Box end Wrenches

[cookiemonster]

What are the advantages of box end over a regular combo wrench? What applications would they work for better? Should the shade tree mechanic have a good set?

 

[Stuey]

What are the advantages of box end over a regular combo wrench? What applications would they work for better? Should the shade tree mechanic have a good set?

Combo wrenches often have offset box ends, traditional box ends are straight? Double-end box wrenches can be longer than combo wrenches.

One option is to get offset box wrenches instead of regular ones.

 

[Dave455]

Traditionally, a "full set" of box end wrenches would have overlapping sizes, i.e. 7/16 x 1/2, 1/2 x 9/16 etc so you could use one wrench to hold the bolt head and the other to turn the nut! With combination wrenches you need to buy two sets to do the same! In the U.K. combination wrenches became popular when metric sizes were introduced and you don't ( in theory) need every size!

 

[sberry]

Yes, sizing and in some cases a little leverage. I am in the farm world, have a half a dozen with 1/2 9/16 and some of the 5/8 x 3/4 but the bigger sizes are more of a heavy equipment type deal. Most stuff on cars can get with a combo and do if I can, if not resort to other means.

 

[CWP1616L]

Combination box ends are offset at 15 degrees. Box wrenches are offset at 10 degrees. Sometimes the angle difference can be beneficial in some situations.

 

[KEH]

Manufacturers seem to delight in making things so that you can't get wrenches in to work on things. I needed to tighten bolts fastening bell housing to engine on a tractor. 17 and 18 mm bolt heads were used. No access for sockets except one or two, no access for a deep offset bouble box end. Angle was right for the box end of combination wrench, but needed more leverage for the amount of torque needed. Put big pipe over open end, with usual awkwardness resulting, but got the job done. Now have double box end wrenches that will accept a smaller cheater pipe over the unused box end. There is some application for every wrench made.

KEH

 

[cookiemonster]

So do you think their worth adding to a starter out set for the beginner?

 

[jetmech09]

Yes I think they are worth adding. You'll use them. Get a pretty deep offset though.

 

[crewchief888]

i disagree,
the few double box ends i have are my least used wrenches.

i have 2 in my work boxes, 10mmX11mm, & 9/16"X 1/2"
both for specific tasks

the set of SK's i have at home are relegated to the "spare wrench" drawer

 

[bob15]

Combination box ends are offset at 15 degrees. Box wrenches are offset at 10 degrees. Sometimes the angle difference can be beneficial in some situations.

There is also a 60° offset wrench (Snap On & SK for sure) which will get into recessed holes better. I use the 60° wrench on chainsaw bar nuts.

bob

 

[bw77]

Starter set - no.

Instead spend that money for long pattern combo wrenches.

 

[sberry]

Agree, there is a place for them, starter set no.

 

[Wakefield]

How about the half moon and D shaped wrenches? Mine don't have any offset.

 

[cryan]

Many box end (ring spanners here in the UK) have a drop between the handle and the ring of maybe half an inch or more. this means that when tightening up nuts and bolts on a pipe flange for example. the wrench handle will clear the other bolt heads where a combination wrench which only has an angle offset would interfere with the other bolts thus reducing the angle of movement you get with each turn. The hassle caused by this has now been mostly negated by modern ratchet ring spanners (box ends).
So basically if you are going to be tightening/loosening fasteners that are in a row or ring (pipe flanges, bell housings etc) they are useful. If your not? then not so much.

 

[MuggsyWheaten]

In taking classes to become an A&P mechanic, and I have yet to use a box end in my engine overhaul class. I've combos mostly.

 

[uart]

Many box end (ring spanners here in the UK) have a drop between the handle and the ring of maybe half an inch or more.

Yeah that "deep offset" type of double ended ring spanners (we call them ring spanners here in Australia too) seems to be the most common type. It's the only type I ever see around here and what I've got in my tool box. I don't use them very often, but they come in handy from time to time.

 

[byoungblood]

If you can get a good set inexpensively, why not? I use mine for backing up other wrenches, or an impact. I also cover some of the seldom used larger sizes with them instead of buying individual combination wrenches.

 

[wild cowboy]

a long box end is always the wrench of first choice, then a flare nut wrench (line wrench) and then an open end is always the last resort (don't even own an adjustable wrench - those cause a living hell)

doing it this way prevents stripped fasteners and headaches!

 

[Gregg33]

More leverage, more comfortable to grip, 2 sizes in 1 and usually have a different offset angle than combos. I use mine a lot, especially for race car nut and bolting.