The patented GearWrench ratcheting box end needs as little as 5 degrees of sweep to move a fastener. A standard 12 point box end wrench needs 30 degrees or 6 times as much room.
The Surface Drive box end configuration virtually eliminates the rounding of fasteners. By moving the contact points of the wrench back from the edge of the fastener, the area of flat contact is expended, distributing the load over a wider area.
Long bolts and threaded rods are not a problem for the GearWrench. The ratcheting head head allows the wrench to travel the length of the threads without removing the box end from the fastener.