WWGJD? Fixed or Ratcheting Wrenches? [Budget]

[BMWWW]

Hi folks,

You lads must get this ALL the time, but you have the best 'wind down before bed website' that ever existed.

And to that extent, you must also get similar questions way too often, so for that, I apologize. Be easy!

My question: Would you prefer ratcheting wrenches or normal wrench sets if you can only have one set? Budget is quite tight, and they'd be used for the odd job--not professional usage by any means.

The fixed set includes: (Mastercraft Maximum brand) Cost: $50
- 32-piece wrench set with two bonus 7-piece stubby wrench sets
- SAE set includes: ¼, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, ½, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, ¾, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1-1/16, 1-1/8"
- Metric set includes: 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24mm

The ratcheting set only includes 7 sizes from both SAE and Metric units, and includes the same two bonus 7-piece stubby wrench sets
- Cost: $100


Would you guys keep the ratcheting set and accumulate the missing sizes because they're SO worth it, or go for the complete set of fixed wrenches?

 

[trailwart]

if you have no fixed wrenches, then get those.

 

[trailwart]

i wasnt looking at brands you listed, fixed wrenches will break stubborn nuts and bolts loose 1000s of times with no issues. if ratchet wrenches were the only ones in your box i would think you would see a high fail rate under serious tq.

 

[rsanter]

the basic combo wrenches is what you need first

bob

 

[Griff93]

As Trailwart said above, your going to have a high failure rate with gear wrenches if they are you only wrenches. They're what is known as a convience tool. You can get along for odd jobs perfectly fine without them especially if it doesn't matter if it takes you a bit more time. On the other hand, they can be very helpful if you can't swing the wrench enough to reposition it. Buy the regular wrenches first and put the gear wrenches on your want list.

I don't know about you guys, but I can't look at this just before going to bed or I start thinking about my next tool purchase and can't sleep.

 

[matthew]

I've noticed that Canadian Tire is reducing that set from 32 to 30 pieces - get the older 32 piece stock if you can. Absolutely buy the 30 or 32 piece set + 14 stubbies, for $50 - that is the best value around in wrenches. It's actually not bad value at full price, but at $50 with the bonus stubbies it's fantastic.

I have two sets of older Mastercraft Professional Series wrenches (old name for the Maximum line), and they're good stuff. Good long-pattern, comfortable to use. My uncle uses them on the farm, and they've stood up to a lot of abuse. Maybe someday I'll get a set of Snap-On or Gray or Hazet, but truthfully my existing sets will do everything I need them to.

The ratcheting wrenches go on sale very regularly, I wouldn't buy them at that price. I've used 3 different brands, most of them are actually made by Gearwrench, so choose the store that has the best price and is the easiest to get warranty at. I personally favour the flex head Gearwrenches - they're much better in awkward locations. CT seems to put them for $49.99 about once every 2 months or so, and for $39.99 every 4-6 months. If you prefer the non-flex Gearwrenches, CT boxes up 4 sets into a 30 piece kit, it sells for $100 around Christmas, and sometimes they have extra stock they sell during other times of the year.

 

[TA^Guy]

if you have no fixed wrenches, then get those.

I agree.

I love my ratcheting wrenches for tight places a ratchet and socket won't fit, however they aren't ideal for all situations. A good combination wrench is far more versatile.

And if you are on a budget combination rwrenches are not as expensive and the sets usually include far more sizes.