Ratcheting open-ended wrenches and Allen bits
 

Anybody have any experience with ratcheting open-ended wrenches? I just started a job as a boat mechanic, and after two days I've realized that anything that can let me get a little bit of speed in close quarters would be worth it. Are they all gimmicks or are some of them workable?


I also need some really close-quarter Allen bits. Anybody ever see Allen bits that are about one half inch to three quarters inch long, with the Allen head on one side and a standard-sized hex head on the other side? So I could stick the Allen-headed side into a bolt, then put a wrench on the other side of the bit? So far I've had to cut down three of my Allen wrenches and I've only worked on one boat...

i like the wratchiting wrences in some instances, speed in tight places definatly. being a diesel mecanic im up for trying anything the wratchiting wrenches are defiantly worth it:U:

Do you have any experience with open-ended ratcheting wrenches?

http://ratchawrex.com/NewBlackOxideBrochure.pdf (Like these, only these seem too rich for my blood.)

I've used Gearwrenches for a while. I'm pretty faithful in them now. I had my 5/16" Gearwrench box-end bent at least 45 degrees with a cheater bar trying to get an exhaust manifold bolt loose yesterday (the ratcheting box-end was on a cut down Allen wrench). It's only 5-10 degrees permabent now. :U:

not that brand im not but what i use is simalair, i love the gear drive box ends, and those have there uses but not as many in my opinion.

How much are those?

I dont think Id spend big bucks on them.


Whats wrong with a good ratchet, a u joint and some extensions?


Might want to try some PB Blaster or a mix of ATF and Acetone...

and yes, you can get short allen bits, both with a 3/8" socket and just the 1/4" hex bit. You can get absolutely anything you want - but question is how much are you willing to pay?

you cant get a socket in some places were you need to use an open end wrench and those speed up the process

I got ratchets, U-joints and extensions. There's a lot of times when you can't get all the way around a bolt head, so a box-end or socket is useless. If a ratcheting open-end lets me get a bolt out that is only halfway open around the head, it'd save tons of time and energy. I hate having to manually reposition an open-ended wrench 60 times (I counted), 30 degrees at a time, to get a rusty bolt out of an engine mount...

What brand are yours 94Cummins? Guys on eBay want $200 for an 8-piece Ratcha-Wrex SAE set. They're not worth that unless they come with tata's.

be honest with you i bought them from a tool truck about 6 months ago, either matco or something like that i paid $130 for them i belive there a 10 pice set, like i said i dont use them all that often but when i do they are the ticket for sure

Bad thing about ratcheting end wrenches is the box end is a little bigger. Needs some room to work. Other than that, they work good. Doesn't take a lot of movement to grab a notch.

yes that is a true statement i maybe use mine 1 a week at most

Something else to ponder - you cant ever have too many tools.

:choochoo:

if you get a good set of ratcheting wrenches the box end is usually small enough not to notice, now when i say good im talking Snap on, MAC, Cornwell...not wal marts finest...also dont get straight ones get the ones that the ratcheting end is at an angle so much nice to keep your hand out away from what ever your taking the bolt out of.

I use my ratcheting wrenches alot, i recently seen the open ended ones and they seem like a good way to bust a knuckle to me...and seem like they wouldnt take much to break the ends off of them that let them accomplish the ratcheting affect

*Watching*

I have angled, reversible combination Gearwrenches and flat S-shaped and C-shaped Gearwrenches. Sometimes I need the angled box end, sometimes I need the flat boxend, all depending on how the cavity I'm in is shaped. Sometimes I need the standard box end because the ratcheting box end is too big. Sometimes I need an open end. Sometimes I need a crow's foot.

Usually I need whatever I left back in the shop since I work in the slip and so can only carry a couple flight-line bags with me at any time, and one flight-line bag is full of liquids, covers and rags.

I dont like gearwrenches because they have a ring machined in the top of the box end that does not allow you to pass the ratchet over a bolt head. Like getting to a jam nut for instance, where these wrenches really shine. I have craftsman, and like them really well. Cornwell and snap-on trucks stop at work and I have looked at their ratchet wrenches (have set of standard, need metric) and I think I am gonna go with craftsman on these. Blue-point makes a set that is real close to the craftsmans as well, but the teeth are much finer, almost too fine. Nicest part about the craftsmans is they are identical to the regular wrench, but with reversible ratchet.

^you talkin about the open ended wrenches?? That you have craftsman or just regular old fashioned ratcheting wrenches

I've never seen a ratcheting open end wrench but i'm definetly going to see if the Cornwell man can get me a set. :U: You ever consider a set of go-through sockets? they are lower profile than a standard ratchet and socket plus the ratchet is gearless so it will turn the fastner no matter how little you move it.

The snap on ones as well as the blue point are made by gear wrench

very much well werth there money IMO

i go grab a ratchet wrench long before i grab a standard one

i just purchaced a long set that have a 90 degree twist so your pushing on the flat part of the wrench saves the hands