Tribus Tools launched an interesting new product – USA-made ratcheting flare nut wrenches.
The Tribus wrenches were available in six sizes (10, 11 and 12mm and 3/8″, 7/16″ and 1/2″) and featured a new patented design where the ratchet is built into the head.
I have to use the past tense as, just prior to this posting, we learned that Tribus Tools updated their website to say they are closing their doors and won’t be selling these wrenches anymore. They have limited quantities which will be used for warranty purposes on a first-come first-served basis.
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The interesting thing about the design is that it allows the ratchet to only require 4-degrees of rotation to engage fasteners.
Pricing and Set Options
- 3pc Metric Set: 10, 11, 12 mm for $139.99
- SAE Set: 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″ for $139.99
- Full Set: 3pc SAE & 3pc Metric Sets for $259.99
Discussion
The first thing I did when I saw these ratcheting line wrenches was to check the specs for my favorite Wera Joker wrenches. I had never thought much about the return angle and was surprised to see the Jokers have a small” return angle of 30-degrees.
The Tribus wrenches can ratchet with just a 4-degrees rotation, which is certainly a noteworthy improvement.
I’ve been working on the restoration of a 30-year-old truck, and I can definitely see the appeal of these wrenches. I have frequently found myself finding creative ways to get the room to rotate a particularly stubborn nut.
A set of three of these wrenches was priced at $140, which makes this a purchase you would have to think about. Back to the Wera Jokers for a moment, you can get a set of four similar sizes for $160, and a full set of eleven for $190. So, the Tribus are definitely priced at a premium, but they were a unique product, not to mention made in the USA.
So what do you think? A gimmick or an interesting new development?
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Stuart’s Note: Tribus Tools cites the rising costs of inflation as the reason for their abrupt closure. It’s a shame, as the wrenches looked to hold a lot of potential. Looking deeper into the company, I found mixed feedback about the tools and brand. If you’ve tried these wrenches during the short time they were available, what have your experiences been like?
MM
We discussed these a while back in the Tool Talk forum:
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/tribus-ratcheting-flare-nut-wrenches/2819
I’m going to echo the points I made there. Tribus are good quality, well made tools. However they are very large and bulky which is the exact opposite from what I’d want for a flare nut application. It’s also a bit cumbersome to remove the tool from a line once you’ve tightened the nut.
Nathan
another interesting tool is the visegrip – adjustable wrench. Only one I’ve seen so far is a Duralast tool from Autozone but clearly someone makes it.
MM
I think Crescent makes something similar, their model ACL10VS?
fred
The Stanley version:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-MaxGrip-10-in-Locking-Adjustable-Wrench-85-610/203713967
Jared
I assume that inner ring rotates around to close-off the end of the wrench?
They’re not the only ratcheting flare nut wrench on the market so they aren’t irreplaceable now that they aren’t available. However, they do look to have some unique utility with the flex heads and low ratchet angle.
The wide heads are probably an advantage for softer fasteners, provided you have room. That might rule them out as the choice for your only set of flare-nut wrenches though (but com-on, nobody makes do with only one type right?). I like the look of the handles too.
MM
Yes, as they ratchet the inner ring rotates and closes off the “open end” of the wrench. That’s what makes them a hassle to remove when you’re done tightening.
fred
Some of our plumbers used and appreciated the convenience of ratcheting flare nut wrenches. That was probably particularly true when installing fixtures in multiple office tower lavatories or new construction apartment houses. My old inventories – indicate that we used ones from Proto and Kwik-Tite. They still seem to be made in the USA
https://www.grainger.com/product/PROTO-Flare-Nut-Wrench-Set-Alloy-1AKW0
Nonetheless, it seems to be a pity that Tribus was not able to survive
Jerry
I have a set of the Proto ones like you linked to. They are by far the best no-slip flare nut wrenches I have used. Got them cheap at an auction, one of my better buys.
Tojen1981
Can’t speak from experience but a few YouTubers I follow that actually bought them didnt end up liking them, mainly because the ratcheting mechanism stopped working when it seen any sort of dirt and/or grease. Not a good quality given wrenches see a lot of dirt and grease in between cleanings.
Hopefully someone can license the design to improve it and put it back on the market.
Jared
That makes sense – the “out” side of the inside ring would be exposed as it ratchets around and gets to the open part of the wrench. Combine that with a precise ratcheting mechanism (4 degrees), I bet it could get gummed up relatively easily.
Doesn’t mean it is a bad too, but probably high maintenance compared to normal ratchet wrenches.
Nathan
did tribus go out of business or just stopped making these items. I thought I read it as they weren’t going to make more of these wrenches but still make their other things.
JM
I have the Gearwrench ones and the Astro Pneumatic ones. Gearwrench is cheap and works, about $40 for a set.
Astro Pneumatic Tool 7120M Ratchet & Release Flare Nut Wrench Set, 5 Piece (Metric)
Rob
They went out of business
MM
I forgot to mention the other strange thing about these was the sizing. It never was really clear just what sizes you could get.
For example, Ben wrote “The Tribus wrenches were available in six sizes (10, 11 and 12mm and 3/8″, 7/16″ and 1/2″) “. That is consistent with what I saw on the website when I last visited it.
….but their marketing picture showing the 4 degree ratchet angle is a 13/16”????? I might have actually been tempted to buy some of them had the larger sizes been available, as the bigger ones aren’t so bulky (relatively speaking) than the small ones.
eddie sky
With most flare nut work (automotive and HVAC) I’ve experienced, the typical 10mm flare wrench or 3/8″ flare crow foot set have mostly been adequate. Nice to see other alternatives that ratchet (Proto, Gearwrench) and that is why I like to read these tool responses.
FYI- penetration spray is your friend when it comes to brakeline work!