared part in place. If you remove both of those parts, the dual pawls are right there with springs ball detents etc.

All very nice, and I love seeing how things work, but I'm just not sure there is any point with the lifetime warranty everyone offers these days.

 

[Skin]

The import Blue-Point/Williams can be taken apart. The USA made ones Fed posted can only have the lever removed despite being basically the same design.

Don't knock long pattern. Its all I use ever since I got my hands on my first Snap-on long combos. My most used wrenches outside the engine bay are actually these

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...IECE-0-FLEX-RATCHETING-EXTRA-LONG-WRENCH-SET/

Leverage is your friend.

 

[Mr_B]

If I were to buy long pattern ones, I'd skip all the combination wrenches and buy those long double box end flex head ones from either Tekton or Gearwrench. Shorter ratcheting wrenches definitely help in tight spaces.

For extra long I like the reversable with aviation style heads ...

 

[Toold_up]

Which Williams ratchet set are you looking at? You mentioned laser etching so, I'm guessing you're looking at the Taiwan made set. I wish someone would pick up the US made supercombo ratcheting set and review it.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/will...ing-supercombo-combination-wrench-set-10-19mm

your quest.

I did not know those existed either. I really like the few Williams wrenches I have.

One thing that bothers me about reversible ratcheting wrenches is the lever. I've gotten the lever caught on something and snapped the little ****** off on a Matco wrench once. Food for thought.

 

[Fedwrench]

To each their own, but I would skip the chinesium stuff and go USA Made Proto

To be honest, I feel Taiwan has the modern fine toothed ratcheting wrench market covered. Kabo, High Five, Infar and other strange named companies make some really nice ratcheting wrenches.

Edit: Not to hijack the thread much but, this style of standard length ratcheting wrench with a fixed boxed end on one end and a fine toothed ratcheting boxed end has been my favorite style since Matco first released them like 18 years ago or so.
http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/...Metric-Double-Box-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set.html#

 

[Shane6377]

The import Blue-Point/Williams can be taken apart. The USA made ones Fed posted can only have the lever removed despite being basically the same design.

Don't knock long pattern. Its all I use ever since I got my hands on my first Snap-on long combos. My most used wrenches outside the engine bay are actually these

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...IECE-0-FLEX-RATCHETING-EXTRA-LONG-WRENCH-SET/

Leverage is your friend.

I never use my ratcheting wrenches for high torque applications. The long pattern is for reach, not leverage IMO.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Ton ton]

Does channel lock have ratchet wrenches? I understand infar makes their regular ratchets.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have numerous sets of Taiwan Williams, they have worked great for me. My single set of GW have also worked just fine.

I would be VERY tempted by that USA set of williams, Dual 80 ratcheting end plus a fancy open end. I wasn't aware these were available.... I need more room in the wrench drawer.

 

[Ton ton]

Yes they have ratcheting wrenches:

https://www.channellock.com/product/38040/

https://www.channellock.com/product/841m/

https://www.channellock.com/product-category/wrenches/

Thanks for the links, avenging bankroll.