The Best Ratcheting Wrenches | Wrench Set Tool Review
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- čas přidán 29. 07. 2024
- DIY Bri shows you a complete tool review on 4 different brand ratcheting wrenches.. See the Craftsman, Cornwell double flex head wrench, Pittsburgh, and the Tekton extra long flex head ratcheting wrenches in action. Bri covers the pros and cons to these wrenches and helps you decide what the best wrench is for you! Also he announces an upcoming tool giveaway!
Link to the details of the giveaway • Video
Link To The Tekton amzn.to/2jzzU6q
Link To The Pittsburgh amzn.to/2jJkyhU
Link To The Craftsman amzn.to/2jJ2hBd
Link To The Cornwell Set www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/p...
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Part of being a southern italian mechanic is asking for the ratcheting wrench by saying "gimme the tricketrack" while mimicking using a ratcheting wrench. We have an italian word for ratcheting wrench, only thing is we never remember it when we need to say it, so we just make the object's noise and mimick using it. We're simple people
The huge advantage of the Tekton wrenches is the 6-point head. The ratcheting action is 72 tooth with 5 degrees of arc, so if the wrench doesn't fit at first, just give it a small turn with your fingers and it will fit the fastener. I have a full set of SAE and metric Gearwrench XL 12-point ratcheting wrenches and am sorry that I didn't buy the Tektons because of the superior 6-point design. Tekton also has a hassle-free warranty which is another plus.
I own the SK X frame ratcheting wrenches and love them. Have been using them since last fall professionally and haven't had any issues. The low swing arc on them are awesome! You need to try a set out.
I have those Tekton double ratcheting wrenches and they have been great. I just ordered some Mountain Double box end ratcheting and got them because of the offset. I use my WrightGrip wrenches everyday but also have some Mac Tools Precision Torque's and the offset of the box end is perfect for what you are showing.. Interesting comparison
It would be interesting to see the thickness of the end measured.
Recently, I ran into an issue where my 14mm Gearwrench had too much meat around the outside of the box end. Due to the nature of what I was working on, I really wished for an old school Craftsman long double box end 14mm but preferably as a 6pt as swing clearance wasn’t much of a concern but clearance and leverage were.
Loving the Tekton set and their tool line is getting better everyday. Just can't beat their warranty either. No driving to a store and they overnight to your home or work if you have a problem.
Hard Knocks Forge can you go into more detail on this? all you need to do is call them and say XYZ tool broke and they overnight a new one?
dufftime Short answer is yes. Longer answer is you send them an email with a picture of said broken tool and include where you want it shipped and the will overnight it. It really is that simple. Never had a ratchet slip on me so I'm not sure how they would warranty that. Maybe send you one and then you would send back you ratchet that was slipping? If that ever happens to me I'll make a video on it just so people can understand just how awesome their warranty actually is. Think Craftsman in the old days except you don't take it into a store.
Yes, send them a picture of your broken tool. They will be prompt and send a new one. Good customer service.
Thanks for providing us with that info..
Thanks for your feedback... Always good to here whats going on.
Might try the mountain wrench set. It has an internal offset that can be beneficial.
I like the 2 you mentioned. Tip: rotate the 6-point with your fingers to help position the wrench, as you can see the nut position. With a ratchet you don't need to round the nut with a 12-point. Just position first.
Do the cornwell wrenches have a locking feature for the flex heads or is it just held in position by friction?
It's really nice to see the real work application footage.
Hi from New Zealand.i have the long 120 xp flexhead gearwrench which is nice at the box end but the flex is annoying as it keeps falling off. I rather have rigid.
Aw man that Tekton box end set is rarer than gold in 2023
Hi
where to buy the above Cornwell double flex head wrench? thanks
The design change on the Craftsman open end doesn't surprise me. Seems like most of their new stuff is gimmicky to the point of being unusable. It's like they're so busy trying to reinvent the wheel that they forgot to just make a good one that works. Hopefully the acquisition by Stanley B&D helps change that. Hopefully.
Cornwell double flex head are my favorite wrenches in my box
Now Icon from Harborfreight carries the exact same wrenches.
You really can't have enough ratcheting wrenches and the more patterns, the better. I've got the Harbor Freight variety stashed in my carpentry belt, garden shed, trunk of my car and bottom kitchen drawer. Tekton long pattern flex heads are the kicks. Especially with 6 points. With the mega ratcheting teeth that has become the norm, you would think 6 point would be more popular than they are.
I agree...
I'm surprised Gear Wrench wasn't included in this review. It's their invention. Also, their SAE and Metric sets can come with as many as 16 different sizes. With the added ability to get single wrenches to complete all the in between sizes, like 6mm and 7mm, which are practically impossible to find even in regular box end sets. Plus the addition of the oversized wrenches as well.
I really like the Gear Wrench stuff..
I had a ratcheting box end wrench in the 60's from Craftsman, and Snap On had ratcheting box end wrenches in the early 70's They were not as slim back then and did not have flex heads. This was long before Gearwrench was even founded. I still have my set of Craftsman SAE Ratcheting Box end I bought around 1970. Where did you get the idea that Gearwrench invented the ratcheting box end wrench? Klein tools still makes them in the style we had back then.
www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-5-Piece-Fully-Reversible-Ratcheting-Offset-Box-Wrench-Set-68245/203481430
@@gerardtrigo380 gear wrench definitely claims to have invented the category. But also those older ones that you linked or a different style of wrench and that may be the difference in the claim, but obviously they are still ratcheting wrenches.
@@joshcamp27 Just because they claim it does not make it factual. I have a set of SAE ratcheting wrenches that are older than the Gearwrench company. Matco, Snap On and many others have been making ratcheting wrenches since the 1950's. What they created was the first 5 degree ratcheting wrench in the late 90's.
@@gerardtrigo380 I believe the Lang company invented the old school sheet metal ones... and yea other companies have had them
How would the sk x frame wrenches compare against the cornwell double flex head?
I would say they would be like the 0 offset one (craftsman) for the positioning, the ratcheting mechanism would be way higher quality above all of them, and probably better than the cornwell open end wise. (if that didn't make sense) SK is much better than all of them in quality in every way, but you may be limited in access since the ratcheting part has a fixed 0 degree offset.
this was a brilliant review... Craftsman used to be the go to....sad to say. I haven't bought a Craftsman in 10yrs...only because I need a … 10mm, so I bought a 8 pc metric set. The A*C and St*n'lee brands looked even cheaper. later I bought a proto set of Metric. I will go to Hobo Freight before craftsman. I'd use the craftsman as a chock for my floor jack. Truly the best wrench is the one you have the moment you need it...
I did chuckle... when you were going head to head; Craftsman v Pittsburg. Craftsman 8pc $89.... 12pc Pittsburg (Hobo Freight) for $94. That's how harbor freight sucks you in
I saw someone with that Cornwell set once...& I've wanted a set ever since. It looks like it could make so many things in an engine bay easier
And the craftsman open end looks like a professional nut rounder lol
Please, test how much torque before each ratchet breaks as comparison.
Please, test in junk-yard or salvage-yard vehicles on big rusty nuts.
Thank you.
In the second test, the 6-point 72-teeth Tekton ratchet can simply be rotated (by hand) so the head fits the bolt from any angle. Having 6 points is not a problem with 5 degree positioning. Okay, I'm partial to Tekton since mine arrived today :-) Nice video!
That's what I was thinking too
I started out using Craftsman, but after many years of grief with their warranty and trying out Mac, GearWrench and Armstrong, I've gravitated toward the latter three. Mac 12 pt standard combination wrenches have the thinnest shoulders followed by Armstrong 12 pt offset reversing ratcheting box. And Harbor Friggit has a far better ratchet than Craftsman for much less money.
Good advice!
6pt/12 pt really? I never buy 12 pt as they are designed for medium and light duty, and are far more prone to round a bolt. The 6 point has far more contact surface.
Nice video. It’s a good demonstration between different types of wrenches. But they are different types of wrenches and aren’t directly comparable. If you are only going to have one type of ratcheting wrench (which would be tragic) I would get a full set of GearWrench flex head ratcheting wrenches. The longer wrenches are great for a lot of situations l have 3 different sets of long wrenches but the are a great value and fit in almost every situation. If they don’t fit then either you need a socket or a specialty tool, which is a god excuse to get more tools!
And some of the side discussions about GearWrench, they have the patent for the design of what we would call a ratcheting wrench today. The older designs used different mechanisms for ratcheting. As far as them being too big to fit most places, that hasn’t been true for most people who own them. But there are always options and you must pick the right tool for your situation.
Drawback with the Cornwell is finding a dealer too in your area.If no dealer,second hand market such as on Ebay and Garage Journal.SK tools has the lowest swing ratcheting wrench out,the x frame ratcheting wrenches.These have a 1.7 degree swing with 6 pawls inside
I have some SK Wayne hand tools from the 60s didn't know they were still around, another popular brand was KD
ez-red double flex heads are the best. the snapon ones are good too but they stopped making them
Ratchet, extension, and a universal would R&R those two bolts MUCH faster.
WHY would you use flex head ratcheting wrenches on those?
I can not get my craftsman tool warrantied since the local sears closed Lowes and ace wanted recipe to warranty the tools
Sorry for the off topic question but do you have a item # for the yellow Homak box?
Someone asked about the Homak Toolbox, Northern Tool & Equipment Cary's them. There on Amazon and ebay also. Just trying to help.
MikeJ F NAPA Auto Parts sells them too and has sales on them from time to time. They seem like real nice boxes in person.
Excellent video. Most of the reviews out there are on the wrenches that have the directional switches or no flex head. Working on vehicles these days, flex head wrenches are a must have. How bulky the closed end clearance is and the tooth count is my biggest consideration. Also, seeing some of the manufactures doing the universal spline drive and not offering the 12 or 6 point option.
Thanks!
You need to say that u have to have the right angle or your wrench will hit the upper radiator hose because the tensioner goes more to the left
I have harbor freight one, and I work on my cars frequently. Sometimes I hit this ratchet wrench with a rubber hammer (not supposed to do) when I'm doing a suspension work. Thus, ratcheting mechanism started to skip, 1 year after the purchase.
It's kind of unfortunate, but nice thing about harbor freight is that I go there and get free replacement, no questions asked.
Just curious. Why didn't you use standard length ratcheting combination wrenches from Tekton?
Because they didn’t send him those for free
Sk x frame is awesome
Compere box end wrenches vs box end wrenches only .. and. Open vs open, make it equal
Great vid thanks for your reviews on the wrench comparison.
Thanks!
I dont have any ratcheting wrenches. Ive put more money into carpentry tools but now getting into working on my car and truck and need more hand tools. Been reading alot of good reviews of the Tekton tools
Tekton is a great tool for the money...
I like that yellow tool cart, the top is super deep.
I've been wanting ratcheting wrenches for ever.
Maybe a strength test of the ratcheting ends? Thanks for the videos!
The Capri Tools satin finished🏁 wrenches🔧 have a 6 point reversable ratcheting end📦 🔚 that allows for a higher torque load💪, and my guess would be the ratcheting mechanism is engineered 👨🔬👩🔧🏭 to withstand the torque to match it. Not sure as I don't own them (yet), as they are $200💰for the metric set, and $160 or $170💸 for the SAE 🕳🍆👇💲, but boy they sure are pretty💋💅,and they have a better designed v shape🆚️ cutout✂️📤 on the standard 'crescent'🌙 end allowing for ease of access♿ & greater grip✊🗜 as well. Oh and an offset ↖️ which is nice.
@@EasyProgramLessons let me ask u something wtf is up with all those damn emojis damn nigga chill 😂
Great review I got 2 different variations of the craftsman and the Pittsburgh. I never use the craftsman the flex head always comes in handy. The only thing with Pittsburgh its that in time feels like sand gets inside the gears so its not seal that great. Lost the 10mm and I have to buy the whole set again.
What about not using a wrench at all?
Stubby ratchet and choose the correct height socket instead???
The texton Came to my attention last year since then I have bought a few tools I like everything so far.
Yeah I have been using them for about 2 years and they have done fairly well.. (the only thing that I have not been impressed with are a couple of the pry bars)
It would be cool if they offered some kind of add on breaker bar tool to attach to the shorter wrench wether its the Cornwell , Gearwrench or whatever.
I find that I like short wrenches and wratchets to get into tight spaces but when it comes time when you need more leverage just have a single tool that attaches to any one of your wrenches or wratchets.
I use a pipe now but it would be nice to have a specialized breaker bar tool designed , all the tools would have to be designed to handle the xtra force , they probably weren't ment to break bolts loose
Good video
Well have i got news for you…. 😅😅😅 its a wrench extender you put it on the wrench and it allows you to put an extension on the end of it
Try to get Your hands on something from Germany: Gedore 7 UR- XL or Stahlwille Open Ratch for example . Not so much more expensive but 100 X better...
I will check them out!
I can vouch for the Stahlwille set. Saved my ass more than once.
Using Hazet ratchet wrenches and they are MUCH more expensive but it's a whole different world. Not only how well they're made. Let alone the weight difference, the feel, just everything.
The video was very informative, it's said the Sears is selling the Craftsmen tool line, don't know for sure. This will make there life time warranty be a issue. I'm looking at the brand Tekton, never heard of this brand till I saw a few other videos, Impressive Video.
Thanks!
Stanley did buy the Craftsman tool line and Stanley is pretty good with warranties
good thing about Craftsman was the lifetime warranty, pack your bags and move to any corner of the country to work, and a Sears store was there if you needed an exchange. have exchanged several tools with no hassle.
hvac01453 no
Try Tekton! You won’t regret it I work on heavy equipment everyday I ordered both metric and standard tekton wrenches because I was tired of my snap on stuff growing legs and walking off in someone else’s pockets I rarely use my snap ons anymore because I love my tektons I’ve started buying more of their tools I love the impact sockets as well
What is the part number for the Cornwell wrenches?
www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/CRW12MDFS-%252d-12-Pc.Met-Double-Flex-Rat.Wr.Set.html#
Does anyone make ratchet wrenches in 4 mm size? 6 mm is the smallest I can find.
Y would u need that.
There wasn't even a standard fixed 15 degree offset ratcheting wrench in this review.
Can't go wrong with Tekton
I have a set of ratchet ends, don't know where I got them, they're too bulky at the ratchet end. Rarely if ever use them.
Bought a set of extra length aircraft wrenches with slight offset to one side.
They aren't ratcheting or flex head, they're still more useful.
Save your money for a stubby impact driver.
Why compare apples and oranges?? You’re not really telling us anything about the brands. Each one is a different tool. Combo wrench vs double box end; flex vs fixed vs double flex; long pattern vs short pattern; 12 point vs 6 point. These are different tools for different applications. To be an effective review you need to compare similar tools.
actually I own several varieties as shown in the video and theres tons of videos out already with what you are describing.. This video would be for someone whose looking at all kinds of options that are available
@@Toyotas_n__Tools SO which is best overall in your opinion?
@@Dansk55 any brand that has a flex option with or without reverse.. Then if you can find a set that has a locking feature then its a bonus. The flex head makes it have countless opportunities to use in spots you cant use a normal size wrench.
hairlesheep -S-K X-Frame are among the best IMO
Craftsman makes a flex head version as well.
Wera Joker! Ridiculously expensive for a reason... They rock!
Nice Explanation, thanks!
Great review I enjoy the video. Can you do a review on the long handle flex head texton, gearwrench 120xp, steelman, and mountain. What are best on this flex head 6 point, 12 points or universal spanner?
miguel mendez
I was looking at the gear wrench too.
I will see what I can do..... 6 point are better for not stripping the bolt... However I kind of like a 12 point better because you can get the box end over the bolt easier.
Do It Yourself Bri I have the SK x frame with the six point and their great I just wish they came in a flex head set.
I am using Halfords professional for over 20 years. I think they were about the first tool brands that came with the ratchet spanner. Lifetime warranty. And unbreakable. Any one else that has the same thoughts about these spanners?!
He's from the US so I doubt he's ever heard of halfords
This review is quite well done, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each set. Never knew about that double flex type on the cornwell.
Thanks!
Harbor Freight carries the longer flex head ratchets for more money (obviously) ... so if torque is a necessity they have em...👍
Nice review. Personally I like the quality for price with the Pittsburgh stuff at HF.... but I'm also not a professional who uses my tools everyday for a living either...fwiw. ..
Thanks for the input! Good advice!
I'm there with you. They sell good tools for the price if you can't afford the best one I the world.
Sooner or later they ( tekton & Cornwell ) will wooble because of lacking mechanism but having 72 teeth is superb idea if you gonna ask me .
Great explanation of how to use these tools for a beginner like me. Thanks!
Hey Bri whats your opinion on the new textured matte black husky boxes?
I really like them and they look cool... I think its a very fair value
one nice thing about the tekton with the double flex is you can flex both ends to use it for leverage in tight places
Very good point!
Tut tut spanners on battery lol good video what I am worried about that there are so many on the market some cheep some expensive I always buy tackle from amazon and ebay name's don't bother me 👍
Carlyle snap-on/bluepoint ratcheting wrenches top notch!
I ordered the tekton, getting here on Thursday! Good review!
Awesome video Diy Bri. i am from the UK been watching you & Bruce Allen. great reviews on the TEKTON line. i have. just bought their impact sockets and extra long 3/8 ratchet will compare them to the European brands i have.
+David Landman Thanks!
For DIY.... Pittsburgh is sufficient but I stay away because everything comes as packaged with a few sizes missing. Then u have to buy other brands to fill gaps or expand. For DIY I go with a brand that also sells individual sizes.
There's a cheap "no name" Chinese set of wrenches on Amazon. The brand is "Yescom". They are metric ratcheting flex head wrenches pretty identical to the Harbor Freight wrenches. But this is a full 12 peice set, you get 8mm-19mm with NO SKIPS! And comes in a tool roll. The most important thing about this set is it is $37 w/free shipping! Granted there is little to no warranty (but for $37 does it really matter? If it does matter to you then this is not for you) I can vouch that they are actually pretty decent, again very similar to the Harbor Freight wrenches. I'm not claiming they are better than those beautiful double jointed Cornwell's, they are not. But they do work and for $37 they greatly exceeded my expectations. If you use them every day maybe pony up the cash for the top of the line. If your a regular guy, who fixes and maintains your vehicle on the weekends -id say try these. I've been using them for 6 months now and they have been flawless. The actual title on Amazon is "Yesscom 12pc 8-19mm Metric Flexible Head Ratcheting Wrench Combination Spanner Tool Set" ....lol. They are worth the gamble IMO.
Apples to Oranges? Comparing the Tecton with its extended length and pivot head to the shorter Craftsman non-pivot Head makes no sense.
Also, the test indicated the length of the Tecton was a big problem yet it was a preferred tool.
Hmmm?
I'm sure a Pittsburgh 10mm flex would grip that bolt tighter than my Snap-on beer coozie would, so I guess by that logic Pittsburgh beats Snap-on.
Just starting out as an apprentice mechanic. Found that I need ratcheting wrenches to save time. This was a great review. Would like to see a few more reviewed but you had a good variety of different ratcheting wrenches, long, non flex, flex, and double flex? Great job man. Thank you so much.
excellent video. I'm a 22 year ase master technician and have a verity of wrenches. I believe the ratcheting wrenches changed everything. I love the long ones for leverage and short ones for tighter areas. tooth count and flexible head is always a plus. I will be keeping my eye out for Tekton products. subscribed!
GearWrench still makes the best ratcheting wrenches on the market. Been using them since they invented them years ago. They rarely break or slip and when they do break, I've never had a problem getting them warrantied. I've been a professional Tech for 25 years so they get plenty of use.
The sk x frame is a technically better mechanism.
Not any more. Not even close
very nice
Good thorough overview. Thanks!
Thanks for the reviews and comparisons. I really appreciate that. I share your opinion of the Open end ratchet being a gimmick. Back when I was around 9(1979) I remember my Uncle having a set of those we were using while I helped him work on his old Triumph Bonneville. He explained what that notch was for and I asked him why you couldn't just pull the wrench off 1/2inch and move it? He told me a few years later that he'd thrown all of them away because they slipped and busted his knuckles more than they did anything else.
I've been paying attention to your Tekton reviews and I'm becoming more convinced they are they way I'll be going to add to my general collections to update my old Craftsman tools I've bought over the years. I really want to hear the Good, Bad and Ugly on all the tools you're using. Thanks Again.
Hey thanks for your feedback... I will try to always keep you guys updated and give you my honest view points on the tools and tips. Thanks again!
good job. great review with actual use.
It's always depend the application. For some, small ratchet wrench will do the job right. In other case, you will need the extra long tekton wrench. You have to try it out the found the one that you like.
Yes very good point!
where is the 19/32nds
This is the way tool reviews should be. Great job showing real-world use for all of them and going over the pertinent details about each wrench.
ALL GOOD I LIKED THE TEXTON SET AND THE CORNWELL SET PRICE SHOULD BE MENTIONED
How much are the Cornwell wrenches?
you should compare the tektons from this videos against the mountain brand set off amazon
I have had a couple people say that... I have not heard of this Mountain brand... I will check into it. Thanks!
I have heard good things, main differences would be they are 12 point and that they have a reversible slider. Other than that they are both extra long handle, flex head, ratcheting wrenches
Ezred? Gearwernch? Every other tool company?
I love wrenches, but if I could do it over again I would just buy combo sets. Now I have a regular set and double headed ratchets in addition to ignition, etc.
I first bought the Gearwrench large set, had trouble with the flex heads popping off the nut(slipping and busting my knuckles).. so I got the fixed head offsets and found too many situations where I needed the flex heads, so break them back out.,,, we need a variety to get the job done in most situations... its impossible sometimes.
@@hvac01453 ，i prefer 15 offset with reverse,flex head always without lock,which annoyed me a lot
I have the gear wrench set . but they have the fixed head I would love to have the long tekton
Gearwrench does have such a set: 86126, 86142, 86229 or 86247
Very good comparison. Thanks
To be a reliable, replicable, and predictable test the tools must be comparable in all regards: swivel, ratcheting, length, points, and application Plus, the 10 mm and 13 bolts in the video are easily accessible. If you can see them, you can remove them.
Do the test on the supporting bracket on the back of the intake manifold, the cooling fluid flanges on the lower end of the engine, the fan bolts, the pulley bracket (not the pulley) bolts behind the the serpentine belt, the supporting bracket bolt from the exhaust pipe between the exhaust manifold and main exhaust pipe, the brackets holding the various vapor lines above the gas tank. Those are all hell and every man at home or at the shop hates them. That's where the rubber meets the road on any tool.
I've got the Bostich set, and they are great for occasional use. Build quality seems excellent. $100 for 16 piece set of metric and SAE.
the snap on you forgot !!!!
He does these videos for free. He doesn't have a million dollar per episode budget to buy a set of Snap On wrenches with.
Do you have a review on that homak cart?
very thorough good work
Thanks!
Highly commendable comparison especially with the attempt at some "real world" use. I'm more of a DIYer, but I still try to find USA made tools for the better quality and hopefully save some jobs. Eric-the-Car-Guy gave a fantastic review on a set of Taiwan made Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. I found and bought a set of China-made Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches at Advance Auto Stores. I wonder if I will regret my purchase.
Eric the car guy rocks!
Thanks!
Luv the info. Did u do the giveaway? If not I would like in order: Tekton, Cornnwell, Pitt then Craftsman.
Yes we did the giveaway! Stay tuned for the next one!
Facom made in France are the very best.
IMO gear wrench is the best ratchet wrench in fact they are the same thing as matco and any other tool company made by apex such as cresent, Allen, Armstrong, sata, wiss, Campbell, Nicholson, Lufkin, and thr list goes on and on lol
That blue tool box looks awesome.
Thank You!
not sure how you can do a sxs comparison to 4 totally different wrenches
That is a good point, however the video was not so much to compare the same type of wrenches but more what type of wrench to go with... If money was no option I would buy all types, but for most of us we have to choose on a type that will work best for what we use it for.
I have mostly Craftsman, and purchase the best tool that I can afford. Your comparison of the Craftsman "non-flex" ratcheting to the other flex ratcheting wrenches doesn't seem appropriate - Craftsman does make a flex head wrench which should have been in your comparison, instead of the one featured in your video. I do like the longer wrenches or XL's as well. Very useful.
I have always used Stanley tools and I have never had any issues with them