Stubby flex head ratcheting wrench set

[signcrafter]

Looking to pick up a set of stubby flex head ratcheting wrenches in metric. Could have used them a few times in the past and today. Google came up with a few options. Gearwrench has a 10 piece set for 125 and HF has a 10 piece icon for 130. Are there any other options to look into? Would you go with the gearwrench or icon or something else? Snap on has a 12 piece set for 460 but won't use them anywhere enough to justify that price point. Was actually not looking for 130 dollar price point either since it's one of those things you don't ever use until that one fastener that it's needed for, but looks like that is what they are going for.

 

[KnurledNut]

The ICON are reliable Kabo quality and finish.
Be aware they are more of a short pattern than stubby.
The old Taiwan GW were good; I can’t speak for the current production.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Resurrecting this because I have been considering buying a set of stubby combination wrenches. I was thinking about buy a set of stubby flex head ratcheting wrenches.

I do not currently own stubby wrenches. When things are tight I have generally relied on a flex head or a tiny ratchet. So I do not even know for sure that a flex head will serve me better than a stubby ratcheting version instead (no flex head). Things I am considering:

1. OlsaTools 120 Tooth Stubby Ratcheting Wrench set for $153.87 has 8mm - 19mm with no skips. I like the range, most seem to start at 10mm. I have no idea on the length, measurements are not shown. I would love to know how long these are.... https://olsatools.com/products/120-tooth-stubby-ratcheting-wrench-set-metric?variant=41307849818163
2. Snap-On 12 pc 12-Point Metric Midget 15° Offset Box Flex-Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set (8-19 mm) (Blue-Point®) for $481. The most expensive set and the only reversible set. Also has the greater range. I do not know the number of teeth but the words are "Up to 80-gear" so I assume that the smaller wrenches have fewer teeth. The 10mm is 4-inches long and the 19mm is 5-3/4 inches long. These are the most expensive and I own no blue-point tools. I have not asked my local truck if he carries them, I figured I would ask here first. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Fle...-Wrench-Set-(8-19-mm)-(Blue-Point)/BOERMSF712
3. Harbor Freight has a 10 piece set for $130. 10mm through 19mm no skips. These are a bit longer than the Snap-On Bluepoint at 4-3/8 inch for the 10mm and 7-1/4 inches, so these seem pretty long to me. https://www.harborfreight.com/profe...ng-combination-wrench-set-10-piece-57492.html
4. Gearwrench 10 Piece 72-Tooth 12 Point Stubby Flex Head Ratcheting Combination Metric Wrench Set for $122. 10mm through 19mm no skips. No mention of of dimensions. https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-M...Ratcheting/dp/B000HBAI40?tag=atomicindus08-20

Before feedback, I would be most likely to choose OlsaTools or Snap-On

On OlsaTools, I like the expanded range and 120 Tooth seems like a good idea in tight spaces but I am concerned that I do not know how long these are. These are 6 point (could be bad in a tight space) and apparently work on 80% rounded fasteners which is a good thing.

For Snap-On, I like the length and the range. I do not like the price, but would rather pay more and have shorter, and like that it is reversible. I have no idea if the switch will get in the way.

 

[Dig Doug]

I’ve been eyeing the Olsa’s for a while

kinda hoping for a sale so it will make me buy em

 

[Ohio Andy]

I’ve been eyeing the Olsa’s for a while

kinda hoping for a sale so it will make me buy em

Have you used their fixed head ratcheting versions? (stubby or regular)

They have a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

One reviewer stated it was a good size for a stubby.

The biggest complaint that I have seen is that the storage rack is over-sized and flimsy. So thin molded plastic and large. I would use either a wrench holder in one of my cabinets or for these I might prefer a roll. I wonder if the Tekton rolls would work for them.

One review I saw on Amazon has a ruler showing them taking 10 inches deep and it looks like these are even shorter than the Snap-On versions. I would prefer reversible, but that can get in the way and I would hope I would not get hit with the Achilles Heel of non-reversible; backing out a bolt to the point the wrench is in the way. I have never had that problem and I think that very few people have. And if you are aware of it....

 

[cherrybomb]

I just started using my recently purchased Mac stubby combo's.Excellent fit,finish and smooth action.They have the off corner engagement on the box end and the ASD open end,which has those lines that help grip the fastener without marking it up.I believe they won't grip like the Snap-on or the Wrights,but I didn't buy or expect them to.Thats not what stubby do.My use was 12mm and 13mm for use on my Kubota lawn tractor.I ordered mine off the mac website,3 days and I had them.Would definitely buy again.Definetly get the reversible, no whatever brand you get

 

[mreisner]

I have this set and the metric one also and they are fantastic.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I just started using my recently purchased Mac stubby combo's.Excellent fit,finish and smooth action.They have the off corner engagement on the box end and the ASD open end,which has those lines that help grip the fastener without marking it up.I believe they won't grip like the Snap-on or the Wrights,but I didn't buy or expect them to.Thats not what stubby do.My use was 12mm and 13mm for use on my Kubota lawn tractor.I ordered mine off the mac website,3 days and I had them.Would definitely buy again.Definetly get the reversible, no whatever brand you get

They look nice, available in both 6pt and 12pt. Not sure of the length. Comes with a great case and no skips from 6mm to 19mm, but no flex head.

14-PC. Metric Stubby Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set - 12-pt.

Short length for accessibility .Revolutionary I-beam design for better comfort with less hand stress

www.mactools.com

Looks like a great solid offering. Available in SAE and Metric. well, everything I listed is available in both SAE and Metric, nice to see this is as well. Some of the things I do are SAE not Metric.

 

[Dig Doug]

Have you used their fixed head ratcheting versions? (stubby or regular)

They have a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

One reviewer stated it was a good size for a stubby.

The biggest complaint that I have seen is that the storage rack is over-sized and flimsy. So thin molded plastic and large. I would use either a wrench holder in one of my cabinets or for these I might prefer a roll. I wonder if the Tekton rolls would work for them.

One review I saw on Amazon has a ruler showing them taking 10 inches deep and it looks like these are even shorter than the Snap-On versions. I would prefer reversible, but that can get in the way and I would hope I would not get hit with the Achilles Heel of non-reversible; backing out a bolt to the point the wrench is in the way. I have never had that problem and I think that very few people have. And if you are aware of it....

I have the stand length 120 t ratchet wrenches in sae & m

they work really well ! And feel great in the hand
I used Ernst wrench pro racks to maximize space, although, I didn’t think the Olsa wrench rack was cheap or flimsy maybe they changed since I bought mine

try calling and asking Olsa direct -

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have the stand length 120 t ratchet wrenches in sae & m

they work really well ! And feel great in the hand
I used Ares wrench racks to maximize space, although, I didn’t think the Olsa wrench rack was cheap or flimsy maybe they changed since I bought mine

The stubby flex have a different holder I think. The stubby flex holder looks to be a thin plastic that is significantly wider than the wrenches, so you have a holder that is much wider than the wrench is with thin flimsy plastic taking up all that room. They probably work fine as long as it sits in a drawer and is never moved, but I don't have it so I can't say for sure.

 

[Dig Doug]

I have a ton of wrench’s

 

[Dig Doug]

The stubby flex have a different holder I think. The stubby flex holder looks to be a thin plastic that is significantly wider than the wrenches, so you have a holder that is much wider than the wrench is with thin flimsy plastic taking up all that room. They probably work fine as long as it sits in a drawer and is never moved, but I don't have it so I can't say for sure.

I could see how the rack could feel cheap / flimsy

most of the weight of the wrench is in the flex part that hangs off / outside of the rack

They don’t really post pics of the rack

 

[Ohio Andy]

@Dig Doug I like that particular style of wrench holder in cabinets.... That's a nice collection

 

[Dig Doug]

@Dig Doug I like that particular style of wrench holder in cabinets.... That's a nice collection

thank you very much
They work really well !

I have a drawer full of the V wrench racks ( plastic and metal ) and they didn’t work for my situation



Sorry
I was mistaken they aren’t ares

Ernst wrench pro they come in a variety of colors

I wanted bright colors do I could see inside the drawer, so I swapped the liner to a grey

 

[mreisner]

I have a variety of wrench holders, mostly toolbox widgets. The new generation of them are fantastic,the magnets don't fall out like the first generation occasionally had the problem.

 

[Etchase]

I have Gearwrench flex head stubbies that are absolutely fine, but I actually use Facom reversible fixed head ones. Its not Gearwrench’s fault I don’t like non-reversible wrenches. I really don’t use either very often. I think I would give the Duratech 8-19mm 12 piece set for $55 a shot. You don’t use cheater pipes on these things and not many people use them very often. Seems like an ideal opportunity to go cheap. For a few bucks more they offer an anti-slip version.

 

[impactims]

This is what I use for stubby flex wrenches

 

[impactims]

I find that having an open end on these kind of wrenches is rather silly. Would you actually use these stubby flex wrenches for the open end? No…not likely anyways.

 

[Hakeem]

I find that having an open end on these kind of wrenches is rather silly. Would you actually use these stubby flex wrenches for the open end? No…not likely anyways.

Au contraire mon Ami … they serve two purposes: stubby ratchet wrenches and stubby open end wrenches. Since the flex head can fold out of the way, they become extra stubby open end wrenches. You’ve never needed an open end wrench in confined quarters?

@Ohio Andy - I have the icon sets and love them. They aren’t the smallest but I like it that way because the handle is still long enough to get a good grip. They serve as general flex head ratchet wrenches for me. I got mine for a great deal on eBay.

 

[Olsa Tools]

I have the stand length 120 t ratchet wrenches in sae & m

they work really well ! And feel great in the hand
I used Ernst wrench pro racks to maximize space, although, I didn’t think the Olsa wrench rack was cheap or flimsy maybe they changed since I bought mine

try calling and asking Olsa direct -

Or you can tag me here any time

I took a video of a detailed view of the rack to show how all the stubbies sit on the holders. Check it out here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-tb_C5OeiDglFmthnWUZ2VZzcG9cfBSC/view?usp=sharing)!

 

[AEAdam]

Like to understand the use case.

I did some, what I felt were, VERY challenging interiors jobs. They involved under dash and seat removal type stuff. I've pulled whole interiors out. FOR ME, I used some really tiny tools to allow me remove parts behind glove boxes for example, without fully removing the glove box. Or under seats without removing the seats. FOR ME, ratcheting non-flex stubbys worked really well. Mine are Bluepoint or Snap On I think. They are old and the ratchet mechanism is nothing to write home about. But in my use, many times I was working absolutely blind and really needed a rigid tool.

If this is a speed thing, I got it. If its an access thing, I'd think long and hard about short flex heads. I can take some pics, but I think I only have a couple of these in the sizes I needed. I think they are 8, 10, 13. I may have a 7 or something I needed and maybe that was on a 1/4" fastener (ugh). I may have a 12, but haven't needed it.

BTW, the jobs I'm thinking of also started my love affair with ratcheting screwdrivers. I was using them in spots where just getting the bit centered was a huge effort and I only had one hand and....maybe we've all been there.

More: The money I saved DIYing these jobs (one was a burnt wire harness on a W126 Mercedes) was unreal. I could have replaced the engine for less money than a shop wanted to repair/replace a few wire harnesses.

In general, I want the longest ratchets and wrenches available. In times when they won't work, I want the absolute smallest wrenches. I woudn't recommend mid size, or strongly advise having a well defined use case for them.

 

[impactims]

You’ve never needed an open end wrench in confined spaces?

Obviously I have used open ended wrenches in tight spaces.

Anyone that is buying tools like this and is in the market for a specialized wrench set, such as a stubby flex ratcheting wrench set, probably already has stubby non ratcheting combo wrenches, crow feet and other open ended tools that serve the need of a stubby open end.

I have never seen anyone hunt for stubby flex ratcheting wrenches with the intention of using the open end. It’s all about the ratcheting end with these. So might was well buy double box end, get fewer wrenches, costing less and taking up
less space in the tool box and still get everything you need. Let the other tooling you already have do the open ended stuff. That’s what I am saying. I am not saying there is zero use for stubby open end.

 

[Ohio Andy]

In general, I want the longest ratchets and wrenches available. In times when they won't work, I want the absolute smallest wrenches. I woudn't recommend mid size, or strongly advise having a well defined use case for them.

I use this set often... Long flex head ratcheting....

13-Piece Long Flex Ratcheting Box End Wrench Set with Holder | TEKTON

Set Includes 1/4 - 13/16 inch (SAE), 6 - 19 mm (metric) long flex head 12-point ratcheting double box end wrenches. No skipped sizes. WRB96202.

www.tekton.com

Last time I used them because I wanted a little more torque to get something off. Not insane torque, but my wrench extender was not close by.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Or you can tag me here any time

I took a video of a detailed view of the rack to show how all the stubbies sit on the holders. Check it out here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-tb_C5OeiDglFmthnWUZ2VZzcG9cfBSC/view?usp=sharing)!

Thanks, I'm going to grab that when I'm on my computer

And how long is the shortest and the longest one

 

[Ohio Andy]

Or you can tag me here any time

I took a video of a detailed view of the rack to show how all the stubbies sit on the holders. Check it out here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-tb_C5OeiDglFmthnWUZ2VZzcG9cfBSC/view?usp=sharing)!

That looks pretty sturdy, thanks for the video!

 

[Hakeem]

Obviously I have used open ended wrenches in tight spaces.

Anyone that is buying tools like this and is in the market for a specialized wrench set, such as a stubby flex ratcheting wrench set, probably already has stubby non ratcheting combo wrenches, crow feet and other open ended tools that serve the need of a stubby open end.

I have never seen anyone hunt for stubby flex ratcheting wrenches with the intention of using the open end. It’s all about the ratcheting end with these. So might was well buy double box end, get fewer wrenches, costing less and taking up
less space in the tool box and still get everything you need. Let the other tooling you already have do the open ended stuff. That’s what I am saying. I am not saying there is zero use for stubby open end.

Sorry, didnt mean to question your experience. Sometimes people here (not you) get a little carried away with the whole “open end is pointless!!!” and i guess I had that in mind when I responded.

I’d agree with you if these were conventional length ratchet wrenches. Since most everyone has combo wrenches, the open end on the ratchet wrenches is largely redundant.

I’ll say as someone who bought stubby flexheads before stubby combos - i use the open end on them maybe as much as I use the ratchet end. Not often, but when you need the access, you need it. For me, they ARE my stubby combo wrenches.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I want both metric and SAE... Looks like the SAE are out of stock

 

[Olsa Tools]

Thanks, I'm going to grab that when I'm on my computer

And how long is the shortest and the longest one

Sorry for getting back to you so late! Let me know if you still need me to measure that for you.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Sorry for getting back to you so late! Let me know if you still need me to measure that for you.

If you could, that would be great

I have not ordered because they are out of the SAE... So I dropped an email to olsa tools and they got right back with me.... Anticipated restock later this month.

I would prefer reversible but, but I think that this set checks the rest of the boxes. I will wait until both are in stock.

I will probably put them in a tool roll if I can find one that will fit... Or just make one.

 

[Olsa Tools]

If you could, that would be great

I have not ordered because they are out of the SAE... So I dropped an email to olsa tools and they got right back with me.... Anticipated restock later this month.

I would prefer reversible but, but I think that this set checks the rest of the boxes. I will wait until both are in stock.

I will probably put them in a tool roll if I can find one that will fit... Or just make one.

Here they are for the flex head stubby ratcheting wrenches:

• Longest metric wrench: 13.5 cm
• Shortest metric wrench: 9.5 cm
• Longest SAE wrench: 14 cm
• Shortest SAE wrench: 9.5 cm

 

[Ohio Andy]

Here they are for the flex head stubby ratcheting wrenches:

• Longest metric wrench: 13.5 cm
• Shortest metric wrench: 9.5 cm
• Longest SAE wrench: 14 cm
• Shortest SAE wrench: 9.5 cm

I was going to wait and buy the SAE and the Metric at the same time.... I expect the SAE to be available later this month. Think I will just order the Metric now and place another order when the SAE are in.

Order placed for the Metric. Now if only there was a way to be notified when SAE becomes available. I expect to use the Metric more often, but, that means that my next need will be SAE; of course.

Thanks @Olsa Tools for the measurements.

When they arrive I will decide how I will store them. For this set I would normally put them in either a rack I can carry or a roll. Looking forward to receiving these.

 

[Ohio Andy]

The metric set arrived, barely. They were tossed into a box and the shipper delivered the box literally ripped apart. I just plucked the some how totally undamaged OlsaTools box from the destroyed shipping box.

Although I have not "used" them on a bolt, I did test each wrench to see how they feel and function. Still wish they were reversible, but these seem pretty decent and I just need to figure out how I want to store them.

The provided packaging is much more robust than i expected, my only complaint is that it takes more space than I wanted. I will mostly be taking these with me when I use them rather than using them where they are stored so I will try a tool roll. I ordered one to try, will see how it fits. My long double ended flex head ratchets are in something like what is shown below, not sure how flex head wrenches would do in a holder like that shown below given the wrench sizes. I did not see those on the Olsa Tools web site (the holder), but something similar would allow me to just grab and go mostly if I do not like how they work out in the tool rolls (or if they do not fit in the tool roll).




So now I wait for the SAE version to become available. Pretty happy with what I am seeing, will see how they work.

 

[Olsa Tools]

The metric set arrived, barely. They were tossed into a box and the shipper delivered the box literally ripped apart. I just plucked the some how totally undamaged OlsaTools box from the destroyed shipping box.

Although I have not "used" them on a bolt, I did test each wrench to see how they feel and function. Still wish they were reversible, but these seem pretty decent and I just need to figure out how I want to store them.

The provided packaging is much more robust than i expected, my only complaint is that it takes more space than I wanted. I will mostly be taking these with me when I use them rather than using them where they are stored so I will try a tool roll. I ordered one to try, will see how it fits. My long double ended flex head ratchets are in something like what is shown below, not sure how flex head wrenches would do in a holder like that shown below given the wrench sizes. I did not see those on the Olsa Tools web site (the holder), but something similar would allow me to just grab and go mostly if I do not like how they work out in the tool rolls (or if they do not fit in the tool roll).




So now I wait for the SAE version to become available. Pretty happy with what I am seeing, will see how they work.

No problem on the measurements, happy to help.

Also happy that you received your wrench set undamaged! Feedback duly noted on the packaging, thanks for sharing all of that.

If you ever need any support, I'm happy to personally help you. Just give me a ring or text on my direct office line at (360) 873-5374!

- Fernand @ Olsa Tools

 

[Ohio Andy]

No problem on the measurements, happy to help.

Also happy that you received your wrench set undamaged! Feedback duly noted on the packaging, thanks for sharing all of that.

If you ever need any support, I'm happy to personally help you. Just give me a ring or text on my direct office line at (360) 873-5374!

- Fernand @ Olsa Tools

Thanks, they're actually very nice. I keep checking to see if you have the SAE version available... It will happen... I was worried when I saw the box sitting on my porch... Just because of the condition of the box. My best guess is that they put something really heavy on top, but I don't know that box. It was really shredded.. but even the interior box was completely unharmed... I'm assuming the shipper went oopsies better. Take special care of it now...

 

[impactims]

The metric set arrived, barely. They were tossed into a box and the shipper delivered the box literally ripped apart. I just plucked the some how totally undamaged OlsaTools box from the destroyed shipping box.

Although I have not "used" them on a bolt, I did test each wrench to see how they feel and function. Still wish they were reversible, but these seem pretty decent and I just need to figure out how I want to store them.

The provided packaging is much more robust than i expected, my only complaint is that it takes more space than I wanted. I will mostly be taking these with me when I use them rather than using them where they are stored so I will try a tool roll. I ordered one to try, will see how it fits. My long double ended flex head ratchets are in something like what is shown below, not sure how flex head wrenches would do in a holder like that shown below given the wrench sizes. I did not see those on the Olsa Tools web site (the holder), but something similar would allow me to just grab and go mostly if I do not like how they work out in the tool rolls (or if they do not fit in the tool roll).




So now I wait for the SAE version to become available. Pretty happy with what I am seeing, will see how they work.

Those don’t look like flex head wrenches to me. What am I missing?

 

[Ohio Andy]

Those don’t look like flex head wrenches to me. What am I missing?

That image was to show the holder, not the wrenches. I think that I could use that holder for my stubby flex head rather than the tool roll that should arrive today or tomorrow (don't remember which). This is the SAE set that I do not yet own. I own the Metric but am waiting for the SAE to be in stock.



I have not used them much yet, but....

They are not locking but they hold their position very well yet are easy to flex around as needed.



The back drag feels pretty low, I made no attempt to measure it. It will not support the weight of the wrench but does not fall to full vertical; in other words, I am pretty happy with the back-drag. it is for sure lower than some of my wrenches (but not all).

It feels pretty smooth but also solid. I considered testing against the Snap-On made in Taiwan Blue Point that has the advantage of being reversible, but, for three times the cost and for my needs I don't think I need to pay that for another made in Taiwan wrench. Now if I really wanted 12 point, but for this application, I wanted 6 point so that is a bonus for me.

I did consider the Cornwall double flex end, but I also wanted an open wrench stubby so for me this hits two things with only one set needed rather than two.

I think it was @Dig Doug who gave me information about these before I ordered.

I think that these are a strong contender if you are in the market. And if you are near the middle of Ohio, stop by and give them a try.

 

[Dig Doug]

Those look Great !

I hope you enjoy them, Now I need get off my **** & order some

 

[impactims]

I did consider the Cornwall double flex end, but I also wanted an open wrench stubby so for me this hits two things with only one set needed rather than two.

Prior to getting these in hand, did you really have no other short length wrench set with an open end?

 

[Ohio Andy]

Prior to getting these in hand, did you really have no other short length wrench set with an open end?

Nope, no stubby wrenches. I would get creative with either very short ratchets or something with a flex-head.... or pliers....

Well, not entirely true.... I have two Engineer wrenches that I refurbished, those are short.

I was trying to decide if I just wanted combination stubbies or ratcheting stubbies, or ratcheting flex-head stubbies. You know what I decided.

Also, remember that my primary income, more often than not, does not require a wrench. And when it does, there are usually tools available.... but last few times I brought some of my own tools, mostly things that are behind the hard thick outer metal shell; and most of that is stuff you unscrew and wish you had smaller hands (no matter how small your hands are).

Some day, but not this year, I will buy either some stubbies or something like these Capri Tools 75-Degree Deep Offset Double Box End Wrench Set, 6 to 24 mm, Metric, 10-Piece with Heavy Duty Canvas Pouch (CP11950-10MPK). I will probably eventually get Metric and SAE of both. I have not pursued it yet, but it is on my list of things to consider.

https://www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-75-Degree-10-Piece-Mechanics/dp/B08KRM6FXK?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ohio Andy]

Those look Great !

I hope you enjoy them, Now I need get off my **** & order some

And if you happen to notice that they have the SAE available for order post here. So I will notice if you can find this threat again... Then I can put in an order