Length of SK wrenches?

[SRSemenza]

Length of SK Wrenches

Hi,

OK, I've done a bunch of searches and I find similar topics but none that have the answer.

How long are SK regular combination wrenches?

How long are SK Long combination wrenches?

Lots of comparisons , and which ones are longer topics but I can't find any that have an actual measurement. I couldn't even find it on the SK website.

So for the sake of comparing to what I have could someone measure a SK 9/16" regular combo and a Long combo?

Thanks,

Seth

 

[danmcph]

I know that they list the length of the different wrenches on the SK site if you look at the flip book. I know that my SK X Frames are about as long as the long pattern combo wrenches and they are about as long as my standard Proto black Spline drives. In other words, they seem short relative to other wrenches.

 

[LB-1911]

Hi,

OK, I've done a bunch of searches and I find similar topics but none that have the answer.

How long are SK regular combination wrenches?

How long are SK Long combination wrenches?

Lots of comparisons , and which ones are longer topics but I can't find any that have an actual measurement. I couldn't even find it on the SK website.

So for the sake of comparing to what I have could someone measure a SK 9/16" regular combo and a Long combo?

Thanks,

Seth

Long Pattern - 88618 / 88418 - 9/16" - 8.63

Combination - 88268 / 88218 - 9/16" - 6.72

Source - 2014 SK Tool Catalog pg 116 & 120

 

[SRSemenza]

Long Pattern - 88618 / 88418 - 9/16" - 8.63

Combination - 88268 / 88218 - 9/16" - 6.72

Source - 2014 SK Tool Catalog pg 116 & 120

Thanks very much that gives me what I need to compare with what I have. Just trying to decide which to buy. I have requested a catalog but it's not here yet.

Thanks,
Seth

 

[T45]

In other words, they seem short relative to other wrenches.

Thos protos are Taiwan and copies of Facom IIRC-- a medium-length euro pattern. Most people I think would prefer the snap-on standard length wrench if they were blindfolded and not told how much the price was.

The euro length is sort of a compromise for lower cost manufacture, lower weight for mobility, and minor nod to obstruction avoidance. ie, if you were short of cash and needed to carry your tools in the postwar period they would make sense. They are now in my opinion obsolete.

Modern workflows benefit from longer and shorter specialty tools.

Ratcheting wrenches may not need to be as long, however, if you have long combos around already and use box ends to break free stuck bolts. In that case the shorter length is sort of avoiding redundancy, arguably.

I still would like to see the SK do a pro-swing type design with long length and a box/ratcheting box design.

 

[Pontiac787]

Thanks very much that gives me what I need to compare with what I have. Just trying to decide which to buy. I have requested a catalog but it's not here yet.

Thanks,
Seth

The catalog can be viewed on their website. It's not the easiest site to use but it will have the info.

 

[SRSemenza]

The catalog can be viewed on their website. It's not the easiest site to use but it will have the info.

Thanks, I will go ferret that out.

Seth

 

[LB-1911]

Thanks, I will go ferret that out.

Seth

Here you go -

https://www.carid.com/images/sk/pdf/sk-master-catalog.pdf

 

[danmcph]

Okay - Now you have me thinking. I pulled out a 9/16 of each wrench type I own and I measured them. (I know, it's heresy to measure a SAE wrench in MM but I like using metric)

Craftsman Profesional 222mm
Gear wrench flex head ratcheting 219mm
SK X Frame 212 mm
Wright Grip non ratcheting 200 mm
Proto Black Spline Drive 190 mm
Facom Ratcheting 190mm
Craftsman Raised Panel

The longest I own is the Gearwrench XL double box end wrench with ratcheting on one end and fixed on the other at 305mm

 

[danmcph]

Thos protos are Taiwan and copies of Facom IIRC-- a medium-length euro pattern. Most people I think would prefer the snap-on standard length wrench if they were blindfolded and not told how much the price was.

The euro length is sort of a compromise for lower cost manufacture, lower weight for mobility, and minor nod to obstruction avoidance. ie, if you were short of cash and needed to carry your tools in the postwar period they would make sense. They are now in my opinion obsolete.

Modern workflows benefit from longer and shorter specialty tools.

Ratcheting wrenches may not need to be as long, however, if you have long combos around already and use box ends to break free stuck bolts. In that case the shorter length is sort of avoiding redundancy, arguably.

I still would like to see the SK do a pro-swing type design with long length and a box/ratcheting box design.

So given my list above which of those would be considered "Euro" wrenches vs standard. How would the length of the Snap On wrenches you mentioned compare?

 

[Wamsutta]

Long Pattern - 88618 / 88418 - 9/16" - 8.63

That's weak sauce right there! Snap-on's long 9/16" is 10 inches!

Even their standard length is 8.75"!

 

[T45]

So given my list above which of those would be considered "Euro" wrenches vs standard. How would the length of the Snap On wrenches you mentioned compare?

Annotated

Okay - Now you have me thinking.

Modern/American Long Pattern

Craftsman Profesional 222mm
Snap-On Standard Length (14mm) 219mm
Gear wrench flex head ratcheting 219mm

Hybrid/Semi-Long

SK X Frame 212 mm
Wright Grip non ratcheting 200 mm

Euro/Postwar Standard Length

Proto Black Spline Drive 190 mm
Facom Ratcheting 190mm
Craftsman Raised Panel

Approx 15% ∆ OAL

 

[gdocktor3]

I like SK, but their combo wrenches are one thing I'd never spend my money on. I have a couple and they're nothing special.

 

[classic70]

I have a set of the long patterns metric standard combos. I need to warranty out a few because of the open ends spreading open. Very disappointed in the wrenches. The new x-frames look nice though.

 

[SRSemenza]

I like SK, but their combo wrenches are one thing I'd never spend my money on. I have a couple and they're nothing special.

Hmmm, does nothing special equate to not very good? Or are they good but nothing special?

Shopping for a good - very good set that has a large range in metric and SAE but won't break the bank. Something on the order of at least 14 sizes for each and would come in at $500 or less combined. Would prefer smooth or polished to RP.

I have looked at lots of brands and had narrowed to the SK sets for the reasons above.

Used Snap On might work but I haven't seen anything more than 11 pc that end up under the $500 that wasn't all beat up.

I tried the Gearwrench 44 pc. I think it is more of a set to get just to have every size available. Lots of bent wrenches some tolerable some not. Chrome looks suspect. The deal breaker was when I tried a couple ...... the box ends tended to slip off if the wrench wasn't completely "flat" to the surface. Compared this to a couple others in my hodgepodge of craftsman and such and didn't have that problem.

Been reading a lot on GJ. Trying to sort through it all.

Seth

 

[SRSemenza]

I have a set of the long patterns metric standard combos. I need to warranty out a few because of the open ends spreading open. Very disappointed in the wrenches. The new x-frames look nice though.

Well that kind of makes me rethink SK.

Seth

 

[T45]

Something on the order of at least 14 sizes for each and would come in at $500 or less combined.

BUy new proto/used snap on and forget about it


Edit to add: for $500 you could also import long pattern German wrenches like Hazet or Stahlwille for your metrics after you spend $200 on protos for SAE.

 

[SRSemenza]

After much internet viewing ........................

I ordered a single Williams SuperCombo in High Polish to check them out. I like it a lot. I like the thicker round edge beam. I like the length . The chrome seems pretty nice. And the price seems pretty good too. The box end didn't feel like it was going to slip off at the slightest "lift" from the fastener either. So I think I found my wrenches. Now I just need to figure out Williams part numbers so I can make sure I order the High Polish and not the Satin. There seem to be several different descriptors used buy sellers (or no indication).

Thanks for every ones input,

Seth

 

[TheCarbideRat]

I have a Williams supercombo metric set they are way good.
You might not like the rather small size ID numbering but there's a way around that.

 

[SRSemenza]

I have a Williams supercombo metric set they are way good.
You might not like the rather small size ID numbering but there's a way around that.

I got the 9/16" to try out. The ID on that size isn't too bad. At least it's deep enough to probably be legible in various lighting. I do wish it was on both sides of the wrench though. But not a deal breaker compared to other attributes.

Seth

 

[TheCarbideRat]

You're gonna like em. Freaking unbreakable

 

[TheCarbideRat]

Awesome finish on them too. Flawless. And made in our USA

 

[cherrybomb]

Seth,It is hard to make wrench choices,I have Williams Super Combo,Proto ASD and Wright Grip,I especially like to change over on a project to compare,I suggest you order a 7/16 from each brand and try em.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I like SK, but their combo wrenches are one thing I'd never spend my money on. I have a couple and they're nothing special.

If you specifically don't want wrenches with ASD (some don't want to mark up fasteners), I personally think the SK long patterns are the bee's knees.

 

[Yankee]

I bought a single SK 9/16 long pattern on HJE day just to see how they looked. Pretty good quality but beam and open end on the small and narrow side.

After seeing the long pattern, I couldn't imagine anyone wanting the standard length...

 

[jeff64]

I have a set of early Craftsman Proressional metrics, which are just rebranded SK long pattern wrenches. I wouldn't hesitate to buy SK, but I would buy the long pattern instead of the standard. The oval shaped beam is more comfortable than the Armstrongs I have.

 

[SRSemenza]

OK, I have used the 9/16" a few times. Really like it so going with the Williams SuperCombo. Now I can find the 18pc metric set in high polish , no problem. But I am trying to find the 15pc SAE in high polish and am finding it in satin in several places but maybe in high polish in just one. The site doesn't say which it is.

Anyone know of a place to buy the 15pc high polish SuperCombo?

Thanks,

Seth

 

[mmason7764]

Seth,

Did you ever find a Williams SuperCombo wrench set in SAE?

Part # WS-1172SCA looks like what you are looking for: http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-WS-1172SCA-Hand-Tools-Wrenches-Combination-SAE-Sets

The description on the web page states satin, but the catalog pages 162-163, found here : https://www.snapon-industrial.eu/tools-storage/williams-tools.html

Sizes 1/4" to 1-1/4" are listed as full polish chrome.
Sizes 1-5/16" to 3-1/2" are listed as satin chrome finish.

Set WS-1172SCA has the sizes from 5/16" to 1-1/4", so all full polish if I'm reading the catalog right. You may want to send a message to the vendor to verify.

I think the confusion comes in from the heading on the catalog page which was carried over into the web page descriptions:
SUPERCOMBO ® WRENCH SETS
High Polish Chrome and Satin Chrome Finish, 12 Point, SAE
Set Contents:

Good Luck,

Mark

 

[Bacon Man]

Thanks very much that gives me what I need to compare with what I have. Just trying to decide which to buy. I have requested a catalog but it's not here yet.

Thanks,
Seth

Word of warning, it takes a bit. I now have 3 thanks to reordering them.

 

[SRSemenza]

Seth,

Did you ever find a Williams SuperCombo wrench set in SAE?


Mark

Yes, and finally ordered the sets on Cyber Monday (week) deal.

Got all the sizes available in high polish SuperCombo SAE and up to 24mm in metric. 15pc SAE and 18pc metric sets plus a few individual fill ins.


Seth

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have a set of SK long pattern wrenches that I have had for about 25 years and they have served me very well. That said, if I were buying wrenches today, I’m not sure I would buy those as they really haven’t changed with the times. There is no anti-slip mechanism (which is something I actually like about them), and as stated under extreme duress, the open end will spread. I would add that I personally have never had that happen, as I tend to use box end most of the time, and only use the open end when it is the only thing that will fit. I work on motorcycles mostly, so having no ASD is preferable for me as it doesn’t mar up the fasteners.

Proto’s anti slip design is pretty slick as it won’t mar up a fastener until you get really heavy on the wrench, and even then, it won’t mess up the fastener like a SnapOn or WrightGrip will. So I would say the Proto ASD combination wrench set is very much worth looking at.

I have their reversible ratcheting combination wrenches and they are my go-to wrenches 99% of the time. The ASD on the open end is very effective, and the faceted design of the splines on the ratcheting box end dig into a fastener like an anti-slip mechanism; so these wrenches are very good at breaking loose the really stubborn stuff.

 

[packet]

Edit to add: for $500 you could also import long pattern German wrenches like Hazet or Stahlwille for your metrics after you spend $200 on protos for SAE.

If you're importing long pattern wrenches from Germany, you can get them for <$200. My set of Gedore 7 XL wrenches was $114 including shipping.

 

[Wamsutta]

Yes, and finally ordered the sets on Cyber Monday (week) deal.

Got all the sizes available in high polish SuperCombo SAE and up to 24mm in metric. 15pc SAE and 18pc metric sets plus a few individual fill ins.


Seth

How do they feel? I bet those thick rounded beams are super comfortable.

 

[SRSemenza]

How do they feel? I bet those thick rounded beams are super comfortable.

Yes, that is one of the things I really like. Which I discovered when I bought an individual 9/16" a while back to try them out.

Seth

 

[Roo19]

Talking about SK there is a set 12 piece locally for 60 bucks is that a deal? Or not really?

 

[ptgarcia]

$5 per wrench is a good price.

 

[SRSemenza]

wrong topic

 

[mr.lemons]

The euro length is sort of a compromise for lower cost manufacture, lower weight for mobility, and minor nod to obstruction avoidance. ie, if you were short of cash and needed to carry your tools in the postwar period they would make sense. They are now in my opinion obsolete.

Modern workflows benefit from longer and shorter specialty tools.

Do you know this from talking to Euro tool manufacturers or is this speculative? I would have thought that if people in Europe wanted longer wrenches then tool manufacturers would supply them.

 

[The Fall]

Big fan of the SK long patterns. My go-to wrenches at the garage.

 

[bobcatdan]

Long lengths are comparable to any truck brand. I have SK for all my larger wrenches. In metric my Mac stop and 19 and SK picks up at 20mm. The SK length wise, the 20 is a bit longer then the Mac 19mm. Same goes with standards, 1 1/16" is a bit longer then a 1" snap on. I don't own any smaller sizes to direct compare, but seem on par to me.