Best Combination Wrenches?

[n8n]

Why would you use the open end to remove rusty bolts? I'd start with the closed end and preferable 6 point.

All this discussion on the open end is almost pointless. 95% of the time I use the closed end. It's nice to have the serrated open end but how often is it really going to be used?

Agreed, we are bifurcating lagomorphs here... again, the subject was the BEST wrenches. In an ideal world, I'd have a full set of WrightGrips or FDP, and another complete set of older Snap-On, Wright, SK etc. with smooth open ends. And it would matter about 2% of the time which wrench I used, but hey, that 2% can be important

 

[Davefr]

Agreed, we are bifurcating lagomorphs here... again, the subject was the BEST wrenches. In an ideal world, I'd have a full set of WrightGrips or FDP, and another complete set of older Snap-On, Wright, SK etc. with smooth open ends. And it would matter about 2% of the time which wrench I used, but hey, that 2% can be important

...and don't forget that we need stubbies, flare, combos in std. , long and xtra long pattern along with 6 and 12 pt. Also need some ratcheting versions. Add to that some deep offsets and some obstruction wrenches.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ Don't overcomplicate things for greenhorn OP who got first wrenches ever a year ago that were Craftsman chinese open-end set.

OP doesn't need SnapOn either to turn couple carb bolts.

With cumulative effort/bandwidth spent on this thread, likely could have purchased entire 300 piece set from Sears, Lowes, or Harbor Freight . . . and had LEFTOVER money !!! Add in cumulative "human resource" time and likely have military mechanics set of Armstrongs in Pelican case !!! . .

Here's where $129 of OP's money should go so he'll have something in in tool box.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274688&page=7

 

[heytrid]

I work as a "professional" haha and I can honestly say that a wrench has NEVER caused the bolt head to round off on me, improper technique/tool for the job/corrosion has however.

Since you are starting out I suggest buying the different types of wrenches you may need (I apologize if you already have them) instead of blowing your wad on a single set of snap on wrenches.

When you feel you have all the tools that you may need then upgrade to the brand you choose starting with the wrenches you use the most.

That being said the ones you are using now that have been marred up from regular use are obviously not up to the task for you so replace those asap so you do not wreck stuff.

If you already have everything you need then buy what you want and enjoy the s##t out of them

 

[Fender1325]

^ ^ Don't overcomplicate things for greenhorn OP who got first wrenches ever a year ago that were Craftsman chinese open-end set.

You doesn't need SnapOn either to turn couple carb bolts.

With cumulative effort/bandwidth spent on this thread, likely could have purchased entire 300 piece set from Sears, Lowes, or Harbor Freight . . . and had LEFTOVER money !!! Add in cumulative "human resource" time and likely have military mechanics set of Armstrongs in Pelican case !!! . .

Here's where $129 of OP's money should go so he'll have something in in tool box.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274688&page=7

"You doesn't need SnapOn either to turn couple carb bolts"

Why post here if you cant read, write, or remember? I told you I always had access to my Dad's old craftsman tools until I moved to a different city. Being satisfied with his wrenches I bought my own craftsman only to find out they dont make them like they used to. You act like this is the first wrench Ive ever used. Quit being such a douche and get off your dusty high horse. Im building up my tools with the best I can so I can forget about it and count on them. Do you know how many times last year a cheap or even mid grade tool failed me? I had to borrow better tools or even go to the machine shop. Im not an ASE certified pro but I turn wrenches a fair amount every week. Im tired driving all over town because some tool didnt do its damn job!

The question was asked - why use an open end wrench on old bolts? The example was given - lots of scenarios Ive come across where only an open end is sufficient. Yeah Im gonna buy a snap on because I ONLY take a carb off and on with it, okay.

Ive already encountered one too many times buying "good enough" or mid-grade tools only to regret it in a year or less.

I asked whats the best combination wrench. I got my answer. Yes it will take time to phase out the chinese craftsman stuff one at a time. But then guess what? I wont have a set of mid grade wrenches and come into a scenario one day where tighter tolerance makes the difference and "gee I wish I spent the lousy extra 100 bucks". Piss off dude

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Why would you use the open end to remove rusty bolts? I'd start with the closed end and preferable 6 point.

All this discussion on the open end is almost pointless. 95% of the time I use the closed end. It's nice to have the serrated open end but how often is it really going to be used?

Depends on the work you do. I use and can only use an open end quite often. That said to the OP, Wright, Proto, SK, Blackhawk are all good wrenches. If you want snapon get snapon. The ones I mention and others mentioned in the thread are better than you will ever need.

 

[T45]

Don't worry OP you're being trolled....

I already linked to a wrench test in this thread.

That test was undertaken because the observation that some apparently decent wrenches dent easily.

 

[organ]

If OP hasn't learned anything else, he's learned what kinda thread you get when you make a "What's the best..." post around here...

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I started out with a mix of old USA Craftsman, Old Proto, a no-name Taiwan 7/8 and a Sears Japan 7/16. Still have them as the home set.

When I went back to school I bought a set of Snap-On wrenches to replace them. They were excellent quality, but after putting all my weight into them all day (Diesel Mechanic) they started to feel like I was pushing/pulling on a dull knife blade. I bought a set of Williams metrics with an Amazon credit I had, and loved the thicker beams, so the Snap-On set went to eBay, and another set of Williams took their place.

As far as some people around here parroting that Williams have softer steel than Snap-On, that claim from another member was based off of a 15+ year old pebble finish non-Supercombo wrench that is long out of production.

As others have said, Wright, Snap-On, Williams, Proto, SK, MAC Knucklesavers. All will do you well, last a lifetime, and in the end it just depends on what feels right in your hands.

 

[MikeF2316]

These are the ones that get my vote:

(MAC Precision Torque)

 

[organ]

I own a set of Williams metrics and they are very comfortable... my one gripe is that the larger sizes are really thick... obscenely thick.

 

[merbie]

These are the ones that get my vote:

(MAC Precision Torque)

same brother got them 6-24

I'd rather close my **** in a car door than wear a headlamp.

 

[JoeSnapOn]

I'm in the same position now as OP. I'm looking to buy a new set of combo wrenches. I'm torn between the SK superkrome and the wrightgrips. Does anyone know where I can see the wright's in person in a store? I'm in NJ if that helps.

Thanks
Joe S

 

[wrenchr]

same brother got them 6-24

Have the same ones from Mac and the SAE, they are very nice.

 

[wrenchr]

I'm in the same position now as OP. I'm looking to buy a new set of combo wrenches. I'm torn between the SK superkrome and the wrightgrips. Does anyone know where I can see the wright's in person in a store? I'm in NJ if that helps.

Thanks
Joe S

Maybe order 1 of each brand wrench in the size you use the most and sample them to make a choice?

 

[n8n]

where do you find SK in stores anymore? Haven't seen a SK display in ages... all the dealers seemed to give up on them when things went south, even though they're still making a hell of a product.

 

[lynnbilodeau]

here a combination wrench test:
http://wiesemann.eu/_UPLOAD/files/Oldtimermarkt.pdf

Having a hard time figuring out their results. Some stuff makes sense, but other stuff not so much.

Any chance there is an English version of this test?

 

[Badasssapper67]

I wanted the best wrenches I could afford and after Christmass that was these; Proto Tool JSCVM-14SA. Got them for around $300+ and I am not disappointed. I love the way the beam is wide and fits great in the hand. What I REALLY love is how the box end meets all the industry standards for a regular box end. So the ratchet box end is as strong as the old combos.
Havent tried every brand for sure but for me, these are the best wrenches out there.

 

[Tooling Around]

Has anyone tried Padre wrenches?

 

[jhnlngn]

My padre just has old Craftsman wrenches.

 

[gdocktor3]

They're German made I believe. Nothing special. Just simple, well made wrenches that work.

 

[LB-1911]

Has anyone tried Padre wrenches?

Tools from the old world
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952

Hello gentlemen!

Fantastic thread, and very informative. If you dont mind I have a question about the brand -Padre. My local hardware store has few Padre tools, it looks like some of them have been there for quite some time judging by price and worn boxes.. Looks like the rest of an "old" stock. (few years)

It seems Padre does not make all there tools ( i.e. some pliers look like NWS), but what about there screwdrivers, 1/2" braker bars, sockets, spanners?

Have they gone the Taiwan - China route yet?

-thanks.

@Olafur : Padre is a nice medium size company, it looks like most of their tools are made in the house or are from other German OEM. They acquired other companies as Tirem, Benscheidt (striking tools), Ceder, zangenmann (cutting pliers, boltcutters...). Obviously NWS is the OEM for their pliers, i don't know for their drivers but if you scroll their Pdf catalog you'll see a a picture of a driver branded Padre on their production line, so maybe their drivers are also made in the house or just assembled "from global composants". Afaik, all their ratchet/sockets/wrenches are made in their factory.

ps : as for Hazet, Gedore, Stahlwille you'll probably find one or two items coming from Taiwan/china.

@AutomatiquE
Thank you.
So Padre is still primarily using German OEM's. Thats good. Not that i have anything against i.e many tools from Taiwan - I just see no reason to pay "German price" for them when I can get them cheaper.

I have used several Padre tools through the years and have found them to be very strong and durable.

 

[Tooling Around]

Thanks! I found some Padre open wrenches and combination wrenches so I got both.

 

[gdocktor3]

I like the box ends on those. Very nice. If they work as good as they look they'll make an excellent set of wrenches. Too bad they didn't have some type of flank drive open end.

 

[psychoclaw84]

My choices for best combination wrenches:

[1]Snap On Flank Drive Plus. Size, balance & control is hard to beat. Yes, they do cost more, but worth every penny.

[2]Nepros Metric Combination Wrenches - Standard (12pt.) The fit and finish is far superior than any other wrench with a control & balance that rivals Snap On. The chrome is outstanding. Again they are worth every penny.

 

[Qualitytools]

I started with the craftsman raised panel X2, the professional high polish set. I discovered and ended up using my Facom 440 set and for a ratcheting I use mostly my Facom 467JP. Mainly because of the feel in hand of the wrench. Additionally, I like the finish of the Facom wrenches which is a satin finish so it hides scratches and always looks nice after use.

 

[sberry]

That polished stuff at Napa is the same Sears stuff,,, just polished. If the Sears is working fine and I owned it then it never gets any better than that, free and outright earns its keep and purpose every time its used.

 

[chris142]

Mac knuckle savers

 

[CutterFarms]

This is a question I have to ask too,,, 200,,,, or more. To some the tool price isn't an issue and they are not totally focused on rate of return, not taking food away (an old Cad probably isn't either) so all this doesn't matter much and is mostly a golden arm concern.
There is nothing wrong with top end tools but it doesn't make as much difference as one thinks. Its about 99% psychological but that doesn't mean its not real,,, hahahaha

When I started working on my own farm equipment I started out with a big craftsman set of tools over 20 years ago and still have them. But when I replaced my first hydraulic pump on a John Deere and my craftsman wrenches flexed. I didn't know what a flare/line wrench was then and went and got into my dads tools and got a short snap on wrench and a dead blow hammer and it came right off. That there started my addiction to snap on, everyone has their own opinion to what they like and it may be psychological but I lil the added confidence that my tools won't let me down when I need them even when using the wrong tool for the job. But then again berry could be completely right because in over 20 years I have only warrantied 2 pieces of that original craftsman set...

 

[Qualitytools]

When I started working on my own farm equipment I started out with a big craftsman set of tools over 20 years ago and still have them. But when I replaced my first hydraulic pump on a John Deere and my craftsman wrenches flexed. I didn't know what a flare/line wrench was then and went and got into my dads tools and got a short snap on wrench and a dead blow hammer and it came right off. That there started my addiction to snap on, everyone has their own opinion to what they like and it may be psychological but I lil the added confidence that my tools won't let me down when I need them even when using the wrong tool for the job. But then again berry could be completely right because in over 20 years I have only warrantied 2 pieces of that original craftsman set...

He is right you don't know any better until you try something else (brand that is) and than you will know whether what you have is good or not. For me i found better material and feel in the hand from other brands other than my Sears one.

 

[Wamsutta]

Mac knuckle savers

Explain what you like about them, please.

 

[robbo1959]

Hi
Anyone have a recommendation for stubby ratchet wrenches?

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have SK's, Matco's, and Proto's for my US wrenches (oh, and US Craftsman)...

My absolute favorite combination wrench is the Proto reversable ratcheting. They have ASD on the open end, and a faceted spline on the ratcheting box end that grabs like an ASD wrench. These are awesome; but very expensive.

 

[sberry]

I got a set of Snap flanks from 3/8 to 3/4. They have had their shining moments, I bought them a long time ago for 75$ off the truck. I used one in a special place the other day where it was ideal but I own hundreds of end wrenches, lots of time I like some special features some of the others have too. Skinny box on real old Cman for 1 and a couple imports as well as some other USA brands have that too. If I don't need it a simple MIT wrench is fine too, its a simple thing, righty tighty lefty loosy, if it doesn't slip off all is good. I have tried to break some of those just for sport, if you hit against them with impacting continuous they will stretch open and have even busticated a couple that way but never from common hand use, they are super tough.

 

[sberry]

I bought a Sears super set in about 80 and the quality was tanking then. I had some older ones and was expecting the same, was slightly disappointed but they worked. I really had more issue with Cman sockets coming uncunted than any wrenches. Broke a quite a few right out of the box, not even repetitious use but I remember the fist time I used a 15 in 1/5 drive and it snapped right open thought oh ****. The replacements all worked, once they were tested and proved out never had a problem again.
I have had a couple specialty tools give it up from Snap but never a common hand tool although I don't have much either. I agree with a couple others here, a hobby/part timer should never ever need to warrant a Snap hardline tool.

 

[VH5150]

I agree with a bit of what everyone is saying here. I'll just add that I like having several different brands because some longer patterns than others and others are offered in 6 points. Example: I love the WrightGrips for obviously for the open end features and the beefier feel, but for 6 point long patterns I go to my SK wrenches. I don't have any Snap On wrenches because of the cost and honestly, I don't think they're any better than what I have. For standard length 12 point wrenches I go to my USA Craftsman, Easco, and NAPA Pro wrenches. On thing about the SK 6 point superchromes that I can vouch for is toughness. I just changed all the shocks and ball joints on both of my rides and used the SKs to hold on to the bolt ends of everything I used an impact gun on and they held up great. The only complaint I have is that without gloves, the skinnier profile on those SKs can be a big painful, but they're the only 6 points I have.

 

[Tonyuk]

Mine is the facom 440's, best spanners i've used, as well as their ratchet spanners.

Toptul do a great long pattern set for not too much.

 

[sberry]

The worry about warranty is totally unfounded. 1st, they will have no problem doing a wrench you paid 35$ for, it gets warranted at their cost and second, they are so good you wont need it and 3rd, while you may have paid 400 for a set are you really at risk for every one or a single wrench, I mean you figure all 10 of them are going to jump out of the box and commit suicide?
One of the only ones I own that is damaged is the jaw on a Snap where someone did something bad to it, not sure what and when but I still havnt traded it, the box end works, its not a deal breaker so far, the other 8 are still perfect.

 

[robbo1959]

Mine is the facom 440's, best spanners i've used, as well as their ratchet spanners.

Toptul do a great long pattern set for not too much.

Ahh, im glad someone else has heard of Toptul, a local shop stocks this brand & at a decent price too, the wrenches look like good quality kit, although i was a bit hesitant to take the plunge as i have heard little about them - I usually stick to brands i have heard of before. Will do a bit more research me thinks.

 

[Tonyuk]

Ahh, im glad someone else has heard of Toptul, a local shop stocks this brand & at a decent price too, the wrenches look like good quality kit, although i was a bit hesitant to take the plunge as i have heard little about them - I usually stick to brands i have heard of before. Will do a bit more research me thinks.

Their set of long pattern combos are excellent but cant vouch for anything else unfortunately.