Williams/Blue Point Reversible Flex Wrenches

[Drunkonunleaded]

Has anyone had experience with Williams/Blue Point flex head reversible ratcheting wrenches? I was originally leaning towards a reversible Carlyle set, but recalled some instances where a flex head would be beneficial. After some (albeit limited) research, Williams seems to be one of the only few offering a flex head wrench that is also reversible.

I am starting fresh so to speak and have been agonizing over which ratcheting wrench set to pick. Most often, I am using these in tight spaces where a socket would not fit, so I was thinking that a flex head would be beneficial. After using a "traditional" Gearwrench set for many years, I have always felt that my next set should be reversible for similar reasons.

This set would likely be the only ratcheting wrenches in my new box, so I want to make sure that I have my bases covered. FWIW, I will also be purchasing a set of long-pattern standard combination wrenches as well (likely Carlyle).

 

[ihateminimumwage]

They're really good. I've bought them individually in the sizes I use, and at this point I never use my regular straight Gearwrench sets anymore.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have been happy with my ratcheting williams wrenches. I have reversable stubbies and reversable flex heads (taiwan), and non reversible stubbies (USA).

Flex head reversible is high on my list of must haves.

 

[garfunkle24]

I didn't know those existed. Snap-on wants 515 Canadian Pesos for 8-19mm or $45.75 for a 10mm

 

[1320]

Short of needing the reversible aspect, I can't think of a particular situation that a flex head ratcheting wrench can't do the same job (and more) as a reversible ratcheting wrench.

 

[ecotec]

I have the Williams SuperWrench reversible ratcheting wrenches. They are really nice. They are an upgrade from some older non-reversible Gearwrenches.

I also have a set of non-reversible Blackhawks. They are too short to be my main ratcheting wrenches.

I priced the Snap-on ones… and I could not justify the cost… not even close… so I priced the Williams and the CAT rebranded Williams and the Williams were cheaper. The wrench part is forged in USA and, I believe, the mechanism is imported. They each had a hang tag on them that said made in USA… but they are not stamped USA.

I can take a picture tomorrow, if anyone is interested.

I have considered buying the 4pc expansion set… it is totally imported (Taiwan) and it is kind of a lot of money… and I already have one of the 4 (the 22mm CAT rebrand)… anyways, I have not talked myself into the expansion set…

 

[KnurledNut]

@Drunkonunleaded
And if you want to throw locking ability into the mix there is this:
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Loc...rench-Set-(8-19-mm)-(Blue-Point)/BOERMFLCG712

 

[ecotec]

Here is my set and some others for comparison.

You can see that I am not exaggerating about how short the Blackhawks are.

 

[xOccupantx]

I got the Blue Point set. Use them everyday for many years. Love em.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

Short of needing the reversible aspect, I can't think of a particular situation that a flex head ratcheting wrench can't do the same job (and more) as a reversible ratcheting wrench.

I work on a lot of ATVs and dirt bikes. The confined spaces mean that it's easier to get a flex in there vs. a straight wrench. I've had more than a few times where the extra flexibility (no pun intended) would be preferable.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I fail to see much of a downside going with a reversible flex vs. reversible non-flex wrench. I'm not married to the idea, so feel free to provide whatever input you may have.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

Man, I can't believe it's been over a year. Anyways, I finally bit the bullet and ordered these from Zoro. $350 shipped thanks to a 20% off coupon.

FWIW, Snap-On current pricing is $540 for metric and $381 for SAE. I'm extremely pleased with these things, especially considering what I paid.