SK vs Armstrong vs Wright Combination Wrenches

[Farmall450]

Well, as Craftsman continues to flock overseas, I will have to pickup new tool sets eventually. I've used a Wright set pretty hard and they're nice, but I'm looking at a polished pro set at a lower price point. So, which of the US brands do you think are honestly the best, price considered. Please note, I'm 14 so most of my stuff now is craftsman/craftsman pro and my budget is pretty tight.

 

[Fedwrench]

Buy used, watch ebay

 

[Farmall450]

They all have lifetime warranties, correct?

 

[Outlawmws]

I think limited to the original purchaser, and some companies are getting tighter about proof. Visit each co.'s website and they will have it posted. None have a warranty as open and loose as Craftsman.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

Personally I have all SK Superkrome combo wrenches. There are always good deals on them popping up on Ebay. My only complaint is that they don't offer enough sizes in 6 point combos. That being said, I've never had an issue with the 12 pts, and I've had them for years.

My opinion is biased though since I've only owned the SKs after using some Craftsman and deciding they weren't for me. I was happy with the SKs so I never bothered with anything else. Whichever you choose, I think you'll be happy.

 

[Snapped-off]

Out of the three brands you listed I would suggest Wright.

If you need the open end for anything, "Wright-Grip" makes a difference in my experience - as long as you're not concerned about marring the fastener.

The SK's are too short for my liking. Even the long patters are about the same length as the Wrights I have.

Not much experience with many Armstrong wrenches but I would go with SK above those.

My opinion - Wright > SK > Armstrong

 

[kippieland]

I wouldn't leave Williams out either.....the Super combos are sweet!

 

[Bullitt427]

SK Long Patterns are superb.

The old raised panel SK's can be had fairly reasonably cheap on eBay.

Josh

 

[Farmall450]

Out of the three brands you listed I would suggest Wright.

If you need the open end for anything, "Wright-Grip" makes a difference in my experience - as long as you're not concerned about marring the fastener.

The SK's are too short for my liking. Even the long patters are about the same length as the Wrights I have.

Not much experience with many Armstrong wrenches but I would go with SK above those.

My opinion - Wright > SK > Armstrong

I have used a set of those and they are nice. However. I don't recall hen being polished? Unless there are variants.

 

[Farmall450]

I think limited to the original purchaser, and some companies are getting tighter about proof. Visit each co.'s website and they will have it posted. None have a warranty as open and loose as Craftsman.

Craftsman's is pretty awesome if you need a quick replacement.

 

[byoungblood]

I have used a set of those and they are nice. However. I don't recall hen being polished? Unless there are variants.

Wright combination wrenches come in both full polish and satin finishes. You also may or may not see them advertised as "Wright Grip" but if you buy from anyone who sells enough of them to not have any old stock around, you will get the Wright Grip wrenches.

For whatever reason, their SAE sets are grossly more expensive (still a far cry from truck brands) than their metric ones, which happen to be a very good value for the money. I had a hard time justifying paying that much for a set of SAE wrenches that predominately only get used on household repairs and projects, so I went with the Craftsman Industrial set at $60. They are themselves a very nice set of wrenches.

 

[Farmall450]

Wright combination wrenches come in both full polish and satin finishes. You also may or may not see them advertised as "Wright Grip" but if you buy from anyone who sells enough of them to not have any old stock around, you will get the Wright Grip wrenches.

For whatever reason, their SAE sets are grossly more expensive (still a far cry from truck brands) than their metric ones, which happen to be a very good value for the money. I had a hard time justifying paying that much for a set of SAE wrenches that predominately only get used on household repairs and projects, so I went with the Craftsman Industrial set at $60. They are themselves a very nice set of wrenches.

I agree, and for what I use my stuff for now (rebuilding small gas engines and carbs in the basement) my flat panel craftsman are fine. Craftsman Profesional seen decent, definetly better than flat panels, but are they going to head overseas soon too?

 

[byoungblood]

I agree, and for what I use my stuff for now (rebuilding small gas engines and carbs in the basement) my flat panel craftsman are fine. Craftsman Profesional seen decent, definetly better than flat panels, but are they going to head overseas soon too?

Craftsman Professional wrenches are gone as we know them, anything left in the stores is old stock. It was replaced by the "full polish" line and was offshored.

Craftsman Industrial is US made, and will likely stay that way so that they can be sold to government agencies that have requirements to buy US made goods where available. My assumption is that is why the industrial line showed up in the first place.

For the record, I do have the Wright combos from 7-19mm, but I use my metric tools far more often than I do SAE.

 

[Farmall450]

Craftsman Professional wrenches are gone as we know them, anything left in the stores is old stock. It was replaced by the "full polish" line and was offshored.

Craftsman Industrial is US made, and will likely stay that way so that they can be sold to government agencies that have requirements to buy US made goods where available. My assumption is that is why the industrial line showed up in the first place.

For the record, I do have the Wright combos from 7-19mm, but I use my metric tools far more often than I do SAE.

That *****...the black industrials seem nice. I've noticed the new ratchets, etc that are "professional" are really fat and Chinese...

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Of the three, SK would get my money. Wright is nice stuff, but outside of the internet, I have never seen a dealer. It makes it a big PITA when you have to mail in anything for warranty. I'm not a big fan of Armstrong's combo wrenches - they just feel cheaply made.

Just to put another USA made bug in your ear, take a look at Blackhawk.

 

[cgv69]

I have experience with Snap-On, SK and Armstrong. I think all 3 are quality tools but if I had to pick a winner of the best bang per buck, my vote would be for the Armstrong.

Especially right now as the current Craftsman Industries that are on clearance at the Sears Outlet stores are Armstrong wrenches and are unbeatable at the current prices. Some are worried about long term warranty but at the current prices it is very affordable to buy both a primary and backup set

 

[Hyster Gareth]

I wouldn't leave Williams out either.....the Super combos are sweet!

Yes I second Williams Supercombo's

 

[jontar]

What are you guys doing to need to warranty tools all the time, I'm an industrial electrician and our site has 7 big plants located on it including 2 treaters that have super corrosive tank farms, I think in 12yrs being an electrician i've broke 5 maybe 6 tools, and i use hammers on my wrenches to get stuff apart, chrome sockets on impacts, screwdrivers as pry bars and chisels, pump pliers aas wrenches, lineman pliers as a hammer, etc.

 

[Farmall450]

What are you guys doing to need to warranty tools all the time, I'm an industrial electrician and our site has 7 big plants located on it including 2 treaters that have super corrosive tank farms, I think in 12yrs being an electrician i've broke 5 maybe 6 tools, and i use hammers on my wrenches to get stuff apart, chrome sockets on impacts, screwdrivers as pry bars and chisels, pump pliers aas wrenches, lineman pliers as a hammer, etc.

It's just another "feature" or "option" that should come with a good tool. I think I'll try to find Craftsman Industrial for availability and price. Thanks guys.

 

[Farmall450]

Of the three, SK would get my money. Wright is nice stuff, but outside of the internet, I have never seen a dealer. It makes it a big PITA when you have to mail in anything for warranty. I'm not a big fan of Armstrong's combo wrenches - they just feel cheaply made.

Just to put another USA made bug in your ear, take a look at Blackhawk.

I've heard Blackhawk Crow's feet are decent.

 

[jontar]

incase anyone is wondering the broken list is this, one channellock wide jaw adj wrench, using hammer on it, snapped adj jaw. one klein 5/16*8in blade screwdriver using as pry bar tip broke corner off about half way, one 9/16 craftsman wrench (actually broke this one at home) removing mower balde, using hammer on it. cracked cornwell 1/2 deep socket actually using this one normally, and it actually had never seen an impact as it was 3/8dr. the wall was to thin, re-ordered new cornwell, see that they inceased wall thickness, 2 vaco 1/8*6 blade screwdrivers, using on to big of screws was one and the other a millwright (industrial mechanic) was using and not sure but i think he was trying to remove a seal.

 

[jontar]

I agree good tools should have a good warranty, but I think you guys get to hung up on the warranty sometimes.

And, I agree totally, sears has sold their soul, by wrecking the craftsman line, us Canadian have had the lower tawian/chine tools for 15-20yrs, so I've always bought off ebay, which has the USA made ones. Now all craftsman will come from asia. It makes one cry.

 

[dirtydogintex]

I agree good tools should have a good warranty, but I think you guys get to hung up on the warranty sometimes.

And, I agree totally, sears has sold their soul, by wrecking the craftsman line, us Canadian have had the lower tawian/chine tools for 15-20yrs, so I've always bought off ebay, which has the USA made ones. Now all craftsman will come from asia. It makes one cry.

+1

Your 'broken list' ^^ sounds real familiar except I use cheaters instead of hammers.

Ever notice black impact stuff (esp drive adapters) lasts a lot longer than chrome.... even in non-impact services!!

 

[Farmall450]

I agree good tools should have a good warranty, but I think you guys get to hung up on the warranty sometimes.

And, I agree totally, sears has sold their soul, by wrecking the craftsman line, us Canadian have had the lower tawian/chine tools for 15-20yrs, so I've always bought off ebay, which has the USA made ones. Now all craftsman will come from asia. It makes one cry.

It sure does...

 

[Farmall450]

+1

Your 'broken list' ^^ sounds real familiar except I use cheaters instead of hammers.

Ever notice black impact stuff (esp drive adapters) lasts a lot longer than chrome.... even in non-impact services!!

I've noticed the last one...Impact Sockets are the way to go on breaker bars!

 

[matt1977]

I agree good tools should have a good warranty, but I think you guys get to hung up on the warranty sometimes.

And, I agree totally, sears has sold their soul, by wrecking the craftsman line, us Canadian have had the lower tawian/chine tools for 15-20yrs, so I've always bought off ebay, which has the USA made ones. Now all craftsman will come from asia. It makes one cry.

Tell me about it. I don't think sears in Canada even carries torque wrenches anymore . Although one thing I will give them credit for are their Canadian made toolboxes and screwdrivers which seem to be higher quality than the American ones.

 

[Conductor562]

Well, the SK's are probably going to be the most affordable and they are good wrenches. How important is the full polish finish to you? With the industrial brands you'll save $50 (or more) per set by going with satin finish. I prefer satin myself. They provide a better grip and they don't get all scratched up and look like **** nearly as bad. Have you considered Proto ASD combos? You can get a new 15 piece metric set (7mm-21mm) in satin for under $200 and they are fantastic. The SAE set (5/16 - 1 1/4) runs around $250 new but there are usually at least a couple sets for sale on here in the classifieds that can be had for less. They are long pattern wrenches and after all, Proto did invent the combination wrench.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Personally I have all SK Superkrome combo wrenches. There are always good deals on them popping up on Ebay. My only complaint is that they don't offer enough sizes in 6 point combos. That being said, I've never had an issue with the 12 pts, and I've had them for years.

My opinion is biased though since I've only owned the SKs after using some Craftsman and deciding they weren't for me. I was happy with the SKs so I never bothered with anything else. Whichever you choose, I think you'll be happy.

This. I love my SK Superkrome wrenches. I picked up my set at a flea market for $17.50 so I'm sure you can also get deals like that.

 

[Farmall450]

Well, the SK's are probably going to be the most affordable and they are good wrenches. How important is the full polish finish to you? With the industrial brands you'll save $50 (or more) per set by going with satin finish. I prefer satin myself. They provide a better grip and they don't get all scratched up and look like **** nearly as bad. Have you considered Proto ASD combos? You can get a new 15 piece metric set (7mm-21mm) in satin for under $200 and they are fantastic. The SAE set (5/16 - 1 1/4) runs around $250 new but there are usually at least a couple sets for sale on here in the classifieds that can be had for less. They are long pattern wrenches and after all, Proto did invent the combination wrench.

The prices on those are a little steep...I think I'll look into the Craftsman Industrial Blk Oxide or SK, but I will admit 95% of my tools are Craftsman. The rest are SO, of course! And a Gearwrench stubby set, some Crescents, some nice Stanley.

 

[Farmall450]

This. I love my SK Superkrome wrenches. I picked up my set at a flea market for $17.50 so I'm sure you can also get deals like that.

You got THAT set for 17.50? I wish is was you then! It seems around here there are good deals on cheap tools/rusted up Craftsman but anything with SO, SK, etc on it is going for near market price!

 

[Conductor562]

The prices on those are a little steep...I think I'll look into the Craftsman Industrial Blk Oxide or SK, but I will admit 95% of my tools are Craftsman. The rest are SO, of course! And a Gearwrench stubby set, some Crescents, some nice Stanley.

You're young and you'll be buying tools for the rest of your life. I started buying tools when I was 15 and I felt the need to acquire as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Resist that urge, save up a little longer, and get the right tool the first time. If I were in your position I'd invest in SK. You'll get great tools at a good price and you'll not have to go upgrading stuff in 10 years. I believe SK has a tool to cost ratio better than anyone in the business right now. All made in the USA too. Check out Tooltopia.com, borrow it down by brand, and click on SK. They have good prices and a good selection.

 

[BullfrogJohnson]

I wouldnt get to hung up on the warranty. If you ever hold a Wright wrench in your hand, the feel is like no other wrench. I personally own full sets of: snap on fd's, mac knuckle savers, mac precision torque (facoms), armstrongs, craftsman professional, williams supercombos, martins, gearwrench, and my latest purchase was wrightgrip satin finish. Hands down, the wright wrenches are my favorite. The way they feel in your hand and how perfect they fit on every fastener is unlike anything I own. Oddly enough, they are the cheapest set of wrenches I have ever bought. As far as warranty goes, if you could break one of these wrenches, I want to shake your hand. They are beefy! The only downside (if you could call it that) is the wrightgrip will leave bite marks behind.

 

[Farmall450]

I guess you're right. I already have 1 1/16 down & 6-19mm in Craftsman Flat Panel so I guess I'm good for now...I'm scrambling to finish those of with Craftsman US.

 

[Farmall450]

I wouldnt get to hung up on the warranty. If you ever hold a Wright wrench in your hand, the feel is like no other wrench. I personally own full sets of: snap on fd's, mac knuckle savers, mac precision torque (facoms), armstrongs, craftsman professional, williams supercombos, martins, gearwrench, and my latest purchase was wrightgrip satin finish. Hands down, the wright wrenches are my favorite. The way they feel in your hand and how perfect they fit on every fastener is unlike anything I own. Oddly enough, they are the cheapest set of wrenches I have ever bought. As far as warranty goes, if you could break one of these wrenches, I want to shake your hand. They are beefy! The only downside (if you could call it that) is the wrightgrip will leave bite marks behind.

My dad has a set, I've noticed that but often I end up replacing the hardware so that's not a issue.

 

[OveRReV]

This. I love my SK Superkrome wrenches. I picked up my set at a flea market for $17.50 so I'm sure you can also get deals like that.

now that is a score! congrats. wish i was there in the US, i badly need a set of metric combinations wrenches in 6-32mm sets & the only thing i have now is just an 11mm Craftsman Professional polished chrome combination wrench which is made by SK. i love the way it feels when i hold it.

 

[shoturtle]

look at the craftsman industrial they are made in the US, as they have US govt contracts. So they need to be made in the US. And they are the best value for the money right now for a USA made tool set.

 

[BullfrogJohnson]

If your patient enough, you can find wrights for good deals. I bought my set 5/16"-1-1/4" brand new off ebay for 107.00.

 

[Farmall450]

look at the craftsman industrial they are made in the US, as they have US govt contracts. So they need to be made in the US. And they are the best value for the money right now for a USA made tool set.

Yes, I will.

 

[Farmall450]

If your patient enough, you can find wrights for good deals. I bought my set 5/16"-1-1/4" brand new off ebay for 107.00.

Don't they run 170 new?

 

[jontar]

Quote"Tell me about it. I don't think sears in Canada even carries torque wrenches anymore . Although one thing I will give them credit for are their Canadian made toolboxes and screwdrivers which seem to be higher quality than the American ones"

Yes the Canadian stores in the last 6 months have gotten to the point they have a few wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers and hammers and not much of anything else.

I buy the Canadian made Craftsman screwdrivers for my at home tool set and I have 2 of the Canadian made tool chests. Both are very good products.