Standard Combination Wrench vs. Ratcheting Wrench

[RivaDriver]

Hi All – I am thinking about swapping out my combination wrench set that I carry in my Jeep for a flex head ratcheting wrench set. I currently carry Tekton metric and SAE combination wrenches. Replacing these with ratchet wrenches will be a big investment. Before making the purchase I am interested in what you all think the pros and cons are of ratcheting wrenches? Appreciate any feedback you can share. Thanks!

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[Jim1964]

I carry both. Probably because I carry too many tools. IF that’s possible LOL.

I like the ratchet wrenches for speed, and they fit tight spaces better than a conventional socket and ratchet. I think my set goes up to 15mm.

For high torque or heavy use like a control arm I prefer conventional one piece. Because they can take the abuse when extended with a pipe or second wrench to get the necessary torque applied.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

One drawback of ratcheting wrenches is that they are bulkier on the box end making them unusable in tight spaces.

 

[Mocopo]

My ratcheting wrenches work great, but I agree with people who say "carry both." There sometimes are different use cases that make one better over the other. I have a small tool bag I toss them all in. I have to dig around to find the right sizes, but its a big space saver vs. having a box with special slots for every one.

 

[Remorseless]

Honestly, I usually carry both. Ratcheting wrenches have the advantage in speed to get bolts on/off, but are usually thicker to accommodate the ratcheting mechanism, meaning they struggle in some hard to reach spots. Standard wrenches are thinner, but slower.

 

[GATORB8]

I carry traditional metric combos in my trail bag, but almost exclusively use my ratcheting set in the garage for anything smaller than 19 mm.

Hard call on whether I'd go flex. I've been considering getting a set for the garage cause every once in a while it'd come in handy. I use my flex ratchets pretty often since they've got more leverage than the standards, but half the time they leave me cussing when the head flexes when I don't want it to.

I'm planning on rebuilding my trail bag, and think I'd likely be doing non-flex ratcheting up to the size the set comes in (~18mm), then keep the traditional combos for the larger suspension sizes.

I do have a set of metric 3/8" crowsfeet in the bag with a longer flex head 3/8" ratchet, but haven't needed to use them. They take up so little space when I got a bigger set for the garage, I tossed the old set in the trail bag.

 

[grimmjeeper]

 

[GATORB8]

 

[jaymz]

Flex heads are great for me on rare occasions. I stay away from them because they generally aren't necessary and seem to always flex when I don't want them to. The only time I ever had a real issue with a ratchet wrench was using the style that needs to be flipped to reverse directions. Wasn't paying attention and got it wedged between the flange on the bolt head and a bracket that I was removing. No way to get the wrench off, and no way to thread the bolt back in and start over. Had to get a Dremel and a half dozen abrasive wheels to cut the bolt head off.

 

[Tank the Jeep]

Ratcheting wrenches are Gods gift to the toolbox.
(the drama may be a little thick here)

 

[RivaDriver]

Following all the great feedback I am now leaning towards carrying both regular and ratcheting wrenches. Thanks!

 

[Thane]

The combos are a must. Second favorite is the Bahco quad ratchets, bulkier but 3 quads cover 8mm-19mm about everything and easy to keep track of.

 

[Mocopo]

Flex heads are great for me on rare occasions. I stay away from them because they generally aren't necessary and seem to always flex when I don't want them to. The only time I ever had a real issue with a ratchet wrench was using the style that needs to be flipped to reverse directions. Wasn't paying attention and got it wedged between the flange on the bolt head and a bracket that I was removing. No way to get the wrench off, and no way to thread the bolt back in and start over. Had to get a Dremel and a half dozen abrasive wheels to cut the bolt head off.

Whew, I was afraid I was the only one!

 

[JL MADDOG]

I carry both in my tool roll. The ratcheting wrenches are my go-to in most cases unless I can't slip them into the space. Then I rely on old-fashioned open-end wrenches.

 

[blnewt]

And don't forget you can also use the combo wrenches for extra high torque situations

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