Which tool is best for tightening fasteners in tight spaces?

The ratchet wrench is particularly well-suited for tightening fasteners in tight spaces due to its unique design that allows for continuous rotation without the need to remove the tool from the fastener. This feature is especially advantageous when working in confined areas where there is limited movement. The ratchet mechanism enables the user to tighten or loosen a fastener efficiently by simply pivoting the handle back and forth, allowing for quick adjustments even when there is not enough room to fully turn a conventional wrench.

In contrast, an open-end wrench generally requires more space to maneuver, making it less effective in tight locations. A socket wrench can be useful for reaching fasteners, but it typically depends on having enough room to swing the ratchet handle, which can be restricted in compact environments. A torque wrench, while crucial for applying a specific amount of torque, also requires more space to operate effectively, and its design does not facilitate the same ease of movement in confined areas as a ratchet wrench does. Thus, the ratchet wrench stands out as the best tool for this particular scenario.