Ratcheting wrenches can be life and frustration savers. With a ratcheting wrench, you get the compact form of a standard wrench with the convenience of a socket wrench. Ratcheting wrenches work from inside the wrench’s head – a pawl and gear system allow the ring end of the wrench to rotate in one direction, but not in the opposite direction. They are meant to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts better than other types of wrenches. This type of wrench is able to attach to different sized sockets which makes them an incredibly versatile tool to have around.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Milwaukee 15 pc Metric Combination Wrench Set
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2. ToolGuards TG201 Ratcheting Wrench Set
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3. GEARWRENCH 9416 Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set
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4. Craftsman Ratcheting Wrench Set
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1. Milwaukee 15 pc Metric Combination Wrench Set
Specification
| Head Style | Open End |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
Features
- Sizes 8-22 mm included
- 2.5º click, arc-swing
- Double pawl built-in wrench head for durability
- Metric measurements
- 15-wrench set
Milwaukee is a well-known, durable brand name, these wrenches are no exception. There are 144 ratcheting positions with a 12-point end design which makes gripping onto fasteners incredibly easy. The wrench only needs to be rotated 2.5º in order to reach the next click, too, which makes the job quick to finish.
WHAT WE LIKE
These wrenches are double stacked pawl which makes them incredibly durable and great for heavy-duty use. The toothed box end reduces slippage and improves torque in the wrench’s movement. If you are trying to buy a set that has every wrench, this is a good one to go with since it has wrenches from 8mm up to 22 mm included. This set also comes with a stand made for storing tools in your toolbox.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
There is a fixed head design so it is not as flexible as some of the competition. The design of the case also makes it difficult to see what the wrench sizes are while they are tucked away in the case.
PROS
- Double-stacked pawl
- 8mm-22mm wrenches included
- Toothed box end
- Comes with a stand for tool storage
- 2.5º arc swing
CONS
- Fixed head wrench design
- Case makes it difficult to read the wrench sizes
2. ToolGuards TG201 Ratcheting Wrench Set
Specification
| Item Weight | 1.97 pounds |
| Material | Chrome Vanadium Steel |
| Size | 1 1/8″ |
| Batteries Required? | No |
Features
- Made from chrome vanadium steel
- 22-wrench set
- Metric and standard sizing
If you are looking for a lot of wrenches that work for both the standard and metric sizes, this is a great set to choose. You get a great bang for your buck with high quality, 22 wrenches, and versatility all in one set.
WHAT WE LIKE
This wrench set comes in a tool roll for easy keeping and is made from chrome vanadium steel which is known to resist rust and corrosion. The company assures its customers that these wrenches cannot bend or break by offering a lifetime warranty.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Unfortunately, the arc swing and engagement are not as tight in comparison to other 72-tooth ratchet wrench sets. While it is not far off from 5º, it simply does not feel quite like 5º when in use.
PROS
- Includes metric and standard wrenches
- Lifetime warranty
- 5º arc swing
- Comes in a tool roll for easy keeping
CONS
- Looser engagement than other 72-tooth ratchet wrench sets
3. GEARWRENCH 9416 Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set
Specification
| Item Weight | 6.6 pounds |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish Type | Chrome |
| Head Style | Box End |
Features
- 5-degree ratcheting arc
- Sleek head design for access to tight spots
- Polished chrome finish
- 16 pieces, double-headed
- Metric measurements only
If you only need metric wrenches, these are a great choice. These 16 double-headed wrenches have an open end on one end and a ratcheting box end on the other. They come in a plastic organizer with a handle to easily take on the go.
WHAT WE LIKE
This ratcheting wrench set has a standard lifetime warranty guarantee on it. The ratcheting box end is designed with off-corner loading to prevent the bolts and nuts from becoming rounded after a lot of use. These wrenches are easy to keep clean with the polished finish and can resist rust and corrosion.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
No wrench is exactly the same as the next – true. But the biggest complaint about this set is that the feeling of the ratchet is different from wrench to wrench. While it is definitely not a deal-breaker, it is good to know before you buy. They also only work for metric measurements which is great if that’s what you need – but if you need SAE wrenches, you will need to find a different product altogether.
PROS
- Lifetime warranty
- Double-ended
- Off-corner loading
- Easy to clean
CONS
- The ratchet feeling changes between different wrenches
- Only metric measurements
4. Craftsman Ratcheting Wrench Set
Specification
| Item Weight | 6.6 pounds |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish Type | Chrome |
| Head Style | Box End |
Features
- Made from polished alloy steel
- Metric and standard sizes
- Standard: 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 3/4 inch
- Metric: 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 MM
- 20 wrenches – double headed
To save time and money on a metric and SAE wrench set, this set is a great solution. With 20-double-ended wrenches made from alloy steel, these thin wrenches will fit into any tight space you may need.
WHAT WE LIKE
Instead of getting two sets – one metric and one SAE – this ratcheting wrench set does it all with its double-head design which saves you money and space. They are slim which makes them great for fitting into tight spaces and have a polished finish for a comfortable but durable grip. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty in case anything happens.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The plastic case (which is included in the initial purchase) is a great idea but is ineffective at keeping the wrenches organized when they are not in use. Plus, it is evident that the plastic is incredibly cheap and can easily break if dropped.
PROS
- Lifetime warranty
- SAE and metric sizing
- 5º engagement
- Double-head design
CONS
- Cheap plastic case
- Ineffective organization in the plastic case
What to Consider When Buying a Ratcheting Wrench Set
Wrench Sizes
Wrenches are notorious for always being the size you do not need. That’s why sets were made – so you are always prepared. However, not every set has every size you need. Make sure that the set you buy has the sizes you most often use. If you do not know what sizes you need but know you need to have a set, start off with a set that includes 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, and 19mm wrenches.
Metric or SAE Measurements
Most ratcheting sets will have either SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) or metric measurements – but not both. Also known as a standard wrench, the SAE wrenches are measured in fractions of inches (small is ¼ inch and large are 1-inch). In comparison, metric wrenches use metric measurements and work with nuts and bolts.
If you are looking to fix up an old American-brand car, an SAE set will be a better choice. However, if you are working on a newer model, a metric set will more likely be the better option.
Special features
Depending on what you are using the wrenches for, some sets come with special features that may be worth the possible extra cost. For example, anti-slip teeth or off-corner technology to prevent the nuts and bolts from rounding at the edges.
Finish and Storage
Polished chrome gives an attractive and durable finish and is the most common. Although they provide excellent rust and corrosion prevention, they can also be brittle and easily break. Due to the smooth surface of polished chrome tools, they can easily slip when covered in grease and oil, but also easily be wiped off. Black oxide finishes are durable against scratches and chips but do not do a great job protecting against corrosion or rust. They’re also cheaper than polished chrome wrenches. Nickel is the cheapest finish, is not very durable, and scratches easily. It is also the least common.
FINAL VERDICT
To buy the best ratcheting wrench set on the market, go with the Craftsman Ratcheting Wrench Set. Its 20 double-headed wrenches make it useful for both metric and SAE wrench situations. Plus, it is made from polished alloy steel which makes it incredibly durable and easy to wipe off grease and oil from. Their slim design makes them great for tight spaces. Last but certainly not least, the company promises a lifetime warranty on the product (including replacing it with a different product altogether if it really does not work out). That type of guarantee should make you feel certain about this being the best ratcheting wrench set on the market as well as being a good overall purchase.
