Wrenches: ratcheting or regular?

[Kirbot]

Definitely 12 point none ratcheting.

The only time I use wrenches is when there isn't room for a ratchet and socket.
A lot of those times there isn't room for the ratcheting mechanism in the wrenches either.

I do have a set of ratcheting wrenches also, and I love them, but they just aren't as versatile.

 

[Brad54]

The most versatile wrenches are going to be 12-point, non-ratcheting.

I absolutely LOVE my ratcheting wrenches. I have both the Gearwrench no-angle, and the Craftsman angle-head with reversing pawl. I like the Craftsmans MUCH better.
I also have the stubby Craftsmans.

Ratcheting wrenches make a job go MUCH, MUCH quicker.

But for tight areas where there isn't room for the whole head (which is often the case), you have to go with the regular, non-ratcheting.

And for that same reason you should go with 12pt over 6pt.

That being said, I also have 6-pt wrenches for fasteners with compromised or rounding corners. A 6pt isn't going to round them.

So get the 12pt regular first, and then save up for some ratcheting wrenches. You'll end up using the ratcheting wrenches as your primary wrenches, and will use the regulars as your secondary wrenches.

-Brad

 

[spongerich]

What brands do you have in mind for this price range?

I see Williams, SK, Proto and other good brands at auctions, flea markets and garage sales all the time. As long as you're not picky about having a matched set they're out there and they're cheap. Metric is a little harder to come by used, but they're definitely out there if you're patient.

 

[cruiser808]

Am I on the flat rate? If so, I'll go with fedwrench's recommendation. If time is not critical, 12-point non ratcheting old school for me.

 

[jvitez]

I My first job as a mechanic was a small garage doing old American cars(year 1980 to 86).

Sorry, but old American cars are from the the 1960's.

 

[jsaw]

I would buy these,, the best of both worlds, fixed and ratcheting. I rarely use an open end wrench. You can find variations from armstrong, matco, and gearwrench (really long).
http://cgi.ebay.com/MATCO-NEW-12mm-...560?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb41d4088

These are what I use, the best of both