Stahlwille 14 or Wright Grip? Lengths and your thoughts?

[rust in the eye]

I'm in the market for some combination wrenches. Have tentatively narrowd my choices to these.
I prefer long pattern wrenches. The Wrights seen to be longer than most.
Open to other suggestions too.
I've just sold off some Milwaukee max bites that were too short for my tastes and gripped perhaps a bit TOO well as repositioning was sometime difficult.

 

[BrandonV]

If the 14 are like the other Stahlwille wrenches I prefer them for the thinness alone. Not sure of the durability compared to the Wright (I imagine the Wright are stronger) but I'm never putting a ton of torque on a combination wrench.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I always thought Wright was about average or even maybe a touch shorter than other combo wrenches out there. But I'm not getting rid of mine anytime soon either.

 

[rust in the eye]

I always thought Wright was about average or even maybe a touch shorter than other combo wrenches out there. But I'm not getting rid of mine anytime soon either.

The Wrights are average. Not sure where I got the notion they were long pattern, thanks for making me look closer.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I really like the Wright handle "feel". Thick but just the right radius on the corners. Nothing gimmicky. Wright is definitely "average or a touch shorter" as described above. I think most of us wish Wright was just that smidgen longer. The Wright Grip is a little aggressive, IMHO, for stuff you care about. They're not going to put notches on the fastener, but the fastener's plating takes a little abuse. Again, nothing terrible..... but there. I wouldn't say they grip "too well". They are phenomenal wrenches when it comes to stuck fasteners. Super grabby, but stuff won't get stuck in them.

A tough comparison. The venn diagram of people who have both Stahlwille and Wright wrenches has to be pretty small.

If you like grabby long patterns, the USAG's might be the ticket.

-Ryan

​

 

[Snapped-off]

I sold my Wright grips. I liked the handle but they were a tad short, and the open end didn't perform to my expectations. Many here will disagree with me on that.

I opted to supplement my Snap ons with Williams USA supercombos.

 

[Bocefus]

​

Stahlwille doesn't do very well on youtube open end torture tests if that matters to you. Wrights aren't long length as mentioned. Also reports of chipping chrome on Amazon reviews. I would suggest looking for a lightly used Snap-on Flank Drive Plus on Ebay. You can score good deals with some patience.

 

[Wamsutta]

What I do is use Snap-on as the length standard. Their 1/2 inch combo is 8 inches long. Anything shorter than that is too short.

I don't like any kind of teeth on the open end unless I'm specifically dealing with a rounded off nut.

My favorite wrenches are Snap-on and Cornwell. The Snap-on's are very maneuverable and the Cornwell's are very comfy.

Kind of the best of both worlds are Cornwell extra long, but they're very hard to get because they don't sell online and their truck is always parked next to the loch ness monster.

 

[cannuck]

I have used Stahwille combos as a mechanic, open toolbox repair shop and same production facility where people genuinely abused my tools. I have never had one fail or wear in over 50 years. I would expect the open end to be weaker than a fat wrench because they are quite thin - and even thinner at the box (which I why I have them).

 

[rust in the eye]

I have used Stahwille combos as a mechanic, open toolbox repair shop and same production facility where people genuinely abused my tools. I have never had one fail or wear in over 50 years. I would expect the open end to be weaker than a fat wrench because they are quite thin - and even thinner at the box (which I why I have them).

That's good to hear as I'm currently leaning that direction. I have a few 13s in larger sizes already and like their feel.
Another thought I had is the Cat (SnapOn)wrenches. I need to investigate $$.

 

[drtyler]

Hazet 600N are a better German option than Stahlwille 14.

The Wright are very good though. I don't think you would be disappointed with them.

 

[AEAdam]

What I do is use Snap-on as the length standard. Their 1/2 inch combo is 8 inches long. Anything shorter than that is too short.

I don't like any kind of teeth on the open end unless I'm specifically dealing with a rounded off nut.

My favorite wrenches are Snap-on and Cornwell. The Snap-on's are very maneuverable and the Cornwell's are very comfy.

Kind of the best of both worlds are Cornwell extra long, but they're very hard to get because they don't sell online and their truck is always parked next to the loch ness monster.

Snap on wrenches are very long. The European wrenches tend to follow the spec. Snap ons normal combos well exceed the spec. I did a comparison years ago IIRC they roughly line up with the XL spec. Snap on XL combos, what i use, far exceed the DIN/ISO spec.

Say or think what you want, Snap On wrenches are in many ways exceptional. If you use them as the yardstick with which to measure other wrenches, few will measure up.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I’ve had both. I kept the Stahlwille. Thinner, no flaking chrome, more options beyond the Series 14 if you want, and I find the fit is better on the open ends. The Stahlwille stuff is getting pricey though. Even buying via Germany is up there. Personally, I’m more of a Proto and Gedore guy if I had to pick only one or two brands. Proto has the umph when I need it and Gedore wrenches just feel good and unlike my Stahlwille 14s, my Gedore XL are actually long.

 

[Wamsutta]

Hazet 600N are a better German option than Stahlwille 14.

The Wright are very good though. I don't think you would be disappointed with them.

ok you forgot to mention why.

 

[MJK]

ok you forgot to mention why.

This Comparison is an oldie from Monty but Hazet is specifically called out as top quality.

Anyone's use cases or preferences might lead to any number of reasonably different answers as previously discussed here, but I also have the Hazets and they are my favorites. I would submit that they are worthy of discussion.

 

[American Locomotive]

I have the Wright Grip 2.0s. They are awesome wrenches, but they are definitely not long pattern. I'd consider them "normal" length.

 

[drtyler]

This Comparison is an oldie from Monty but Hazet is specifically called out as top quality.

Anyone's use cases or preferences might lead to any number of reasonably different answers as previously discussed here, but I also have the Hazets and they are my favorites. I would submit that they are worthy of discussion.

The Hazet 600N just feel good in use. I also prefer the box end offset style on the Hazet 600N vs the Stahlwille 14.

Hazet also has the 600LG range available, which are extra long.

But there are no issues with Wright wrenches to me, unless one prefers a long pattern wrench. They are good tools.

 

[Ulrich1able]

I've got the standard and metric set of the Wright grip 2.0's, best wrenches hands down. The little serrations on the jaw bite a lot harder than you might think, sometimes a little too hard though and you'll have to wrestle the wrench off the fastener.

Have broken loose tons of 02/N0X sensors with the open end that would spread the jaws on my flare nut sockets/wrenches.

 

[CGarage]

Here is my rule of thumb:

If it is for working on stuff originally manufactured in the U.S., I will use Snap-On or Wright or Williams etc


If it is foreign made, I will use tools from the country of origin of where the item was made.

So, if working on a Merc, I have Hazet from Germany.

If working on something US produced, I will use a U.S. tool company tools, etc


This has worked out well for me. And I do have duplicate tools but, it’s been worth it.

The only exception is I use Taiwan ratchets often (I like my GW locking flex heads).

 

[Callelle]

Out of the two, I would pick the Wrights. I don't really get the fascination with Euro tools, other than that they're quality made. Mostly because I live in the salt belt and there really isn't any "don't mar the fastener" unless you're working on something exotic. Anti slip features are key around here, my personal favorite wrenches are my Mac precision torques. They feel great and what anti slip they have works great and they don't mar up things much anyway.

 

[Mr_B]

Series 14 are nice for tight work and good balance of length, I like them but they not good for everything .
You got a lot of choices, Some good offerings from MAC or SnapOn, used snapon wrench sets can be good option .

 

[kngelv]

I’m a big fan of the Proto ASD wrenches. Longer than WrightGrip and right there in quality. You can get chrome, satin and black oxide.

12-Point Satin Metric Combination ASD Wrench Set (18 pc.) | PROTO

www.protoindustrial.com

James

 

[1982fxr]

On Wright SAE, when do the sizes start having teeth as you go up?

Don't the smaller ones not have the wrightgrip?

 

[micromind]

On Wright SAE, when do the sizes start having teeth as you go up?

Don't the smaller ones not have the wrightgrip?

The smallest Wrightgrip I have is 5/16", it has the serrations.

 

[mslim]

One hobbyist vote for Stahlwille combos. No experience with Gedore. I have SnapOn SAE tools and, although very different in execution, I feel the Stahlwille are their equal. The SnapOns may be stronger in a tool test IDK, but I doubt that it practically makes any difference unless you've got a three foot cheater on the wrench. Also not fond of gripper teeth open ends.

 

[F-22]

Stahlwille doesn't do very well on youtube open end torture tests if that matters to you.

They do alright considering the width. The wider wrenches can be stronger though.

I was super impressed with my KTC purchase recently. Very nice in the hand, quite light, decently wide... A nice mix of a bright and matte chrome finish. But the cherry on top are the massive markings. Can see the size from across the workshop. Makes me surprised why noone else does this, it looks cool and makes so much sense to do it...

Looks even better in person. The matte finish is somewhat grippy but the oval sides are grinded and maybe a bit polished smooth. Impressed with the grinding all around it, it looks very seamless in the hand. Across the whole length it has a fuller very similar to Stahlwille. I think they're better. I do really like Stahlwille as well though.




I have some Gedore. They are okay but just not anything that special to me. I like Hazet... Maybe it is what I'm used to, but if you want German wrenches then Stahlwille is the best brand for that. I really likectheir satin finish.

Out of all wrenches, I really like the Facom XL ones - the ones similar to Mac RBRT but with the milder profile. Awesome wrenches, maybe best on the market for general use. And the aggressive anti slip model is also among the very best on the market in every aspect. But made in Taiwan if that matters to you.

I'm also very satisfied with my Williams Supercombo imperial sez. I rarely need that here in Europe but they're super nice wrenches for sure. Maybe just a bit too fat for my liking.

 

[CGarage]

Those KTCs look great!!!

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have Wright Grip 2.0 in metric and will eventually get a set of SAE. I would consider them to be normal length as well. The length falls between my SK standard (which is shorter than average) and my long pattern ones.

 

[NHtoolguy]

I’m a big fan of the Proto ASD wrenches. Longer than WrightGrip and right there in quality. You can get chrome, satin and black oxide.

12-Point Satin Metric Combination ASD Wrench Set (18 pc.) | PROTO

www.protoindustrial.com

James

I second this recommendation. Proto ASD wrenches are great tools.

 

[Caa311]

I like the ktc's also and the Stahlwille 14's.

 

[Rinspeed]

Very happy with Wright Grip 2.0, not quite as nice as my long Snap On but they were a third of the cost.

 

[AEAdam]

Was swapping the alternator on a Honda CR-V recently. I think I hate working on Hondas. Step one, loosen serpentine belt. So easy. Tensioner has a 17mm stud, directly behind the frame such that no socket, including my ultra low profile socket, can be used (without pulling a motor mount). Seriously?

I’m sure there are special factory tools, maybe a serpentine belt tool, but why not use a wrench?

I had long 0 degree DBEs. Perfect tool except for the stupid power steering line in the way. So I needed an offset. This is where long pattern wrenches can really be Godsends. The wrench alone was long enough without another wrench or a pipe or. And there wasn’t tons of room for any of that claptrap.

I feel as tho the gripping power of the wrench is almost irrelevant if you can’t develop the torque necessary to take advantage of that torque.

My main (not only) set of combos are the SO SOEXLM. They are ridiculously long. I’ve yet to run into a job where their length was a disadvantage, and many many jobs where they were enablers. I recommend defaulting to the longest decent wrenches you can afford, whether they are Snap On, Kabo, Gedore, or Icon. I’d start with that attribute.

 

[Rinspeed]

Was swapping the alternator on a Honda CR-V recently. I think I hate working on Hondas. Step one, loosen serpentine belt. So easy. Tensioner has a 17mm stud, directly behind the frame such that no socket, including my ultra low profile socket, can be used (without pulling a motor mount). Seriously?

I just did the one in my Daughters Civic and it wasn't a lot of fun. Just not much room at all, had to jack the car up just to get the belt back centered on the pulleys. Tensioner is a good design just no room to work on that side.

 

[getbentMUSTARD]

I sold my Wright grips. I liked the handle but they were a tad short, and the open end didn't perform to my expectations. Many here will disagree with me on that.

I opted to supplement my Snap ons with Williams USA supercombos.

This is exactly what I have done as well. Snap-On for my often used metric combos and Williams Supercombos for my SAE combos.

 

[AEAdam]

I just did the one in my Daughters Civic and it wasn't a lot of fun. Just not much room at all, had to jack the car up just to get the belt back centered on the pulleys. Tensioner is a good design just no room to work on that side.

Same.
Tensioner stud is under the right hand (alternator) pulley. I removed the black angle that holds the radiator overflow to get at it.

Just wanted to underline the point. People talk about long wrenches as speciality tools or not useful because engine compartments are so cramped. Here's an example where its the opposite. The long wrench is actually more useful here. And you can see the obstructing power steering hose directly over top, making everything more difficult. So you really want tools that are well under that line or over it. I chose over. So I used my long ratchets. This is where you really benefit from the fine teeth and low back drag. I know we often talk about these sorts of tools, but don't always talk about why. I think folks assume (naturally) long tools are for high torque primarily. Sometimes, like long extensions, they get you into a more comfortable working position.

Shouldn't pick on Honda tool much, other transverse mounted engine cars I've owned have been just as bad. My F150 and Dodge Durango are both longitudinal engines. I went cheap on both and got V-6s in bodies designed for longer V-8s. That gives you quite a lot more room to work on the front of the engine. Neither are joys to work on. But any transverse mounted 4 cyclinder is probably going tobe next level challenging.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think what the OP should do is try out one single Stahlwille wrench from eBay.

 

[AEAdam]

This might help:


Made this years ago when I was curious if "long pattern" was std across the industry. Answer is no. For example: Stahlwile Long pattern aren't as long as Snap On's regular pattern.

The color coding was just my thought process. Generally green is good and red is bad. Note that I noted the Long Gedore wrenches were both good and bad. I believe generally the German wrenches are typically hard tool steel (good) and tend to be thin (good) especially at their open ends. This hurts them in strength test rankings, but helps us with access. Thus the value of charts like this. The Wright Grip, which often wins the strength tests, is a bit thicker wrench and quite a bit shorter than the others. Doesn't make it a bad wrench, obviously. But it would not be the best in my competition.

Now I only compared 13mm wrenches. This being GJ, some argued certain manufacturers wrenches got proportionately longer in upper sizes. Naturally no actual measurements were offered, only that I was completely wrong, and my graphic above was misleading rubish. Thank you GJ.

My personal advice on wrenches - obviously I like longer wrenches. I also like thinner. Note Stahlwile's really small box end. That impresses me and I'll bet I'd appreciate that in use. I'd add to the criteria above (long wrenches, thin ends) rockwell hardness and how tightly the business ends fit from TTC. My guess is, Snap On will win that competition, but I think Stahlwile and Hazet would look more like the top tier wrenches they truly are. Judging from this, Armstrong's long pattern deserves a second look.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

A few years ago I had bought a set of the stahlwille 14's on sale at amazon based on the reviews on here. I also purchased a set of wrightgrips from zoro (20% coupon). The wright wrenches are much more comfortable IMO and I ended up reselling the 14's. If I get into a bind on length, I have a wrench extender. I'd recommend buying one of each and making your own decision.

 

[Rinspeed]

Those Stahlwille are good looking wrenches and I'm sure I would be quite happy using them. I agree with Adam that longer wrenches' advantages outweigh the disadvantages most of the time. I forgot I had a pic of a long SO compared to the standard Wright.

 

[AEAdam]

Those Stahlwille are good looking wrenches and I'm sure I would be quite happy using them. I agree with Adam that longer wrenches' advantages outweigh the disadvantages most of the time. I forgot I had a pic of a long SO compared to the standard Wright.

Helpful.

In 13mm the differences between manufacturers/models is not huge. In 19mm, it looks like a couple inches of difference, which is significant and most appreciated when torquing big stuff.

Hit me in the face with a pie: Double box end wrenches tend to be pretty long. If you just want a set of long wrenches and love your combos, maybe that's a good approach. I have 3 sets of really long wrenches in my box. That may be overkill.

Last: I never loved wrenches when I had craftsman raised panel wrenches. Duh- they were pretty awful wrenches. Now with better quality wrenches, I find wrecnhes to be fast and enjoyable. I have combo wrenches with open ends that actually work and don't destroy car parts (and my hands). Hope somebody reads this and buys a great set of wrenches and enjoys using them as much as I enjoy mine.



Don't love ratchet wrenches. The zero degree offsets have pretty coarse ratchets (old) but the fixed box end is why they are sticking around. I use the heck out of the 15 degree offsets, but they are not dramatically longer than my combos (SOEXLM).

On the right are previous model ratchets (could live without them) then a mixed set of Flare nut wrenches. Ithink I have collected all the right angle brake bleeder wrenches Snap On makes. The stubby ratchets are Bluepoint and helpful for interior type work (not honestly not a must have).