Another Wrench Thread

[MrGiggles]

This last year or so I've been building up my tool collection.. Picked up a HF 5 drawer cart and have been slowly filling it up...

Wrenches are something that I've been wondering about. I'm currently working on my AAS degree in Automotive, so eventually these tools may be used professionally. This also means that I get a student discount.

Right now I just have odds and ends of cheap wrenches.. I did buy a wrench set from HF for 6.99. Honestly they aren't bad, but the cheap-12 point wrenches constantly want to round off high-torque fasteners. Do the expensive wrenches remedy this? I'm looking for a metric set, 10-19mm.

I am seriously considering the Snap-On flank drive.. The big issue is the cost.. The 10pc set that I'm after shows 330.65. If they are truly that good, I don't mind spending the money on a good tool that I will use throughout my career.

Are there any other alternatives I should look into?

 

[SlowAl]

Williams Supercombos, Proto ASD or Wright Wrightgrip wrenches.

I'm partial to the Williams myself as I like the thicker beams not digging in to my palm.

 

[Gmonkee]

Kick the range out to 6 - 22mm , you won't regret it later. I've used both 7 and 9mm the last few days working in an indy shop.

I carry 6 - 22mm inclusive and all have seen use already.

Lots of good quality out there in many brands and prices ranges. SO and Williams have good street cred, a lot of others get the job done too. I use Wurth, for whatever that means to anyone else.

 

[MrGiggles]

I can always get separate wrenches to extend the range.. SO doesn't offer a set that I can afford with those ranges included.

I guess what I really meant to ask was if there are any good cheaper alternatives to the Snap On set that offer the "flank drive".. If I'm gonna spend a lot of money I will get the SO because of the discount.

 

[stearn786]

I have a set of Northern branded full polish wrenches that I use professionally. I think they're manufactured by Danaher. I really like them, other than they don't have a flank drive style open end.

If I had to buy a new set I would go with Wright. I have yet to see anything Wright makes that I don't like. Like others have recommended, I would buy 6-22mm. And 24mm.

My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of the student discount on SO while you still have it. I bought a lot of stuff with my discount and I don't regret any of it.

Edit: WrightGrip wrenches are very similar to flank drive. Some people even claim they are better. They're certainly cheaper!

 

[rapid robert]

Mr Giggles are you studying at SUNY farmingdale?

 

[Cope]

For less than $320 you can get a Williams 19 pc Metric set 6-24mm, a 16 pc. SAE set 1/4"-1 1/4" and their 8 pc. screwdriver set.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DO4XVE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MrGiggles]

I have a set of Northern branded full polish wrenches that I use professionally. I think they're manufactured by Danaher. I really like them, other than they don't have a flank drive style open end.

If I had to buy a new set I would go with Wright. I have yet to see anything Wright makes that I don't like. Like others have recommended, I would buy 6-22mm. And 24mm.

My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of the student discount on SO while you still have it. I bought a lot of stuff with my discount and I don't regret any of it.

Edit: WrightGrip wrenches are very similar to flank drive. Some people even claim they are better. They're certainly cheaper!

I've been trying to do a little research on the flank drive.. I'm a little conflicted about whether it pertains to the open or box end.. I couldn't care less about what technology the open end has.. I never use that end for breaking bolts loose. If the box end of a SO wrench isn't much better than what I can get at Lowes, I can't justify the cost.

I really want to utilize the discount while I can.. I just don't wanna buy SO equipment that isn't any better than the cheaper alternatives. So far I haven't really found anything that's spectacularly good, but I'm sure that will change. I guess you could say that the HF Professional ratchets and 6pt sockets have treated me pretty well.

Anything that you professionals in the industry recommend me getting while I have the discount? Something that is absolutely worth the money from the tool truck.

Mr Giggles are you studying at SUNY farmingdale?

No sir. I attend Ozarks Technical College in Springfield, Missouri.

 

[VoodooCLD]

Flank drive refers to the closed end. Almost all wrenches these days use this technology. Flank drive plus has the modern closed end style, as well as the grooves on the open end.
I'm still on the fence on which to get. However i wish i could go back to my tech school days and buy them with a discount!

 

[Adam.C]

Don't buy a lot of expensive wrenches they don't even make fasteners to fit. Carefully read the socket sizes thread linked in my signature. PM me with any questions.

Snap on flank drive plus wrenches are probably the best open end wrenches in the industry. Your discount should get you close to 50% off. If you drop out of school, you will likely be able to sell anything you bought with the SEP at a profit. No brainer. Just don't instantly engrave them. Mark them with colored tape and don't let them out of your sight.

You need high quality open ends, so the snap on FDP make sense. Beyond that, look to some of the newer hi tech products out there. The EZ RED flex ratchets look pretty nice. I like the snap on high performance wrenches. You will need flare nut wrenches from snap on as well.

Don't go crazy buying wrenches. A few high quality basics will be sufficient for a long time.

 

[92integra]

i just bought the 10-19mm ratcheting combo's with FD+ open end from SO with student discount for 200. be warned these wrench's are worth every penny and you will have a hard time going back to anything else.

 

[MrGiggles]

Flank drive refers to the closed end. Almost all wrenches these days use this technology. Flank drive plus has the modern closed end style, as well as the grooves on the open end.
I'm still on the fence on which to get. However i wish i could go back to my tech school days and buy them with a discount!

I did read that the patent expired and it's been copied by many other companies.. However I haven't found anything about which specific manufacturers use it, or if it's found it's way down to the lower end wrenches. I wouldn't expect my 6.99 HF wrenches to have it, but if there was a set around the Craftsman USA level of quality and price, I'd be all over it.

I think I read something about spline drive wrenches gripping the sides of a bolt, rather than the corners.. Can anyone verify this?

 

[MrGiggles]

Don't buy a lot of expensive wrenches they don't even make fasteners to fit. Carefully read the socket sizes thread linked in my signature. PM me with any questions.

Snap on flank drive plus wrenches are probably the best open end wrenches in the industry. Your discount should get you close to 50% off. If you drop out of school, you will likely be able to sell anything you bought with the SEP at a profit. No brainer. Just don't instantly engrave them. Mark them with colored tape and don't let them out of your sight.

You need high quality open ends, so the snap on FDP make sense. Beyond that, look to some of the newer hi tech products out there. The EZ RED flex ratchets look pretty nice. I like the snap on high performance wrenches. You will need flare nut wrenches from snap on as well.

Don't go crazy buying wrenches. A few high quality basics will be sufficient for a long time.

The 10-19mm set should cover just about everything then. That's really the info that I was looking for. I will see what time the SO truck comes by the shop that is close to me.

i just bought the 10-19mm ratcheting combo's with FD+ open end from SO with student discount for 200. be warned these wrench's are worth every penny and you will have a hard time going back to anything else.

Do you have any trouble getting the closed end on fasteners? I bought a cheap set from HF and the closed end is too big to fit on a lot of stuff.. I would expect a SO set to not have that problem. Also, do they have an offset like a conventional wrench?

 

[stearn786]

I've been trying to do a little research on the flank drive.. I'm a little conflicted about whether it pertains to the open or box end.. I couldn't care less about what technology the open end has.. I never use that end for breaking bolts loose. If the box end of a SO wrench isn't much better than what I can get at Lowes, I can't justify the cost.

I really want to utilize the discount while I can.. I just don't wanna buy SO equipment that isn't any better than the cheaper alternatives. So far I haven't really found anything that's spectacularly good, but I'm sure that will change. I guess you could say that the HF Professional ratchets and 6pt sockets have treated me pretty well.

Anything that you professionals in the industry recommend me getting while I have the discount? Something that is absolutely worth the money from the tool truck.



No sir. I attend Ozarks Technical College in Springfield, Missouri.

One thing I regret not buying more of is impact swivel sockets. I use the 3/8" set I have almost daily for a ton of different things. I would recommend you buying at least an impact universal in all three drive sizes (IP800, IPF800D, IPM800A). I had to buy a 1/4" swivel off the truck a couple months ago and it was something like $40.

Oh the things I would buy if I still had a student discount...

 

[nomonkeybus]

Found my one at a time on ebay, full set 6mm-25mm flank drive plus.

 

[MrGiggles]

One thing I regret not buying more of is impact swivel sockets. I use the 3/8" set I have almost daily for a ton of different things. I would recommend you buying at least an impact universal in all three drive sizes (IP800, IPF800D, IPM800A). I had to buy a 1/4" swivel off the truck a couple months ago and it was something like $40.

Oh the things I would buy if I still had a student discount...

I will look into that. It will definitely come in handy.

Looks like I will be saving a little money and will be getting the SO FD+ 10-19mm set.. Will be able to get it for around 165 bucks..

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

 

[92integra]

Do you have any trouble getting the closed end on fasteners? I bought a cheap set from HF and the closed end is too big to fit on a lot of stuff.. I would expect a SO set to not have that problem. Also, do they have an offset like a conventional wrench?

these wrenchs fit tighter than any i've ever used, craftsman, gear wrench, HF, mac, they definatly are never too loose, some times i have to clean fastners off a little bit to get these to fit on they fit so tight. yes they are offset revesable's and they have a nice lenght to them as well just a hair shorter then the extra long version sold by SO.... here's a part number. SOEXRM710. BTW not everything will pull up when you go to student section of SO's website i had to contact my rep to get ahold of alot of things so keep that in mind if the set does not pop up.

 

[MrGiggles]

these wrenchs fit tighter than any i've ever used, craftsman, gear wrench, HF, mac, they definatly are never too loose, some times i have to clean fastners off a little bit to get these to fit on they fit so tight. yes they are offset revesable's and they have a nice lenght to them as well just a hair shorter then the extra long version sold by SO.... here's a part number. SOEXRM710. BTW not everything will pull up when you go to student section of SO's website i had to contact my rep to get ahold of alot of things so keep that in mind if the set does not pop up.

So they pretty much fit anywhere you could use an ordinary wrench? If they do everything the regular set does, the extra 40 bucks would be well worth it for the ratcheting feature.

The HF set grips well, but the closed end is just too big physically to fit onto a lot of fasteners.. Think of trying to fit an impact socket down a spark plug well..

 

[92integra]

if you're worried about clearance on the box end then stick with the non ratcheting. ratcheting head's are always larger. the sets are probably the same except the ratcheting end................. and i will also recommend you get a 21 22 and 24mm u will definatly need those size for suspension work and on the alignment rack........ some of the best thing's i have bought with student discount are SO wrench's. matco swivel sockets and SO torque wrenchs. i have the tqfr250e for my half inch lug torquer and the new SO 3/8ths techangle. all of these are big ticket items that are worth getting top quality. good luck happy shopping!

 

[MrGiggles]

if you're worried about clearance on the box end then stick with the non ratcheting. ratcheting head's are always larger. the sets are probably the same except the ratcheting end................. and i will also recommend you get a 21 22 and 24mm u will definatly need those size for suspension work and on the alignment rack........ some of the best thing's i have bought with student discount are SO wrench's. matco swivel sockets and SO torque wrenchs. i have the tqfr250e for my half inch lug torquer and the new SO 3/8ths techangle. all of these are big ticket items that are worth getting top quality. good luck happy shopping!

Pretty much the only time I go for a wrench is if nothing else will fit in there.. I will probably get the regular set then and buy ratchet wrenches in the common sizes.

I will also get a torque wrench before I graduate..

 

[wild cowboy]

I am seriously considering the Snap-On flank drive.. The big issue is the cost.. The 10pc set that I'm after shows 330.65. If they are truly that good, I don't mind spending the money on a good tool that I will use throughout my career.

Are there any other alternatives I should look into?

The Snap-On wrenches are very good, but that price is ridiculous, if you must have Snap-On, at least be patient and pick up a new set on ebay for 1/2 that price.

Otherwise, the Carlyle set from NAPA is a 90% of what the Snap-On's are, for probably 25% of the price.

 

[devoncoolman]

Flank drive plus snap-on is the way to go. Id recommend 6mm to at least 21mm or 22mm. I use my 21&22mm wrenches all the time for suspension work and alighnments.

 

[MrGiggles]

The Snap-On wrenches are very good, but that price is ridiculous, if you must have Snap-On, at least be patient and pick up a new set on ebay for 1/2 that price.

Otherwise, the Carlyle set from NAPA is a 90% of what the Snap-On's are, for probably 25% of the price.

That was retail price. I already get them new for 1/2 price because I'm a student.

I like the Carlyle set, but at 109.00 they aren't cheap enough to justify.

Flank drive plus snap-on is the way to go. Id recommend 6mm to at least 21mm or 22mm. I use my 21&22mm wrenches all the time for suspension work and alighnments.

For sure. I will start with the 10 piece and work out from there.

 

[devoncoolman]

Thats the same thing i did started with 10-19 and expanded as funds allowed.

 

[wild cowboy]

That was retail price. I already get them new for 1/2 price because I'm a student.

You need to talk to your school administrator in charge of the prices, a lot of tech schools offer their students 64% off on Snap-On (i.e. $100 tool is $36), 50% off on Snap-On is kind of a screw job if you are a student.

Tech schools also typically give 60% of on Mac and 52% on Matco, just so ya know.

 

[MrGiggles]

You need to talk to your school administrator in charge of the prices, a lot of tech schools offer their students 64% off on Snap-On (i.e. $100 tool is $36), 50% off on Snap-On is kind of a screw job if you are a student.

Tech schools also typically give 60% of on Mac and 52% on Matco, just so ya know.

That probably pertains to schools that require you to buy a set of tools to take classes.. That's not required where I attend, tools are provided.

I registered through the SEP program and the discount I am given is right on the money at 50%.

 

[rapid robert]

No sir. I attend Ozarks Technical College in Springfield, Missouri.

Well I hope you are enjoying it. I got my AAS in automotive engineering at SUNY Farmingdale in New York back in 1989. That was 5 years before odb2. We even used a dwell meter in class...who still has one of those!

 

[toufue_yang17]

I bought my 10-19 mm and 3/8-3/4" snap on flank drive for 299.99 off of the snap on truck. I would do it again if I had to. Resell value is way better than any other brand.

 

[Jwych]

I use so fd at work and I like them for their length more so that ability to not round off fasteners but I deal more with brass fittings that I do with bolts. They are excellent wrenches though and I would recommend them to anyone based off my use

 

[Adam.C]

Ratchet box wrenches are bigger and weaker than std non ratchet box wrenches. You definitely will need a std non ratcheting set. But there are many alternatives.

My experience is wrenches fit places no socket can. As a pro tech you will need a selection of different wrenches. But the basic SOEXM is the right place to start.

 

[Danglerb]

I bought used Snapon combo and Flare wrenches in the metric sizes I use, and I like them as well as the peace of mind when using them. Flank and flank drive plus can mar the fastener, so unless its something stuck that I am willing to toss after removing, I don't use them.

 

[MrGiggles]

Well I hope you are enjoying it. I got my AAS in automotive engineering at SUNY Farmingdale in New York back in 1989. That was 5 years before odb2. We even used a dwell meter in class...who still has one of those!

I actually used one when I went to Vo-tech in high school. The teacher was an old-timer that still taught points, dwell, and carburetors..

I bought my 10-19 mm and 3/8-3/4" snap on flank drive for 299.99 off of the snap on truck. I would do it again if I had to. Resell value is way better than any other brand.

So are the tool truck prices any cheaper than online?

Ratchet box wrenches are bigger and weaker than std non ratchet box wrenches. You definitely will need a std non ratcheting set. But there are many alternatives.

My experience is wrenches fit places no socket can. As a pro tech you will need a selection of different wrenches. But the basic SOEXM is the right place to start.

That's all I need to hear. Thanks for your input.

I bought used Snapon combo and Flare wrenches in the metric sizes I use, and I like them as well as the peace of mind when using them. Flank and flank drive plus can mar the fastener, so unless its something stuck that I am willing to toss after removing, I don't use them.

Do they mar to the point other sockets/wrenches won't fit them anymore?

 

[JonDick13926]

If you can find them online, Blue Point has some nice wrenches that I was able to get for about $100 per set (BLPCWS711 and BLPCWSM712). I don't buy from the SEP site though because they don't put much on there, while in reality almost everything Snap On sells is eligible for a discount (so I was told by the guy that comes to our school).

I have noticed that there's a larger discount on Snap On items (percent wise) vs Blue-Point, so you may want to weigh that out. While a combination wrench set from Blue-Point may be $100, a set like OEXM710B may cost anywhere from $132-165 and you may be comfortable paying the extra money for that set over Blue-Point.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

I remember when I was in tech school I bought Snap On wrenches in SAE to 1 1/4 and metric to 25mm if I remem correctly. They are all still in one piece and probably the best money I've spent on tools. With the discount you get, do whatever it takes to buy these at almost half price.

 

[92integra]

JonDick13926..... u need to get the industrial rep's phone number or email and he can order you whatever you want.

 

[MrGiggles]

If you can find them online, Blue Point has some nice wrenches that I was able to get for about $100 per set (BLPCWS711 and BLPCWSM712). I don't buy from the SEP site though because they don't put much on there, while in reality almost everything Snap On sells is eligible for a discount (so I was told by the guy that comes to our school).

I have noticed that there's a larger discount on Snap On items (percent wise) vs Blue-Point, so you may want to weigh that out. While a combination wrench set from Blue-Point may be $100, a set like OEXM710B may cost anywhere from $132-165 and you may be comfortable paying the extra money for that set over Blue-Point.

My opinion of Blue Point isn't very high... If I'm gonna be a bear, might as well be a Grizzly... I'll spend the extra 60 on the SO set.

I remember when I was in tech school I bought Snap On wrenches in SAE to 1 1/4 and metric to 25mm if I remem correctly. They are all still in one piece and probably the best money I've spent on tools. With the discount you get, do whatever it takes to buy these at almost half price.

Good to hear.

So far on my list is a torque wrench, some impact swivels, and the wrench set. If there's a product SO makes that is without a doubt worth the money, I'd like to hear about it so I can pick one up.

 

[92integra]

Mr giggles. Snap on ratchets are very hard to beat. Some of my favorites are the extra long 3/8th. You can get with regular chrome hard handle or comfort grip. But my absolute favorite are th fc72 and the fcf72 they are 3/8th drive in 1/4 inch sized ratchets. Definitely one of my best purchases from snap on. And they are pretty cheep with the discount

 

[bob15]

If there's a product SO makes that is without a doubt worth the money, I'd like to hear about it so I can pick one up.

Four way open angle wrench set (Snappy has the best angle wrenches out there due to their 30° & 60° angles).

Snappy's Talon grip pliers are second to none with their gripping and teeth strength. their pistol grip pliers are are great for gripping and pulling things such as cotter pins.

Tubing wrenches from Snap On are also an extremely good purchase from them

 

[espyking83]

Williams Supercombos, Proto ASD or Wright Wrightgrip wrenches.

I'm partial to the Williams myself as I like the thicker beams not digging in to my palm.

I agree, all fantastic wrenches. Carlyle makes a good wrench also, probably the best Taiwan has to offer. Just under Wright/Proto/Snap On, I actually think they're better than SK's.

 

[toolslut6.0]

Good screw drivers, a fluke meter, and snap on ratchets. Won't regret any of those purchases in 10 years.