XL Flex head double box ratchets. What y'all got?

[Ktmrider83]

I was about to buy a set of Neiko off eBay for $66. This set. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KN6ZVK4/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

I'm in a professional environment so I will be using them day in day out but I can't afford a $500 tool truck set..
A part of me wants to try the Neiko set for the price and to see how often I use them.. What y'all think

 

[PelicanPines]

I made the mistake of going with spline xl flex boxes... not fond of the fit... sometimes I have to use the wrong size wrench because the stated size is too small

I would go with the six point Tekton set if I had it to do over

 

[Ktmrider83]

I'll look into those. Do you put as much tq on the wrench as if it were a non ratchet wrench.. I'm not gonna smack it with a sledge or anything but with the length on the 19mm one it seems easy to put atleast 100ftlbs with them. Hold up pretty well?

 

[PelicanPines]

Hmmm... quick answer no... i tend to use them on weird access and i love the long swing of the extra length... i used them yesterday to put my plow blade on my lawn tractor... mine are reversible if that matters... off the top of my head i can't think of the manufacturer... So far the splines are unmarked... sharp... the ratchet sounds and feels good. I have not used them to "break" anything stuck or stand on them to tighten... something in my brain prevents it. Mostly because i know it's wrong...

I'm not a wrench turner by trade but I do use my tools in DIY ****... a lot... for me and several friends. I insist on having the right tool for what I'm doing...

Really can't say it enough... i hate the spline part... love the 6 point head on the Tektons, your link is to 12 point i believe. I could live with that.

 

[Rubiman14]

Really can't say it enough... i hate the spline part... love the 6 point head on the Tektons, your link is to 12 point i believe. I could live with that.

That's really the only option for a standard 6pt/12pt isn't it? I've been looking to get a set of these, but never liked the spline stuff I've had in the past. Hadn't looked at Tekton until now, though.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a variety ranging from gearwrench, SK, Matco, and others.

I think the best bang for the buck is the Gearwrench 120xp. It gives you a fixed boxed end on one side and a ratcheting flex head on the other end. They have nice thick beams. My only complaint is that at times, they can be too long. I wish someone would make a standard length version.

As for spline ends, i haven't had any fitment issues. the ends grip well.

 

[PelicanPines]

Give the Tekton a look... I have a set of open angle metrics I use. Super quality and finish. Seem to use the same 3 wrenches but hey... you need all the sizes no matter what right.

As for spline ends, i haven't had any fitment issues. the ends grip well.

I swear... the only thing I can say is I keep picking the one size that is "not as marked"... I should put a caliper on them and see... It's gotten me several times... I wonder if it IS THE same wrench.

 

[General Geoff]

Really can't say it enough... i hate the spline part... love the 6 point head on the Tektons, your link is to 12 point i believe. I could live with that.

Sized correctly, spline is awesome. I wish SK still made their spline socket set. I've got a set of Proto reversible ratcheting combo wrenches with spline drive on the box side on order, can't wait to see how they compare to my existing spline sockets.

What I actually don't like is flex head in a combo wrench, ratcheting or not. The GearWrench set I have is nearly useless because the heads just pivot too easily and slip off the fastener. Tried tightening the joints, still too floppy.

 

[Ktmrider83]

I have a set of Matco spline box end wrenchs 8-14mm and on occasion they get stuck on a bolt after tightening..sometimes to the point of having to pry it off..

 

[Sugarfryz]

I made the mistake of going with spline xl flex boxes... not fond of the fit... sometimes I have to use the wrong size wrench because the stated size is too small

I would go with the six point Tekton set if I had it to do over

I have one like this too but it’s rebranded from cornwell. Definitely not a fan

 

[Sugarfryz]

I have a set of Matco spline box end wrenchs 8-14mm and on occasion they get stuck on a bolt after tightening..sometimes to the point of having to pry it off..

Same happens to me it’s awful

 

[markw365]

I have a variety ranging from gearwrench, SK, Matco, and others.

I think the best bang for the buck is the Gearwrench 120xp. It gives you a fixed boxed end on one side and a ratcheting flex head on the other end. They have nice thick beams. My only complaint is that at times, they can be too long. I wish someone would make a standard length version.

As for spline ends, i haven't had any fitment issues. the ends grip well.

I'll second this, love the Gearwrench 120xp double boxed end set. My only complaint is trying to figure out how to store them, the blow mold case takes up too much drawer space. I've got these, the ez-reds, and sunex sae, all are long.

Mark

 

[Ktmrider83]

If I was willing to give up the flex head I would go with this kit. Very complete and great price for what you get..
https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85989-GearBox-Master-Metric/dp/B002YK9LA4

 

[Ign]

I’ve got the Tektons. IIRC I chose them over Mountain ‘cause the size range was slightly more comprehensive- I could be wrong though. I also seem to remember reading of a couple Mountain failures or warranty issues.

I’d really take a few minutes & read through this thread. It seems to discuss both fixed and ratcheting/flex but good info, good mention of some “exotics” and good debate about spline drive

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349209