Wrench Beam Thickness?

glowedroid · Jan 2, 2014

Hi all,

I am about to purchase a new wrench set and have a couple questions.

Here are what I am considering:

1. New SK Superkrome Long Pattern Wrenches
2. Used Snap on Flank Drive Plus wrenches.

Trying to decide between the two and my MAIN concern is the thickness of the beam and some other dimensions. I've read the SK LP Wrenches are basically the same length as tool truck standard. I found an oldish 5/8 snap on full polish wrench while cleaning out the in-laws garage and have heard the beam on Snap-On hurts some people's hands and I could see how that could happen, given the sharp corners. From pictures, the SK wrench looks like it has a nice comfortable beam, but I'm not sure.

On the other hand, the reason I'm considering used snap-on is that the box end of the SK looks a little beefy. Has anyone encountered a real issue with their SK wrenches and the box end becoming a problem?

If anyone has a second to snap some pictures of their SK or Snap-On, I would really appreciate that! Specifically showing beam thickness comparisons and box end comparisons.

I don't do professional work so I'm not as interested in all the benefits snap on has for someone who uses and abuses tools daily.

d.mcfarland · Jan 2, 2014

If you don't have a driver coming weekly, the SK and SO warranty is the same to you. Mail in.

Dirty Diesels · Jan 2, 2014

I've had a few snap-on wrenches give my thumbs blood blisters in the past on starter motor jobs but they were tight in under the catalytic converter & very awkward to access & that were on 03 plate Renault light commercials tight up to the bulkhead, ok thats going to happen,the last time I did a clutch job on a renault van, I came out looking like a bare knuckle boxer & believe me, it's a sucker when you have to be someones best man at a wedding the next day, but since then I invested in a set of Sykes Pickervant wrenches & never had that problem since, so I would go with the SK wrenches if i were you !

glowedroid · Jan 2, 2014

d.mcfarland said:
If you don't have a driver coming weekly, the SK and SO warranty is the same to you. Mail in.

That's why I'm asking about the dimensions and comfort of the wrenches. Warranties are all the same to me. I really don't think I'll ever break a tool anyways, which is why I'm looking mostly for pure comfort and functionality. If the SK had a thin box end, I'd probably buy them easily, but I'm wondering if the SK box end bulkiness is a problem for anyone.

bahcoswed · Jan 2, 2014

finally someone thinks like me when it comes to wrenches

Look on german made wrenches....stahlwille,hazet,gedore etc! They are much thinner than SO flankdrive plus in both ends, open end are allmost twice the size to a hazet or stahlwille! Bahco are even thinner.

Applesauce · Jan 2, 2014

bahcoswed said:
finally someone thinks like me when it comes to wrenches Look on german made wrenches....stahlwille,hazet,gedore etc! They are much thinner than SO flankdrive plus in both ends, open end are allmost twice the size to a hazet or stahlwille! Bahco are even thinner.

Japanese, too. My Lobster set is quite thin, and yet doesn't worry me. Likewise - and more so - for my Hazets.

CWP1616L · Jan 2, 2014

The SK wrenches have a thicker beam, but the cross section of the beam is still very square with sharp corners. I wouldn't recommend them.

The Snap-on wrenches have a thin beam, but the way they have their beams shaped with the wide thin profile, you can flip the wrench over very quickly in your hand.

The most comfortable wrench on the market right now is the Cornwell combination wrench. The beam has an oval cross section which allows you to pull on the wrench very strongly without hurting your hands. The Cornwell wrench has a nice shape and the overall quality of the Cornwell wrench is excellent.

AV tinker er · Jan 2, 2014

glowedroid said:
Here are what I am considering:

1. New SK Superkrome Long Pattern Wrenches
2. Used Snap on Flank Drive Plus wrenches.
.

Have you checked out armstrong wrenches yet?

glowedroid · Jan 2, 2014

bahcoswed said:
finally someone thinks like me when it comes to wrenches Look on german made wrenches....stahlwille,hazet,gedore etc! They are much thinner than SO flankdrive plus in both ends, open end are allmost twice the size to a hazet or stahlwille! Bahco are even thinner.

Looking at these Stahlwille Combination and i'm liking that ever so slightly recessed box end! I like that I beam design too...

glowedroid · Jan 2, 2014

CWP1616L said:
The most comfortable wrench on the market right now is the Cornwell combination wrench. The beam has an oval cross section which allows you to pull on the wrench very strongly without hurting your hands. The Cornwell wrench has a nice shape and the overall quality of the Cornwell wrench is excellent.

Having a little trouble finding used Cornwell. The stuff on Ebay seems to be a mix match of stuff and not many sets right now. The new stuff is out of my price range.

Good info though!

glowedroid · Jan 2, 2014

AV tinker er said:
Have you checked out armstrong wrenches yet?

Didn't think about it. I'll check it out though. I'm looking for a truck brand length/long pattern length wrench set. Does armstrong offer such?

AV tinker er · Jan 2, 2014

glowedroid said:
Didn't think about it. I'll check it out though. I'm looking for a truck brand length/long pattern length wrench set. Does armstrong offer such?

Armstrong isn't a truck brand, but I think they are every bit as good as SO or MAC. They are made in USA and have a lifetime warranty. Many professional wrench turners have used armstrong daily and are satisfied.

glowedroid · Jan 2, 2014

I think I'm sold on these Stahlwille Series 14. It's got what I'm looking for and even something I didn't consider, that 10 degree offset box. It's considered a long pattern too.

Evan(CA) · Jan 2, 2014

Armstrong long pattern wrenches are very nice and very reasonably priced if you can find a private party selling them. The list price on them is just as high as the truck brands but their resale is much much lower from what I've seen. I got a screaming deal on a brand new 6-30+32 metric set from a GJ member for 200 shipped and couldn't be happier(I definitely owe him one, or several). I've had my eyes peeled for the complete matching SAE set but no luck finding a private party with them for sale yet.

ihateminimumwage · Jan 2, 2014

Because of how uncomfortable the thin beams on my Snap-On wrenches were, I recently sold them and bought a set of SAE Williams Supercombos to match my Metric set. Nice thick rounded beams that taper down to keep the head area clear, same long pattern as Snap-On, and the open ends have notches that work the same as the Flank Drive Plus notches.

Made in the USA by Snap-On, and have the same lifetime mail in warranty.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FHKHSG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The most comfortable wrenches I've used have been between the Williams Super Combos & MAC Knucklesavers.

CWP1616L · Jan 2, 2014

glowedroid said:
Having a little trouble finding used Cornwell.

I missed that part about buying used.

The Cornwell wrenches take some effort to find even when buying new.

Loscaldazar · Jan 2, 2014

I'd get the SK.

I've never had a problem with access. The box end is actually thin, it is just the taper from the beam to the box that is thick and meaty. That taper doesn't get in the way in my experience. I can grab some pictures if you want to take a closer look at them!

CWP1616L · Jan 2, 2014

I forgot about the Williams SuperCombo. That would take care of your concerns about beam thickness completely.

Flash21 · Jan 2, 2014

If you want nice, thick, rounded comfortable beams I recommend: Stahlwille Open-box 14, Hazet 600N, Cornwell, MAC (older ones, USA Knuckle Savers), Facom Series 440/Toptul, Cman Raised Panel, Proto Double Box End wrenches (I recently handled the new ratcheting combos too and they were nice and thick), older SK (I have some vintage ones that are rounded and thick without squared off edges)

I've never looked at the Williams but would trust the guys here if they say they are comfortable.

They all have slightly different features (length, offset) that may make them more or less suited for your application. I know it is hard to try them all but buy the ones that feel the best in the hand.

not-required · Jan 2, 2014

Williams supercombos are very nice.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

ihateminimumwage · Jan 2, 2014

Give me a bit, and I'll get some pics of my new Super Combos to show the beam thickness and open & box ends.

EDIT:

9/16" Super Combo
Almost 9" long

Nice rounded 1/4" beam

Box ends are thin and solid

1" Super Combo
14" Long

Beam is aprox 7/16" thick

Flank Drive Plus style grooves (they grip insanely well)

As I said, I was so happy with my Metric set after beating on them in the truck shop, I was happy to let go of my Snappys and put these in their place.

Skin · Jan 2, 2014

Snap-On wrench beams are not "thin". I have a few sets and they're every bit as comfortable as Cman Pro/Armstrong/Matco. I know for a fact the OEXLs were slimmed down but im largely convinced the claim that Snap-On OEX/SOEX wrenches being called "thin" is a myth and is essentially just parroted by people now who don't actually own any current stock.

When I was doing some wrench comparisons I was surprised to find that quite a few sizes of Armstrong/Matco/Cman Pro etc.. wrench beams are actually physically slimmer than Snap-Ons.

brianpgriset · Jan 2, 2014

Loscaldazar said:
I'd get the SK.

I've never had a problem with access. The box end is actually thin, it is just the taper from the beam to the box that is thick and meaty. That taper doesn't get in the way in my experience. I can grab some pictures if you want to take a closer look at them!

This is the truth. The box end is actually really thin, just a very smooth tapered transition.

I really like my SK sets.

ihateminimumwage · Jan 2, 2014

Skin said:
Snap-On wrench beams are not "thin". I have a few sets and they're every bit as comfortable as Cman Pro/Armstrong/Matco. I know for a fact the OEXLs were slimmed down but im largely convinced the claim that Snap-On OEX/SOEX wrenches being called "thin" is a myth and is essentially just parroted by people now who don't actually own any current stock.

When I was doing some wrench comparisons I was surprised to find that quite a few sizes of Armstrong/Matco/Cman Pro etc.. wrench beams are actually physically slimmer than Snap-Ons.

No argument that the Armstrong/Matco/Cman Pros (also industrials) aren't also thin beamed. I just sold my Snap On set maybe a month ago. The smaller sizes were great, but when fighting 15/16" & 1" fasteners on trucks and equipment, they really cut in and beat the **** out of your hands by the end of the day. It's not a 'myth', just really does make work more uncomfortable for some folks day after day.

nicksnothereman · Jan 2, 2014

d.mcfarland said:
If you don't have a driver coming weekly, the SK and SO warranty is the same to you. Mail in.

Snap on warranty isn't transferable. So...used snap on has no warranty for op unless he can trick them.

But...generally, if you're asking about "beam thickness" you're probably going to want something with a warranty. Either pony up for a truck brand new or a retail brand new. Non-snap on brands are cheaper (mac mainly) and are typically as good in quality; more than you'll probably need for a wrench. As long as you ain't using a cheater on it you probably won't run into the upper limits of torque on a wrench even the cheap chinese **** unless you're a body builder; the wrench just won't turn the fastener.

Look at that german wrench test, it's interesting; snap on didn't win but the torque limits were above what most people would be able to do with their hands. Even the **** wrenches got over 100 ft/lbs of torque before deforming. It will be discounted by the snap on cultists but...it's at least something to benchmark before spending significant money on stuff that's probably not much better than much cheaper stuff.

davethorik · Jan 2, 2014

Skin said:
Snap-On wrench beams are not "thin". I have a few sets and they're every bit as comfortable as Cman Pro/Armstrong/Matco. I know for a fact the OEXLs were slimmed down but im largely convinced the claim that Snap-On OEX/SOEX wrenches being called "thin" is a myth and is essentially just parroted by people now who don't actually own any current stock.

When I was doing some wrench comparisons I was surprised to find that quite a few sizes of Armstrong/Matco/Cman Pro etc.. wrench beams are actually physically slimmer than Snap-Ons.

I don't know about thickness but OEX series Snap on wrenches really bite into my hand. I prefer something with more side surface area, or at least more of a radius.

Another option are Wright's Wright-Grip wrenches. They are comparable in price to the Williams Super Combos. They have more of a rectangular cross section with nice radiused corners. Very very comfy!

Skin · Jan 3, 2014

ihateminimumwage said:
No argument that the Armstrong/Matco/Cman Pros (also industrials) aren't also thin beamed. I just sold my Snap On set maybe a month ago. The smaller sizes were great, but when fighting 15/16" & 1" fasteners on trucks and equipment, they really cut in and beat the **** out of your hands by the end of the day. It's not a 'myth', just really does make work more uncomfortable for some folks day after day.

Williams are fat for wrenches, especially those larger sizes. Most people are talking about the feel of your basic 10-19 set in which case it really is just hearsay. The longs are on the thinner side, the standards are not. I use to parrot the "thin Snap-On beam" too based on my experience with the longs until I bought some recent production S/OEX series.

ihateminimumwage · Jan 3, 2014

Skin said:
Williams are fat for wrenches, especially those larger sizes. Most people are talking about the feel of your basic 10-19 set in which case it really is just hearsay. The longs are on the thinner side, the standards are not. I use to parrot the "thin Snap-On beam" too based on my experience with the longs until I bought some recent production S/OEX series.

I bought a 'standard' set 2 years ago, so stop with the 'parrot' thing. I sold them because they are damn skinny, especially on the larger sizes you have to put your weight into. If you're not dealing with anything over 19mm or 3/4", I will agree with the feel and quality of Snap On is top of the line. I absolutely loved my Flank Drives until dealing with really stubborn or large fasteners, which is common in Diesel work. I have no problems with the quality of Snap-On combos, just how they affect my work and the price.

Williams are fat in the right places, where it doesn't cause a clearance issue, but you can put your full weight into them day after day. My metric set took as much abuse as my Snappys, could turn stripped bolts with the open end, and were actually comfortable to put my full body weight into and hit with a hammer.

glowedroid · Jan 3, 2014

Thanks for all of the replies! After checking a lot of these out, I think I'm actually going to get the Stahlwille Series 14 for 12 point with that slightly offset box end, and the SK Long Patterns in 6 point (I like using 6 point on some stuff). That should cover most fasteners I run into. Definitely Putting those Williams Super Combos on a wish list. Those look REALLY good and comfortable and thank you for the pictures!

glowedroid · Jan 3, 2014

Skin said:
Snap-On wrench beams are not "thin". I have a few sets and they're every bit as comfortable as Cman Pro/Armstrong/Matco.

I was basing what I said about the Snap-On wrench on one I found in a garage clean out. I wouldn't say thin so much in retrospect but rather the corners on the wrench looked and felt pretty harsh. Absolutely not saying it wasn't a good wrench, just not exactly what I like.

Ruger_556 · Jan 3, 2014

nicksnothereman said:
Snap on warranty isn't transferable. So...used snap on has no warranty for op unless he can trick them.

ummm...

I have never heard of this before. Our driver warranties them no questions asked...

Nick Danger · Jan 3, 2014

Ruger_556 said:
ummm... I have never heard of this before. Our driver warranties them no questions asked...

I don't have a driver, so I called Snap On when I needed a ratchet rebuild kit. Customer service told me that the warranty isn't transferrable.

kts · Jan 3, 2014

glowedroid said:
Here are what I am considering:

1. New SK Superkrome Long Pattern Wrenches
2. Used Snap on Flank Drive Plus wrenches.

I have both of these, the SK long patterns I just recently purchased to go in my small tool box that goes in my track car for track day fixes.

The length of them are pretty much identical as you already mentioned.

As for beam thickness, I feel the Snap Ons are just a tad thicker than the SK wrenches. That may be in my head but holding a few of the SKs and the Snap Ons the SKs felt a bit smaller. That said they still both felt fine in my hand. I bought the Snap Ons about a year ago and I've not had any issues with the beam hurting my hand.

I feel the box ends were about the same size thickness wise.

I'll try to take some photos of them side by side for you this weekend. It's a bit of a busy weekend but I'll try to get it done.

I'm a fan of the Flank Drive Plus on the open end of the Snap Ons, it's saved me a few times already in my home use and would have loved to get an extra set for the track box but they weren't in the budget. I looked at the Supercombos as well as the SK, In the end I went with the SK since I'm a fan of the 'new' SK and wanted to support them.

glowedroid · Jan 3, 2014

Interesting about the SKs feeling thinner... I'm on the same boat as wanting to support the new SK. After walking into Sears a while ago and seeing China on literally everything and walking away feeling betrayed, I want to support a good US made alternative/upgrade from craftsman.

I don't have a problem supporting European brands either. Love my German tools.

Nick Danger said:
I don't have a driver, so I called Snap On when I needed a ratchet rebuild kit. Customer service told me that the warranty isn't transferrable.

So much for passing down tools to kids and grandkids... If this is really true, this would be a big deterrent to buying Snap-On for me. I doubt I'd break any tools but it just says something about a company. SK's customer service is fantastic currently when I had a problem with a socket set I ordered and was truly a Service for the Customer.

Loscaldazar · Jan 3, 2014

^^^^

For the most part Snap On doesn't care about warrantying inherited tools, the whole "original owner only" clause is to deter people from buying rusty junk Snap On by the bucketful and getting shiny brand new Snap On for it.

Wakefield · Jan 3, 2014

For a fat wrench look at the larger Wright combo like 1 and 7/16 inch. The style changes somewhere above the 1 and 3/16" to the fat style.

perhaps some like thin wrenches for clearance.

kts · Jan 7, 2014

kts said:
I'll try to take some photos of them side by side for you this weekend. It's a bit of a busy weekend but I'll try to get it done.

Took a few days so it might be a moot point at this point but took some photos last night.

None of this is scientific, your milage may vary, etc. Just a bored guy taking some photos during half time of last night's game.

I used 13mm wrenches for these since that's was the first SK wrench I grabbed out of my track car and its a size I use often

SK Long pattern vs Snap On FDP vs Armstong ratcheting wrench

As you can see the SK is just a tiny bit shorter than the SO or Armstrong which are essentially the same length.

Snap On vs SK box end

Hard to see from the angles perhaps but the SK is just a tiny bit smaller around the box end.

SK vs Snap On center of wrench

As you can see the SK is a bit thinner than the Snap On.

Snap On vs SK

Snap On is on the left, SK on the right. Very close but the Snap On is a tiny bit thicker.

Measurements with my cheap caliper:

Snap On is 12.56mm thick with a side profile of 4.85mm. It's 2.66mm thick at the box end
SK is 10.33mm thick with a side profile of 4.52mm. It's 2.44mm thick at the box end
Armstrong is 11.56mm thick with a side profile of 4.56mm. I did not measure the ratcheting box end thickness.

decaf · Jan 8, 2014

bahcoswed said:
finally someone thinks like me when it comes to wrenches Look on german made wrenches....stahlwille,hazet,gedore etc! They are much thinner than SO flankdrive plus in both ends, open end are allmost twice the size to a hazet or stahlwille! Bahco are even thinner.

I'm definitely with you. I do not know why but I like the M1952 most of all wrenches. so thin and slender. Maybe a little too much shine on them but I can take that.

However, I would like to try a couple of Heyco Maxline. They seem to be fine too.

I just do not know where I can get hold of them, perhaps amazon.de? Or ebay.de?

glowedroid · Jan 8, 2014

Thank you for the pictures! Much appreciated. Interesting that the SK is actually significantly less wide when looking text-on, as well as thinner with the beam sides. Their advertisements seemed otherwise...

I actually bought the Stahlwille Open Box 14s from samstagsales.com I LOVE these wrenches. I figure I might help someone in the future reading this thread and upload some pictures of dimensions of the Stahlwille wrenches I got. I'll also use a 13mm. It looks like the Stahlwille sits in the middle of the SK and Snap-On wrench measurements. One thing to notice, and you can see it in the first picture, is the Stahlwille has a REALLY nice rounded beam edge. This wrench feels very comfortable in hand, and is lightweight too!

rusjack · Jan 9, 2014

kts, thank you for posting the Snap On vs SK photos!

I use Bahco wrenches at work (supplied) and they are way bulkier than the Snap On wrenches (we have a brand new set for when we need metric sizes). I've checked out a set of new Williams in the store and they seem to be massive to me. I work aviation - so I tend to like the thinner stuff and not-so-long combos.

I've been looking for a set for work use when I leave this company next month as the new place isn't supplying any tools. I love the price and idea of SK, but I was always afraid that they'd be really bulky around the box end. Most photos online make they look clunky.

If only someone would be kind enough to show a set of WrightGrips beside Snap On or SK...

Wrench Beam Thickness?

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