Looking for the Ultimate wrench: ratcheting, pivoting, X design...

[juntjoo]

I want it all. I want two sets of wrenches, one box, one open end and I want both to be ratcheting. I've seen sets of ratcheting box wrenches that have the joints so they pivot, which are cool, but has anyone seen this wrench with the X design?

I've seen the X design only on Double or "dual" wrench sets that have box on one end and open on the other(SATA 08016 Combination X Handle Ratcheting Wrench Set 10pcs - DinoDirect.com), but no pivoting joint or ratcheting on the open end, so that is why I'm thinking a set for each open end and box end wrenches, but then I haven't found the X design.

For example there are these: Buy EZ Red Flex Wrench Set Millimeter EZRRM6 at Advance Auto Parts , pretty sweet but no X design, but I think it would be worth the sacrifice ### these have the ratcheting a pivoting.

And then we have these: with both open and box end ratcheting but no pivot nor X design, but still a nice combo.

Anyone seen one that the ratcheting with the pivoting joint AND the X design? Otherwise I think I'm going with the double box end with the pivoting joints and will later look to find the equivalent for in open end wrenches.

 

[snapc3]

I have a set of these
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more
They are the X beam flexhead ratcheting. I don't think your are going to find a set like that with both box ends. I'm happy with that set, as they have enough teeth on the gears so you don't need much angle to ratchet them.

I also have a set of ratcheting open end wrenches, they are handy in a few situations. If you can get some from a good price if not don't bother.


EDIT:
BTW this is a very handy tool use it all the time.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...enches-_-STANLEY+NATIONAL+HARDWARE-_-03000872
Twist the handle either way and it turn the socket which ever way its set. Even though its Stanley and I got mine from Walmart, I have broken lug nuts loose with the thing and it still works great. Its great for starting nuts and bolts when they are in odd places.

 

[juntjoo]

C ool dude. Thanks. Yeah, I think I'm gonna go with one of the combo flex xbeam sets. I was gonna go with two separate box and open end ratcheting sets
but just working on my car it doesn't really look like I'll have much need for ratcheting open end wrenches, as cool as having a set of those looks.

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[TSimage]

Those twisted wrenches are a HORRIBLY design.. How many times have you been in a cramp space turning a wrench and wish you had LESS room to maneuver??

 

[juntjoo]

Those twisted wrenches are a HORRIBLY design.. How many times have you been in a cramp space turning a wrench and wish you had LESS room to maneuver??

Really? Have you tried them or is this just how you imagine them to be? Because they don't look like they take up more space. They just look like they help add pushing leverage

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[snapc3]

Those twisted wrenches are a HORRIBLY design.. How many times have you been in a cramp space turning a wrench and wish you had LESS room to maneuver??

This is a problem time to time, but it is a great set to have for the majority of things. I just did my water pump with them today and space was not a problem.

For the OP, its tough to get away with just one set of wrenches.

 

[obsidian]

I know it's probably not what you want to hear, but it's worked out numerous times for me.

1. Regular wrenches with the closed end cocked to one side.
2. Combo gear wrenches.
3. Combo STUBBY gear wrenches.

Those stubbys are ####ing awesome in tight tight spots but the big ones pay dividends when you need more torque. The regular ones are good to wedge against something if you need to ratchet a nut/bolt on one side and keep the other side still.

More wrenches, but really you only need a 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, and 19.

 

[juntjoo]

I know it's probably not what you want to hear, but it's worked out numerous times for me.

1. Regular wrenches with the closed end cocked to one side.
2. Combo gear wrenches.
3. Combo STUBBY gear wrenches.

Those stubbys are ####ing awesome in tight tight spots but the big ones pay dividends when you need more torque. The regular ones are good to wedge against something if you need to ratchet a nut/bolt on one side and keep the other side still.

More wrenches, but really you only need a 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, and 19.

Thanks, but what exactly are you saying?

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[obsidian]

I'm saying the above is my ultimate wrench setup. I turn wrenches for a living working on marine engines and I apply it everywhere. I haven't found too much that I couldn't do with the above setup.

 

[2GCruiser]

2 cents - if you get a set of tools from craftsmen (sears) or kobalt (lowes) and one breaks or strips you can just bring it and get a new one because they have a lifetime garentee. I've returned a couple sockets and a wrench that I stripped and they just give you a new one. At least lowes does. Kobalts pretty good quality too

 

[g4ebguy90]

Kobalt is really expensive for what they offer.

One of the best brands for price, and durability that I have purchased, is GearWrench. I have never broken anything from there brand, and there rather cheap. I also know that you can return a broken item to any store that carrys gearwrench and THEY MUST replace it no questions asked.

 

[BoredDSM]

Those twisted wrenches are a HORRIBLY design.. How many times have you been in a cramp space turning a wrench and wish you had LESS room to maneuver??

I have to agree. I had the x-beam Gearwrenches at one point and for some reason they all broke at the middle or right where they begin to change into the opposite side.

Personally I have a pretty decent wrench collection at this time and my spline drives are what feel most comfortable.

Hand Tools, Tool Storage, Automotive Service Equipment, Business Franchise Options - Matco Tools

I have a set of those and a set of snap on with double spline drives but no flex and thos are great for doing belt tensioners. If you are looking for something to get into tight spaces the stubby gear wrenches are good. If your just a hobbiest gear wrench is good quality. If you have to use it to make money, I would look into something a little nicer and feels good in the hand because you will have to use them all day.

 

[juntjoo]

I'm saying the above is my ultimate wrench setup. I turn wrenches for a living working on marine engines and I apply it everywhere. I haven't found too much that I couldn't do with the above setup.

sorry, I got ya reading from my computer, but earlier I was on my phone using that tapatalk program and it displays things funny.

Kobalt is really expensive for what they offer.

One of the best brands for price, and durability that I have purchased, is GearWrench. I have never broken anything from there brand, and there rather cheap. I also know that you can return a broken item to any store that carrys gearwrench and THEY MUST replace it no questions asked.

Oh that's awesome. I'm starting to consider getting their flex combo set now after what they've been saying about the x-beam.

I have to agree. I had the x-beam Gearwrenches at one point and for some reason they all broke at the middle or right where they begin to change into the opposite side.

Personally I have a pretty decent wrench collection at this time and my spline drives are what feel most comfortable.

Hand Tools, Tool Storage, Automotive Service Equipment, Business Franchise Options - Matco Tools

I have a set of those and a set of snap on with double spline drives but no flex and thos are great for doing belt tensioners. If you are looking for something to get into tight spaces the stubby gear wrenches are good. If your just a hobbiest gear wrench is good quality. If you have to use it to make money, I would look into something a little nicer and feels good in the hand because you will have to use them all day.

interesting. Must be because they got weakened when they got twisted into shape.

how come on the other end of your wrenches they don't have the "flex" joint? Is it because there are times when you wouldn't want it? I can't imagine...

I do like the length on those wrenches. But dang, why are they so expensive???

Alright, so as far as box wrenches I'm debating between these:

Gray Tools - OEM Pro AM Tools (2nd set down the page)

which have a 6 piece set available which includes 9mm & 11mm, and these:

Save on E-Z RED - NR5M at ToolTopia.com

which are a 5 piece set which do NOT include 9 & 11mm.

Is this for a reason? As Obsidian mentioned above, or did not mention a 9 and 11mm size wrenches in his/her list of mostly needed sizes, should I just go for the 5 piece cheaper set?

Are there really no 9 or 11mm bolts in this car or just not any that I'll need this set complete with 9 & 11mm for? Because I don't want to end up getting the 5 piece set then end up scrambling around to find a another wrench to complete my set and get a job done and regret not paying for the 6 piece set...

 

[BoredDSM]

sorry, I got ya reading from my computer, but earlier I was on my phone using that tapatalk program and it displays things funny.



Oh that's awesome. I'm starting to consider getting their flex combo set now after what they've been saying about the x-beam.



interesting. Must be because they got weakened when they got twisted into shape.

how come on the other end of your wrenches they don't have the "flex" joint? Is it because there are times when you wouldn't want it? I can't imagine...

I do like the length on those wrenches. But dang, why are they so expensive???

Alright, so as far as box wrenches I'm debating between these:

Gray Tools - OEM Pro AM Tools (2nd set down the page)

which have a 6 piece set available which includes 9mm & 11mm, and these:

Save on E-Z RED - NR5M at ToolTopia.com

which are a 5 piece set which do NOT include 9 & 11mm.

Is this for a reason? As Obsidian mentioned above, or did not mention a 9 and 11mm size wrenches in his/her list of mostly needed sizes, should I just go for the 5 piece cheaper set?

Are there really no 9 or 11mm bolts in this car or just not any that I'll need this set complete with 9 & 11mm for? Because I don't want to end up getting the 5 piece set then end up scrambling around to find a another wrench to complete my set and get a job done and regret not paying for the 6 piece set...

To answer your question the spline drives work on torx as well as 12 point and 6 bolt nuts among other things. The reason why one side is flex and one isn't is in certain situations when you just need to apply a lot of torque you use the non flex side. Usually when using a flex to apply bolt breaking torque doesn't end well for your knuckles and the tool. Matco is a truck tool brand is known for good quality and a lifetime warranty.