I received this exact tool as a Christmas gift last year. Didn't even know it existed until then, but to be honest, I've used it maybe a dozen times and each time it's worked great. I used to do the ol' slipping on a second box end wrench technique - that also works, and I've actually never bashed a knuckle or drawn blood from the second wrench slipping off, though probably more due to luck and timing than anything else. What I HAVE done, however, is bend or widen perfectly good wrenches because of too much force. When I use this, the "catch" bar sits nicely against the bottom corner of the open end of the wrench, and the spacing between it and the "prop" bar (the bar that contacts the handle of the wrench an inch or so from the open end) seems to prevent the wrench from bending at all. In short, this thing has truly come in handy each time I've used it, and has probably saved at least one or two of my wrenches from being damaged. I'd argue that this isn't an essential tool at all, but I can testify that it's nice to have in my toolbox and unless it ever breaks, I never plan to go back to the ol' slip on a second wrench technique. PS - using a rubber band or zip tie to hold it in place, I've gotten great utility out of using this with Gearwrenches too. The only complete set I have are stubby ones that I bought for a specific project, but I find that I don't need longer ones at the moment because this tool extends their reach. I'd advise against using Gearwrenches to break loose stubborn fasteners or give them that gudentite final turn, but for quickly removing fasteners in areas that are too tight for a ratchet, stubbies plus this tool works excellent.
bought the 16" one thanks eric just what i needed thanks alot.... they should inlist this in amazon and ebay it was hard to finalize the purchase cause they only sell to US addresses so i gave them a mail forwarding address that will ship to new York and then to my location outside usa
Hey Eric. I came across this tool about a year ago and mentioned to my father. He ended up purchasing the set for me for Christmas (before I saw the video). Fast forward to this past June... We were doing rear suspension work that required additional leverage. grabbed the 24 incher and gave it a go. the tool rotated slightly and ended up bending the "forks" at the end. We were kind of disappointed. At least they come with a lifetime warranty.
Eric--A long breaker bar is a better way to go. As you acknowledge, the extra force on the ratcheting mechanism could damage it. Something similar thing could happen with an open-end wrench; the opening could spread wider and/or it could twist the tips. I understand that sometimes you do what you have to, but you could also get hurt if the tool slips while trying this. Whenever possible, one should use the closed end of a combination wrench on the fastener. If the hammer you're using isn't cutting it, get a bigger hammer.
It's always fun to see where a creative idea will take you, one day we'll find another frizbee, ha ha. But as you know, standard practice in professional shops is to use a longer wrench, or a short length of pipe, a breaker bar, an air impact, or a double wrench technique. I'm surprised you didn't demonstrate the double wrench technique, which always fits and is always available -- clearly it's the real competitor (and model) for this extra tool. I guess you can argue the extra tool is less likely to slip off, though finding it quickly when you need it may be an issue. I already have too many tools (grin).
I'd much rather use this tool then the double wrench technique, to many times have I bashed my hand open due to the other wrench falling off. its meant to help in tight area's where you cant get certain tools in, I'd rather spend the $19.99 then the $200+ on one set of extended version wrenches..
MechRider89 "I'd much rather use this tool *then* the double wrench technique" is saying you'd rather do one THEN LATER do the other. "I'd much rather use this tool *than* the double wrench technique" is saying that you prefer the former option.
Hey Eric, I'm a professional technician I work in the heavy duty field. This tool is going to save my butt on so many things thank you for turning me on to this I'm getting a set very soon.
Many ppl who say this tool is not that usefull prolly dont work that much on cars. Because I will buy one immediately if I can get this to finland. So many times you need extra lenght and the pipe wont help or another tool wont fit or will slip. If you rlly work on cars you will find this usefull almost every day!
Not a bad idea, but there are not many bolts on a car that won't come off with a 24" breaker bar. In those rare occasions that I need more leverage, a pipe slips nicely over most handles. The Maxx tool would be more attractive if it was priced more reasonably. $60 for basically a 2ft breaker bar is steep.
Sometimes your muscles are not at a mechanical advantage for the bolt. So there's no harm in making it easier for yourself with some extra leverage. Don't use it as a substitute for a breaker-bar is what you mean
A breaker bar is a better, safer alternative. However, from the comments, it appears many people either don't know that they exist or don't have one in their toolbox. They do have damaged ratchets and/or bent, boxed-end wrenches, however.
Its nice seeing a given company trying to make money but having things laying around the shop, things have been used to do the same thing and in some cases even some fab work has been completed to make certain tools even better.
And all this time I have been a 1 inch box wrench for the very same purpose. If I had thought people would buy something like this I might have tried to market it. The main advantage over the box wrench I see is where you insert the other tool handle into the Maxx Lever Tool it is better designed to hold it.
Nice tool review! I think a pipe could also serve the purpose especially if one is a DIY repair guy like me. Pipes are way cheaper even sometimes free. Regards,
Cool! I'm a technician and understand all the breaker bar/ pipe/ double wrench alternatives, but this tool does have some advantages. A pipe extension can damage chrome plated tools due to the pressure points at the pipe and end of wrench/ratchet. Double wrench can slip, and the extension wrench tends to flex alot because torque is applied on its flat axis. Breaker bar is definitely the ideal option if possible. I like how this leverage tool has an angled pivot which gives you more placement options. Will I buy it? Maybe in the future, but it's definitely not on my priority list of tools to purchase.
For your average DIY'er I doubt that this tool would be worth the money. Very rarely do you need that extra leverage and when you do you can usually knock something together (such as the good old pipe) to do that one bolt. That being said if this was your _job_ as a technician then a tool like this is possibly worth it. Certainly the fact that it's made and _designed_ to do a job that you do every day would make it go much smoother.
pipe doesn't always fit around every tool. the pipe i use, only fits around the 3/8 ratchet or smaller. won't fit around my 1/2 inch. not cheap, but can see this being useful to a pro (this is not to say someone is not a pro cuz they dont feel they need this).
One draw back you can't put a box end wrench on it to use the open end part of the wrench. There are times where you can't get a box end wrench on the head of the bolt to turn it. Snap On now makes a flank drive plus wrench that will not round off the head of the bolt. They also make flank drive plus sockets that will remove a rounded head of a bolt too. Hopefully you will do a review on these tools too
I could have really used this a few days ago. I couldn't fit a socket onto a few exhaust manifold fasteners and needed to use a box wrench. I ended up using piping, which didn't hold the wrench well and it nearly stripped a fastener from the forward/back movement. This legit seems useful.
I can do the same using the hole end of a combo wrench on the open end of another combo wrench, or a ratchets end. Called "double wrenching". Still, a nice toolbox addition.
A perfect extension to a small wrench is that large oddball 13/16 combination wrench hooked onto the end similar to this tool or a regular piece of pipe pounded on the ends to useful shape for just such a purpose. This tool would be more interesting to me if the bottom angled piece screwed off and it had different types of ends for different uses. I love the round chrome handles somebody should make wrenches like that.
Eric I was thinking of you yesterday. I got a call to come check out a mint 1987 Acura legend. The car was garage kept one owner 106,000 miles. Has barely been used since 2009. Not a spot of rust even under the car. Massive oil leak, need three tires, bad compressor after having a/c converted to 134, and needed a tune-up bad. I was supposed to get it for junk but ended up offering more. The guy says let me check with my wife. She starts yelling I don't want to sell the car. HA. He says I told her I would try and get five grand for the car. My response was, You're serious? I really said that. Plus the car should be towed. Nice car though. What a shame. I did take it for a short ride and it rode like a dream. One finger turning. The leather was still like new. I would love to find a clean car like that for you and your channel.
Interesting tool based on double wrench technique. Easy to make one yourself with two pieces of flat steel and grade 8 bolts welded to a short piece of black pipe. (With a threaded end and a straight connector you can easily add another piece of 8, 16 or 24 inches (or whatever) and have a more versatile tool. Of course, nothing better for extending pipe wrenches than a two (or three etc.) foot section of pipe slipped over the end to loosen gas or water pipe that has been in place for 50 years. (Sawzalls work too if you have main valve shut off .) Back when Craftsman ratchets were US made, (circa 1970) I broke so many 3/8 drive pawls that my local Sears gave me a dozen replacements and I still have a few left.
Nice tool, but too expensive to justify for home use (it's just a metal bar) when I can just use the double wrench method. Maybe nice convenience for professionals.
Sometimes when Im working with limited tools, I take a deep socket that fits over the end of my ratchet plus an extension to get leverage. In the shop Id just grab some thing longer.
With thirty bucks i can buy so much pipe of all diameters and many lengths as to make this tool a non issue. I once used a 2'' fence pipe to looden a stuck harmonic so easily as to bring water to the eye.
like your videos alot Eric but for all you out there just make your own tool..... find old ratchet at yard sale cut off head... get a air brake clevis yoke... wield the 2 together at an angle, find 2 small steel pins at the hardware store tac wield in a circle the pins in the middle of the clevis.
nice review. bought the tite reach tool after watching that video, saved me a few times. I will now be purchasing this tool. I know someone mentioned using a pipe... I have a pipe but it doesn't fit over my my combination wrenches. Also it looks like this one has a bend where it'll be more accessible, I do a lot of brakes and looking to break the bracket mount bolts easily, there's some I really have trouble getting off because of rust, not too difficult but if $20 can save me a bit of effort, then im all for it. I do at least 15 sets of pads and rotors per week. One man business so I am all about efficiency and saving my wrist and other joints
I'll end up buying one of these, because not all cheater bars I have fit all my wrenches. I got some bolts up by the truck bed and frame that are hard to reach.
I always just use another box end wrench to leverage the open end of the wrench. It works exactly the same way. Not sure why someone would want to buy one of these unless they just like having more tools.
this tool has a great price for the quality. made from 4140 steel machined handle and hand welded tip and hard chromed made to last a life time our company VP is active duty Marine officer and we made sure our tool was made to be the best
Eric--Since you acknowledged the potential damage to the ratchet by using the Maxx Leverage tool, why didn't you then turn to a breaker bar, or a closed-end wrench? They generally have longer handles for increased leverage, no ratchet mechanism to strip out and are a safer alternative to the user. For those that object to breaker bars/wrenches because they don't ratchet, you only have to use it long enough to break the fastener loose, then you can return to using the ratchet and socket or, these days, a ratcheting wrench. Very little time is lost working that way. I will admit that it does force the user to plan ahead, but that's a small price to pay compared with the cost of the Maxx Leverage tool..
The only value I see is that it allows you to angle your breaker by flipping it. I don't use a pipe often unless it requires 4' or longer. I usually use a 1/2 extension and a good deepwell socket.
If your ratchet handle is round like the one in the video, find a deep well socket that fits snugly over the ratchet handle, then add as many extensions as needed to achieve desired torque multiplication. This works using tools you already have. Note: you can damage ratchet mechanisms doing this (or using the tool in the video).
Wayne Manion I'd rather use a length of pipe. There is a risk of slipping or even breakage at the spot where the extension goes into the socket or other extension, especially when the bolt finally does break free.
Just received my set in the mail... they are not chrome and look like crap. The emblem is also upside down (when comparing to the tool you are reviewing). The tools do not appear to be quality made. They are not round (more oval) and do not have straight lines, especially around the handle grip.
seems like it would be useful. as for the 3/8 ratchet I have that covered, I have a Snap On one that I believe is close to 24" in length. but for wrenches I think it would be awesome, looks like it would be safer than double wrenching.
To me it seams like a waste of money. If you want to extend a wrench, just double it up. Need more torque on a stuck bolt/nut, breaker bar (something that basically every mechanic is going to have already). People already have enough specialty tools in their boxes already without adding another one.
Forget about damaging the ratchets, peeling the skin off your knuckles and even breaking them is a far worse result of using excessive force on a ratchet in a tight space. Always use a breaker bar, folks. It exists for a reason.
24" maxx leverage- $59.95 24" 1" ID pipe- Maybe 10 or 15 bucks, plus you have to align the maxx leverage to fit on your tool the right way where as the pipe just slips right over But to be honest it wont flex like a pipe
I just wan to say thank you for not saying " like, subscribe ans share" to many youtubers are saying that and its really annoying. i enjoy your videos btw :)
I use a pipe! As one pipe fits inside the other it gives me the greatest torque in the space available. OK, this tool does work. Why would you need it though????
Eric--Now that you've tried the Maxx Leverage tool and the Tite-Reach extension wrench, which was your favorite? The Maxx Leverage seems the more dangerous of the two, given the propensity for that style of "cheater bar" to snap off parts of an open -end wrench. The Tite Reach extension seems to not hold up well when tested for common usage, which includes using an impact wrench. As a result, I'm considering a Mueller-Kueps MLK 745100 extension tool, which permits a wrench to lay in the body of the tool to support it. If you're not familiar with it yet, Amazon sells them, as well as JB Tools and ToolTopia, among others. I wondered what you thought of this alternative style of extension wrench, especially if you've used one. Thanks.
Ha ha- nice! I always reach for my trusty piece of pipe to slide over a rachet handle or put the box end of another wrench into the open end of the wrench on the fastener and use that for more leverage.
Shouldve tried it on a motor mount bolt that was something i needed one of those for when i did my 95 civic ex clutch i had to use two wrenches for leverage
Web page link is broken to the online store For something made in China the prices are far fetched It looked like it suffers from instability on a ratchet handle, when a pipe doesn't. Simular to double wrenching any side to side movement the box end slips off. Put it possibly bight be more stable using on a wrench, only issue is the tool was made wide enough for a ratchet handle. Leaving excessive play or side to side slop on a wrench My .02
Hmm thats different :-), it would however need modding so the tool you put into it self centers ( a V channel), and perhaps wrap the V channel and back bar in rubber to reduce slippage. :-))
Eric, I love your videos and the info you put into them, but I have a question, Why do you call nuts and bolts fasteners?? Wouldn't it be easier to say, for instance, 10mm bolt or 14mm nut? Just curious. =)
Thats AWESOME! I usually a socket big enough to fit over the end of the ratchet handle and use an extension for leverage. But I'm gonna get at least on of those. Maybe more.
I'm a sucker for just about every kind of tool and I'd probably pick this up if it was cheap but it doesn't seem toooo useful compared to the tried and true (and free) double wrench or pipe tricks we all use
This is what Im looking for I dont have a pipe to extend my craftsman ratchet. DOES THIS TOOL FIT ON A SMALL 3/8" CRAFTSMAN RATCHET WRENCH? EDIT: Doesnt look like these are being sold anymore & cant find anything similar. BTW your links are busted
the max leverage to me is almost a waist. i work as a ford mechanic and use a deep wall socket and then put what ever length extension i want as needed for leverage just what ever fits over the end of your ratchet or wrench or double wrenching is also a cheap alternative to buying more or just using what youve got. still with all that said i wish i would of come up with this tool years ago.
But will it work for a wrench when you've got the open end on a hydraulic line . Check out 65 fords channel , he shows making one like I first made 45 years ago
Why would you pay all that $ for that when if you need to lengthen the ratchet use a deep socket and an extension over the handle, if you need to leverage a wrench hook the box end of another wrench over the open end of the one you are using ..
Pipe is cheaper for a ratchet. For the box wrench and use a second box wrench that works the same way. Why spend 60 bucks for samething you already have
You can also just hook the ring end of a combination wrench on the open end of another combo wrench. Watch Thomas EXOVCDS videos. He does it all the time, gently. He doesn't abuse his tools.
I received this exact tool as a Christmas gift last year. Didn't even know it existed until then, but to be honest, I've used it maybe a dozen times and each time it's worked great. I used to do the ol' slipping on a second box end wrench technique - that also works, and I've actually never bashed a knuckle or drawn blood from the second wrench slipping off, though probably more due to luck and timing than anything else. What I HAVE done, however, is bend or widen perfectly good wrenches because of too much force. When I use this, the "catch" bar sits nicely against the bottom corner of the open end of the wrench, and the spacing between it and the "prop" bar (the bar that contacts the handle of the wrench an inch or so from the open end) seems to prevent the wrench from bending at all. In short, this thing has truly come in handy each time I've used it, and has probably saved at least one or two of my wrenches from being damaged. I'd argue that this isn't an essential tool at all, but I can testify that it's nice to have in my toolbox and unless it ever breaks, I never plan to go back to the ol' slip on a second wrench technique.
PS - using a rubber band or zip tie to hold it in place, I've gotten great utility out of using this with Gearwrenches too. The only complete set I have are stubby ones that I bought for a specific project, but I find that I don't need longer ones at the moment because this tool extends their reach. I'd advise against using Gearwrenches to break loose stubborn fasteners or give them that gudentite final turn, but for quickly removing fasteners in areas that are too tight for a ratchet, stubbies plus this tool works excellent.
Check out the Maxx Leverage. Maxx Leverage Tool Review -EricTheCarGuy
Ehhhh. Good idea I guess. Just don't see this selling well.
glad you mentioned a lead pipe in the first 30 seconds at least!
Nothing wrong with having a dedicated cheater bar in your toolbox. I'd buy one.
cool tool tech tip there probley millionnares thumps up when I could of invented it
bought the 16" one thanks eric just what i needed
thanks alot....
they should inlist this in amazon and ebay
it was hard to finalize the purchase cause they only sell to US addresses so i gave them a mail forwarding address that will ship to new York and then to my location outside usa
Hey Eric. I came across this tool about a year ago and mentioned to my father. He ended up purchasing the set for me for Christmas (before I saw the video). Fast forward to this past June... We were doing rear suspension work that required additional leverage. grabbed the 24 incher and gave it a go. the tool rotated slightly and ended up bending the "forks" at the end. We were kind of disappointed. At least they come with a lifetime warranty.
A serpentine belt wrench works great in tight areas, just no ratcheting feature. Basically long slim breaker bar ( within reason )
I made this tool at work yesterday. Thank you for sharing.
This tool has been on the market for many years, I am glad you told people that you can damage your ratchets using this tool.
Eric--A long breaker bar is a better way to go. As you acknowledge, the extra force on the ratcheting mechanism could damage it. Something similar thing could happen with an open-end wrench; the opening could spread wider and/or it could twist the tips. I understand that sometimes you do what you have to, but you could also get hurt if the tool slips while trying this. Whenever possible, one should use the closed end of a combination wrench on the fastener. If the hammer you're using isn't cutting it, get a bigger hammer.
It's always fun to see where a creative idea will take you, one day we'll find another frizbee, ha ha. But as you know, standard practice in professional shops is to use a longer wrench, or a short length of pipe, a breaker bar, an air impact, or a double wrench technique. I'm surprised you didn't demonstrate the double wrench technique, which always fits and is always available -- clearly it's the real competitor (and model) for this extra tool. I guess you can argue the extra tool is less likely to slip off, though finding it quickly when you need it may be an issue. I already have too many tools (grin).
I agree with you except the last part. One can not have too many tools :-)
I'd much rather use this tool then the double wrench technique, to many times have I bashed my hand open due to the other wrench falling off. its meant to help in tight area's where you cant get certain tools in, I'd rather spend the $19.99 then the $200+ on one set of extended version wrenches..
MechRider89
"I'd much rather use this tool *then* the double wrench technique" is saying you'd rather do one THEN LATER do the other. "I'd much rather use this tool *than* the double wrench technique" is saying that you prefer the former option.
Hey Eric, I'm a professional technician I work in the heavy duty field. This tool is going to save my butt on so many things thank you for turning me on to this I'm getting a set very soon.
Many ppl who say this tool is not that usefull prolly dont work that much on cars. Because I will buy one immediately if I can get this to finland. So many times you need extra lenght and the pipe wont help or another tool wont fit or will slip. If you rlly work on cars you will find this usefull almost every day!
Not a bad idea, but there are not many bolts on a car that won't come off with a 24" breaker bar. In those rare occasions that I need more leverage, a pipe slips nicely over most handles. The Maxx tool would be more attractive if it was priced more reasonably. $60 for basically a 2ft breaker bar is steep.
60 bucks for that. Wow ripoff.
And its made in china
just wanted to let you know, you have one of the best youtube video series on repairing cars. thanks
I could have used one of these a few times over the last couple of years. It looks like it would hold better than linking two wrenches together.
Got mine thanks Eric and keep'em coming!
just use a pipe and also two wrenches can be hooked together to give you more leverage.
i always just link two box wrenches together to break a fastener loose never add more leverage to ratchets ever.
Sometimes your muscles are not at a mechanical advantage for the bolt. So there's no harm in making it easier for yourself with some extra leverage. Don't use it as a substitute for a breaker-bar is what you mean
A breaker bar is a better, safer alternative. However, from the comments, it appears many people either don't know that they exist or don't have one in their toolbox. They do have damaged ratchets and/or bent, boxed-end wrenches, however.
Its nice seeing a given company trying to make money but having things laying around the shop, things have been used to do the same thing and in some cases even some fab work has been completed to make certain tools even better.
Love the tool review, thanks! I have been trying to get a set: Value Pack contains 9 1/2", 16", 24" tools total $99.95 for myself.
Thank God a video under 10 minutes. God is great.
contains a breaker longer than 10 "s
A video on you tube is as long as you want it to be buddy. Fast forward?!
An off-set wrench works wonders as well for increasing leverage on a open wrench
And all this time I have been a 1 inch box wrench for the very same purpose. If I had thought people would buy something like this I might have tried to market it. The main advantage over the box wrench I see is where you insert the other tool handle into the Maxx Lever Tool it is better designed to hold it.
Nice tool review! I think a pipe could also serve the purpose especially if one is a DIY repair guy like me. Pipes are way cheaper even sometimes free. Regards,
What a good weekend idea, ill go weld my own, couple of bucks on materials, might even make a video on how :)
That sounds like an even better idea! 💡 :)
This will be really useful for the bigger size wrenches. I just might buy one. Thanks Eric.
Cool! I'm a technician and understand all the breaker bar/ pipe/ double wrench alternatives, but this tool does have some advantages. A pipe extension can damage chrome plated tools due to the pressure points at the pipe and end of wrench/ratchet. Double wrench can slip, and the extension wrench tends to flex alot because torque is applied on its flat axis. Breaker bar is definitely the ideal option if possible. I like how this leverage tool has an angled pivot which gives you more placement options. Will I buy it? Maybe in the future, but it's definitely not on my priority list of tools to purchase.
For your average DIY'er I doubt that this tool would be worth the money. Very rarely do you need that extra leverage and when you do you can usually knock something together (such as the good old pipe) to do that one bolt. That being said if this was your _job_ as a technician then a tool like this is possibly worth it. Certainly the fact that it's made and _designed_ to do a job that you do every day would make it go much smoother.
I could see a use for that, I use a length of pipe right now, but this would certainly look more professional in the tool box.
pipe doesn't always fit around every tool. the pipe i use, only fits around the 3/8 ratchet or smaller. won't fit around my 1/2 inch. not cheap, but can see this being useful to a pro (this is not to say someone is not a pro cuz they dont feel they need this).
One draw back you can't put a box end wrench on it to use the open end part of the wrench. There are times where you can't get a box end wrench on the head of the bolt to turn it. Snap On now makes a flank drive plus wrench that will not round off the head of the bolt. They also make flank drive plus sockets that will remove a rounded head of a bolt too. Hopefully you will do a review on these tools too
I could have really used this a few days ago. I couldn't fit a socket onto a few exhaust manifold fasteners and needed to use a box wrench. I ended up using piping, which didn't hold the wrench well and it nearly stripped a fastener from the forward/back movement. This legit seems useful.
I can do the same using the hole end of a combo wrench on the open end of another combo wrench, or a ratchets end. Called "double wrenching". Still, a nice toolbox addition.
The use of leverage is amazing to me. I use cheater bars at work. And I am still shocked by how effective they are.
A perfect extension to a small wrench is that large oddball 13/16 combination wrench hooked onto the end similar to this tool or a regular piece of pipe pounded on the ends to useful shape for just such a purpose. This tool would be more interesting to me if the bottom angled piece screwed off and it had different types of ends for different uses. I love the round chrome handles somebody should make wrenches like that.
Eric I was thinking of you yesterday. I got a call to come check out a mint 1987 Acura legend. The car was garage kept one owner 106,000 miles. Has barely been used since 2009. Not a spot of rust even under the car. Massive oil leak, need three tires, bad compressor after having a/c converted to 134, and needed a tune-up bad. I was supposed to get it for junk but ended up offering more. The guy says let me check with my wife. She starts yelling I don't want to sell the car. HA. He says I told her I would try and get five grand for the car. My response was, You're serious? I really said that. Plus the car should be towed. Nice car though. What a shame. I did take it for a short ride and it rode like a dream. One finger turning. The leather was still like new. I would love to find a clean car like that for you and your channel.
The company tries to play up the Military Vet card but won't make their tools in the USA. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
+JustLouIt I FART IN YOUR GENERAL DIRECTION
Interesting tool based on double wrench technique.
Easy to make one yourself with two pieces of flat steel and grade 8 bolts welded to a short piece of black pipe. (With a threaded end and a straight connector you can easily add another piece of 8, 16 or 24 inches (or whatever) and have a more versatile tool.
Of course, nothing better for extending pipe wrenches than a two (or three etc.) foot section of pipe slipped over the end to loosen gas or water pipe that has been in place for 50 years. (Sawzalls work too if you have main valve shut off .)
Back when Craftsman ratchets were US made, (circa 1970) I broke so many 3/8 drive pawls that my local Sears gave me a dozen replacements and I still have a few left.
Nice tool, but too expensive to justify for home use (it's just a metal bar) when I can just use the double wrench method. Maybe nice convenience for professionals.
Sometimes when Im working with limited tools, I take a deep socket that fits over the end of my ratchet plus an extension to get leverage. In the shop Id just grab some thing longer.
With thirty bucks i can buy so much pipe of all diameters and many lengths as to make this tool a non issue. I once used a 2'' fence pipe to looden a stuck harmonic so easily as to bring water to the eye.
Nice idea but the handle needs to be serrated rather than polished for better grip, specially in dirty and oilly situations.
like your videos alot Eric but for all you out there just make your own tool..... find old ratchet at yard sale cut off head... get a air brake clevis yoke... wield the 2 together at an angle, find 2 small steel pins at the hardware store tac wield in a circle the pins in the middle of the clevis.
I slip a deep socket over the ratchet handle with a 1/2" extension. I works great.
nice review. bought the tite reach tool after watching that video, saved me a few times. I will now be purchasing this tool. I know someone mentioned using a pipe... I have a pipe but it doesn't fit over my my combination wrenches. Also it looks like this one has a bend where it'll be more accessible, I do a lot of brakes and looking to break the bracket mount bolts easily, there's some I really have trouble getting off because of rust, not too difficult but if $20 can save me a bit of effort, then im all for it. I do at least 15 sets of pads and rotors per week. One man business so I am all about efficiency and saving my wrist and other joints
I Use an impact wrench on those bracket bolts, and a 24" 1/2" drive ratchet when they're really stubborn and an impact won't fit.
Jay's Garage Raleigh Use a bigger diameter pipe when the smaller pipe doesn't work.
I'll end up buying one of these, because not all cheater bars I have fit all my wrenches. I got some bolts up by the truck bed and frame that are hard to reach.
I always just use another box end wrench to leverage the open end of the wrench. It works exactly the same way. Not sure why someone would want to buy one of these unless they just like having more tools.
this tool has a great price for the quality. made from 4140 steel machined handle and hand welded tip and hard chromed made to last a life time our company VP is active duty Marine officer and we made sure our tool was made to be the best
Eric--Since you acknowledged the potential damage to the ratchet by using the Maxx Leverage tool, why didn't you then turn to a breaker bar, or a closed-end wrench? They generally have longer handles for increased leverage, no ratchet mechanism to strip out and are a safer alternative to the user. For those that object to breaker bars/wrenches because they don't ratchet, you only have to use it long enough to break the fastener loose, then you can return to using the ratchet and socket or, these days, a ratcheting wrench. Very little time is lost working that way. I will admit that it does force the user to plan ahead, but that's a small price to pay compared with the cost of the Maxx Leverage tool..
The only value I see is that it allows you to angle your breaker by flipping it. I don't use a pipe often unless it requires 4' or longer. I usually use a 1/2 extension and a good deepwell socket.
If your ratchet handle is round like the one in the video, find a deep well socket that fits snugly over the ratchet handle, then add as many extensions as needed to achieve desired torque multiplication. This works using tools you already have. Note: you can damage ratchet mechanisms doing this (or using the tool in the video).
Wayne Manion I'd rather use a length of pipe. There is a risk of slipping or even breakage at the spot where the extension goes into the socket or other extension, especially when the bolt finally does break free.
$20 seems high for a tool of the same quality as a $12HF torque wrench or breaker bar with moving parts and twice the material.
EMT conduit is light and strong. Or, a box-end wrench works too.
Just buy a breaker bar, or use a long pole that fits over the rachet/ spanner etc. alot of money for this.
Also, the prices in the description seem to be off. It mentions $19.95 but the shortest one is $24.95 on the site.
Just received my set in the mail... they are not chrome and look like crap. The emblem is also upside down (when comparing to the tool you are reviewing). The tools do not appear to be quality made. They are not round (more oval) and do not have straight lines, especially around the handle grip.
seems like it would be useful. as for the 3/8 ratchet I have that covered, I have a Snap On one that I believe is close to 24" in length. but for wrenches I think it would be awesome, looks like it would be safer than double wrenching.
To me it seams like a waste of money. If you want to extend a wrench, just double it up. Need more torque on a stuck bolt/nut, breaker bar (something that basically every mechanic is going to have already). People already have enough specialty tools in their boxes already without adding another one.
until the second wrench spins and ypu bust your knuckles.... I want one lol
wow nice tool ! could be usefull in hard to get to engin bays or under a car if u dont have a hoist or jax?
Forget about damaging the ratchets, peeling the skin off your knuckles and even breaking them is a far worse result of using excessive force on a ratchet in a tight space. Always use a breaker bar, folks. It exists for a reason.
24" maxx leverage- $59.95
24" 1" ID pipe- Maybe 10 or 15 bucks, plus you have to align the maxx leverage to fit on your tool the right way where as the pipe just slips right over
But to be honest it wont flex like a pipe
I just wan to say thank you for not saying " like, subscribe ans share" to many youtubers are saying that and its really annoying. i enjoy your videos btw :)
I use a pipe! As one pipe fits inside the other it gives me the greatest torque in the space available. OK, this tool does work. Why would you need it though????
Always great videos Eric! Keep up the great work.
Eric--Now that you've tried the Maxx Leverage tool and the Tite-Reach extension wrench, which was your favorite? The Maxx Leverage seems the more dangerous of the two, given the propensity for that style of "cheater bar" to snap off parts of an open -end wrench. The Tite Reach extension seems to not hold up well when tested for common usage, which includes using an impact wrench. As a result, I'm considering a Mueller-Kueps MLK 745100 extension tool, which permits a wrench to lay in the body of the tool to support it. If you're not familiar with it yet, Amazon sells them, as well as JB Tools and ToolTopia, among others. I wondered what you thought of this alternative style of extension wrench, especially if you've used one. Thanks.
I ended up buying it, it looks like it would be very useful. and not gimmicky like some tools out there these days.
A spare wrench can do the same thing. That's how we always cracked tight bolts at the lube shop.
Great video. Nifty tools and wonderful exposure.
This must be made by the same folks who brought us the Pet Rock...unbelievable.
Ha ha- nice! I always reach for my trusty piece of pipe to slide over a rachet handle or put the box end of another wrench into the open end of the wrench on the fastener and use that for more leverage.
Shouldve tried it on a motor mount bolt that was something i needed one of those for when i did my 95 civic ex clutch i had to use two wrenches for leverage
Will this work on close end side of a combo wrench? Bec when changing outer tie rod you have to use the open end to loose the nut.
Web page link is broken to the online store
For something made in China the prices are far fetched
It looked like it suffers from instability on a ratchet handle, when a pipe doesn't. Simular to double wrenching any side to side movement the box end slips off.
Put it possibly bight be more stable using on a wrench, only issue is the tool was made wide enough for a ratchet handle. Leaving excessive play or side to side slop on a wrench
My .02
I like that tool. Pretty cool design.
Surprised that you didnt mention that you can accomplish pretty much the same thing with the closed end of a wrench!
I just use a boxed end wrench for my add on lever. That's free.
Hmm thats different :-), it would however need modding so the tool you put into it self centers ( a V channel), and perhaps wrap the V channel and back bar in rubber to reduce slippage. :-))
Eric, I love your videos and the info you put into them, but I have a question, Why do you call nuts and bolts fasteners?? Wouldn't it be easier to say, for instance, 10mm bolt or 14mm nut? Just curious. =)
I could definitely use this in lieu of "Wrench on wrench". This seems more stable.
As a professional technician I'll just stick with a double wrench or piece of pipe
This thing looked cool I ordered it 17 days ago and still don't have it, so idk if they are scam artists or what.
Hope someone gets you a 2-post lift to try out, you need to get up off the floor before the knees and back wear out.
Thats AWESOME! I usually a socket big enough to fit over the end of the ratchet handle and use an extension for leverage. But I'm gonna get at least on of those. Maybe more.
I'm a sucker for just about every kind of tool and I'd probably pick this up if it was cheap but it doesn't seem toooo useful compared to the tried and true (and free) double wrench or pipe tricks we all use
I just either a spanner (wrench) or a piece of scrap pipe or steel box section
Just double wrench, also works with rachets
This is what Im looking for I dont have a pipe to extend my craftsman ratchet. DOES THIS TOOL FIT ON A SMALL 3/8" CRAFTSMAN RATCHET WRENCH?
EDIT: Doesnt look like these are being sold anymore & cant find anything similar. BTW your links are busted
the max leverage to me is almost a waist. i work as a ford mechanic and use a deep wall socket and then put what ever length extension i want as needed for leverage just what ever fits over the end of your ratchet or wrench or double wrenching is also a cheap alternative to buying more or just using what youve got. still with all that said i wish i would of come up with this tool years ago.
There's no way I'd spend $80 on a tool when I could get a pipe to use instead for free. Those prices are ridiculous too.
JWet especially being made in China!!! Maybe 15 bucks I'd grab it just cuz it'll fit in the nicely in box
Can you use it on the closed side of the wrench????
But will it work for a wrench when you've got the open end on a hydraulic line . Check out 65 fords channel , he shows making one like I first made 45 years ago
is there anyway to find out the song at the start ? or maybe a direct link to the tabs ? sounds like the start of a awesome song
that nice tool they should make more sizes or do they got
Why would you pay all that $ for that when if you need to lengthen the ratchet use a deep socket and an extension over the handle, if you need to leverage a wrench hook the box end of another wrench over the open end of the one you are using ..
Pipe is cheaper for a ratchet. For the box wrench and use a second box wrench that works the same way. Why spend 60 bucks for samething you already have
I have a Snap-On FLL80, problem solved. But this tool does seem useful.
Use a steel pipe, works very wel and it's cheap.
You can also just hook the ring end of a combination wrench on the open end of another combo wrench. Watch Thomas EXOVCDS videos. He does it all the time, gently. He doesn't abuse his tools.
But that sure looks like a must have...cool stuff
I just use another combo wrench that will fit in the open end or over the end of the ratchet handle.
how would that work on a ratchet?
just use a pipe.
***** I hate trying to keep a box end on a ratchet. Id much rather use a piece of pipe that won't slip off and can be of different lengths.
***** The reason I was asking why is because that method for applying more mechanical advantage is stupid and in my opinion.
Wonder if he has alot of lead pipes in his shop?
wont that void your snap on warranty?