Do We Need Both Double Open End and Angle Open End?

[Joe Piro]

Please share your opinions about this:
If you have a complete set of 4-way, angled open end wrenches (same size on both ends) to reach around obstructions, do you also need a set of double open end wrenches which usually have different sizes on each end but usually only 15 degree angles? I mostly use metric but also need SAE.
The angle wrenches might be slightly more awkward to use when they are not absolutely essential, but it seems to me you don't really need both kinds. Thanks for your opinions.... here's photos typical of each. The angles vary from one manufacturer to another: FACOM is 15-75 degrees; Proto is 15-60 degrees, Tekton is 30-60 degrees, and Snap-on is 30-60 degrees, I appreciate your opinions as I am re-building my tool inventory after a loss and I never gave this much thought before. I don't need either one very often so I might even shop flea markets or garage sales for these, although... BTW...Tekton indicates that this is one of their few wrenches still made in the USA.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Depending on your line of work, aggravation threshold/tolerance, and budget - angle wrenches may or may not be required. I do all makes/models automotive, and 30/60 angle wrenches are 100% required and not optional IMO. My angle wrenches are 8-19mm from snap on, with tekton for 21/22/24/27. Each profile has its advantages, and I've cursed myself for not having a full set of both brands in the past. Such is life. But when you're trying to get clever with a repair process, or you are required to because the car can't survive disassembly in the traditional process, 30/60 wrenches are very nice.

Double open end wrenches typically share the same 15 degree offset as a combo wrench, right? The only place I find value in double open ends is for use on machinery. In such cases, like a brake lathe, 2 DOE wrenches are typically supplied with the unit and between those two wrenches you can do basically everything required for basic operation and service. Swapping bits, operating the chuck(s), shaft nuts, etc. If all of my combos come with a 15 degree open end, I'm unlikely to spend money on DOE.

 

[Tools4Me]

I agree with 2ndGearRubber. Double open end wrenches are redundant for the most part, because they are still 15 degree heads. Their only advantage is that they are often shorter than long pattern wrenches, but if you already have a set of regular length combo wrenches or a set of stubby combo wrenches, a set of double open end wrenches will do nothing to increase your overall capability.

30/60 angle wrenches do give you extra options when you are trying to loosen a bolt in a tight area that only allows for an open end wrench, but they are more of a "buy them later on if you feel the need after you already have a good selection of general use tools" type tool.

 

[Joe Piro]

Double open end wrenches typically share the same 15 degree offset as a combo wrench, right?

Double open end wrenches are redundant for the most part, because they are still 15 degree heads.

Thanks for pointing out about 15 degree combination wrenches. I do have a couple of sets (like combo's and also ratchet combos) and I have stubbies, so (you're right ) I don't really need additional 15 degree open ends. Nevertheless I am reminded of what GJ veterans have posted before. Excuse my poor paraphrasing, but "if it's a tool then you need it" or something like that.
However I am 74 years old and frankly I am just trying to make everything easier from here on out, so I would rather have a reasonable quality set on hand when I need it instead of having to stop work and go buy something. "Better to have and not need than to need and not have." I'll pay for them with my social security check.... no kid in college expenses, etc. (LOL)
So now my question is almost moot... Will the angle wrenches also do everything the 15 degree wrenches will do, and although I think the answer is obvious, I'm always interested in GJ opinions and besides I'm wrong about something almost every day!

 

[plinker]

Some angle wrenches are 30*x60* (Snap-on and a couple others, IIRC), I never really had much issue with the 15*x60* wrenches I have when working on hydraulic lines/hoses. I sometimes would use a crowfoot at a 90* angle if need be (sometimes it worked better). There were times when having the 15* on the angle wrench would keep me from having to switch wrenches from angle to combo and back again when dealing with limited access, kind of an exception to the rule I suppose.

For automotive I do still use them on occasion, usually on brake lines and such. I've not really had much use for DOE wrenches in general as they typically are kinda short (angle wrenches really arent much longer though). It would be somewhat redundant have DBE's and angles I think. I usually have two sets of combo wrenches of one form or another on hand, so using two open ends isnt any trouble there.

FWIW , you could do a lot with one set of long combos, angle & say 75* offset box wrenches.

 

[Jswain]

If you have a torch and or a welder they can become any angle you want. Of course if it was my bread and butter then a set would be very nice

 

[619DioFan]

In a spare tool box I have a drawer of older , lesser quality wrenches that I bend , cut , weld to make to make different angled wrenches depending on the task at hand. just a DIYer.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I only own combination wrenches, but I am looking for some reasonably priced long pattern double is end. Craftsman no longer carries DBE.

 

[bassJAM]

I've never owned anything but combination wrenches and double end box wrenches and doing 95% of the work on my own vehicles for 23 years I've never needed more.

Now last month my FIL gave me both an SAE and metric set of double open end wrenches. The SAE is older Craftsman and the metric set is Herbrand, which I'm not familiar with. Who knows if I'll use them, but I guess they're nice to have around.

 

[bwringer]

I think they're most useful when dealing with hydraulic fittings. There are some truly bizarre configurations out there where you'll need that weird angle to reach and turn a fitting buried in an awkward location.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'm always interested in GJ opinions...

I know that others prize efficiency, but I have always been in "the more (angles, and wrenches) the merrier" club! And in that club, you can never have enough wrenches with 15* (engineers), 22-1/2* (machinery, tappet), 60* (ignition, electrical, obstruction), 75* (ignition, electrical, obstruction) or 90* (obstruction) angles.

 

[Zewnten]

Have both, 30/60 and double open end but the double open end are both anti-slip open end from channellock. The small, under 3/4 or 19mm, 30/60 are also anti-slip by SO

 

[Joe Piro]

a torch and or a welder they can become any angle you want.

Yup ! I've done that a few times in my life.

you could do a lot with one set of long combos, angle & say 75* offset box wrenches.

Your experience is starting to clarify what I think I need myself. You guys are very helpful.... except for the fact that under your influence I'm starting to think I should just get 'em all and always have what I need. However I'm trying to be a little more thrifty.

 

[BukitCase]

I think they're most useful when dealing with hydraulic fittings.

Couldn't agree more; I have 2 45 horse tractors, an old Case 580B, a 6 yd dump truck, and a couple manlifts - the hoe and tractors SORTA work, the rest is still in "project" mode - it doesn't seem to matter how many choices you have for angles, thickness, etc, it's never enough. I have normal combos, gear wrenches, thin double open, long combos, flex sockets, flex ratchets, crowfoots, etc; all go up to over 2", and I STILL occasionally have to jury rig something to do a hydraulic job.

Too bad Yuri Geller wasn't my dad, mind control might help :=) ... Steve

 

[Ton ton]

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[Ton ton]

Please share your opinions about this:
If you have a complete set of 4-way, angled open end wrenches (same size on both ends) to reach around obstructions, do you also need a set of double open end wrenches which usually have different sizes on each end but usually only 15 degree angles? I mostly use metric but also need SAE.
The angle wrenches might be slightly more awkward to use when they are not absolutely essential, but it seems to me you don't really need both kinds. Thanks for your opinions.... here's photos typical of each. The angles vary from one manufacturer to another: FACOM is 15-75 degrees; Proto is 15-60 degrees, Tekton is 30-60 degrees, and Snap-on is 30-60 degrees, I appreciate your opinions as I am re-building my tool inventory after a loss and I never gave this much thought before. I don't need either one very often so I might even shop flea markets or garage sales for these, although... BTW...Tekton indicates that this is one of their few wrenches still made in the USA.

Thanks for sharing your insight on double open end wrenches.

 

[joel63]

I feel the same way as Lugz post #11.
I don't know if they are "needed", but I feel that if DOE'S are made, they are needed.
They are still being sold, right?
I have them all, albeit, the DOE's were the last ones that I purchased. I thought I was missing something if I didn't have any. Same situation with S's and Half-moons.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I work on hydraulic so I use the angle wrenches

for a double open end set I’d be getting the thin wrenches that are good for jam nuts and similar

normal DOE, not much call of it for my work.

 

[cherrybomb]

Depending on what you work on,you probably don't need complete sets of both.I have Proto,which are 15-60,only in 7/16,1/2,9/16 to work on my old cub cadet.I'm thinking about a Snappy 30-60 in just 7/16 for the carb bolts.But on jam nuts,what works for me are doe's from the Stahwille catalog,they are quite a bit thinner.Excellent.Try Blatterkatalog.

 

[2oolhound]

I've always thought of DOEs more often usable than 30/60 but I've also always considered 30/60 indispensable so I went after 30/60s and just use 2 combos instead of using DOEs. That said several sets of DOEs have found their way into my tool boxes real cheap from the used market. However combos and 30/60s are the prominent ones in my tool box along with stubbies, ratcheting, DBEs (cranked). The DOEs are kept in a less accessible box and don't see much use. They are among the last type of wrench I'd seek out to buy.

 

[KnurledNut]

However I'm trying to be a little more thrifty.

Ummm yeahhh...you might as well go ahead and give up on that idea...

 

[cliftonbros89]

Angle wrenches have been a huge help for me for hydraulic fittings. I’d take angle over DOE any day for that.

I only have a few sizes that I’ve randomly picked up in DOE. That’s only for places where I could possibly need two of the same size open end at the same time. But I also have two sets of combination wrenches in the box too. So typically a DOE has just been handy just for the fact that they’re shorter than my combination wrenches.

Overall I wouldn’t need DOE by any means. I could only see DOE being handy if you had DBE as well. I’ve never felt a need for those either as a combination seems to be better.

 

[johninct]

You need both to get 6 different angles.