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6-Point Combination Wrench Set

JatoTheRipper

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I am looking for metric and SAE combination wrench sets with 6-point closed ends. Polished chrome finish is a must. I would prefer them to be made in the USA, but I know that's asking a lot these days and if you do find them then the prices are outrageous. So I am open to high quality wrench sets made elsewhere.
 
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GeoBruin

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You mean non-ratcheting (fixed box end) combo wrenches?

That's gonna be tough. The box end of a wrench is usually 12 point for a reason. You can only get the wrench on the nut in 1 of 6 ways.
 

qqzj

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Gearwrench has non ratcheting 6 point wrenches. Tekton has ratcheting 6 point ones. I have both. But for most times, the Gearwrench 6 point pass through wrench and sockets set, plus the compatible serpentine belt tool, beat any wrenches, from any brand, by a mile.
 

CHI_Tool&Die

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I have Proto 6 point sae, same as Mac, made in USA. Anti slip open end design. There not cheap though.
I also have the Proto 6pt in metric but I think they are only offered in satin finish.

OP, I think you will find SK makes both standard and long, fractional and metric 6pt full polish non-ratcheting combo wrenches. They are gonna be pricey. I think Gearwrench and KD Tool are the only other brands that make a full polish 6pt wrench in the affordable category.
 

Fedwrench

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Given the price of wrench, I'd lean towards just getting the most wanted/needed sizes in six point. That's what I did for 8 & 10mm
 

Oil leak

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I also have the Proto 6pt in metric but I think they are only offered in satin finish.

OP, I think you will find SK makes both standard and long, fractional and metric 6pt full polish non-ratcheting combo wrenches. They are gonna be pricey. I think Gearwrench and KD Tool are the only other brands that make a full polish 6pt wrench in the affordable category.
Mine are polished chrome.
 
OP
J

JatoTheRipper

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How are the tolerances of Gearwrench these days? I don't want wrenches that don't fit the hardware snugly.

And I've thought about Carlyle, but what about when NAPA decides to stop selling that brand and I need to get a replacement?
 

bob15

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How about a price range? Your version of expensive (and what you consider outrageous) is probably different than mine and everyone else's idea.
 

DAustin

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Snap-on has a metric 7pc. set 10mm to 15mm plus a 17mm for around $270. I think Mac carries 6pt. also, but for me the Snap-on were easier to find.
 

WillRead

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J1200MHASDT500 is the part # for Proto 10 piece full polish metric. J1200GHASDT500 is the part # for SAE.

Can get both from zoro for about $350 before coupons. IMO Not a bad price for 20 wrenches even before coupons.
 

KnurledNut

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Snap-on clocks the box end 7.5°.
So the wrench can be flipped over to get an extra 15° swing.
Not sure how many other manufacturers do this.
This may not even matter to you.

Here’s a picture of some I have.
The SO and Cornwell at top are both 15mm for comparison. They are also $$$.
I would love to have a full set of the vintage short pattern Mac with the euro-style offset.
Other than Snap-on, my favorite is the original Kobalt.
These were also clocked. Beautiful wrenches.

Proto looks likes a good option.
I would personally seriously consider the Williams WS-SC11 set. I linked a picture below.




Snap-On-Industrial-Brands-Newest-Catalog_Page_184.png
 

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DAustin

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It's strange that Mac would have made the 6pt. with the euro-style offset because the European tool brands don't seem to do 6pt combination wrenches.
 

DAustin

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Urrea tools from Mexico also make 6pt. combination wrenches. I just ordered a 10mm when it shows up I'll let you know what I think of it .
 

KnurledNut

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It's strange that Mac would have made the 6pt. with the euro-style offset because the European tool brands don't seem to do 6pt combination wrenches.
Its technically just offset, but a design often seen in euro spanners.
 
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KnurledNut

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Urrea tools from Mexico also make 6pt. combination wrenches. I just ordered a 10mm when it shows up I'll let you know what I think of it .
They rebrand some great tools, but i havent been very impressed with their 12 pt. combination wrenches.
The finish is good, but the fit wasnt much.
 

DAustin

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Jato- The NAPA Carlyle 6pt wrenches have a SAE 7pc. set 3/8 to 3/4 for $65.49 and an 8pc. metric set 10mm to 17mm for $82.99. I don't know about what you think about the price but the Carlyle wrenches seem to be nice, and you can always move up to a Tool Truck brand later if you want.
 

honcho

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I bought sets of Craftsman raised panel 6pt in SAE and Metric. I found 6 point wrenches meaningless for the work I do as I have a variety of quality 12 pt ratcheting and standard combination wrenches. I'm just not sure where a 6 point wrench is superior to modern 12 pt and spline wrenches. The best thing about them is that they came with nice cordura nylon wrench organizers. I've been meaning to sell the sets (without the organizers) but haven't gotten around to it.
 

CHI_Tool&Die

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How are the tolerances of Gearwrench these days? I don't want wrenches that don't fit the hardware snugly.

And I've thought about Carlyle, but what about when NAPA decides to stop selling that brand and I need to get a replacement?
My last Gearwrench combos were pretty sloppy. I actually threw them away. I wouldn’t even bother selling them I thought so little of them. But that was my experience and that was new, Chinese wrenches.
 

Schirmer

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If you’re wanting USA made wrenches for a (somewhat) reasonable price, Proto is a brand you should at least consider for 6 point wrench sets. I recently purchased Proto J1200MHASDT500 (10-19MM) & J1200GHASDT500 (7/16-1”) 6 point wrench sets and they’ve been excellent wrenches, in both function and appearance. I couldn’t be any happier and they were 100% flawless when I first received them. No complaints whatsoever. I purchased the sets through zoro’s website for a little over 300 bucks, that’s after using one of their easy to obtain discount codes.
 
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J

JatoTheRipper

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Just a reminder that I'm only interested in 6-point wrenches on the box end.

Thankfully nobody has recommended Tekton. I got some of their red handled screwdrivers and the quality is terrible so Tekton can keep their cheap junk.

Wright wrenches look great, but why do most people never talk about them?

Also, I'm going to point out the negatives of some recommendations because they have many positives for me to even be considering them. So don't take it that I'm nitpicking choices. I greatly appreciate all of the feedback!

You mean non-ratcheting (fixed box end) combo wrenches?

That's gonna be tough. The box end of a wrench is usually 12 point for a reason. You can only get the wrench on the nut in 1 of 6 ways.
Yes, fixed wrenches. 6-point options definitely exist so it shouldn't be too tough.




Given the price of wrench, I'd lean towards just getting the most wanted/needed sizes in six point. That's what I did for 8 & 10mm
SK can shove it since they were sold to the Chinese and will most likely move production there eventually. Sure, they claim nothing is going to choose, but I don't believe nor do I trust Chinese companies.

J1200MHASDT500 is the part # for Proto 10 piece full polish metric. J1200GHASDT500 is the part # for SAE.

Can get both from zoro for about $350 before coupons. IMO Not a bad price for 20 wrenches even before coupons.
Only 10-piece sets starting at 7/16" and 10mm is lame. I'll have to check to see if they have sets with more pieces. Otherwise this looks like a great option.

How do you warranty Proto tools - send them in or are there other options?

Snap-on clocks the box end 7.5°.
So the wrench can be flipped over to get an extra 15° swing.
Not sure how many other manufacturers do this.
This may not even matter to you.

Here’s a picture of some I have.
The SO and Cornwell at top are both 15mm for comparison. They are also $$$.
I would love to have a full set of the vintage short pattern Mac with the euro-style offset.
Other than Snap-on, my favorite is the original Kobalt.
These were also clocked. Beautiful wrenches.

Proto looks likes a good option.
I would personally seriously consider the Williams WS-SC11 set. I linked a picture below.


View attachment 1513849
Snap-On makes awesome combination wrenches! That's what my dad has and I absolutely love using them. But yeah, I just feel that's a waste of money for my DIY motorcycle garage. I only tinker on my own motorcycles, rarely my car, and around the house stuff. Are the Williams the same thing? And are the Williams very thin? They look very thin like they would be uncomfortable to push on with your hand. But photos can be deceiving.

Do they make the 6-point Kobalt wrenches anymore? I can't find them. They also look very thin and uncomfortable to use.

What's the Euro-style offset?

Jato- The NAPA Carlyle 6pt wrenches have a SAE 7pc. set 3/8 to 3/4 for $65.49 and an 8pc. metric set 10mm to 17mm for $82.99. I don't know about what you think about the price but the Carlyle wrenches seem to be nice, and you can always move up to a Tool Truck brand later if you want.
But what happens when NAPA decides to stop carrying Carlyle? Then who is going to warranty them if I ever run into an issue?

I bought sets of Craftsman raised panel 6pt in SAE and Metric. I found 6 point wrenches meaningless for the work I do as I have a variety of quality 12 pt ratcheting and standard combination wrenches. I'm just not sure where a 6 point wrench is superior to modern 12 pt and spline wrenches. The best thing about them is that they came with nice cordura nylon wrench organizers. I've been meaning to sell the sets (without the organizers) but haven't gotten around to it.
I have 12-point combination wrench sets. I want 6-point wrenches. Rarely have I ever run into a situation where 6-point wouldn't work.

My last Gearwrench combos were pretty sloppy. I actually threw them away. I wouldn’t even bother selling them I thought so little of them. But that was my experience and that was new, Chinese wrenches.
I have the same experience with Gearwrench tools. They have become junk. The quality is sloppy and the fit is loose at best.
 

DSS

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I have the gear wrench in standard 6 pt and the Carlyle in metric, both are nice wrenches that I'm quite happy with. As far as Napa quitting Carlyle, I don't anticipate needing warranty but I'll worry about that when and if it happens. They go on sale at Napa at a considerable discount as well so don't buy them till that happens. I think I paid 40 bucks for my set
 

KnurledNut

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Snap-On makes awesome combination wrenches! That's what my dad has and I absolutely love using them. But yeah, I just feel that's a waste of money for my DIY motorcycle garage. I only tinker on my own motorcycles, rarely my car, and around the house stuff. Are the Williams the same thing? And are the Williams very thin? They look very thin like they would be uncomfortable to push on with your hand. But photos can be deceiving.

Do they make the 6-point Kobalt wrenches anymore? I can't find them. They also look very thin and uncomfortable to use.

If current stock is the Supercombo shown as an individual wrench in the catalog page i posted, they will be a joy to use. Nice thick rounded beam. Very comfortable.

The Kobalts were made by Williams which is owned by SO. They were discontinued many years ago and replaced with Danaher sourced tools. That was a sad day.
 

DAustin

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I don't think Wright makes a 6pt. combination. It's too bad if they don't because they are some of the most comfortable wrenches to use.
And the Wright Grip works as well as the Flank Drive + . But working on a bike you really don't want something that can sometimes mark up the nuts and bolts.
 

Mgdoug3

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I wouldn't worry about Napa's warranty. I broke a USA made impact socket and Napa replaced it. It wasn't USA made but that socket is my most used on an impact and I bet I had it 15 years.
 

Kscardsfan

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As far as I know, Wright doesn’t offer a 6 point combo set. The fact of the matter is, damned few places that don’t cater to pro mechanics offer 6 point combo wrench sets. You’re going to have to make some compromises on this kind of niche tool unless you want to shell out big money for a truck brand set.
 

Shelbylex

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Depends if you want to buy them piece by piece or all together.

Snap On: - metric ones are OSHM; SAE - OSH; OXA, small ones OXI (I only have some OXI ones. OSHM and OSH are hard to get on yard sales/CL - disappear very fast (missed several by now, but keep looking...)

MAC

SK Wayne - not sure which sizes were covered; I have 7, 10, 13mm ones. I assume SK still makes them...

Craftsman used to make some - I am not sure if it was in desirable =V=, -V-... I just got one which is -VA-
 
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bob15

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SK can shove it since they were sold to the Chinese and will most likely move production there eventually. Sure, they claim nothing is going to choose, but I don't believe nor do I trust Chinese companies.
So basically you're screwing over the American worker by assuming they are going to go to china. Brilliant!!

So what cordless tools do you use? Not a big selection of US-made tools......most are china, including metabo

And don't buy any of these companies products as well:

  • AEG
  • Empire Level
  • Hart
  • Imperial Blades
  • Milwaukee Tool
  • Ryobi
  • Stiletto
  • EGO (outdoor power tools and equipment)
  • Devon
  • Flex
  • Skilsaw
  • Skil
I wouldn't worry too much about a warranty. How often have you been breaking wrenches? I've never broke one in almost 40 years of turning wrenches on everything from a weedwacker & chainsaw up to a combine. And a lot of my "warranty" tools are no longer under warranty as the company is out of business.

And I'll ask again, what is your price range? hundred bucks or four hundred bucks?
 

bob15

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Why not just look for used SNAP-ON on E Bay? That's where I got all of mine over the last 5 years. Cheap and perfect!
I agree with you, but I figure that he didn't want to buy a used vise, so I doubt he would want to buy a used wrench set on e-bay, f-book marketplace, c-list, swap meet, flee market etc.
 

VolvoRyan

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As far as I know, Wright doesn’t offer a 6 point combo set. The fact of the matter is, damned few places that don’t cater to pro mechanics offer 6 point combo wrench sets. You’re going to have to make some compromises on this kind of niche tool unless you want to shell out big money for a truck brand set.
I believe this is correct. I went through their whole catalog a week ago before pulling the trigger on the 12-pt Wright Grip wrenches. Sadly, Wright kinda nickle and dimes you to complete the incomplete sets to the point that it makes sense to just get the really big set.

-Ryan
 
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