Decision: Set of super thin open end wrenches, or super thin adjustable?

[NoahG]

The Toolguyd post about those Engineer Thin Jaw adjustable wrenches spurred me to make this thread.

Quite often I run into the need for a super thin wrench for 9/16" and 11/16" jam nuts. While I'm tempted to just buy those two sizes, it seems much more cost effective to just buy a full set. However I so rarely use the other sizes that for a similar amount of money I could get a thin jaw adjustable and always be covered no matter the size, plus it would be much easier to store and could easily live in my gig bag.

So, if you were in my situation, and had a need for super thin wrenches just often enough to warrant their purchase, would you get a set, or an adjustable? I know a set guarantees best fit but I worry about how strong stamped steel is.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you work on bicycles they are called "cone" wrenches. IIRC, 15mm is the most common.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I would just buy some service wrenches in the size you need. You should be able to find them rather cheap. Either that or just find you some old Craftsman tappet wrenches which you should be able to find dirt cheap used.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-5pc-CRA...ViewItem&hash=item20ee10bde8&pt=US_Hand_Tools

 

[sberry]

No reason to buy them all if you only need a couple but we find an occasional use for them. I have simply ground off a China to make them but have a set from Sears that used o come with every big tool set. They are actually called tappet wrenches. Nut sure if they would be on the shelf in a big Sears store or if they even make them.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Tappet wrenches, dbl open end, four wrenches make a set. I see then at the flea market all the time, but everyone still carries them new.

Charles

 

[monomach]

The Toolguyd post about those Engineer Thin Jaw adjustable wrenches spurred me to make this thread.

Quite often I run into the need for a super thin wrench for 9/16" and 11/16" nuts. While I'm tempted to just buy those two sizes, it seems much more cost effective to just buy a full set. However I so rarely use the other sizes that for a similar amount of money I could get a thin jaw adjustable and always be covered no matter the size, plus it would be much easier to store and could easily live in my gig bag.

So, if you were in my situation, and had a need for super thin wrenches just often enough to warrant their purchase, would you get a set, or an adjustable? I know a set guarantees best fit but I worry about how strong stamped steel is.

You mean like tappet wrenches or do you really mean the stamped ones?

If tappet wrenches, I'd just get a set of used ones. Better fit than an adjustable. They're not stamped out, though; they're forged. At least mine are.

 

[Tellingthem]

Sears does still sell a set. Supposed to still be USA. Just watch out for the shipping charges. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-standard-tappet-wrench-set/p-00947415000P

 

[SantaAna12]

Yes....forged please.

Some nice old V-series sets on Ebay.

NOS. Niiiiiiiiice!

 

[Strouty]

I needed a few wrenches like that, so I took an old raised panel craftsman and a grinder………..

 

[NoahG]

What is the thickness of the Tappet wrenches? The lovely Craftsman website has no product details.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

What is the thickness of the Tappet wrenches? The lovely Craftsman website has no product details.

Thicker than that adjustable on toolguyd.

 

[NoahG]

Here's a picture of my primary foe. They're 9/16" jam nuts used on chandeliers, table lamps, and other electrical fixtures. They're 1/8" thick, so I don't know if a Tappet wrench will fit. The kit I've been considering is this one

 

[OutsideMachinist]

The tappet wrenches are definitely more than 1/8'' thick. They may still work dont know honestly. The set you linked would probably be fine since it is low torque.

 

[Ign]

Here's a picture of my primary foe. They're 9/16" jam nuts used on chandeliers, table lamps, and other electrical fixtures. They're 1/8" thick, so I don't know if a Tappet wrench will fit. The kit I've been considering is this one

Hmm, the red pouch is reminiscent of the set by V8 Tools that I have from tool warehouse (I think). My V8's have been fine but don't use them often. Don't remember what I paid, it's been at least 6 or 7 years

 

[wvrailroader]

Sears does still sell a set. Supposed to still be USA. Just watch out for the shipping charges. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-standard-tappet-wrench-set/p-00947415000P

Order them at the in-store kiosk like I did. There is no shipping charge that way.

 

[kelpaso1]

I would just buy a couple cheap wrenches in the size you need from a flea market or pawn shop and grind them down to the thinness you need.

 

[wild cowboy]

What is the thickness of the Tappet wrenches? The lovely Craftsman website has no product details.

my 9/16" Craftsman tappet wrench is 3/16" thick - just mic-ed it!

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I agree with the bicycle cone wrench recommendation...either grind a 14mm down a bit or try a 15mm. Park makes two kinds, stamped and nicer ones with handles, and AFAIK they're made in the US.

http://www.parktool.com/category/hub-axles

 

[wild cowboy]

I agree with the bicycle cone wrench recommendation...either grind a 14mm down a bit or try a 15mm. Park makes two kinds, stamped and nicer ones with handles, and AFAIK they're made in the US.

http://www.parktool.com/category/hub-axles

if you only need one size, the Pedro cone wrenches are more comfortable and a bit tighter tolerances, but also pricier and you have to buy them singly, no set price.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Here's a picture of my primary foe. They're 9/16" jam nuts used on chandeliers, table lamps, and other electrical fixtures. They're 1/8" thick, so I don't know if a Tappet wrench will fit. The kit I've been considering is this one

If it's an Apex company you will NOT have any problem with it.

 

[justme-]

I've never seen a cone wrench (that I am aware of) but unless you get a junk stamped steel "wrench" nothing will be as thin as those 1/8" lighting nuts.
Tappet wrenches are about half thickness and are from the days when you actually had to adjust the tappets in the engine valvetrain which are now generally not needed due to hydraulic self adjusting lifters.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I've never seen a cone wrench (that I am aware of) but unless you get a junk stamped steel "wrench" nothing will be as thin as those 1/8" lighting nuts.
Tappet wrenches are about half thickness and are from the days when you actually had to adjust the tappets in the engine valvetrain which are now generally not needed due to hydraulic self adjusting lifters.

Cone nuts are that thin. They're made for adjusting the cup-and-cone ball bearings on bicycle wheel hubs.

They are stamped steel but not junk, as long as you're using them for their intended purpose or something similar...did you see what the OP wants to use them on? FFS, those don't need a lot of torque.