Split-Box Ratcheting Wrenches

[heathy]

I've been looking for some kind of open ended ratcheting wrench. I seem to run into bolts here and there that I can't fit a socket on or slip my other ratcheting wrenches on. So basically I sit there forever doing 1/2 turns with a regular crescent and it gets annoying.

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-7125-7-Piece-Ratcheting/dp/B002Z2Z7YU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1291077218

I found these but I can't seem to find anything like it for Craftsman, Snap On, etc.

Anyone know anything about Astro Pneumatic and whether I can find something similar in another brand?

I know ratcheting flare wrenches exist but if the are like regular flare wrenches then I'd still have the problem of slipping them over a nut in a tight space.

 

[airbuff101]

The type that you show were originally Imperial Eastman or (Tubing Appliance)from many decades ago. The were resurected 15-20 years ago by Mac and SK but were still IE/ US made as far as I know. They were available in both metric and SAE. I had a couple sets returned way back then as they didn't function as expected.....and I agreed.
I would stay away from the chinese clones as the tools required precise manufacturing to function reliably in my experience. They weren't cheap. They also didn't sell........ at least to car guys.
Uplifting Rob

 

[Monte]

http://www.stridetool.com/tools/hose_tubingtools/servicetools_04.html

 

[airbuff101]

http://www.stridetool.com/tools/hose_tubingtools/servicetools_04.html

Yup.
Thats them with fancy/smancy handle decor..............
I bet they still don't sell.

Rob the optimist

 

[wreckercologist]

They're ok tools, but you have to keep them square to the fitting/fastener or they will open up and slip.

If the OP is dead set on buying a set, I found a set of Armstrong branded wrenches for super cheap on Ebay. They are the same as in the link Monte posted, except for the name stamped on them. The Mac set I owned years ago were the same too.

I can't imagine auto machanics really going for these like airbuff Rob said. More of a HVAC, hydraulic, industry type tool.

 

[Hoss356]

Those are ratcheting flare nut wrenches. I have a set from Proto that work just fine on the flare nuts I've used them on. I like my Proto's and you can still find em new just google "Proto ratcheting flare nut wrench set".

 

[Ign]

I noticed these are on sale for the next three days thru Northern for $24.00
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...KETCODE=&om_rid=AAH1U6&om_mid=_BSkzvGB82qW0GP

presently shows $39.99 in the Amazon link for me in post #1

Much like Airbuff101 I coulda sworn these were Imperials (or Imperial copies) which I used to see in the big Sears tool catalog marketed as ratcheting line wrenches.

Given the mixed reviews I'm not sure I'm willing to fork out even $24.00 (plus shipping)

 

[Dave455]

I know exactly what you mean!

Saltus tools in Germany make them! I have a currentish paper catalogue of theirs which shows them!

A search online should find you a picture!

 

[mrjaw14]

or you could get craftsman ratcheting OPEN end wrenches. never tried them, but for your application might be the ticket. look on this page, scroll down towards the bottom and look at the single wrenches

http://www.craftsman.com/search=Cra...irect=false&storeId=10155&yikes_prod=43270417