Milwaukee has announced that they are coming out with a full line of flex-head ratcheting combination wrenches.
The new Milwaukee flex-head ratcheting wrenches feature a 12pt box end design with 144 ratcheting positions for a 2.5° arc swing.
Advertisement
At the open end, Milwaukee’s MAX BITE grooves are said to improve fastener grip and allow for 25% more torque compared to smooth-faced wrench openings.
The wrenches have I-beam-shaped handle for user comfort and ergonomics, similar to Milwaukee’s other combination wrenches.
The flexible box end features a hex fastener at the pivot, allowing users to tighten them up if needed or to suit their preferences.
As an aside, Milwaukee does not make hex keys, L-wrenches, or T-handle drivers… yet?
Advertisement
Milwaukee will be offering the flex-head ratcheting wrenches in several different set configurations. Shown here are their 15pc sets, which are bundled with drawer-friendly trays.
Milwaukee will also offer 7pc sets that are bundled with convenient hand-carry organizers.
Additionally, all of the flex-head ratcheting wrenches will be available as open stock, meaning you can buy each or any size individually.
Milwaukee Flexible Ratcheting Wrench Set Options
- SAE 15pc set: 48-22-9413
- Metric 15pc set: 48-22-9513
- SAE 7pc set: 48-22-9429
- Metric 7pc set: 48-22-9529
SAE Wrench Sizing
1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″.
The 15pc SAE set includes the full range of sizes from 1/4″ to 1″.
7pc SAE set sizes: 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″
Metric Wrench Sizing
8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm.
The 15pc metric set includes the full range of sizes from 8mm to 22mm.
7pc metric set sizes: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm
Warranty
Milwaukee’s mechanics hand tools are covered under a lifetime guarantee.
Pricing and Availability
The 15pc sets are $290 each, and the 7pc sets are $170 each. Individual wrenches are priced from $20 to $45 depending on size.
ETA: May 2021
Discussion
This seems to have been a natural progression for Milwaukee Tool – adding flex-head ratcheting wrenches to their mechanics tool lines.
They’ve been expanding their mechanics hand tools selection, and already offer ratcheting and non-ratcheting combination wrenches.
Thus, this isn’t a big surprise.
However, there’s one surprise takeaway that I didn’t anticipate, and that’s the open stock SKUs. All 30 wrenches have individual SKUs and prices, indicating that you can buy them separately.
As Milwaukee has been expanding their hand tool selection, their focus has been on sets and bundles. They have since started offering socket rails and separate ratchets, and this is another step in that direction.
When they were just starting out, sets made sense. But now, graduating to also offering open stock SKUs is a big deal that shows how serious Milwaukee Tool is about growing their presence in the automotive hand tool industry. And, they’re none done yet.
See Also
New Milwaukee Tool Ratchets Expansion: Stubby and Extended Length
Jared
Interesting! I would prefer Proto-style “Anti-Slip Design” on the open end versus the Snap-on “Flank Drive Plus” -style Milwaukee chose to adopt.
However, that 2.5 degree swing is a huge advantage. Is there any competitors with a similar spec? I think I might get these for that feature alone. Especially in a flex-head wrench, having a tight swing arc would make these very useful in tight confines.
Drawer trays are a nice touch too.
Jared
The 12pt box end is probably the right choice too – but I’m curious about those Mac and Snap-on wrenches I see with 6pt box ends. Seems like they could have gone that route considering the swing arc.
I like the look of the I-beam handles too. I usually like, what would you call it… “regular” handles? Where the middle of the wide side is a bit thicker than the edges. But these I-beam handles don’t have any sharp edges to catch grime.
Polished chrome finish is a good choice too – I definitely don’t like I-beam wrenches with textured portions in the middle where it’s hardest to clean.
Size markings engraved or is that a laser etch?
Koko The Talking Ape
Yes. I have this notion that the 6 pts are stronger and less likely to round over the nuts than the 12 pt. So why not go with 6 pt? Am I wrong?
fred
12 Pt can handle the now oddball (once more common) square nut or lag.
Jared
12pt means it’s faster to line it up on the bolt too. But with ratcheting wrenches I agree, doesn’t seem necessary.
Another option would have been spline-drive, but I understand why they didn’t choose it.
Most of my ratcheting Proto wrenches are spline-drive. I like it. I’ve heard others complain spline drive is too loose on some fasteners though. I think some of the aversion is that spline drive is also used for “universal” sockets meant to be usable on metric and SAE fasteners. Those spline drives are necessarily a bit looser to accommodate each size.
I’ve never had an issue with a loose fit on my Proto wrenches though – the splines engage on the flats like they are supposed to.
Spline drive has the advantage of working on external torx, square (like fred mentioned), and getting more bite on damaged or rusty fasteners.
MM
There are also 12-point fasteners, both nuts and bolts.
fred
Many of the 12 point (triple square or XZN) bolts that I’ve seen use that configuration for a recess or socket head – so you need a corresponding male driver bit/socket.
The brake calipers on one of our trucks (tractor) used an 11 point fastener and I have a Honda Pilot that uses a 10 point fastener for the seat track.
Big Penta (5 point bolts were not uncommon in the plumbing business) – used to secure access covers and 5Pt. fasteners may also be used in automotive brake applications.
We also had what were called “trident sockets” to work with some security fasteners
https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Tri-Groove-Nut-Trident-Socket-Inserts-p/6306-004.htm
4 and 8 point sockets/wrenches used to be more common for machinery applications.
I also believe that there are 3 and 7 point sockets made – presumably for some more oddball automotive applications.
Torx – 6 point lobe – both male and female (E-torx) have become rather ubiquitous – but Ribe (male and female) , Polydrive, and Triple Square style may be gaining some uses. Pentalobe also seem prevalent in small sizes for electronics.
Stuart
It’s a tradeoff. I prefer 12pt for wrenches (or spline as for my Proto wrenches), or 6pt for sockets.
I have yet to need 6pt wrench ends.
Dave the tool
Exactly my thoughts Stuart! I have a set of Craftsman metric and SAE USA made 6 point wrenches that have sat unused in my tool box forever! The same goes for my 12 point sockets however as I always grab the 6 point sockets!
Emilio G.
Ratcheting box wrenches are not designed for high torque use anyway., especially flex head type. The 12pts. gives better clock access.
JD
Does anyone know where I can get a carrying case like the 7 piece set uses for my existing wrenches? I really like this design and the Facom design versus the normal horizontal carriers.
So far I haven’t found anything.
Jared
I don’t – so maybe I shouldn’t be replying – but have you seen the Ernst wrench tower? That’s a neat way to carry wrenches. AND it comes apart so you can lay them in a drawer.
Jared
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZIBDUI/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_KD7M8CBGT9H5JV7JD5SE
JD
Cool concept. Thanks for sharing!
rob
The Facom one is shared with Mac and Craftsman. I don’t know if it’s exclusive to the Taiwan factory or what.
Javier A.
Here you go:
https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/usag/empty-plastic-stand-285-kdv12/9582.html
JD
Javier, Thanks for the link! Thats exactly what I want… now I just need to find enough other stuff to justify the shipping cost 🙂 thankyou!
fred
They do look nice. If they can get Home Depot to carry them with open stock replacement items that would indeed be a big deal. But I guess that would be unlikely as it would compete with Husky for rack space.
Any idea about who Milwaukee is using for their OEM for their mechanics tools?
Taiwan or China as COO ?
Stuart
The ongoing theory is that Infar (Taiwan) is the OEM.
Bob
Look nice but price seems kind of steep for an overseas produced wrench. I’m assuming it’s made overseas. If it was made in USA I’m sure they would’ve had that plastered all over the place.
Being able to adjustable the pivot tension is nice. But the deal breaker for me is I don’t like gimmicky bs on my wrench faces. If I’m concerned about rounding over a nut I will use six point box end wrench, a six point socket or a line wrench.
For the money I would look at Proto.
Joatman
Not gold plated?
MM
I really like the ability to lock the wrench at a particular angle. I’ve often times found it frustrating to get my Gearwrench flex-head ratcheting box end wrenches over a fastener in a tricky spot. The head will end up flexing out of position when I’m trying to engage the wrench over the fastener. Being able to tighten up the flex would solve that problem easily. Right now I only have a metric set of wrenches like this. These don’t impress me enough to consider replacing my existing metric set, but I am in the market for an SAE set and I’m certainly going to take a look at these before deciding which to buy.
Chris
Woah. The prices. Definitely a deal breaker for most people eying these wrenches.
Tmedina
For a flex head with a 144 ratchet/2.5 degree swing, $20 isn’t bad.
Tekton has a 72 tooth/5 degree swing, 6 point versus 12, for $15.
I’d probably buy a single 13mm just to try it out, if they were available in singles – flex or reversible.
Julian Tracy
That’s odd – 13mm is my least (except maybe 16) metric size I use.
Tmedina
We use 8, 10, and 13mm pretty regularly; 13 being the most common on the largest number of machines.
There’s actually less call for SAE sizes; I don’t even keep SAE wrenches in my bag.
Hans
European standard has 10mm, 11mm and 13mm sizes.
Japanese standard has 10mm, 12mm and 14mm sizes.
You are right about the 16mm size, During my 50 years working life I have never ever seen a 16mm bolt or nut.
DRT
I have a John Deere mower that takes a 16mm socket on the blade spindle bolt. Likely a custom bolt. But yes, 16mm is quite uncommon. 20 doesn’t come up much, either.
Patrick T
Mini is another one that uses 16mm in some spots. Frustrating because my Tekton impact sets skip that size.
TomD
Interesting – it remains to see what the prices after discounts/sales will be – I suspect the singles will rarely if ever go on sale.
Julian Tracy
HD puts the Milwaukee sets on sale quite frequently enough at easily 40-50% off.
At $150 or so I’d buy a set immediately. The only similar pricing competitor is the Icon lineup, but I’ve found their heads to be a bit looser than I’d prefer and the wrenches are not as long as I might like.
Milwaukee’s tooth grip design open end, the color filled mm engravings and hopefully a slightly longer length would make them a good replacement for me.
aerodawg
I want that toolbox wrench organizer. Can’t say I’ve ever seen one quite like that, aligned on one side.
Matt the Hoople
If they make a reversible version, I might give them a try. Until then, they are a no-go for me. In my opinion, non-reversible ratcheting wrenches are a stuck wrench and a cut-off bolt waiting to happen in tight areas.
I too don’t care for the gimicky grooves in the open end. If the head of a bolt seems suspect, I’ve can use a better tool for the job.
I do really like having the ability to tighten up the head to keep it from flopping around when necessary.
DRT
I totally agree with you.
Nathan
to someo of the other comments. for a ratcheting end wrench I like the 12pt or spline the best. reasoning I rarely if ever use a ratcheting wrench for break free – and so I don’t intend to put gobsmacking torque on it. 12 pt allows for quicker head engagement (alignment) and most quality 12pt ends today use a lobe or other design so as to grab the flat and recess the point.
so on a 6pt head it grabs the flat in 2 places on each flat vs just holding along the point.
LIkewise you will still find 12pt bolts on some cars for certain things, and they are used on airplanes, and boats still.
spline drive if quality made works pretty well too and I could see getting a set to replace my 12pt. Meanwhile question who makes these for milwaukee?
DC
I love my Snap-ons.
Paul
Is it just me or if the first photo you see of a wrench shows someone using an Allen wrench to “fix it” that you should pass immediately? This seems like a marketing blunder in the making.
What is to keep the Allen head adjusted where you set it? I’m seeing the screw constantly loosening up or falling out unless somehow they’ve incorporated some kind of worm gear in there to keep it from self loosening.
I’ll pass. I’ve had flex heads before. There are two problems with them. First if you use it as intended to get into a tight spot, the more you swivel, the lower the torque. So even if they work, they don’t do much good. Second problem is that for me they always swivel at the wrong time like when the wrench is loose and I’m trying to get it into position or right when I am pulling hard and it swivels at the perfect angle to bust my knuckles. I certainly wouldn’t want these are my primary wrench set and at Milwaukee prices, that’s what they need to be.
Jared
The first image was probably Stuart’s choice to show off one of the wrench’s features. Unless you are regularly adjusting how much tension is on the head, wouldn’t you simply put a drop of locktite on the screw, set it where you like it and not bother with it again?
Milwaukee’s pricing is high, low or about right depending on the quality and comparable competitors. They are significantly higher than a flex-head from Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky etc. But I don’t think that’s a fair comparison.
There aren’t any cheap 2.5 degree arc wrenches – that’s innovative all by itself. I wonder how they did it? Dual pawls maybe?
Those cheap wrench don’t include anti-slip design in the open end either. Milwaukee chose something similar to Snap-On’s flank-drive plus. It’s worth noting that a comparable Snap-On set is at least twice as much. Are they twice as good? I doubt it. Premium tools tend to rise rapidly in price for marginal gains – whether the increase is worth it is highly subjective.
Milwaukee’s pricing is probably in the ballpark for Proto and Williams. Personally, I would default to Proto – but Proto isn’t nearly as well-known in typical retail environments. Proto doesn’t have a 2.5 degree arc either, but there are other reasons to swing that direction (ha, pun) – e.g. spline drive on the box end, different finishes, different style of anti-slip on the open end, precise and crisp “clicks” for each tooth etc… it’s small potatoes, but when you spend this much on a wrench that’s what you are paying for.
Stuart
Flex-head ratchets and wrenches can loosen up over time. If the pivot is permanent, you’re stuck and unable to adjust it.
If this loosens up with use and time, you can tighten it via hex key.
This is a desirable feature – in my opinion – rather than a downside.
It’s there if you need it, ignore it if you don’t. I don’t use my flex tools or swivel ratchets often and very rarely adjust them.
Regarding torque, I usually only need a small angular shift to avoid an obstruction. Let’s say that you’re at 45°, which is fairly steep for flex-head tools. At that point sockets might be better used. Unless my math or assumptions are wrong, at 45°, you’re still going to deliver 71% of the max torque (at least until you get to final tightening I suppose).
Flex-head tools are sometimes longer than straight tools, and so that can help balance things out torque-wise.