I'm in the market for a ratcheting spanner set

[snwtoy]

I've had a read through the other few threads about good tools, but nobody explicity mentions a decent set of these, and where to get them.

They're for 'hobby' use only - ie weekends. So as much as I would like to be able to say I have a set of SNAP-ON bling.. I can't really justify the cost.

I need a set which does 10mm - 19mm range.
I've seen sets with adjustable angle heads - is this useful or just a gimmick?

How much would be a good price for a set like this? $100? $200? more?

Obviously they should have a lifetime warranty.

This coming week I WILL walk into a shop and buy these. I work in botany so the shop will have to be local, or open late/weekends.

[GT4 20]

Repco sell them.

[snwtoy]

Repco sell them.

True, but when I bought my last set of powerbuilt from repco, I talked my way into like $80 off retail and walked away feeling like I had a bargain.. until I got some prices from other guys on here..

[Lloyd]

Ratchet spanners are much the same price all around, even the likes of SnapOn ones aren't really that much more than other brands. Flexi head ones have their uses, but I'd be going for the simple angled head ones.

Got a set of SnapOn 8mm-19mm (one spanner for each mm increase) in both a normal set and stubby set. Each set was around just on $300. If you're wanting to spend less then probably go for the likes of the gear wrench ones with 10,12,14,17,19 or similar. Not sure exactly what sizes those sets come in. Find someone with a mate at Repco if you decide on them for tools

[snwtoy]

Ratchet spanners are much the same price all around, even the likes of SnapOn ones aren't really that much more than other brands. Flexi head ones have their uses, but I'd be going for the simple angled head ones.

Got a set of SnapOn 8mm-19mm (one spanner for each mm increase) in both a normal set and stubby set. Each set was around just on $300. If you're wanting to spend less then probably go for the likes of the gear wrench ones with 10,12,14,17,19 or similar. Not sure exactly what sizes those sets come in. Find someone with a mate at Repco if you decide on them for tools

Thanks for the tip I think I'll look at the just the standard size for now, I haven't found myself wanting a stubby set at all in the past (no doubt that will change). Who sells snap-on? Sounds like a pretty good deal for 12 spanners, when most sets in that size range would have 6...

Anyone work at repco can get me a price for repco or powerbuilt brand?

[Dell'Orto]

I think the Powerbuilt set retailed around the $140ish mark, Repco dont do one (that I've found). KD Tools make a set which are alot pricer, but they also feel alot nicer ie the ratching gear seems alot finer.
Those flexihead ones worry me, I'd imagine it wouldnt take alot of torque to snap that pin.
Do SnapOn even sell to the public?

[YeMs]

i have a set of gear wrench closed end ratchet spanners. awesome, have put sum fair stress on them without a problem. rang from 8 through to 19mm. they are closed end with 2 sizes. IE 8mm 1 end, 9mm on the other or 12mm on 1 end 13mm on the other.

koken also do a sweet set with an angled head, and reversable ratchet.

my set cost $130 but i bargained with the sulco distributor then told him i wasnt interested so he gave me a good deal.

[Lloyd]

You'll find reversible ones handy also. Have got those straight double-ring ratchet spanners stuck before and the only way to reverse them is to remove them and turn them over... whcih you cant do when you get them in a tight spot sometimes. Give me a yell if you get stuck for someone to get out SnapOn stuff, though I'm sure someone will be able to sort you out.

[Rick]

I have also been on the look out for a ratcheting spanner set, if you find decent set could you let me know as there might be a discount if two sets are bought.

[evil_si]

i personally dont like the flexi head ones, they are a fair bit bulkier.

snap on ones are cool, last time i priced them up they were 310+gst snap on do sell to the public, just need to get ahold of one of there reps, some of the stuff is worth it, some just aint.

the ones i use are geartech and gearwrench, both similar, i dont like the reversible ones they always tend to jam.
about $90 a set of 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19mm from trade tools in penrose.
if your in botany, ring them up, and ask for ray booths number, hes the rep for this area and has a fully kitted out van.

[solberg Fan]

Ever heard of jonnesway tools?? Ive got a lot of there tools for work. Ratcheting ring spanner set for $85. 10mm 12mm 13mm 14mm 15mm 17mm 19mm. They have a life time garrenty (or warrenty?). I no theres a diffrence but not to sure what is it.
They seem like a good quality cheep brand and im very happy with how they've worked. Id be intrested to see if any one else has experance with them.
BNT sells them in nz.
http://www.jonnesway.com.tw/

[adikt]

ive got a set of TengTools reversible angled head ones.
i give them a beating on a daily basis & havent had any issues with them so far (plus they have a lifetime warranty )
altho on occasion i find the non-angled head ones (like the ones from sulco, or jonnesway - which are also pretty good, but non-reversible) work better in some situations.
however, i definitely prefer the reversible ones, and they get borrowed a lot by the other guys in my workshop too.
stay away from the adjustible head ones, they break easily, and ive also heard a LOT of bad things about the powerbuilt ones, but for hobby use, unlikely they would break, but its nice to know you can put a bar on the end of your ratcheting spanner if you have to

[snwtoy]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

evil_si: I will get hold of Ray - I take it I can buy directly from him?

solberg Fan: they look the business, I am a bit wary of a brand I've never heard of before however.

adikt: Where can I buy tengtools? Rough price?

HRT: thanks, if I can get a set for under $200 I don't think I'll bother with snapon

[evil_si]

yup you sure can, he even has eftpos on board.

[snwtoy]

Sweet.

Does anyone know a kingchrome supplier in NZ? I've had these recommened by a good friend in aus.

[Bling]

bunnings does kingchrome i think

[adikt]

i buy my gear from autotrail in hamilton.
i think i paid ~$190+GST for a set of them, 8,10,11,12,13,14,17,19 or something like that

[RunningRich]

I have Gearwrench (got them secondhand) and they are awesome. Only issue is you never get the ratchet direction right the first time around!

Having the 14mm one for removing GT-Four power steering pump bolts (instead of 1/12 a turn a time) is worth $200 alone.

Also good are the Repco offset ring spanners as long as you are asking!

[Bling]

just got a Fuller 5 piece offset rachet spanners for $17 from bunnings.... cheap i know... but they will do what I need fine

sizes: 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 ,17mm