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Long metric box-end wrenches: Best bang for your buck?

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FlushingDIYer

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Hey everyone, just wondering what people's opinions were on long box-end wrenches. Seems like there should be something in between Chinese Craftsman and Chinese Mac, no? I know the Snap-on's are the creme-de-la-creme in this regard. But are there any other more affordable options? Only really thinking about adding a 17mmx19mm... (I know, I know...But baby steps!!) This Wright one is looking pretty good for the price...

Just updated this thread to include all the 17mmx19mm box ends on eBay...

$44 SNAP ON XDHM1719 BOX END WRENCH - 17MM X 19MM - 12 PT - 15° OFFSET LONG METRIC

$35 MAC TOOLS DOUBLE BOX END EXTRA LONG REACH WRENCH 17mm. X 19mm. BHFM1719 1H

$30 Stahlwille 41071719 Double ended ring spanner CORONA 23, size 17 x 19

$30 Proto J1065M WR BOX 17 X 19MM 12 PT

$28 Genius Tools Extra Long * Metric * Box End Wrench - Mirror Finish

$25 Wright Tool 51719MM 17mm x 19mm Metric 12 Pt. Box Wrench-Modified Offset

$23 Craftsman Professional 17 x 19 mm Full Polish Deep Offset Wrench 12 pt. Box End

$21 Williams BWM-1719 Double Box Wrench 17MM/19MM

$20 Urrea 1065M 17mm X 19mm 121-Point Box End Chrome Wrench

$19 KTC 0 Degree 17 X 19 Extra Long Offset Box End Wrench

$16 Carlyle CHT LBW1719M Wrench Long Box Raised Panel Metric 17mm x 19mm

$15 Westward 17x19 Box End Wrench 5MR04

$12.95 Craftsman Metric Box End Long Combination Wrench 17mmx19mm

I know Gearwrench makes a long ratcheting box end wrench set... ($129...) but what else is there?

FYI, here is that Toptul set... TOPTUL GPAP0602 Flat Type Extra Long Metric Double Ring Wrench Set ($105 shipped, approx $17.50 a wrench)

FYI, here is a (questionable...) KTC set... KTC 6pcs Extra Long Offset Box End Wrench Tool Set K3074 $112 with shipping. This is not the "official" KTC set owned by some GJ members as this one is polished and the KTC set (M1603) is not be polished. Cannot be determined if this is actually Japanese or not. Proceed with caution!

FYI, It's been brought to my attention that the above set might not "actually" be KTC... Here's a link to a bonafide zero-degree, extra long box end set (8x10, 12x14, 17x19) from a trusted GJ seller, FranksTools:KTC Flat Type Extra-Long Offset Wrench Set, M1603 $56 shipped

FYI, here is a Genius set (Thanks ajchien!) Genius Tools DE-706M 6PC Extra Long Metric Box End Wrench Set $100

FYI, was able to find a Tone (Japan) 15 degree box-end set, Tonnay (TONE) M156 glasses long wrench set (15°) for $92 + shipping. No clue how much it would cost to ship. (That KTC is looking like a clear winner for "bang-for-your-buck" here...)

Many thanks, as always, for the insight everyone!
 
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Fedwrench

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Not all box wrenches are created equal. :lol:

You really need to narrow your focus between either the extra long zero offset box end wrench or a traditional deeper offset boxed end wrench that isn't as long. That will determine which manufacturer to go with.

Other brands to consider: Carlyle, used truck brand on eBay, JTC on eBay, toptul from eBay.:beer:
 
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gdocktor3

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Out of those you listed I'd get the Wright because it's cheapest and equally as good as Mac or Snap On, but I also have Mac dbe wrenches just like the one you listed and they're superb. If this is a tool you will use regularly, don't sell yourself short. Long dbe wrenches put out a lot of torque and nothing feels better then smashing your knuckles after a cheap wrench rounds off a fastener.
 
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Infinia

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Baby Steps' are fine IF it fits into your overall tool plan, otherwise when you buy more your collection will tend to look funny. It all depends, if you like tool box character' over OCD matching. On the otherhand If yer working on Toyota and Honda then 2 or 3 long wrenches ( 6 sizes ) is all youll ever need.
I have Craftsman USA 15 deg offset sets and they complement the regular RP combo sets very nicely when breakaway torque is needed and esp. if you don't have long pattern combos. Theyre OK, I like DBE wrenches a lot actually.. If I ever bought S-O this is the 1st place i'd invest in.
 
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FlushingDIYer

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Fedwrench said:
Not all box wrenches are created equal. :lol:

You really need to narrow your focus between either the extra long zero offset box end wrench or a traditional deeper offset boxed end wrench that isn't as long. That will determine which manufacturer to go with.

Other brands to consider: Carlyle, used truck brand on eBay, JTC on eBay, toptul from eBay.:beer:
Click to expand...

Fedwrench, thanks for this bit of direction. Do you have a preference? I would like the leverage of a zero offset. But do you find that they are interchangeable in most scenarios?


Infinia said:
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Baby Steps' are fine IF it fits into your overall tool plan, otherwise when you buy more your collection will tend to look funny. It all depends, if you like tool box character' over OCD matching. On the otherhand If yer working on Toyota and Honda then 2 or 3 long wrenches ( 6 sizes ) is all youll ever need.
I have Craftsman USA 15 deg offset sets and they complement the regular RP combo sets very nicely when breakaway torque is needed and esp. if you don't have long pattern combos. Theyre OK, I like DBE wrenches a lot actually.. If I ever bought S-O this is the 1st place i'd invest in.
Click to expand...

Infinia, that's what I'm thinking... I don't necessarily need a huge set of box ends. Just a few where the torque will serve me well. I'm liking this Wright... Three wrenches would come in around 60ish. That's reasonable for tools that will outlive me!

But Snap-on... that's just too much money!

I don't care "too" much about what my collection looks like.

Though, I am thinking about putting in an order to Cripe to replace the three non-USA wrenches I have in my combo wrench set (19, 21mm Duralasts and a 24mm Chinese Craftsman). So there I do exhibit a little OCD from time to time... :bounce:
 
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lightning02

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i have the GW set. i got them bc they are zero offset/no skip sizes/one end ratcheting. i like them so far. haven't beat on them that much tho lol
 
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mixxmstrmike

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There will be situations where the offset will make a big difference. However, from my experience, I almost always reach for the zero offset.

I mainly work on Honda/Acura & Toyota/Lexus (my vehicles, not my 9 to 5 job, DIYer) and the 14mm-17mm is my most versatile wrench between the two vehicles.

Fedwrench made some great suggestions like JTC on eBay (I've purchased a few to compare) and the Genius set looks like a winner covering all the sizes you may need.

If you're going to ease your way into a set (eventually), I would start with SO, with the 17-19, zero degree offset.
 
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derosa

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At HJE you can get a set of 6 metric wrights for about 126.00 shipped. 10-19mm, 22x24; only a little more then the toptul and ktc.
 
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M6erfan

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T45

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You need to pick a purpose for what the tool is for. This is just a comment for anyone readin this thread. These two tool-series are not interchangeble, and arguably do not need to be owned in complete sets either: snap on xbm and xdh series wrenches.

1) XBM = 10 offset - is an overbuilt double box wrench - with a thick handle and long (but not XL length)

2) XDH-F = Flat (zero offset) - is an underbuilt XL double box wrench with thin ring end for recessed fasteners, and a thing+lightweight handle.

3) XDH - regular = 15 offset high performance - like #2, but with offset which is needed to access certain fasteners. the 15 degrees is akin to a combo wrench.

The other decent brands all make DBEs, but any generic DBE sometimes doesn not meet the performance needs of either of these either -- ie, some are overbuilt like #1, but shaped like #2. Some are underbuilt and short. Most typically don't offer a #3 style either.

Facom (59series), stahlwille (HPQ), and some others (i think even carlyle?) can be added to the list of zero offset OEM offereings for these wrenches as well for reference.

Note that the OP has stahlwille 'corona' which is more akin to an XBM style pattern DBE, not the high performance type wrench (typical zero offset).
 
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Pho20

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I love my gearwrench box ends but if you are on a budget I would rather have the harbor freight long wrench set then one or two randos
 

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Benw455

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I have a set of Williams and Gearwrench. I do like the Williams.
 
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FlushingDIYer

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bonneyman

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I'm beating an old drum here - Bonney!

Not easy to find cheap, but ebay usually has some. Nice length, great grip, superb chrome, 15 deg offset.
 
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Tenex

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Pho20 said:
I love my gearwrench box ends but if you are on a budget I would rather have the harbor freight long wrench set then one or two randos
Click to expand...

Those Gearwrench sets are spline and not 12 point.
 
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FlushingDIYer

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T45 said:
You need to pick a purpose for what the tool is for. This is just a comment for anyone readin this thread. These two tool-series are not interchangeble, and arguably do not need to be owned in complete sets either: snap on xbm and xdh series wrenches.

1) XBM = 10 offset - is an overbuilt double box wrench - with a thick handle and long (but not XL length)

2) XDH-F = Flat (zero offset) - is an underbuilt XL double box wrench with thin ring end for recessed fasteners, and a thing+lightweight handle.

3) XDH - regular = 15 offset high performance - like #2, but with offset which is needed to access certain fasteners. the 15 degrees is akin to a combo wrench.

The other decent brands all make DBEs, but any generic DBE sometimes doesn not meet the performance needs of either of these either -- ie, some are overbuilt like #1, but shaped like #2. Some are underbuilt and short. Most typically don't offer a #3 style either.

Facom (59series), stahlwille (HPQ), and some others (i think even carlyle?) can be added to the list of zero offset OEM offereings for these wrenches as well for reference.

Note that the OP has stahlwille 'corona' which is more akin to an XBM style pattern DBE, not the high performance type wrench (typical zero offset).
Click to expand...

t45, many thanks for the insight. Didn't mean to put these dissimilar wrenches together. Was just brainstorming about a way forward.

I want reach. For timing belt tensioners. For A/C, Alternator serpentine pulley bolts. Transmission drain bolts. Oil changes where the oil filter is in the way. (I'm looking at you Honda!) I like the idea of these XL long 0-degree offsets. That last KTC set is kind of nice. And I like how they don't stand out too much from the Snap-ons. But I think I'd rather have that 22x24 than the 8x10... But maybe that's just cause I had to crack a 24mm on my brother's Volvo this past weekend...

I think I'd like a small set of these three wrenches, preferably in the extra long zero-degree offset. 12x14, 17x19, and 22x24.

Those three wrenches in the Wright modified offset are coming in at $75 shipped from HJE. I can't find out how long they are though... The catalog doesn't help either...
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derosa

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According to wttool.com 12/14 is 8.6", 17/19 is 11.5" and 22/24 is 13.1"
I'd be inclined to believe the size but can't state for certain it's right.
 
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Tenex

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Pho20 said:
Spline has worked just fine for me

Why don't you like it?
Click to expand...
I have the Gearwrench 120XP SAE set (86247) and I haven't been too impressed. The splines don't fit fasteners as well as a good 12 point wrench. Really, the only reason I bought them was because I got them for $100 new off eBay and I didn't have any ratcheting wrenches. I won't be buying the metric set.
 
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gdocktor3

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Tenex said:
I have the Gearwrench 120XP SAE set (86247) and I haven't been too impressed. The splines don't fit fasteners as well as a good 12 point wrench. Really, the only reason I bought them was because I got them for $100 new off eBay and I didn't have any ratcheting wrenches. I won't be buying the metric set.
Click to expand...

I have Proto, Matco, and Expert ratchet wrenches with spline box ends. They all work great and I prefer them over standard 12 points. I also have SK spline sockets that work well. Spline acts just like a 6 point socket and grips the flats of the nut. They fit tighter than 12 points.
sockets_2.jpg
 
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Adam.C

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Snap On XDH are amazing. I think they are probably the longest wrenches out there. The ends are super small. Most techs I know prefer these over all others. I don't even really use combos any more. If I'm fixing a tractor, sure a regular combo is nice and one is the same as the next. XDH are really in a class by themselves. They are also in a market by themselves. See if you can buy them on eBay. I bought the full set of metric 15degree on a special off the truck for $150 (IIRC). You might find prices like that on eBay.
 
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T45

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https://books.google.com/books?id=qq3IdWd1vQkC&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52

According to this book, the engineering guys made sure the wrenches for spine-drive hardware would work with hex bolts (assuming correct nominal size).

I always sort of wondered that for some reason.

FWIW they say that they tried to use 12pt wrenches first on spine hardware to enable some tool crossover but as 12pt underperformed on spline fasteners--so they made the spline-drive wrenches fit hexagons instead (which worked fine) to keep things capable of multi-tasking.
 
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T45

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You spline guys - do you see bolt face damage on hex sockets?

ie, from forcing all that "bite" into the middle of the hex? it seems inevitable that the toothier your socket is the more its likely to mar a flat surface? or is this just a red herring//?
 
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