6 Point Combination Wrench Set Options?

[PretendMechanic]

Need a high quality 6 point combo wrench set to compliment a WrightGrip set. Basically opposite of the WrightGrip, so smooth open end, no anti slip features, and of course, 6 point.

Not going to get into the argument of 6 point box ends, I want 6 point.


Only 6 point smooth open ends I've found so far are:

-Craftsman (I think want something higher quality?)
-GearWrench (set is polished, on the fence about quality?)
-Proto (set has ASD on open end)
-Extreme Torque Corp and other random "cheap" off-brands on ebay (all are polished though)
-SK (polished)
-Snap On (polished, too rich for my blood)


Was really hoping to find a satin set. I've checked the main 3 German companies (Stahlwille, Gedore, Hazet).

Yes I know, slacking on my other threads, some of those are going to take some time as they've gone way off topic. Looking try and take advantage of the ebay bucks promo offer that ends today.

 

[Mgdoug3]

SK makes 6 point wrenches and smooth open ends.

 

[PretendMechanic]

Forgot about SK, aren't all their wrenches full polish though?

 

[ex-x-fire]

Why worry about the open end at all?

 

[Mgdoug3]

All the 6 points I have seen are full polished. I have 13/16, 7/8, 15/16 and 1" 6 point wrenches. I like them a lot but most of the time I'll grab a 12 point SK wrench first.

Standard: https://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-86124-14-piece-6-point-superkrome-combination-wrench-set.html

Metric: https://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-13...tric-long-pattern-combination-wrench-set.html

 

[PretendMechanic]

I need open end, though not used often, still need it, automotive application.

Need a smooth open end for the odd occasion for when I don't want to mess up the fastener with the WrightGrip's open end.

 

[mr.lemons]

I have also been looking for six point and only seen polished and shorter looking than I would like. Snap on, Gearwrench and Britool Hallmark (New old stock) available here in the UK. Seen some vintage Hazet six point but nothing current.

 

[DakotaMan]

I have a gearwrench 6 point set. I generally like them except for the open end on small sizes. The small sizes seem to be a little more rounded and not sharp corners. It's more like a U than with angles (like a bolt would have). At the price, it's acceptable but if I were going to use them daily on small nuts and bolts, I'd consider something else.

 

[BigBoreFan]

SK, can get them in standard or long length. Beware SK's are not as long as SnapOn if that's an issue.

 

[PretendMechanic]

So high quality satin finish is no longer really made then, except for Proto? Which has ASD on the open end.

Might have to go that route and add a third set for smooth open end. Was trying to keep the wrench set count down.

Not a fan of buying old discontinued sets, when something breaks or gets lost, it's annoying to find a replacement. Unless of course there are hoards available.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think you should look into black oxide; they provide more grip than satin finish.

 

[PretendMechanic]

I think you should look into black oxide; they provide more grip than satin finish.

I don't mind black oxide.

Know anyone that makes a metric 6 point set? I find most black oxide tools I find are SAE.

What are the disadvantages of black oxide?

I just want a functional wrench set, could care less how it looks.

 

[16again]

I have the snap on 6 point set. Both SAE and metric. Yes expensive, but imo well worth it.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[PretendMechanic]

Edited by self to stay on topic.

 

[mr.lemons]

^^^ no wonder your other threads have gone off topic

 

[PretendMechanic]

Okay I'll take the blame for that one, that was the first time I indulged. No more.

 

[Bocefus]

Cornwell makes a nice polished 6pt wrench set with smooth open ends. Nice long length to them as well. They come up on Ebay on occasion. I got mine lightly used for a very good price.

Edit to say I have the USA Craftsman set too. They're solid wrenches as long as you don't mind the shorter length.

 

[bob15]

Have you looked at used? Good deals are out there, including Snappy on e-bay.

 

[uncwstudent]

You really should check out the Proto 6 pts on Zoro (that's where I found the best price). They're everything you want (except that they have the ASD on the open end) and I think you'd be happy with them. I got the 6 points ones as well.

 

[PretendMechanic]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the Protos (6 point) and buying a third set for smooth open end. Probably will buy from Zoro before the current discount codes run out.

 

[nbpt100]

I don't mind black oxide.

Know anyone that makes a metric 6 point set? I find most black oxide tools I find are SAE.

What are the disadvantages of black oxide?

I just want a functional wrench set, could care less how it looks.

Black oxide is not that good for anti-rust properties. Just look at a black socket head cap screw that was left outside for a while.

What is wrong or undesirable with the anti-slip design that Proto has? It just seems like the Proto meets your requirement except that and you even say you will not use the open end much. Like a tool truck brand you will pay more but warrantees are easy.

 

[metaldad]

proto is a great choice. as is sk and wright.
you should be able to find a set, or build one, from armstrong, off ebay.
cripe has some, epsteins is oos right now

 

[Rabid Badger]

What are the disadvantages of black oxide?

They might as well have a cloaking device if you absent-mindedly set one down in an engine bay.

 

[uncwstudent]

I paid about $115 for my 10pc Proto set at Zoro with coupon. Full satin and six point. You can get cash back from some cash back websites on purchases from Zoro too

 

[PretendMechanic]

Forgot about Armstrong, got excited for a second, scoured ebay thoroughly, was only able to find a 8, 13, and 19mm. Checked completed listings, only other size to sell was a 10mm, and availability is only going to get worse. Will take quite a while to get a full 8-19mm set.

One thing I really don't like about the Proto set is the box end 6 point cannot be flipped for more access points, they designed the box end symmetrical to the wrench :S.

 

[nbpt100]

Forgot about Armstrong, got excited for a second, scoured ebay thoroughly, was only able to find a 8, 13, and 19mm. Checked completed listings, only other size to sell was a 10mm, and availability is only going to get worse. Will take quite a while to get a full 8-19mm set.

One thing I really don't like about the Proto set is the box end 6 point cannot be flipped for more access points, they designed the box end symmetrical to the wrench :S.

OK.....but why not get the a polished set with the box end offset so you can find more access points.? That seems like a good feature to look for.
I dont understand why the Satin finish is more desirable than a polished chrome finish. The satin is harder to clean when you get it greasy.
Sometimes you need to compromise. I am just saying.

 

[ChrisLS8]

You're really limiting yourself not wanting chrome.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

One thing I really don't like about the Proto set ...

designyourownwrenches.com is available!

 

[Rabid Badger]

There are literally thousands of different wrench sets on the market and the OP has devised a set of requirements that eliminates all of them. Impressive.

I guess he'll learn to compromise or turn bolts with his fingers.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

There are literally thousands of different wrench sets on the market and the OP has devised a set of requirements that eliminates all of them.

No Space Shuttle,
No M1 Abrams,
No Teslas,
No Porches,
No DIY Mechs

...

Still waiting for THAT magic wrench set!

 

[PretendMechanic]

There are literally thousands of different wrench sets on the market and the OP has devised a set of requirements that eliminates all of them. Impressive.

I guess he'll learn to compromise or turn bolts with his fingers.

My fingers are bleeding...

Well that ain't completely fair now, 6 point satin plain open end was commonly available, just no more. Not like I'm looking for a unicorn now, just the dodo bird .

I might go with polished, after a good night's rest I don't know if I can deal with the stupidity of the box end design on the Proto.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

My fingers are bleeding...

 

[Rabid Badger]

My fingers are bleeding...

Well that ain't completely fair now, 6 point satin plain open end was commonly available, just no more. Not like I'm looking for a unicorn now, just the dodo bird .

I might go with polished, after a good night's rest I don't know if I can deal with the stupidity of the box end design on the Proto.

That made me chuckle.

Good luck to you, sir.

 

[nbpt100]

Send a request to Lisle with a sketch. They may even give you a reward for your idea. However I think you would have to prove there is a need for your special wrench and show it adds some meaningful value over what is out there.

That may be the deal breaker. Good Luck!

 

[gatlibs]

I, too, like a set off these. I fortunately was able to get a set of new old stock Craftsman a few years ago. I'm not sure why threads have become more commentary replies than informative replies.
I like the questioner prefer six point wrenches. I further uniquely want wrenches made in U.S.A. That too is okay to desire and ask for assistance finding.
It may be easier to achieve buying double sided open ends and a separate set or sets for 6 point boxed ends. Flare nut wrenches would be a middle ground that would not fully function as open nor 6 point box.

 

[Wamsutta]

I've never needed a 6 point box end wrench except for brake bleeders.

 

[pstemari]

...
What are the disadvantages of black oxide?

Rust. You have to keep them waxed or oiled, otherwise they can rust over time. The black oxide helps hold the oil, but it doesn't directly block rust—in fact, it's really just a different form of rust that doesn't flake off. Black oxide is iron (II,III) oxide, aka magnetite, regular rust is hydrated iron (III) oxide.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[PretendMechanic]

How good/bad are old stock Craftsman USA? Don't understand the prices they're commanding on ebay :S.

Does anyone know who manufactured them for Craftsman?

Found a few sets. Don't think they're worth it.

 

[seanb02]

Go SK if you are okay with full polish wrenches. You won't regret it. They fit all your categories aside from satin finish.

I have both Wright Grip and SK. My next set will be Snap-on sometime in the future, but honestly have no complaints about what I currently have.

 

[nbpt100]

go sk if you are okay with full polish wrenches. You won't regret it. They fit all your categories aside from satin finish.

I have both wright grip and sk. My next set will be snap-on sometime in the future, but honestly have no complaints about what i currently have.

+1 sk