Let’s talk combination wrench sets - SK - Proto - Wright - Milwaukee - Carlyle
- Thread starter JVB
- Start date
I have the SK in long pattern, the Wright, and Carlyle.
My favorite is the Wright. I like the long pattern of the SK but not how easy they can spread in the open end with the smaller sizes. The Carlyle are great for the price point don't have any complaints with them.
Since Wright doesn't have long pattern my next wrench purchase will be Snap-on for sure to round out my wrench collection!
My favorite is the Wright. I like the long pattern of the SK but not how easy they can spread in the open end with the smaller sizes. The Carlyle are great for the price point don't have any complaints with them.
Since Wright doesn't have long pattern my next wrench purchase will be Snap-on for sure to round out my wrench collection!
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As a side note, the SK long pattern length is so minimally longer than standard length if buying again I would think twice about paying the difference for such minimal gain. They don't seem to be a "true" long pattern. My understanding is that Snap-on regular wrenches are comparable to SK long pattern in length.
all of this hubbub about wrench length. i find in most cases it is a non issue. i have a variety of length wrenches. in most sizes 3 or 4 lengths and in some maybe 8 sizes. sometimes a slightly shorter or longer wrench is better and honestly an extremely long wrench is not that handy in most cases. an sk wrench is shorter than some but is long enough for most jobs.
Of the three brands listed, i would opt for Proto. I don't care for the wide in the hips thick boxed ends of SK. I don't care for the almost zero offset boxed ends on some wright wrenches along with their standard length, so that leaves Proto. Proto are quite nice but, the satin finished ones won't win any beauty contests. I like the length of Proto Wrenches, their balance, and fit. The Proto anti slip end is less about teeth and more about a couple of well placed notches.
Except the proto open ends are practically useless. The notches are stupidly placed on the ends which just promotes end spread. COO aside? I'd go Carlyle long....
I agree in most cases it is not an issue and most folks will never notice a difference. However I encounter it on a regular basis to where every little bit of length matters significantly with old rusty farm equipment.
Indexmill
Well-known member
All of us old guys are going to tell you SK, Wright, Proto, Snap on, etc. And they are all awesome.
But the truth of the matter is that you can buy any number of brands of import wrenches that will serve the home mechanic just fine. Shhheeesh; it's a secret...
But the truth of the matter is that you can buy any number of brands of import wrenches that will serve the home mechanic just fine. Shhheeesh; it's a secret...
Zoro has the metric 758 set for $185 with 20% off coupon. Summit has SAE 758 for $206 with coupon code. I just ordered both last week.
I was looking at Williams vs Wright vs others. I went with Wright based on the overwhelming feedback here. As for the shorter length on the Wright, all sizes are longer than the Craftsman RP that I’ve been using for 25 years so they should be fine. I have plenty of other really long stuff.
highland512
Well-known member
i agree 100%!
sometimes a little extra length makes a huge difference. the flip side of that is that quite often the slightly longer length of some wrenches make them just a pain in the **** after the initial breaking force is used.
so in essence, on a regular basis i find the longer wrenches too long and the slightly shorter ones significantly easier to use.
to wrap it up. i find it silly that people are arguing over or on this quest to find a wrench that is slightly longer when there are other features that are equally or more important. if i had to pick one feature on a wrench that was a deal breaker, length alone is not it.
I have a set of Proto ratchet wrenches and the ASD works very well. Mine are Taiwan so I can't speak to their USA combos but if they are functionally equivalent I'd have confidence in their open ends. SK on the other hand... not so much.
I have a set of Proto ratchet wrenches and the ASD works very well. Mine are Taiwan so I can't personally speak to their USA combos but if they are functionally equivalent I'd have confidence in their open ends. SK on the other hand... not so much.
bobemmerich
Well-known member
I have older sets. Mine are Allen and K-D. All USA Made. I also have some newer Stanley wrenches. To the OP, if you're looking for a decent set, Stanley (although not US made) are a good alternative. They're relatively inexpensive, and the ones I have hold up pretty well.
I work on lots of old rusty farm equipment too and have never really found long pattern wrenches that useful. If I can't break it loose with a regular length wrench, a couple more inches on a long pattern isn't going to do it. At that point I'm reaching for the cheater pipe.
I'm sure it greatly depends on what you work on but for me the longer length is more often a hindrance than a help.
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sberry
Banned
As I mentioned earlier I have changed my mind. Its been over time as more import and discount stuff has crept in. This probably belongs more in a wrench thread but,, I started out Klein and all,,, well not started started as I been doing this since I have been 10 but as time went on the good screwdrivers wore out just like the Sears did and needed to be replaced or have sharp ones added on occasion and the last ones I bought were HF for 1.50 a piece and the ones I am using now as they are new and sharp and as comfy as any I have ever used. I also like the marking on the end of the handle, that is about the best I have ever seen,,, duh.
I am not much of a wrench or socket snob, some survivors there are the cheap hardware and farm store stuff, some import and some USA but I really don't feel them up or get all weak kneed at the chrome of the "feel" and all that ****, I use them daily, lots of different ones in a day when I am busy, the collection as a whole has some with minor feature differences and on occasion I will seek one out if it makes a difference. Thin, longer, offset etc. Different is as or more important than better. On occasion is is or has been a flank Snap too.
Where I notice the most difference is in pliers. This is a place I have come to depend on, some adjustables too but having used common Cghannjelock,,, and they do make a lot of models and many on spec too but the standard 400 series and for me 440 in particular and the 7 and 10R Vicegrip and to some extent the 11R clamp.
There might even be better stuff,,, I havnt tried it all but these models have been used for decades (might have to include the 9 sidecutter too) and I can feel the difference as some of the moves have been repeated exactly the same 1000's of times and many right at the limit of the tool.
I picked up a newer pair of 7R a while back and they didn't feel right,,, sure as **** they changed the design ever so slightly. I think the quality may be as good but the jaw is different and I thought it felt different than exactly what I was expecting and put them side by side with an earlier pair and they are not the same.
I don't notice it so much with wrenches but I think part of it is visual, can see they are not the same and don't expect to have the exact same feel. I notice this with adjustables a bit, not so acutely and a bit of that is in small features but most knockoff of the Channellock has a change to the geometry and even the pin that they never feel the same.
I am not much of a wrench or socket snob, some survivors there are the cheap hardware and farm store stuff, some import and some USA but I really don't feel them up or get all weak kneed at the chrome of the "feel" and all that ****, I use them daily, lots of different ones in a day when I am busy, the collection as a whole has some with minor feature differences and on occasion I will seek one out if it makes a difference. Thin, longer, offset etc. Different is as or more important than better. On occasion is is or has been a flank Snap too.
Where I notice the most difference is in pliers. This is a place I have come to depend on, some adjustables too but having used common Cghannjelock,,, and they do make a lot of models and many on spec too but the standard 400 series and for me 440 in particular and the 7 and 10R Vicegrip and to some extent the 11R clamp.
There might even be better stuff,,, I havnt tried it all but these models have been used for decades (might have to include the 9 sidecutter too) and I can feel the difference as some of the moves have been repeated exactly the same 1000's of times and many right at the limit of the tool.
I picked up a newer pair of 7R a while back and they didn't feel right,,, sure as **** they changed the design ever so slightly. I think the quality may be as good but the jaw is different and I thought it felt different than exactly what I was expecting and put them side by side with an earlier pair and they are not the same.
I don't notice it so much with wrenches but I think part of it is visual, can see they are not the same and don't expect to have the exact same feel. I notice this with adjustables a bit, not so acutely and a bit of that is in small features but most knockoff of the Channellock has a change to the geometry and even the pin that they never feel the same.
JiminAZ
Well-known member
OP if you do go Wright, I'd recommend the satin over the full polish (and you save a few bucks). My metric set is polished, my SAE set is satin and I prefer the satin for its feel and appearance. It just grips better especially with a little grease or oil in the equation..
sweet victory
Well-known member
Aesthetics aside, the SK SuperKromes do not have any type of off corner/"flank drive plus" design. Considering that off shore brands are now touting these features, SK is really behind the curve on this.
EDIT: Need to clarify - I'm referring to open end of the wrench.
Pros and cons to chrome vs satin finish. I have personally never had an issue holding onto a chrome wrench, but I don't deal with a lot of a greasy environments/parts. I wipe all of my tools after after a project, so I like the chrome for the simple fact that it's easy to clean.
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speed bump
Well-known member
Buy a couple of each and either work until you no longer care or replace them with your favorite wrench.
Of the options given I would go with Proto because I own several and like them. If I had to replace my wrenches tomorrow it would probably be a set of the ASD equivalent long pattern DeWalts because they are cheap and available on the farm store shelf.
Of the options given I would go with Proto because I own several and like them. If I had to replace my wrenches tomorrow it would probably be a set of the ASD equivalent long pattern DeWalts because they are cheap and available on the farm store shelf.
That is exactly where I was looking for each set. Zoro is just a bit pricey on the sae set even after my 25% off compared to summit. Summit is only an hour from me and Zoro has also always taken care of me. Appreciate the input .
I do like the looks of the sk but you are correct in they seem behind on the current features.
I did price out the channelock sets / after adding in all the sizes to match what the Wright set includes i would be looking right around 275$ Possibly plus tax.
Ainsley
Well-known member
Proto has been my choice, i really like the satin chrome and black oxide stuff
SK Tools: 1-3/16" 12 Point Fractional Regular Combination Chrome Wrench
Details:
- 1-3/16" 12 Point Fractional Regular Combination Chrome Wrench
- SK wrenches are Drop Forged for maximum strength and durability with a High Carbon Alloy steel for precision, power and long life.
- SureGrip® drive design drives the side of the fastener, not the corner, to provide increased strength and avoid rounding of rusted or damaged fasteners.
- SuperKrome® Plating delivers toughest finish with high polish plating which results in jewelry-like finish providing long life and maximum corrosion resistance.
- 15 Degree offset and thicker shank with rounded edges for comfortable grip.
sweet victory
Well-known member
I just received my Wright 958 set from Zoro. I came in a 758 carrying bag. Took about two weeks from order date to receiving the set. All of the wrenches are Wrightgrip 2.0. Wrenches from 13mm - 24mm are good, but the sets from 7mm - 12mm have some chrome imperfections with the 7mm and 8mm being the worst. Non-centered box end on the 7mm and the 8mm isn’t flat in the middle of the wrench, feels like it was bent back from not being straight. Debating if I should exchange the set or keep it since I don’t use the small sizes much. My Proto ASD ratcheting wrenches I purchased from Zoro before has perfect chrome.
Sorry, doesn't work. I tested a bunch and Proto/MAC does no better than a standard combo before it rounds. You should try FD+ or Opti-Torque Pro. Its night and day. The latter two will rip the corners off the bolts before they round.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Curious which sizes were tested...
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I have put all of my weight on the 9/16 in my set with no slipping and no rounding. They may not work as well as a toothy design but I still have confidence in them, even if it doesn't work.
I'm also curious how the notches promote spread.
redvalkyrie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2006
- Messages
- 423
Just a suggestion--Toptul wrench sets on EBay. I have used my long patterns for what seems like 10 plus years with zero issues.
Nineeightyone
Well-known member
I recognize that it's not on your list, but based on your initial post I would throw the Tekton hat into the ring. Their full polish 8-22mm set can be had for right around $40, they're made in Taiwan and seem to be a pretty healthy quality based on my use.
You can definitely tell what kind of tool user I am from my post history, but to save you a couple clicks I'm a home mechanic doing a little of everything, from oil changes to engine swaps. There are some instances where I think it's worthwhile to buy high-grade (I'm shortly going to pick up a set of Blackhawk/Proto flare nut wrenches from seeing a buddy's HF flare nut shatter).
You can definitely tell what kind of tool user I am from my post history, but to save you a couple clicks I'm a home mechanic doing a little of everything, from oil changes to engine swaps. There are some instances where I think it's worthwhile to buy high-grade (I'm shortly going to pick up a set of Blackhawk/Proto flare nut wrenches from seeing a buddy's HF flare nut shatter).
I actually ordered a set of tekton to compare to the sunex stubby I ordered. They do look great for the money but I have not messed with them yet.
On the other hand. Had a set of Wright 915 sae show up today. Pretty disappointed in them off the bat. The 7/16 is quite warped while all the other lay flat on a bench. Also there is one that is not marked 2.0. Not sure if it is an old stock or what the deal is with that. I try to keep everything matching so that is not a giant deal but for the price I would expect all the same. . All the other sizes look greatly finished aside from the other small issues.
Id certainly email/call whoever you purchased them from for sure, or possibly Wright themselves. Obviously no reason you should have received a non 2.0 wrench with a batch of 2.0 wrenches. I assume they'll send you two new wrenches. Really annoying to deal with tho, I've had some poor tools show up the last few months and its always a little disappointing.
I reached out to wright directly. They had me email photos over. I agree it is disappointing but sounds like they are going to work on it. **** can and will happen. It all comes down to how it is fixed.
With FD+, opti-torque pro, and other iterations (Armstrong, Gearwrench, Williams, and the Taiwan knock-offs etc..) the notch placed on the inner portion forces off corner engagement loading further up the arch of the open end. With Proto ASD (and MAC/Facom/DeWalt etc..) the notch is placed at the opposite end so that when the fastener pressure hits its at the end of the arch which allows for easier rounding. Its the same problem that a standard open end has. Notch placed up next to the arch has to fight a lot more material of the tool. This is also why the teeth in FD+ or a Wright Grip are in the same location.
My threads still around for reading. Pictures are just gone thanks to imageshack trying to force everyone to a pay system some years ago.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182862
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One thing to keep in mind if what your working on if it matters if you mark up the fastener. If it does, then the SK set is the way to go. (not sure what other quality brands don't have the "grip" feature).
If it doesn't matter, your crazy to get wrenches that don't have some sort of "grip" (wrightgrip,FD+,ASD, pick your flavor....)
If it doesn't matter, your crazy to get wrenches that don't have some sort of "grip" (wrightgrip,FD+,ASD, pick your flavor....)
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Super Sport
Well-known member
I prefer my WrightGrip (1.0 version) over everything else I've handled. A close second is Williams SuperCombos, which also have nice thick beams and are longer than the Wrights.
Aesthetically, the SK combos have long been a favorite of mine, but I appreciate the anti-slip open ends and thicker beams of the others. I also like the satin finish on my Wrights over chrome as it does not show imperfections from use as badly.
Aesthetically, the SK combos have long been a favorite of mine, but I appreciate the anti-slip open ends and thicker beams of the others. I also like the satin finish on my Wrights over chrome as it does not show imperfections from use as badly.
My Wright 915 SAE set arrived while I was away this week. I didn’t pull each one out of the roll to inspect, but the couple I pulled look and feel good. The only wrench not marked 2.0 in the set I got from Summit is the 5/16”. Not that it’s practical or necessary for my stationary use, but I do like the roll for storage.
My 958 metric set from Zoro shipped today, so I should have it late next week.
My 958 metric set from Zoro shipped today, so I should have it late next week.
That was the wrench not marked from my set either. Wright said it may have been a left over from when they were transitioning to 2.0 . Not a big deal for that size.
I also ordered the metrics from Zoro and no ship notification yet. They did say up to 10 days to ship as they are sent directly from wright, so I am being patient.