So I'm looking at purchasing a set of Snap On Ratcheting Wrenches. I can't seem to make up my mind between OXRM710A and S0XRRM710A. I have a set of Gearwrench Flex Flex Head and the wrenches work great but not sure I'm a huge fan of the flex head on the regular basis, which is why Id like to get one of the sets I've listed. My worry is the offsets. I know a standard wrench, correct me if I'm wrong, are about a 5 degree offset. The 15 degree offset on the second set listed just seems a lot and I feel would limit me in certain narrow areas when working on a car and then worried about not having clearance for my fingers with the 0 degree offset at times. Which ones did you purchase and what would you recommend? I'll eventually get both sets one day but for now, just trying to figure out which to get first haha.
Snap On Ratcheting Wrenches
- Thread starter coachroy
- Start date
Standard combination wrenches are 15 degree offset.
the bigger difference is the first set you posted is non reversible. You definitely want reversible wrenches. If your working in a tight spot and you are using the wrench to remove a bolt and you don’t have enough room to remoce the wrench off the bolt well now your screwed because you can’t flip a lever to reverse it to tighten the bolt to make space for the wrench to come off.
the bigger difference is the first set you posted is non reversible. You definitely want reversible wrenches. If your working in a tight spot and you are using the wrench to remove a bolt and you don’t have enough room to remoce the wrench off the bolt well now your screwed because you can’t flip a lever to reverse it to tighten the bolt to make space for the wrench to come off.
lol I don't know where I saw it, but I thought mine were 5 degree, but I just double checked and you are 100% correct haha.
Well now I'm just curious in general, what other's opinions are on which wrench they prefer.
i would also consider not buying a full set. Snap on doesn’t discount sets. It’s the same price as buying the individuals separate. You prob don’t need an 11 mm ratcheting wrench. You might just need JIS sizes if you got a Japanese car or ISO sizes I’d you got an American car.
Im guessing your not a pro mechanic or you wouldn’t be asking this question so rather than getting no skips on the most expensive wrenches that exist maybe you just get the sizes for your car. On Japanese cars I see 10 12 13 14 17 19
The second set of wrenches I hear is great. But I don’t got any. Another set from snap on that is great and I have some are these
shop.snapon.com
Between the regular 15 degree ones and these long flex ones you got something great.
If you got the money to burn I’d also get these
shop.snapon.com
prob also in just the sizes your going to use
Im guessing your not a pro mechanic or you wouldn’t be asking this question so rather than getting no skips on the most expensive wrenches that exist maybe you just get the sizes for your car. On Japanese cars I see 10 12 13 14 17 19
The second set of wrenches I hear is great. But I don’t got any. Another set from snap on that is great and I have some are these
Snap-on Store
Between the regular 15 degree ones and these long flex ones you got something great.
If you got the money to burn I’d also get these
Snap-on Store
prob also in just the sizes your going to use
we will see but I would put money on it, no one is going to recommend the first one you posted because it’s non reversible so like I said before you can get stuck. Everyone prefers reversible to non reversible. With some things it’s preference like do you prefer chocolate or vanilla. But with reversible wrenches it’s like. Would you prefer to get punched in the face or would you prefer not to get punched in the face?
lol I have read and watched a view reviews of people talking about getting their wrenches stuck when they aren't reversible. I'd be lying if I said I didnt run into that before the odd time with my Gear Wrench, so very good point.
I'm actually an Aircraft Technician but all my tools are supplied for accountability purposes. Apparently leaving tools accidently in an aircraft engine or in the flight controls, might cause an issue. haha. These are just for at home use as a hobbyist working on cars, motorcycles and other small engines.i would also consider not buying a full set. Snap on doesn’t discount sets. It’s the same price as buying the individuals separate. You prob don’t need an 11 mm ratcheting wrench. You might just need JIS sizes if you got a Japanese car or ISO sizes I’d you got an American car.
Im guessing your not a pro mechanic or you wouldn’t be asking this question so rather than getting no skips on the most expensive wrenches that exist maybe you just get the sizes for your car. On Japanese cars I see 10 12 13 14 17 19
The second set of wrenches I hear is great. But I don’t got any. Another set from snap on that is great and I have some are these
Snap-on Store
Between the regular 15 degree ones and these long flex ones you got something great.
If you got the money to burn I’d also get these
Snap-on Store
prob also in just the sizes your going to use
I am in the market for a set of the extra long ratcheting. I've only ran into a the rare occasion where I needed them but maybe if I had them, id realize I should have gotten them sooner. Im weary about the flex head. Last thing I want is to be reach somewhere and the head keeps flexing on my while Im trying to place it on the bolt head. With that said, every one seems to swear by them and dont really mention that issue. I'm debating on picking up a cheap set, see how often I use them and then upgrade.
As for cost, I'm pretty fortunate with what my cost is for Snap On Tools. It's pretty much the biggest reason I have decided to start upgrading a lot of my tools to Snap On recently. I was in Automotive before, so picked up the basic snap on tools, 3/8 sockets, pliers, screwdrivers etc from them and have been a fan ever since, but never wanted to spend the money on a lot of the other stuff until now
Thanks for the advice and recommendations on those other tools!
cherrybomb
Well-known member
Your doing the home work on all the options and what your likes and dislikes in a wrench are will end in a much better purchase I believe.
Ya I mean Snap On is definitely a pricey item but I'm a fan. There have been some tools I was interested at getting but came across some review videos that changed my mind and went with something else. I know there are lots of other brands that could do the same job as well but nothing like spending double for a white shirt that has a check mark on it.
lotus_esprit
Well-known member
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- Nov 26, 2009
- Messages
- 114
I have the OXRM710A, SOXRRM710A and also the extra long non flexible ratcheting wrenches. SOXRRM710A I have used far more than the other two sets. I could probably live without OXRM710A as they are duplicated in use with the extra long ratchet wrenches.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have the reversible Snap-on SOXRRM710A, as well as the SAE version, and use them much more than the zero offset non-reversible Matco ones that I have. That being said, I still like the zero offset Matco set and use them quite a bit, I just tend to reach for the reversible 15-degree offset more frequently. Truth be told, I think I still grab my old standard non-ratcheting combination Snap-on's more than any of the others.
What about Williams:
www.williams-industrial.com
I'm not sure what the COO is for those. ^
Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches, 10 Piece Set
{ "1": "Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches, 10 Piece Set" }
www.williams-industrial.com
I'm not sure what the COO is for those. ^
My Williams flex head ratchet wrench set is Taiwan, they're greatWhat about Williams:
Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches, 10 Piece Set
{ "1": "Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches, 10 Piece Set" }
I'm not sure what the COO is for those. ^
I don't like ratchet wrenches. I have the older non rebuildable versions of the SOXRMs and never use them. I wouldn't splash out on expensive ratchet wrenches until I had a full drawer of non ratchet wrenches. My current go-tos are the Snap On XL FD+ combos. I also have the 15 deg DBEs that I use almost as much. I have the super long zeros with the non-reversible ratchet on one end. Those are nice, but the ratchets aren't. I don't trust them.
What about Williams:
Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches, 10 Piece Set
{ "1": "Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches, 10 Piece Set" }
I'm not sure what the COO is for those. ^
The Supercombos are supposed to be USA, but I bet the ratcheting mechanism isn't.
lotus_esprit
Well-known member
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- Nov 26, 2009
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- 114
The SOXRRM”A” versions are much better than the old SOXRM type, my SAE are the old type and feel like Blue Point wrenches in comparison. The non A versions are not quite as good as have a tendency for the backplate to loosen and screws strip.
I quite like the super long non reversible ratchet set, although admittedly haven’t used them in anger yet
I hear this sentiment often and i just dont get it. I use a standard wrench because i have to, otherwise I’d much rather ratchet it off. Much easier and faster (to me). And yet, enough experienced people have echoed your feelings to make me think I’m missing something.
Is this a generational divide? People that got into wrenching before Gearwrenches were invented don’t like them, something like that?
toolenthusiast
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- Jan 21, 2017
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I don’t like wrenches at all. They have their place, but they usually get pulled out for lack of the correct ratchet/socket/driver IME.
LWB
Well-known member
I will use a ratcheting wrench before anything else. I think it just boils down to personal preference (feel), not the tools themselves.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ya know, I don't actually know. I have not heard one way or the other but I just know I don't automatically reach for my ratcheting wrenches and more times than not just grab a standard combination. In fact, my standard combination Snap-on's are front and center in my wrench drawer with the ratcheting version alongside them. Both are easy to grab but it seems I much more often have a standard non-ratcheting wrench in my hand.
It could have something to do with the fact that I don't break fasteners loose with a ratcheting wrench. I will break a fastener loose with a standard wrench and then go to a ratcheting wrench as I don't feel they are designed to take that kind of force or stress. I will also admit, many times I grab both, the standard wrench to break the fastener loose, then the ratcheting wrench to completely remove it.
I have that set. Each wrench came with a little hang tag on a string that said made in USA and had a flag on it… but they are not stamped USA. My estimation is that you are exactly right. I do not even know how they are allowed to put the hang tags on them, since they do not have the “with domestic and imported components” type disclaimer. The hang tags only said made in USA.
I felt the exact same way when I had craftsman wrenches. For me, Snap On wrenches were a wrench game changer. Now I’d almost prefer a wrench. And get this: I find the open end faster than just about any other non-mechanized tool.
Schurkey
Well-known member
lotus_esprit
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SRXRM have the clunky old style ratcheting ends though
Some awesome advice from everyone. Thanks for taking the time to give me your input. Seems like I can't go wrong with having a set of Ratcheting and Non-ratcheting. Good thing they're both on my list now for future purchase. Still gotta make sure I don't have buyers remorse from my last Snap On haul haha.
If you can afford them, these are great:
Super torn between these and the flex head ones. I see so many with the flex head ones but I lean towards the fixed head.If you can afford them, these are great:
No, get the flex head. I have the first generation short Gearwrench with no flex head and just never use them anymore- because I have flex heads the same length, and longer. And if I have a wrench 2X longer with no flex head I'd use them even less than never
Not sure what your career is but if you're just getting in the pro-wrench game or just a DIY'er, consider more for your money right now.
For the price of one of those Snap-on sets, you could buy a set of SAE/Metric Gearwrench reversible ratchet wrenches, SAE/Metric flexhead non-reversing ratchet wrenches and a set of each stubby SAE/Metric.
Use them for a while then upgrade to what one you like the most or don't upgrade if you hate them. If you're a pro-wrench, take the Gearwrench stuff home when you upgrade. If you can afford to throw the cash down without hesitating, go for it, to each their own.
But I will agree with Mike, don't abuse the ratchet wrenches to break stuff loose.
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roofdweller49
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Does one need both a 15 degree offset set and a flex set, or can the flex effectively be an offset wrench?
The thing I like about the combo ratchet/box is you can use the box end to break loose/snap the fastner off, then the ratchet to undo.
I plan to buy flex heads as well
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Without even looking I would assume the SOXRRM710A has the flank drive plus open end. I wouldn't want that, but you do you.
The non flex heads are much more common in industrial applications where you tend to have more access to the bolts. They are less prone to damage from leaning hard on them.
I've had non reversable offset speed wrenches, those are real stupid because it makes it almost impossible to install a bolt.
I would go with the reversable offset wrench and a flex head wrench. You can use the flex head as a straight, but not the other way around.
I prefer a speed wrench to an actual ratchet because I can get the bolt out faster, if you can the thing on it. They need the most space to use. They are fatter then a normal box wrench so you can't always get the box in where the bolt is.
I've had non reversable offset speed wrenches, those are real stupid because it makes it almost impossible to install a bolt.
I would go with the reversable offset wrench and a flex head wrench. You can use the flex head as a straight, but not the other way around.
I prefer a speed wrench to an actual ratchet because I can get the bolt out faster, if you can the thing on it. They need the most space to use. They are fatter then a normal box wrench so you can't always get the box in where the bolt is.
rooster59
Well-known member
7/16 is very close to 11mm. 5/8 is close to 16mm. 3/4 is extremely close to 19mm
I have these and don't use them often. The ratchet ends are dodgey in my opinion. Like I could pull hard enough to strip them. But the box ends are fabulous (and tiny). I have these and the 15 degree DBEs and I don't feel they are interchangeable. These are longer. The 15 degree models I personally feel are more useful.If you can afford them, these are great:
In use, I feel these have a pretty narrow use case. If I have access, I'd just as soon use a socket and ratchet, even tho these are really better/easier. Where these really shine is for access restricted work. Under a transverse mounted engine for example. Threading these up into a tough to access fastener. In that scenario, sometimes I almost can't touch that fastener (maybe because I'm on a creeper). So flex head would be hard to get seated. You can kind force these home, if you get my drift. The flex heads just flex out of the way. Snap On does flex well. Flex heads should be really stiff.
I think my advice would be to pass on these. I would instead focus on good quality long combination wrenches. If you have that sorted, go to the Snap On style double box ends. If you have that sorted, I think I'd choose the EZ Red/ Mountain/Whatever they call the long Taiwan Double Box ratcheting flex heads, even if they are spline drive. You can buy a set for the price of one of these. I really don't think you'll be using these regularly enough to justify them.
Last word, strongly recommend against choosing flex head wrenches over fixed heads. Also, don't choose ratchet wrenches over fixed heads. Nothing beats a high quality combination or DBE wrench. Nothing!
Wrench drawer in my main box. My combos are the Snap On XLs. You can kinda get a sense for the different lengths.
Wrench drawer in my service cart/guest box. These are normal length SOEXMs. You can compare lengths here as well.
10-12, 12-14, and 14-17 DBEs are really designed for JIS cars exclusively.
I'd like a 10-13, but I don't think they make it. 10-11 is a waste as is 8-9, in my opinion. Should be 8-10, 10-13, 17-19 (I think they make that one). 16-18 - not sure about that. I'm sure they do that just to avoid the ire of GJ's skip police.
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Duh.
Why not buy a used Snap On or other brand in a common size like 10mm to see what you prefer?
That’s how I ended up with my partial Snap On SOX set. Bought an eBay lot that had 10, 12, 16 and 17mm. Later added a 14mm and 19mm. All were barely used.
Also have the Williams in both metric and SAE. Good quality. The ratchet ends are thick and etched vs stamped - haven’t had any issues but these seem to be the main complaints.
That’s how I ended up with my partial Snap On SOX set. Bought an eBay lot that had 10, 12, 16 and 17mm. Later added a 14mm and 19mm. All were barely used.
Also have the Williams in both metric and SAE. Good quality. The ratchet ends are thick and etched vs stamped - haven’t had any issues but these seem to be the main complaints.