Does this make any sense? (Wright Tool)

[slipjointed]

Wright brags about having "the strongest 1/4" ratchet in the world", yet their 6pt 1/4" drive sockets only go up to 1/2" and 14mm, whereas nearly every other socket manufacturer on the planet goes up to 9/16" and 15mm.

I know that a 3/8" bolt is getting a bit big for 1/4" drive, but if you're going to limit yourself like that, why the heck even bother making a heavy duty 1/4" ratchet?

You can get 12pt in 9/16", but that makes even less sense, since the logical 9/16" socket to match with "the world's strongest ratchet" would be a 6pt.


I called Wright to see if they could make any sense of it, and the lady pretty much said "Um, dunno?" and when I asked if there was someone I could email and ask, she flat out said NO.

Then I asked her, well, how exactly do you take feedback from customers to better your product line? "We Don't."



Maybe I'm not as huge of a Wright tool fan as I thought I was.

 

[Trucky]

I don't understand. You're saying they should have larger 6 point sizes? for what? The ratchet to "prove" itself? That doesn't make any sense to me. I'm thinking they chose how many points go into the sockets on a completely different subject, nothing to do with the ratchet.

Socket sizes and points has nothing to do with how strong the ratchet is, is what I'm saying. You could easily be using other companies sockets.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

Dont worry slip, ill take those new ratchets off your hands.

 

[slipjointed]

What are you talking about "prove itself"?

I'm saying that they should offer 6pt 1/4 drive sockets up to 9/16, like every other tool manufacturer on the planet.

For some reason, they randomly decided to cut off 6pts at 1/2" while they took 12pt all the way up to 9/16". It makes no sense.

The only reason I could possibly think to stop at 1/2" is to limit the size of the bolt one could work with, but then why the hell would they offer the 9/16" anyways in 12pt?



Are you seeing where the sense is lacking now?




I could use a million different companies sockets... but that doesn't change the fact that I'm trying to assemble an all Wright socket and ratchet set, and they arbitrarily decided to leave out one of the most common sizes I use in 1/4" drive, that I have never had any trouble getting with any other brand.

 

[z28snksknr]

Sounds like you got someone that is new to the job and has no answers. I suggest talking to someone else before you give up. I'm sure there is a good reason (to Wright at least) for doing that.

BTW, I'm not sure bolt size is the sole factor in ratchet duty. I understand your reasoning (larger bolt head = higher load requirement), bolt head size does not necessarily correlate to larger bolt THREAD size. I've had plenty of occurrances where I'm replacing the same thread size with a bolt of a different head size.

 

[2oolhound]

With the same outside diameter a 12 point socket is stronger than a 6 point.

 

[Trucky]

What are you talking about "prove itself"?

I'm saying that they should offer 6pt 1/4 drive sockets up to 9/16, like every other tool manufacturer on the planet.

For some reason, they randomly decided to cut off 6pts at 1/2" while they took 12pt all the way up to 9/16". It makes no sense.

The only reason I could possibly think to stop at 1/2" is to limit the size of the bolt one could work with, but then why the hell would they offer the 9/16" anyways in 12pt?

Are you seeing where the sense is lacking now?

I could use a million different companies sockets... but that doesn't change the fact that I'm trying to assemble an all Wright socket and ratchet set, and they arbitrarily decided to leave out one of the most common sizes I use in 1/4" drive, that I have never had any trouble getting with any other brand.

Still not seeing the point. How are they limiting anything? By not making 9/16 in 6 point? I don't get it. If they're leaving something out, get it somewhere else. You want an all Wright set? (Get it, "alright"? Nevermind lol) Then get the ones they make, complete your set, and if you need a 6pt 9/16 at some point, use another brand.

And now, you're on all about sockets. What happened to the ratchet? They're not trying to limit you on the bolts it could tackle by leaving out one measly socket size in 6pt, I would think.

Either way, I can "sort of" see the point now that I looked under every rock and whatnot, but it's not that important to me, so I don't really "feel" it.

Their customer service needs a boot in the *** though

 

[diesel research]

Will someone ask sears at the same time why the hell they skip so many sizes, only make some in shallow 6pt, others in shallow 12pt, others in deep 6pt, and others in deep 12pt? How about making all 4 in the same size range? And covering the whole range?

They are all weird like that. Except maybe some of the import companies lol

 

[slipjointed]

Sounds like you got someone that is new to the job and has no answers. I suggest talking to someone else before you give up. I'm sure there is a good reason (to Wright at least) for doing that.

BTW, I'm not sure bolt size is the sole factor in ratchet duty. I understand your reasoning (larger bolt head = higher load requirement), bolt head size does not necessarily correlate to larger bolt THREAD size. I've had plenty of occurrances where I'm replacing the same thread size with a bolt of a different head size.

All I'm saying, is that in general, my three most used SAE sizes are 7/16" for 1/4" bolts, 1/2" for 5/16" bolts, and 9/16" for 3/8" bolts.

Those three sizes are the ones I run in to most commonly BY FAR in my line of work.


Every other well known tool manufacturer goes up to at least 9/16", or even 5/8" or 11/16" in 1/4" drive.

There's three specific things here that make no sense to me:

-Why offer 9/16" in 12pt and not 6pt?

-Why not offer 9/16" in 6pt regardless of what you offer in 12pt, unless you are trying to limit fastener size?

-If you are indeed trying to limit fastener size by not offering 9/16", why bother offering a super badass 1/4" ratchet that is OBVIOUSLY capable of handling a fastener with that head size?

Still not seeing the point. How are they limiting anything? By not making 9/16 in 6 point? I don't get it. If they're leaving something out, get it somewhere else. You want an all Wright set? (Get it, "alright"? Nevermind lol) Then get the ones they make, complete your set, and if you need a 6pt 9/16 at some point, use another brand.

And now, you're on all about sockets. What happened to the ratchet? They're not trying to limit you on the bolts it could tackle by leaving out one measly socket size in 6pt, I would think.

Either way, I can "sort of" see the point now that I looked under every rock and whatnot, but it's not that important to me, so I don't really "feel" it.

Their customer service needs a boot in the *** though

Not offering 9/16" in 1/4" drive is akin to not offering 3/4" in 3/8" drive.

9/16" is a VERY common socket, offered in EVERY socket set I've every bought/used in my entire life, and that's a LOT.

Wright is the only company I have ever seen that does not offer a 9/16" 6pt 1/4" socket.

That alone should be enough for you to understand my point.

 

[spy604]

Seating torque:
63 ft-lb for a 1/2" bolt
76 ft-lb for a 9/16" bolt

I don't see the size making that much difference. Now if the fastener is stuck, that might be a little different, but I just don't believe that a 9/16" fastener is going to require much more torque than a 1/2" one

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

They may offer and advertise the strongest 1/4" drive ratchet, it doesn't mean they want to see that tested.

As for feedback, I would write a CEO type of letter, asking the same question. (your more likely to get sent to the party who could answer that way)
As for feedback, well I would have to say that doesn't sound correct, since they are allegedly going to be having Wrightgrip metric wrenches come out, after so much customer feedback.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Me thinks your looking too deeply into this and trying very hard to find faults. I understand the spirit of your post and I think Wright knows full well if someone wants to test one of their 1/4" ratchets with a 9/16 or 15mm socket then that owner will know where to go to get a one of those sockets.

Why did you not test the ratchet by puting a 3/8 adaptor on it and a steel pipe for extra leverage while trying to tighten a huge bolt?

 

[slipjointed]

Seating torque:
63 ft-lb for a 1/2" bolt
76 ft-lb for a 9/16" bolt

I don't see the size making that much difference. Now if the fastener is stuck, that might be a little different, but I just don't believe that a 9/16" fastener is going to require much more torque than a 1/2" one

That's what I'm saying... if they didn't offer 9/16" in any type, it would make at least SOME sense, but offering it in one type and not the other, especially the weaker of the two (12pt), just boggles my mind.

Me thinks your looking too deeply into this and trying very hard to find faults. I understand the spirit of your post and I think Wright knows full well if someone wants to test one of their 1/4" ratchets with a 9/16 or 15mm socket then that owner will know where to go to get a one of those sockets.

Why did you not test the ratchet by puting a 3/8 adaptor on it and a steel pipe for extra leverage while trying to tighten a huge bolt?

Trying to find faults? This is one of the three most common sizes I've used throughout my entire career... and a common size offered in pretty much every SAE 1/4" drive socket lineup on the entire planet.

In fact, I would challenge anyone to find another company that doesn't offer a 9/16" 6pt 1/4" drive socket. I can tell you right now, the list would be very short, if there is even a list at all.


That would be like if snap-on didn't offer a 7/16" wrench on the low end of their size range, and I told you to stop nitpicking.

 

[SMKS]

Sounds like you got someone that is new to the job and has no answers. I suggest talking to someone else before you give up.

+1

By far the meanest customer service person I've ever talked to was a lady at Proto. The company had messed up a warranty order and sent me an incorrect wrench.

The lady was super rude, but eventually sent me the wrench I needed.

I know Proto has good customer service, this lady was just having a bad day, I guess.

Customer service can be so hit or miss that you probably shouldn't discount the company based on this one experience.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Sounds like you got someone that is new to the job and has no answers. I suggest talking to someone else before you give up. I'm sure there is a good reason (to Wright at least) for doing that.

There are quite a few customer service I have dealt with who no nothing about the products they handle. They just have a checklist in front of them to ask and if you fit in a certain criteria they will forward you on. Lets face it, customer service is a soul sucking job on the very best day. I would encourage anyone to get out quick.

Trying to find faults? This is one of the three most common sizes I've used throughout my entire career... and a common size offered in pretty much every SAE 1/4" drive socket lineup on the entire planet.

Have you bought anything from them yet? Your money seems to be better served elsewhere.

 

[slipjointed]

There are quite a few customer service I have dealt with who no nothing about the products they handle. They just have a checklist in front of them to ask and if you fit in a certain criteria they will forward you on. Lets face it, customer service is a soul sucking job on the very best day. I would encourage anyone to get out quick.



Have you bought anything from them yet? Your money seems to be better served elsewhere.

Other than a few ratchets from another member... no.

But it does seem that my idea of a proper lineup and Wright's idea differ.

I just ordered 1/4 and 3/8 drive SK master sets, as well as 15pc. SK SAE and Metric combo sets.

All over a single socket? Yep. That's how I roll.




When I was talking to the CSR, she said that customers repeatedly call for a specific large combo wrench size that they do not offer. I asked if the management cared about this hole in their lineup, or if they had any plans to offer it in the future. "Not that I know of".

It seems Wright really cares about their customer input.

 

[Zrexxer]

I called Wright to see if they could make any sense of it

You need something productive to occupy your time...

 

[Notwerk]

Not sure why everyone is on his case about it. It seems like a logical and legitimate question, and the lack of response, to me, seems troubling on the part of Wright.

What field do you work in? It seems that if you're running into this particular problem, and Wright isn't listening, they may potentially be neglecting the concerns of an entire group of customers.

Yeah, he could (and did) move on to another brand, but that's just my point. If everyone whose field requires them to use these particular sockets in a 1/4 format is passing on Wright or moving on, then Wright might be losing business...

You'd think they might want to know about that.

 

[slipjointed]

You need something productive to occupy your time...

Epstein didn't have 9/16" 6pts, and I figured they just didn't stock them, so I called Wright to see who did.

I went to Wright's site and looked up in the catalog while I was on hold, and by the time I got to the lady I had realized that they didn't offer them period.



Yes, attempting to buy a tool I need is such a waste of time; as if your quoted post is any less a waste of time.

Not sure why everyone is on his case about it. It seems like a logical and legitimate question, and the lack of response, to me, seems troubling on the part of Wright.

What field do you work in? It seems that if you're running into this particular problem, and Wright isn't listening, they may potentially be neglecting the concerns of an entire group of customers.

Yeah, he could (and did) move on to another brand, but that's just my point. If everyone whose field requires them to use these particular sockets in a 1/4 format is passing on Wright or moving on, then Wright might be losing business...

You'd think they might want to know about that.

I can't go too far into detail other than I work in aerospace, and that 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" are the three most common sizes I run in to.

I typically use a 3/8" drive set, but there are certain instances when I need 1/4" drive.

I use 1/4" drive rarely enough in my personal set that I don't even own any, but at work they can be useful. In the cases that I use 1/4" drive, it almost ALWAYS involves a 7/16" or 9/16" socket.

 

[Notwerk]

Well, there you go: The folks at Skunk Works need their six-point, larger 1/4 inch sockets. You hear that, Wright? Our national security depends on it.

 

[Zrexxer]

Wright has been a successful tool manufacturer for over 80 years. Although now I'm sure that since you've pointed out their failings, they'll be hurtling toward bankruptcy.

Bottom line is they were obviously doing it right up until now. Your crusade about a socket that they don't make probably isn't real high on their radar. Can't say I blame them.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Sounds to me like someone is upset that they will not be able to fill up their Hanson socket rack....

TheGrooveking

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Sounds to me like someone is upset that they will not be able to fill up their Hanson socket rack....

It's a troubling dilemma that many of us face.

Snap-on make a 1/4" 16mm shallow socket, but not a deep one.

 

[Hiball]

Your Sockets Brands dont have to match the Ratchet Brand.. I have no idea why Wright doesnt include the 9/16" but i have sets that date back into the 50's and thats how it was done back there also. Maybe its a Industrial thing? Dunno.....

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Your Sockets Brands dont have to match the Ratchet Brand..

 

[Hiball]

As i was typing i could feel the Panic setting IN Amongst the Membership... LOL

 

[slipjointed]

Wright has been a successful tool manufacturer for over 80 years. Although now I'm sure that since you've pointed out their failings, they'll be hurtling toward bankruptcy.

Bottom line is they were obviously doing it right up until now. Your crusade about a socket that they don't make probably isn't real high on their radar. Can't say I blame them.

You know that different isn't always better, right?

I can't believe you are actually attempting to find fault with me trying to find a common size tool that I need for my set.

It's not like I'm pissed that they don't make a 114/128ths 7 point .7869" drive extra deep flex socket.

Sounds to me like someone is upset that they will not be able to fill up their Hanson socket rack....

TheGrooveking

I don't own a socket rack, nor do I own any kind of tool organizer other than a tool box.

I use my tools on a daily basis. My only concern is having the sizes I need to get the job done.

Your Sockets Brands dont have to match the Ratchet Brand.

Well, I could put a red replacement panel on my yellow car too... it would drive just fine.

I wasn't mad about matching sets, I was mad about the fact that it's absurd that Wright seems to be the only tool company on planet earth to decide that the 9/16 1/4 drive 6pt is an unimportant socket.

I'm going to be using wright and wera ratchets with SK sockets. I think everything will be Ok. I'm just a bit dissapointed that I wasn't able to purchase a set of wright. SK decided that 9/16" is an important size in 1/4" drive, and I tend to agree with them... so I bought SK sockets.

I have no idea why Wright doesnt include the 9/16" but i have sets that date back into the 50's and thats how it was done back there also. Maybe its a Industrial thing? Dunno.....

Wright seems like a great company, but maybe it's time to modernize the lineup a bit.

When the CSR tells me, "Oh, we have customers asking for that size all the time, but we just ignore them", it really makes me wonder a bit.

 

[Hiball]

Well, I could put a red replacement panel on my yellow car too... it would drive just fine.

Thats Not a Fair Comparison.. And as i stated im not really sure why Wright omits the 9/16" from there 1/4" Line, All i know is that they do.

When the CSR tells me, "Oh, we have customers asking for that size all the time, but we just ignore them", it really makes me wonder a bit.

That is a Very Poor responce from Wright Customer Service Rep, I will say in the couple times that ive had to deal with them ive NEVER once been treated that way. I will Forward your response to a Gentlemant who ive spoke with before along with a link to this thread. It seems in the Past (There is a Wright VP who is registered here) and maybe we can get to the bottom of this.

 

[AUconcrete]

I'm fairly interested in this thread because I too am looking to fill a Wright inventory of ratchets and sockets...I just purchased a 1/4" ratchet and I'm currently looking (not very hard...) to pick up the sockets as well...

Billy

 

[slipjointed]

Thats Not a Fair Comparison.. And as i stated im not really sure why Wright omits the 9/16" from there 1/4" Line, All i know is that they do.



That is a Very Poor responce from Wright Customer Service Rep, I will say in the couple times that ive had to deal with them ive NEVER once been treated that way. I will Forward your response to a Gentlemant who ive spoke with before along with a link to this thread. It seems in the Past (There is a Wright VP who is registered here) and maybe we can get to the bottom of this.

The car door comment was intended to be lighthearted... as was this thread as a whole. Unfortunately, instead of lightheartedly saying, "No, that doesn't make sense, but oh well", which was my intention in the first place, I get, "No, you're a freaking *****, IT MAKES LOTS OF SENSE, WRIGHT RULES!" from some of the commenters.

I appreciate you getting this some attention, I never intended to make a stink, I just was curious as to the exclusion of the size. The only reason I even decided to make a thread was because I wasn't able to get a reasonable answer at Wright, and I thought maybe I could get a reasonble answer here instead of "neener, neener, you're stupid for even asking"

The lady seemed nice enough and I'd hate for her to get in trouble over this, but when I asked here if there was any way I could contact someone with a couple questions, she said, "No, there isn't anyone you could contact".

I didn't just want to know about the socket, I also was going to ask if they had an ETA on the Metric Wrightgrip wrenches.

Now though, I have all SK stuff. Maybe I just decided to flip-flop because the lady I spoke with at SK this morning was such a sweetheart.

 

[Trucky]

Sorry if my immediate reaction was seen as one of a mocking nature to yourself. It wasn't in my eyes, but who knows. I think sorting this out with Wright is better than bickering about it here though, and as Hiball said, there have been a few contacts and people close to Wright on this forum. Maybe that will lead to something good.

 

[slipjointed]

Sorry if my immediate reaction was seen as one of a mocking nature to yourself. It wasn't in my eyes, but who knows. I think sorting this out with Wright is better than bickering about it here though, and as Hiball said, there have been a few contacts and people close to Wright on this forum. Maybe that will lead to something good.

Maybe it wasn't and the thread just derailed in that direction. I'm not really pissed at anyone, but I wish that the internet was a bit better at conveying intentions.

Either way, the OP wasn't meant in a super-serious, the world is gonna end kind of way.

It was meant as a mock anger, "Why is this stupid thing stupid?" kind of way. Oh well.

 

[Hiball]

Emails Sent with Links and brief description, I suspect it wouldnt be to hard to track down the customer service rep. Wright is fairly small Family owned company and i be willing to bet there isnt a handfull of Customer service reps. As far as switching over to SK.. I think your change your mind once you use your new ratchets but in all honesty you cant go wrong with either company.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Either way, the OP wasn't meant in a super-serious, the world is gonna end kind of way.

It was meant as a mock anger, "Why is this stupid thing stupid?" kind of way. Oh well.

You must pre-warn everyone that there will be a rant in progress next time.

If you use the word "rant" you will not be held responsible for being serious.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

As i was typing i could feel the Panic setting IN Amongst the Membership... LOL

Honestly, what you're proposing is well into dangerous and unchartered territory for many of us. I fear the world may end if i do as you suggested. The unknown possibilities are far too risky.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I am pretty sure you will still find a poster who is in the wanted section, looking (hoping more like it) to find Craftsman sockets in some of those sizes (15mm for example).

Nor would I personally, expect a customer service person, to know what was in the pipeline, nor would I expect them to know all the technical (forging) type specs and processes used. (you normally have to go up some levels)

I think to say it is just Wright, is just a fabrication (of some imaginations here). But you found what you were looking for in another company, and that is a GREAT reason we have COMPETITION. Not everyone see's it in their bottom line to offer things, and other companies can fill that gap and profit from it.

 

[slipjointed]

dbl post

 

[slipjointed]

You must pre-warn everyone that there will be a rant in progress next time.

If you use the word "rant" you will not be held responsible for being serious.

Understood.

Honestly, what you're proposing is well into dangerous and unchartered territory for many of us. I fear the world may end if i do as you suggested. The unknown possibilities are far too risky.

I've used cobbled together garbage for my entire career, I finally am doing really well financially, and I decided to take some of my money and get a nice, matching tool set. Not matching as in all the same brand, matching as in at least things relate to each other in some fashion.

I am pretty sure you will still find a poster who is in the wanted section, looking (hoping more like it) to find Craftsman sockets in some of those sizes (15mm for example).

Nor would I personally, expect a customer service person, to know what was in the pipeline, nor would I expect them to know all the technical (forging) type specs and processes used. (you normally have to go up some levels)

I think to say it is just Wright, is just a fabrication (of some imaginations here). But you found what you were looking for in another company, and that is a GREAT reason we have COMPETITION. Not everyone see's it in their bottom line to offer things, and other companies can fill that gap and profit from it.

She did say that if there were any changes coming, that she would have recieved a memo... perhaps she just didn't want to piss off her boss by sending me over to him. I was being really polite on the phone, I wasn't being demanding or anything... she said she had no answer to my questions, and I asked if there was anyone who did, and she said she really didn't know who she could send me to.

As I said above, she was nice enough. The wrench size she was talking about was some larger less common size that she said gets requested a lot. I can understand a company not making every single (non-common) size, but they should at least have an ear on the ground so they know how the customer's needs are changing.

It's great that Wright has been in business for 80 years, but you have to adjust to the needs of consumers, as the consumer's needs change.

Another request I had was that they offer flex head contour grips in more than just 1/4... and I've seen multiple people make that request, so I know for a fact I'm not alone there.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I've used cobbled together garbage for my entire career, I finally am doing really well financially, and I decided to take some of my money and get a nice, matching tool set. Not matching as in all the same brand, matching as in at least things relate to each other in some fashion.

So, are you saying that you mixed different brands of tools in numerous combinations for extended periods of time and there was no major catastrophe as a result?

How did you prevent the world from ending while doing that?

 

[slipjointed]

So, are you saying that you mixed different brands of tools in numerous combinations for extended periods of time and there was no major catastrophe as a result?

How did you prevent the world from ending while doing that?

That's a part of my job in aerospace I can't talk about.