Are Armstrong Satin Wrenches Anything Special?

[65k10]

I'm looking to fill some gaps in a couple sets of Heyco wrenches I got cheap. Armstrong satin finish wrenches at Cripe's seem to be about the right length and are cheap enough. My only question is, were the satin Armstrong wrenches any different or better than the satin Allen, Kobalt, KD, etc. wrenches that also came from Danaher/Apex? I know there was a difference between the full polish wrenches. Just trying to decide if there's any reason to go with the Armstrong versions or just go with whatever is cheapest.

The wrench in question.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-...e-Regular-Combination-Wrench-USA/330705356414

 

[Fedwrench]

If you're talking about the basic no frills, standard length, satin finished combination wrench, there's no real difference aside from the name stamped on it between the Armstrong, KD, Allen, NAPA,2nd Gen Kobalt, and others. Armstrong did make some long pattern satin finished wrenches too.
depending on vintage, the box end might have off corner engagement.
However, the prices at Cripe are pretty reasonable so, my question to you would be why not get them? They will serve you well. they just aren't fancy. the only wrench possibly cheaper new off of the shelf would be Tekton on sale unless you're shopping for used.

 

[65k10]

If you're talking about the basic no frills, standard length, satin finished combination wrench, there's no real difference aside from the name stamped on it between the Armstrong, KD, Allen, NAPA,2nd Gen Kobalt, and others. Armstrong did make some long pattern satin finished wrenches too.
depending on vintage, the box end might have off corner engagement.
However, the prices at Cripe are pretty reasonable so, my question to you would be why not get them? They will serve you well. they just aren't fancy. the only wrench possibly cheaper new off of the shelf would be Tekton on sale unless you're shopping for used.

Thanks for the info. I might still get them, but I think I can get the satin ones stamped napa for a little less from another ebay seller if there is no real difference.

 

[JR 42]

There are differences in the beam shapes between some of the Danaher USA satin wrenches - I've just got some random examples , but it looks like Armstrong and NAPA have thick, squared off beams while KD, Allen, and Kobalt have thinner beams.

 

[eschoendorff]

There are differences in the beam shapes between some of the Danaher USA satin wrenches - I've just got some random examples , but it looks like Armstrong and NAPA have thick, squared off beams while KD, Allen, and Kobalt have thinner beams.

Plus the Kobalt (and Allen branded I’ve seen) are in no way long pattern wrenches. They are basically a smooth version of a man RP wrenches.

 

[uncwstudent]

Here's some of the NAPA's from EBay if you're interested from sellular. They have pretty great deals:

SAE:
7 Piece Double Box End Wrench Set USA $39.99
Napa 7 Pc Jumbo Large Combo Wtench Set Standard Inch Std USA $89.96
13 pc SAE Matte Master Combination Wrench Set Made in the USA $59.95

Metric:
U.S.A Made 15 Pc Matte Metric Combination Wrench Set $59.99
Napa 7 Pc Metric Matte Combination Wrench Set 1307mp - USA $16.99

EDIT: Or the Kobalt set from Cripe for $40 shipped: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-229...2-Point-USA-/392197664086?hash=item5b50cd6d56

 

[JR 42]

Plus the Kobalt (and Allen branded I’ve seen) are in no way long pattern wrenches. They are basically a smooth version of a man RP wrenches.

True, the Allen/ KD/ Kobalt wrenches are all standard Craftsman length. Armstrong also made wrenches this length (and short, long, XL in satin) and it looks like that's what the OP is after.

 

[bimmer630]

I used to have a set of the Allen branded ones that came from a hardware store. Something was cool about those wrenches.. The way they were shaped, and the machining on the ends seemed really nice. I shouldnt have sold them

 

[65k10]

True, the Allen/ KD/ Kobalt wrenches are all standard Craftsman length. Armstrong also made wrenches this length (and short, long, XL in satin) and it looks like that's what the OP is after.

Yep. I went and looked at some Armstrong satin long pattern wrenches I have this morning to see if I remembered right. Compared to some Apex made Masterforce wrenches I have, the beams are similar, but the open end on the Armstrong wrenches is beefier (to reduce spreading I assume). However, as I said these Armstrongs are long pattern and I wasn't sure if these design features from these are also found in other lengths under the Armstrong name or if they are just the same wrench as Napa, KD, etc..