Sell me on a new wrench set...

[L.Cheapo]

I have an excuse to buy a new set of SAE combination wrenches, say 5/16"-3/4" or so. This is for a light duty indoor application. No corrosion, no high torque, only very occasional use.

I want something of good quality, but not really looking to drop $500 with Snap On for this application. I already have those in the garage for automotive use.

I initially thought of Wright, which are reasonably priced and American made, but all I could find is the toothed WrightGrip 2,0 in sets?

I do not want to mar these fasteners, so any kind of FD+, WrightGrip, etc is out. Smooth open ends required.

What say ye, GJ?

 

[tyyost]

Sounds like a set of Williams fit the bill? Looks like they run around $100 in a 10 pc set.

 

[drtyler]

Craftsman CMMT87300V, $72, good quality, feel good in use and fit fasteners well, compact and useful case.

V-Series™ Standard (SAE) Combination Wrench Set (12-piece)

Built for performance, the V-SERIES™ SAE combination wrench set (12 pc.) is the Expert's choice when it comes to tackling a wide range of applications. Access fasteners even in recessed positions with this wrench set, which features an extended box end design and wrench forging for enhanced...

www.craftsman.com

Amazon.com

 

[Vinny]

Plenty of brand new USA made Craftsman wrenches on ebay at great prices. That's where I bought my last set.

 

[wolfinator]

I'm unclear how much US COO is important to you? You mentioned it, but didn't say it was necessary. If you want US wrenches, pickings are slim...

The Williams mentioned prior are a good bet. If you want to gamble, you could order these SK's and see if they are indeed still US stock:

https://www.amazon.com/SK-SuperKrome-4-Inch-Combination-Wrench/dp/B000030312?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ohio Andy]

Sounds like a set of Williams fit the bill? Looks like they run around $100 in a 10 pc set.

Less than $90

https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/PartNumberSearch.aspx?searchkey=12&desc=%20%20WS-1170SCA

 

[Ohio Andy]

I'm unclear how much US COO is important to you? You mentioned it, but didn't say it was necessary. If you want US wrenches, pickings are slim...

The Williams mentioned prior are a good bet. If you want to gamble, you could order these SK's and see if they are indeed still US stock:

https://www.amazon.com/SK-SuperKrome-4-Inch-Combination-Wrench/dp/B000030312?tag=atomicindus08-20

I see a 30 percent coupon with that as well

 

[belvedere]

Sounds like Tekton would be a good fit here.

 

[tamaraw]

There are a gazillion options out there, so prepare yourself for a multi-page thread of recommendations.

If you want American, you could look at Proto.

Heyco or KTC are both solid options as well and pretty affordable.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I am a big fan of Wright. I like the feel in my hands. Just get a wright 907 set and add the 1210 5/16” combo Wrench. It also includes a nice tool roll, which makes for compact storage and ease of transport. About $118 total. You can save a few dollars on ebay

https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-907-Polish-Combination/dp/B002M3W8HG

https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-1210-Polish-Combination/dp/B001HWG6Q2


If money is tight, the Tekton 11 piece set for $50 is quite nice.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Combination-Wrench-11-Piece-WCB91103/dp/B0C354XF8R/

 

[mike93lx]

If money is tight, the Tekton 11 piece set for $50 is quite nice.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Combination-Wrench-11-Piece-WCB91103/dp/B0C354XF8R/

Buying direct gets you 10% back. https://www.tekton.com/combination-wrench-set-wcb91101

 

[cherrybomb]

I've really liked my Proto,a great purchase for me,but their are a lot of good choices out there as others have stated

 

[drtyler]

OP stated that he did not want Wright wrenches or any without smooth open ends.

I am a big fan of Wright. I like the feel in my hands. Just get a wright 907 set and add the 1210 5/16” combo Wrench. It also includes a nice tool roll, which makes for compact storage and ease of transport. About $118 total. You can save a few dollars on ebay

https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-907-Polish-Combination/dp/B002M3W8HG

https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-1210-Polish-Combination/dp/B001HWG6Q2


If money is tight, the Tekton 11 piece set for $50 is quite nice.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Combination-Wrench-11-Piece-WCB91103/dp/B0C354XF8R/

 

[drtyler]

Less than $90

https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/PartNumberSearch.aspx?searchkey=12&desc=%20%20WS-1170SCA

Williams USA wrenches have grooves on the open end.

 

[KnurledNut]

I would personally shop eBay. Lots of deals on SAE from most brands.

 

[mike93lx]

OP stated that he did not want Wright wrenches or any without smooth open ends.

He didn't say Wright was out just not Wright grip

Craftsman CMMT87300V, $72, good quality, feel good in use and fit fasteners well, compact and useful case.

V-Series™ Standard (SAE) Combination Wrench Set (12-piece)

Built for performance, the V-SERIES™ SAE combination wrench set (12 pc.) is the Expert's choice when it comes to tackling a wide range of applications. Access fasteners even in recessed positions with this wrench set, which features an extended box end design and wrench forging for enhanced...

www.craftsman.com

Amazon.com

I have a metric cman set in this holder... It's a nice setup

 

[L.Cheapo]

Craftsman CMMT87300V, $72, good quality, feel good in use and fit fasteners well, compact and useful case.

V-Series™ Standard (SAE) Combination Wrench Set (12-piece)

Built for performance, the V-SERIES™ SAE combination wrench set (12 pc.) is the Expert's choice when it comes to tackling a wide range of applications. Access fasteners even in recessed positions with this wrench set, which features an extended box end design and wrench forging for enhanced...

www.craftsman.com

Amazon.com

Thanks. For some reason I thought the V series all had teeth on the open end. I'll have to look further into that.

I'm unclear how much US COO is important to you? You mentioned it, but didn't say it was necessary. If you want US wrenches, pickings are slim...

The Williams mentioned prior are a good bet. If you want to gamble, you could order these SK's and see if they are indeed still US stock:

https://www.amazon.com/SK-SuperKrome-4-Inch-Combination-Wrench/dp/B000030312?tag=atomicindus08-20

COO USA preferred, but in this case, not necessary. Europe, Japan, Taiwan, USA all in the running here. I did look at the Williams, but they had some kind of jaw modification and that worried me about marring fasteners. SK is out, should have mentioned that. Sorry.

There are a gazillion options out there, so prepare yourself for a multi-page thread of recommendations.

If you want American, you could look at Proto.

Heyco or KTC are both solid options as well and pretty affordable.

Thank you! Proto somehow slipped past my radar. On my list now. I'll check the other two as well.

I am a big fan of Wright. I like the feel in my hands. Just get a wright 907 set and add the 1210 5/16” combo Wrench. It also includes a nice tool roll, which makes for compact storage and ease of transport. About $118 total. You can save a few dollars on ebay

https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-907-Polish-Combination/dp/B002M3W8HG

https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-1210-Polish-Combination/dp/B001HWG6Q2


If money is tight, the Tekton 11 piece set for $50 is quite nice.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Combination-Wrench-11-Piece-WCB91103/dp/B0C354XF8R/

Wright was my first choice, but browsing their catalog on their site, they state "WrightGrip 2.0 is now standard". Looks like all their wrenches in sets have it now?

Price is of no concern. Since this is not a demanding application, I view it as an opportunity to step outside my "Just buy it from the Snap On man" comfort zone and try something different. I do want something quality though.

I've really liked my Proto,a great purchase for me,but their are a lot of good choices out there as others have stated

Thanks! Proto is now on the list.


Something I forgot to mention initially was I do want full polish wrenches, no satin finish. Also, the thinner the box end, the better. As above, USA preferred, but Europe, Japan, and Taiwan are ok for this one. Truthfully, any modern brand should work fine here, but my goal is to find a quality brand that I don't own yet and diversify a bit.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I have added them to my list and will check them all out. Always open to more ideas. I'm genuinely surprised no one mentioned HF's ICON line yet. Not disappointed, just surprised. lol

 

[mike93lx]

Here is a Pic of one of my craftsman v's

 

[mikey03]

Snap on makes double open ended smooth wrenches. And don’t make any double open end wrenches with flank drive grooves. I know because I was looking for one flank drive double open end wrench in 17 19 for something real specific and was real disappointed they don’t make them

 

[Ohio Andy]

Thanks. For some reason I thought the V series all had teeth on the open end. I'll have to look further into that.

I believe that the overdrive (craftsman) are RBRT, not the V series.

 

[CS454]

Facom 440

 

[Steve_P]

As said, Williams USA wrenches do have an off-corner tooth setup on the open end. It's mild in comparison to the newer designs, but it's there.

I'll also vote for the Cman V series 12-point combos. The storage case is fantastic, and they're really nice wrenches. I have the metric set and these have smooth open ends as shown above.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I believe that the overdrive (craftsman) are RBRT, not the V series.

Thank you. I confused the two. My mistake. The V's are on the list now.

 

[Pig_Pen]

Used Armstrong or Craftsman professionals have smooth open ends. Gearwrench 81901 would also fit the bill if they haven’t moved those to China (yet).

 

[Fedwrench]

The answer is Tekton

You could also get Capri.

If you opt for Tekton, order from their website as you earn 10% in reward points that spend like cash on future orders and free shipping at certain purchase levels.

You have a zillion choices available, and your requirements are low. Get something unusual

 

[wolfinator]

Given your updated parameters, I would give another vote for the V Series Craftsman.

The wrenches are good, but the case they come in is genius. It's genuinely the best OEM storage case I've ever seen for wrenches. It folds up super compact, but then opens up for easy access. It's like a blow molded case and a wrench roll had a baby (in a good way).

If you want a set to stash somewhere in the house, the case will be a nice bonus.

 

[richfinn]

I like Facom 440s and Stahlwille 14 series for affordable and easily replaceable wrenches (Facom available in singles)

The Facom folding wrench holder is awesome for a mobile wrench set (They are available in a variety of SBD brands MAC/Craftsman/Sid-Chrome/USAG with slight differences but Facom are the OGs)

The cranked box ends on the Stahlwille can be very useful in tight areas.

Both sets are really nice quality for the price (I have Snap-Ons to compare them to also)

 

[IRQVET]

X2 on eBay, you can find NOS USA/ Japanese Made Craftsman set for your price range. Not only would get a nice set, but also a nice piece of history IMHO.

Picked up this NOS set for $34 on eBay. Paid about that for an SAE set I also own. Both eBay. My advice, find the "non tool" sellers and you get the best deal. The tool sellers know what they have and charge a premium.

This set came from a seller who mainly sells used clothing. Again $34 bucks shipped. Tool resellers want close to $200 for this same set.

 

[Farmall450]

The Facom folding wrench holder is awesome for a mobile wrench set (They are available in a variety of SBD brands MAC/Craftsman/Sid-Chrome/USAG with slight differences but Facom are the OGs)

I think this holder is going to dictate my future purchases lol

 

[drtyler]

I like Facom 440s and Stahlwille 14 series for affordable and easily replaceable wrenches (Facom available in singles)

The Facom folding wrench holder is awesome for a mobile wrench set (They are available in a variety of SBD brands MAC/Craftsman/Sid-Chrome/USAG with slight differences but Facom are the OGs)

The cranked box ends on the Stahlwille can be very useful in tight areas.

Both sets are really nice quality for the price (I have Snap-Ons to compare them to also)

Stahlwille 14 are great tools, but they are not available in SAE sizes that OP has requested.

The Facom holder and the design of the 440 wrenches is the reason Craftsman V-Series were linked earlier. They are clones, and available for a better price than sourcing Facom. I also do not believe that Facom offers the SAE sizes with the wrench holder., which is another benefit to the Craftsman version sold here in the US.

 

[tradesman]

I've really liked my Proto,a great purchase for me,but their are a lot of good choices out there as others have stated

I also recommend Proto, I have two sets. metric and sae, satin finish, good USA wrench at a good price. I also own Snap on, Mac, and Craftsman to name a few. Can't go wrong with Proto, actually like the Proto Satin finish.

 

[richfinn]

I think this holder is going to dictate my future purchases lol

Facom are the masters of innovative packaging (it must be a French thing)

 

[richfinn]

Stahlwille 14 are great tools, but they are not available in SAE sizes that OP has requested.

The Facom holder and the design of the 440 wrenches is the reason Craftsman V-Series were linked earlier. They are clones, and available for a better price than sourcing Facom. I also do not believe that Facom offers the SAE sizes with the wrench holder., which is another benefit to the Craftsman version sold here in the US.

Ahh, I missed the SAE bit

Craftsman V series would be my pick in that case

 

[jimf]

I have this 10-piece set from Hazet (COO=Germany). Very nice wrenches. Priced around $220 these days.

Hazet 600NA/10
Jens Putzier
Amazon

Sizes:
1/4"
5/16"
3/8"
7/16"
1/2"
9/16"
5/8"
3/4"
7/8"
1"

 

[nicks78camaro]

Another vote for Tekton

 

[IRQVET]

Another vote for Tekton

Another vote for Tekton, but not their spanners. Those are the ONLY tool I've purchased from them that I wasn't happy with. But Tekton overall is definitely an up and comer . . .

 

[nicks78camaro]

Another vote for Tekton, but not their spanners. Those are the ONLY tool I've purchased from them that I wasn't happy with. But Tekton overall is definitely an up and comer . . .

What made you unhappy with them?

 

[KnurledNut]

TOPTUL (Long Pattern) GBAA1602
1/4 - 1-1/4
$125

https://jmtoolco.com/products/16-pi...VaM4bhFgj_is0cxj88IOotCZWtNtULj6ep2Vm6Pnk99rV

 

[L.Cheapo]

The answer is Tekton

You could also get Capri.

If you opt for Tekton, order from their website as you earn 10% in reward points that spend like cash on future orders and free shipping at certain purchase levels.

You have a zillion choices available, and your requirements are low. Get something unusual

Thanks, Fed. As of now, Tekton is in the lead. I like how their site gives you options of nothing, rack, hanger, tool roll, etc. I've been wanting to try their tools for a bit as folks here seem to like them and they as a company did something awesome for a young tech on a YouTube channel I watch, so they're on the short list.

Given your updated parameters, I would give another vote for the V Series Craftsman.

The wrenches are good, but the case they come in is genius. It's genuinely the best OEM storage case I've ever seen for wrenches. It folds up super compact, but then opens up for easy access. It's like a blow molded case and a wrench roll had a baby (in a good way).

If you want a set to stash somewhere in the house, the case will be a nice bonus.

I didn't want to muddy the waters too much, but these are not going in my toolbox. They'll be going in either a tool bag or a tool attache case, assuming I can find one in stock I actually like. The case these come in is a big plus and I do like it. So efficient.

Another vote for Tekton, but not their spanners. Those are the ONLY tool I've purchased from them that I wasn't happy with. But Tekton overall is definitely an up and comer . . .

Thanks! What didn't you like about their wrenches? I was also looking at a set of sockets from them for the same application. SAE shallow and deep.

Thanks to everyone who opined. Currently looking at the Tekton and Craftsman V series most. Still open to other ideas.

 

[wolfinator]

Currently looking at the Tekton and Craftsman V series most. Still open to other ideas.

I have both wrenches (in Metric). They seem very comparable to me. The Tektons are thicker and heavier.

The C-Mans are lighter, thinner, and more rounded (in just about every dimension). They're also slightly shorter. They feel more "delicate". I haven't had much chance to use them yet, so I can't say if they're just as durable.

They seem to fit fasteners the same as best as my non-professional eye can tell.

A lot comes down to personal preference.

I have a lot more faith in Tekton's support, but that wasn't mentioned as a consideration so far.