Why are 6pt wrenches more expensive than 12pt?

[KLars1]

Can anyone explain why Snap-On charges so much more for their 6pt wrenches? Do other companies do this too? I mean, what makes the 6pt wrenches more expensive manufacture resulting in an additional $130?

Set, Wrench, Combination, 12-Point (9 pcs. In tray) (3/8" to 7/8")
Stock#: OEX709B
$256.50

add the 15/16" and 1":

OEX30B $49.75

OEX32B $61.50

Total, 3/8" to 1" in 12pt, standard length: $367.75

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/19600/19549.JPG



Set, Wrench, Combination, 6-Point (11 pcs.) (3/8" to 1")
Stock#: OSH711B
$499.50

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/19500/19483.JPG

:headscrat :wtf:

[back2class]

Because the world is full of suckers, at least at that much diff.

[chevy302dz]

Because there is less demand which makes the 6pt wrenches less profitable for the company. But I really doubt it's 130 dollars worth

[Big Bad Jon]

I don't think that I would even want a full set of 6pt. I think maybe the real small sizes would be ok. From 8-12 would be good for bleeder screws on brake calipers. The rest would just be a PITA and never used.

[alex71]

I have that 6 pt set and I love it. I hardly ever use the 12pt combos. Usually, I'll reach for a ratcheting wrench at that point anyway. YMMV.

Whether its worth $500 or not is another matter. I wouldn't pay that for it, but then again I have only ever bought one little thing off a truck in my life, and that was an emergency.

[rhandwor]

Manufacturing cost is heavily loaded on start up and tooling. As the 6 point wrenches are used much less it is more expensive to manufacture them.
I have a few small sizes otherwise I use 12 point combination and double box.

[BB26]

lower volume = pricing to achieve higher profit margin

[KLars1]

lower volume = pricing to achieve higher profit margin

Understood; Just wondering if members thought a 36% markup was excessive or not. Again, I guess it depends on volume.

I am surprised that more responses weren't in favor of 6pt wrenches, I thought most on the board were Pro-6pt and that although they weren't a primary wrench, they had a good use and place in the box for banged up fasteners.

[BB26]

Understood; Just wondering if members thought a 36% markup was excessive or not. Again, I guess it depends on volume.

I am surprised that more responses weren't in favor of 6pt wrenches, I thought most on the board were Pro-6pt and that although they weren't a primary wrench, they had a good use and place in the box for banged up fasteners.

The markup may seem excessive but I imagine that they sell FAR fewer 6 pt sets, especially in the automotive market. For most uses, 6 pts are not a good choice given the lack of clearance found in modern vehicles.

With that said, I do own 6 pt C-man raised panel combo sets and a set of SK metric short deep offset box end wrenches in 6 pt. Their main use is to hold the nut on the back side while I am running an air gun on a bolt. In these high torque situations, the extra grip is useful and keeps me from rounding off the nut. Other than that, I don't use them. For this limited use, I would not pay SO prices.

[-B-]

Personally I would love to trade my 12pt long pattern combination wrenches long pattern 6pt. 12pt are of not much use to me for working I'd rather have 6pt and a better grip on the over TQ'd nut I have to remove.

[CamarosRus]

Is their a GOOD (acceptable to most users) Chinese/Taiwan alternative to the S.O./Mac etc 6 pt wrench ?????

Thanks,

[Nealcrenshaw]

PRO 6 pt. All the way. Less chance of rounding plus more torque.

[rhandwor]

http://djvmerchandise.com/hand11h.html
I just checked SK is a lot cheaper than SO.

[bentt]

Is their a GOOD (acceptable to most users) Chinese/Taiwan alternative to the S.O./Mac etc 6 pt wrench ?????

Thanks,

http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-22pc-Craftsman-Metric-MM-Combination-Wrench-Set-6pt_W0QQitemZ200371763448QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Automotive_Tools?hash=item2ea71678f8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[CamarosRus]

I've looked around the above DJV web site and they have quite the inventory.

Dont know how their prices compare to "XYZ" but considering replacing my missing metric 12pt SK 88310,88312 & 88317 Combos. Also considering buying 6pt SAE set
and Gear Box Long Beams.

Thanks,

[Coach James]

I use 6 pt anytime I have enough room to do so. I have 6pt sets in metric and standard in C-man raised panel.

Coach

[lortech]

I dont know the case, but every mechanic needs a set of six point sockets/wrenches for rusted nuts and bolts. 12 point will round them if thay are siezed. Six point will not round the nuts or bolts.

BTW, I have not tried this yet. But can taking a hammer and whacking the head of a siezed bolt or nut break loose the rust?

[The Muffin Man]

I wish some brand would start making ratcheting 6pt combination wrenches :(.

[alex71]

I have one.. Got it a few years ago in a large lot of tools. I don't remember if its a Mac or Snap-On, but I do remember that its a real small size, like 8/9mm or something of that sort. It is the older laminated style...


so someone at least USED to make them.

[BB26]

I wish some brand would start making ratcheting 6pt combination wrenches :(.

:+1: Now those would be useful. :beer: I do believe Mac currently makes some.

[The Muffin Man]

:+1: Now those would be useful. :beer: I do believe Mac currently makes some.

Thanks, I didn't know Mac made any :bounce:


Now let me revise my wish: I wish that some brand would make ratcheting 6pt combination wrenches that I could afford :lol:

[Scotto]

All of my normal wrenches are Craftsman 6 pt. Then I have ratcheting wrenches (12 pt), if I find a 12 pt bolts or the 6 pt wrench won't fit in there.

I just like knowing that I can beat on a 6 pt wrench and not worry about rounding the bolt head.

[stock z/28]

Hello,

I have several sets of 6 point wrenches.

Long and short combination as well as double box. I bought these back in the early 70s. I have no Idea what they cost then.

I have some of the Craftsman 6 points as well.

I think a while back Sears may have offered a "ratcheting" open combination wrench that may have been 6 point on the box end, that was fairly long?

Walmart offered a 6 point box for a while also, in the PM brand.

I dont use the 6 points a lot but when you need them you need them.

[superautobacs]

Thanks, I didn't know Mac made any :bounce:


Not very affordable but here's a Mac Edge: