Best Anti-Slip Open End Wrenches?

[Handyandy23]

I apologize in advance for yet another wrench thread, but after doing some searching I didn't really feel like I came to a solid conclusion.

I have many wrench sets, but none that have any kind of Anti-Slip / ASD / grip feature on the open end. What I'm looking for, is what brand has the best "bite" on their open end? I'll be buying a metric set from 7mm to at least 21mm, preferably 24mm.

I'm not worried about marking fasteners, or speed, or COO. These will be kind of supplemental to the wrenches I have now, for situations where I'm worried about stripping a tough fastener.

Budget is fairly open, but I have ruled out the Snap On Flank drive plus because the cost is just too high. I'm a DIYer and not looking to drop quite that much coin on wrenches, even if they may be the best open end on the market. (so maybe what I'm looking for is the second best open end lol?)

The main ones I've found myself reading about are the WrightGrips and Williams Super Combos. I understand the Wright's are a little shorter, but that's not a huge issue for me, if they have the better gripping open end.

The Super Combos, as I understand, are similar to the Snap Ons and share the same length, but thicker beams. This is also not a huge factor for me, assuming they bite well. Something I haven't been able to figure out though, are the open end gripping features the same? Similar? Or the Williams isn't really close to the FDP?

Any other options that people like that I'm missing? Like I said, COO isn't really a factor for me either, so if I'm missing some other quality bitey options from Europe or Taiwan or wherever, I'd be all ears.

 

[bassbone52]

The Wrights get a lot of love on youtube

 

[JP Chestnut]

If you can't do Snap On FD+, I think Wright is probably the next best thing. Any of Wright, Williams SuperCombo, and Proto ASD would do you well.

 

[charlestmann]

I have Wright in SAE along with the Snap On FD+. The Wright wrenches are shorter but I have never had a situation where I had to go back to my box and swap the Wright for the Snap On to break a fastener loose. I have the satin finished wrenches and they feel really good in hand.

 

[Handyandy23]

I have Wright in SAE along with the Snap On FD+. The Wright wrenches are shorter but I have never had a situation where I had to go back to my box and swap the Wright for the Snap On to break a fastener loose. I have the satin finished wrenches and they feel really good in hand.

How do you find the Wright Grip compares to the FD+? Sounds like they're the first wrench you grab usually?

 

[Handyandy23]

The Wrights get a lot of love on youtube

Interesting video, thanks for that. Looks like they performed very nicely.

 

[charlestmann]

How do you find the Wright Grip compares to the FD+? Sounds like they're the first wrench you grab usually?

For SAE I always grab the Wrights first (I don't have Wrights in metric). My opinion is that they are equal to the FD+ wrenches. What makes me grab the Wrights over the FD+ is the satin finish. I just prefer the feel of the satin finish.

 

[Handyandy23]

If you can't do Snap On FD+, I think Wright is probably the next best thing. Any of Wright, Williams SuperCombo, and Proto ASD would do you well.

I've seen a couple videos / tests similar to the video above where the Proto ASD stripped the bolt head before breaking the fastener. That's not to say it's "bite" wouldn't be adequate for most work, but it seems to certainly have less bite than the Wright's.

I'm still trying to find any kind of direct comparison of the Williams Super Combos to the SO FD+. I'm interested to know if they use the same technology on the open end exactly, or if they "de-tune" it so the cheaper industrial brand isn't a direct competitor.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Has anyone found the Wrights in metric? I looked a while back and could only find SAE.

I have a set of old-school flank-drive Snap-On from the 1980's and 70's, and they're silly good. Hard to justify the cost of another set.

SK does have the X-frame, but the box end is a zero offset ratchet.

Thanks!

-Ryan

 

[Fedwrench]

Has anyone found the Wrights in metric? I looked a while back and could only find SAE.

https://www.harryepstein.com/15-pie...combination-wrench-set-7mm-22mm-12-point.html

 

[JP Chestnut]

I've seen a couple videos / tests similar to the video above where the Proto ASD stripped the bolt head before breaking the fastener. That's not to say it's "bite" wouldn't be adequate for most work, but it seems to certainly have less bite than the Wright's.

That's definitely true. They trade grip for keeping fasteners nicer. Since that doesn't matter to you, they would pretty clearly be behind the Wrights.

I'm still trying to find any kind of direct comparison of the Williams Super Combos to the SO FD+. I'm interested to know if they use the same technology on the open end exactly, or if they "de-tune" it so the cheaper industrial brand isn't a direct competitor.

Williams

Snap On

Not having either in my hands to compare, it's hard to tell for sure but it definitely looks like FD+ is a more complicated technology.

Does that make a difference in actual use? That I don't know.

On edit: Here's a Proto ASD for comparision

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm still trying to find any kind of direct comparison of the Williams Super Combos to the SO FD+. I'm interested to know if they use the same technology on the open end exactly, or if they "de-tune" it so the cheaper industrial brand isn't a direct competitor.

Apples and oranges, there's no direct comparison from the supercombo open end and the flank drive plus. Snap on uses teeth on its flank drive plus open end whereas, williams supercombo us a couple of notches on their open ends. The supercombos open end is similar to that of Proto, the older Matco optitorque, and others not having teeth. sorry. i sold my suercombos so, i can't take a picture of them.

 

[charlestmann]

https://www.harryepstein.com/15-pie...combination-wrench-set-7mm-22mm-12-point.html

Also, if you can wait until 7/3 the Wright sets will be 10% cheaper.

 

[Handyandy23]

https://www.harryepstein.com/15-pie...combination-wrench-set-7mm-22mm-12-point.html

Also, if you can wait until 7/3 the Wright sets will be 10% cheaper.

Thanks for the tip, any idea if HJE ships to Canada? That's the only other major hurdle, is trying to order this stuff to Canada. Not many Wright retailers up here.

Amazon has the 15 pc sets for about $270 CAD, which is about $200 USD at current exchange rate.

 

[Handyandy23]

That's definitely true. They trade grip for keeping fasteners nicer. Since that doesn't matter to you, they would pretty clearly be behind the Wrights.



Williams

Snap On

Not having either in my hands to compare, it's hard to tell for sure but it definitely looks like FD+ is a more complicated technology.

Does that make a difference in actual use? That I don't know.

On edit: Here's a Proto ASD for comparision

Apples and oranges, there's no direct comparison from the supercombo open end and the flank drive plus. Snap on uses teeth on its flank drive plus open end whereas, williams supercombo us a couple of notches on their open ends. The supercombos open end is similar to that of Proto, the older Matco optitorque, and others not having teeth. sorry. i sold my suercombos so, i can't take a picture of them.

Thanks guys, I can see the difference for sure. I prefer the designs with teeth like the Wright's, they seem to grip a little better in extreme conditions.

 

[JP Chestnut]

Wright Grip 2.0 is definitely more teeth like

.

If you can't spend SO money, don't care about the shorter length, and want max grip, Wright seems like a clear winner.

At some point I went through and compared all the Wright Grip lengths to a set of circa 2000 Craftsman RPs and the Wrights were all slightly longer - so it's not like they're short, just shorter than SO.

 

[OneDollarSaab]

I've used Snap-On's, MAC/Proto's, SK's, and Wright's open end technology, and they do all work better than regular flat open ends. Wrightgrips work very well but you must *fully* seat the nut or bolt head in the open end. This is less necessary with the more complex designs of SK and Snap-On.

The Wrightgrip paid for itself the other day when I was pulling a Camry engine. You can't get a box end around this bolt unless you grind it down, and it's FAR too tight to trust a regular open end on.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Wright is where it's at IMO. I love my set. I've found then comparable to coworkers snap on wrenches, although they are a bit shorter.

 

[Skin]

Proto ASD doesn't work. I did a lot of buying of combos and the best open end for grip is FD+. If you don't want the teeth marring look for wrenches with just the notches, specifically toward the inner portion of the jaw. Matco/Armstrong/Gearwrench works excellent as does Supercombos. The new Icon reversibles have this design as well.

I never bothered with Wright because they're short in length being in-between the old raised panel and a standard long pattern.

 

[DerekV]

Another vote for Wright. You have the option of blinding jewelry-esque chrome or a sleek satin finish. I have the 7-24mm chrome set and I like them. Very comfortable beams. Personally, I do wish they were longer, but I have lots of other long wrenches to make up for this. They would just be the unquestionable go-to wrench for me if they were longer.

 

[Negen]

Here are some close up shots I took of my Wight grip 2.0 , proto Taiwan ratchet wrench and SK X-Frame wrench hope it helps.

The wright grips are good bought them last year or maybe the year before at the hje days sale around forth of July.

First is wright
Second proto
Third SK

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[ThePostman]

Another vote for the Wright 2.0s. Mechanic. I have the 7 -24mm set. I love them. Good heft. And the reason I got them was because the box end is the strongest of all based on some vids, and the open end, only wright and snapon broke the head off the grade 8 bolt used as a test vesus bending or slipping. The whole set might have been 250, I think it was a bargain. The other set pictured is proto 6 point, tight on the box end and can you can beat on them with a mini sledge, they were not bought for ASD. Wright is the champ.

 

[ThePostman]

Oh there's some long pattern Pittsburghs in the back of that pic. They are probably 15 years old at least. Back then they were one of the few designs with a good v cut open end which were great for alignments with the long handle as well. You can see I didn't throw them away, I still use them for tie rod adjustments

 

[Ohmthis]

I’ll also recommend the Wright wrenches. I love my set and are my go to’s unless I’m wanting needing ratchet type. I have the satin finish and like the feel. I have not held the polished, so I cannot comment on them. I use Protos at work and they are very much milder than the wrights.

 

[bob15]

Cannot comment on the Wright 2.0's but between Williams and Snappy FD+, it is Snap On, hands down. The Snap On feels like it grips the fastener better than the Williams.

 

[Handyandy23]

Thanks for all the input and pics. Seems like Wright will be the way to go. The length doesn't super bother me.

Now I just need to find a way to get them to Canada for a reasonable price.

 

[Yarpo]

Also swear by my Wright Grips. I bought the Supercombos to compare and lets just say....I can't give the Supercombos away. Tried selling the 10(?) piece SAE set for like 80 dollars and no takers. I've since retired them to a random extra drawer in my home box. I'm thinking of giving them to my dad or a friend. They're great wrenches and nicer than many, but I really was not going to ever use them after using the Wrights, which I've been using at work for like 1.5 years now. Awesome wrenches, awesome price.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have one WrightGrip 1.0 combination wrench in the size 1/2 inch. I'm sure glade I only bought one because that's the worst open end I've ever used. It gets caught caught caught on the hex fastener. Maybe the WrightGrip 2.0 is vastly improved; I don't know.

As far as grabbing a rounded off hex fastener and never letting go, you'd be hard pressed to find something better the Snap-on FD+. It just plain works and works very well.

Oh yea.... I have a Proto ASD in the 1/2 inch size too. It doesn't get caught on the fastener at all. Worlds better than the WrightGrip.

 

[JR 42]

Triple- caught is the worst kind of caught.

I'm stunned you're recommending the Snap- on, given all your complaints about how FD+ snags on bolts and prevents that wondrous wrench- flipping so central to the Snap-on combo wrench design.

Wright Grips are great wrenches.

 

[CR888]

I'd check out Were Joker's....I've got the open end/ratcheting end spanners in metric, they have a clever system like no other that I've seen. A few good features that work well, watch their promo video and you'll get the idea.

 

[PelicanPines]

Jokers !!!!

 

[B_Bimmer]

I have all the big brands and prefer proto every time, but that is largely because I do not like chewed up fasteners which than rust and look like garbage.

 

[_Riddle]

Another vote for Wright they are great wrenches. Look for Wright 958 that should give you 7-24mm. That set is on Amazon for $248 right now.

 

[Handyandy23]

Another vote for Wright they are great wrenches. Look for Wright 958 that should give you 7-24mm. That set is on Amazon for $248 right now.

$410 CAD on amazon.ca

HJE's 18 piece set also gets up there in price with shipping to Canada and exchange.

The 15 pc set up to 22mm is a lot more affordable on amazon.ca, just out of stock. Might have to wait for it to come back in stock.

 

[Handyandy23]

I'd check out Were Joker's....I've got the open end/ratcheting end spanners in metric, they have a clever system like no other that I've seen. A few good features that work well, watch their promo video and you'll get the idea.

Those are interesting, but pretty expensive due to the ratcheting end, and sets are small and have skips. I've got plenty of ratchet wenches so not really inclined to pay extra for that feature. Thanks for the idea though

 

[Handyandy23]

I have one WrightGrip 1.0 combination wrench in the size 1/2 inch. I'm sure glade I only bought one because that's the worst open end I've ever used. It gets caught caught caught on the hex fastener. Maybe the WrightGrip 2.0 is vastly improved; I don't know.

As far as grabbing a rounded off hex fastener and never letting go, you'd be hard pressed to find something better the Snap-on FD+. It just plain works and works very well.

Oh yea.... I have a Proto ASD in the 1/2 inch size too. It doesn't get caught on the fastener at all. Worlds better than the WrightGrip.

Triple- caught is the worst kind of caught.

I'm stunned you're recommending the Snap- on, given all your complaints about how FD+ snags on bolts and prevents that wondrous wrench- flipping so central to the Snap-on combo wrench design.

Wright Grips are great wrenches.

I read that old thread too where he said the FD+ stuck on bolts, weird how that narrative has changed to give SO another pat on the back

For the price difference between the FD+ and WrightGrips, the Snap Ons better be turning the bolts out for me.

 

[visionguru]

I noticed at HomeDepot that Milwaukee wrenches seem to have very aggressive teeth for "bite":

I don't have any Milwaukee hand tools, but they seem quality. Their adjustable wrenches probably have the smallest jaw slap among all brands.

 

[OneDollarSaab]

I noticed at HomeDepot that Milwaukee wrenches seem to have very aggressive teeth for "bite":

These are the same as the Carlyle, Channellock, and Icon non-ratcheting. I haven't tried them personally but apparently they're made of cheese.

 

[unslow1]

If you really don't want it to slip.


Astro Pneumatic Tool 7181XL

 

[afm]

I can tell you that the worst (in my opinion) are the GearWrench "Surface Drive Plus" open ends. Although they're clearly not in the same category as a toothed non-slip, the execution of the off-corner design on the open end is terrible, with poor fit, lots of play, and huge mechanical advantage to help flex the wrench.

I've had nothing but great experiences with both the WrightGrips and the Carlyle non-slips. I don't notice excessive marring when using them on responsibly torqued fasteners, either.