why are non ratcheting flex head box ends not a thing?

[FSUwelder1212]

It seems these days that the extra long flex head ratcheting box end wrenches (primarily manufactured by kabo) are all the rage and has me thinking that I would like to try a set. However, looking around I think that the fixed box end with flex ratcheting on the opposite end such as the matco SRFBZLM102TA set or gearwrench 120 xp 86126 set would be more useful due to the fixed box end being able to break the fastener loose and then ratchet it off, but it seems like the box end being fixed limits the utility somewhat since the fixed end can't get into everywhere the flex ratcheting can. From what I can gather the flex joint isn't really a weak point, so why don't we see wrenches with flexing non ratcheting box ends? It seems to me a wrench with a flexing non ratcheting box on one end and flex ratcheting on the other would be an ideal solution. Thoughts?

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[richfinn]

There's the Saltus wrench (a wrench with a shallow hinged socket instead of the box end)

The great thing with the Kabo wrenches is the offset, any time your using a flexhead, be it wrench or ratchet you need some kind of shallow offset for clearance IMHO.

The Saltus kinda solved this problem decades ago (minus the ratchet action obviously).

I don't know if extra long versions are available??

 

[FSUwelder1212]

There's the Saltus wrench (a wrench with a shallow hinged socket instead of the box end)

The great thing with the Kabo wrenches is the offset, any time your using a flexhead, be it wrench or ratchet you need some kind of shallow offset for clearance IMHO.

The Saltus kinda solved this problem decades ago (minus the ratchet action obviously).

I don't know if extra long versions are available??

I've seen saltus wrenches, but to me they never seemed all that useful. I kind of figured they were from a time when extensive socket sets weren't all that common. Every one I have seen seems to have a pretty deep socket/box end that would severly limit its usefulness.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Saltus are also taller. Many times I just need a fastener loosened to rock a bracket out of the way or loosen the bolt enough to be able to turn it out by hand and that’s where normal wrenches shine but are also limited by the angle. I would use a flex end non ratcheting box end a lot.

 

[qqzj]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XQ5MJA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Kind of what you asked for? The reason it is not popular is of course less market demand. Also flex head ratcheting wrenches' head is stronger than the yoke, making what you asked for meaningless.

 

[Belanice]

 

[richfinn]

I've seen saltus wrenches, but to me they never seemed all that useful. I kind of figured they were from a time when extensive socket sets weren't all that common. Every one I have seen seems to have a pretty deep socket/box end that would severly limit its usefulness.

I have 10mm 13mm and 17mm in Snap-On, wouldn't be without them, far shallower than a socket on a ratchet and great for front end engine work.

A flat box end on a flex would be pretty much useless, I 100% want the offset everytime.

 

[joel63]

I have 10mm 13mm and 17mm in Snap-On, wouldn't be without them, far shallower than a socket on a ratchet and great for front end engine work.

A flat box end on a flex would be pretty much useless, I 100% want the offset everytime.

Are you talking about saltus or flex head ratcheting wrenches?
Sorry, I'm lost .

 

[richfinn]

Are you talking about saltus or flex head ratcheting wrenches?
Sorry, I'm lost .

I have the Saltus in Snap-On and Mountain for ratchet wrenches, works for me

 

[KnurledNut]

@FSUwelder1212
I prompted the same discussion years ago. The replies might be of interest:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/if-they-made-this-wrench-would-you-use-it.291025/

 

[joel63]

I have the Saltus in Snap-On and Mountain for ratchet wrenches, works for me

I have the Snap-on Saltus in SAE and metric, but I haven't graduated to the flex head ratchet wrenches yet.
Not sure I need them just yet.

 

[f121]

I like the idea of combo fixed box and ratcheting flex. I have the SO fixed ratchet/box combo which are brilliant, just insanely expensive.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Because the yoke is the weak point, not the ratcheting head.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I've occasionally wished my ratcheting wrenches had an offset b ave open end ox end (or deep offset). My gearwrench flex head ratcheting wrenches (and many other brands) have open ends which I rarely use.
With my normal combination wrenches I use the open end because it's quicker to reposition than the box end. The ratchet elimivates that issue.