Tite-Reach Tool Review -EricTheCarGuy

3/8" Tool: $49.00: www.jbtoolsales...
1/4" Tool: $38.00: www.jbtoolsales...
Combo of both tools: $82.00: www.jbtoolsales...
I'd never used a tool like this before but I see a lot of potential for it. When working as a technician, you often find yourself working in confined quarters. A tool like this can really save the day in some of those situations. I also like that I can use my impact with the 3/8 unit. I may have to break things loose first, but it's still a time saver after that. I look forward to using this tool more in the future.
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@LynxStarAuto]

I can say that I have this tool, and it does work! I've used it on Audi and VW, but I generally forget to grab it when I need it. That is the biggest issue: working it into your repertoire.

[@PROJECT-AMBITION]

Lynx Star Automotive that’s what I was thinking that this tool would be more useful to people working on foreign vehicles.

[@clapton924]

Eric, I've been following you since the very beginning. With the new tool reviews, repair videos, live chats, and the upcoming Vigor and Fairmont projects - I think ETCG is at an all time high! Keep it coming buddy!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate that. I've worked very hard at making ETCG the best it can be. It's nice when that gets noticed.

[@_multiverse_]

ApexKnives sucks his channel is just a sellout now.

[@JUDGERAMBO]

I am a auto tech and bought one of these and had similar issues and stopped using the tool. It is quite large for tight spaces in which i wasted time on the job trying to make it work, Not as a "time saver" i thought it would be still had to stick to the manual.

[@stevebryson3702]

I'd like to see it used with a torque wrench to see how much torque actually gets transferred. This would be awesome for doing Subaru valve cover gaskets.

[@MichaelMajor-rx1md]

Its 1:1 with slight +or- 3%

[@MrHeHim]

I think he means how much of the "punch" is lost, very much like when you use an extension you lose torque into transferring the energy through.. like a torque stick if you will.

[@MichaelMajor-rx1md]

Gabriel Soria extensions on torque wrenches dont hold much bearing as well (withing reason) . The extension takes up the twist until it stops then the force is directly transferred to the fastener. Being tourque applied is measured at the ratchet head not the fastener head. Offsets change torque or dont depending on situation. I can explain further about that if people would like. But this device is a direct chain drive, with both gears at 1:1 so what you put on the ratchet is what comes out of the end. Impact torque is different so whats happened here is that slap of the anvil is takin up by the play/lash of the internal mechanism and not relayed to the fastener head as well as we hoped. So there is torque being applied just not as well as if you had a ratchet. And I'd venture to say that it was pretty minimal

[@MrHeHim]

BIG BOSS maybe where confused.. I'm talking about an impact gun. With an impact it cannot be 1:1, there will always be losses of the impact transferred. But totally agree if your using a wrench.

[@MichaelMajor-rx1md]

Gabriel Soria indeed, the slap of the anvil is taken up by the lash in the chain/gears. Like an extension.... Pretty smart of you gabriel

[@junglejim13660]

Eric, Maybe you can revisit this new tool say in 3 or 6 months to give us a better verdict of this tool's usefulness. Thanks for reviewing these tools.

[@ericthecarguy]

That's not a bad idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@sportchamp4eva11]

Jimmy Mac Eric how do you like it, still use it?

[@deebogotyou1494]

No fuck you bitch deal with it

[@joblessalex]

EricTheCarGuy curios myself

[@mattslawncare5651]

It's been 4 years I'm wondering how there doing now

[@ericthecarguy]

Time for a tool review. Tite-Reach Tool Review -EricTheCarGuy

[@trombonetrombone1234]

You are correct; PRC is indeed the People's Republic of China

[@NearCry91]

Brandt Nevin Because China is Taiwan.

[@NiTheGod]

NearCry91 taiwan is part of china

[@gregsal6057]

NiTheGod Taiwan is actually not part of the Peoples republic of china, which is ran by a communist party. Taiwan is called the Republic of china, it is one of the parties which fought in the Chinese civil war to determine the new government after the fall of the last great dynasty.The people of Taiwan are an independent people who have been oppressed by the Communist Chinese who took their spot in the UN.

[@joeku98]

Greg Sal The only people in the world who still recognize Taiwan as a separate country are the Taiwanese. Time to get over it, guys.

[@2011chitsazzadeha]

There is too much slop in the system for the impact to transfer torque.

[@88gtman]

Now that you have had this tool for a while, have you actually found your self using it much? How has it held up so far?

[@Ottonic6]

What they are great for is if the bolt is in a deep area where you could get a ratchet but there is no clearance for a decent swing, these will reach out far enough to avoid the objects . But again, like a lot of specialty tools they're only needed once in a while

[@doseven]

The reason your impact would not work very well is that inside the tool the ends are connected via a sprocket chain, your impact energy was being used to stretch the chain, and not actually impact the bolt. It is similar to how an impact will not work as well with several extensions on it. Neat Idea though and I can think of a few situations that it would be great in.

[@gweedomurray9923]

Good point !!! And that is the principle behind torsion bars; to soak up the shock.

[@Meowface.]

Working on boats, I’ve found this tool to be a huge time saver Some common maintenance parts you just can’t get to without pulling the whole engine, because there’s no room to get your hands in an area But with one of these and enough extensions you can get bolts turning

[@Lilmiket1000]

lol damn this is my second tool watch of the day from you. you have the most insightful informative videos of tools people dont know exist! great job man!

[@jawojnicki]

The awesome thing about this tool is that the way the adapters are designed you don't take up an extra amount of width for converting from 3/8 to quarter inch or half. With a standard socket wrench, you can't remove the preset Anvil, so you're adding extra with which can kill you when you're adapting to a smaller Drive

[@felishiadarling]

Having to break the bolt loose first is the initial problem. I spent nearly three weeks on two bolts on my starter that I had extreme difficulty just even getting the socket and wrench on it and then there was no room to crack the bolt loose. That tool said it was able to handle up to 400 fiit pounds of torque. If you have to crack the bolt before using the tool, it seems to me, it's defeating the purpose and a waste of money.

[@adcromwell]

Yeah i feel the same i have long low profile air rachets i can get better results with, bolt buster a induction heater works wonders on rusted stuck bolts as a fyi saved me many times

[@solesearched]

I love unique and "specialty" tools like this. One thing I learned (the hard way) over my years of wrenching is having the right tools for the job is CRITICAL. For example, I will NEVER work on brake lines again without a flare nut wrench. Having the right tool for the job will save you time, money and more importantly save you tons of stress. The "special" and unique tools were obviously built for a reason, use them! Lol

[@Akasnacker]

Eric is the future of auto repair

[@bg147]

What I have learned and mostly from my grandpa is a tool can pay for itself with just one application.

[@donyboy73]

nice tool! probably not the easiest video to shoot

[@spresc2180]

Put 2 of these tools together and increase overall length even more. You also get more leverage. What a great idea.

[@eugeniojimenez4140]

Eric the Car Guy is second to none!

[@FireEater]

Another good one. You and Scotty are the best on you tube.Thanks

[@678friedbed]

Scotty is an idiot

[@heikopfeiffer9228]

Very interesting video, thank you Greetings from a german mechanic and always remember: Only mechanics keep the world in motion !

[@TheDro]

I told my girl to stay dirty and she smacked me.

[@NeutronicalGaming]

I told her not to forget to play with her tools, haven't seen her in a week..

[@idontlikecops1]

That's because your a bitch

[@MrTarkus007]

lmfao lolololol

[@idontlikecops1]

SgtPiggie shut up bitch

[@Sprank900]

sounds like a good start! /wink

[@scottm.2367]

I have the 1/4 inch version and its has come in very handy more often than not. It can be a bit awkward to hold in place at times but it works like a champ.

[@vcdrny]

I'm a GSE mechanic and I can see how this tool will save me a lot of time. Never heard of it but it is a great idea. I wish they had one that is 1/2 inch so I can get a half inch impact on it. Also this can be used as an torque extension for those extra tight nuts.

[@DZEyoyo123]

That tool can come in handy if you need to replace your blend door actuator in that tight to reach space if you don't want to remove the dashboard like they want you to. You can turn a 6-hour job into a half-hour job and be done with it.

[@spelunkerd]

When I saw one of these for sale at our local discount store, I was intrigued. Nice to see it in action, I might bite some day if the price is right.

[@poeavor]

Erick I invented this a long time ago. mainly to be able to loosen crank bolts with out removing the fan shroud etc to do a seal replacement.. And yes it needed n air gun. My idea uses a very strong chain and is very long to reach places these tools can't. I like these, don't get me wrong. Will be nice if they made a longer version of them. Great video as always. thanks.

[@sbrandonb]

Gotta swap out my wife’s oil pressure sensor on her traverse. Totally sold on this tool. Thanks.

[@dimitardimitrov5366]

Wow, blow away by this invention! Exactly what was looking for in my desperate situation! Thank you for your presentation!

[@gvvq-pi5ml]

Interesting Tools Eric....never seen that before, I guess there is a chain inside, they could even gear it down smaller one end so you get some mechanical advantage...Fred Uk.

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

These tools probably work by using a chain that drives the other side from the one side. So it's just logical that, if you put a driving force tool like a ratchet or an impact on the same side as the bolt is, then you'll have to use it in the other direction, because you turn your force around 180°. Also, the impact motion probably works better when you use it in the conventional way (the impact being on the opposite side of the bolt you are trying to loosen), since the way you used it, the impacting motion would actually hammer the tool away from the bolt! Just basic logic (or maybe physics, but no rocket science anywhere involved). Still, this is a neat invention!

[@mickles1975]

One of those would have come in very handy a few months back.

[@someusername121]

To me it doesn't seem more useful really than having extra long ratchets. The only solid advantage would be supporting impact guns.

[@Toolaholic7]

Creates torque loss,Koon Trucking has a video on it.It came apart and smoke came out with the grease coming out of it

[@lineartechbd1600]

I also want to see a review of cooper tools apex insert and power bits. They are the best bits I have ever used. They come in different hardnesses and never round off. I love their allen bits. You might also want to do a bondus power bit test. They allow angled access to allen head bolts. You can get both of these from mcmaster carr on-line for a couple of dollars each. One other thing you might want to try , Eric, are park tools. These are bicycle tools but they sell some tools that have automotive use such as their three way socket wrench or their three way allen wrench that is like a four way tire lug wrench but have three instead of four and of course, is much smaller. Very handy. Home depot also sells this dewalt right angle insert bit adapter. You attach it to your drill for right angle access of bolts, that's another good one.

[@jamiemccort8388]

I’ve just ordered one of these 👍🏻 great tool to keep in your tool box 👌🏻

[@barrykeeley7468]

this is one of the coolest tools I have ever seen gotta get one

[@mcqueenfanman]

Blue point made these too, I used one till it wore out. The snap on guy wouldn't warranty it. They don't make them anymore. Too bad, it was a useful tool.

[@seeya205]

I think it's an awesome tool! Never knew they existed! It can save alot of time and energy by allowing a full swing of the socket wrench!

[@HeinzP100]

N ice review. That tool looks like a keeper. Might not need it much, but would come in handy.

[@jimlaredo87]

Just wanted to say that i found these on eBay from jbtoolsales eBay store for about $23.00 for the 3/8"! Just ordered mine! Changing a power steering pump on a 99 montana soon and this will come in handy! Great Video!! As are all the rest! Thanks Eric!

[@AFatherToTheFatherless]

Did it come in handy

[@jimlaredo87]

@@AFatherToTheFatherless Yes it did, I still use them today. I have 3 of them now

[@francistheodorecatte]

oh I could use one of these. changing the steering rack bushings on my '97 saab 900 without removing the intake manifold and fuse box is a recipe for smashed knuckles.

[@spacepirateivynova]

Reminds me of the super-flat angle-reach serpentine belt tool I needed to my 95 grand am v6, where you literally had about 3/8 inch between the side of the engine pulleys and the side of the wheel-well.

[@Blazer02LS]

Being a chain/sprocket design it would negate a lot of the impacts effect due to the chain absorbing the hammer hits. I can see where it could be useful in saving scraped knuckles though. Similar concept to the sidewinder tools and the old squeeze ratchet I had, how to remove a fastener in an area you have limited access.

[@junkerjason7637]

I would think that if you can get that tight reach tool some where you could get an air ratchet there too. Junk, worthless tool in my opinion.

[@uncleslayton2097]

***** If you're going to use a hand tool, might as well use a Gear Wrench which can get in even tighter spaces. This seems almost as thick as my ratchet.

[@Spitfireseven]

Really good, really nice. This is the coolest thing since crowsfoot. Thank You Eric!!!

[@907nttf]

I've had to remove motor mounts just to lower/lift engines a little so I could fit my tools. I'm thinking of picking this up.

[@theshavingginger]

I don't know, it just seems like the transfer of leverage is awkward which requires two hands on what may be an impossible to reach fulcrum point. In my experience which is very DIY limited, I find I'd rather have my hand on the back of the ratchet to make sure the socket doesn't slip off or round the fastener, not at some awkward mid point on a reaching tool.

[@garretts91]

After seeing this I may have to get a 1/4 drive one for timing cover bolts!

[@Clearanceman2]

That's a neat tool. In the example you gave though, a long handled ratchet with an extension would have worked just as well. This tool is more for bolts deep in areas with no room to swing a ratchet. Which doesn't come up that much IMO. A bigger problem I have is a bolt with too little clearance for a ratchet at all which this took doesn't solve.

[@Adirondneck]

I bet it would work good on tq converter bolts, and definitely on belt drive stuff. I would try to make some sort of button that would lock the chain set up or whatever it has..So when you run into a stubborn fastener you could leave the gun, tite-reach, socket in place and snap it loose. unlock, impact. good review, eric

[@SuperPetrolhead87]

this tool could be very handy!ive never seen one before maybe you could review it again in a month or so?PRC puts me off buying would be good to see how long it lasts!keep theses videos coming mann!

[@fightingfalconfan]

I love your show! Also the forum, but this particular tool by the sound and look of it seems a bit on the cheap side. It couldn't even transfer the impact power to the fastener. Now for a ratchet it looks useful in vary tight spaces. But overall I think it can come in a pinch when you need it. Keep up the awesome work you do and can't wait to see your projects come to life. If I was a engine manufacture, I would send you a crate engine :)

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks. I would gladly take that engine. :)

[@Semnyi]

Hi Eric, thanks for the videos. I found a tool similar to this. Cal-Van Tools 450 Tight Access Drive Wrench. five piece set looks slimmer and more robust than the tite-reach. It is in the Snap-On supplemental products catalog. The set is under 60 dollars on amazon, it might not be made in china too. thanks again

[@joeyz2k]

Good review Eric! I never seen anything like this lol it was great how you showed how the tool would work in action! Keep em coming Eric! Stay dirty!

[@JohnzCarz]

I’m not surprised it doesn’t work well with the air impact wrench. Whatever transfers the motion to the other end (chain?) is going to act like a shock absorber and dampen some of the impact ‘blows’, so it’s not an ideal use for the tool. But using it with a plain old ratchet seems to work like a charm.

[@DivinityCB7]

Very nice tool! Something every machanic needs.

[@machyne82]

In aviation we have a similar tool for drilling. Its commonly know as a chain of gears or a pancake.

[@mikethomas9544]

I bought the set of 3, maybe use it once or twice a year, its handy when you need it. Dont use an air tool on it & crack your bolts first and it will last.

[@masonwoodall176]

I can't believe you didn't reverse it before using it on the other side!! I had just assumed that you did.

[@stefanczechorskidds8435]

I think if you are going to use your name to do "tool reviews" , you should state up front if you personally paid for this/these tools OR you were given them to do a review (quid pro quo).

[@85fisher]

thanks for another great tool review eric.could've used that on my pontiac sunfire last week.keep up the good work.

[@fiouable]

Good job. Good camera work. Thank you.

[@svtwrc]

Very neat tool. Dropping the bolts from the socket will not be fun. Magnets inside the socket may work,don't know of any magnetic sockets.

[@exoduslnx]

LOVE your vids man. Really appreciate you on here, keep up the good work.

[@sc0tte1-416]

Really good idea for a tool! I'm guessing it's pretty simple and durable inside, probably just a chain linking the two drives?

[@moofushu]

I think they should make those little adapters magnetic and the person using them would just stick them to the tool so they don't get lost. When you go to use the tool you can remove the magnetized adapters off the tool itself.

[@VintageOutboardMan]

Cool tool review Eric! Looks very handy to use!

[@dasarge84]

thanks for the insight eric im definetly going to be ordering a set of these very handy tools for my toolbox probably 2 of each

[@Lovetolivetruely]

That'll work good for tightening my engine to bell housing bolts... Yay. I knew something would make it easier.

[@amazonthings667]

Usually when I have a problem reaching a Bolt/Nut it's because I should've removed the device next to it that's blocking my path.

[@11rollercoaster]

Good review. Looks like it could be handy in some difficult circumstances.

[@robertdavis6708]

A nice review Eric. I'm dirty.

[@MrTarkus007]

i just love to watch eric i find him to be so much fun & interesting , the best thing about eric is he doesn't talk so loud like that other dude who sounds like he's screaming at you who drives a vette????????

[@lepaul26]

Does it still work or already broken ? :-)

[@2strokeFORever]

I need this! Mainly for the rear mount on Hondas since we pull motors so much haha

[@jessev2197]

I guess I'm old enough to see life's repeats. Just like speed wrenches I was given from the 60s and 30 years later Snap On came out with "speed wrenches" , my dad had one of these extensions when I was a kid 40 years ago. It had a ball chain inside that connected the two ends. It was a stamped tin covered mechanism. (I know what it was made of b/c I took it apart) I guess patents run out or get sold and that's why an old tool gets new again. Sometimes, it may be due to better grade materials to make it work better. I guess on the conspiracy side, maybe China is buying up old U.S. patents.

[@fakiirification]

Its china. they just make it. no need to worry about patents when your nation does not recognize patents of any other nation.

[@murraytownsing5662]

Ordered a set 9 weeks still waiting 4 delivery will be re 2 old 2 use it

[@Mankysteve]

Shame. The 3/8th doesn't come with a 1/4adaptor

[@lineartechbd1600]

Eric, do you do reviews of tools that viewers suggest or do you only do tools that are sent to you by companies? If you do viewer suggestions, I suggest you do a review of the stanley (or any other brand) twist ratchet wrench. It is basically a ratchet handle who's handle you twist like a screwdriver to turn the socket on the end. It is for tight access bolts that don't allow much handle movement.

[@WhyDidYouTurn]

great camera work eric!

[@sidescrollin]

the impact part is neat, but otherwise that didn't fit where a regular ratchet wouldn't go

[@Ipoditouchreview3r]

wow! this looks extremely helpful! i just have a hard time believing if i put an impact on there all the time that it wouldn't last long

[@zx8401ztv]

How unusual, its a tool that comes into its own when you havnt enough swing space for a direct ratchet :-)) I would imagine its a chain drive, nice idea :-)

[@huklen]

I would like to see the inside of that tool!

[@geohooptie]

I have both off them they work good like you said it different to use but they work

[@Elricck]

I like how you present the unvarnished truth, seen you do that before.. GOOD MAN! [cant keep a good man down!]

[@MrSupernova111]

I'm not convinced on this tool. I guess its nice for someone who doesn't want to invest in a complete automotive tool set including swivel sockets and extensions (regular ones) but for those of us who invest in a range of tools to deal with tight spots it seems like a skip to me. These days you can just buy Milwaukee's M12 impact wrenches which solves the problem of using a powered tool for hard to reach spaces.

[@Ottonic6]

The "impact" of the impact driver won't work because in order for it to do it's job it has to be right on the bolt hammer down on it... As soon as I saw you going from the same side as the bolt I thought "it needs to be in reverse"

[@lrnlrn]

Yea the impact forces don't travel laterally like it would straight down with the socket on the gun

[@Wipsplash]

Nice idea, but how is this better than an air ratchet? I don't think you can accurately use a torque wrench on it. Perhaps you can do a test with a torque wrench and see.

[@erik61801]

seems gimmicky but id still get one for timing cover and intake manifold fasteners. See all the flakes of gears flying out when you were impacting lol..die cast aluminum isnt too strong, but it does have a limited lifetime warranty.

[@GRUSSNewton]

Nice review Eric! Interesting tool/gadget. I'll see if its available in the uk...

[@Threewulphmoon]

2 years later, did you use it?

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Threewulphmoon 3 years later and we still dont know..

[@will2-b150]

3 1/2 years later and we're still loosing sleep..

[@Mdudeman13]

4 years, 9 days and we know nothing yet.

[@alextran8188]

4 years 12 days later we still don't know shit

[@bagheofminhrau]

Just 10 min. pass midnight new year eve into early morning 01/01/18 and I am watching this thinking about buying tools to fix my truck !

[@thec4ke]

The impact is rattling the tool and not the fastener. It's kind of the reality of anything that tries to transfer impact force any way other than directly forward. You definitely don't need this tool but I'm sure most anyone who's worked on a vehicle can think of something that would've been easier with it.

[@robby844]

My dad has one that has a set of planetary gears in it that multiplies the torque. Forget the name of it though.

[@carlosg815]

I'm sold. Definitely picking this up.

[@ScooterVille1971]

Thanks Eric, great review. Made me order one of these bad boys looks like it could be really helpful in some tight places.

[@JickJackJake]

I use a pipe over a CM ratcheting wrench or Crows feet on my ratchets. But I see how this could be easier. I just wouldnt trust it with a lot of torque.