Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench Gets Ratcheting Action Into More Areas
While the standard double-ended wrench is a mechanic’s toolbox staple, we love our ratcheting wrenches. The Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench goes further than most, though, introducing a ratcheting action to both the box and open ends.
We wrapped up a few details on my 1982 Porche 924 restoration to get to know these wrenches better.
Pros
- Ratcheting action on both box and open ends
- Slim profile open end gets into tight spots
- Smooth chrome finish cleans up easily
Cons
- Set option needs a few more sizes
Recommendation
When you see new innovations such as a ratcheting open end wrench, it’s natural to wonder if it really works. In the case of the Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench, it absolutely does.
Because the design gets the foundation right, these have the feel professional mechanics want with dual ratcheting ends that are much more than a novelty. You still get the tight space access you need and they clean up easy at the end of the job.
Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench
The Basics
A wrench is a wrench, right? Well, there are actually a few ways to get the design foundation wrong and Wurth avoids some classic pitfalls with their design.
For starters, each Zebra Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench has a smooth chrome finish. That makes it super-easy to clean up—a quick wipe down with a shop towel does the trick.
Then there’s the shape itself. The classic straight, thin profile makes the wrenches easy to grip. At the same time, the edges aren’t too sharp and it’s not so thin that it’s digging into your hand uncomfortably.
Ratcheting Ends
The box ratcheting end features a 12-point interface that combines with ratcheting pawls to give you easy loosening and tightening when you have room to slip the end over the bolt.
When space is more limited and you need to access the bolt using the open end, you still have a ratcheting mechanism.
At first glace, the form of the end looks like it would allow the head to slip, but the spring-loaded pawl grips it well.
The more minimal design of that pawl allows the Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench to keep a slim profile. When you’re working on things such as brake caliper pins, it’s small enough to reach in those tight areas and has a 15° offset to help work in.
With either end, just flip the wrench over to switch from tightening to loosening.
Pricing
Individual sizes run from $13.50 to $44.50. The 6-piece set we reviewed was priced over $100 at the time of writing.
We’d definitely recommend getting the set to start out. Just be aware that there are some individual sizes you’ll want to add.
The set comes with 8, 10, 12, 13, 17, and 19mm. I frequently need 14, 15, and 18mm, so I’d recommend adding those sizes at a minimum.
Wurth USA runs promotions so be sure to check to see if this product is on special!
The Bottom Line
When you see new innovations such as a ratcheting open-end wrench, it’s natural to wonder if it really works. In the case of the Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench, it absolutely does.
Because the design gets the foundation right, these have the feel professional mechanics want with dual ratcheting ends that are much more than a novelty. You still get the tight space access you need and they clean up easily at the end of the job.
Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrench Specifications
- Item Number: Wurth 071425950
- Pieces: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 17mm, 19mm (8mm to 24mm available as individual wrenches)
- Material: Chrome-vanadium steel
- Open Offset: 15°
