Bought a set of Wright wrenches...MEH

[yellow wagon]

I had been looking for a nice set of SAE combo wrenches for home DIY projects. I wrench a lot on older domestic stuff. I was leaning between Williams, Wright WrightGrip and used Snappy. I chose the Wright after reading all the reviews here and everyone seems to love them.

Initial impressions: They are beautiful polished chrome. Come in a handy roll up pouch. But the wrenches themselves are short. Like real short.

I ordered from ZORO and that in itself was a chore. Placed order nearly 3 weeks ago. Order was delayed, had to email several times about status and eventually they did arrive. My first negative experience with ZORO unfortunately.

Looking for other opinions on these...what do you guys like so much about them compared to other wrench brands? I might end up selling these and looking for a comparable Snap-on set used.

 

[bobcatdan]

While shorter than a comparable snap on wrench, they tend to run just a bit longer than craftsman RP. I like them because they are a nice robust wrench. Feel great in the hand with the fat beam. They fit bolts great, can't say I have ever rounded any thing off I didn't half expect too. Of my snap on, mac and SK wrenches, if I have no complaints with, but I'd say I like the Wright the best as a heavy equipment mechanic.

 

[bob15]

Not sure why it seems that everyone complains about slightly shorter wrenches. Why do people want a long wrenches that get in the way when working in tight quarters? Shorter wrenches work and function no different than a longer combo wrench.

9/16" combo wrench length:
Snap On (OSH18B): 8-3/4
Wright (1118): 7-15/16
delta: 13/16"

Please tell me how 13/16" longer makes a difference in breaking free or tightening a bolt?

 

[toddmorr]

really like my WrightGrip wrenches...very comfortable in the hand compared to SO, which was too thin and pressured the palm uncomfortably. I read all the concerns about length...total non issue for me.....as bob15 mentioned....around a half inch delta makes no difference.

 

[1982fxr]

I don't understand the complaints about them being a tiny bit shorter.

I thought that was mentioned in every thread on here. My favorite beam profile ever. I don't really need more but what set is it and how much are you selling for?

 

[jd_1138]

You might need those smaller wrenches to get into tight spots. You can add another wrench to the end to increase the torque if you have the space. If the fastener is super tight a breaker bar and socket is more handy.

 

[MagnusM4]

Please tell me how 13/16" longer makes a difference in breaking free or tightening a bolt?

Well, it’s longer therefor you can apply more torque. Pretty simple.

 

[dutchgray]

I like the Wright grips, they are short but I find them fine for most work, I have a couple longer sets to hand if needed, I even have a set of Bonney ones which are shorter again that I find just fine most of the time as well.

 

[Davefr]

really like my WrightGrip wrenches...very comfortable in the hand compared to SO, which was too thin and pressured the palm uncomfortably. I read all the concerns about length...total non issue for me.....as bob15 mentioned....around a half inch delta makes no difference.

Same here. The Wrights just feel way better in the hand then SO. Better wrench at a fraction of the price. What's not to like?

 

[Professional Tool User]

really like my WrightGrip wrenches...very comfortable in the hand compared to SO, which was too thin and pressured the palm uncomfortably. I read all the concerns about length...non issue for me.....as bob15 mentioned....around a half inch delta makes no difference.

It depends on which vintage Snap on wrenches we are talking about. The really old stuff from before flank drive was introduced definitely had a very narrow beam. Anything after that feels perfectly fine in my hand. As for length, if you go onto youtube and watch some comparisons, SK or Wright's long pattern is around the equivalent of Snap on or Proto's standard length. Those who actually use wrenches to make a living want that extract length for the extra leverage, even if the difference is insignificant.

 

[racerjohnbf]

I'm sending a set of Wrights back to Zoro right now. I had to wait a while on mine too because they ship direct from Wright and they were back ordered. I don't blame that on Zoro and I had very good communication with Zoro over the phone.

They were also very easy to set up a return when I found the Wrights weren't right for me.

 

[1982fxr]

It depends on which vintage Snap on wrenches we are talking about. The really old stuff from before flank drive was introduced definitely had a very narrow beam. Anything after that feels perfectly fine in my hand. As for length, if you go onto youtube and watch some comparisons, SK or Wright's long pattern is around the equivalent of Snap on or Proto's standard length. Those who actually use wrenches to make a living want that extract length for the extra leverage, even if the difference is insignificant.

Wright doesn't have long pattern, they are just standard length per their specs.

 

[toddmorr]

somebody do the math...a half inch extra length on a 9-10 inch tool is a single digit percent difference. So say the torque goes from 40 lbs to 44 lbs....you guys really think a average guy can't make that up with a little extra shove?? i dunno....maybe if you're using nothing but combo wrenches all day, but otherwise?

 

[bob15]

somebody do the math...a half inch extra length on a 9-10 inch tool is a single digit percent difference. So say the torque goes from 40 lbs to 44 lbs....you guys really think a average guy can't make that up with a little extra shove?? i dunno....maybe if you're using nothing but combo wrenches all day, but otherwise?

At 50 pounds force, the delta is 3 ft/lbs between the above mentioned wright and snap on wrench; which in the real world, you will never notice.

https://www.sensorsone.com/force-and-length-to-torque-calculator/

 

[MattT]

At 50 pounds force, the delta is 3 ft/lbs between the above mentioned wright and snap on wrench; which in the real world, you will never notice.

You must be a statistician or a journalist using different units to "prove" your point

Comping torque to torque the longer wrench is a hair over 10% higher.

That said I don't know why anyone would want to limit themselves to a single wrench set I've got Snappy midget, short, standard & long combos plus other makes that fall between short & standard. They all get used.

 

[Wamsutta]

The standard length Snap-on's will be longer than the Wright's in addition to their long pattern being even longer than that. I never could understand the logic behind short combination wrenches.

 

[tonyciambrone]

At 50 pounds force, the delta is 3 ft/lbs between the above mentioned wright and snap on wrench; which in the real world, you will never notice.

https://www.sensorsone.com/force-and-length-to-torque-calculator/

Got it. You are smarter than everyone who uses and designs wrenches.

Let's move on

 

[Shane6377]

I prefer the WrightGrip wrenches to Snap on. It's all subjective but for me I prefer the feel (don't like the SO's narrow beam) and actually prefer the length of the Wright for most situations. Yes there are time that you need a long pattern but the majority of the time the extra length is in the way.

Clearance and reach is one thing but if you're worried about the loss of torque I'd suggest adding a couple pushups to your morning routine. [emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[1982fxr]

Got it. You are smarter than everyone who uses and designs wrenches.

Let's move on

Jeez, you guys actually won last night, lighten up

 

[bob15]

You must be a statistician or a journalist using different units to "prove" your point

Comping torque to torque the longer wrench is a hair over 10% higher.

A statistician/journalist using different units? You lost me....

 

[bob15]

Got it. You are smarter than everyone who uses and designs wrenches.

Let's move on

Never said I was smarter than anyone else.

 

[Yarpo]

Beam profile, finish, length, open end is great, and the price. What's not to love? Your only complaint seems to be length, which is all personal preference and situational. I use my Wrights professionally and want to buy more of them personally. They're significantly cheaper than snap on, beautiful chrome and made in the US.

I got a set of Williams based on all the hype here, and I'd respond with...MEH. Selling them for significantly less than list price, unused and they wont sell, must not be that great of a wrench truth be told (I'm kidding. They're nice, but I'll take my Wrights everyday)

 

[Dingleburry]

I like them overall.
But the chrome chips/peels off easily.
I have several that the chrome is coming off.
They are around 2 years old, but the chrome coming off happened first few hard uses.
And no. Im not going to warranty them. I use tools for a living. Not polish them.

 

[Skin]

The length, or lack there of, is well documented. It's stated in just about every thread created with Wright in the topic.

They were suppose to introduce longer wrenches and ratcheting ones but that was like 8 years ago now. Must be the same R&D department that moonlights at SK.

 

[NoahG]

Wrights standard wrenches are longer than Craftsman RP, standard SK, and just about every bargain brand around.

 

[racerjohnbf]

HI personally had no problem with the length of the Wright Grips, the open ends were just too aggressive for my usage.

If you really are unhappy with the wrenches you don't need to sell them, Zoro has an awesome return policy.

 

[dr_clyde]

Yes, the wrights are a tad shorter than Snap on. Sometimes that’s a benefit.

I really like mine, no complaints at all. Great chrome, excellent fastener engagement, and nice, thick beams.

I use my Wrights as my primary wrenches, and use my Snap on set when I need a touch more length or a thinner head.

I think the Wright wrench is just more comfortable to use due to the thicker beams.

 

[Torque&Recoil]

Bob, it's because your hand can't push on the very tip of the wrench, where those measurement numbers are taken. And, the center of the bolt isn't at the other end of the wrench, either. The difference in actual leverage is between the bolt center, and the center of where your hand grips the wrench. So, the effective length of all these wrenches are shorter than the numbers you list, and thus the 13/16" difference becomes more important. If you have to deal with rusty fasteners, the loss of torque is significant. I am tired of hitting the end of a too-short wrench with a hammer.

Also, one has to be careful about exactly which size wrench is used in the comparison. Long pattern wrenches tend to be longer in the small bolt sizes, but almost the same in the large bolt sizes.

If a long pattern doesn't fit, or isn't required, I use a stubby. Stubby and Long. It's like sockets regular and deep. Anyway, to each his own.

 

[Fly YX]

What's the big deal if he doesn't like them. I have wright wrenches and like them but I bought a lot of single branches from different brands just to see if I like them or not. I have a Jeep JK and all the data shows that it's a big POS but I still love driving the thing. And resale value is pretty high for some reason.

 

[Ohmthis]

I wouldn’t say MEH, but to each his own. I use wrights at home and love them. The wright wrenches feel so good in my hand. I’m debating about an SAE set, but I need wrenches like I need another hole in my head!

 

[yellow wagon]

I just meant MEH because I don’t really understand l the hype with them mostly. They look nice and you can tell are quality pieces but I’m not blown away by them like most here are with them, that’s all. I’m a big Williams fan. How do you all like those in comparison?

 

[plinker]

Not sure why it seems that everyone complains about slightly shorter wrenches. Why do people want a long wrenches that get in the way when working in tight quarters? Shorter wrenches work and function no different than a longer combo wrench.

9/16" combo wrench length:
Snap On (OSH18B): 8-3/4
Wright (1118): 7-15/16
delta: 13/16"

Please tell me how 13/16" longer makes a difference in breaking free or tightening a bolt?

When you can only get an open end on something it can make a difference. That said there are plenty of times where a shorter wrench can be rather useful. Same with stubbys.

Not really any different then having shallow, mid depth and deep sockets.

 

[Yarpo]

I just meant MEH because I don’t really understand l the hype with them mostly. They look nice and you can tell are quality pieces but I’m not blown away by them like most here are with them, that’s all. I’m a big Williams fan. How do you all like those in comparison?

I dislike my Williams in comparison, strongly. I'd probably choose my GW long patterns, carlyle long patterns, or even jump up to Snap On or one of the German brands before I bought more Williams.

I imagine I feel towards my Williams, as you do towards Wright. They're nice wrenches, I can tell they're quality (and beefy which I disliked) and I'm not a fan of the open end, same style as my Gearwrench and it just lacks the aggressive bite the Wrights have. Been trying to sell my SAE set here for months now and I've had not even a single pm, I'll trade you for a Wright set if you have any SAE wrights?

 

[MWEric]

I just meant MEH because I don’t really understand l the hype with them mostly. They look nice and you can tell are quality pieces but I’m not blown away by them like most here are with them, that’s all. I’m a big Williams fan. How do you all like those in comparison?

The hype for me is a reasonable priced USA made wrench that’s comfortable to use. I still have my Snap on wrenches but they are at home. I wrench for a living as a millwright but to be honest I don’t use combination wrenches often. Hell I don’t use ratchets much anymore, mostly impacts and torque wrenches. Wright is a small, private tool manufacturer that caters to industry. Not in the budget to make 10 different length wrenches. The fact that they still can compete is impressive to me.
I have two Williams supercombo wrenches. They are also very nice. Beam is thicker than the Wright.

 

[manwithtools]

Never said I was smarter than anyone else.

Not in so many words, but....

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a number of wrenches from a number of other makers. My Wright and Wrightgrip wrenches are good solid wrenches, Some of mine are approaching 45 years old, they have been used hard and never a failure

 

[IndyGarage]

I've been using my Wright wrenches for about 3 years now. I like them and haven't found many situations where I would like any more length. The only thing I've found is a couple times where they are too thick. They are pretty beefy and in really tight spaces I've had to go to another wrench.

Personally I could care less how pretty the chrome is.

 

[1foxracing]

I own the original WrightGrip 1.0 in both satin and fully polished and don't consider them to short in any situation.

Now the "new improved" Wright double box end wrenches I do have a issue with. some how they decided making the ring end 4 times as wide as they use to be is a improvement.
Old style up top, new improved version on the bottom.

New on the left, old on the right.

A few others.

 

[bob15]

I own the original WrightGrip 1.0 in both satin and fully polished and don't consider them to short in any situation.

Now the "new improved" Wright double box end wrenches I do have a issue with. some how they decided making the ring end 4 times as wide as they use to be is a improvement.
Old style up top, new improved version on the bottom.

The old one looks too thin (as if it would crack with a slight amount of torqued applied), but your "new" ones look like missed a step in the surface grinding area; or they came from the same factory of the lobster claw C-man wrenches.

Just curious, did you show Wright these pictures? What was their response? All is normal, nothing wrong with them.....

 

[Yarpo]

I own the original WrightGrip 1.0 in both satin and fully polished and don't consider them to short in any situation.

Now the "new improved" Wright double box end wrenches I do have a issue with. some how they decided making the ring end 4 times as wide as they use to be is a improvement.
Old style up top, new improved version on the bottom.

New on the left, old on the right.

A few others.

Wow, those DBE wrenches look hilariously thick. Are you sure that's intended and not a poor batch? Thats... terrible.