From:
markarock_REMOVE_424291_THIS_@yahoo.com
Tony: I've always believed that "There's a tool
for every job and a job for every tool." Thus,
nothing ever works better than the tool specifically
designed for the purpose. That said, and having looked at
the Web page, I'm reminded that 20 or 30 years ago
Snap-On patented and sold wrenches and sockets that had
rounded bumps instead of flat gripping surfaces.
Purportedly this allowed the tools to grab the nut or bolt
more toward the center of each face rather than put
pressure on the corners. Supposedly this allowed more
torque without slipping or rounding off. It was much
ballyhooed. I just checked their web page (
www.snapon.com)
and it may be that it still is--they use the term
"flank drive" to describe some products, though I can't
be certain from their site and catalog that this is
the same thing, as the pictures and specifications
don't look like what I remember from years ago.
Me, I was a Craftsman kinda guy (and still
am--couldn't afford Snap-On at the time and am too cheap now,
and further, despite the advertising, I was never
totally convinced that they had "built a better
mousetrap") So I never got to try them, and have never talked
with anybody who had.
These Metrinch's seem to
be similarly designed. I'd check Snap-on. Either a
dealer, or a mechanic who uses them. If they have
withstood the test of time and the professional mechanics
are using them, then I'd say that the idea is good.
That then leaves the question whether the design is
flexible enough to work on both metric and standard sizes.
Logic says to me that a precision tool, with carefully
engineered clearances, will have a much higher torque
capability than some sloppy fit "one size fits all" unit.
Mark
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