Angle wrench set

[Nortonscustom]

I'm looking to buy an angle wrench set for work. Since they will not get used every day I don't want to spend too much. Talked to my Mac and Snap-On drivers and both their sets are more than I wish to spend. Want to keep it in the $300 to $400 price range.

Anyone have first hand experience with the offering from Proto, Wright or Armstrong?

Am looking at these so far.

http://www.toolup.com/proto_j3100b_14-pc-angle-open-end-wrench-set.aspx

http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc...gle-15-60-Degrees-2458p51509.htm#.UscaWPRDvCt

http://www.toolfetch.com/armstrong-...32372d383935&gclid=CPO3ucnk4rsCFY47MgodzWYAJw

 

[6erWebb]

Have you looked on eBay? I've missed out on two snap on 13 piece sets both went for around 200

 

[Farmall 1066]

I'd watch for used ones also. Did you price them with "industrial" finish? I was surprised how much cheaper that was from S/O, but that was 20 years ago too.
Got SnapOn, Mac, and Proto, and there are times I have needed all 3 on one job.
Prefer Mac for the head angle, and open end strength. Proto for the thinness of the heads, and SnapOns for the second, offset angle that is different.
Got them from 3/8 through 2" in S/O, and 3/4 to 2" in Mac.
Got Cornwells in metric from 8 to 19.

 

[neophyte]

Check out Martin. The Martin wrenches are made in the USA for industrial use. They're one of the companies that supply McMaster-Carr. They also may make wrenches for a couple of the brands you mentioned.

http://www.martinsprocket.com/products/industrial-hand-tools

 

[bobcatdan]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. I'm about 99% sure Wrights are the same as Martin since they look a like and offer the exact same sizes, skipping the same sizes. I have a set of SK I like better then my SO, but I far as I know, the new SK still doesn't offer them yet.

 

[Kev442]

Don't have them myself, but the V8 tools import 30-60's come up in these discussions. Under $100.

 

[j-guenth]

I have a 12 pc. set of Snap-On Angle Wrenches. The wrenches go from 3/8" to 1 1/16".

Thy are used but in good condition. I do not have a picture at this time.

I am asking $220.00 + shipping.

If you are interested please e-mail me at [email protected].

Thank you,

Jim Guenther

 

[PowderKeg]

Check out Martin. The Martin wrenches are made in the USA for industrial use. They're one of the companies that supply McMaster-Carr. They also may make wrenches for a couple of the brands you mentioned.

http://www.martinsprocket.com/products/industrial-hand-tools

I fished a 14 pc SAE set of as-new Martins out of da 'bay awhile back for @ $100, but it took a right long while of waiting and watching (and sniping) before finally scoring. They're nice wrenches, just not fully chromed like the higher $$$ brands.

 

[crewchief888]

all depends on what sizes you use/need.

i (personally) have no use for anything smaller than 11/16",
but need up to 1 5/8"


i bought a 3/8" -3/4" set to start with 30 or so years ago, most have never been used.

i filled out the rest buying single wrenches "as needed"

 

[bob15]

Find a used set of the 30/60 snap on's. You'll be happy and glad you did. I have a 3/8-1" set at work that I use everyday and a 1/4-1 5/16 at home, both Snap On and both were bought used, and well worth their price.

bob

 

[HaroRider]

I would go with the Protos, but thats just me.

 

[HTGTS350]

Ive got a set of V8 tools angle wrenches, they were only about $80 and like the OP I don't use them all the time so for the price I thought they were a good deal and the quality is decent enough but if I break one I will replace that with Snap on.

 

[Junkman]

I have found them at the pawn shop at a reasonable price. For the little that I use them, I couldn't justify paying a lot. Mine start at 1/4" and go up to about 2". I also have a metric set from about 6 mm to about 20 mm. Don't know the sizes exactly, and it is too cold (-15) to head out to the garage for a picture. I got this set for $25 last year. They had it marked $65. There are deals out there, but you have to be patient and keep your eyes open.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I'm looking to buy an angle wrench set for work. Since they will not get used every day I don't want to spend too much. Talked to my Mac and Snap-On drivers and both their sets are more than I wish to spend. Want to keep it in the $300 to $400 price range.

Anyone have first hand experience with the offering from Proto, Wright or Armstrong?

Am looking at these so far.

http://www.toolup.com/proto_j3100b_14-pc-angle-open-end-wrench-set.aspx

http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc...gle-15-60-Degrees-2458p51509.htm#.UscaWPRDvCt

http://www.toolfetch.com/armstrong-...32372d383935&gclid=CPO3ucnk4rsCFY47MgodzWYAJw

I have a smaller set from craftsman. Actually, if it's that major an issue I'd probably use a crowsfoot. So...I think these are a redundant tool. Of the brands you listed I would probably get proto assuming the warranty is somewhat easier...if you want to be cheap you can find sunex sets for well under 100 bucks (probably china). But if you already have crowsfoot wrenches you probably don't need these (or this big a set). Guess it depends on how you work.

 

[jmm]

I've got the most ******* set of angle wrenches you'll ever see. I've got Snap-On, MAC, Matco, SK, Proto, Northern Tool and Gedore. I didn't want to (or couldn't) afford new ones, but having them would have really made my job easier, so I bought them used mostly. The only wrenches I bought new were the NT jumbo angle wrenches and the SKs which I got from Harry Epstein's. I probably have less than 120 in a set ranging 3/8" to 1 1/2".

They're not pretty and they don't match but they do the job just fine. Be patient and you could put together a matching set.

For what it's worth...I have used most of the major brands, and the Snap-Ons are the best hands down -- the heads are set at 30 and 60 degrees instead of 15 and 60. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but it's crucial. The SKs were a surprise -- chrome was ridiculously good, and they wrenches are really well balanced and hand-friendly. Head on over to Harry Epstein's if you'd like to try them (they also carry Martin IIRC).

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Used some of a co-worker's Sunex branded ones. Not the best, but they fit fine and did the job great. I'll be buying a set when funds allow.

Metric:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TDEEBO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

SAE:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XW7XBE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Nortonscustom]

Thanks for all the input guys!

After making a few calls I stopped at a local supply house on my way home. Ordered the Proto angle wrench set along with Proto's 18 piece ratcheting wrench set. I should be good to go in a week or so.

 

[sdguy55]

I have the v-8s and I was really disappointed with the quality but I was sort of ok with that. I knew i wouldn't use them everyday but I wanted the 30/60 angle and that was the cheapest way to go.

Its worth your time and effort to get the 30/60 angle because then, no matter what, you can get the open end of a wrench on the line or fastner.

 

[ol'Red]

For what it's worth...I have used most of the major brands, and the Snap-Ons are the best hands down -- the heads are set at 30 and 60 degrees instead of 15 and 60. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but it's crucial. The SKs were a surprise -- chrome was ridiculously good, and they wrenches are really well balanced and hand-friendly. Head on over to Harry Epstein's if you'd like to try them (they also carry Martin IIRC).[/QUOTE]

So true. The 30-60 is the most effective. You probably already have 15 deg combo's ( I've had situations where I had to use a combo and both sides of an angle on fittings) so why pay $300 for a set of 60 deg. I own a set of SO's and V8's. The V8's are not nearly as refined as the SO's and a little bulky; however if it was for my at home use I would probably go with the V8. Martin has made quality angle and service wrenches for years and would be a great choice as well.

 

[tbaggz]

V8 tools are ****, grinding on one gave me a rash. Are makes a set ,1181a,that are 30/60 and not bad.

 

[jmm]

It'd be a shame if I didn't pass this link on to you guys who are talking about V8 and Sunex. You can have USA quality for less than the bargain brand price point -- only downside is they only carry the SAE wrenches.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Sktools/8661240.html

You can also get reasonably priced singles (Martin, Bonney, Wright, SK):
http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=angle+wrench

 

[Nortonscustom]

I'm not too worried about the head angle. I have been using a coworker's MAC set when needed and they are 15* 60* heads. Have not had a problem yet.

The cheaper imports are not an option where I work, they banned the use of Harbor Freight/etc tools a few years ago.

The Proto set should work fine for my needs. If I find them to be lacking then I wont mind selling them and buying the set from SO.

 

[jmm]

The cheaper imports are not an option where I work, they banned the use of Harbor Freight/etc tools a few years ago.

Banned the use of HF tools? Do tell! They best be giving you an allowance...

 

[Nortonscustom]

It started with some equipment failures that the root cause was determined to be fastener damage from low quality/poor condition tools. Followed by two injuries. A mech was injured pretty bad when the wrench (A HF 1" combo") he was using broke. And an other was cutting a zip tie when the tip of her snips broke off and hit her in the eye.


We now have an approved tool manufacture list. Which has just about every big name you can think of on it.


Allowance? No, but they do offer new hire mechs a no interest loan to buy tools. And we get pretty good discounts from vendors through the company.

 

[cyberslick188]

jmm, the set you listed from Harry Epstein is over twice what the bargain brands cost. Sure, they are nice tools, but I don't know why you think they cost less, when they aren't even close.

 

[CNGsaves]

It started with some equipment failures that the root cause was determined to be fastener damage from low quality/poor condition tools. Followed by two injuries. A mech was injured pretty bad when the wrench (A HF 1" combo") he was using broke. And an other was cutting a zip tie when the tip of her snips broke off and hit her in the eye.

We now have an approved tool manufacture list. Which has just about every big name you can think of on it.

Allowance? No, but they do offer new hire mechs a no interest loan to buy tools. And we get pretty good discounts from vendors through the company.

Interesting that employer is setting "standards" in attempt to protect employees. Good idea as company pays the Workmen's Comp Insurance.

Question though WHY broken snips hit her EYE if she was wearing eye protection . . . right ?? . . . . of course, she does wear eye protection when cutting on things ???

 

[woody 73]

I too put together a ******* set with many different brands as I find them; although I have the time the op might not have the time to put together such a set.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

It started with some equipment failures that the root cause was determined to be fastener damage from low quality/poor condition tools. Followed by two injuries. A mech was injured pretty bad when the wrench (A HF 1" combo") he was using broke. And an other was cutting a zip tie when the tip of her snips broke off and hit her in the eye.


We now have an approved tool manufacture list. Which has just about every big name you can think of on it.


Allowance? No, but they do offer new hire mechs a no interest loan to buy tools. And we get pretty good discounts from vendors through the company.

Cheap dime store tools proved to be not such a great bargain?
SK, ProTo and Snap-On have long earned their place in my toolbox.
Except for a few seldom used tools and impact sockets; most of my dime store **** was thrown into a junk box. My reasons are parallel to your employer's.

 

[jmm]

Ive got a set of V8 tools angle wrenches, they were only about $80 and like the OP I don't use them all the time so for the price I thought they were a good deal and the quality is decent enough but if I break one I will replace that with Snap on.

jmm, the set you listed from Harry Epstein is over twice what the bargain brands cost. Sure, they are nice tools, but I don't know why you think they cost less, when they aren't even close.

I saw that and remember looking them up when I was in the market; back then, cheap sets were about 100 bucks. My mistake.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Don't Snap Ons have a different angle than others? Anyone know the angles of SO vs those SKs just listed.

After doing a plow install on my truck, I have come to REALLY appreciate my SO set for hydro fittings in cramped areas, but realize I am lacking 13/16, 15/16, and 7/8.

 

[Kev442]

Jumped on the link to the SK @ Epsteins only to see 15's, rats.

 

[bobcatdan]

SO has a 30 degree head vs others 15. 15 degree is the same as a standard combo. I have both SO and SK. SK has the 15 head and I personally like the SK better. I think the 30 degree head is over rated.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Don't Snap Ons have a different angle than others? Anyone know the angles of SO vs those SKs just listed.

I think Snap-on ones are 30/60 degrees. I bought a set, thinking they'd be really useful. They've been used twice i think.

 

[jmm]

I think Snap-on ones are 30/60 degrees. I bought a set, thinking they'd be really useful. They've been used twice i think.

They're sweet if you're working in cramped quarters alot or work with hydraulic (or otherwise, I suppose) fittings. If you don't find yourself in either of those situations, they're not that handy or else are money better spent elsewhere.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

They're sweet if you're working in cramped quarters alot or work with hydraulic (or otherwise, I suppose) fittings. If you don't find yourself in either of those situations, they're not that handy or else are money better spent elsewhere.

I used one once for a power steering pressure line on a Ford Focus, and another on a diesel fuel line on something. Other than that they've never been used. I'm sure for things like hose fitting and stuff they'd be useful, but for the mech work i do i've not found much use for them. (Yet.)

 

[Nortonscustom]

Well after being on back order for a while my angle wrench set arrived today. They are really close to if not identical to my coworker's MAC set. I'm really happy with them, the fit and finish is flawless.

 

[tbaggz]

The 30/60 gives four angles of attack.the 15/60's only 3.sometimes that matters,but rarely.good choice on the protos though.

 

[kams1973]

I really like Proto tools, especially their combination wrenches. However, when it comes to the 4 way angle wrenches, I'd rather use another well known brand I won't mention. The body on those Proto wrenches have squared edges. They are very uncomfortable when a fastener or fitting is tight.

 

[MattPersman]

I have a lonely Mac 18mm that looks the same

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I only have 1 angles wrench a 7/16th that I use on header bolts. I don't think I need the whole set