Need a set of long wrenches - 15 degree or zero offset?

Hagatronics · Oct 29, 2019

Hi All

I'd like to hear some opinions on what would be a better next investment. I'm doing some chassis tear downs and refurb of a few hobby race cars for me and buddies and want some longer wrenches for suspension, subframes etc.

I currently have the following SnapOn sets:
- Standard handle combo wrench with 15 degree offset (OEXM 10 - 27mm)
- Standard handle double box end 10 degree offset (XBM 10 - 19mm)
- Standard handle reversible combination wrench 15 degree offset (SOXRRM 10 - 19mm)
- some midgets, older non-reversibles (RMB series) etc, flare nuts etc.
(photo below, with most of my kit excepts the midgets, reversibles and flare nut)

I'm thinking that I don't have any zero offsets so might add them for the longer wrenches but don't want to get the zero's, hate them and end up using the standard length DBE's anyway.

Comments from the pro's?

Jason280 · Oct 30, 2019

I prefer the 0* offset, especially for the longer wrenches. In fact, I find that I use a set of Gearwrench 0* double box wrenches more than any other wrench.

Wamsutta · Oct 30, 2019

The zero offset high performance double box wrenches are very useful. Sometimes you don't have the clearance for an offset.

nieuport17 · Oct 30, 2019

Get both ?

1320 · Oct 30, 2019

I have Snap-on OEXLMs and Gearwrench XL 120 XPs and I don't remember the last time I used the OEXLMs.

nicks78camaro · Oct 30, 2019

I've been saying it would be interesting if a quality tool manufacturer made a double box wrench, same size on both ends, one side zero offset and one side 15 degree offset.

Wood_Guy · Oct 30, 2019

Hagatronics said:
I currently have the following SnapOn sets:
- Standard handle combo wrench with 15 degree offset (OEXM 10 - 27mm)
- Standard handle double box end 10 degree offset (XBM 10 - 19mm)
- Standard handle reversible combination wrench 15 degree offset (SOXRRM 10 - 19mm)

I'm thinking that I don't have any zero offsets so might add them for the longer wrenches but don't want to get the zero's, hate them and end up using the standard length DBE's anyway.

Comments from the pro's?

I also have the standard non-flank drive plus OEXM wrenches from 10-24mm, and ratcheting SOXRRM from 8-19mm. I rarely reach for either for normal work. (I mostly reach for the ratcheting wrench when I want a ratcheting wrench. I rarely use or need open ends)

I use my XBM wrenches from 10-32mm OFTEN. I find it's one of my favorite wrenches.

That being said, the more I reach for my long high performance ratcheting wrenches (XDLRM 8-19mm) the more I find I love that set, and reach for it before anything else. I liked them so much, I also bought the regular non-ratcheting version so I have a second wrench if I need it (10-20mm).

Mr_B · Oct 30, 2019

long good quality aviation wrench set, job jobbed .

Yarpo · Oct 30, 2019

Jason280 said:
I prefer the 0* offset, especially for the longer wrenches. In fact, I find that I use a set of Gearwrench 0* double box wrenches more than any other wrench.

Seconded. I reach for my 0* Gearwrench DBE wrenches first almost every time. Used them just yesterday on some massive caliper bracket bolts (22mm?)

bonneyman · Oct 30, 2019

nicks78camaro said:
I've been saying it would be interesting if a quality tool manufacturer made a double box wrench, same size on both ends, one side zero offset and one side 15 degree offset.

Like the old Bonney single offset DBE's? :thumbup:

tarbellb · Oct 30, 2019

Also the GW XL combo ratcheting spline drive.

Fedwrench · Oct 30, 2019

I would recommend the extra long zero offset boxed end wrenches. Long reach, extra torque. I would go a step further and consider the Gearwrench Gearbox type that are extra long with a fixed boxed end on one side and a fine tooth ratcheting boxed end on the other side. It speeds thing on and off pretty well :beer:

2ndGearRubber · Oct 30, 2019

Gearwrench XL - long 12 point zero offset. I don't care for spline drive, so I haven't bothered with the newest version. I love mt XLs and use them all the time.

oldschoolcraft · Oct 31, 2019

I’ve been looking for a set of high quality long (even extra long) DBE 0 degree offset wrenches with no ratchet and struggled to find any. In both metric and SAE.

Snap on XDF line isn’t much longer than my Proto t500 combination wrenches and unless the DBE are actually appreciably longer, it doesn’t seem worthwhile for me to buy “long” DBE

dnschmidt · Oct 31, 2019

Depends on your definition of long. For a normal long combination wrench the 15 degree is required in my opinion. For the really long DBE's zero is required as an offset over the 14-18 inches long these typically are becomes excessive.

pennsylvaniaboy · Oct 31, 2019

sorta on this same topic any thoughts on these?

https://www.amazon.com/ATD-Tools-99750-4-Piece-Ratcheting/dp/B007SM3TP6/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2/137-6705051-6531834?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007SM3TP6&pd_rd_r=1d2661c7-e217-4e27-9c69-775b739b7682&pd_rd_w=k9dnq&pd_rd_wg=eBzDB&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=J844P73AH71TG2SJTMH8&psc=1&refRID=J844P73AH71TG2SJTMH8

2ndGearRubber · Oct 31, 2019

pennsylvaniaboy said:
sorta on this same topic any thoughts on these?

https://www.amazon.com/ATD-Tools-99750-4-Piece-Ratcheting/dp/B007SM3TP6/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2/137-6705051-6531834?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007SM3TP6&pd_rd_r=1d2661c7-e217-4e27-9c69-775b739b7682&pd_rd_w=k9dnq&pd_rd_wg=eBzDB&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=J844P73AH71TG2SJTMH8&psc=1&refRID=J844P73AH71TG2SJTMH8

Very useful in metric, not so much SAE. :bounce:

I like them for engine bay stuff.

Yarpo · Oct 31, 2019

oldschoolcraft said:
I’ve been looking for a set of high quality long (even extra long) DBE 0 degree offset wrenches with no ratchet and struggled to find any. In both metric and SAE.

Snap on XDF line isn’t much longer than my Proto t500 combination wrenches and unless the DBE are actually appreciably longer, it doesn’t seem worthwhile for me to buy “long” DBE

Why do you want it without the ratchet end? You don't have to use it, and it's there if you want it

oldschoolcraft · Oct 31, 2019

Yarpo said:
Why do you want it without the ratchet end? You don't have to use it, and it's there if you want it

Because I’m not a professional and I’d need twice as many wrenches this way compared to DBE with a different size on each end. I value my storage space more than my time when it comes to working on stuff because I spent maybe 40 hours a year total working with tools but 100% of my life living in a cluttered small home with too much ****.

Wamsutta · Oct 31, 2019

Here we go. The cost of these two sets is what I pay in property tax every year. The Snap-on wrenches are tangible. The property tax is most definitely not something that I can touch. One is a good investment. The other is money out the window.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Rat...formance-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set/XDLRM705K1

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Rat...formance-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set/XDLRM705K2

Hagatronics · Nov 1, 2019

Wamsutta said:
Here we go. The cost of these two sets is what I pay in property tax every year. The Snap-on wrenches are tangible. The property tax is most definitely not something that I can touch. One is a good investment. The other is money out the window.

I really like this logic. I'm definitely leaning towards these but only 14-19mm. I don't need high-leverage wrenches for small fasteners

joel63 · Nov 1, 2019

Wamsutta said:
Here we go. The cost of these two sets is what I pay in property tax every year. The Snap-on wrenches are tangible. The property tax is most definitely not something that I can touch. One is a good investment. The other is money out the window.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Rat...formance-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set/XDLRM705K1

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Rat...formance-Ratcheting-Box-Wrench-Set/XDLRM705K2

What's the difference between these 2 wrench sets? :headscrat

Wood_Guy · Nov 1, 2019

joel63 said:
What's the difference between these 2 wrench sets?

One is 10, 13, 15, 17 and 19 mm
One is 11, 12, 14, 16 and 18 mm

The set is so expensive it requires being split in two.

Add 8 and 9mm to it like I did, and you've really got something in wrenches though. Love em.

Most people could probably get away with an equal set in Gearwrench.

joel63 · Nov 1, 2019

Wood_Guy said:
One is 10, 13, 15, 17 and 19 mm
One is 11, 12, 14, 16 and 18 mm

The set is so expensive it requires being split in two.

Add 8 and 9mm to it like I did, and you've really got something in wrenches though. Love em.

Most people could probably get away with an equal set in Gearwrench.

Thanks, I missed the different size differences. :thumbup:

I have some of those that I bought separately: 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15.
I need to get the 17 and the 19.

pennsylvaniaboy · Nov 1, 2019

2ndGearRubber said:
Very useful in metric, not so much SAE.

I like them for engine bay stuff.

why do you say that?

Need a set of long wrenches - 15 degree or zero offset?

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