Wrenches, what do I need?

[Lyaec350]

So, with a basic set of 12 pt combo wrenches purchased and looking on to the next step, I'm wondering what the consensus is for the most useful set of wrenches. There are so many options out there and with so many of them redundant, I don't know what I need to cover all the bases...

Combo
Combo ratcheting
Combo flexible ratcheting
Stubby
Stubby ratcheting
Stuffby flexible ratcheting...

so many options... what is the best combo for basic use?

 

[Jononon]

I suspect you could ask 10 different people and receive 10 different answers, but combo ratcheting would be my next choice from that list.

 

[martell06]

i would agree. unless you wrench heavily, you probably won't need the stubbies very often, but they are handy.

 

[wrenchr]

So, with a basic set of 12 pt combo wrenches purchased and looking on to the next step, I'm wondering what the consensus is for the most useful set of wrenches. There are so many options out there and with so many of them redundant, I don't know what I need to cover all the bases...

Combo
Combo ratcheting
Combo flexible ratcheting
Stubby
Stubby ratcheting
Stuffby flexible ratcheting...

so many options... what is the best combo for basic use?

All of the above........Sorry but I have issue's!!

 

[Stanger]

My set was built like this:
1.Combo
2.Stubby ratcheting
3.Combo ratcheting(reversible)

The next step will be combo flexible ratcheting. 2 and 3 are reversed in terms of needs. I bought the stubbies on sale because they were cheap but I needed the combo ratcheting more. I then waited for them to go on sale(50% off) and bought them. I love the reversible ratcheting combos. I doubt I'll ever buy the regular ratcheting combos but who knows.
Grant

 

[goodfellow]

All of the above........Sorry but I have issue's!!

I second that "train of thought" -- plus you'll need some HF "cheapies" so that you can modify them for special purposes.

 

[Jononon]

I love the reversible ratcheting combos. I doubt I'll ever buy the regular ratcheting combos but who knows.

I much prefer non-reversibles. I find the action of reversibles, at least those from GearWrench, a bit vague.

See what I mean about asking 10 people...

 

[Lyaec350]

Haha this is exactly what I was hoping for.

My thinking was that the flexible ratcheting wrenches could do everything that the non-flexy ones could do, so if I were to buy one set they would be the ones to get? Am I wrong?

1.) Combo (already have)
2.) Flex ratcheting

then you get in to the stubbies...

Also what is the difference between reversible ratcheting and normal ratcheting? I thought you just flipped the wrench over to go the other way?

Finally, does GearWrench have a lifetime no questions asked warranty like Craftsman? (Craftsman Pro ratcheting vs GearWrench) This seems especially important with a wrench that has moving parts...

 

[toolfreak]

I would get a good set of combination wrenches and then buy a set of flex head ratcheting wrenches. I have about every version of gearwrenches and the only ones I reach for now is the flex head. Btw I have gearwrench brand and have been happy with them.

 

[strizzy]

After a complete set of wrenches I got reversible gearwrenches then ratcheting stubbies.

If I were to do it again I would probably get a nice set of flex-gearwrenches and then stubbies again...

 

[Jononon]

My thinking was that the flexible ratcheting wrenches could do everything that the non-flexy ones could do, so if I were to buy one set they would be the ones to get? Am I wrong?

There are spaces you could get a non-flexible wrench into that a flexible one is never going to reach and vice versa. IMHO, they complement each other.

Also what is the difference between reversible ratcheting and normal ratcheting?

15º bend in the reversibles, which might clear knuckle space on a tricky fastener.

I thought you just flipped the wrench over to go the other way?

The reversibles have a lever, like a conventional ratchet.

 

[Lyaec350]

Ok so with minimum number of different sets, it seems like the following would have the least overlap:

Normal combo wrenches (more sizes, get to any fastener due to thinnest wall)
Flexy ratcheting long wrenches (for ratcheting, flexible allows basically making your own reversible wrench)
Normal stubbies (if its a tight spot, its going to be a tight spot, probably want the thinnest wall)

Obviously there will be exceptions but does this seem like a good reasonable set for a beginner? Sorry to keep bumping my own thread, I just searched and while ratcheting wrenches have been covered ad nasuem the overlap between various types has not been so well covered.

Any input on the GearWrench warranty?

 

[toolfreak]

There are spaces you could get a non-flexible wrench into that a flexible one is never going to reach and vice versa. IMHO, they complement each other.

I'm not sure I follow. The flexible gearwrenches will go 90 degrees in both directions, which will do the same as the 15 degree reversibles or the flat non reversible.

 

[Jononon]

I'm not sure I follow. The flexible gearwrenches will go 90 degrees in both directions, which will do the same as the 15 degree reversibles or the flat non reversible.

I've slipped in the flat wrenches into spaces where the flexibles would bang their hinge on structure next to the fastener long before a ratchet tooth engaged. The distance, in the flexibles, from the edge of the box to the thin section of the wrench must be 4x that on the flat wrenches.

 

[toolfreak]

I see what you are saying now.

 

[Deafautotech]

ha ha you need all tools... i do had all sets.... i am tool addict!!! but it got my jobs done and make me a money in chrysler and ford dealerships... what i had sets and they dont have it then they will come and ask me to borrow my tools....

i must have normal combo wrench set and stubby set but for ratcheting wrenches i need almost all... i have matco tool zero degree double XL wrenches set 10-15mm which i am use it so much... i have both craftsman locking flex stubby wrench (sae and metric), craftsman heavy duty ratcheting double wrench sets (sae and metric), gearwrench XL 8mm to 19mm, and many!!!

 

[JRGSPE73]

Obviously, ratcheting wrenches are a great addition to any tool collection and will save you a ton of time and hassle. However, I'll add another thing into the mix - 6 pt. combo wrenches. 12 pts are great for everyday use, but sometimes you just need the extra torque that you can apply to a 6 point (and maybe a three foot section of pipe ) to break those stubborn nuts and bolts loose - especially if you're like myself and don't have a compressor and air tools.

Just my $0.02.

 

[Deafautotech]

Obviously, ratcheting wrenches are a great addition to any tool collection and will save you a ton of time and hassle. However, I'll add another thing into the mix - 6 pt. combo wrenches. 12 pts are great for everyday use, but sometimes you just need the extra torque that you can apply to a 6 point (and maybe a three foot section of pipe ) to break those stubborn nuts and bolts loose - especially if you're like myself and don't have a compressor and air tools.

Just my $0.02.

that true.... i am never see how really i need 6pt wrench set... my tech friend had 6pt wrenches and it is handy but for the tight area- little diffcult... it is best for stubborn bolt or nut which 12pt wrenches make slip..

 

[Red Green]

What ever set is on sale next

 

[pearltsi]

My sears had combo wrench sets for 50% off today making them 19.99 Should be everystore

 

[joenero]

Combo Wrenches are always needed

Flex Head ratcheting combo wrenches - again to emphasize though, reversible has it's slight advantages but it's really not necessary, my metric is reversible and my standard isn't. I've found there to be a couple of situations where having a flex head was more of a disadvantage vs. an advantage as well. I bought the 1 wrench I needed to get around this.

Flare nut wrenches - when they're needed they're needed more than any other wrench on cars. Why haven't people said this?

Regular stubbies. Because clearance is usually the main issue and a ratcheting mechanism can get in the way.

From here I think individual needs play more of a part. For me I found ratcheting T-handle wrenches http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...2&group_ID=545&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
to offer the most utility by allowing me to work quicker and easier in some difficult low clearance/hard to access situations where they can be much quicker and easier to use, not really a necessity for me but they prove their value on certain jobs.

 

[Danglerb]

GearWrench on their website says take to any Sears store for replacement, but has a *that says some Sears stores may not do it, so essentially try another store or maybe send them in for replacement.

Before you buy one of each wrench, what kind of cars are you going to be working on? Different brands will have things you need that others might not.

What I hunt for these days are bent wrenches, offsets, S, and U, or anything else unusual in one of my common sizes.

 

[NOMAD]

I picked up HF regular racheting wrenches, then I just picked up a mixed set of reversible and straight Gearwrenches on ebay (on a whim, damn this site!).
At least now I'll be set with metric.

On to SAE...

 

[dirty old man]

I think a set of 6pt wrenches come in handy often enough.

 

[MAD]

Flare nut wrenches - when they're needed they're needed more than any other wrench on cars. Why haven't people said this?

 

[wrenchr]

Haha this is exactly what I was hoping for.

My thinking was that the flexible ratcheting wrenches could do everything that the non-flexy ones could do, so if I were to buy one set they would be the ones to get? Am I wrong?

1.) Combo (already have)
2.) Flex ratcheting

then you get in to the stubbies...

Also what is the difference between reversible ratcheting and normal ratcheting? I thought you just flipped the wrench over to go the other way?

Finally, does GearWrench have a lifetime no questions asked warranty like Craftsman? (Craftsman Pro ratcheting vs GearWrench) This seems especially important with a wrench that has moving parts...

Yes gearwrench can be exchanged anywhere they sell them.

 

[ba614]

if I were to advise someone just starting out I would say to get Combo wrenches first ... then full socket sets ... then offset box ends ... then stubbies ... then flare nut wrenches ...

the racheting box ends come after you have the basic wrench sets ... then buy whatever you feel like will help you accomplish your work faster and easier ... i bought the locking flex head combo ratcheting wrenches ... but I plan to buy other sets as funds become availible ... as a weekend warrior I see ratcheting wrenches as a luxury ...

 

[Jeeper]

Here is the order that i have bought mine. I think it worked out well....


1. Regular combo wrenches (started with craftsman raised panel then went to pros in the spring)

2. flare nut (bought the cheapo auto parts one...don't make that mistake. Then replaced with cman pros)

3. Stubby ratcheting. No reason not to have these since you can pick them up supper cheap on a sears sale.

4. SK ratcheting. Got them on that super good amazon sale. 130 included the metric set, standard set, standard topper set. Only used them a little and they seem nice.

 

[TNToy]

Combination wrenches
Deep-offset double box wrenches
Zero-offset exta-long wrenches
Ratcheting combo wrenches
Flex ratcheting wrenches
Flare nut wrenches
Stubby wrenches
Flex-stubby wrenches

...and maybe 2 or 3 other sets. Then you'll be done. In metric. Now you need to repeat that for SAE wrenches... and then it's on to sockets.