Need 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 MM wrenches. What are you using?

[ForrestT]

I’d like to round out the larger size metric combo wrenches. I’ve looked on eBay for USA made options, I’ve looked at HF Icon, I’m not a pro mechanic and don’t need tool truck expensive options. Tekton? Capri? Auto stores are all gear wrench China clones or made in India. Thoughts? Suggestions? Options I’m not considering?

 

[Callelle]

I have the Icons and use the 21, 22, and 24 frequently working on HD Diesels. They're not bad and do the job. I am upgrading to Mac Precision Torques soon, mostly because that's what I have for 6-19.

 

[boom_bap]

I've got the Icon in SAE 1inch - 1-1/4 inch. There huge hah, but they're Infar so known decent Taiwanese quality. The metric ones are on my list too. If you wait until this weekend you can get 10% off. Of course if you plan for holidays you can sometimes get 20/25%.

 

[bb29510]

mine are old craftman

 

[WWheeler]

Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'll just regurgitate a recent post of mine on a different thread

I've been (ab)using GearWrench's 44pc set (25 metric 6mm-32mm & 19 SAE 1/4"-1-1/2") of long pattern 12pt wrenches for almost 6 years now and I'm very happy with them. Haven't seen (m)any sets this comprehensive with so few skips as this for anywhere near this price.

MalWart: GearWrench 81919 44 Pc. 12 Point Sae/metric Long Pattern Combination Wrench Set
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H2W7LVK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wrenchr]

Buy 2nd hand save some money.

 

[Odd-job]

Not a pro mechanic either. Went with the Icons as well for both Metric and SAE as well. The sets with the large(r) sizes compliment nicely existing 8-19mm and 1/4-1 inch wrench sets more than anything.

 

[matthew]

I suspect you’ve have a hard time finding those sizes used. For a home mechanic you’d have a hard time finding better buys than these:

KD Tools 63620 20mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USA

KD Tools 63620 20mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USA Features: 10-1/4" Long Modified Drive box end for maximum torque with less chance for fastener rounding. Nickel-chrome finish provides lifetime corrosion resistance. Satin finish provides greater comfort and less chance for slippage.

www.cripedistributing.com

Gearwrench 81678 21MM Long Pattern Combination Wrench

Gearwrench 21mm Long Pattern Combination Non-Ratcheting Wrench 81678Length about 11-3/4" overallEnhanced open end design with Surface Drive Technology that prevents fastener rounding Delivers up to 25% more torque Non ratcheting offset box end Size stamped on both sides for easy identification

www.cripedistributing.com

Kobalt 23435 22mm Combination Wrench 12 Point USA

Kobalt 23435 22mm Combination Wrench 12 Point USA Features: Lifetime "hassle-free" guarantee Drop forged and through hardened alloy is stronger, tougher and lasts longer 15 degree offset handle offers better knuckle clearance Made in the USA kuna frt of 42 bins If you are on our eBay store, and...

www.cripedistributing.com

KD Tools 63623 23mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USA

KD Tools 63623 23mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USAFEATURES: 12-1/8" LONGMODIFIED DRIVE BOX END FOR MAXIMUM TORQUE WITH LESS CHANCE FOR FASTENER ROUNDING.NICKEL-CHROME FINISH PROVIDES LIFETIME CORROSION RESISTANCE.SATIN FINISH PROVIDES GREATER COMFORT AND LESS CHANCE FOR SLIPPAGE.

www.cripedistributing.com

Kobalt 23437 24mm Combination Wrench 12pt USA

Kobalt 23437 24mm Combination Wrench 12pt USA Made in USA 15 degree offset handle offers better knuckle clearance Overall length approximately 12-3/4"

www.cripedistributing.com

 

[wrenchr]

I suspect you’ve have a hard time finding those sizes used. For a home mechanic you’d have a hard time finding better buys than these:

KD Tools 63620 20mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USA

KD Tools 63620 20mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USA Features: 10-1/4" Long Modified Drive box end for maximum torque with less chance for fastener rounding. Nickel-chrome finish provides lifetime corrosion resistance. Satin finish provides greater comfort and less chance for slippage.

www.cripedistributing.com

Gearwrench 81678 21MM Long Pattern Combination Wrench

Gearwrench 21mm Long Pattern Combination Non-Ratcheting Wrench 81678Length about 11-3/4" overallEnhanced open end design with Surface Drive Technology that prevents fastener rounding Delivers up to 25% more torque Non ratcheting offset box end Size stamped on both sides for easy identification

www.cripedistributing.com

Kobalt 23435 22mm Combination Wrench 12 Point USA

Kobalt 23435 22mm Combination Wrench 12 Point USA Features: Lifetime "hassle-free" guarantee Drop forged and through hardened alloy is stronger, tougher and lasts longer 15 degree offset handle offers better knuckle clearance Made in the USA kuna frt of 42 bins If you are on our eBay store, and...

www.cripedistributing.com

KD Tools 63623 23mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USA

KD Tools 63623 23mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USAFEATURES: 12-1/8" LONGMODIFIED DRIVE BOX END FOR MAXIMUM TORQUE WITH LESS CHANCE FOR FASTENER ROUNDING.NICKEL-CHROME FINISH PROVIDES LIFETIME CORROSION RESISTANCE.SATIN FINISH PROVIDES GREATER COMFORT AND LESS CHANCE FOR SLIPPAGE.

www.cripedistributing.com

Kobalt 23437 24mm Combination Wrench 12pt USA

Kobalt 23437 24mm Combination Wrench 12pt USA Made in USA 15 degree offset handle offers better knuckle clearance Overall length approximately 12-3/4"

www.cripedistributing.com

Yah gonna be hard to beat that price.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

The first place I’d check is pawn shops and yard/estate sales I’ve cleaned many out of old wrenches. That’s if they are not crazy priced of course. Tekton and Capri are always nice options. I’ll be honest I have a lot of auto parts store wrenches from all 4 major auto parts stores (Napa, Advance Auto, O’Reilly and Auto Zone) and I’ve used them professionally no problem. I’m actually a big fan of the Diehard wrenches from Advance they are pretty nice. Napa is definitely a good one too. Also look at Wright which is one many people forget about. If you aren’t using them professionally I don’t see a reason to spend big bucks. However I would avoid the Pittsburgh line at HF their wrenches are bad about flexing and bending. And the jaws spreading. The Icon I don’t have an opinion of as I haven’t used their wrenches. But I don’t think you can go wrong with most of the options listed here. At home I’ve got a mix of whatever KD, Armstrong, Williams, Proto, Tekton, Craftsman, whatever is cheap at the pawn shop lol. At work it’s Snap-on up to 24 and then a Tekton 27. But of course you don’t need Snap-on though they are nice. What i would do is get Tekton or Capri from their websites so you get points towards future purchases.

 

[Schurkey]

I got my larger metric wrenches, and fill-ins for a "second set", from Cripe. Mix of Bonney, Kobalt, Armstrong, maybe a Williams. Their stock changes, what was available when I bought may not be available now. Make 'em give you a combined shipping price; individual shipping prices are high if added together.

Armstrong 56-420 20mm Combo Wrench 12pt. 11" Long Satin Made USA

Armstrong 56-420 20mm Combo Wrench 12pt. 11" Long Satin Made USA Box ends incorporate a radius corner design that engages the flats of the fastener, not the corners, providing up to 15% -20% more torque while reducing fastener rounding, enhancing the turning of wor Box ends are offset a true...

www.cripedistributing.com

Gearwrench 81678 21MM Long Pattern Combination Wrench

Gearwrench 21mm Long Pattern Combination Non-Ratcheting Wrench 81678Length about 11-3/4" overallEnhanced open end design with Surface Drive Technology that prevents fastener rounding Delivers up to 25% more torque Non ratcheting offset box end Size stamped on both sides for easy identification

www.cripedistributing.com

(The Gearwrench is imported.)

Kobalt 23435 22mm Combination Wrench 12 Point USA

Kobalt 23435 22mm Combination Wrench 12 Point USA Features: Lifetime "hassle-free" guarantee Drop forged and through hardened alloy is stronger, tougher and lasts longer 15 degree offset handle offers better knuckle clearance Made in the USA kuna frt of 42 bins If you are on our eBay store, and...

www.cripedistributing.com

KD Tools 63623 23mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USA

KD Tools 63623 23mm 12 Point Combination Wrench USAFEATURES: 12-1/8" LONGMODIFIED DRIVE BOX END FOR MAXIMUM TORQUE WITH LESS CHANCE FOR FASTENER ROUNDING.NICKEL-CHROME FINISH PROVIDES LIFETIME CORROSION RESISTANCE.SATIN FINISH PROVIDES GREATER COMFORT AND LESS CHANCE FOR SLIPPAGE.

www.cripedistributing.com

Kobalt 23437 24mm Combination Wrench 12pt USA

Kobalt 23437 24mm Combination Wrench 12pt USA Made in USA 15 degree offset handle offers better knuckle clearance Overall length approximately 12-3/4"

www.cripedistributing.com

 

[Fedwrench]

Cripe distributing on ebay is the way to go. Those old school full polished KD combination wrenches are one of the best combination wrenches ever made. Be sure to put all of the wrenches in your cart and request a consolidated invoice to reduce shipping costs.

 

[Odd-job]

Yah gonna be hard to beat that price.

+1 for the cripe recommendations. Wouldn't have bought the Icons. Shipping is probably going to be more than the wrenches, but don't let that deter you from a good deal.

 

[Dave455]

To answer the question, in the larger metric sizes I predominantly use these Stahlwille No.23 “Corona” wrenches. Lovely tools. They have lasted well, very durable finish.


I also have a lot of these Hazet 600N combination wrenches. Again, lovely durable tools and no complaints, but I seldom need the open ends, so the Stahlwille’s remain my “go to”.


Some thoughts - I’m in the U.K. so these German tools are. very definitely “mid price” for me. More expensive than Taiwanese tools, but nowhere near Snap On money. Your “mid price” options may be different.

Bigger wrenches just don’t seem to wear the same way that smaller ones do, so while there’s every argument for having the best you can afford in the smaller sizes, you can go for something less costly in the larger ones without many compromises.

Buying used can be a good option. The larger sizes are costly new, don’t hold their value, but are seldom very worn. The downside that I find in the U.K. is that most used wrenches are in SAE sizes. I suspect the U.S. is similar.

Consider carefully the sizes you are buying. Some of the sizes you list (e.g 20mm) are not used by any standard. If you buy a wrench this size, I can pretty much guarantee you will never use it. You might be better off buying the popular sizes - 21, 22, 24, then adding a couple bigger still that you will actually use - say 27 and 30?

I don’t own any wrenches in non standard sizes and have never needed one. Only 20mm I ever encountered was on an adjustable reamer, and I used my pliers wrench!

 

[jsmeece]

I have one of those older Kobalt wrenches bought from Cripe, I "believe" they were made by Danaher and are the same as the Allen Brand satin finished combo wrenches just stamped with the Kobalt logo. Good USA made wrenches.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Home gamer I have 10mm to 22mm set. Have used 22mm but nothing larger on vehicles. Sockets and adjustable wrench for larger if 27mm socket is not enough. HF Icon appears reasonable, I am fortunate to have SO set.

 

[lardy1]

If you're willing to deviate from combination wrenches, Double box end wrenches are pretty readily available and if you consider the two sizes per unit, it is even more reasonable. If you need the open end.............never mind.

 

[JradM]

Tekton makes nice wrenches in large sizes. Well finished.

Personally I have a mix - just kept an eye open for deals on sizes I didn't have yet. Mine are mostly Tekton, Proto and Westward. I have 6-32mm without skips, then a bunch of sizes up to 50mm. Maybe someday I will complete the whole set.

Between that metric set and my large standard wrenches I'm pretty well covered already, but I've been picking up odd large-size wrenches for the past 5 years.

 

[Daytonaer]

The cripe option is fun, get the wrenches and by lots of other "add ons" for great prices as you are already paying shipping.

After using a cresent wrench in Honda cams (23mm) I bought an assortment of "Ash" brand from Amazon japan, same deal get a bunch of stuff to justify the shipping. The yen/USD is still favorable. I haven't beat on them yet but they seem like they are high quality.

21 mms "strong"

 

[m6z]

Cripe's if you're looking for a deal and dont' care about a matching set.

Carlyle from NAPA is another good option. Pricy, sales and coupons are pretty frequent though. I've got a set of their long pattern wrenches with the anti-slip open ends.

 

[jsmeece]

Carlyle from NAPA is another good option. Pricy, sales and coupons are pretty frequent though. I've got a set of their long pattern wrenches with the anti-slip open ends.

I have some Channellock combination wrenches that have that same anti-slip open end design, and they were much cheaper than the Carlyle. I am not certain but I "believe" they may be made by the same company in Taiwan. Just my opinion.

All of my Carlyle wrenches are 6 point and they don't have that anti-slip design, which I really didn't want on the 6 point wrenches anyway. Nonetheless, the Carlyle wrenches are quite good, but for the price they are now, I would look else where.

 

[DAustin]

Toptul, they are made in Taiwan but they seem to be good wrenches and the price is right.

Buy TOPTUL Hi-Performance Combo Wrench - METRIC AAEX

cryertool.com

 

[FSUwelder1212]

Mine are snap ons but I couldn’t justify the price for larger SAE sizes so for those I went Proto. I love the Proto wrenches they are just as good and in some ways better than my snap ons at a much better price.

 

[ThePostman]

Just straight up big combos, and you want to buy new, you can't go wrong with Proto. I have put the 1 1/4"/32mm through the wringer.

 

[ForrestT]

Guys, how are toptul’s combo wrenches? I will go with those, Cripe’s offerings or flea Market if I can pick them up there when I see them.

 

[Jtels85]

I have Craftsman USA wrenches in 20mm-24mm.

One of our heavy equipment techs at work using Pittsburgh wrenches in those sizes. I found that interesting and asked… he said “they do the job, never broke one”.

 

[tamaraw]

20mm and 23mm are pretty uncommon sizes, so if this is for home/hobby work, I would probably skip those combination wrenches unless you already have an application in mind or just have plenty of drawer space.

In fact, lots of major manufacturers (ex: Hazet, Stahlwille, KTC/Nepros, etc.) will only offer them in their basic wrench lineup and then skip 20 and/or 23 in their other wrench lines.

If you are really set on a "full collection" and want USA, Proto are a solid option and reasonably affordable, especially after a 20% off coupon on zoro.com. But there are plenty of other cheaper options posted above that would probably work just fine as well.

 

[dnschmidt]

Guys, how are toptul’s combo wrenches? I will go with those, Cripe’s offerings or flea Market if I can pick them up there when I see them.

Awesome! I sold them for four years and never had a complaint. I always loved it when somebody bought one set because I knew they were coming back for more. The Super-Torque and the High-Performance use Stahlwille's offset open end head which I really like for additional clearance. I sold at least 100 of the extra-long combination wrench sets. Couldn't keep those bad boys in stock. https://www.toptul.com/en/product-520199/15°-Offset-Extra-Long-Combination-Wrench-Set-TRAY.html

 

[ForrestT]

Awesome! I sold them for four years and never had a complaint. I always loved it when somebody bought one set because I knew they were coming back for more. The Super-Torque and the High-Performance use Stahlwille's offset open end head which I really like for additional clearance. I sold at least 100 of the extra-long combination wrench sets. Couldn't keep those bad boys in stock. https://www.toptul.com/en/product-520199/15°-Offset-Extra-Long-Combination-Wrench-Set-TRAY.html

I was hoping you’d chime in with your experience, Denny.

 

[Wrench97]

I can't remember the last time I actually used a 20mm.
I do use 21, 22, and 24 all the time, though a lot guys use a 15/16" in place of the 24............................

 

[619DioFan]

mine are old craftman

Same here. all mine are older usa craftsman up to the biggest ones they sold back then in metric and standard.

 

[JradM]

I mentioned Tekton earlier, but since you're asking about Toptul combination wrenches - I like them too. I don't have any in "plus" sizes to compare though. I presume they're finished like my "regular size" wrenches in which case they should be excellent.

 

[DAustin]

I've got their wrenches up to 22mm and they work fine.

 

[bb29510]

why dont people just buy craftsman?

 

[cgrutt]

^^^ stopped buying Craftsman after a universal joint exploded (under hand pressure) and a piece of chrome nearly took out my best friend's eye. Could of been any brand but it happened to be Craftsman stopped buying and haven't looked back. That was when they were Made in USA too...

 

[Fedwrench]

why dont people just buy craftsman?

Because Craftsman *****

 

[matthew]

why dont people just buy craftsman?

My Lowe’s store had a clearance set of 4 or 5 pieces of large Craftsman wrenches recently. They wanted way more than $3-4 per piece, even at clearance prices.

I bought a number of wrenches years ago from Cripe, before shipping went up so much. I will likely never use my 20 or 23, but they were affordable enough. Toptul would probably be a nicer finish, but even if mine are mismatched brands and finishes they’re quite serviceable.

 

[dnschmidt]

I can't remember the last time I actually used a 20mm.
I do use 21, 22, and 24 all the time, though a lot guys use a 15/16" in place of the 24............................

The only 20mm nut I've ever seen was on the fuel filter of my 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. Never seen one an anything else ever.

 

[dnschmidt]

Because Craftsman *****

Just telling it like it is Fed. Hey, we need to go to Spinato's for Lunch. They are only open for lunch on Friday's now so it would have to be on a Friday. My treat. Let me know Harry.

 

[DAustin]

Just telling it like it is Fed. Hey, we need to go to Spinato's for Lunch. They are only open for lunch on Friday's now so it would have to be on a Friday. My treat. Let me know Harry.

It would be a bit of a drive for me, but if you're buying.