richfinn
Well-known member
If your looking for best value, don't pay full price, look at the deals!!!
Best value long pattern combo wrenches?
- Thread starter Jersey Drew
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xOccupantx
Well-known member
Facom are not as long as the precision torque. There is a YouTube channel called One Mechanic and he owns both and did a long term review on the Facoms.
Long story short the shortness was a deal breaker for him so he sold them off and kept the Precision Torques from Mac.
I was surprised to learn that also as I was looking hard at the Facoms mainly because I don’t have a Mac dealer. I’m hoping to stumble across a used set for a good price one day.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Facom recently came out with 440XL wrenches that are longer than the Mac precision torque, but as of yet is not a full range of sizes and only up to 19mm. However they have made a range of long wrenches for years from 19mm and up, 40.LA range.
The standard ones are short but I find them perfect for general use.
Hazet do a long set that are very long and nice quality, 600LG range.
There is the Toptul ones if you can get them
Stahlwille 14 series.
I would give these a look.
https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...oducts/16-piece-metric-combination-wrench-set
Most of the Powerbuilt Protech stuff is built in Taiwan and they do share the same supplier as Carlyle for the quick-release ratchets, screwdrivers, and pliers. It’s $50 for 6-22mm excluding 20mm.
https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...oducts/16-piece-metric-combination-wrench-set
Most of the Powerbuilt Protech stuff is built in Taiwan and they do share the same supplier as Carlyle for the quick-release ratchets, screwdrivers, and pliers. It’s $50 for 6-22mm excluding 20mm.
facom 440xl series has serious skips such as 12mm and 18mm which pretty stupid for a prosumer tool brand .
Really wish stahlwille done a XL version of the 14 series .
i'mpretty happy with mac precision and the toptul gaaf1008 set as they proper long, quite slender and nice snug fitment, was a steal when easily sourced in 50buck range for 10pc set .
Really wish stahlwille done a XL version of the 14 series .
i'mpretty happy with mac precision and the toptul gaaf1008 set as they proper long, quite slender and nice snug fitment, was a steal when easily sourced in 50buck range for 10pc set .
I'm a GearWrench fan and I have been purchasing them with recent addition of GearWrench 86229 120XP Universal Spline XL Flex Head Ratcheting Combination Metric Wrench Set which is made in Taiwan. I do agree with others that their manufacturing variation is more common when they shifted manufacturing to China on some of their product line. With that said, I still like them and would recommend. I have various sets that are made in Taiwan and China so your thought of purchasing 81901 and 81902 should be ok (expect some not so perfect chrome finish but still functional).
Another option if you would like to control your spend is to perhaps you start with buying metric or SAE and not both. Kind of unusual that you use would both of them at same frequency. I primarily purchase metric for my Japanese cars so maybe upgrade metric or SAE depending on usage?
Another option if you would like to control your spend is to perhaps you start with buying metric or SAE and not both. Kind of unusual that you use would both of them at same frequency. I primarily purchase metric for my Japanese cars so maybe upgrade metric or SAE depending on usage?
Wamsutta
Well-known member
PROTO ASD is probably the best value in long pattern; although they don't have the maneuverability of a Snap-on.
Do they not still offer individual wrench sizes? Last I checked, they did. But now I only see five basic sets offered on their website.
Yep, buy the set and fill in the missing sizes with singles. IMO the best value.
I agree it would be the best value. However I'm not seeing singles available for sale on the website.
Update: I was searching Channellock.com. Channellockproducts.com has the sets and individual sizes. Available for sale.
7mm and 16mm are unavailable. 23mm doesnt exist. Its just over $100 for as complete a set as I can make. At that point its pretty comparable to other brands.
Icon after coupon is $130 and gets you 6-24mm without skips. Cost per wrench between the two is under a dollar difference.
I also have a bit of a bias against Channellock import stuff. They seem to change suppliers constantly.
texasprd
Well-known member
I used the open end of a combination wrench last weekend, and will likely do so again this weekend - breaking/tightening jam nuts on rack & pinion tie rod ends. I would have actually preferred a 22mm flare (either crowfoot or one end of a double-end wrench), but none of the auto parts stores have one - so that forces me to an open-end/combination. A pipe wrench is ok for grabbing the outer tie-rod end, which is getting replaced anyway, but I don't like the idea of that on the jam nut. And obviously, there is no way to get a box-end on there. If you can get a ratcheting wrench on it, I'd love to see it. Open-ends do have their place.
visionguru
Well-known member
yeap, 22mm open end is quite useful for sensors, because box end won't fit due to the wires.
Tie-rods and brake caliper pins all need open end.
If clearance is not an issue, such as tie-rods, Knipex plier wrench works well.
Tie-rods and brake caliper pins all need open end.
If clearance is not an issue, such as tie-rods, Knipex plier wrench works well.
cherrybomb
Well-known member
I would get the Proto ASD and be done with it.Then realize quality makes wrenching fun.
hangfirew8
Well-known member
I do, every time I have access problems on a modern automobile... which is pretty much every time I work on a modern automobile... which is all the time.
I prefer to use the box end when I can, but when I can I'll usually go right for the socket.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
If they were available, which they no longer are since I stopped importing them, The TOPTUL GAAF1008, https://www.toptul.com/en/product-520199/15°-Offset-Extra-Long-Combination-Wrench-Set-TRAY.html is without question the best LONG combination wrench deal in the world. I was selling this set for about $55, if memory serves, YES, I WAS A DUMB *** FOR SELLING THEM SO CHEAP, I'LL ADMIT THAT. To this day it saddens me that TOPTUL didn't do a better job of supporting my efforts because their products are fantastic value for the money.
ssdave
Banned
....
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Temaweaver
Well-known member
I have the gearwrench 44 pc set. I needed the large wrenches it included. They work fine, but they are not as strong as my old USA craftsman.
cherrybomb
Well-known member
That was a well written response,I couldn't agree more.We just have to get more on this site to see the light.Depending on where you live,and what you work on,I live in the rust belt.I have a few 6 point,of the ones that are most apt to give me grief.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
In 2014 I needed a losesable set of wrenches for a job. I bought a Mastercraft labeled set on sale. Likely GW Chinese, but who knows. I didn't need them as the company supplied tools. But this post isn't about the tools but rather the marketing of combination sets. The shorter sizes were long, an example was the 9/16 (14mm), it is 8 5/8" I have a Gray bought in late '80 that is 6 5/8" and a Craftsman from the early '70 that is 7". The larger sizes were same lengths, may be even shorter, as the older ones.
So most sets you purchase now will be awkwardly long, requiring a second set of stubby combinations.
So most sets you purchase now will be awkwardly long, requiring a second set of stubby combinations.
ultgar
Well-known member
There's currently a pricing error with the new Facom 440XL series. They are showing cheaper than the standard 440 combination wrenches. Likely to get corrected with the 2021 new pricing (delayed due to Covid). Sale limited to supply on hand.......all open stock sizes and a few clip sets. See https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/index.php?cPath=1253
ultgar
Well-known member
I agree...no 12mm or 18mm. I can get long ones in USAG in these sizes but they're not a nice as the Facom and don't have the "anti-slip" open end. That's a big plus for me when reaching into a tight spot with the open end. If I need a long box end wrench, the 59L series are way longer and cover the missing sizes.
The Facom anti-slip design on the 440xl and the 467 series wrenches appears to be the same as Proto. All part of the Stanley B&D family.
Better anti-slip than proto. Their inhouse design is notched only at the front of the jaws. Facom appear notched at the front and back like a Supercombo and in my experience the notches toward the back work the best. That's how the old Matco/Armstrong wrenches are as well as some of the newer stuff coming from Taiwan.
Really don't understand the omission of 12mm. Japanese/Korean vehicles and machinery are all over the place. No 18mm is rather bizarre as well as that's found on German vehicles when they aren't using Torx or XZN. You'd think the set would completely cover at least one region.
Really don't understand the omission of 12mm. Japanese/Korean vehicles and machinery are all over the place. No 18mm is rather bizarre as well as that's found on German vehicles when they aren't using Torx or XZN. You'd think the set would completely cover at least one region.
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Marvin Hagen
Well-known member
I have the Armstrong set but ratchet type
What are this group’s thoughts on GearWrench long pattern combination wrenches? Their 81900 set seem pretty complete.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I don't see much protrusion of the box end. I'd like range down to 5/16" too.
I ended up buying the GearWrench long-pattern set linked above and am quite disappointed with them as the fit of the wrench on fasteners is quite loose compared to my other wrenches by Craftsman (vintage USA made), Genius and TrueCraft. I am afraid of rounding off a stubborn fastener. I will likely replace them when a better deal comes along.
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I'd keep an eye out on SK as the holiday approaches. For all the stuff surrounding them lately with the acquisition, I believe they are still producing quality.
A number of people referenced open end for caliper pins, etc., but I never found that a great use of standard wrenches since they're so thick (works, but not well/easily). I got a set of Capri thin open end wrenches and they've been great for those tasks. Definitely not a regular-user, but have found other spots where they've been handy too.
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My solution for long wrenches was the Icon ratcheting flex set (same as Mountain, etc.). It covers 8mm-19mm with some skips (no 9mm or 11mm)
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Sadly, SK hasn't produced a wrench since WF was shut down. I was able to get most of a metric 6-pt set this Spring... but am missing a couple sizes. SK is also pretty hit or miss when it comes to actually sending you an order right now. I wouldn't count on SK until they get set up in PA and some production starts happening again.
I still have a standard Masterhand (Tractor Supply brand) 17mm that's perfect for getting on certain caliper slide pins that Volvo used until 1990.
-Ryan
Just doing a quick chec, they show multiple sets in-stock at the moment
They've also done fine sending my my socket-of-the-month lately too. Which reminds me...
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Why do you have to remind me that I was basically giving these away Mr. B.
the SK wrench set on amazon 86265, posted earlier, is not long pattern or they listed the wrong set number
86040 is the long pattern 12 piece 12 point
86037 is long 19 piece 12 point
both "coming soon" on SK's site. The only metric long pattern set in stock is 86127 13 piece 6 point
only long pattern set on Epsteins is a 5 piece 20-24mm set
I've always liked the design of the SK wrenches and IMO long pattern is the only way to go for a non-ratcheting combo
I've been thinking of getting a set of the SK long patterns for at home before I can't find them anymore... but that's a good chunk of change to drop on something I won't need until my sister gets back on her feet financially and I can get my own house
86040 is the long pattern 12 piece 12 point
86037 is long 19 piece 12 point
both "coming soon" on SK's site. The only metric long pattern set in stock is 86127 13 piece 6 point
only long pattern set on Epsteins is a 5 piece 20-24mm set
I've always liked the design of the SK wrenches and IMO long pattern is the only way to go for a non-ratcheting combo
I've been thinking of getting a set of the SK long patterns for at home before I can't find them anymore... but that's a good chunk of change to drop on something I won't need until my sister gets back on her feet financially and I can get my own house
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Just doing a quick chec, they show multiple sets in-stock at the moment
They've also done fine sending my my socket-of-the-month lately too. Which reminds me...
Veeeery Interestink. They still owe me several things from April.
-Ryan
trackwelder
Well-known member
I wish I would have picked up a few more sets. Damn good wrenches!!!