Absolutely
Why are non-reversible ratcheting wrenches bad?
- Thread starter reader2580
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Absolutely
It's easier to get them stuck than I thought. I had my first experience with this just a few weeks ago re-hanging a gate. I was backing out the lag screws that held the hinges to the post and knew I'd need to switch to the open end to finish it off, but went just half a turn too far and it was stuck.
Not much of a problem in this case as it wasn't a flange head and there was plenty of room to slip the wrench onto the thread while I went and got another wrench to free it. It could definitely spoil your day doing this with a flange head bolt in a tight space though.
Not much of a problem in this case as it wasn't a flange head and there was plenty of room to slip the wrench onto the thread while I went and got another wrench to free it. It could definitely spoil your day doing this with a flange head bolt in a tight space though.
OP
reader2580
Well-known member
Thank you for all the replies. I haven't gotten into a situation yet that would be an issue with a non-reversible ratcheting wrench. I will have to watch to not get into a situation that is an issue.
I have a small and large set of the Gearwrench non-reversible wrenches and no desire to buy any reversible wrenches.
I have a small and large set of the Gearwrench non-reversible wrenches and no desire to buy any reversible wrenches.
Sal Bandini
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If you back the bolt out into an obstruction, then how did the bolt get in there in the first place?
Strouty
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Sometimes, the wrench is the obstruction.
abvw
Well-known member
Ever worked on a 2001-2005 Honda Civic? That long 14mm pivot bolt for the alternator backs right into the frame with no room to remove the bolt unless you lift the engine up a little..
How did the bolt get in there the first place? Well the whole engine/transmission assembly was installed together as one piece. You have zero clearance issue with the engine out.
johnarmy
Active member
Offset for me and just generally easier to use, hard to reach fasteners always land with the spanner on the wrong way 
Sal Bandini
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No, only 1999 Civic.
So if you have to lift the engine to remove the bolt then it gets stuck regardless of tool used.
No, with a reversible ratcheting wrench, you just reverse it and put it back in slightly. If you can't reverse, you're in trouble unless you can grip the bolt somewhere and thread it back in manually.
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Sal Bandini
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I understand. My point is you have to remove the obstruction regardless.
I'm just trying visualize this. I guess if you back the bolt all the way out to the obstruction then it could be an issue, but I would think you would either stop before that or the bolt would be loose enough to turn by hand where the ratcheting wouldn't work anymore.
Strouty
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It never works that way, when you get the wrench stuck, the bolt is never easy enough to remove with your fingers, otherwise you would have been using your fingers all ready.
Sal Bandini
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Let's assume for a minute that the bolt can be removed completely by hand. If the bolt hits the obstruction when backed out then the obstruction needs to me removed regardless before the bolt can be removed.
So now do it with a wrench. I suppose if you are ratcheting it quickly you can go too far and the wrench will hit the obstruction, which could cause it to get stuck.
So now do it with a wrench. I suppose if you are ratcheting it quickly you can go too far and the wrench will hit the obstruction, which could cause it to get stuck.
Strouty
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Are you arguing with yourself?
It is really hard to explain to a mere mortal, it just happens, get some wrenches and you will find out someday.
It is really hard to explain to a mere mortal, it just happens, get some wrenches and you will find out someday.
Sal Bandini
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Ratchet wrench a spring compressor then come back and tell me.
Sal Bandini
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I used a socket and ratchet on mine.
Sal, think of jot this way. The engineers designed it so you can just wiggle the bolt into place. Same with removing it. Now add a fat ratchet wrench to the head of the bolt and your clearance just got too small. You could never install the bolt with the ratchet wrench on it, it won't fit so you use your fingers and then an open end to turn it a tiny bit at a time till you can fit a ratchet wrench over the top. When taking the bolt off you forgot about the clearance issue or you didn't know about it till you hit the curve of the casting etc. This is a common occurrence on modern vehicles and equipment.
Yes that's the right way. But when you could be using two and you find the ratchet wrench is quicker, make sure its reversible. Especially on a 98 xj with 6" lift springs.
skulldrinker
Well-known member
My 1970's era ratcheting box wrenches only came that way and weren't real popular. Truth is I never used them and they still look brand new to this day. Back then we would have laughed, Ha who needs that? I've got a socket and a ratchet that will handle that job.
ClineWrench
Well-known member
Interesting question by the OP and some interesting answers. Can't remember if I ever got my non reverseables stuck or not, but I do know I sure like using them. I also have a couple sets of reverseables (combination wrenches) that I use from time to time as well.
One thing I like about the non reversabeables is that you simply flip the wrench to change direction. And there's mo selector switch to accidentally switch while ratcheting.
My 2 cents.
One thing I like about the non reversabeables is that you simply flip the wrench to change direction. And there's mo selector switch to accidentally switch while ratcheting.
My 2 cents.