Saltus wrenches does anyone like using them?

[woody 73]

With all the talk from the the post of "Does anyone else not like ratcheting wrenches?" From GoBlue.

This got me thinking about my favorite wrench (not for tight spaces),I grab my saltus wrenches (the socket on one end and open on the other end).
Now this part gets a little strange but I never hear many members using them or even talking about them. I am thinking that because room in all of todays vehicles are so tight you could never use them; and that is why they never get mentioned on the GJ.

So I ask Does anyone like using them for any type of work?

 

[Michiganskibum]

I've got a set of craftsman wrenches like that. Socket on one end, open end on the other. I used to grab them all the time for misc. maintenance work but for some reason they've gotten shuffled to the back of the drawer.

Not sure why, maybe since I've got my most common used combination wrenches hanging out where its just a matter of grabbing one or two and going instead of opening a drawer.

I'll have to look those wrenches up and get them back into the rotation.

 

[Joelfke]

ive got a set of matco saltis wrenches im selling because i cant find any common use for them..

 

[j.c.whitney]

Used a set of Snap On Saltus wrenches in the 1970's, love at first sight.
Couldn't afford Snap On but bought some Truecraft brand, worked fine.
Some lowlife steals all my tools (1986) so away went the Truecrafts.
I would guess the arrival of the Gearwrench type ratcheting wrenches has dimmed the some of the usefulness of Saltus wrenches. Fast forward 20 years (1990's), bought a set of SK Superkrome Saltus and they are of very high quality and still used frequently. Still, those Gearwrenches are awfully handy.

 

[woody 73]

Used a set of Snap On Saltus wrenches in the 1970's, love at first sight.
Couldn't afford Snap On but bought some Truecraft brand, worked fine.
Some lowlife steals all my tools (1986) so away went the Truecrafts.
I would guess the arrival of the Gearwrench type ratcheting wrenches has dimmed the some of the usefulness of Saltus wrenches. Fast forward 20 years (1990's), bought a set of SK Superkrome Saltus and they are of very high quality and still used frequently. Still, those Gearwrenches are awfully handy.

Sadly I think you are right on the money,the Gearwrench have replaced them,I am beginning to think that most people like the convenience of the ratchet and being able to fit into tight spots over the old sultus stlye.

 

[Jim C.]

I have an old set of seven raised panel Craftsman saltus wrenches. I use them occasionally in "breaker bar" type situations that don't require a lot of force, but not too often. They certainly were not the first wrenches I ever bought, and they're not the first wrenches I grab when I'm digging around in my box looking for a wrench. I'm pretty sure I bought them for the "cool factor" which basically says, "They looked pretty cool, so I bought them." I have noticed that the open end sides of my saltus wrenches are slightly thicker than my normal Craftsman combo wrenches from the same time period. They're good, solid wrenches...... I just don't use them too often and probably haven't gotten my money's worth out of them.

They still look pretty cool.

Jim C.

 

[NY Old Guy]

I really like Saltus wrenches a lot. Use them a lot too. I bought a complete set of Proto ones from 3/8 up to 7/8, they are really nice (very heavy duty) but pretty expensive new, I managed to buy them on Amazon for a good price but now it seems they are hard to find. I also have an SK set from 10 to 19 mm. Then I have a few mixed Snap On, Mac, and Bonney saltus wrenches as well. I find them very useful for tight spaces and the flexibilty of an open end as well as a socket end. They are great for working on motorcycles. True they won't get in as tight a spot as a ratcheting wrench but what they will do is swivel nicely in tight, hidden spots. I love 'em!!

 

[woody 73]

Yes I also like the fact that they do swivel in those hidden spots and like I said they are my go to wrenches; Glad to hear that other members are still using them.

 

[walrus]

I have Snap on ones that have sockets at both ends, love the 1/2- 9/16 one and use it all the time

 

[filtered]

I've been looking for a metric set at a reasonable price for a while now. I'd like to have them but I don't really want to spend $100+ on a set of wrenches that won't seem much use.

 

[crewchief888]

i have a few selected applications i use them for.

one is a limited access bolt on a drive motor adjuster on a sweeper, other application is more of a convienence for an oil pan drain bolt, and a couple bolts that hold a fuel filter mount in place.

i dont have anywhere near a complete set of std or metric.

or maybe i do

i cant remember

 

[Borrego]

I would not mind finding good USA sets in both metric and standard sizes at the local swap meet. Maybe I'll post an ad in the classifieds. Have no idea what I would use them for, but there is plenty of room in my tool box for them..........Have to agree with the Gearwrench angle, though. Ratcheting box end is a sweet feature.......

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've got a couple of SK's - I don't even remember where I bought them or why, but I do use them quite a bit.

 

[msnow]

I use them on the other side of an impact sometimes for light work. Williams makes an excellent set with deeper sockets then normal.

 

[j.c.whitney]

IIRC Saltus wrenches were also called "Flex Socket" or "Flexsocket" by some manufacturers. Found a 10pc set of new SK Superkrome Metric available by looking under that search term. A ratchet with socket often was too wide to reach in narrow recessed spaces where a Saltus would work.

 

[ihredo4]

I never seemed to find a practical use for them. I have them on hand but can't even guess when or on what I even used them. They look to be handy though.

 

[matthew]

I've used them the odd time to hold the other side of a fastener being ratcheted off, but I don't really see any advantage over a breaker bar and socket - it's almost the same clearance.

 

[LincolnCont.]

I've never found a use for them that a combo couldn't handle just as well but they sure do look badass, I've snagged three different $550+ Snappy sets at near mint condition for between $200 to $230 apeice while browsing E-bay. I just couldn't resist a deal is a deal.

 

[Joelfke]

sorry

 

[marcusicp]

ive got a set of matco saltus wrenches for sale....

You just posted that, yesterday, in this thread.

 

[cruiser808]

I have some S/O saltus wrench sets and used them in the day when there was clearance under the hood. Yesterday, I was involved in a EV ceremony and I looked at the drivetrain of the Nissan Leaf. I frankly have no idea how the techs can get to certain components. I suspect there must be a plate on the bottom that is removed to service under the hood. Folks, from what I saw, it's a brand new day in automotive engineering and I'm left far behind. But for me, as long as there are parts, I'm just going to keep my old FJ40 running well and as long as I can. BTY, saltus wrenches work well under the hood of an FJ40.

 

[Joelfke]

You just posted that, yesterday, in this thread.

indeed i did. sorry. forgot