Flex head ratcheting wrenches

UpperMI

UpperMI

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I'm looking at buying some flex head ratcheting wrenches and am curious what other guys use. If you have a set let me know what you have and if you like it. I'm not a Snap-on or Matco type of guy. it's not that I don't appreciate that type of quality but I'm not a professional and quite frankly don't want to invest that kind of capital into my tools. Amazon has deals on Tekton and Gear wrench (links below). Would be curious what your thoughts are. Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012P7VVUI/?tag=wranglerorg-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F5127RM/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
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When I worked at a car dealership I started with a Craftsman tool set and then added Snap-On as I could afford them. I have the flex head wrenches made by Craftsman but since Sears doesn't sell them any longer I don't know what brand I am going to go with now.
 
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The gear wrenches as you mentioned are quality tools, I have a set that gets used hard on farm equipment, no issues whatsoever. I think the quality is close to snapon, that seems a bit high for them though, I wanna say I bought mine for about half that on a black friday sale, but that was some years ago too.
 
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I personally don't like using flex head wrenches. More from my own lack of control when pulling or pushing in tight areas. You think you got it and bam, it flexes and you've drawn blood. It could be that I'm just weak in the wrist. YMMV
 
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I got my first ratchet in 1974. Snap-On. It is still in my toolbox and performs like new. I do not know how many ratchets I actually own, maybe 15+ in America and they are all American forged. I have only 2 inexpensive Asian ratchet here in the UAE, but I have another 5 US made (one is an Armstrong). The Asian made do not measure up against US forged in my opinion, but they work. My go to tools here in the UAE are Wright, Williams and SK. I have some German wrenches and cutters as well, and lots of American chisels, cutters, punches, pliers, hammers etc. At the end of the day, buy the best you can find within your budget means. I do not mind paying more for better quality while supporting American labor. My American tools will outlive the next few generations of my ancestors. I suspect my German tools will do the same. BTW, your ratchet arsenal is not complete until you own one of these. You'd be surprised where and when this sucker saves the day. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWAAJG/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
Flivver250 said:
I got my first ratchet in 1974. Snap-On. It is still in my toolbox and performs like new. I do not know how many ratchets I actually own, maybe 15+ in America and they are all American forged. I have only 2 inexpensive Asian ratchet here in the UAE, but I have another 5 US made (one is an Armstrong). The Asian made do not measure up against US forged in my opinion, but they work. My go to tools here in the UAE are Wright, Williams and SK. I have some German wrenches and cutters as well, and lots of American chisels, cutters, punches, pliers, hammers etc. At the end of the day, buy the best you can find within your budget means. I do not mind paying more for better quality while supporting American labor. My American tools will outlive the next few generations of my ancestors. I suspect my German tools will do the same. BTW, your ratchet arsenal is not complete until you own one of these. You'd be surprised where and when this sucker saves the day. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWAAJG/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Click to expand...
They are talking about ratcheting wrenches, not ratchets...but that is a cool long handle ratchet. I have a weird plastic 1/4" drive ratchet that is super fine tooth and I love using it on airplanes, especially in the cold. Tim
 
alittleoff said:
I personally don't like using flex head wrenches. More from my own lack of control when pulling or pushing in tight areas. You think you got it and bam, it flexes and you've drawn blood. It could be that I'm just weak in the wrist. YMMV
Click to expand...

I wear gloves at every opportunity but sometimes it's just easier without them. You can tell when it's warm enough to work on the cars again by the wounds on my hands
 
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Tekton is great quality for the weekend warrior. I feel they may be a small notch above harbor freight these days. Whatever harbor freight is doing on the logistics side to improve things - it's been very noticeable in the last 1-2 years.
 
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I have that set, out of all the different styles gear wrenches I got I like the flex head the most. Only issue I have is u can back out a nut against a wall and not be able to get the wrench out.

image.jpg
 
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Thanks for all the replies. I’ll search further into SK, Tekton, gear wrench, Wright, and craftsman. Will do some eBay/amazon shopping and see what kind of deals I can find.
 
cliffish said:
I have them and they have their place, since I am an occasional wrencher I bought from Harbor freight...no issues so far but....it still is HF.
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Harbor freight sells a few good items. I have some wobble extensions that I use when I can’t square up a socket and they have served me well so far. I also have a torque wrench from HF that gets used from time to time. They have their time and place. The only reason I’m not looking to buy Hf flex head ratcheting wrenches is that they are limited in the sizes they sell. I’m looking for a wider range of sizes.
 

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