Why you can’t use MAC RBRT WRENCHES as a daily driver.

You mention a very specific and accurate point. All the videos proclaiming these RBRT only show them turning damaged fasteners out in the open. Great catch.

Thanks man for the different perspective. As a mechanic and maintenance guy at work I encounter many fasteners that someone else has rounded and messed up the six point head, requiring a quality (for lack of a better thought) tool in order for me to get that fastener off. Many times it isn’t a fastener but instead it’s a hydraulic component that I can’t just run down the road and buy a new one, meaning I really need to remove and re-install it in order to finish my job and get the machine operator back to work. I can see the need (from my perspective) to really have both kinds of wrenches in my tool box. Thanks for taking the time to lend an alternative perspective for us to think about.

Back in the 90's I worked in a union millwright fabrication shop so everything had to be made in U.S.A., most of the 40 guys in the shop had Craftsman tools. One day the oldest guy in the shop came walking over to me and asked me if I had a socket for this and he handed me a 12 point fastener, I grabbed a Craftsman 12pt out of my tool box and he thought I just handed him a moon rock. ;-) I'm a 12 point wrench and socket guy.

I own multiple sets of 6 point combo wrenches and I use them quite often. I live in the rust belt and deal with mostly older cars. Sometimes, a 6 point wrench saves an awful lot of time. Yes, they're not my only set of wrenches, but they're certainly quite useful.

Heavy equipment mechanic in the Northeast, and with the rust up here a 12 point wrench or socket on a 6 point fastener is the fastest way to a rounded fastener. I have all sorts of 6 point wrenches, box, ratcheting, ratcheting flex head, line wrenches, and the Matco hex grip. I do have a set of Snap on flank drive plus but rarely use the box end to break fasteners free unless I have no other option. Since those RBRT wrenches came out they have been my go to in the service truck to break fasteners free and they have worked great for me, especially for holding a nut when its a nut and bolt situation. If I can I weld the new nut going back in so the next guy doesn't have to deal with that. I actually envy you for not having to deal with damaged or corroded fasteners, life much be so much easier. I really like you channel keep up the great work, wish you were up this way so I wouldn't have to work on my camper.

I agree with everything you said about six-point box end wrenches. There are certain situations where they’re great. For every day use, however, there are more downsides when compared to 12-point wrenches.

I personally will not give up my RBRT they have their place. There are there for that O crap moment. Not as a daily driver. Like most mechanics, i have more wrenches than i honestly need. Every size, every length, every shape for both SAE and Metric. My go to everyday wrench is Snap On 12 pt combination standard length wrenches. They get 75% of the work. Fun fact, a while back i read a article stating that the average Technician owned 18 ratchets. I owned 18 ratchets in the 80s. At last count it was at 43 and i have picked up a few since then. Do not even ask about Snap On ratchets screwdrivers. Its not really my fault though, they offer way to many colors. Im semi retired now, meaning i only work on jobs i choose to do. Thanks for the video brother, i agree with everything except removing them. It only takes that one bolt or nut that requires that technology. Not much worse than knowing you have the proper tool but its at home. Have a great day and a Merry Christmas.

I have a set of Proto six point wrenches and love them in automotive at least. They work great for suspension work, drain plugs, and stuff. A cramped engine bay or under dash not so much. For the tight area I use the matco flex head ratchet wrenches srfm102pa.

Interesting and important perspective. Thanks for the opposite of a hot-take :) This is one of the reasons I sold my SK xFrame set, and why the GearWrench and other long-double-box-flex (i.e. Mountain competitors) that have a 6-point box are non-starters (not to mention I want a reverse switch and not have to flip them). Icon makes a great anti-slip design and has a 12-point box end.

I daily the rbrt wrenches love the case. Road tech for fork lifts sometimes yes it becomes a issue. But for me it's rare and I also have a small 3/8 ratchet set along side me for those times

One of the main things about using a 12 pt wrench is that it allows you to use the wrench on the fasteners in various angles, where as a 6pt is only going to give you a select amount or a specific angle. It is perfectly fine to use a 12 pt wrench/socket on a 6pt fastener. The only caveat is using them on a rounded or rusty fastener, it may, and I say may with an absolute meaning of slight, cause the head to round, but it could round even with a 6pt.

There is a place for 6 point box end wrenches and sockets. These are designed for heavier duty work; suspension, steering components, drain plugs and the like. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've seen damaged/rounded heads because someone consistently used a 12 point socket or wrench especially on oil pan drain plugs. Having said that, the flank drive plus, RBT, Wright grip wrenches have their place in removing rounded/damaged bolts that won't otherwise come loose. I own the Wright Grip wrenches for this purpose and they have served me well. The twelve point box end is convenient; little doubt about that. However, if a bolt/nut is in a critical position or large in size, I need to be sure it will come loose/tighten without damage, its time for the 6 point tool. I own complete sets of 6 and 12 point sockets and wrenches for this reason.

Much like you said, the only time I needed a 6 point wrench(non RBRT) was on damaged bolts. Everything else gets 12 points box end. For wrenches at least. Sockets are obviously a different matter

Rounded Bolt Removal Technology (R.B.R.T.™) designed to prevent the rounding of hex fasteners. Tolerances are a bit tighter as well.

Man just stumbled on this been checking out the rbrt set but I have had that very concern of the 6point it the automotive field for my personal experience if I’m grabbing a wrench it’s because nothing else will fit in that space and I need the 12 point to index in the best position possible. I think the open end would work well though. Thanks for the vid man appreciate an honest opinion.

Subbed,good information.👍🇺🇸💪

Granted the RBRT has a more refined open end for better torque. (atleast to my knowledge, I have a USAG brand of the MAC RBRT but not precision torque, Im just going off the video you show.) But with most of your criticism revolving around the box end I'd have to agree with you on the fact of whats the point in using half of a tool at 100% (RBRT) when you can use all of a tool at 90% of the other (PT). Everyone has thier needs and this is a good informational video to inform buyers. Thanks for the video!

Agreeing with your assessments. I find 6 point wrenches mostly helpful for breaking bolts loose, I have a few vintage Craftsman 6 point double box ends. I could see using the open end for final torque but you have the same issue of space and angle , unlike a 12 point box end. There would be situations where i would prefer the 6 point due to worn points on the fastener and/or from just soft metal fasteners.

You are Correct. I Love my Precision Torque 12 pt and they are the best you will ever own!!! The 6 pt wrench is a Crazy gimmick

I used to have a set of USA made craftsman wrenches that were 6 point. They worked well. Also sk has a set of ratcheting 6 pt wrenches