Length: SK long pattern wrenches vs. Craftsman Pro wrenches

Which ones are longer? How much longer?

I compared them myself for a recent purchase. Here's what I found:

I compared the 9/16 and 3/4" wrench lengths as these are the sizes I use most.

I found the lengths of SK long and Cman pro to be identical (within 1/8").

I checked 5-6 other brands as well. I found Snap-On standard length to be the same a long-pattern SK or Cman Pro. The Snap-On long pattern was the longest I found of any brand, around 1-1.5" longer IIRC. They also happened to be the highest price tag.

For professional use, I probably would have bought the SO set, and I may still do that sometime. But to get me by for now, I decided against the additional cost of the SO. I also decided against the slightly higher cost of the SKs and bought the Cman Pros ($140 for SK, $99 for Cman Pro) AND took advantage of another 10% off with the bag sale recently.

motorheadjohn said:

I compared them myself for a recent purchase. Here's what I found:

I compared the 9/16 and 3/4" wrench lengths as these are the sizes I use most.

I found the lengths of SK long and Cman pro to be identical (within 1/8").

I checked 5-6 other brands as well. I found Snap-On standard length to be the same a long-pattern SK or Cman Pro. The Snap-On long pattern was the longest I found of any brand, around 1-1.5" longer IIRC. They also happened to be the highest price tag.

For professional use, I probably would have bought the SO set, and I may still do that sometime. But to get me by for now, I decided against the additional cost of the SO. I also decided against the slightly higher cost of the SKs and bought the Cman Pros ($140 for SK, $99 for Cman Pro) AND took advantage of another 10% off with the bag sale recently.

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What John said.

Yeah Thats why I bought my metric s-o long pattern combos... I hate using them but they can give a ton of leverage.

I've noticed that MAC has a "standard" set, "long" set and an "extra long" set. I wonder if the "XL" is an long as Snap On????

When you guys are looking at buying Snap-On wrenches, check out thier Blue Point line. I've used both and if you don't look at the wrench you won't know the difference. The Blue Points are cheaper and you usually get 1-3 more wrenchs. The only visible difference is the Snap-Ons are hand polished and the Blue Points aren't. The length, weight, and feel are the same.

Thanks guys. Still deciding on how to outfit my wrench selection, hence the question. One thing I know for sure, I'm getting a polished set. Clean up is a breeze.

Are long pattern based on peoples usage more for trucks and suv's then maybe a car???

dink said:

Are long pattern based on peoples usage more for trucks and suv's then maybe a car???

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Actually, I'm going to purchase long pattern metric & sae as my primary "traditional" combination wrench set because of the extra torque capability. A close friend of mine who is a Ford Mechanic (17 years of Pro wrenching) explained that he rarely reaches for "traditional" combination wrenches unless he has to break something loose. In his case it's a speed issue (time is money). There are just too many ratcheting mechanisms on the market now.

When my 'wrench collection' is complete, it will include the following:


1. Long Length Sets (Metric & SAE): traditional combination wrenches

2. Standard Length Sets (Metric & SAE): ratcheting combination wrenches

3. Stubby Length Sets (Metric & SAE): Gearwrench/ratcheting wrenches.

However, I do already own a set of Stubby "traditional" combination wrenches.


My friend has a good point. If you have a good socket/ratchet collection, or air tools readily accessable, or even a ratcheting wrench, HOW OFTEN DO YOU REALLY REACH FOR A "TRADITIONAL" COMBINATION WRENCH????? Not too often!


So, my advice is go "Long Length" on your traditional combination sets for extra torque when needed and "Standard Length" on your ratcheting combination sets.


Just my humble .02

Wolverine said:

My friend has a good point. If you have a good socket/ratchet collection, or air tools readily accessable, or even a ratcheting wrench, HOW OFTEN DO YOU REALLY REACH FOR A "TRADITIONAL" COMBINATION WRENCH????? Not too often!

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That's true. But I still use my combinations for breaking things loose (oil drain plugs, etc). I've used them more than I thought I would. In fact, I probably use my traditional combination wrenches more than my gearwrenches! I'm probably the only one, too...

I have a basic set of SAE and Metric gear wrenchs. I use my "standard length" Craftsman or Husky wrenchs for most projects. If I need to break something loose, I get out the Blue Point set. I tend to use the gear wrenchs in close quarters where a ratchet and socket won't fit.