SK X-Frame -VS- WrightGRIP -VS- Snap-on Flank Drive+

[woodstockva]

Hey everybody -

Now that SK is finally shipping the new X-frame wrenches, I got the SAE set in & decided to see how the open end would perform compared to the WrightGRIP & Flank Drive+. As we all know from previous testing, almost all wrenches fail (deform and/or round off corners) where the Snap-on & WrightGRIP will lock on and not let go --- shearing a grade 8 bolt head off in the test setup.

While this is NOT a "perfect" comparison, since the SK is a ratcheting wrench & the other two are standard combo wrenches, it should be able to prove how effective the new open end design on the SK actually is.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VqQ-PshbvWY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Sanny81]

Nice I've been looking forward to you doing this test.

 

[Stooge]

nice review and video! assuming that you had some play time with the ratcheting box end, how confident are you in it? how comfortable is it with the thicker/larger frame? I've been ogling these since I first saw them teased, and with the low profile of a ratcheting box end and being able to break old rusted nuts and bolts free with some confidence would be enough to warrant the price.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I say put the ratcheting side on the GR8 bolt and see how it holds up! I think from the design it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[dutchgray]

One of these manufactures really needs to put a gripping open end on a really long wrench, to make full use of the grip they provide. A long DOE set would be good.

 

[anndel]

Thanks for the excellent review.

 

[GeorgeFromPa]

i say put the ratcheting side on the gr8 bolt and see how it holds up! I think from the design it shouldn't be a problem.

+ 1 !!!!!

 

[Kensgarage]

I say put the ratcheting side on the GR8 bolt and see how it holds up! I think from the design it shouldn't be a problem.

+1
There ya go Woodstock. I agree. Let's see some ratchet wrench/bolt shear- fail testing !
Put the SK up against the Gearwrench, Proto and maybe Hellish Fear or Crapsman varieties of ratcheting ends.


BTW. Why no ASD Proto in the open end runoff ? No love for Proto amongst grease monkeys(automotive technicians ) I guess

 

[shanny19]

Thanks, nice work as usual!!
Am I the only guy that won't touch those SK's based on sheer fugliness alone? yikes.

 

[Olafur]

I don't understand the concept behind the "x-frame" design from SK

The Japanese company Asahi has been playing with similar ideas, but their wrenches are actually lighter than usual and marketed as such. And that's the point behind the design - remove material from low stress areas in the beam to reduce weight.

Judging by this video the x-frame wrench is not lighter, but actually much heavier than regular wrench, it's clumsy, and the design creates access problems towards the ends. And to boot it seems they are stuck with zero offset because of the x-frame design.

This wrench doesn't look like anything I need -what am I missing?

Ps
Thanks for the review!

 

[Olafur]

Question to woodstockva:
Did the SK leave 2 or 4 marks on the bolt head?

I am just curious if the serrations in the back of the open end do something or not. If they do something they must leave a mark? (it looks like it from the video..)

 

[buba]

I say put the ratcheting side on the GR8 bolt and see how it holds up! I think from the design it shouldn't be a problem.

Ditto... Besides it has a lifetime warranty... go for it.

 

[organ]

Ditto... Besides it has a lifetime warranty... go for it.

Cheater pipe = abuse...

 

[Fedwrench]

Yes, test the ratcheting boxed end!!! After all, SK put those lovely cut outs in the X Frame because, the ratcheting boxed end was too strong to use a regular combination wrench design. Let's go, start filming the action now

 

[laconic1]

I want SK to succeed, and I have purchased a fair amount of their tools lately, but I just can't see myself ever buying these. Way too thick and clumsy looking for starters.

I would like to see a Williams wrench in this test. It has an antislip design, similar to the Snapon, but without the small grooves machined in. I wonder how that design fares in this type of test.

 

[popparoach]

I want SK to succeed, and I have purchased a fair amount of their tools lately, but I just can't see myself ever buying these. Way too thick and clumsy looking for starters.

I would like to see a Williams wrench in this test. It has an antislip design, similar to the Snapon, but without the small grooves machined in. I wonder how that design fares in this type of test.

The Williams won't shear a bolt with the open end.supercombos will spread and round the head.that's why I sold mine. I really liked them but 9/16 and under spread way too easily.

 

[CobraChevelle]

The Williams won't shear a bolt with the open end.supercombos will spread and round the head.that's why I sold mine. I really liked them but 9/16 and under spread way too easily.

This is why I lol when I hear people say they are the "same as snap on". I almost bought those too, they are nice but better out there for the $$

 

[lightning02]

Great video as always but the wrench not so much. They have a nice open end but everything else about it ***** lol just my .02 tho.

 

[Askme42]

Great video as always but the wrench not so much. They have a nice open end but everything else about it ***** lol just my .02 tho.

I really hope they put this open end on all
Of their wrenches in the future.

 

[lightning02]

I really hope they put this open end on all
Of their wrenches in the future.

I have to agree. It would be a smart move on there part.