Why Are Raised Panel Wrenches/Ratchets Bad?

[kythri]

The only problem with RP is that I have other stuff I like using more.

That's it for me. I've still got all of my late(ish)-US production stuff, and there isn't a single actual problem with any of it. It's all great quality, usable/serviceable stuff.

I've just found stuff that I like using more - longer or finer tooth ratchets, longer full-polish wrenches, etc.

The raised panel stuff still gets use when the situation calls for it - for example, if I need a shorter wrench, or if I need 6-point wrenches (got a full set of raised panel 6-point combos), etc.

My junkyard/road box is all Craftsman raised panel wrenches and ratchets, and they've never failed me pulling a yard part.

I've got a fair number of Danaher-produced 36-tooth ratchets (all late US production, mostly Craftsman, a couple NAPA), and they've never slipped on my, they've never auto-reversed, etc.

If I was forced to use my raised panel stuff only, the job would get done just as well.

 

[mudflap]

+1 on the Craftsman round head fine tooth.

Probably because they had a QR...thats also not popular here...

 

[ER70S-2]

+1 on the Craftsman round head fine tooth.

I'm not sure if the 1/4" and 3/8" are also double pawl, but the 1/2" round head double pawl I have is decent. The pear head hunks of junk don't compare. I have hated them since I was about 13 years old... probably younger!

 

[davethorik]

Probably because they had a QR...thats also not popular here...

I will have to disagree, I think a lot of people like qr here. Personally, I don't like qr, but I have noticed a lot of members wish certain ratchets had qr. There are threads on the topic from time to time, qr vs non qr.

I like the RHFT but the Craftsman handle is the least comfortable handle put on one. The only Craftsman ratchet I own is a 1/4 RHFT. I have a handful in Easco and Allen, and I greatly prefer the knurled handle on those. That being said the only ratchet I've ever had slip and result in an injury for me, was an Easco 1/2 RHFT. Also the heads are huge on those ratchets, not a 1st choice for close quarters work.

I don't own any Craftsman pear heads, but I do own a Matco 3/8 in a 1/4 body that uses the same mechanism. It is well worn, and sloppy, just like the Craftsmans. I haven't touched it since I got the SK version.

Like mentioned above, there are simply too many other better options in ratchets. Even HF blows Craftsman out of the water.

 

[matthew]

It's not inherent, but it is sort of related to two reasons:

1) the big reason why manufacturers would use the raised panel design is that it is easier to stamp onto that surface, which is particularly useful if you are making product for a whole bunch of different brands. The of the tool that engage the fasteners can be made equivalent, but the manufacturers that will favor the simpler stamping designs are the contract manufacturers that are probably at the cheaper end of the market.

2) a little bit less comfortable on the fingers, which has more marginal value to the professional users.

Over time the raised panels have seemed to become less common. Probably partly because of improvements in tooling and laser marking, and partly competition. Where mid-range manufacturers may have done that in the past, it's now more relegated to the lower end manufacturers.

 

[MShaw]

"1) the big reason why manufacturers would use the raised panel design is that it is easier to stamp onto that surface, which is particularly useful if you are making product for a whole bunch of different brands.
Yep. New Britain made the RP wrenches unstamped and stamped them in the warehouse to shipping orders.

 

[atthebeach]

I've had a set of RP wrenches for more than 50 years, and a set of metric RPs for about 30 years. I don't earn my living with them, but they have served me well over the years.

 

[Al Borland]

It's not so much that they are bad, as there are much better wrenches out there.
Ones with more comfortable handles.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I think the high end stuff was usually fully polished, while the raised panel stuff wasn't.

Overall, I think the fact that some manufacturers used raised panels versus full polished to differentiate between DIY and pro is the only reason folks look down on raised panel wrenches.

I know two mechanics who worked for decades using primarily Craftsman tools, one an auto mechanic and the other heavy trucks. Both had a mix of raised panel and polished wrenches.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

I have had my wrenches for about 25 years. I never had an issue with them but I do prefer to use a full polish wrench that is a little longer. I still have a 3/8 and 1/2 ratchet but they have been retired in the drawer for a long time. My ratchets have a plastic selector that I would regularly break off. They were my first set of real tools and all things considered have served me well over the years.

 

[JR7]

Ratchets: Just too clunky and tend be shorter than I like. I don't like the handles much either. Just too many other options out there to bother with these. My favorite ratchet that I use almost exclusively is an SK 40972 1/4. I like the round head, the round knurled handle, and the non-locking flex joint.

Wrenches: I have a full polish stubby set, USA ratcheting non-reversible, and a smaller set as part of a larger kit. The ones in the kit are too short, don't grip worth a darn, and just aren't very comfortable to use- so I don't use them; I use the Wrightgrips instead. The other two sets are fine and get used all the time at work, albeit in a not-so-demanding environment. Some of the older ones I see some guys with look much more stout and better made and feel better than the newer ones I see.

Can they get the job done? Sure they can and I won't argue they can't. But I just think there are a lot of other options out there that are better.

 

[Moparman390]

I like the feel of RP wrenches in my hand, a little wider surface to spread the pressure out on my palm when torquing down. Nothing wrong with them, just different styles, a little less polished but more rugged looking.

 

[dnschmidt]

The raised panel wrenches that I've used (S-K, S-K Wayne and Craftsman) were not made of high grade steel. They were certainly softer metal than the TOPTUL I now use, and in the spirit of full disclosure, sell.

 

[sk farmer]

the last of the us made raised panel craftsman wrenches are some of the best wrenches they ever made. they get thrown under the bus by people who didn't like the older versions or just think that any raised panel wrenches are junk.

non slip box ends with off corner engagement in both the 6 and 12 point versions, good steel and the beams had a milled surface that removed the rough finish yet left a slight texture for grip. if your preference is a longer wrench or a smooth surface, that doesn't mean they are a bad wrench.

the older sk raised panel wrenches are rock solid with a hefty beam and a somewhat satin finish other than the smooth raised panel. like any wrench sometimes you "want a longer wrench" but sometimes you "need a shorter wrench".

 

[barguy]

Bought my Craftsman RP wrenches in 1984. They have worked on many a motorcycle, drag race car, and most recently Jeeps. Never failed me. I think they feel fine in my hands, but that's just me. I also like my USA made raised panel round head, fine-tooth ratchets.

 

[L.Cheapo]

RP ratchets are painfully short--literally. Clunky, lots of slop, just nasty, no comparison to my decades-old Snap On F936, also a 36 tooth ratchet. I'm guessing ergonomics hadn't been invented yet when the RP ratchet was designed.

The RP wrenches are ok. Also on the short side, but for what they cost and the warranty they came with, the value was good for the average DIYer.