Thinking about getting a set of flex head ratcheting wrenches. I have fixed Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches now and like them. Open to other brands too, probably trying to stay in the $150-200 price point or less. I've only found one set that locks - I'd probably prefer that, but not sure if that's useful in the real world or not. Looking at metric - want something that starts at 8 or 10mm and goes up to at least 19mm. Would prefer something over 72 tooth but if that's all I can get that's fine. Thanks!
Flexhead ratcheting wrenches?
- Thread starter HoosierJeeper
- Start date
Amazon Link I've heard good things about these but don't have any.
This set by MOUNTAIN is on my wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDO1DP...VGMPNJJI6&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDO1DP...VGMPNJJI6&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
I bought those 4ish years ago and they are awesome. I have the SAE set also.
For normal length and stubby I have Cornwell ones because the cornwell guy had them on a buy one set get the other free deal. Extra long I have gearwrench and snapon. I prefer the snapon ones to the gearwrench set but they are considerably more money. I moved away from gearwrench because lately getting warranty service has been problematic.
I’m not a big GW guy but I also have to admit their sets are pretty good. The best in that price range IMO. I have a set of Fixed standard length, locking standard length and long double box end, one side flex and the other side a normal box end. The latter being my favourite and most used by a mile.
I wouldn’t recommend the locking set unless you already have the others. The locking mech doesn’t stay locked and is a PITA, I only use them when it’s the best choice which is rarely, but nice to have when it is.
I wouldn’t recommend the locking set unless you already have the others. The locking mech doesn’t stay locked and is a PITA, I only use them when it’s the best choice which is rarely, but nice to have when it is.
Good quality and the easiest lifetime warranty, walk in and walk out.
I was pretty anti-HF until you recommended these Icon tools when they went on sale. I was wrong.
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- May 7, 2025
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If you're looking for standard length, take a look at the set from Olsa tools. I bought myself a set for Xmas and they are great for the price.
The Icon are just the Kabo Mountain/Carlyle/KTI/Platinum, no?
Yes, same as Matco, AFAIK Cornwell and many others you mentioned. Their regular ratcheting wrenches are made by
infar. The big plus for me anyway is the ease of warranty, I have a HF 1/4 mile away in the same little plaza my bank drive up is in.
Watch for 40% off sales, this next week is 40% off all icon socket sets.
Well the Matcos are different. Thicker beams which do feel way better in-hand and less twisty of course, too. They get a lo-pro reversing lever on the back as God intended instead of the stupid side button.
But the Matcos are still spline drive which annoys the f outta me.
I very much prefer them over my old Carlyles and if they were traditional 12pt they'd be perfect.
As it is we inexplicably have this fascination with spline drive, which often rides up on stubborn fasteners just enough to lock itself on there. You also need full, square engagement of the splines or it slips and/or is more likely to begin rounding the fastener. I just don't get it.
Why does the Icon skip 9 and 11mm? I have the set and had to buy a Mountain 7/16 to get 11mm. Other than that I love the Icon set.
I was too for hand tools. I bought the ICON S shaped obstruction wrench set. After using them, the quality and finish are excellent. More and more of their higher quality tools seem to be made in Taiwan vs China.
The Icon line is filling that gap that the USA made Craftsman tools used to be, now that Craftsman quality is poor.
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