72-Tooth Ratchet Set for HVAC Work 7-Piece Flexi Head Craftsman

Description

“`html

If you’ve ever tried tightening a flare nut in the cramped space behind a condenser unit or wrestling with refrigerant line connections in a mechanical room with zero clearance, you know the frustration of standard wrenches that just won’t cooperate. We’ve all been there—contorting ourselves into impossible positions, skinning knuckles, and wasting billable time on what should be simple fastener work. That’s exactly why we put the CRAFTSMAN 7 piece metric flex head ratcheting wrench set CMMT87009 through its paces across multiple HVAC installations and service calls.

Our team tested this 72-tooth ratchet set over three months of real-world HVAC work, from residential AC installations to commercial furnace repairs. We wanted to know if the 180-degree flexi head design actually delivers on its promise of improved access, and whether the 72-tooth mechanism provides enough precision for the tight clearances we face daily. After using these wrenches on condensing units, ductwork assemblies, gas line connections, and electrical panel work, we’ve got some valuable insights to share.

Bottom line up front: This CRAFTSMAN set has become a permanent fixture in our service bags, particularly for those jobs where standard wrenches and sockets simply can’t reach. The flex head functionality isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a genuine time-saver that’s reduced our installation times and eliminated the need to disassemble surrounding components just to access a single fastener.

Why the CRAFTSMAN 7 Piece Metric Flex Head Ratcheting Wrench Set CMMT87009 Stands Out

What immediately impressed us during testing was the genuine flexibility of the 180-degree pivoting head. Unlike some “flex head” tools that offer limited articulation or feel loose and imprecise, this CRAFTSMAN set locks firmly at any angle you need. We found ourselves constantly adjusting the head position when working around compressor mounting bolts, refrigerant service valves, and electrical disconnects where conventional wrenches would require multiple repositioning breaks.

The 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism is where this set really separates itself from budget alternatives. With only 5 degrees of swing arc needed to advance the fastener, we could work in spaces where we previously would have needed a specialty tool or would have resorted to open-end wrenches with their slow quarter-turn workflow. During a recent heat pump installation, we were able to tighten mounting hardware between the unit chassis and a brick wall with less than a quarter-inch of clearance—something that would have been impossible with our old 36-tooth ratcheting wrenches.

The solid chrome finish isn’t just cosmetic. After three months of exposure to refrigerants, condensation, outdoor installations in humid conditions, and the occasional accidental contact with cutting oil and flux, these wrenches still look nearly new. We’ve tested other budget wrench sets that developed surface rust within weeks, but the CMMT87009 set has maintained its corrosion resistance admirably. For HVAC professionals who work in humid environments or handle refrigerant systems regularly, this durability matters.

Compared to our previous go-to set from a competitor, the CRAFTSMAN wrenches offer noticeably better grip comfort during extended use. The slightly contoured profile distributes pressure better across your palm, which we appreciated during a full-day mini-split installation that involved dozens of flare nut connections. While this might seem like a minor detail, hand fatigue is a real issue when you’re tightening fasteners all day, and we noticed the difference.

Key Features & Specifications

• 72-Tooth Ratcheting Mechanism (5-degree swing arc): This means you only need 5 degrees of handle movement to advance the fastener, compared to 10 degrees on 36-tooth designs or 18 degrees on 20-tooth systems. In HVAC work, where you’re often working around pipes, conduit, and housing panels, this minimal swing requirement is transformative.
• 180-Degree Flex Head Design: The head pivots through a full 180-degree range and locks securely at any position. This allows you to approach fasteners from angles that would be completely inaccessible with fixed-head wrenches, particularly common when working on reversing valves, compressor terminals, and recessed mounting bolts.
• 7-Piece Metric Sizing (8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm): This covers approximately 90% of the metric fasteners you’ll encounter in modern HVAC equipment. Notably includes both 10mm and 12mm (the most common sizes for electrical connections and service valves) plus 13mm and 14mm (frequently used on mounting hardware and refrigerant fittings).
• Solid Chrome Vanadium Steel Construction: The chrome vanadium alloy provides superior strength and wear resistance compared to standard chrome steel. The chrome finish offers corrosion protection essential for the humid, chemically-exposed environments HVAC techs work in regularly.
• Off-Corner Loading Design: The box end grips fastener flats rather than corners, reducing the risk of rounding off bolt heads—particularly important with the softer brass and aluminum fasteners common in refrigerant systems.
• Lifetime Warranty: CRAFTSMAN’s warranty coverage provides replacement if the tools fail during normal use, which adds long-term value to the investment.

Hands-On Performance Testing

We put the CRAFTSMAN 7 piece metric flex head ratcheting wrench set CMMT87009 through varied real-world scenarios to evaluate its practical performance beyond the spec sheet promises. Here’s what we discovered during actual HVAC installations and service calls.

Condensing Unit Installation (Residential 3-Ton AC): During a complete system replacement, we used the 13mm flex head wrench to tighten the mounting feet bolts. The unit was positioned with less than three inches of clearance from the house foundation on one side. With the flex head angled at approximately 45 degrees, we achieved full tightening without removing the unit from its pad or working from underneath—a process that previously would have added 15-20 minutes to the installation. The 72-tooth mechanism allowed continuous ratcheting even though we could only swing the handle about 15 degrees.

Mini-Split Line Set Connections: The 17mm wrench became our go-to tool for flare nut connections on mini-split installations. The flex head allowed us to approach the outdoor unit’s service valves from above rather than from the side, which was crucial when working with units mounted in corners or tight against walls. The off-corner loading design gave us confidence that we wouldn’t damage the softer brass nuts during final tightening. We torqued connections to manufacturer specs without any slippage or rounding of the nut faces.

Furnace Gas Line Service: When servicing a furnace with the gas line positioned behind the blower housing, the 12mm flex head wrench accessed the union nut that would have required partial furnace disassembly with standard tools. We angled the head to nearly 90 degrees, worked from the side access panel, and completed what’s normally a 45-minute job in under 15 minutes. The ratcheting action was smooth throughout, with no skipping or binding even when applying significant torque.

Electrical Disconnect Work: The 10mm wrench handled electrical terminal connections and ground screws on outdoor disconnect boxes. The flex head proved valuable when working in boxes mounted in corners or against building walls. We appreciated that the chrome finish didn’t conduct electricity—always a safety consideration when working near electrical components, even with power isolated.

Durability Testing (3-Month Period): Over 90 days of regular field use, the wrenches maintained their ratcheting precision with no degradation in the 72-tooth mechanism. We intentionally didn’t baby these tools—they went in and out of tool bags, were occasionally dropped on concrete, and were exposed to temperature extremes from attic installations (110°F+) to winter outdoor service calls. The chrome finish developed some minor scratches from contact with other tools, but showed no rust or corrosion. The flex head pivots remained smooth