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Best Combination Wrench Bang for Buck?

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Dr.JohnnyFever

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Who has the best 12pt combination wrench bang for the buck now?

Craftsman on sale? SK?

I have some Kobalt open-ends that I bought back when they first came out (almost a decade ago?). They have been great, but I don't know what their quality is like now. Surprisingly to me, I noticed on a recent Lowes trip that some Kobalt stuff is still made in the USA.
 
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Dr.JohnnyFever

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Probably *not* these: :)

07.380px.jpg
 
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mickeyone

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This has been covered in endless threads...It is a matter of what feels good in your hand Snap on is the premier tool maker and if your grandkids use them after they have been handed down ,they are by far the best for the buck.I have tools from Snap that are from the forties long before I was born.Short run Craftsman and Sk are easily found and get the job done.Craftsman has a big following on this site .They are not as slick .They are great for the joint compound bucket of rusty stuff tool users.If they break so what...get another Just mho
 
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Dr.JohnnyFever

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I'm not a Craftsman fan nor am I a detractor. I am mostly brand ambivalent - however, there are two factors that I weight strongly in purchasing decisions.

1. Is it quality?
2. Is it made in China?

I also buy on the 80/50 principle. You can usually get 80% of the performance for 50% of the price. Some people need that extra 20% of performance - most probably don't.

Having said all that, I'm having a hard time justifying that a 14 piece SO combo is $615.20 and a 14 piece Craftsman set is $64.99. Maybe I'm not reading their web page correctly.

To me, "the best bang for the buck" means the best performance per dollar spent. At those prices the SO would have to perform nearly 10x better. I'm not anti-snapon, but I *am* pragmatic.
 
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Uncle Buck

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mickeyone said:
This has been covered in endless threads...It is a matter of what feels good in your hand Snap on is the premier tool maker and if your grandkids use them after they have been handed down ,they are by far the best for the buck.I have tools from Snap that are from the forties long before I was born.Short run Craftsman and Sk are easily found and get the job done.Craftsman has a big following on this site .They are not as slick .They are great for the joint compound bucket of rusty stuff tool users.If they break so what...get another Just mho
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Well I never considered myself a joint bucket of rusty tools user, but I have no problems with most Cman stuff including the much despised flat panel wrenches or for that matter the flat panel ratchets. I too have my fair share of SO tools, and something from about every other USA manufacturer of tools for the last 60 years. I will continue to stand by my assertion that the Cman flat panels will do anything most folks on this board really need to do with a tool as long as they are not being abused, but I would say the same of most any other brand in my box. I have several brands of wrenches I prefer to the Cmans, but Cman still wins the most bang for the buck contest with me. :thumbup:
 
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64merc

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Dr.JohnnyFever said:
I'm not a Craftsman fan nor am I a detractor. I am mostly brand ambivalent - however, there are two factors that I weight strongly in purchasing decisions.

1. Is it quality?
2. Is it made in China?

I also buy on the 80/50 principle. You can usually get 80% of the performance for 50% of the price. Some people need that extra 20% of performance - most probably don't.

Having said all that, I'm having a hard time justifying that a 14 piece SO combo is $615.20 and a 14 piece Craftsman set is $64.99. Maybe I'm not reading their web page correctly.

To me, "the best bang for the buck" means the best performance per dollar spent. At those prices the SO would have to perform nearly 10x better. I'm not anti-snapon, but I *am* pragmatic.
Click to expand...

Hey, I think I like that 80/50 principle. I've never thought of it quite like that before. Sometimes though, if you have the spare cash, there is nothing like treating yourself to the best.
 
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Brandon_Lutz

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Best Bang For the Buck, IMO Craftsman combo wrenches. Either their polished or standard line.

SK is also a good choice, and many forget about Napa branded wrenches as well.
 
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vjquan

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My vote goes to C-man. USA made, cheap esp. when on sale, lifetime warranty, easy exchange. If you don't like the raised panel wrenches, you can always get the C-man pros and it'll still be cheaper than the tool truck brands.

Also note that the latest Kobalt offerings are made by Danaher, so you'll see a striking resemblance between those and C-man as well as Allen.
 
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philw

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If you are watching your budget and you want the best for the least amount then I think it's Craftsman Pro's. SK would be my second choice. I'm not a huge Craftsman fan but it's hard to beat their Pro wrenches for the price. Proto and Wright are good but I wouldn't pay the extra for them.
I would worry that Kobalt would go the import route in the future and your warranty would get you a lesser quality wrench......then again, maybe Sears will end up the same way someday.
 
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danc333

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I like most can't justify the cost of Snap-on. I consider myself a Prosumer. (A consumer who prefers pro grade anything I buy. Be it tools electronics, ect.) I have been very happy with Craftsman for the 20 years I have been buying tools. I have never broken a combination wrench. And if every do just goto Sears and get a new one.
 
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Stuey

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I considered Kobalts, but I'm not a fan of the satin finish despite them being made in the USA.

I have Cman raised panels, and they do the job. I have longer wrenches of the sizes I use most frequently in Cman, Armstrong, and made in China Gearwrench flavors.

I'd have to agree - you just cannot beat Cman full polish. They're built to high standards, above and beyond typical Cman quality.
 
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Charles (in GA)

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hholmberg said:
Well I never considered myself a joint bucket of rusty tools user, but I have no problems with most Cman stuff including the much despised flat panel wrenches or for that matter the flat panel ratchets. I too have my fair share of SO tools, and something from about every other USA manufacturer of tools for the last 60 years. I will continue to stand by my assertion that the Cman flat panels will do anything most folks on this board really need to do with a tool as long as they are not being abused, but I would say the same of most any other brand in my box. I have several brands of wrenches I prefer to the Cmans, but Cman still wins the most bang for the buck contest with me. :thumbup:
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I agree whole heartedly with this. At home I have a mix of tools, largely Craftsman, a stock built up over 35+ years, by myself and my late father. At work, I have a mix of tools, largely Snap On but by no means all SO, also built up over a 30+ period of years. People worry about breaking stuff, and warranties, and for me, it just doesn't happen. I've only broken one or two wrenches in my lifetime, and they were warranted (Craftsman) and Snap On has warranted defective screw driver handles (those three sided handles that cracked and split and oozed oil from the plastic).

A tool does not make a mechanic. If you don't have mechanical ability, the best tools in the world won't help. The best mechanic in the world can easily make do with cheap Taiwan tools in a pinch, but as a professional, would prefer the heft and feel of a quality wrench.

Charles
 
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Dr.JohnnyFever

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64merc said:
Hey, I think I like that 80/50 principle. I've never thought of it quite like that before. Sometimes though, if you have the spare cash, there is nothing like treating yourself to the best.
Click to expand...

It actually relates to the law of diminishing returns. Go clean your garage. Now, go clean it better. Do it again.

Each time takes more and more effort for less and less gains.

It is the same with most products. Make a wrench. Make a better wrench. Make an even better wrench. There is less and less room for improvement with each version. At a certain point, you are gilding the lily, so to speak.

To all who suggested searching - I did, using both google and the forum search tools. I wasn't happy with the results so thought I would try to get a definitive answer. Tomorrow I will try nailing jelly to a tree. :lol2:
 
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Uncle Buck

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Dr.JohnnyFever said:
It actually relates to the law of diminishing returns. Go clean your garage. Now, go clean it better. Do it again.

Each time takes more and more effort for less and less gains.

It is the same with most products. Make a wrench. Make a better wrench. Make an even better wrench. There is less and less room for improvement with each version. At a certain point, you are gilding the lily, so to speak.

To all who suggested searching - I did, using both google and the forum search tools. I wasn't happy with the results so thought I would try to get a definitive answer. Tomorrow I will try nailing jelly to a tree. :lol2:
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I thought you got a very clear answer from virtually every poster (except Merkava & he has been to busy with his booby thread to pay much attention to this one!) Review again different varieties, but overwhelmingly Craftsman!

Dismissed, now get busy nailing that knot hole........or drilling jelly or whatever it was you had in mind! :lol_hitti
 
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Fedwrench

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I think the success of the 80/50 principal may depend more on the source than the actual product.
However, when comparing full polish combination wrenches I feel you can obtain a great product at a reduced price with the Craftsman Professional wrenches especially when on sale. I also think the full polish K-D wrenches (non ratcheting) offer exceptional value (depending on source) compared to tool truck brands. These wrenches offer features found on more expensive brands such as off corner engagement, durable finish, and excellent balance at significantly reduced cost. You could also try different branches of the Danaher tree such as Armstrong, Allen, Gearwrench (nonratcheting) for other examples of wrenches that will give you a great return on your investment depending on where you shop.:beer:
 
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vjquan

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The original Kobalts were made by Williams and had the 4 sided open ended wrench. Equivalent? Don't know, but definitely not the same.
 
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ImportTuner

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The Williams SuperCombo units are equivalent to the Snap On Flank Drive Plus wrenches at a great price ...
 
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bchee

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Dr.JohnnyFever said:
Are these Williams about the equivalent of my 8 year old Kobalts? They look a lot like them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-JH-Williams-Tool-8-pc-Wrench-Set-SAE-Made-in-USA_W0QQitemZ380037648887QQihZ025QQcategoryZ29527QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(If I remember correctly. Too far to go get one right now.)
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vjquan said:
The original Kobalts were made by Williams and had the 4 sided open ended wrench. Equivalent? Don't know, but definitely not the same.
Click to expand...

I would say those wrenches in the current auction are vastly different from the old kobalts, which I had and sold. The open end had a V-shape (4-sides as mentioned) and the handle is very flat and square on the edges. I bought those old kobalts when they first came out because they were, and still are, unlike any other combination wrench I've seen before. I sold them because they were not comfortable to use. I assume you're talking about the ones in the pict.

ImportTuner said:
The Williams SuperCombo units are equivalent to the Snap On Flank Drive Plus wrenches at a great price ...
Click to expand...

I have both of these (supercombo as well as flank drive plus) and they probably function in a similar way, although the flank drive plus have more serrations in the open end. The snap-on profile is like most other combo wrenches (thin). The supercombo profile is very very comfortable to use (for me anyway). That same seller has them for sale.
 

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nissan_crawler

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I vote Craftsman Pro. My SK's didn't hold a candle to the Craftsman Pro's, and my Snap-On ones are no better than the Craftsman Pro, IMHO. I have yet to break a wrench using one *PROPERLY*. Likewise, I have never broken a socket while using one *PROPERLY*. If you're one of those people that breaks tools all the time, maybe Snap-On is better. I use logic, and my Craftsman Pro wrenches and plain craftsman sockets have held up for years professionally.
 
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bchee

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Charles (in GA) said:
There is no definitive answer to this question.

Charles
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Just wanted to echo what everyone else has been saying. Obviously there is no definitive answer to the BEST combo wrench, it's a matter of preference.

But that wasn't the question; you asked about best bang for the buck. I would probably have to say Craftsman. It seems like it meets all of your criteria. Quality, USA made, affordable, ease of warranty (assuming you have a sears nearby).
 
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eschoendorff

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nissan_crawler said:
I vote Craftsman Pro. My SK's didn't hold a candle to the Craftsman Pro's, and my Snap-On ones are no better than the Craftsman Pro, IMHO. I have yet to break a wrench using one *PROPERLY*. Likewise, I have never broken a socket while using one *PROPERLY*. If you're one of those people that breaks tools all the time, maybe Snap-On is better. I use logic, and my Craftsman Pro wrenches and plain craftsman sockets have held up for years professionally.
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Dr.JohnnyFever:

The above quote is the answer you were looking for. Go buy the Cman Pro series and be happy. :thumbup:
 
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Dr.JohnnyFever

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bchee said:
I would say those wrenches in the current auction are vastly different from the old kobalts, which I had and sold. The open end had a V-shape (4-sides as mentioned) and the handle is very flat and square on the edges. I bought those old kobalts when they first came out because they were, and still are, unlike any other combination wrench I've seen before. I sold them because they were not comfortable to use. I assume you're talking about the ones in the pict.
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You are quite correct. I shouldn't post messages that late at night... :tard:
 
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Moose-LandTran

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I have Elora wrenches from Germany. They didn't cost much, and they're very very good. I'm really happy with them, and have no plans to replace any of them. One has a little bit of chipped chrome from being dropped repeatedly by a former colleague.

They're probably quite expensive over there, mind.
 
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Coach James

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"....and **** waving...."

If it's ok with you guys, I'll pass on that offer.:bounce:

Hard to beat the value of C-man raised panel stuff. If money was no object, they wouldn't be my first choice, but if strictly "value" was, they would be. You can get a 43 piece set of them 1/4 to 1 5/16 plus 6 -28mm, 30mm, 32mm all for less than $200.

If you don't need all those, you can get smaller sets even cheaper.

I have a metric set of the old Kobalts that I like due to their longer length. At least longer than my other metric wrenches. Their slim profile makes them not as comfortable as some others, but I like them quite well. The new Kobalts look like Allen clones to me. They're good wrenches, but I think they're expensive.

Coach
 
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billymade

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Moose, on those Eloras, I found some combination wrenches at a pawn shop that were imprinted with "india"; are your german made or do they have a imported low line that is made in India? I didn't buy them because they didn't say Germany on them (yes, I like german cars and tools!). Just curios if you had any info on the Elora production situation.
 
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Coach James

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The worst set of wrenches I ever bought were made in india. One had a box end that only had 9 points, another had a lip around the inside of the box halfway down so it barely fit on a fastener, etc. The finish was nice, but the substance of them was sorely lacking.

Coach
 
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Moose-LandTran

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billymade said:
Moose, on those Eloras, I found some combination wrenches at a pawn shop that were imprinted with "india"; are your german made or do they have a imported low line that is made in India? I didn't buy them because they didn't say Germany on them (yes, I like german cars and tools!). Just curios if you had any info on the Elora production situation.
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I'm sure all of mine are made in germany, i can't remember off-hand. I'll find out for sure on Monday. Either way, they're top quality.
 
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Lightning

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I have a set of the Kobalt Satin finish combination wrenches which are cheap but some of the wrenches have poor fit and they are too short. I would get chrome wrenches and avoid the Satin finish.

The Craftsman wrenches are good if you do not plan to use them every day. I would buy the SK wrenches if you want to save money. They are good quality but not as expensive as Snap On.

I have mostly Snap On combination wrenches which I am well pleased. They are expensive with some of the large wrenches near $100, but very good quality. If you want to save money, Snap On is way too expensive.

I would avoid the Kobalt satin finish wrenches and would never reccommend them to anyone.
 
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eschoendorff

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Lightning said:
I have a set of the Kobalt Satin finish combination wrenches which are cheap but some of the wrenches have poor fit and they are too short. I would get chrome wrenches and avoid the Satin finish.

I would avoid the Kobalt satin finish wrenches and would never reccommend them to anyone.
Click to expand...

Funny, my experience is the opposite. My satin Kobalts (Danaher) have some of the best grip when it comes to contacting fasteners. Very tight and positive. But they are too short for my preference. Maybe the difference is a QC thing... I bought mine 3 or 4 years ago...
 
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Lightning

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eschoendorff said:
Funny, my experience is the opposite. My satin Kobalts (Danaher) have some of the best grip when it comes to contacting fasteners. Very tight and positive. But they are too short for my preference. Maybe the difference is a QC thing... I bought mine 3 or 4 years ago...
Click to expand...


Most of the wrenches in the set have good fit but a couple of the wrenches have poor fit. The satin finish is not bad, but I prefer the chrome finish. The chrome finish is just a preference for me.
 
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