Best value metric combination wrenches? Wrightgrips?

[AceofSpad3s]

I have bundles and bundles old US made SAE wrenches, but when it comes to metric I'm a bit less well off. I got about a set and a half, a mix old craftsman RP, a 3 or 4 snap on and bonney (only if I could get a new set of those) and some mystery steel chinese husky for the less common/small sizes.
Only started some more serious work on cars recently and I felt a bit nervous using the cheap stuff. Especially a husky on the 8mm bolt that holds the pin connecting the spider gears in my differential together. It all worked out fine, but I would like to not have to rely on stuff like RP's and husky's for things that would be a massive headache if round off the wrong fastener.

It's been a few years since I looked into it, but last I remember Wrightgrip's were considered some of the best for the money, still the case now? The 7mm-21mm satin set for $160 ish is what I have been eyeing. Satin would be nice for better grip and would probably hold up better if I need to do a few love taps with a big hammer on really ceased on fasteners.
Also just now saw the SK superchrome 8-22 for similar prices as the wright. I like all the SK stuff and the chrome is nicest of the stuff I have.
Any other options in a similar price range for sets that cover at least 8 to 19 with no skips?

Not opposed to non US stuff, but compared to guns and cars, $160 for a set of wrenches that should last a long time doesn't seem so bad

 

[ssdave]

I like the SK a lot. I think my set goes from 8 to 32. I haven't owned the more modern Wrightgrips; I had the older satin finish ones and they were good industrial tools. I also own the Proto satin finish ones; they're pretty similar to the Wrights I had, but I preferred them to the Wrights's. If I had to choose, it's be hard to decide between Proto and SK; I like them both. I kind of prefer the full polish finish of the SK; it's easier to wipe them off after use. If you like the handle shape on the Wrights they would also be a good alternative.

I think you're right on about the price/quality comparison. $160 for better USA made vs. about $40 for the better HF sets; in the big scheme of things it would be worth it to me to have what I wanted and had confidence in. Over 10 years of use, you'd be paying about $10 per year for having the better tools.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I think you're right on about the price/quality comparison. $160 for better USA made vs. about $40 for the better HF sets; in the big scheme of things it would be worth it to me to have what I wanted and had confidence in. Over 10 years of use, you'd be paying about $10 per year for having the better tools.

When I was here and a lot more active back 2014-2015, I'd always be worrying about a few bucks here or there and advocating cheaper things but once I started spending bigger money on guns and all that, my wallet is happy I'm only spending $35 on a williams ratcheting screwdriver. Plus if I wasn't doing it myself, they'd probably charge me $400 to replace this $3 axle seal, so I'm actually saving money by spending several hundred on other tools

I'll still scoff at Snap on prices as a non professional user, but compared to either $40 for some HF wrenches or $400 for snap on, mid $100's isn't too hard to stomach for something nice.

 

[MTNSleder]

When I was here and a lot more active back 2014-2015, I'd always be worrying about a few bucks here or there and advocating cheaper things but once I started spending bigger money on guns and all that, my wallet is happy I'm only spending $35 on a williams ratcheting screwdriver. Plus if I wasn't doing it myself, they'd probably charge me $400 to replace this $3 axle seal, so I'm actually saving money by spending several hundred on other tools

I dont have any wright-grip wrenches, they look like a nice wrench tho.

you should buy them

 

[6PTsocket]

Somehow it hurts me to think of spending $160 on a set of wrenches that I plan to beat on with a hammer. I surely would not worry who had the nicest chrome. Buy cheap, 6 point, use a cheater pipe. They make wrenches to beat on but that is not a common item. If I spend a lot on tools I try and take good care if them. If you want a good set to be used properly, by all means go with Wright or SK.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[bigjeff94]

I have satin wright grips in 12 point and sk long pattern in 6. Wright or SK you can't go wrong, if your looking for a little extra length I would go with the SK's the wrights will be similar to your craftsman RP's. Both brands are quality you won't regret. With those two sets I'm covered.

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[AceofSpad3s]

Somehow it hurts me to think of spending $160 on a set of wrenches that I plan to beat on with a hammer. I surely would not worry who had the nicest chrome. Buy cheap, 6 point, use a cheater pipe. They make wrenches to beat on but that is not a common item. If I spend a lot on tools I try and take good care if them. If you want a good set to be used properly, by all means go with Wright or SK.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I don't plan on going looking for ceased bolts so I can beat on them with a hammer. But if I get into a spot where a pipe can't fit, and if that bolt rounds off will cause me a headache, then I'll do it. A tool that I'm too afraid to use is a tool that is of no use to me. I had to take an old 60's craftsman 3/8 breaker and hit it with a ball peen to remove the bolts in my caliper since I couldn't find anything else to use. Did I feel bad about it, sure since I dinged up the checkering on the handle but at the end of the day it's a disposable item, if giving a $10 wrench a wack with a hammer saves me $50 finding a new part then it's gonna meet the 3 pounder.

 

[Parrothead]

I’ve got some pre Wright Grip combos, they’re nice. Nothing special but nice. If I were shopping I’d certainly consider them. I have seen some complaints on GJ about one of the wrenches being “different”. I still use my Craftsman Professional and RP and have no complaint.

I’d consider Tekton metrics for $55. 8-22mm with no skips. I own them and have beat on them. They’re the best value going, bar none.

Then I’d look at the Channellock set and add in the individuals up to what size I needed. They go up to 32mm but the 10pc set stops at 19mm and does have a skip of the 16mm. They do have the “grip” like the Wrights, so there’s that. The 10pc set can be had online for $32 plus shipping. These are the exact same as the beloved Carlyle wrenches made by Infar (Taiwan).

And yes, I’d also consider the Wright Grips, as I think they’re a good value for a USA made tool.

 

[Wamsutta]

I dare you to find a better deal than this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0140RFX2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Then I’d look at the Channellock set and add in the individuals up to what size I needed. They go up to 32mm but the 10pc set stops at 19mm and does have a skip of the 16mm. They do have the “grip” like the Wrights, so there’s that. The 10pc set can be had online for $32 plus shipping. These are the exact same as the beloved Carlyle wrenches made by Infar (Taiwan).

And yes, I’d also consider the Wright Grips, as I think they’re a good value for a USA made tool.

That's certainly something to think about. Might go ahead and get a set just for the trunk at that price.

 

[Dave455]

Have you considered Williams Supercombo?

They’re pretty much my favourite at the mo, and a lot less money than the Snap On for similar quality!

Your budget gets you 7 - 21 with no gaps!

 

[Parrothead]

I dare you to find a better deal than this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0140RFX2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Done. Channelock (made by Infar, same as Carlyle). They can even be found online cheaper than what I have listed, but this is the easiest method.

They have a "Non-slip jaw designs allows for higher torque and turning power in tough applications". Plus it can be picked up at your local Do It Best Hardware

9-19mm combination wrench set $49.99
https://www.doitbest.com/products/309443

16mm combination wrench - $9.49
https://www.doitbest.com/products/347175

Grand total of $59.48

The wrenches you mentioned don't have any additional features listed concerning grip (like Carlyle/Channellock, Wrightgrip, or Flank Drive). They are listed as being extra long (which can actually be a detriment), and as a former distributor mentioned on here recently...good luck with the warranty. Plus the Channellocks are $50 cheaper.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I'm a big fan of both SK and Wright. IMO you can't go wrong with either flavour.

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[AceofSpad3s]

I am curious, in practical use does the gripping ability of the open end really come into play much? 90% of the time I grab a ratchet first, and if it's too stuck I grab the combo wrenches to use the box end to break it free. I would think the box end it more important in the scheme of things over open.

Does SK offer a set like this with similar sizes and price but in 6 point? I only see one with 2 less wrenches and $70 more on amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCT0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EDIT: I guess I was looking at the long pattern 6 point box ends, I found a 13 piece set for $150 after going on their website and finding the sku for the standards

 

[exmaxima1]

Somehow it hurts me to think of spending $160 on a set of wrenches that I plan to beat on with a hammer. I surely would not worry who had the nicest chrome. Buy cheap, 6 point, use a cheater pipe. They make wrenches to beat on but that is not a common item. If I spend a lot on tools I try and take good care if them. If you want a good set to be used properly, by all means go with Wright or SK.

Agree. If the plan includes beating on them with a hammer, just buy the CM polished set and keep the receipt for the returns. $63 for a 24 pc set is a damn good value:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-24-piece-full-polish-metric-combination-wrench/p-00949827000P

 

[Yarpo]

Done. Channelock (made by Infar, same as Carlyle). They can even be found online cheaper than what I have listed, but this is the easiest method.

They have a "Non-slip jaw designs allows for higher torque and turning power in tough applications". Plus it can be picked up at your local Do It Best Hardware

9-19mm combination wrench set $49.99
https://www.doitbest.com/products/309443

16mm combination wrench - $9.49
https://www.doitbest.com/products/347175

Grand total of $59.48

The wrenches you mentioned don't have any additional features listed concerning grip (like Carlyle/Channellock, Wrightgrip, or Flank Drive). They are listed as being extra long (which can actually be a detriment), and as a former distributor mentioned on here recently...good luck with the warranty. Plus the Channellocks are $50 cheaper.

These are the same as the Dewalt wrenches right? I've been eyeing a dewalt set as I heard great things on here about them, but I have no need for them lol.

 

[ssdave]

Agree. If the plan includes beating on them with a hammer, just buy the CM polished set and keep the receipt for the returns. $63 for a 24 pc set is a damn good value:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-24-piece-full-polish-metric-combination-wrench/p-00949827000P

I bought a set of those full polish wrenches in SAE and Metric a year and a half ago when I had a large amounts of points at Sears. Gave them to my son but felt bad about it, after we looked at them closely. They had problems that made them fairly unworkable. The box end had so much bevel to them that you lost half the gripping surface on a nut. You couldn't turn a thin nut at all with some of them. The open end was so "lobster claw" that access was hard. The box end was thick and uneven, again limiting access. Overall, fit and finish was poor. The only good thing about them was that they were a complete set. Not a good comparison at all to SK or Wright or Proto. They are wrenches. Better than none, but that's about all.

I replaced them last fall for my son with a customized set to his vehicle, in better quality. I feel a lot better about them now, and he is much more pleased with what he has. And, he's not a tool guy; just has what he has to have to do things he needs to do. But, he still saw the deficiencies in what he used them for.

If you just need a set of wrenches for around the house doing odd jobs, they will fit the bill. If you want something to do substantial work with, they don't meet the minimum requirements.

 

[7avalon7]

These are the same as the Dewalt wrenches right? I've been eyeing a dewalt set as I heard great things on here about them, but I have no need for them lol.

I have this Dewalt set. Longer than regular wrench, with anti-slip design. I love it.

http://www.sears.com/dewalt-10-piec...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I have this Dewalt set. Longer than regular wrench, with anti-slip design. I love it.

http://www.sears.com/dewalt-10-piec...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I forgot dewalt still made that stuff (well rebranded). I got one of the 1/4 socket sets I got for like $15 from points and things a few years ago and I like it.

 

[Mr_B]

parrrothead right on those channellocks
the 10pc set can be found online for 31 bucks, if want make it more complete a 8mm and 16mm bump it up to about 50bucks and shipping
carlyle 15pc set on sale is still good buy .
Toptul wrenches nice but bit overpriced, maybe our toptul guy got them going cheaper in his stock clearance !?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

parrrothead right on those channellocks
the 10pc set can be found online for 31 bucks, if want make it more complete a 8mm and 16mm bump it up to about 50bucks and shipping
carlyle 15pc set on sale is still good buy .
Toptul wrenches nice but bit overpriced, maybe our toptul guy got them going cheaper in his stock clearance !?

I can't recall ever running into a 16mm fastener, but then again I don't remember using an 8mm one before I ran into it in my diff. Do you guys see them more often over there? I hear 16mm is more of a thing on euro cars than japanese or american.

 

[DTuck]

I can't recall ever running into a 16mm fastener, but then again I don't remember using an 8mm one before I ran into it in my diff. Do you guys see them more often over there? I hear 16mm is more of a thing on euro cars than japanese or american.

Why waste the money on a 16mm wrench if you have a quality USA made 5/8"? Just my opinion.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Why waste the money on a 16mm wrench if you have a quality USA made 5/8"? Just my opinion.

I was just reading into that 15 minutes ago. If I was buying that channellock set I doubt I'd buy a single to fill that spot in. It's more if I get one of the more expensive sets, I'd like to have a continuous set.

 

[DTuck]

I was just reading into that 15 minutes ago. If I was buying that channellock set I doubt I'd buy a single to fill that spot in. It's more if I get one of the more expensive sets, I'd like to have a continuous set.

That makes sense in that case. I was speaking specifically on filling the spot in the channellock set which are VERY nice wrenches and can't be beat for the money. I have a full set of Wrightgrips in standard and metric. Wouldn't use any other wrench but them at this point unless they come out with XL at some point.

 

[nbruno]

Do yourself a favor and spend the ridiculous money on a set of Snap-on flank drive wrenches. They're the last wrenches you'll ever buy and you can have confidence that they won't round off fasteners.
There is no substitute for quality and as was said... The money, time and aggravation that a damaged fastener can rack up make high quality tools worth every penny.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[xin]

Done. Channelock (made by Infar, same as Carlyle). They can even be found online cheaper than what I have listed, but this is the easiest method.

They have a "Non-slip jaw designs allows for higher torque and turning power in tough applications". Plus it can be picked up at your local Do It Best Hardware

9-19mm combination wrench set $49.99
https://www.doitbest.com/products/309443

16mm combination wrench - $9.49
https://www.doitbest.com/products/347175

Grand total of $59.48

The wrenches you mentioned don't have any additional features listed concerning grip (like Carlyle/Channellock, Wrightgrip, or Flank Drive). They are listed as being extra long (which can actually be a detriment), and as a former distributor mentioned on here recently...good luck with the warranty. Plus the Channellocks are $50 cheaper.

Do they make 6-8mm in these as well?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Do yourself a favor and spend the ridiculous money on a set of Snap-on flank drive wrenches. They're the last wrenches you'll ever buy and you can have confidence that they won't round off fasteners.
There is no substitute for quality and as was said... The money, time and aggravation that a damaged fastener can rack up make high quality tools worth every penny.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I don't see any value in spending more than a fifth of what I paid for my car on a set that doesn't even include the smaller sizes I was looking for when the wright from all accounts is 99.9% of the wrench the snap ons are, at less than half the cost with 5 more wrenches

 

[Mr_B]

^
I wouldn't say snapon wrenches the best, stahlwille far more durable and just as precise as a snappy yet cheaper ! fancy that ...
You not going use 16mm much if ever but some guys like no skips and at least possible buy sizes fill in the set and still not over expensive .
channellock go down to 8mm no smaller .
Good enough quality for most scenarios .
toptul nice wrenches with a tough open end and I prefer the satin finish over polished, wouldn't want pay more than 90 bucks though for 10pc set and again no 8mm and ideally need that size covered

 

[ThatSickRip]

I dare you to find a better deal than this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0140RFX2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Have you ever bought from Dennis? I got that set for literally less than half of that. Great wrenches

 

[AceofSpad3s]

^
I wouldn't say snapon wrenches the best, stahlwille far more durable and just as precise as a snappy yet cheaper ! fancy that ...
You not going use 16mm much if ever but some guys like no skips and at least possible buy sizes fill in the set and still not over expensive .
channellock go down to 8mm no smaller .
Good enough quality for most scenarios .
toptul nice wrenches with a tough open end and I prefer the satin finish over polished, wouldn't want pay more than 90 bucks though for 10pc set and again no 8mm and ideally need that size covered

Down to 8mm is fine, I'd just like to have it on hand if I ever need to pull the axles out of my grand marquis again. Considering it's always submerged in oil, I doubt that pin will ever get stuck, but if I found a 8mm in an important place such as that, I imagine there might be some elsewhere in the car.

 

[Wamsutta]

Have you ever bought from Dennis? I got that set for literally less than half of that. Great wrenches

I checked his eBay store and didn't see them. I figured he must be out of stock.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/schmidtdn/...JQMAAOSwB2NazMrr&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

 

[Wamsutta]

Forget Amazon! He's got them for sale directly from his website for $96.00

http://wrenhandtools.com/10-pcs-extra-long-standard-combo-wrench-set-10-19mm-satin-finish/

 

[Ji m]

My choice for USA wrenches?

used Matco RC, or MC series.

some MC series wrenches *may* be non-USA now (it seems like they may not have changed the MC designation when they changed COO),
but the RC's all are USA, and you can usually find USA metric Matco sets in the low $100's on Ebay

There's plenty of people wanting $200 and up too, so you have to look around and maybe wait a bit.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think the best value balancing quality with price in a metric combination wrench set is Tekton's full polish combination wrench sets. They're made in Taiwan are longer than a craftsman raised panel wrench but, not really a long pattern set. They feature great chrome and off corner engagement on the boxed end. Tekton also has great customer service.

A close runner up if you shop around, would be the Dewalt fully polished long pattern wrench set. These are great wrenches. Think Taiwan made Proto.

You could also explore the option Williams offers at toolsdelivered.com. Williams has some nice satin finished wrenches as well as their fully polished supercombos.

There are an abundance of reasonably priced metric sets available. Good luck in your quest.

 

[nmantas]

I feel like my tools don't get stressed on fasteners like they used to from my vehicles from the 80's and 90's......oem torque seems to be lower and the alloys/coatings seem to deter oxidation better.....both add up to parts that seem to just jump right off the vehicle. Stuff just doesn't get taxed hard in my opinion. Even if the tolerances aren't up to snapon specs you're not going to round off a hex if its not frozen. And encountering frozen fasteners that can't get a socket are few and far between for me.

I wouldn't be taking out any mortgages for a combo wrench set if you're not making a living with them when lesser will do.

 

[Tallpilot]

Do yourself a favor and spend the ridiculous money on a set of Snap-on flank drive wrenches. They're the last wrenches you'll ever buy and you can have confidence that they won't round off fasteners.
There is no substitute for quality and as was said... The money, time and aggravation that a damaged fastener can rack up make high quality tools worth every penny.

I'm afraid he asked for the best value in wrenches. A strong argument can be made that the Snap-on are the highest quality current production available but there is no reasonable argument that they are the value choice. However, if you want a high quality USA made modified open end wrench then I recommend the Williams Supercombos and Toolsdelivered.com for the best price.

I’ve got some pre Wright Grip combos, they’re nice. Nothing special but nice. If I were shopping I’d certainly consider them. I have seen some complaints on GJ about one of the wrenches being “different”. I still use my Craftsman Professional and RP and have no complaint.

I’d consider Tekton metrics for $55. 8-22mm with no skips. I own them and have beat on them. They’re the best value going, bar none.

Then I’d look at the Channellock set and add in the individuals up to what size I needed. They go up to 32mm but the 10pc set stops at 19mm and does have a skip of the 16mm. They do have the “grip” like the Wrights, so there’s that. The 10pc set can be had online for $32 plus shipping. These are the exact same as the beloved Carlyle wrenches made by Infar (Taiwan).

And yes, I’d also consider the Wright Grips, as I think they’re a good value for a USA made tool.

I think the best value balancing quality with price in a metric combination wrench set is Tekton's full polish combination wrench sets. They're made in Taiwan are longer than a craftsman raised panel wrench but, not really a long pattern set. They feature great chrome and off corner engagement on the boxed end. Tekton also has great customer service.

A close runner up if you shop around, would be the Dewalt fully polished long pattern wrench set. These are great wrenches. Think Taiwan made Proto.

You could also explore the option Williams offers at toolsdelivered.com. Williams has some nice satin finished wrenches as well as their fully polished supercombos.

There are an abundance of reasonably priced metric sets available. Good luck in your quest.

Best value? Tekton bar none. Beautiful chrome, full sets and singles available 6-50mm.

Want a modified open end? Channellock is the value winner. My only complaint with them is that my research shows the V grove in the open end weakens the wrench with no discernible benefit.

 

[kb1982]

Here is a pretty good deal on ebay for NOS SK long pattern metrics.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/202289781165

If you don't need long pattern, you should be able to find a 15 pc SK metric for around 143 dollars.

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[tool_scrounge]

I really like the Wrightgrip combo wrenches. I recently picked up a metric set and have been quite happy with it. If you look carefully you can find good deals, such as one on ebay the pointed out by four.cycle, a Wrightgrip 752 set (15 piece, 7-22mm, as New with tool roll for $75). For $75 it was a great deal (thanks, four.cycle!).

 

[Tonyuk]

Best value is hard to say, each brand has points for and against, as well as having slightly different designs with some users will prefer over others. The brands i have used have been;

Halfords Pro - Good for the money, lifetime warranty, a bit thick at the open and box end. Lifetime warranty

Draper Expert - Bought on a recommendation from another tech, used with the above to counter hold. Very similar design but a bit thinner, never spread open on me.

Facom 440 - Very well made, very tight grip on the open and box end and fat-ish in the beam to make them comfortable. Best spanners i've used really, although they're a bit shorter than most US brands. I find that ideal, especially if your not working off a lift. You can buy individual sizes up to 46mm easily here. Lifetime warranty

Toptul Extra Long - Again very well made, a bit thinner than the facom but still comfortable. Tight grip on both ends. Too long without a lift imo. Good value, mine were £75 for the set. I haven't found individuals of them, they stop at 19 (no skips from 10) but ideally i need up to 24.

Gedore 7XL series - I only have a few (11,13,16,19) but they're nice. It says XL but really they're about the same as my snap-on's standard length. Tight fit, thin box end and a fat-ish beam.

Snap-on FDP - Good quality, comfortable, longer than most, fit about the same as gedore, facom and toptul. Hard to say if they're the best value, mine were from ebay but i wouldn't pay the truck price tbh, probably better value in the USA. The snap on driver said he'll warranty them, but i had to buy a few things off him to get there.

Ratcheting spanners;

Wera joker - Great design, very comfortable and a tight fit to the fastener. 12 point open end hasn't rounded anything off. Ratcheting end is smooth, no offset.

Facom 467 series - Best ones i've used. Very smooth ratchet, comfortable, offset box end, tight fit, lifetime warranty.

All of the above have pros and cons, its really up to you what you prefer and what you like in a spanner.

You'll need 16mm if you ever plan to work on any VAG vehicles.

 

[Mr_B]

If you like wrightgrip go with the 15pc set, you'll feel better buying usa and it good size coverage.
Stahlwille make great wrenches but maybe overpriced direct in usa .
Toptul good taiwan choice but have add a size or 2 to meet your needs and overall not massive saving over buying usa wright .
channellock cheapest yet very decent and easy buy single sizes to expand the 10pc set how you want .
Really up to your cash preference and tool preference and coo preference .
Go spend some dollar and enjoy wrenching your new wrenches ...