KnurledNut
Well-known member
Our federal MSHA inspectors would have loved to watch that.
Second, I'd have got beat for using a piece of drill rod that way. I swear that stuff was inventoried and accounted for better than the men that worked there!
Looking for Reasonably Priced Good Quality LARGE Combo Wrenches - 1.5" and Larger...
- Thread starter bulletpruf
- Start date
Second, I'd have got beat for using a piece of drill rod that way. I swear that stuff was inventoried and accounted for better than the men that worked there!
I found this Snap on set on eBay for around $150. They were rusty and the set was missing the 1/2". I re-blued them and did my crayon trick so I can more easily read the markings. You can sometimes find black oxide wrenches really cheap on eBay because they get corroded and just look like hot garbage.
The extra 3/4" and the spanner wrenches are for the Bridgeport.
TBH, I like the look and feel of black tools and have a pretty nice set of black snap on stuff in my mini machine shop. But for other work, they can be easy to lose.
The extra 3/4" and the spanner wrenches are for the Bridgeport.
TBH, I like the look and feel of black tools and have a pretty nice set of black snap on stuff in my mini machine shop. But for other work, they can be easy to lose.
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
I found this Snap on set on eBay for around $150. They were rusty and the set was missing the 1/2". I re-blued them and did my crayon trick so I can more easily read the markings. You can sometimes find black oxide wrenches really cheap on eBay because they get corroded and just look like hot garbage.
The extra 3/4" and the spanner wrenches are for the Bridgeport.
TBH, I like the look and feel of black tools and have a pretty nice set of black snap on stuff in my mini machine shop. But for other work, they can be easy to lose.
Very nice.
john.k
Well-known member
I was pulling a Cat 12 grader hub .....pumped the gage up to 10,000 psi and it woulnt move ......this clown there was jumping up and down on the hub doing a monkey act ,when I hit it with a sledge ,the hub flew off ,the clown was bowled over ......Grader hub is very heavy ,a big lump of cast iron ,he was lucky it didnt land on him.
This story sounds like a nightmare I had last night where an evil clown was helping me do something. BUT HE WASNT REALLY HELPING.
I don’t like clowns.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
Mine aren’t on the wall, I keep them in my toolbox.I’d like to see some of y’alls big wrench wall setups. Wondering how they look on the wall even though I don’t need them I like to look in case I find them for $3 some day
Up to 2” SAE. I don’t use large metric often, so I don’t have very many. I know I’m missing a few random sizes, as I tend to only buy these when I need them.
This is a 1-13/16” Master Mechanic from the farm store next to a Snap-on of the same size. The MM is a bit longer, but the beam is significantly thinner.
Same here. Hugely useful when working on tractor stuff.
Is that a satin finished snap on wrench??? Didn’t know those existed. Also, what’s the story on that big wrench with all the holes in it?Mine aren’t on the wall, I keep them in my toolbox.
Up to 2” SAE. I don’t use large metric often, so I don’t have very many. I know I’m missing a few random sizes, as I tend to only buy these when I need them.
This is a 1-13/16” Master Mechanic from the farm store next to a Snap-on of the same size. The MM is a bit longer, but the beam is significantly thinner.
On topic: I’d buy a cheap set now (Klutch from Northern Tool seem to be well liked) and replace them with used, heritage brands as they become available. Large SAE wrenches don’t seem to be as popular as other wrench sizes so you can often get them for a bargain. Shipping is often expensive, though.
I got new Proto 1-5/16” to 1-1/2” for about $20/wrench from Windy City Liquidators. Maybe there’s a similar industrial liquidator closer to you.
If access allows, a big adjustable wrench works great on large fittings.
Farmall450
Well-known member
I haven't broken any either, but I have bent the el cheapo with a cheater bar.
Retired dozer fixer
Well-known member
Been there…Done that
dr_clyde
Well-known member
Yes, it is a satin chrome finish. I didn’t ask for it, but it’s what showed up when I ordered the wrench.
The big wrench with all the holes is something of a funny story. I found it hanging on a hook in the original factory of the Oliver Machinery Company.
They had recently closed the factory and I was going through it making a deal with the owners for some various machines/tools.
I saw the wrench and started laughing, as apparently someone got tired of how heavy it was and decided to add some “speed holes”. I had to own it because I thought I was a perfect example of why company supplied tools get absolutely wrecked in the name of the smallest inconvenience. I bet that wrench cost hundreds of dollars and someone basically made it Swiss cheese to save a few ounces. No shot would 99% of people do that to a wrench they personally paid hundreds of dollars for. And the funniest part is that it didn’t really save much weight.
I don’t remember off the top of my head what size it it’s, 2-5/8” maybe? It’s large. I don’t even know if I’ve ever even used it. But it makes me happy to have it.
Cruzan80
Well-known member
So my memory is fading, the Protos I have go up to about 1 5/8...
This been discussed many times about sharing metric and SAE and I looked at a chart and I think the major metric big sizes are 41 and 46 and 50
it looks like 41 and 46 are close enough to sae but 50 is kinda between two sae. And yea maybe you run into a weird size metric but honestly I’m thinking if you want big wrenches or sockets then get all SAE in 1/16 increments and add in a 50mm and your good but idk
it looks like 41 and 46 are close enough to sae but 50 is kinda between two sae. And yea maybe you run into a weird size metric but honestly I’m thinking if you want big wrenches or sockets then get all SAE in 1/16 increments and add in a 50mm and your good but idk
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
The Klutch wrenches arrived today. Nice finish; they certainly seem to be a step up from the HF stuff. But they are definitely not long pattern.
They sent me two 1 5/8" wrenches and shorted me a 1 3/4" wrench, so I left a one star review. But I'm going to keep them because returning stuff is such a pain in the *** and I would have to pay $15 return shipping, too. I ordered a 1 3/4" Proto on eBay to replace the MIA wrench.
They sent me two 1 5/8" wrenches and shorted me a 1 3/4" wrench, so I left a one star review. But I'm going to keep them because returning stuff is such a pain in the *** and I would have to pay $15 return shipping, too. I ordered a 1 3/4" Proto on eBay to replace the MIA wrench.
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john.k
Well-known member
The commonest place Ive seen really big nuts is old tractor drive axles ....a single big nut on the stub axle shaft holding a cast iron hub onto a keyed taper or a spline....I have a OEM hex ring that would be around six inch........ring end is forged the shaft welded on.
Those look pretty decent for Made in India. What are your plans for the in between sizes?The Klutch wrenches arrived today. Nice finish; they certainly seem to be a step up from the HF stuff. But they are definitely not long pattern.
I was going to keep them but they sent me two 1 5/8" wrenches and shorted me a 1 3/4" wrench, so they're getting returned.
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
In case you didn't know, Klutch is a northern tool brand
No northern tools around you?The Klutch wrenches arrived today. Nice finish; they certainly seem to be a step up from the HF stuff. But they are definitely not long pattern.
They sent me two 1 5/8" wrenches and shorted me a 1 3/4" wrench, so I left a one star review. But I'm going to keep them because returning stuff is such a pain in the *** and I would have to pay $15 return shipping, too. I ordered a 1 3/4" Proto on eBay to replace the MIA wrench.
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OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Yes, there's a Northern Tool in town. I ordered the set from Amazon so I wouldn't have to drive to the store and pick it up. Guess I learned my lesson on that one.
I may source a few singles the next time I'm in that part of town; they have Klutch 1 7/16" and 1 11/16" at a reasonable price.
Thanks
I had a full set of proto combo wrench 1/4 to 2", one or two may have been williams superwrenches? Paid about $250 for it, found the tubular wrenches and sold everything above 1-1/4 to a coworker. You can set up custom wrenches in seconds, I have several of the tubular handles in different lengths, 18" to 36".I don't have these, but pretty tidy.
Facom 54 in 24-55mm panel set.
Yes, it is a satin chrome finish. I didn’t ask for it, but it’s what showed up when I ordered the wrench.
The big wrench with all the holes is something of a funny story. I found it hanging on a hook in the original factory of the Oliver Machinery Company.
They had recently closed the factory and I was going through it making a deal with the owners for some various machines/tools.
I saw the wrench and started laughing, as apparently someone got tired of how heavy it was and decided to add some “speed holes”. I had to own it because I thought I was a perfect example of why company supplied tools get absolutely wrecked in the name of the smallest inconvenience. I bet that wrench cost hundreds of dollars and someone basically made it Swiss cheese to save a few ounces. No shot would 99% of people do that to a wrench they personally paid hundreds of dollars for. And the funniest part is that it didn’t really save much weight.
I don’t remember off the top of my head what size it it’s, 2-5/8” maybe? It’s large. I don’t even know if I’ve ever even used it. But it makes me happy to have it.
The shop I worked in had two big ones of that pattern. I forget the brand but those were solid tools. Somehow a few of them ended up in Mexico.
nadogail
Well-known member
I would try industrial surplus or used tool stores.
The only one I kept.
Hand forged in the railroad shop by National De Mexico smithy.
1 1/4 -1 3/8" 1930-1940s?
The narrow gauge steam ran regular trains up to 1970.
Even the museum in town doesn't have one of these. They still have the forge in there.
Hand forged in the railroad shop by National De Mexico smithy.
1 1/4 -1 3/8" 1930-1940s?
The narrow gauge steam ran regular trains up to 1970.
Even the museum in town doesn't have one of these. They still have the forge in there.
Wow and laser etched. Hard pass. I won’t buy a tool that isn’t stamped. This tells me they are fly by night, may be producing a variety of brands. If you can’t invest in a stamp and force your brand name and sizing into a steel tool, I feel that’s a sign you are not committed. It’s like going on a date with someone who won’t tell you their full name or give you their phone number. I would send these right back. Cut your losses.The Klutch wrenches arrived today. Nice finish; they certainly seem to be a step up from the HF stuff. But they are definitely not long pattern.
They sent me two 1 5/8" wrenches and shorted me a 1 3/4" wrench, so I left a one star review. But I'm going to keep them because returning stuff is such a pain in the *** and I would have to pay $15 return shipping, too. I ordered a 1 3/4" Proto on eBay to replace the MIA wrench.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You're missing out...
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Snap-on does full polished chrome up to 1-5/8".
Above that:
1-11/16" - 2" are satin finish chrome only.
2" - 3-1/2" are black industrial finish only.
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john.k
Well-known member
Yep ...size must be deep pressed in ......no need for CrMo or maker ,just size ......a lot of el cheapo stuff is either laser or silver paint marked ......not good enough.
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
You have a valid point. I think these are getting returned.
Short pattern wrenches like that are better in the backhoe tractor hydraulic work.
If that's what you do, great.
If it's structural stuff in open spaces longer is much better.
I am not really worried for the sizes laser etched or stamped. I have really nice wrenches laser etched. One of the three sets I own now.
I have trouble reading the size on most of them anyway. Experience with a particular set fills the gap of knowing which one is the proper size.
If that's what you do, great.
If it's structural stuff in open spaces longer is much better.
I am not really worried for the sizes laser etched or stamped. I have really nice wrenches laser etched. One of the three sets I own now.
I have trouble reading the size on most of them anyway. Experience with a particular set fills the gap of knowing which one is the proper size.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Laser vs stamped feels like a hell of a hill to die on, especially for wrenches that aren't making money or saving lives
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Yeah, but the Klutch set was missing the 1 3/4" wrench. They sent me two of the 1 5/8".
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
No argument that they should go back for that. And you shouldn't have to pay return shipping. I'd get Amazon involved even if it's a 3rd party
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Ok, so I went to HF and picked these up. Finish isn't awesome, but for $66 for the set, I wasn't expecting it to be. They are also a tad longer than the Klutch set.
Compared to a few of my Craftsman raised panels, the open end is a bit thinner, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it.
Now I need to head over to eBay and start sourcing the in-between sizes.
Compared to a few of my Craftsman raised panels, the open end is a bit thinner, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it.
Now I need to head over to eBay and start sourcing the in-between sizes.
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Have a like-new Proto 1 7/16" on the way; $43 including shipping from eBay.
Still need 1 9/16", 1 11/16", 1 13/16", and 1 15/16". I think I need 1 3/16" too.
Still need 1 9/16", 1 11/16", 1 13/16", and 1 15/16". I think I need 1 3/16" too.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Any local pawn shops? I see jumbo wrenches quite often in them. The last time I went they had 4 USA combos for around $50 for the set.
OP
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Farmall450
Well-known member
Not to mention all the drill bits they probably ruined
I certainly wouldn't put any that close to the open end...
john.k
Well-known member
Sometimes with hydraulic fittings ,there is a thin hex under a flare nut ..........this hex must be held to loosen the flare nut , or the pipe twists .......for this you need thin spanners .......one situation where a shifter doesnt suit.
