Best ratchet wrench? SO, Mac and Icon +more tested.

[Ohio Andy]

I watched the video the other day and was going they would include the proto. My Reversible ratcheting set is made on Taiwan

https://www.zoro.com/proto-ratcheting-wrench-set-combination-jscvmt-22s/i/G7518086/

I am very curious how they rate, not that it probably matters since I own the linked set and the equivalent SAE set.

Anyone know if they have been rated before...

Or who actually makes these for proto.

Curious.

Between the two sets, I did have one ratchet end lock up and proto took care of that right quick.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

This was what stood out to me also. To achieve the 100% ASME point on this test would require over 200# of force acting at 250mm from the fastener (for reference the SO is 277mm total length).

I suppose there are people with such incredibly tough hands that the can withstand 200# of force on their hand from a skinny wrench handle. I am absolutely not one of them, even with gloves.

Once you get past the absurd brute strength aspect, what's left? Hmm, package size? Low backdrag? Smoothness?

Gee, which brand has the smallest head, and lightest, smoothest mechanism?

It's almost as if SO designs tools for people who know not to put a 4ft cheater on a 17mm ratcheting wrench.

Brute strength is so rarely relevant to a particular task that it's absurd to weight it as heavily as all the testing videos and guy-to-guy chatter does.

What matters every time that tool touches a fastener, though, is how well it fits the fastener, how well it fits the available space, and can it do the job. Give me the smaller, weaker head every time. I own breaker bars. And there's a reason I LOVE my "low profile" ratchets that use a 3/8 anvil on a 1/4 drive body. THEY FIT AND THEY WORK. Are they as strong? No. Are they strong enough? Always.

I agree with a lot of this - how does it fit, finish, operate, longevity?

I wouldn't say I prefer the weaker option though, but I understand your explanation as to why.

True it hurts to put a lot of force on a skinny wrench beam. Then it hurts again to bust your knuckles, but I guess that's the deal.

Speaking if finish, are there options for reversible ratcheting wrenches that are textured and not high polish? I've found that my high polish Icons are difficult to hold onto. They get especially slick in hand with any fluids - diesel, hydraulic fluid, oil, sweat, atf - pretty much anything associated with wrenching. My textured combo Cmans are preferred when I simply need to hold onto them. But I really like, and in some spots the most useful option is a ratcheting wrench. If options aren't avail, might be time for experimentation?... akin to texturing a grip on a pistol, or putting on a different finish.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Speaking if finish, are there options for reversible ratcheting wrenches that are textured and not high polish? I've found that my high polish Icons are difficult to hold onto. They get especially slick in hand with any fluids - diesel, hydraulic fluid, oil, sweat, atf - pretty much anything associated with wrenching. My textured combo Cmans are preferred when I simply need to hold onto them. But I really like, and in some spots the most useful option is a ratcheting wrench. If options aren't avail, might be time for experimentation?... akin to texturing a grip on a pistol, or putting on a different finish.

I think that all of my ratcheting wrenches are Chrome. Proto has "Chrome", and "Black Chrome".

https://www.zoro.com/proto-ratcheting-wrench-set-combination-jscvmt-22s/i/G7518086/

https://www.zoro.com/proto-20-piece-black-chrome-reversible-combination-ratcheting-wrench-set-jscv-20s/i/G1231431/

The Black Chrome sure looks shiny to me, I own Chrome sets in Metric and SAE.

Wright Tools has Chrome and Satin for their Wrenches, but, they do not Ratcheting Wrenches except for Flare Nut Wrenches, and those are not slippery, but I am sure not what you want; and I think that all the ratcheting flare nut wrenches are probably made by Imperial / Stride so Williams and Wright are probably made by the same company for these. And not what you want.

Gloves help some when they are covered in oil and slippery, but not much.

 

[LWB]

I agree with a lot of this - how does it fit, finish, operate, longevity?

I wouldn't say I prefer the weaker option though, but I understand your explanation as to why.

True it hurts to put a lot of force on a skinny wrench beam. Then it hurts again to bust your knuckles, but I guess that's the deal.

Speaking if finish, are there options for reversible ratcheting wrenches that are textured and not high polish? I've found that my high polish Icons are difficult to hold onto. They get especially slick in hand with any fluids - diesel, hydraulic fluid, oil, sweat, atf - pretty much anything associated with wrenching. My textured combo Cmans are preferred when I simply need to hold onto them. But I really like, and in some spots the most useful option is a ratcheting wrench. If options aren't avail, might be time for experimentation?... akin to texturing a grip on a pistol, or putting on a different finish.

Hockey tape is the bomb.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Hockey tape is the bomb.

Was curious abt that or tennis grip tape.

 

[bornbadbob]

I liked my snap on ones till someone liked them more than I did. Bought some gear wrench ones after and have no complaints, they work as advertised just a little bulkier overall. I don’t use them much so it really doesn’t matter unless it’s a tight spot , then there are other options

 

[Next]

So who makes no skips in Metric and Standard that are best value? The Capris?

 

[AJHD]

So who makes no skips in Metric and Standard that are best value? The Capris?

Reversible ratcheting wrenches? Probably Tekton makes the best compromise between quality, price and no skipped sizes.

34-Piece Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set with Organizer | TEKTON

Set includes 1/4 - 1 inch (SAE), 6 - 24 mm (metric) reversible 12-point ratcheting combination wrenches with modular wrench organizer. No skipped sizes. WRC94305.

www.tekton.com

They also sell individuals and other sets...

12-Point Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches | TEKTON

Shop 12-point standard-length reversible ratcheting combination wrenches. No skipped sizes.

www.tekton.com

 

[Ohio Andy]

So who makes no skips in Metric and Standard that are best value? The Capris?

For no skip wrenches I have wright with wright grip 2.0. for reversible ratcheting wrenches I have Proto. Both are a bit pricey.

If I wanted cheaper I would look at Tekton.

If you want really cheap for home use, Duratech.

 

[KnurledNut]

So who makes no skips in Metric and Standard that are best value? The Capris?

Gearwrench

 

[Next]

Gearwrench

The open end is…..huge

 

[Hohn]

The open end is…..huge

Almost a line wrench.

 

[DarryT]

Wen (metric)
Tekton (SAE)
Same product, labeled differently.

 

[AJHD]

Wen (metric)
Tekton (SAE)
Same product, labeled differently.

Unless I'm an idiot, WTF are you talking about? They are completely different tools. Even the finish is different.

 

[Fedwrench]

Unless I'm an idiot, WTF are you talking about? They are completely different tools. Even the finish is different.

I think the wrenches are both sourced from Infar. Yes, the Wen is full polished and Tekton has a satin finish but, if you look at the direction switch on both versions, it's that same lever on a disc design. Dynamic Tools is another example of the same direction switch. Just a guess,

 

[AJHD]

I think the wrenches are both sourced from Infar. Yes, the Wen is full polished and Tekton has a satin finish but, if you look at the direction switch on both versions, it's that same lever on a disc design. Dynamic Tools is another example of the same direction switch. Just a guess,

Looks like SK would also on the list. Based entirely on the selector switch, I see the resemblance.

 

[DarryT]

I think the wrenches are both sourced from Infar. Yes, the Wen is full polished and Tekton has a satin finish but, if you look at the direction switch on both versions, it's that same lever on a disc design. Dynamic Tools is another example of the same direction switch. Just a guess,

These Infar "Wen" wrenches are excellent. The SAE variety is actually available through Home Depot if you want to match the metric set.

 

[Andres26tnt]

They are the same manufacturer, slight difference due to the specifications wanted by the buyer.

 

[shoggoth80]

Tekton has satin finish ratcheting wrenches, if you wanted a little more texture to hold on to. Bought a couple sets for guys at work. No complaints so far. For the price, they seem to hit the target well.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Guys , in my opinion without any doubt , USA made ratchets are in the first place. but let me give you a hint about the brand named "Koken" , As many of you knows , Koken is a Japanese brand and i think that their ratchets are extremely awesome .specially their "Z Series".

Wrong thread, we talking about ratchet wrenches/spanners. Koken doesn't make wrenches or ratchet wrench in this style. They do make dog bone ratchet wrenches, but those are basically from the 1970s .

 

[Hohn]

Guys , in my opinion without any doubt , USA made ratchets are in the first place. but let me give you a hint about the brand named "Koken" , As many of you knows , Koken is a Japanese brand and i think that their ratchets are extremely awesome .specially their "Z Series".

This reads like a bot. Username too.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Guys , in my opinion without any doubt , USA made ratchets are in the first place. but let me give you a hint about the brand named "Koken" , As many of you knows , Koken is a Japanese brand and i think that their ratchets are extremely awesome .specially their "Z Series".

Koken is well known and loved here... Not by me, never tried one... Well, I might have a couple of their spinner handles.

Welcome to the forum, your first post I think.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

How many of you all actually use the open end of these wrenches? The lever style wasn't available when I first found this style of wrenches years ago (Gearwrench 7 piece sets for $20). I filled in the other sizes before they came out with the lever. I would still like to see them with the levers as well as one side being an adjustable head and the other side fixed. But back when I worked in a garage, I always found other ways and never upgraded to the flip head style. (borrowed one twice from a friend as he started with Gearwrench, then swapped them for a truck brand that the flip heads were stiffer) By that time all I did was my own stuff and not as frequent.

Towards the end of my in the garage days (worked two jobs, seven days a week for three years with three days off a year), I bought a wrench roll and filled it with Snap on Flare nut, open end wrenches and bought an Armstrong, box end wrench, gearwrench end style wrenches in their own pouch for my grab and go stuff. The Snap on open ends are bigger, but I find I have used the fixed, boxed end wrench to hold one side and a ratchet and socket most times on the other to spin things apart.
Also a friend whose arthritis would cause problems, years ago bought a pool noodle for something and cut a piece off for the days when a wrench would hurt his hand, to give a bit more cushion.

 

[Andres26tnt]

How many of you all actually use the open end of these wrenches? The lever style wasn't available when I first found this style of wrenches years ago (Gearwrench 7 piece sets for $20). I filled in the other sizes before they came out with the lever. I would still like to see them with the levers as well as one side being an adjustable head and the other side fixed. But back when I worked in a garage, I always found other ways and never upgraded to the flip head style. (borrowed one twice from a friend as he started with Gearwrench, then swapped them for a truck brand that the flip heads were stiffer) By that time all I did was my own stuff and not as frequent.

Towards the end of my in the garage days (worked two jobs, seven days a week for three years with three days off a year), I bought a wrench roll and filled it with Snap on Flare nut, open end wrenches and bought an Armstrong, box end wrench, gearwrench end style wrenches in their own pouch for my grab and go stuff. The Snap on open ends are bigger, but I find I have used the fixed, boxed end wrench to hold one side and a ratchet and socket most times on the other to spin things apart.
Also a friend whose arthritis would cause problems, years ago bought a pool noodle for something and cut a piece off for the days when a wrench would hurt his hand, to give a bit more cushion.

I barely use the wrenches , much prefer using a socket. But they do come in handy when you don't have the space for said socket. The open end never lol, almost never use them on my regular wrenches either.

 

[Blind1]

Reversible ratcheting wrenches? Probably Tekton makes the best compromise between quality, price and no skipped sizes.

34-Piece Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set with Organizer | TEKTON

Set includes 1/4 - 1 inch (SAE), 6 - 24 mm (metric) reversible 12-point ratcheting combination wrenches with modular wrench organizer. No skipped sizes. WRC94305.

www.tekton.com

They also sell individuals and other sets...

12-Point Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches | TEKTON

Shop 12-point standard-length reversible ratcheting combination wrenches. No skipped sizes.

www.tekton.com

The ratcheting heads on those are too big/bulky.

 

[CGarage]

Someone should re-introduce double box end ratchet wrenches, I think a big U.S. tool company once made these.

 

[Fedwrench]

Someone should re-introduce double box end ratchet wrenches, I think a big U.S. tool company once made these.

Are you talking about the old, laminated kind or the Armstrong/Matco Proswing series? My favorite ratcheting wrench of all time was the Matco Proswing model that featured a fixed 15 degree offset 12 point boxed end on one side, and a zero offset 72 tooth, ratcheting boxed end on the other side. Standard length, truly great wrenches I think Cornwell still offers them under their blue power line but, no longer made in the USA. I've always wanted someone to make a version in standard length where the ratcheting boxed end is a flex head. SP Tools offers this set but, they don't offer an 18mm. close but, no cigar.

8PC METRIC REVERSIBLE LOCKING FLEX-HEAD GEAR DRIVE DOUBLE BOX WRENCH SET - SP10628

Set Includes: 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 & 19mmChrome Vanadium Steel (Cr-V) for high strength & durabilityMeets & exceeds international ANSI & DIN standardLifetime warranty

www.sptoolsusa.com

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Someone should re-introduce double box end ratchet wrenches, I think a big U.S. tool company once made these.

If you are talking box end, Geared end, Armstrong made them (I have a couple sets). They were straight rather then offset. Gearwrench still makes a set as well as a set where the Geared side has a flex end.

 

[51dueller]

Infar is the one that makes the standard length double box end flex ratchet wrench.

https://www.infar.com.tw/proimages/2024-10/P47_Flex_Head_FXGT4PKV.jpg

They list sae and full set of metric but I've yet to see someone offer them. They are much cheaper to get the SK11 versions from Japan than the SP Tools set. The Deen version lack the locking flex and only come in a 5 piece set.

 

[CGarage]

More proof that Taiwan is at the forefront and cutting edge of advanced hand tool design.

I have mentioned this in years past, but many do not seem to understand that the new west is in the east.

I think Asia’s rise over the next century will further prove this.

The U.S. and European tool companies need to play catch-up on innovation.

 

[Andres26tnt]

More proof that Taiwan is at the forefront and cutting edge of advanced hand tool design.

I have mentioned this in years past, but many do not seem to understand that the new west is in the east.

I think Asia’s rise over the next century will further prove this.

The U.S. and European tool companies need to play catch-up on innovation.

A lot of those design are from the west lol, the west is still a major player in design. We just traded low cheap manufacturing for high quality expensive manufacturing. Manufacturer tools isn't a priority for USA based companies. A lot of them do the design work, then go to china/Taiwan/India for manufacturing. In some cases giving away their hard work .

What Asia is and will continue to be is a cheap manufacturing powerhouse untill their economies become more expensive, something that is happening to china. Hence the rise in tools from India/Vietnam.

 

[CGarage]

A lot of those design are from the west lol, the west is still a major player in design. We just traded low cheap manufacturing for high quality expensive manufacturing. Manufacturer tools isn't a priority for USA based companies. A lot of them do the design work, then go to china/Taiwan/India for manufacturing. In some cases giving away their hard work .

What Asia is and will continue to be is a cheap manufacturing powerhouse untill their economies become more expensive, something that is happening to china. Hence the rise in tools from India/Vietnam.

I disagree.

 

[LWB]

Someone should re-introduce double box end ratchet wrenches, I think a big U.S. tool company once made these.

There's KTC

Amazon.com

Just about everything I use regularly is double box end, fixed or flex. I have combos but they rarely get used.

 

[Hohn]

I may or may not have ordered KoKen T-handles after watching these Honda Takumis tear down an F1 engine.

 

[Hohn]

Someone should re-introduce double box end ratchet wrenches, I think a big U.S. tool company once made these.

The Gearbox wrenches are the closest I've seen to a great DBE in current production. But they are spline and long pattern.

86133 1/2" 120XP™ Universal Spline XL GearBox™ Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 86133 1/2" 120XP™ Universal Spline XL GearBox™ Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench here.

www.gearwrench.com

 

[Hohn]

A lot of those design are from the west lol, the west is still a major player in design. We just traded low cheap manufacturing for high quality expensive manufacturing. Manufacturer tools isn't a priority for USA based companies. A lot of them do the design work, then go to china/Taiwan/India for manufacturing. In some cases giving away their hard work .

What Asia is and will continue to be is a cheap manufacturing powerhouse untill their economies become more expensive, something that is happening to china. Hence the rise in tools from India/Vietnam.

I disagree.

You guys made me go find this incredible piece from 2017 that is BANG ON the topic of West vs East and globilization.

Sending Jobs Overseas - Claremont Review of Books

Globalization’s benefits are hard to explain and its damage hard to diagnose.

claremontreviewofbooks.com

 

[Andres26tnt]

There's KTC

Amazon.com

Just about everything I use regularly is double box end, fixed or flex. I have combos but they rarely get used.

Those are nice, good quality but too expensive imo. They are also made in Taiwan.

 

[KnurledNut]

I may or may not have ordered KoKen T-handles after watching these Honda Takumis tear down an F1 engine.

Video confirms the rumors of how bad Honda quality has gotten...

 

[Hohn]

Video confirms the rumors of how bad Honda quality has gotten...

How do you figure?
The engine is from 1990.

 

[51dueller]

These are available at Canadian Tire under their Maximum brand made by gearwrench. 72 tooth and twelve point. They go on sale regularly.