Rating of the best balloon wrenches for 2022

In the maintenance of modern cars, keys are used, called balloon keys. They got a reliable registration in the trunk of a car. After all, without a balloon, you can’t unscrew the nuts and replace the wheel.

Regular keys from the manufacturer that come with the spare tire, as a rule, are of inadequate quality. They can break off the fasteners, in some cases it takes diligence and force to unscrew the bolt or nut. Therefore, motorists are trying to purchase an alternative tool. The selection contains descriptions of various keys that, according to users, deserve the highest rating.

Usually, the moment by which the nuts and bolts in the wheels are tightened lies in the range of 90-120 Nm. Such an effort is designed for a man of normal build, so that there are no problems when deploying fasteners.

Sometimes unpleasant phenomena occur when working with fasteners hidden in the depths of light alloy wheels. If the car has original wheels, then based on the size of the head of the standard key, an alternative balloon is selected. The thickness of the head should be 2-3 mm at its thinnest point.If wheels with small holes for fasteners were purchased, then you need to think about which adapter you will need more.

Varieties of balloon keys

The most common are L-shaped keys (otherwise it can be called L-shaped). When manipulating them, the motorist runs the risk of encountering an uncompensated reactive component, which tends to rip off the key from the fasteners, in such a situation one can be injured. The length of the axial knee of the head is important here, more simply, this is the size of the horizontal line of the letter G (or L). The named parameter should not be very small: the purpose of the head is to capture the fasteners, while the hand lying on the handle should not touch the wheel. The longer the vertical part, the easier it is to unscrew the bolt or nut. But too long a handle can touch the ground or asphalt when trying to quickly rotate the released fasteners.
Other types:

• cross;
• collars;
• telescopic;
• multifunctional;
• dynamometric.

When working with cross tools, the reactive component does not appear if you work with one hand. The most common head sizes are 17, 19, 21 and 22/23mm.

The collar is similar to an L-shaped key and is a metal handle with a landing square under the head. It may have an end-hinge mechanism. in this case, the same reactive component is not excluded, but only for light alloy wheels. When using them, you should additionally purchase an end head of a suitable size. Telescopic wrenches are also similar to L-shaped tools, but differ in an extending handle. The set is usually equipped with a double-sided head for two adjacent sizes - 17 and 19 or 21 and 23 mm. Thanks to the extended arm, you can get a moment greater than that of a conventional G-balloon.

Multifunctional keys are gaining popularity: box or socket. Sometimes they replace the usual balloon. But they are not suitable for alloy wheels.

If a dynamometer balloon appeared in the trunk, this would be ideal, but their cost is much higher than that of the representatives of other groups. Such a tool guarantees fastener tightening, which is recommended by manufacturers. An additional head is purchased.

When choosing the best tool, you need to look at all the characteristics as a whole. The quality of performance plays an important role. Two categories are considered the most common: with a one-piece body or telescopic. Each option has its own advantages or disadvantages.

What you need to know when buying: the purchased key should be more convenient than the one that the manufacturer equipped your car with. The balonnik must necessarily withstand the specified maximum load. A reasonable price should not scare away and match the quality. Cross and flat balloons fit these criteria. Both options are inexpensive, easily withstand a torque of 350 Nm. When working with a cross wrench, there is less risk of an uncompensated reactive component.

It is not recommended to purchase cheap tools due to their low durability.This parameter depends on the steel grade, and its poor quality negatively affects the work process. It is also important to consider how tightly the fasteners are tightened. If the threaded connections are firmly tightened, then a balloon with an increased length or a telescopic body is more suitable. When buying, consider the following factors:

1. Practicality. Constant use requires having a functional model with proper quality and great reliability on hand. This requirement is met by telescopic models.
2. Head quality and reliability. To install or remove fasteners, heads with a small thickness will be required, but they must be made of metal with good strength characteristics and increased hardness. Thick-walled sockets may not fit this size.
3. Comfortable handle. It affects the speed and quality of work: installation occurs without slippage, comfort and mood increase.
4. Torque force. Heavy-duty trucks require long wrenches with torque booster.
5. Dimensions. The tool is selected for different fastenings. It is convenient to have a set with interchangeable heads in your arsenal. The result is a universal tool.

The best telescopic wrenches

This group is in demand: the tools are of high quality and convenient. The options below have been appreciated by many motorists and left positive feedback.

Airline AK-B-03

An inexpensive telescopic model made in China is made of tool steel. Thanks to the use of the latest technical achievements and modern technologies, the quality of the balloon wrench is excellent. It is durable and reliable. This option can be used permanently.Despite the low price, functionality and durability are not affected. The kit includes socket heads and a telescopic wrench itself. The tip is an internal hexahedron. Product length -4.30 cm. Standard hexagons - 17, 19, 21, 23. Made of carbon steel 40X. The curved shape makes it easy to work with fasteners located in hard-to-reach places.

• inexpensive;
• functional;
• reliable.

• no.

Vira 511043

The homeland of the brand is Russia, currently the country of origin is China. A hand-held L-wrench can often be found in tire shops and car service centers, the key is also suitable for individual use in one's own garage. The model is made of high strength tool steel. This material has been tested over the years, so there is no doubt about its wear resistance even with constant use. A reliable assistant during installation work will never let you down. To facilitate the manipulation of fasteners, the key length can be changed. Key length - 425 mm, weight - 1.04 kg. Such dimensions do not create inconvenience when placed in the trunk.

• qualitative;
• has a low cost.

• no.

Case Technique 530179

The brand has existed since 1994. During this time, a lot of experience has been accumulated in the production and sale of hand tools. The standard bottle is used when working with wheel fasteners. The telescopic L-shaped tool is very popular with car service professionals because of its functionality. The key can be selected in "hard-to-reach places".The convenient plastic ergonomic handle facilitates work, preventing slipping. Increased torque plus a low price allows you to withstand the competition. The material of the working part is special CrV steel with a high coefficient of load resistance. Square and head - 1/2″ and 17/19. Length - 50 cm.

• comfortable;
• wear-resistant;
• inexpensive.

• no.

THORVIK TLHTW1719 52508

Wrench size 17 x 19 mm, suitable for mounting and dismounting car tires. Telescopic model with an ergonomic handle prevents slipping when screwing or unrolling fasteners. The tool can get into hard-to-reach places. It is slightly different from analogues in size. The increased size allows you to work with different fasteners and can even help out in cases where the nuts are tightly tightened. Type: telescopic, not folding. Material grade: CrV steel. The tool weighs 1 kg, has a length of 550 mm.

• comfortable;
• reliable;
• wear-resistant;
• inexpensive.

• no.

Ombra A90043

The inertial balloon transfers free rotation to threaded connections. All elements are made of durable steel, the material ensures reliability and durability. Included is a special storage case made of durable plastic material, additionally there is an extension cord that can come in handy when breaking or tightening fasteners. Equipped with double-ended sockets in common sizes 17/19 and 21/22 mm.

• convenient and reliable;
• easy to operate.

• weak crank handle;
• high price.

COBALT 242-618

The Russian brand of hand tools is in demand for several simple reasons:

1. Products are reliable and do not fail, as they are made of high quality materials. Products are certified according to ISO 9001. The accuracy of manufacturing quality is controlled at all stages of production.
2. Ergonomics plays an important role: the tools are easy to use, all the details are thought out and interesting engineering solutions are found. In the manufacture of high-quality materials are used.
3. The price of the products is within reasonable limits.
4. All products are attractive. They are nice to hold in your hands.
5. Products are delivered in convenient packaging and have a marketable appearance.
6. The company gives a lifetime warranty on its products.

A folding wrench with a length of 34 cm is suitable for working with fasteners when mounting and removing vehicle wheels. The length of the working part is about 40 mm. Included is a special storage case. The handle is equipped with an anti-slip pad. Material: CrV chrome vanadium steel. Can work with tight joints.

Characteristics:

1. Folding wrench end type.
2. Dimensions 17x19x21x23.
3. Standard cross.
4. Weight - 0.77 kg.

• inexpensive cost in comparison with foreign analogues with the same characteristics.
• high strength.

• shallow girth of the fastening head.

cross keys

Such options successfully combine price and quality. Many models stand out for their versatility. The reliability of the models is high, thanks to the one-piece body.

GROSS 14270

The German model occupies one of the leading positions. Popularity is due to ease of use and excellent quality.The universal container can work with any threaded connections. Motorists give this model an excellent rating. The case is made of CrV steel, which includes chrome and vanadium. There are thin-walled heads and a storage case. With a mass of 1.9 kg, the length of the product is 375 mm. There is a changing lever.

• convenience;
• versatility.

• high price;
• the swivel mechanism must be constantly lubricated.

Vira 511044

The universal cross version can be used in any field. The design of the model ensures that the desired torque is quickly reached without much effort. There is a difference from analogues: the presence in the kit of one of the keys of a non-standard size. The model is clumsy, made of high-strength tool steel. Key sizes - 17, 19, 21, 1/2″ square. It can work with any tight connections.

• convenient design;
• reliability;
• high quality at an affordable price.

• no.

Torque wrenches>

You should pay attention to this category. Products are expensive, but they are worth it. This is the option when it is required to accurately tighten the nuts for a given torque.

JTC

The long and comfortable handle has a length of 58.5 cm. The model perfectly withstands any test. The balloon is designed for torques from 100 to 350 Nm. Fasteners with this tool will always be tightened to the desired amount. But the price for this model is high: about 4200 rubles.

• excellent quality;
• reliability.

• high price.

Torque wrench BERGER BG2370

BERGER tools are popular with car enthusiasts, car repair shops, and large service centers.The company's products are distinguished by high reliability and thoughtful ergonomics.

A very useful wrench for precise tightening of fasteners. In the set - the main dimensions of the heads + extension. Torque wrench BERGER BG2370 limit, 28-210 Nm, 1/2, length 470 mm. Plastic case. Landing square 1/2, tightening torque range 28-210 Nm, L 470 (mm) sockets 6-sided SuperLock 1/2 ": 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27. Head bits: H6, H8, H10, H12, extension 1/2" 50 mm. The price is more than 4 thousand rubles.

• qualitative;
• reliable.

• expensive.

Conclusion

The rating is based on feedback from motorists. Factors affecting operation were taken into account. After studying the characteristics, the experts managed to draw the following conclusions:

1. For continuous use, it is necessary to have functional models of good quality and high reliability at hand.
2. In stock there should be heads of small thickness made of durable metal with increased hardness. Thick-walled heads may not fit.
3. A comfortable handle helps to mount the wheels without slipping, while improving the quality of work and increasing comfort.
4. For vehicles with an above-average carrying capacity, special equipment is needed: long wrenches equipped with a torque booster.
5. As for the dimensions, you need to select the keys for different fasteners. If necessary, you can buy balloons with the ability to change heads. The resulting versatile tool can come in handy at any time.

It is undesirable to purchase keys that are too cheap with reduced metal strength.Working with such tools, you will have to make more efforts, the key may break at the most inopportune moment, all this negatively affects the quality of work. Additionally, one should take into account such a factor as the tightness of fastening. If there are highly tightened threaded connections, then you will need a wrench with an increased length or a telescopic model.