Extra Long Handle Wrenches in a Decent Price Range?

[winlinmac]

I've come across the Metric / SAE Long Handle Wrenches from HFT before. I was discomforted by the quality of the tool, felt cheap to hold in hand as if they were easy to break like "pick-up sticks." I know I'm not going to use these wrenches on a regular basis, but when the time comes, I'll regret for not having these set of tools readily available.

Are there any alternatives in the same price-range (perhaps Made in Taiwan or if lucky, used-and Made in the USA), upwards to $50 for either SAE or Metric (used more often). The next cheapest set after Harbor Freight seems to be the professional-choice (triple-digit dollar range, haha)

I know Northern Tools sells something similar, but is virtually the same thing as Harbor Freight. I'm surprised many nearby Mechanics suggest buying the HFT-version, feels like they can easily snap.

 

[jobo1004]

For $65 shipped I don't think you'll find a better value. Only downside is I don't think they have a SAE option.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GAAF...232675?hash=item1c5eb87ae3:g:jr0AAOSweW5VN5yL

 

[sk farmer]

honestly i have heard very little bad about them. as far as length they are more in the xxl range than xl.

the northern you talk of are slightly shorter and since they changed to klutch branding i thinked the quality dropped. sadly the numbers of xl length wrenches are just not as common. if you kept a sharp ey out you may find smaller sets like 3/8-3/4 and 10-19mm from sk in the low 100 dollar range but it goes up from there

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, at least they have Metric for this. I'll probably settle for Toptul and buy a SAE-set when its actually needed. Much of these wrenches are primarily intended for use in mechanical repairs especially around engine and suspension work. Since most cars, especially mine are built around the Metric system, the Toptul should do for now.

Once in a while eBay, provides coupons / additional discounts / and 3-5 times the eBay bucks back to the eBay account. Should be a win-win.

For $65 shipped I don't think you'll find a better value. Only downside is I don't think they have a SAE option.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GAAF...232675?hash=item1c5eb87ae3:g:jr0AAOSweW5VN5yL

 

[jobo1004]

If you're looking for a fairly comprehensive set of metric and SAE this GearWrench set is good value, but most of the new sets are made in China. Quality seems fine, just a heads up.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench-...:g:wjoAAOSwsB9V~aZJ&item=111776335532&vxp=mtr

 

[John in OH]

I have had a set of the HF long combo SAE wrenches for quite some time. I'm not a professional mechanic and seldom use the long pattern wrenches so my use of these is minimal, but so far, no problems. And they are so inexpensive, if one ever does fail, so what? No great loss.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks for the suggestion,
Apparently, the Toptul is Made in Taiwan. All other sets seem to be Made in China now as you've mentioned. When I checked the HFT version, their SAE and Metric Sets were Made in India. India forges good metal, but instead of Craftsmanship, they seem to manufacturer for the folks that don't care how the tool appears. As long as it works as intended, they're content, lol.

I like the best of both worlds, where quality, feel, and function are balanced. I'll probably get the Metric Set (Toptul-brand) and HFT's SAE-set if SAE is not available from Toptul.

If the cheap tools are not used that often, its easy to say no problems; and when a problem does surface in the middle of a task, often regret comes about. I think Toptul for the win for now.

If you're looking for a fairly comprehensive set of metric and SAE this GearWrench set is good value, but most of the new sets are made in China. Quality seems fine, just a heads up.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench-...:g:wjoAAOSwsB9V~aZJ&item=111776335532&vxp=mtr

 

[Wakefield]

Long Flat Box End wrenches like Snap On XDHFM1516 or Nepros NM11L-1618 ?
Genius and/or Toptul might have less expensive alternatives

 

[619DioFan]

I have the klutch set of long reach wrenches in metric. chose these due to no skipped sizes ( 10 - 22 + a 24 ) they are better quality than the HF set and the price was right. they average about 2'' longer each than my craftsman raised panels. don't use them every day but am very happy with them.

 

[DanInVA]

I have the HFT set pictured, and got a fair bit of use out of them. I needed them for a particular repair job on my truck but used them several times after that. They worked for what I needed at the time, and none of them have broken.

That being said, I can definitely understand why you would want better quality than what they can offer, because I did as well. I regularly check CL in my area, and occasionally find some really good deals. I wound up with a complete set of Proto 7-24 mm and 5/16-1 1/4 sae for $160. When I met with the seller, he told me he had them on for more, but couldn't get any takers, so he reduced the price.

If you don't have an immediate need for them, you have an advantage. Keep an eye on those classifieds, and pay special attention to brands like Proto, Wright, Williams, and SK. There are some great quality tools out there to be had, and they will be a whole lot more affordable than a truck brand. Best of luck in your search.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[winlinmac]

Its interesting to note that the HFT Long Handle Wrenches have that V-groove. I haven't really noticed a difference between round and V. Some say the V-groove prevents rounding of fasteners. Everyone has their own opinion on that part, ha

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, I'll definitely keep all options open. The extra leverage helps. In my situation, if the clearance is not much, I'd resort to the standard sized-wrenches. However, working from the engine bay top, lots of clearance from that perspective.

Klutch SAE + Toptul Metric (Few of the larger sizes missing though) makes a satisfactory combination for the budget-minded it seems. I'd have to buy the 20-24mm separately though.

I have the HFT set pictured, and got a fair bit of use out of them. I needed them for a particular repair job on my truck but used them several times after that. They worked for what I needed at the time, and none of them have broken.

That being said, I can definitely understand why you would want better quality than what they can offer, because I did as well. I regularly check CL in my area, and occasionally find some really good deals. I wound up with a complete set of Proto 7-24 mm and 5/16-1 1/4 sae for $160. When I met with the seller, he told me he had them on for more, but couldn't get any takers, so he reduced the price.

If you don't have an immediate need for them, you have an advantage. Keep an eye on those classifieds, and pay special attention to brands like Proto, Wright, Williams, and SK. There are some great quality tools out there to be had, and they will be a whole lot more affordable than a truck brand. Best of luck in your search.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[LXCam]

"Settle for toptul" huh. Interesting choice of words wil. I luv my set and plan on swapping out my GW LR as cash allows.

 

[winlinmac]

I think Brand-name is coming between the price and reality now. Has Toptul's quality dropped in recent years? I haven't physically seen the set myself. I would return them if they didn't meet my expectations. Not much detail into the set, and the pictures can appear distorted, lol

"Settle for toptul" huh. Interesting choice of words wil. I luv my set and plan on swapping out my GW LR as cash allows.

 

[Fedwrench]

Consider getting a set of long zero offset boxed end wrenches. This KTC set ebay item# 151906802186 is fairly complete and under $100.They're nice wrenches. I don't really need a real long open end wrench but, that's just me.

 

[dede2897234]

winlinmac,

Beware, if you buy the Toptul extra long wrench set from Dennis Schmidt, he does not offer returns. In addition, there is no reason to return the Toptul wrench set because they are high quality. I own a Toptul standard length (satin finish) wrench set for a number of years and put light use on them for automotive repair work. They have been fine and live in my car's trunk toolkit. In addition, since your not a fan of using GJ's search function, you will rarely find any negative opinions on Toptul's hardline hand tools (ex: wrenches, sockets, socket extensions).


Dave

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Consider getting a set of long zero offset boxed end wrenches. This KTC set ebay item# 151906802186 is fairly complete and under $100.They're nice wrenches. I don't really need a real long open end wrench but, that's just me.

This, very handy

 

[LXCam]

I think Brand-name is coming between the price and reality now. Has Toptul's quality dropped in recent years? I haven't physically seen the set myself. I would return them if they didn't meet my expectations. Not much detail into the set, and the pictures can appear distorted, lol

Toptul quality is top drawer all the way. My statement was that I plan on dumping my gear wrench long reaches and going to toptul as cash allows. It's kind of hard for my cheap *** to justify swamping a perfectly functioning tool "just cause" even though the toptul has substantially better fitment over the GW.

 

[exmaxima1]

Not sure what is considered Long Pattern, but I have this CM set and it comes in handy, especially for the price---paid $20 on sale:

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...00P?sid=IDxCMDFx20140801x001&KPID=00939000000

the 18mm wrench is 10-1/2" long

 

[winlinmac]

In respect to Toptul, thank you all for the assurance.
Is there anything I can do to make up for sizes, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, and 24mm? (even though some of this sizes will never be used)

What ever happened to good old Craftsman? Time to move away from Craftsman...

 

[winlinmac]

Nice, "Material is the chrome molybdenum"

This, very handy

 

[jacked_72]

I don't know if this suits your needs in terms of size range, but it is a bargain and it is the old NAPA brand before they switched suppliers a year or two ago.

http://www.cripedistributing.com/br...tern-combination-wrench-set-metric-90933.html

 

[winlinmac]

Great Find for a Quality SAE Made in Taiwan Set (probably all seven sizes would come in good use somewhere down the line, unlike other sets which include sizes which we're probably never going to utilize. Cheers

I don't know if this suits your needs in terms of size range, but it is a bargain and it is the old NAPA brand before they switched suppliers a year or two ago.

http://www.cripedistributing.com/br...tern-combination-wrench-set-metric-90933.html

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks Dave, how's the Warranty with Toptul. Do they honor the warranty for the tools purchased on eBay? Or do the wrenches have to be purchased from Authorized Dealers?

winlinmac,

Beware, if you buy the Toptul extra long wrench set from Dennis Schmidt, he does not offer returns. In addition, there is no reason to return the Toptul wrench set because they are high quality. I own a Toptul standard length (satin finish) wrench set for a number of years and put light use on them for automotive repair work. They have been fine and live in my car's trunk toolkit. In addition, since your not a fan of using GJ's search function, you will rarely find any negative opinions on Toptul's hardline hand tools (ex: wrenches, sockets, socket extensions).


Dave

 

[vssjim]

The Toptul set is the best value on extra long combo wrenches out there, they feel good work good and I know of atleast twenty sets in use from people I know using them every day at work with all very happy user s never one complaint. Toptul does offer an inch set in full polish that goes from 3/8 to 3/4 but they would be a special order item from anybody in the US selling Toptul that I know of.

 

[vssjim]

I've never heard of a failure with these wrenches and as I said before many friends have this set that work daily as pros and never one failure period I think it's not something to worry about.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks again for assuring me. I'll definitely the Toptul ones as far as the Metric-size goes.

 

[bcradio]

Thanks for the suggestion,
Apparently, the Toptul is Made in Taiwan. All other sets seem to be Made in China now as you've mentioned. When I checked the HFT version, their SAE and Metric Sets were Made in India. India forges good metal, but instead of Craftsmanship, they seem to manufacturer for the folks that don't care how the tool appears. As long as it works as intended, they're content, lol.

I like the best of both worlds, where quality, feel, and function are balanced. I'll probably get the Metric Set (Toptul-brand) and HFT's SAE-set if SAE is not available from Toptul.

If the cheap tools are not used that often, its easy to say no problems; and when a problem does surface in the middle of a task, often regret comes about. I think Toptul for the win for now.

Are you talking about Indiana or India the country? Because India consistently puts out some of the worst metal tools available here in the US. Much worse than China.

 

[winlinmac]

Lol, I think I was putting that into a building materials perspective, haha

Are you talking about Indiana or India the country? Because India consistently puts out some of the worst metal tools available here in the US. Much worse than China.

 

[lightning02]

is there a set of the Toptul's that have more sizes?

 

[dede2897234]

Thanks Dave, how's the Warranty with Toptul. Do they honor the warranty for the tools purchased on eBay? Or do the wrenches have to be purchased from Authorized Dealers?

winlinmac,

With Toptul, there is no warranty thru eBay. Dennis Schmidt is an authorized Toptul dealer. He will honor the lifetime warranty on their tools as long as it is a manufacturing or after sale defect situation (not an abuse situation). The best thing to do after purchase is if a warranty situation occurs, contact him thru GJ or his eBay site. Then, explain the situation and include as many pictures as necessary. He will take care of you if he sees fit.


Dave

 

[Jacobson]

I own Pittsburgh wrenches. While they are not the heaviest material, the notion of them snapping like pot metal is ridiculous to me.

 

[rice rocket]

Consider getting a set of long zero offset boxed end wrenches. This KTC set ebay item# 151906802186 is fairly complete and under $100.They're nice wrenches. I don't really need a real long open end wrench but, that's just me.

I don't think this is the KTC we all think it is. The finish looks nowhere near as nice, and I can't find the part number in the catalog (though if you search K3074 on Google, you'll find a bunch of unbranded versions of this auction).

Looks like there's a KTC Tool (Kyoto Tool) and a KTC Auto Tools that's intentionally meant to be mixed up, which has a different logo and shiestier tools.

http://en.ktc.co.jp/products/catalog/index_number.html
http://shop.ktcautotools.com/

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks again Dave. Please let me know his Garage Journal ID (here or via PM) so that I inquire about other Toptul products as well when necessary.

winlinmac,

With Toptul, there is no warranty thru eBay. Dennis Schmidt is an authorized Toptul dealer. He will honor the lifetime warranty on their tools as long as it is a manufacturing or after sale defect situation (not an abuse situation). The best thing to do after purchase is if a warranty situation occurs, contact him thru GJ or his eBay site. Then, explain the situation and include as many pictures as necessary. He will take care of you if he sees fit.


Dave

 

[BK13]

If you don't have an immediate need for them, you have an advantage. Keep an eye on those classifieds, and pay special attention to brands like Proto, Wright, Williams, and SK.

Though I dearly wish you could, you're probably not going to be finding any XL pattern Wright wrenches...

 

[DanInVA]

Good call BK13. I probably shouldn't have thrown their name in there in a thread about long patterns, what I should have said is that these are generally the brands of hand tools that I keep an eye out for.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Exceller8]

I own Pittsburgh wrenches. While they are not the heaviest material, the notion of them snapping like pot metal is ridiculous to me.

I agree 100%!! I have them and they've been just fine, especially for the $$$.

 

[Wamsutta]

Its interesting to note that the HFT Long Handle Wrenches have that V-groove. I haven't really noticed a difference between round and V. Some say the V-groove prevents rounding of fasteners. Everyone has their own opinion on that part, ha

I tried them out in the store one day. They have a very square thin beam; not comfortable at all. For comfort in an extra long combination wrench, it's hard to beat Cornwell, but they are pricey.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Thanks again Dave. Please let me know his Garage Journal ID (here or via PM) so that I inquire about other Toptul products as well when necessary.

Here you go man: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=241097

His name is Dennis.

I'll also fully endorse the xxl Toptul set that was linked earlier. I have the set right now and am loving it. Quality is absolutely top notch imo.

I should be seeing my 12 piece 75 degree deep offset, double boxed end wrenches showing up in tomorrows mail as a matter of fact.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I own Pittsburgh wrenches. While they are not the heaviest material, the notion of them snapping like pot metal is ridiculous to me.

Unless you have experienced such a failure on a mild pull.... Glad I was wearing heavy leather gloves.. That thing split right up through the vee and into the shank.... I would be ashamed to sell or give them away.. I'll either cut them into stubbies; or use them when I weld Old Ratchet *** together.