Most Complete Wrench Set

[njc41980]

How extensive is your favorite wrench set?

Does anyone make a set the goes all the way from 1/4" to 2-1/2" ? (or further?)

My wrenches are mix and match, and I'm thinking of upgrading to something like SK or Wright, but once I go that route with nicer wrenches, I'm sure that my OCD will want ALL of my wrenches to be the same.

 

[njc41980]

I know that some wrench companies sell sets without any skips.

Some wrench companies focus on the smaller sizes for automotive, and other companies have more of the larger sizes for industrial.

I'm a DIY jack of all trades, so I'd like to get a FULL set of wrenches.

 

[RedneckWelder]

If paying a thousand bucks is worth it to you to have all matching wrenches in one set then Proto has a set up to 2”

 

[bimmer630]

SK has 1/4" thru 1-1/2" https://sktools.com/shop/86043-23-piece-12-point-fractional-long-combination-chrome-wrench-set.html


I dont think anyone is going to list an actual "kit" up to 2-1/2"

 

[bimmer630]

The protos ARE way cheaper than the SK. (Lately it seems that proto it usually the more expensive option) http://www.protoindustrial.com/_Lay...ow.aspx?sku=J1200-80ASD&Parentsku=J1200-80ASD

 

[potato]

Williams ws1191sc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQA1UYC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sberry]

The reason you have diy is to take care and save money, convenience etc. Why fart around, if you need a wrench you don't have buy it, buy some extra in the common sizes you DO need, couple bucks here and there. I am a career mechanic, none of my stuff matches, don't care. Some is even easier to use when there are variances that can only come with a half a dozen different styles.
The last pic is some specialty wrenches. It aint neat but don't use them a lot and get them back to their home and got them, tubing, etc.
I finally made a hanger in the mechanics bay for metrics. They been laying on the cart in a tray and really needed something, board with nails and it lets all the sizes and dupes hang up.

 

[sberry]

I got 3 places in the shop have hangers for Sae. If I need something special I can grab it but 99% of the time its right on a rack, first one works. Some extra pegs for dbe. I keep ones I use there and some in a chest, I don't have "complete" set in one place. Rare sizes stay in the tool box. Same for sockets. The socket style, wrench one too serve 2 bays. It could be done in step trays too

 

[njc41980]

There is nothing worse that getting half way through a project and realizing that you don't have the right tool.

Like most people there are sizes that I would rarely ever use, but those times when I need it. . . . .

 

[njc41980]

SK has 1/4" thru 1-1/2" https://sktools.com/shop/86043-23-piece-12-point-fractional-long-combination-chrome-wrench-set.html


I dont think anyone is going to list an actual "kit" up to 2-1/2"

Wow.

$1,100 seems awfully high for a set of 23 when you gen get the first 13 for closer to $150 - $200

Nice set though.

 

[sberry]

Seems an expensive way to go about it to cover a couple sizes you don't have and may never need. Buy stuff you don't have and do need. For a diy buy some extra China in the big stuff, look for a used deal.

 

[joel63]

I got 3 places in the shop have hangers for Sae. If I need something special I can grab it but 99% of the time its right on a rack, first one works. Some extra pegs for dbe. I keep ones I use there and some in a chest, I don't have "complete" set in one place. Rare sizes stay in the tool box. Same for sockets. The socket style, wrench one too serve 2 bays. It could be done in step trays too

Nice set up; you definitely know what works for you.
And you will never be without any size that you might need in any situation.

 

[LXCam]

The long 30 place green rack are toptuls full set 6-36. That ran about $250. My SAE sets go up to 2" in craftsman but it wasn't a "one time here ya go in its entirety" deal .

 

[1982fxr]

The jumbo sizes get expensive quick if you’re buying quality USA stuff.

 

[Rico.]

My favourite combination wrenches are the Facom 440 series. This is the only set I have
nearly all the sizes in. I have from 4mm to 30mm (including a 5.5mm) with no skips and
I added a 32mm and 34mm.

I believe they go up to 41mm, but if you want every one it will run you about 800 USD.
Large spanners sure are spendy. The set up to 34mm was expensive enough
especially for a DIYer like me.

All my other sets... short, stubby, ratcheting, flex heads, deep offset and extra longs
are all between 6mm and 24mm max.

 

[ssdave]

I have the smaller proto set that goes to 2 1/8". About $1200 to buy that range. But, if you need the complete set, add $1000 to that; and you get this:

https://www.zoro.com/proto-combo-wrench-set-516-2-12-in-31-pc-j1200-90asd/i/G1850947/

I bought mine a piece or two at a time when I got a good deal on them; I doubt I have more than $400 in them. I think the most I've paid for a wrench in that set is maybe $35 or $40. Most were a dollar or two, maybe $5 max until I got above 1 1/2" size. Then, had to pay $15 or more. To be truthful, almost never use anything larger than 1 1/2". Did use a 1 13/16" last week. Never have used the 2 1/16" or 2 1/8". Bought them as "wall art", knowing I would probably never use them.

Edit: My set is actually a bit more complete than these; I have some of the /32'nds wrenches under 1", and go down in size to 1/8".

 

[bobcatdan]

Wright has a kit that goes from 1/4" to 2 1/2". Thinks it's a bit over $2k. Also have a metric set from 7 or 8m up to 50mm for about the same coin. I believe Williams has similar size sets.

 

[njc41980]

Seems an expensive way to go about

I don't think I'll buy everything at once,

but if I'm going to start buying nicer wrenches, I'd like to start with a brand that I can expand on.

 

[njc41980]

I love the feel of the one SK Long pattern that I've got, but wondering if I should go more towards something with the anti-slip grooves. (alla flank drive)

 

[Wamsutta]

The flank drive open ends are great for rounded off fasteners, but for fasteners that are in good shape, the flank drive open end will slow you down when making several turns.

 

[DTuck]

I love the feel of the one SK Long pattern that I've got, but wondering if I should go more towards something with the anti-slip grooves. (alla flank drive)

I have Wrightgrips in SAE and Metric and love them - wouldn't use anything else. However if you don't want to mar up fasteners you should consider the Proto ASD wrench set.

 

[WWheeler]

Doesn't go as large as the OP was looking for, but for a DIYer the GearWrench 81919 44pc SAE/Metric 'long-pattern' 'surface-drive-plus' combination wrench set is pretty hard to beat for the price (lowest price I've seen on the set varies ~$160-$180-ish). I've been pulling on them for about a year now and have zero complaints.

1/4" to 1-1/2" (19pc), and 6mm-32mm (25pc). Skips are 1-3/16, 1-3/8, & 1-7/16 SAE and 29mm and 31mm metric.

 

[plinker]

The Gearwrench are a good deal, know a couple of guy that have them.

I'd get Williams supercombos myself, S-K would be probably be my next pick.

It's a pity that the Armstrong/Allen/Matco MCL/Craftsman pro full polish wrenches arent made anymore. They are my go-to's.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Makes me think of Stormking's recent post of his pebble Plomb collection.

 

[njc41980]

Doesn't go as large as the OP was looking for, but for a DIYer the GearWrench 81919 44pc SAE/Metric 'long-pattern' 'surface-drive-plus' combination wrench set is pretty hard to beat for the price (lowest price I've seen on the set varies ~$160-$180-ish). I've been pulling on them for about a year now and have zero complaints.

1/4" to 1-1/2" (19pc), and 6mm-32mm (25pc). Skips are 1-3/16, 1-3/8, & 1-7/16 SAE and 29mm and 31mm metric.

That is a very nice nice set for the money.

 

[sweet victory]

With shopping around I was about to get my SK long pattern wrench set 6-22mm for about $200. Wrenches get pretty expensive once you start getting bigger than 22mm. I've yet to find anything on my vehicle that requires anything larger than a 19mm. If your projects involve working on tractors and dump trucks, yeah, you'll probably need a 2" wrench. Otherwise, what's the point?

 

[DTuck]

With shopping around I was about to get my SK long pattern wrench set 6-22mm for about $200. Wrenches get pretty expensive once you start getting bigger than 22mm. I've yet to find anything on my vehicle that requires anything larger than a 19mm. If your projects involve working on tractors and dump trucks, yeah, you'll probably need a 2" wrench. Otherwise, what's the point?

It's safe to say you don't share the tool addiction. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[sberry]

I see these big wrenches in drawers with the smaller ones. I got to wonder if they enjoy the joy ride back and forth every time a guy needs a small popular one. Personally have anther drawer for big ones in a box slightly out of the way and some on hangers.
I have multiple sets, not everyone needs them and I don't anymore either. They are out of the way so I don't have to wade thru them for tools I really need and use. But,,,,,, I am not a collector, at some point,,, after buying the last set of heavy impacts at a sale I realized I didn't need them anymore, never really did utilize a lot of it and quit buying tools just because they were a "deal". Got a whole bunch of that stuff aint worth as much and not anymore than I paid for it.
Same for the 3/8 ratchet craze, I got enough, the use for them has went down over the years and need one occasionally for mostly 1 off like a spark plug etc as if it is any more go to power drive.

 

[Rico.]

With shopping around I was about to get my SK long pattern wrench set 6-22mm for about $200. Wrenches get pretty expensive once you start getting bigger than 22mm. I've yet to find anything on my vehicle that requires anything larger than a 19mm. If your projects involve working on tractors and dump trucks, yeah, you'll probably need a 2" wrench. Otherwise, what's the point?

It's safe to say you don't share the tool addiction. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

For a vast majority of the time a set up to 22mm working on cars will be all you need,
and then theres that tiny minority of times when you're changing the transmission
fluid filter on your ancient BMW and you need a 30mm open end to undo the dipstick
tube.

Really any size above 24mm the spanners have so much meat on them that a cheaper
set will work just fine for that once in a blue moon time when they save your Bum.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

Gedore has some 6-32 sets on amazon.de that can be had for $275ish or cheaper occasionally...

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[greg86z28]

Wow.

$1,100 seems awfully high for a set of 23 when you gen get the first 13 for closer to $150 - $200

Nice set though.

Stuff on SK's site is usually twice as expensive as you can find it elsewhere. Quick internet search shows that set can be had for around $550-600. Still a lot of $$.

Greg

 

[sweet victory]

It's safe to say you don't share the tool addiction. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

If you're changing...let's say a yoke on an Peterbilt dump truck, yeah you'll need way larger sizes. But let me ask you...in that application you're going to be using an impact socket an a 3/4" or 1" drive impact gun, no?

When I'm sent to do field work where I work on fasteners that large, if we aren't using a socket on a hydraulic wrench to install/remove it, we're using a slugging wrench.

So let me know when you can break loose a fastener torqued to 1500ftlbs with your 2.5" combination wrench.

 

[DTuck]

For a vast majority of the time a set up to 22mm working on cars will be all you need,
and then theres that tiny minority of times when you're changing the transmission
fluid filter on your ancient BMW and you need a 30mm open end to undo the dipstick
tube.

Really any size above 24mm the spanners have so much meat on them that a cheaper
set will work just fine for that once in a blue moon time when they save your Bum.

No thanks. The equipment I work on a cheap set wouldn't work - just break the wrench or bend it. Chinesium tools aren't worth paying for in high torque environments.

 

[ssdave]

No thanks. The equipment I work on a cheap set wouldn't work - just break the wrench or bend it. Chinesium tools aren't worth paying for in high torque environments.

Funny how different peoples experiences are different. I see a lot of guys post one here that in big sizes, the cheap stuff works for them. My experience matches yours; the taiwan and chinese ones I've tried have deformed easily. Work once or twice usually, but bend or mushroom out or smear the corners or stretch out after repeated use. My Proto don't. I did have a set of Japanese ones that were good before I got the Proto, They were Aigo. My dad had cheap wrenches in large sizes, when they failed he would replace them with better ones. That happened all too often; I just bought good ones the first time myself, watching out for good deals before I really needed one and had to spend $125 on a single wrench. I remember many times having to use a pipe wrench or a chain wrench or some half-*** thing on a bolt because his cheap wrench wouldn't work.

 

[sberry]

No thanks. The equipment I work on a cheap set wouldn't work - just break the wrench or bend it. Chinesium tools aren't worth paying for in high torque environments.

I have seen as many junk wrenches on roustabout trucks in the patch as good ones. I saw a guy hurt himself with a "good" ratchet But,,,,,, when it gets to larger sizes about the only thing doesn't work outright god or decent is the cheap 3/4 ratchet comes in those sets. Having said that if I was really doing that work serious would be all impact. My auto Bud bought a cheap set used, worked on cars daily, used a socket or 2 from it over the years and more for drivers than anything.
I got a lot of stuff and its pretty rare I use big or 3/4 and 1/2 the time an adjustable. I mention my auto Bud above, he got what he needed, pretty much 1 of each but wasn't a tool *****. Probably would have had a hard time rolling up much more than a couple grand, maybe less in all the hardline. He had no problem buying a piece when he needed it. If it was a crisis could have borrowed it from me if he ever had to but that wasn't much.
The only time I ever remember him saying anything about that sort of thing was said,,, I busted my 8mm socket today, needed it, was just going to call the parts store and lo and behold saw the Snap truck at the neighbors. Said,, I would have waited an hour for parts if I know it was going to be 33$.

 

[sberry]

I needed some special deal that I didn't have, a shallow 6 pt 16 or something like that for some hob, 8 bucks SK from parts delivered. Never needed it since. The store will still honor the Duro type impact sockets. Not even sure they sell the same it might be ATD but they give me one for a busted one which I had really hammered on buildings and lug nut work. When I need more of something its often more and not more variety. I get by with 1 1/2 impact but should really have 2 and would if I was slightly busier or added men. But I like cheap singles, if I find myself looking for a 9/16 I get another, doesn't mean I got to buy a whole set of everything.
As individual pieces my stuff is depreciated, not collectable and not worth much, as a collection of working tools it is a different matter.

 

[Tonyuk]

I have a complete set from 6mm to 24mm then a few others up to 32mm that came as part of a set a few years ago.

I have a good few 10, 11, 13, 16, 18 &19s about as spare.

 

[bob15]

Wright 726 (1/4-2"): https://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Wright-Tool-726-26-Piece-12-Point-Combination-Wrench-Set-1-4-quot-2-quot-p51941.htm

Or buy the smaller Wright 715 (5/16-1-1/4): https://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Wright-Tool-715-15-Piece-12-Point-Combination-Wrench-Set-5-16-quot-1-1-4-quot-2458p51665.htm

then, when ready, buy Wright 730 (1-5/16 - 2-1/2): https://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Wright-Tool-730-16-Piece-12-Point-Combination-Wrench-Set-1-5-16-quot-2-1-2-quot-p51954.htm

 

[PJNJ]

The protos ARE way cheaper than the SK. (Lately it seems that proto it usually the more expensive option) http://www.protoindustrial.com/_Lay...ow.aspx?sku=J1200-80ASD&Parentsku=J1200-80ASD

Wow.

$1,100 seems awfully high for a set of 23 when you gen get the first 13 for closer to $150 - $200

Nice set though.

The sets are usually much more expensive on SK's website. Though they are running 40% off sale till Friday.

But how about $585 from Circle C?

https://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-86...0gac8Fuh2kk13LflvYEOU6pyqZS1QzchoCP6AQAvD_BwE

A lot cheaper. But only one set left so you better hurry up.

 

[ultgar]

My favourite combination wrenches are the Facom 440 series. This is the only set I have nearly all the sizes in. I have from 4mm to 30mm (including a 5.5mm) with no skips and I added a 32mm and 34mm.

The 40LA series picks up where the 440 series ends to cover the larger sizes....up to 2" (fractional) and up to 65mm (metric). These are longer wrenches for greater torque.