Ratcheting wrenches - are they worth it?

[her209]

Thinking about picking up a set but I'm wondering if they're really worth the money or should I spend my money on something else.

I already own a set of socket wrenches.

 

[aleckz]

I think they are great especially for tight areas, when I was changing my girlfriends thermostat a ratcheting wrench was the only tool that fit in the small area.

They are a good investment.

 

[Mister4x4]

Ratcheting wrenches are the best new tool innovation to come along in a long time.

My recommendation though - don't try to use them when busting frozen nuts and bolts loose... just like using a breaker instead of a ratchet and sockets, use a standard combination or box wrench to bust 'em loose. The internals are tough - but they'll give up a lot quicker than the bolt will in some cases.

 

[Gillbot]

Everyone who tinkers on cars should have a set in their toolbox. One word of advice though, get the reversible kind. If you don't and loosen a fastener in a tight spot, you can't get the wrench off and you'll need to cut it or the fastener. (Don't ask me how I know)

 

[funboy6942]

Every penny if you buy a good set.

 

[BlackTigers]

They're worth it.

But make sure you DO NOT try to break free seized bolts with them. I've fucked up several of mine doing that, luckily they're all Craftsmen and replaced free of charge for me.

 

[BW86]

Originally posted by: funboy6942
Every penny if you buy a good set.

As said above, dont break nuts loose with the ratcheting wrenches. Use a regular wrench for that.

 

[Squisher]

You wouldn't believe the dodads I have made for my ratchet wrenches: stubby taps with a hex on the back, easy-outs, stubby little allen wrench segments, etc.

 

[Bignate603]

My ratcheting wrench is probably my most used used tool. I've got a nice one from craftsman that has a joint on it so I can change the angle of the handle. In tight hard to reach spots its a life saver.

 

[Kroze]

definitely worth every penny.

 

[bruceb]

A must have for any good tool set. Once the nut / bolt is cracked loose, in some tight spots this is the easiest / fastest / sometimes the only way, to get the nut / bolt out. I also have a set of "C" shaped wrenches from Snap-On for some other wacky, hard to get to fasteners.

 

[mwmorph]

Greatest tool invention since the wheel. It's expensive but worth it if you work enough on cars. I prefer ratcheting wrenches to sockets any day of the week and I use it as much as I can.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Hell, yes. Use them every day. Best innovation since the ratchet and air tools.

 

[fbrdphreak]

My buddy calls them "happy wrenches" because they do just that, make you happy! Definitely get a set.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Kroze
definitely worth every penny.

x2

 

[SoulAssassin]

I got a set of metric and SAE for $10 per set from Harbor Freight. Love 'em. They might break before some others but I've already gotten my moneys worth 10x over so I'm not worried if it happens. Just used them a few hours ago to put a oil pan skid plate on my jeep.

http://www.harborfreight.com/c...m.taf?Itemnumber=91885

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
I got a set of metric and SAE for $10 per set from Harbor Freight. Love 'em. They might break before some others but I've already gotten my moneys worth 10x over so I'm not worried if it happens. Just used them a few hours ago to put a oil pan skid plate on my jeep.

http://www.harborfreight.com/c...m.taf?Itemnumber=91885

IIRC, Pittsburgh tools are warrantied forever.

 

[robbo1959]

Everyone who tinkers on cars should have a set in their toolbox. One word of advice though, get the reversible kind. If you don't and loosen a fastener in a tight spot, you can't get the wrench off and you'll need to cut it or the fastener. (Don't ask me how I know)

Also look for a ratchet with a quick release button. Handy if you cannot get the socket off a rusty bolt and it ends up being a permanent part of your engine bay!