What Is a Flexhead Gear Wrench?
A flexible gear wrench is a versatile tool that gives you both the access of a wrench and the efficiency and ease of use of a ratchet. Available in a variety of sizes, these mutliuse wrenches are a must for any serious mechanic. They can also be very handy for the homeowner and weekend do-it-yourself homeowner. Does this Spark an idea?
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Variation of an Old Favorite
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The old combination open-end/boxed-end wrench is a staple in any tool box. The combination ratcheting wrench takes this tried-and-true design to a new level. While the open end of the wrench remains the same, the boxed end has undergone some major changes. In place of the standard wrench head is a ratchet-style wrench head. The head is connected to the wrench by a roll pin that permits the head to turn and allows it to be inserted into locations a normal ratchet wrench could not reach.
Handle Design
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Many of these wrenches have other advances that not only improve your productivity but can be safer to use as well. The wrench handle is engineered to be more ergonomically correct. These new designs will help reduce fatigue, make gripping the tool easier and provide improved leverage. Once just a piece of metal between the two working ends, the wrench is now an intricate part of the overall design. Various manufacturers have different design elements, so you will need to check which works/feels best for you.
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Options
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The ratchet portion of the tool is attached to the wrench body in a variety of ways. Some wrench designs use roll pins to secure the ratchet in place. The more elaborate wrenches use joint screws. These screws allow the head tightness to be adjusted to fit your need. Other features such as a fully hardened high-polish chrome finish not only gives the wrench a handsome look but also makes it very durable.
Cost
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A flexhead gear wrench will certainly cost more than a standard wrench. In some cases, a single-gear wrench will set you back more than an entire set of standard combination wrenches. Example: A 3/8-inch flexible combination ratcheting wrench will have a price tag in excess of $15. Obviously a complete set of these wrenches will be very expensive and are not for the everyday shade tree mechanic. However, a few of the most common-sized wrenches would make a nice addition to any tool box.
Benefits
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While expensive, the flexhead gear wrench can not only replace your standard combination wrenches but also make many of your sockets and deep-set sockets obsolete. You will find you use this wrench for its versatility and ease of use rather than search for the correct socket wrench. The wrench design also allows it to reach points and fit bolts and nuts that were previously all but inaccessible.
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