Wrench, a commonly used hand tool, This is one of the most important tools for any mechanical or home purpose. The tool has been in use for thousands of years since the evolution of technology for various purposes.
As time changed, some modifications also occurred to wrenches. The 6 and 12-point wrenches were also used many years ago. But the concept of ratcheting wrench is not ancient but at present, it has gained much popularity due to its ease of access in special locations.
What is a wrench? A piece of metal right? Yes, but it is not just a piece of metal. You don’t like to have your wrench snap in the middle of work, right? It means you need to select the right wrench which won’t disappoint you with how much pressure is applied on it.
But the problem is at present thousands of wrenches of thousands of companies are found in the market from worst to best. But the best ones come with the best prices.
But you don’t want to spend huge money on a tool right? Then you have come to the right place because here you will get the 5 best ratcheting wrenches sets available in the market at a reasonable price. And the quality? Of course, they will provide the best quality. So, let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe Top Choices at a Glance:
I have shortlisted all of the best flex head ratcheting wrench sets and found the best value for the money:
- GEARWRENCH Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
- WORKPRO Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
- Eastvolt Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
- DURATECH Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
- TEKTON Flex Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set
What Is A Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench?
A flex head wrench is a type of wrench that includes double-stacked pawls within the ratcheting mechanism. Another interesting feature is the head is flexible and it can be moved up to 90 degrees on both sides. Due to the flexibility, the wrench can be easily used for adjusting fasteners that can not be reached by normal wrenches.
Moreover, the ratcheting mechanism allows the wrench to adjust any fasteners just by swinging the body. Due to this, the job becomes much quicker and there is no need for repositioning the wrench. It also makes the job easier.
How Does A Ratcheting Wrench Work?
We have known the importance of a ratcheting wrench but how does it work? Here we will tell you the mechanism of a ratcheting wrench.
Every ratcheting wrench has a 12-point or in some cases a 6-point head inside a metal holder. The head has teeth on the outer periphery (normally 72 or sometimes more). At the neck of the wrench, a spring-powered locker lies. It allows applying force in one direction only and reset the swing position in another direction.
The teeth are made in such a way that they can be moved in one direction only and if tried to move the other direction, they will be locked. In the locked position, the wrench is used for tightening or loosening fasteners and the free moving direction allows resetting the wrench position. That’s why a ratcheting noise is heard in one direction.
The benefit is it requires just several swings to adjust a fastener rather than flipping and turning again and again. In tight spaces, it gives huge benefits.
The wrench has been more convenient due to the adoption of a flexible head. It allows reaching the unreachable corners for adjustment.
Best Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench Set Reviews 2021
1. GEARWRENCH Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
Gearwrench is a leading brand for the production of hand tools like wrenches, pullers, pliers, cutting tools, etc. mechanical tools. The company is mainly a Taiwan company but its parent company is Apex Tool Group, which is another world’s top hand tool manufacturer.
Initially, products of Gearwrench were manufactured in Taiwan but at present heavily manufactured in America and Europe. At present, the products are found in every corner of the world.
What makes the Gearwrench company unbeatable is its quality products at a favorable price range. It gives its best to supply the best type of products to the customers but unlike most other brands they are found at a reasonable price.
The ratcheting wrench set is a very popular tool manufactured by the Gearwrench brand. The durability, quality, design, and ease to use have made the product one of the best ratcheting wrenches available on the market.
How To Use It?
Every wrench of a Gearwrench set has 2 parts: the standard head and the flex head. The flex head is a 12-point head with a ratcheting mechanism. The 12-point head allows a finer grip on any bolt or nut and the flexible head allows it to fit where standard can’t be used.
Using this tool is very simple. You need to select the direction of whether you want to lose or tighten a fastener. If the ratcheting sound occurs at clockwise direction movement, the wrench will act for loosening.
On the other hand, if the wrench makes a ratcheting noise in the counterclockwise direction, it will tighten a fastener.
Selecting the side can be done by simply flipping the sides. One side loses and the other tightens.
Why Should You Buy It?
- The 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism allows having a 5° arc that helps to tighten or lose a fastener in very tight places compared to standard wrenches which take a minimum of 30° arc space.
- The ratcheting mechanism allows moving the wrench in one direction for both tightening and loosening fasteners. Here there is no need of removing and reloading a wrench for adjusting purposes.
- It saves much time and makes adjustment easier.
- Fastener rounding is reduced due to the off-corner design on the box end. It also helps to have a better grip.
- A flexible head allows reaching tight locations where normal wrenches can’t reach.
- The extra-long body allows providing more torque for adjusting fasteners.
- Pass through design helps to work on long bolts.
- A set provides 12 wrenches of 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, & 19mm sizes.
- Hard alloy steel prevents snapping and breaking.
- Bright and full polish chrome finishing helps to wipe out debris and dirt.
- 12 wrenches come in a rack that helps to identify the required size easier.
Things To Consider:
- The price is high.
- Some users say the brand is deploying products of worse quality at present than the previous.
2. WORKPRO Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
Work is another name of the world’s leading tool manufacturing brand. The company was developed by Hangzhou Greatstar Ind CoLtd, which is at present one of the world’s largest tool manufacturers and suppliers around the world.
With years of research and testing, Workpro has developed a wide variety of hand tools for professionals, home users, and DIYers.
The company manufactures various tools like cutting tools, pliers, wrenches, leveling tools, fastening tools, etc.
What makes the company unique is the price to performance. All the tools made by the company provide the best qualities at quite a low price.
Ratcheting wrenches are some adjusting tools developed by them. Tough material, durability, rust resistance, design, and ease of use have made them one of the best brands of ratcheting wrenches.
The flex head ratcheting wrench is a tool that has the ability to move in three directions. If you are facing up, then it will be able to turn left and right as well as twist up and down.
This tool can always stay pointed at the spot that it needs to work on, which makes it easier than other tools that you might need to flip around for different angles. The only downside is that it can only be used as a rotary tool, so it can’t be used to cut a circle or a straight line. Aside from that, it is a great tool for the rotary tool.
Why Should You Buy It?
- The 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism allows having a 5° work swing arc that helps to tighten or lose a fastener in very tight places compared to standard wrenches which take a minimum 30° arc space.
- The ratcheting mechanism allows moving the wrench in one direction for 2 types of adjustments of fasteners. Here there is no need of removing and reloading a wrench for adjusting purposes.
- It saves much time and makes adjustment easier.
- Rounded fasteners can be adjusted due to the universal ratcheting box.
- A flexible head allows reaching tight locations where normal wrenches can’t reach.
- The head is adjustable at 90 degrees in both directions.
- Pass through design helps to work on long bolts.
- The wrenches come in 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 3/4 inch sizes.
- Made of hard and heat-treated Cr-v steel.
- Nickel coating prevents rust attack and increases longevity.
- 8 wrenches come in a nice-looking bag.
Things To Consider:
- The single wrench is not sold.
3. Eastvolt Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
Eastvolt is a hand tools and power tools manufacturing company that is highly recognized around the globe. The OEM factory of the company was founded in 1993 and since then it is in service. The company is in continuous research and testing to provide the best products to its customers.
Ning Bo An Si Ke Dian Zi Shang Wu Co., Ltd, located in China, is the mother company of the brand. The company is well-known in Asia and other countries of the world.
Apart from just manufacturing hand tools, Eastvolt is well known for manufacturing electric power tools like drills, hammers, drivers, sanders, etc. and all of them are great in quality and price.
Ratcheting wrench set is a heavy selling product of Eastvolt. Better material, durability, quality, money-friendly, and the special hand toolbox have made the wrench set one of the best wrenches sets available in the market.
The flex head ratcheting wrench is a tool that has the ability to move in three directions. It also has an open-ended design so it can fit any size nut. These wrenches are easy to use and come with a mechanism that prevents slipping off of nuts, which allows you to tighten them up with more force.
If you decide on buying this tool for home or work, be sure to check which size fits your needs before making a purchase. This is a great tool to have around the house, especially when tightening and loosening on the road.
Why Should You Buy It?
- The 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism requires only a 5° swing arc that helps to tighten or lose a fastener in very awkward places compared which can’t be done with wrenches that take much space.
- The ratcheting mechanism allows moving the wrench in one direction for both tightening and loosening fasteners. Here there is no need of removing and reloading a wrench for adjusting purposes.
- It saves much time and makes adjustment easier.
- The wrenches come from 8mm to 19 mm sizes for most of the home maintenance, mechanic repair, auto, and bicycle repair.
- Fastener rounding is reduced due to the off-corner design on the box end. It also helps to have a better grip.
- A flexible head allows reaching tight locations where normal wrenches can’t reach.
- The extra-long body allows providing more torque for adjusting fasteners.
- Pass through design helps to work on long bolts.
- Tools are forged from high-quality Chrome Vanadium steel to provide more durability and rust resistance.
- Bright and mirror polishing finishing helps to wipe out impurities and dirt.
- 12 wrenches come in a plastic hand toolbox for easier mobility and protection.
Things To Consider:
- Price is comparatively high.
4. DURATECH Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Set
Duratech is an associated company of Longyou Yiyang Import and Export Co., Ltd, which is one of the largest and well-reputed tools suppliers around the globe. Duratech only manufactures hand tools that are cherished by people worldwide.
Unlike most other brands, Duratech manufactures mostly wrenches and wrench-related tools like wrench sockets and a few other tools.
But what makes the tools of Duratech outstanding is the quality compared to the very low price. At such a low price no company will provide such quality products. Besides the company manufactures various styles of wrenches which are quite demandable.
That’s why the tools made by Duratech are one of the best tools found in the market.
This is such a versatile tool that comes in a variety of sizes and functions. It can be used to remove fasteners, tighten bolts, and loosen nuts and bolts with the use of a bendable handle. The flex head ratcheting wrench can be used for general work and is ideal for tight spaces.
Why Should You Buy it?
- The 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism allows having a 5° arc that helps to tighten or lose a fastener in very tight places which can’t be done by a standard wrench as it is very complicated to work in tight space.
- The ratcheting mechanism allows moving the wrench in one direction for both tightening and loosening fasteners. Here there is no need of removing and reloading a wrench for adjusting purposes.
- It saves much time and makes adjustment easier.
- Each wrench has 2 ratcheting heads, which gives 2 times more durability than those that have just a single head.
- Fastener rounding is reduced due to the off-corner design on the box end. It also helps to have a better grip.
- A flexible head allows reaching tight locations where normal wrenches can’t reach.
- A whole set includes 8*9, 10*11, 12*13, 14*15, 16*18, and 17*19 ratcheting wrenches
- The extra-long body allows providing more torque for adjusting fasteners.
- Pass through design helps to work on long bolts.
- Each wrench is made of premium chrome vanadium steel which is heat-treated for providing extra strength and durability.
- Bright and full polish helps to wipe out debris and dirt.
- The set comes with a roll-up pouch for easy organization and storage. The tailored cover keeps wrenches from sliding out.
Things to Consider:
- No single wrench is sold. You have to buy a set.
5. TEKTON Flex Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set
Tekton is a family-owned company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The tools of the company are made in the United States, Taiwan, and China. The company manufactures hand drive sockets, ratchets, impact sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers.
The company believes in making tools rightly, not making them costly. That’s why it tries its best to provide better quality products to its customers and the products have been able to fully satisfy the customers.
The unique feature of ratcheting wrenches manufactured by the company is that all of them are 6-points rather than 12-points. 6-point makes it more convenient to use. This unique feature and other features have made the 13-piece wrench set one of the best wrenches sets available in the market.
Some tools are designed to be used in different positions; this is not the case with a Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench. The head of the wrench, while it does turn, will not make contact with other surfaces while you are using it. This is because the head does not pivot like most wrenches do.
Instead, this type of wrench will make use of ratchets to loosen or tighten bolts and nuts. You will be able to prevent the wrench from turning the bolt or nut too much if you will use this wrench with the correct size ratchet. Since this type of wrench is not used with a handle, you will be expected to use it using only one hand.
Why Should You Buy it?
- The 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism allows having a 5° arc that helps to tighten or lose a fastener in very tight places compared to standard wrenches which take a minimum 30° swing arc.
- The ratcheting mechanism allows moving the wrench in one direction for both tightening and loosening fasteners. Here there is no need of removing and reloading a wrench for adjusting purposes.
- It saves much time and makes adjustment easier.
- Fastener rounding is reduced due to the off-corner design on the box end. It also helps to have a better grip.
- A flexible head allows reaching tight locations where normal wrenches can’t reach.
- The standard head is angled 15 degrees so the wrench can be flipped over to engage fasteners twice as often in tight spaces.
- 13 wrenches in a set come in the sizes of 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, and 1 in.
- Pass through design helps to work on long bolts.
- Hard alloy steel prevents snapping and breaking.
- Bright and full polish chrome finishing helps to wipe out debris and dirt.
- 13 wrenches come in a holder with a space-saving folding handle and nonslip grippers to lock in wrenches.
Things to Consider:
- The price is quite high.
- No single wrench is sold, you always need to purchase a whole set.
How To Use a Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench?
Most of the wrenches of a set have 2 parts: the standard head and the flex head. The flex head is in most cases 12-point and sometimes is 6-point with a ratcheting mechanism. The 12-point head allows a finer grip on any bolt or nut and the flexible head allows it to fit where standard can’t be used.
On the other hand, the 6-point head allows applying force on the flat surface rather than on corners, making it causing less rounding.
The use of the tool is very simple. You need to select the direction of whether you want to lose or tighten a fastener. If the ratcheting sound occurs at clockwise direction movement, the wrench will act for loosening.
On the other hand, if the wrench makes a ratcheting noise in the counterclockwise direction, it will tighten a fastener.
Selecting the side can be done by simply flipping the sides. One side loses and the other tightens.
Some wrenches come with a lever or button on their neck. It makes them more convenient for use because you don’t need to flip the whole wrench for reversing actions. Just rotate the lever or press the button and the wrench will act reverse. This type is known as reversible wrenches. They are very handy but come at a higher price.
How To Select The Best Ratcheting Wrench?
There are thousands of ratcheting wrenches available at the market and they are sold as a set ranging from various sizes. You don’t want to waste huge money on such a hand tool and don’t want to get a dull set, right? Then some facts you should bear in mind before purchasing any ratcheting wrench set.
Price: the first thing to give priority is the price. from 30$ to more than 200$ you will get all wrenches. Nobody wants to waste money on cheaply made but costly tools. From our perspective, you can get dependable sets under 100$ like Workpro, Duratech, etc.
Type: wrenches are found labeled in the metric system or standard system. The Metric system denotes mm sizes of tools and the standard system denotes numbers for identification. Both of them are right and are useful. You can select any of them.
Durability and quality: the less money you will invest, the lower quality you will get. But there are some exceptions. Some brands like Workpro and Eastvolt give tools at a low price but the quality and durability are more than what is imagined. You can without a doubt choose them.
Head type: some wrenches come with one flex head with a fixed head, some come with 2 flex heads. The latter wrenches come at a bit more price but if you want, you can pick Duratech which provides such wrenches.
Most of the brands provide 12-point headed wrenches. But if you want a 6-point headed wrench set, you can go for the Tekton brand. Both the quality and the type you can get.
Handle: you have probably heard that the longer the length of a wrench will be, the more torque you can apply. Yes, it is true but size does not always come in handy. The larger size means the heavier and wider the tool whereas smaller size means more compact. It depends on the purpose mostly.
Moreover, some wrenches come with rubber padding for better grip and comfort. It fully depends on your taste and purpose.
Polishing: some of you may like mirror polished wrenches and some are fine with normal finishing.
Final Verdict:
Ratcheting wrenches are versatile tools that can be used with many different tasks. The way they work is by using a ratchet system with two wheels to make it easier to tighten or loosen bolts or nuts that are situated in hard-to-reach areas. A common problem that people find with typical wrench is that it cannot dig into joints and pliers when trying to move them around. For these scenarios, the Flex Head ratcheting wrench comes in handy! So This comes as a very handy tool to have in the collection. Get your ratcheting wrench set today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a ratcheting wrench and a socket?
Answer: a ratcheting wrench has 2 open ends allowing it to work on longer bolts. On the other hand, a socket wrench works on fastening bolts or nuts.
Does a ratcheting wrench work in a tight space?
Answer: a ratcheting wrench works on the principle of ratcheting mechanism, allowing it to work by just the swing of the wrench. It becomes highly effective for working in tight spaces.
What is the significance of tooth count on a ratcheting wrench?
Answer: normally, most of the ratcheting wrenches have 72 teeth which allow them to have a 5 degrees swing arc. The more the teeth will be, the lower it will take a swing arc.
How does a ratcheting wrench work?
Answer: a ratcheting wrench works by swinging the wrench in both directions where one direction resets the wrench position and the other allows to apply force on fasteners.
How do you reverse direction when using a ratcheting wrench?
Answer: it can be done by flipping the wrench. Some ratcheting wrench comes with a lever or button on their neck. By switching them you can change or reverse the direction.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a flex head ratcheting wrench?
Answer: the advantages are it helps in working in tight spaces and the flex head allows it to reach tight positions. The disadvantages are sometimes the wrench works in both directions and not too much torque is applied because it may destroy the teeth mechanism.
Do you always have to flip a ratcheting wrench over to change direction?
Answer: the common ratcheting wrenches are to be flipped for changing direction. But some wrenches come with levers or buttons on their neck which allow them to change direction without flipping the wrenches.