I have both plus and non plus. The plus does grab but that can be a big problem. For example anything soft like brass fittings or aluminum will destroy the fastener or fitting you are trying to grab onto. It will bite but the next time you have to remove the material again it will be very difficult or impossible. So if you can start with Flank Drive first do that. If you have a bolt or nut that is really hard to get off try the box end side. Also lubrication and heat will make a big difference before any over engineered wrench.
I have full sets of the WrightGrip version of this, and while they do grip like crazy, they usually mar the head a little. I think Torque Test Channel did a bunch on comparisons; was a great video.
I’m doing a lot wheel alignment, the extra teeth does give me more benefit than the original one, especially when the inner tie rod seized, the extra teeth can bit on the rod, less chance to slip on the rod when you force the wrench. That’s my opinion
I am a firm believer in buying the best combination wrenches you can. Good design, good tolerance & something that personally fits well in your hand. And it doesn't need to be Snap On it even USA made but minimal skips 8-32 & standard equivalent. Then consider some speciality wrenches for damaged fasteners with features in both the open end and box end that will do things a regular combo wrench won't. I see FD+ as kind of between both it's got some damaged fastener removal qualities which makes it better than one that doesn't but these feature may not be ideal for every situation. For that reason I'd go with the standard SO wrenches.
I asked some guys who worked on flight lines and they recommended smooth jaw open end wrenches. The FAA will reject any fasteners with screwed up heads which can be done with a flank drive plus wrench. The flank drive plus can also screw up the bolt head plating for example - chrome. I own both types of open end wrenches.
From videos I’ve seen, it does seem to add bite/grip, allowing for more torque than flat surfaces that can end up spreading and rounding edges a bit. Don’t have Flank Drive Plus but a set of WrightGrip on Wright combos that work pretty well…allows for extra torque with some minor damage. IMO it’s one of those “nice to have” when you need it but probably won’t most of the time features.
Hello again, Doc Thank you for another Great Video 👍 To answer your question, I would stay with standard wrenches. I haven't needed the extra grip features. It's great to know it's available if I need it. 😊
Flank Drive refers to the ring end or to sockets. It was patented in the mid-60s. Of course now the patent is long expired and everyone uses some variation of it. As far as the Flank Drive Plus open end, I have been meaning to get some or something similar, but I never find myself using open end in high torque situations where it might matter.
You need both, regular flank drive for when your concerned about appearance or reuse of fasteners, flank drive plus for you need to remove a stubborn fastener at any cost.
Wish the 44 series pliers in HiViz had it. Maybe they’ll get to it eventually. On the wrenches I think it’s a bit much for daily driving unless one works on rust belt vehicles. That said, one could get a more affordable wrench until they could afford both.
I wonder if Snap on even knows if there is a difference. Seems like if one version was better than the other, that would be the only option. Unless they are just being devious and hoping people buy both?
Wright grip seems to win 🏆 They make their minor three little indentations but do not really mar it all up. I guess if you can get lucky , the older Tiawan Gearwrench gives you 44 wrenches 6mm-32mm and 1/4-1.5" for $250. And they have a flank drive sort of off set buldge that can really turn. Problem is they're all coming from China right now and they're just cheaper chrome and quality control is all over, if you can find the older Tiawan set 🎉
I do know for sure you should never ever use flank drive plus on hydraulic fittings, it will gouge the heck out of them. Some people like to claim it doesn't matter if it's not their machine or vehicle, which begs multiple questions. One, what kind of a prick do you have to be where you don't care about doing a good job? That's a terrible work ethic. Two, how do you know the customer won't look and or won't care about the quality of the job? They might bring something in for a more major repair, but they might still do more basic work on whatever it is, and I'm guessing they won't appreciate it if the fasteners are mauled because someone went ham on them with the wrong tool, which yes helps grab fasteners, especially rounded ones, but while it does that, it's also rounding that fastener, so it should be replaced, but then don't use that wrench on it because you'll create the same issue, and you'll likely scrape off some of the costing on the bolt that helps resist rust and then it'll add even more frustration to removing it later. Use the correct tool, not a hack.
Considering how much Snap-On combination wrenches cost, the $3-4-per-wrench difference in price between Flankdrive and Flankdrive Plus is chickenfeed. If you're seriously considering whether three bucks per wrench is too expensive for your budget, you shouldn't be buying Snap-On tools in the first place.
the question is not is flank drive worth it... the queestion is like this: why just why even think of snapon when you can get the wright wrenches ones instead. which are also usa based tool company isnt it? it is almost like you *want* to promote monopolized corporate takeovers, instead of anything of smaller more independant innovative business ventures. well... here was that exact opportunity
Because Snap-on will come to my shop and deliver both sales and service, I have yet to see a Wright truck show up at my shop. It's a matter of convenience, which some are willing and able to pay.
I have both plus and non plus. The plus does grab but that can be a big problem. For example anything soft like brass fittings or aluminum will destroy the fastener or fitting you are trying to grab onto. It will bite but the next time you have to remove the material again it will be very difficult or impossible. So if you can start with Flank Drive first do that. If you have a bolt or nut that is really hard to get off try the box end side. Also lubrication and heat will make a big difference before any over engineered wrench.
I have full sets of the WrightGrip version of this, and while they do grip like crazy, they usually mar the head a little. I think Torque Test Channel did a bunch on comparisons; was a great video.
I’m doing a lot wheel alignment, the extra teeth does give me more benefit than the original one, especially when the inner tie rod seized, the extra teeth can bit on the rod, less chance to slip on the rod when you force the wrench. That’s my opinion
I am a firm believer in buying the best combination wrenches you can. Good design, good tolerance & something that personally fits well in your hand. And it doesn't need to be Snap On it even USA made but minimal skips 8-32 & standard equivalent. Then consider some speciality wrenches for damaged fasteners with features in both the open end and box end that will do things a regular combo wrench won't. I see FD+ as kind of between both it's got some damaged fastener removal qualities which makes it better than one that doesn't but these feature may not be ideal for every situation. For that reason I'd go with the standard SO wrenches.
It’s a shame Stahlwille and Hazet don’t do polished chrome?
I asked some guys who worked on flight lines and they recommended smooth jaw open end wrenches. The FAA will reject any fasteners with screwed up heads which can be done with a flank drive plus wrench. The flank drive plus can also screw up the bolt head plating for example - chrome. I own both types of open end wrenches.
I saw another video showing the difference, and it does make a difference. Thanks Doc
Seems like if you want the open end of your wrenches to have some gripping action to them, the Wright Grip 2.0 wrenches are the way to go.
If you are concerned about gripping the fastener then use the ring end.
Not always possible
From videos I’ve seen, it does seem to add bite/grip, allowing for more torque than flat surfaces that can end up spreading and rounding edges a bit. Don’t have Flank Drive Plus but a set of WrightGrip on Wright combos that work pretty well…allows for extra torque with some minor damage. IMO it’s one of those “nice to have” when you need it but probably won’t most of the time features.
On the race car I use Flankdrive. On a rusty Midwestern pickup I use Flankdrive Plus
Hello again, Doc
Thank you for another Great Video 👍 To answer your question, I would stay with standard wrenches. I haven't needed the extra grip features. It's great to know it's available if I need it. 😊
I love the plus ones!!
Flank Drive refers to the ring end or to sockets. It was patented in the mid-60s. Of course now the patent is long expired and everyone uses some variation of it. As far as the Flank Drive Plus open end, I have been meaning to get some or something similar, but I never find myself using open end in high torque situations where it might matter.
You need both, regular flank drive for when your concerned about appearance or reuse of fasteners, flank drive plus for you need to remove a stubborn fastener at any cost.
Wish the 44 series pliers in HiViz had it. Maybe they’ll get to it eventually.
On the wrenches I think it’s a bit much for daily driving unless one works on rust belt vehicles. That said, one could get a more affordable wrench until they could afford both.
I wonder if Snap on even knows if there is a difference. Seems like if one version was better than the other, that would be the only option. Unless they are just being devious and hoping people buy both?
Of course there's a difference.. But not everyone wants the plus because they can damage soft fasteners
Wright grip seems to win 🏆 They make their minor three little indentations but do not really mar it all up. I guess if you can get lucky , the older Tiawan Gearwrench gives you 44 wrenches 6mm-32mm and 1/4-1.5" for $250. And they have a flank drive sort of off set buldge that can really turn. Problem is they're all coming from China right now and they're just cheaper chrome and quality control is all over, if you can find the older Tiawan set 🎉
📺 Torque Test Channel ✅
What flare nut wrenches do you like?
All smooth jaw open ends here.
I do know for sure you should never ever use flank drive plus on hydraulic fittings, it will gouge the heck out of them. Some people like to claim it doesn't matter if it's not their machine or vehicle, which begs multiple questions. One, what kind of a prick do you have to be where you don't care about doing a good job? That's a terrible work ethic. Two, how do you know the customer won't look and or won't care about the quality of the job? They might bring something in for a more major repair, but they might still do more basic work on whatever it is, and I'm guessing they won't appreciate it if the fasteners are mauled because someone went ham on them with the wrong tool, which yes helps grab fasteners, especially rounded ones, but while it does that, it's also rounding that fastener, so it should be replaced, but then don't use that wrench on it because you'll create the same issue, and you'll likely scrape off some of the costing on the bolt that helps resist rust and then it'll add even more frustration to removing it later. Use the correct tool, not a hack.
Considering how much Snap-On combination wrenches cost, the $3-4-per-wrench difference in price between Flankdrive and Flankdrive Plus is chickenfeed. If you're seriously considering whether three bucks per wrench is too expensive for your budget, you shouldn't be buying Snap-On tools in the first place.
the question is not is flank drive worth it... the queestion is like this: why just why even think of snapon when you can get the wright wrenches ones instead. which are also usa based tool company isnt it?
it is almost like you *want* to promote monopolized corporate takeovers, instead of anything of smaller more independant innovative business ventures. well... here was that exact opportunity
TTC tested the Wright Grips and perform do closely you wouldn't be able to tell. Oh and they're roughly ⅓ the price.
Because Snap-on will come to my shop and deliver both sales and service, I have yet to see a Wright truck show up at my shop. It's a matter of convenience, which some are willing and able to pay.
First!