Review on TEKTON WRN77164 Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench by Brian Inman

This is an honest review of my experience with a Tekton product. I did not receive any free tools, money or external contacts before writing this review. At work, I have almost every snap-on tool. At home I use a variety of tools made in the USA: SK, Snap-on, Mac and Old Craftsman. I rarely buy instruments from abroad. You get what you pay for. Why did I buy a Tekton double head flex head ratchet wrench set? They are 6 point, finely toothed, ranging from 8mm to 19mm with no difference in size, they offer a standard length metric set (WRN76164) that suits my needs, and they come with a lifetime warranty. Btw, I saw on eBay (XFRM705) 12-point long handle double box flex head snap ratchet wrench (XFRM705), 8-19mm keyless 9/11. I don't know about the standard length version of Snap-on. I use Tekton keys every day at work. They live in the top drawer of my tool trolley, front and center. During the day I often use an 8/10mm wrench. A 17mm ratchet is played with a set of Motion Pro motorcycle spark plug sockets several times a week as it is often more convenient than a 3/8" ratchet in tight spaces. I use other Tekton wrenches from time to time, particularly popular sizes like 12, 13 and 14mm. How do you feel? Not bad. The chrome finish is shiny and feels deep and sturdy - better than the Craftsman. The fine gearing is also decent, not sloppy. Since they are flexible on both ends, I do hand choke a bit when holding the wrench by the handle rather than the opposite head to avoid feeling wobbly and possibly breaking the joint. This issue does not apply to Tekton. It's a compromise: Use double socket wrenches instead of combination ratchet wrenches (which would be tight and strong on the open side and flexible/ratchet on the socket side). Each tool has its pros and cons - it all depends on economy and personal preference. I like the regular non-ratcheting combination wrenches with a fixed offset at the end of the box end. At work, I have three metric sets of fixed/non-ratcheting combination wrenches of various lengths, all snap-on. A set of Tekton ratchet wrenches is useful as a fourth set to save time in some cases and solve specific problems. In any case, these Tekton double box articulated ratchet wrenches are certainly not suitable for every application, but over time they have become indispensable. an integral part of my toolbox at work. The other guys in the store take them from time to time and give them back wiped and grateful as if they were Snap-on. They're really handy for spark plugs. I don't have them at home. They're cheap enough that I'd buy a second set for the house, but I just don't like cluttering my toolbox with things I don't see a need for. buy these Tekton double ratchet wrenches if that is what you are looking for in the market. You are pretty good. However, if I only had to own a set of keys for home use, I would definitely not use this set. For the homeowner lured by useless tools, I would avoid them. A double ratchet box is too impractical for most jobs. For home use, use regular old combination boring wrenches from a reputable American tool manufacturer such as SK (e.g. part number 86123). They will last a lifetime and then some. If you're anything like me, it'll make you smile a little every time you pick up a quality wrench and wipe it off when you're done. If you're looking to save a few cents, eBay's used tool market offers amazing savings. And a final word on Tekton customer service, who is human: the 17mm lens seemed defective right out of the box. It usually clicked, but occasionally slipped with an awkward tick. I hit my left thumb hard once and had to sit with ice for a while. Not funny. So I called Quton and left a voice message. Waited days - no call back. Wrote a letter - no reply. Maybe the guy was on vacation. I waited a few more days and then called again. The man picked up the phone. Here's how we solved the problem: I soaked the 17mm head in a parts washer for several hours. Then I blew it with compressed air on both sides. After that I washed it with brake cleaner and then sprayed it with a light mist of lube. Now 17 works like the rest. I suspect there was a piece of dirt inside preventing the pawl from engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel. Strange for a new tool but ok it works now.